Related: Anthony Edwards Reminded NBA World vs Grizzlies That He is the Future

But his unassisted off-the-backboard alley-oop will probably be the one signature moment from Thursday’s win that ends up on his career highlight reel. And we can count Philadelphia 76ers big man, Joel Embiid, as one of many impressed parties around the league.

Joel Embiid wants to be like Anthony Edwards

One night later, with the Sixers in Orlando vs the Magic, Embiid pulled off his own version of the dunk. Afterwards, when asked about why he did it, Joel called Edwards one of his top-3 favorite players in the NBA right now and that he did it out of respect for him.

After Joel Embiid delivered a monster self alley-oop slam tonight, he paid respect to one of his top three favorite players, @theantedwards_.

"So if he does it, why can't I do it too?" pic.twitter.com/6h6m8RqzJr

— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) January 20, 2024

Reporter: What prompted you to do the move where you threw the ball off the backboard?

Embiid: “Umm… I’m not gonna lie, obviously I’ve done it before, this is not the first time. I just, I like to challenge myself and, you know, Anthony Edwards is one of my top-3 favorite players in the league. He’s up there. I mean, dude is so nice and I saw it last night and I was like, ‘Well if he can do it, why can’t I do it too?’. I’m a big fan of his. I love him and I love his game. So I was like, ‘If I’m a big fan of him, and when I grow up I want to be like him. So if he does it, why can’t I do it too?'”

Stephen A. Smith Says Ant is Box Office

The only person more impressed by Ant, than Joel Embiid, might be ESPN superstar media personality, Stephen A. Smith, who begged the NBA to give him more Ant on national TV during his show, ‘First Take’.

On national television, Stephen A. passionately declares that even his dislike for cold weather won’t stop him from coming to Minnesota. Why? Because he acknowledges the extraordinary talent of Anthony Edwards, whose star power potential reminds him of the all-time basketball showstoppers like MJ, Kobe, and Vince Carter.

.@stephenasmith on Ant 🔥 pic.twitter.com/8rSMjHF3A3

— First Take (@FirstTake) January 19, 2024

“Listen to what I’m saying to you on national television. Right now, when I see Anthony Edwards, I see, in the making, Vince Carter, Kobe Bryant, MJ… Michael Jordan. Listen, y’all know I hate cold weather. I’ll fly to Minnesota to see that brotha. He is box office. Anthony Edwards, you hear what I’m saying to ya’ll. He is special. He ain’t there yet, in terms of the names I mentioned, but he is coming and he is box office. Worthy of walking through the turnstiles to see that brotha play. I want the NBA to put the Minnesota Timberwolves on national television even more. Yes! Yes! Yes!”

Related: Are Minnesota Timberwolves on Pace for Best Season in Franchise History?

But Stephen A. Smith wasn’t done obsessing over Edwards, after First Take went off the airwaves on Friday. Smith has a simulcasted self-titled radio show, which he posts on his Youtube channel.

Friday afternoon, you could hear or watch him there, even going as far as to say that Ant will win a championship for the Minnesota Timberwolves one day. Big if true…

Stephen A. Smith thinks Anthony Edwards will win a ring for the Timberwolves one day 👀🐺 pic.twitter.com/jIqfLkGqu3

— wolveshotboxscores (@wolvesboxscores) January 20, 2024

“This brotha, is something special. This brotha — ladies and gentleman ima be premature with this — I think this brotha is gonna win an NBA championship someday, in Minnesota. I think he’s gonna bring an NBA championship to that team.“

Don’t be surprised if you see Stephen A Smith at the Target Center in the near future and, if he’s right, we shouldn’t be surprised if Ant brings a Larry O’Brien Trophy back to Minneapolis too…

But Joel Embiid and Stephen A. Smith are only two of many NBA voices that cannot stop talking about our superstar, Anthony Edwards. Seeing a Minnesota Timberwolves player get this much media attention is unusual, but well deserved and a long time coming.

Related: NBA Insider Wants Timberwolves to Trade Kyle Anderson for Doug McDermott

The Denver Post asked NBA big men around the league three basic questions, in an effort to find out who what they thought of Nikola Jokic and the MVP race between him and Embiid. No anonymity allowed.

1. Who’s the tougher player to guard, Jokic or Embiid?
2. What makes Nikola Jokic so tough to stop?
3. Who’s the MVP?

KAT’s Real MVP

The front court players surveyed included Rudy Gobert, Wendell Carter Jr, Draymond Green, Domantas Sabonis and Karl-Anthony Towns, among others.

But it was KAT’s answer to question 3, which asked about the NBA’s MVP race, that I found interesting. If he were choosing the league’s most valuable player, neither Jokic or Embiid would be the winner. Instead, Towns said he would the award to himself.

“I’m gonna give it to myself because that’s who I feel is the MVP.”

KAT on his choice for NBA MVP (Denver Post)

The Numbers Say…

It doesn’t take that much research before you realize that Karl-Anthony Towns is wrong. The stats just don’t agree with his assertion, no matter where you look. And the deeper you go, it becomes easier and easier to hand the MVP Award to Nikola Jokic.

Of all the major statistical category, Karl-Anthony Towns beats Jokic and Embiid in just one, defensive rating. When it comes to points, rebounds, assists, offensive rating, win shares, usage, etc., one of the other two big men (often both) are better than KAT.

Still Love KAT’s Answer

But who gives a fuck what the numbers say. Or what other players, coaches, media or I say. Karl-Anthony Towns should believe he is the Most Valuable Player. This isn’t David vs Goliath. KAT absolutely belongs in the conversation as the NBA’s best big man, especially now that the Minnesota Timberwolves are winning games.

And he is just as important to his team as anybody else in the league is to theirs. If Karl is going to reach his full ceiling of potential, he will need the type of confidence he displayed in his “who’s the MVP” answer. Because if KAT doesn’t believe he’s the best big man in the NBA then he never will be.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Because this blog is not for the fight itself, but the ass-kicking that took place on social media afterward. First though, let’s show you the postgame interview by KAT because it is proof that Karl-Anthony Towns couldn’t lose last night, no matter what happened on the scoreboard.

Karl-Anthony Towns on the scuffle that broke out with Joel Embiid: “It’s a competitive game. That’s all it was.” #Timberwolves pic.twitter.com/2BQWbr78QZ

— FOX Sports North (@fsnorth) October 31, 2019

That might be the greatest most competitive interview of all time. I’ve written about it and talked about it (just like everyone else) but this is a new KAT we are dealing with this year. He wants heads on fucking platters. I don’t know what it was, that flipped his switch, but I don’t want the old KAT back. No. I want this KAT here for good.

Anyway… before I start going too hard on my new-found love for Karl-Anthony Towns, let’s get into how big of a bitch Joel Embiid looked like, after the game, when the two went to social media. After giving the real media nothing but “competetive” quotes, Karl didn’t hide anything or play passive aggressive on social media.

Embiid is known for his social media saavy….. but he might need some new lessons, because he looked like a social media bitch last night. Here are the posts, in chronological order.

OHHHH MY GOD. Embiid became a reply guy on Towns’s IG!!!!! pic.twitter.com/SxcsArbAQk

— Sopan Deb (@SopanDeb) October 31, 2019

Wow… so, after Ben Simmons bails Embiid out of a Karl-Anthony Towns ass-kicking, he goes to social media to drag Jimmy Butler’s fake-ass back into this bullshit??? WTF are you thinking? And then, after already posting about it on his own IG, Joel jumps into the replies of Karl, who is just running train all over him, with expert-level internet trolling…

So upset that he can’t see his reply in Towns’ feed, Embiid buries himself with a picture of it to his story??? KAT is a big mother fucker but he seems extra comfortable up in Joel Embiid’s head. How long do you think Embiid waited for KAT to reply back to him or to throw more shade, last night? Has he slept at all, since?

This is pathetic on a stupid scale.

I don’t care what basketball game was played last night. Wednesday’s game, and its aftermath, has completely re-written the narrative on Karl-Anthony Towns. He was well on his way to setting whatever narrative he wants, for his play on the court, because KAT is going to be a DOMINANT force in this league for years to come. It’s the “toughness” narrative that Towns turned on its face, Wednesday. That makeover was much more needed, than anything on the court, after Jimmy trashed his reputation around the league, over the last two seasons.

It’s pretty crazy how one night of real/social media fighting with Joel Embiid, can change all of that work Jimmy put in, in just one night.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

KAT and Embiid GOING AT IT.

Wow. pic.twitter.com/bXjAGiB5ul

Embiid was laughing at KAT after they got separated ? pic.twitter.com/SesNb0VBKF

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 31, 2019

Did Ben Simmons really put KAT in a chokehold? pic.twitter.com/kS5JvT63CY

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 31, 2019

There’s still a lot of game left to play tonight from Philadelphia, between the Timberwolves and Sixers. After what you just watched above, however, Karl-Anthony Towns and Joel Embiid will not be participating in the festivities any longer. Both guys have been tossed from the game, obviously.

This beef goes all the way back to last season when the Wolves were dominated, Embiid talked trash on Instagram, KAT swiped back…. and then was buried. But, this isn’t last year’s KAT. No, no, no. Something in this guy has flipped and he is out for blood in 2019. Sure, the Wolves were down by 20 points but that’s all the more reason for Karl to show people like Joel Embiid, that he isn’t going to be labeled soft anymore, even if it means dropping gloves right on the fucking basketball floor.

Two seasons ago the Sixers beat the Timberwolves, starting the rivalry between Embiid and Towns: pic.twitter.com/ZuoNCOJUWU

— Sixers Nation (3-0) (@PHLSixersNation) October 30, 2019

I don’t know how many games this Timberwolves team will win. What I do know, is that it is even more important now that we get KAT the help he needs. I am absolutely convinced that Karl will soon be a leader that can bring a team to the promis land. And he’s ready to go to knuckles if that’s what it comes to.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Lots of grumbles about KAT this season…

Would you rather have Embiid? #AllEyesNorth

?: @TheJohnnyMN https://t.co/AEEayPmMnS

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) December 13, 2017

In said article, I wrote about the Philadelphia big man’s sense of humor. Included in that sense of humor is a witty social media talent. We damn Millennials are well aware of this. That includes Karl-Anthony Towns.

So, how did KAT let this happen last night?:

….

….

….

Shit….. **slaps himself on forehead** If you mess with the bull, you get the horns. Towns and Embiid had a back-and-forth battle in Tuesday night’s game. As for Wednesday’s Instagram post, it was much more one-sided. Here is the Euro-Step play the 76er is referring to in the caption:

Joel Embiid with the picture-perfect eurostep pic.twitter.com/V3ph4UXCYX

— ?#PettyWarz? (@World_Wide_Wob) December 13, 2017

Damnit. **another forehead slap** I suppose it could turn out to be a motivator. #WolvesNation is all for anything that increases our 22 year-old’s defensive presence. Maybe Karl can redeem himself next time facing off vs “The Process.” Regardless how that pans out, Towns need to stay away from this online arena. It takes some sort of mad man to challenge the NBA’s social media G.O.A.T. to his own game.

If only my advice could have gotten to him sooner:

Towns going at Embiid on Instagram is like challenging Bobby Fischer to a chess match

— Johnny Minnesota (@TheJohnnyMN) December 14, 2017

The positive about this situation is that Towns isn’t alone. Like I said, you don’t mess with the Cameroonian, on the world-wide web. As much as Lou Bega wishes, you don’t become the champ over one hit wonders. Here are some of Embiid’s top online performances:

After a game vs. Hassan Whiteside:

The Rihanna crush:

After Kevin Durant was exposed using a “burner” account:

KAT made a mistake. It happens. Everyone makes mistakes. He is an intelligent young man. He will learn from Wednesday’s embarrassment. Dust yourself off big fella and keep grinding.

I’m not the type to get political. It’s not my style. You’ll find that we don’t lean the same way as most sports media outlets. However, this situation seems like as good as time as any for some Presidential guidance. (Everyone calm down. We’re just having fun):

Johnny Minnesota @TheJohnnyMN
Minnesota Sports Fan MinnesotaSportsFan.com

The entertaining OT contest featured a game within the game. Each team has a young, potential superstar, 7′ center. Karl-Anthony Towns and Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid are arguably the two most exciting up and coming big men in the NBA.

Karl-Anthony Towns on playing Joel Embiid: “trash talk never hurt anybody.” pic.twitter.com/3JxkHisozW

— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) December 12, 2017

Who would you take?

Towns’ has a much more impressive overall body of work. As for the start of this season, that goes to “The Process”. Tuesday’s contest between the two alphas was close. Our guy had the edge up until late in the 4th and OT. Embiid ended up winning that battle. Will he also ended up winning the war?

Towns’ Career Stats:

Embiid’s Career Stats:

Who will be better over the next decade?

By glancing at the numbers, you’d think KAT was drafted prior to Embiid. That is not the Case Keenum. The Kentucky product is a year younger and was drafted a year after the former Jayhawk. The beloved 76er sat out his first two NBA seasons due to foot issues. No. Not the Steph Curry/Rex Ryan sort of foot issues.

Injuries and long-term durability are a HUGE concern regarding Embiid. Philadelphia shut him down early last year and he’s basically always on a minutes restriction. As you read this, there are questions surrounding the health of his back. On the other hand, Towns hasn’t missed a game in his career. Our coach DEFINITELY isn’t limiting his minutes. Tom Thibodeau is riding that horse as much as he possibly can.

Karl-Anthony Towns rejects Embiid. pic.twitter.com/ZSUS62iHrH

— Scott Charlton (@Scott_Charlton) December 13, 2017

This Euro step by Embiid ?? pic.twitter.com/A5MEQJzx5g

— Randy Cruz (@randyjcruz) December 13, 2017

If you polled NBA fans today, Embiid would be the popular choice. I have nothing against that. His 24.49 Player Efficiency Rating this year is over 2.3 points higher than Towns’. He is more of a physical presence inside than KAT. The college teammate of Andrew Wiggins is now a bonafide NBA stud. Embiid makes opposing 7 footers look small:

Gawdbody RT @World_Wide_Wob: Jusuf Nurkic is 7+ feet tall. Looks like an ant vs. Embiid’s skyhook. pic.twitter.com/bXQPn28xkO

— Too pretty to be lyrical (@I_aint_doit) November 23, 2017

If you held a gun to my head today, I’m going KAT. Embiid’s ceiling might be higher but it’s not by much. It comes down to the ole’ risk/reward scenario. When our feline-nicknamed big man goes to the rack, I anticipate him posterizing one of his unfortunate opponents. If my heart was with Embiid, I’d be saying my prayers on his drives:

“Please don’t get hurt, please don’t get hurt.”

Nobody wants to live their life in that kind of fear.

Here is the Boss’ stance:

I’ll take KAT for 200+ games over 3 years compared to 8 or whatever Embiid has played. https://t.co/KGRDeXZbXj

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) December 13, 2017

Either 8 games is sarcasm or I should find a job that has a boss who can at-least count…

We can’t do an article on “The Process” without mentioning his sense of humor. That man is cracking jokes like it’s his second job. Those damn Millennials (myself included) love this stuff:

Choosing between Towns and Embiid is like deciding if you want steak or shrimp. You can’t really go wrong. If it’s an option, surf and turf is the best choice. In this situation, that’s not going to happen.

Who in their right mind would ever put two similar superstar bigs on the same team?

Anthony Davis reverse alley oop slam from Boogie Cousins. pic.twitter.com/TXSEjZXi1r

— Scott Charlton (@Scott_Charlton) November 25, 2017

Johnny Minnesota @TheJohnnyMN

Minnesota Sports Fan MinnesotaSportsFan.com

Photo: NBA.com