Raptors' Darko Rajakovic: Anthony Edwards is 'slowly turning into Michael Jordan'

It's not the first time the Timberwolves star has been compared to the greatest of all time.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards walks up the court during the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif., on Nov. 15, 2024.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards walks up the court during the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif., on Nov. 15, 2024. / Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Anthony Edwards' torrid 3-point shooting pace has drawn comparisons to Golden State Warriors superstar Steph Curry, but there's a better likeness for the young Timberwolves star, according to Toronto Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic.

“Anthony Edwards did not turn into Steph Curry,” Rajakovic told reporters ahead of Thursday night’s game between the two teams in Toronto. “I think he’s slowly turning into Michael Jordan. He’s the closest thing I’ve ever seen to MJ. Just the way he moves, how competitive he is. This kid has something special.” 

It's certainly not the first time the Timberwolves star has been compared to the Chicago Bulls legend, who most consider to be the greatest basketball player of all time. Edwards' teammate, Mike Conley, said last season that Edwards reminds him of a young Jordan. Wolves legend Kevin Garnett also made the comparison during a podcast appearance in May.

Edwards said at the time he wanted the comparisons to stop, but that's not likely to happen soon. Not on his trajectory.

Edwards has only improved in each of his five NBA seasons. His points per game have risen every year, reaching a career-best 25.9 points per game last season. He's on pace to surpass that mark and set a new career high this season, as he's averaging 28.1 points per game entering Thursday's contest. Edwards just continues to get better and better each year.

And there's no doubt he's established himself as one of the faces of the NBA.


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Nolan O'Hara
NOLAN O'HARA

Nolan O'Hara covers all things Minnesota sports, primarily the Timberwolves, for Bring Me The News and Sports Illustrated's On SI network. He previously worked as a copy editor at the St. Paul Pioneer Press and is a graduate of the University of Minnesota's Hubbard School of Journalism. His work has appeared in the Pioneer Press, Ratchet & Wrench magazine, the Minnesota Daily and a number of local newspapers in Minnesota, among other publications.