Anthony Edwards Explained Why He Wants Michael Jordan Comparisons to ‘Stop'

Madison Williams | May 6, 2024

May 4, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts during the semifinals round vs. the Denver Nuggets. / Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards has been the center of many elite NBA comparisons after his incredible Game 1 performance vs. the Denver Nuggets in the conference semifinals on Saturday.

After scoring his postseason career-high 43 points in the Timberwolves' victory on Saturday, multiple NBA stars and analysts have compared Edwards to a young Michael Jordan. Even ESPN's Kendrick Perkins and Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green referred to the 22-year-old as the next big player in the NBA.

When asked how he feels about these comparisons to Jordan, Edwards told Fox Sports' Melissa Rohlin that it should "stop."

"I want it to stop," Edwards said. "He's the greatest of all time. I can't be compared to him."

Despite many people comparing him to the six-time NBA champion, Edwards simply rejects the comparison and doesn't feel any pressure to play like Jordan necessarily.

"No, no pressure," Edwards said. "It's just not possible."

Edwards's 43 points made him just the second player in NBA history to score consecutive 40-point plus points in playoff games at the age 22 or under. The only other player to do so was Kobe Bryant. Edwards averaged 31 points per game in the first round series sweep of the Phoenix Suns.