Ant Edwards Believes Ant Simons Should Find a New Nickname

The Minnesota Timberwolves got back on the winning track on Sunday night in a 4th quarter comeback road win vs the Portland Trailblazers. It was D’Angelo Russell’s first game back since the Wolves’ four-game losing streak began and he proved how important he is to this lineup. Anthony Edwards was one of the most positive beneficiaries from DLo’s return, and he had his best performance in a week or two.

But it was Ant’s non-basketball comments after the game that perked some ears. In a way only Edwards can, the Minnesota wing wondered out loud to media why Portland guard, Anfernee Simons, has the same “Ant” nickname he does. Here he is trying to make sense of the situation.

Ant No. 2

I asked Anthony Edwards about Anfernee Simons’ big night and whether or not there’s enough room in the NBA for two ANT’s.

His response: pic.twitter.com/4E9Wx28jIn

— Kyle Theige (@KyleTheige) December 13, 2021

“He’s pretty good. I don’t know why they call him Ant. How is his name spelled?” Edwards said as he looked down at a nearby boxscore. “A-N-F. So I don’t get it. I think they should call him a different name. My name is A-N-T, you get where I’m coming from? His name is A-N-F.”

“But as far as basketball players, he’s really good. He makes tough shots. He defends. Like, he can play. So if they want to call him Ant, then can call him Ant No. 2. But it’s cool.”

Quote via Star Tribune

Anthony Edwards is an American treasure and must-see TV every time a camera turns on and he has a microphone in his face. Yes, he is a great young basketball talent but this kid is already the best interview, by a large margin, in the Minnesota Timberwolves locker room.

And he’s right. Anfernee Simons’ nickname doesn’t make sense and we can’t have two young up-and-coming players in the NBA with the same nickname. Something has to change. Edwards is better on the basketball floor and the “Ant” nickname makes more sense on him.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan