Michael Jordan is unquestionably one of the best to ever step foot on a basketball court. Whether you prefer his game to that of LeBron James or Kobe Bryant, the greatest of all time discussion routinely revolves around those types of players. Being as young as he is, Anthony Edwards wants to put those types of comparisons in perspective, for now.

If you haven’t noticed by now, Edwards is an extremely mature 22-year-old. From telling older teammate Karl Anthony Towns to stop fouling in a postgame press conference, to the way he dominates veterans on the court, nothing seems to lack perspective with the Georgia star. Talking with Fox Sports, he’s ready for the comparisons between him and Jordan to stop.

“I want it to stop. He’s the greatest of all time. I can’t be compared to him.” It’s not the pressure that Edwards feels either. Again, if you’ve watched him at all, that’s definitely not something he is willing to shy away from. “No, no pressure. It’s just not possible,” says Edwards.

Everyone Is Suggesting Anthony Edwards is the new Michael Jordan

While it may be Edwards who is desiring the comparisons to stop, nothing about his game is slowing them down. From Kevin Garnett to Patrick Beverly, and even current teammate Mike Conley, the suggestion that this is the second coming of Michael Jordan is too straightforward to overlook.

Shaq: "Who does Anthony Edwards remind you of?"

Mike Conley: "A young Michael Jordan." pic.twitter.com/ERAcZIpUti

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 1, 2024

There are a handful of players that could be thrown into the greatest of all time conversation, but it’s Jordan or Kobe Bryant that Edwards’ game most closely resembles. Jordan was a natural scorer that could do it all on both sides of the floor, and that’s exactly the type of player Edwards is morphing into. He will never have the size that James possesses, and Kobe was something of a different animal when it came to the offensive end.

Memes Make Jordan and Edwards Fun

While there are no credible sources to suggest that Edwards is in fact related to the Chicago Bulls all-time great, nothing will stop the internet from remaining undefeated when pairing the two together. Suggestions that Edwards is actually Jordan’s son continue to rule the interwebs, and while their play continues to draw parallels, there will never be anything to put that hype train back in the station.

Related: NBA Confirms: Anthony Edwards’ Superstar is Exploding in Playoffs

Michael Jordan with son’ Anthony Edwards, Atlanta 2006 pic.twitter.com/0nTkxUDRe4

— NBACentel (@TheNBACentel) May 6, 2024

Edwards added another highlight to his growing list of accolades when he put up 43 points on the road against the Denver Nuggets in game one of the second round Western Conference series. Despite having limited playoff exposure, and going up against the defending champions on the road, Edwards put his team on his back and helped them to an underdog victory. With the Timberwolves now trending in a more positive direction than they have at any point in franchise history, it’s hard not to dream on a player this charismatic that could lead his team to a title.

Related: Anthony Edwards is HIM but the Timberwolves are So Much More Than HIM

For anyone who isn’t convinced about Anthony Edwards’ greatness, here is Michael Jordan doing the same move…just slower 💀 pic.twitter.com/MgvT3PrD7T

— No Filter Network (@NoFilterNet) May 5, 2024

Anthony Edwards doesn’t need to be Michael Jordan, and their accomplishments won’t be in the same universe for some time, but right now he’s everything the Timberwolves need and then some. When looking to knock off the reigning champions, you need a championship-caliber player and Edwards is proving to be exactly that at the right time.

If they do it, it’ll likely be on the shoulders of rising superstar Anthony Edwards, who averaged 31 points, 8 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game vs the Suns. While it’s the Wolves depth that is their real super power this postseason, it’s Ant who puts on the cape and becomes the super hero, when called upon.

Kendrick Perkins is the Minnesota Timberwolves’ No. 1 fan

And it’s Ant who has much of the media now looking to Minnesota for the next perennial Western Conference contender. But no media member has been more vocal about his love for Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves more than former NBA Champion turned elite NBA analyst, Kendrick Perkins (ESPN).

Where were you when Kendrick Perkins became the spokesperson for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Anthony Edwards? 🗣️
pic.twitter.com/53WkRvWZQg

— Timberwolves Talk (@LetsTalk_Wolves) February 2, 2023

For months over a year, Perkins has been the driver of the Wolves’ bandwagon. And he’ll tell anybody who asks him, in loud/proud fashion, that his extreme confidence stems from the blossoming greatness of “the Ant Man”, as Perk calls him.

Is Anthony Edwards the next Michael Jordan? Some are saying…

But one drum that Big Perk has been beating even harder, of late, is his belief that Anthony Edwards is the next Michael Jordan. I know… he’s not shy about it either.

Perkins tripled down on his Ant + MJ comp when he posted a 2 minute, 30 second mixed highlight reel of the two, which he fully narrated. The video has since been running on SportsCenter this morning.

Is it real? You damn right! This MJ comparison ain’t a punchline, fly by night, none of that…

The next on that that throne is none other than Anthony Edwards aka AntMan! #BelieveThat pic.twitter.com/VEX34EP64C

— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) May 3, 2024

“There’s a certain feeling you get when you watch Michael Jordan highlights. You feel it when you see the dunks, the game winners, the layups and the hangtime. Lord have mercy! That special Air Jordan feeling I didn’t think I’d ever feel again… but then something happened. Anthony Edwards entered the league.”

“I’m talking Ant Man. I’m talking a 6’4″ dunking machine. Footwork like Olajuwon. This man doesn’t jump, he soars. He roars. He snatches the screws out the rim every chance he gets. Ya’ll see it, right? We finally have the next Michael. An ascent of the OG GOAT. Don’t take my word for it, peak the tape.”

Kendrick Perkins (video above)

As a Minnesota sports fan, the Ant + MJ comparisons make me borderline uncomfortable. If that’s how you feel too, the the video above may not be safe for viewing. I probably should have put that warning label above the video, huh?

But let’s be real. You see it, I see it, we all see what Perkins sees. He’s just one of the only dudes willing to say the quiet part out loud. Everything about Anthony Edwards is different, from his killer mentality to the way he moves on the court. He’s just special, even on a basketball court with nine other special basketball talents.

Related: Timberwolves Ownership War Rages On After Unproductive Mediation Session

If he stays healthy and hungry, the sky is the limit. That includes NBA Championship runs, MVP awards and the type of dynastic runs that only the greatest basketball players in history have touched.

The Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James type runs, where every season they touch turns into an NBA Finals opportunity. There, I said the quiet part out loud too. And I’m immediately feeling uncomfortable publishing this post…

Every angle we have of Anthony Edwards ending John Collins' basketball career. RIP. pic.twitter.com/MYRpI6LHyO

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) March 19, 2024

Last night’s posterization of Collins has a commonly made comparison rising to the forefront of sports talk shows around the country, yet again. Of course, it hasn’t been all that long since someone last compared Anthony Edwards to Michael Jordan. It’s something that is happening so regularly, it gives off Kobe vibes… maybe LeBron.

Every once in awhile, random players will get one or two-off comparisons to MJ. But for Ant, it’s happening on a weekly basis. Recently, we’ve seen Kevin Garnett compare the two. Before KG did it, a prominent NBA scout couldn’t stop himself from going there. In some of the NBA 2K games since Edwards entered the league, you can’t tell the difference between the two of them.

Related: Timberwolves Sale Looking Shaky After A-Rod and Marc Lore Lose $300M Mystery Investor

The comparisons between Ant and MJ are becoming so regular, in fact, that longtime NBA reporter and insider Chris Broussard (FOX Sports) reached out to Michael Jordan with one question and one question only. Does he buy any of these Ant – MJ comparisons?

Michael Jordan confirms Anthony Edwards comparisons are legit

On “First Things First” (FS1) Tuesday morning, Broussard said that Jordan pretty much confirmed that he sees what everyone else sees. That Ant is his long lost son has elements of his game that remind MJ himself of his own playing style back in the day.

MJ says he sees himself in Anthony Edwards 👀👀👀 pic.twitter.com/8q90zXFooN

— The Daily Wolves (@TheDailyWolves) March 19, 2024

“Well, I reached out to the GOAT today, Michael Jordan, and Jordan said there are similarities in their games. He agreed! When Jordan say there is similarities, there is similarities, and what I like, in addition to the athleticism and the explosive dunks, alright, his desire to play is like MJ’s.

This is not today, but in the past, I’ve talked to Michael Jordan about the concept of shortening the season from 82 games, it’s like he couldn’t understand why in the world you wouldn’t wanna play 82 games. Anthony Edwards is like, ‘I don’t wanna load manage, man. I wanna play,’ and then he dislocates his finger, goes to the lock room, gets it popped back in place, taped up and then comes back out! How many players today would be like, ‘I’m good'”?

Chris Broussard – First Things First

Like Chris says. If Michael Jordan himself believes their are similarities, then there are similarities. What else is there to say? Anthony Edwards is the next superstar of this league and his talent says he could rise to be even more than that. Ant Edwards is that dude, he’s unlike anyone else and he won’t apologize for it

Don’t undersell the Minnesota Timberwolves’ chances at championship this year

Related: Skip Bayless Calls Anthony Edwards’ Game-Saving Rejection ‘The Easiest Block Ever’

What’s the next step for Edwards? Winning a ring. It’s a very realistic goal for the Timberwolves this year, considering their consistent top 3 position in the West all season. They’re on track to potentially have the best season in franchise history and there’s no reason why fans should cap where this season could potentially end.

After all, even the GOAT agrees. Anthony Edwards is HIM.

AND, GOODNIGHT.

😴 @slumberland pic.twitter.com/Cx5FmX0Cn4

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) March 19, 2024

Anthony Edwards thinks 1984 Michael Jordan comps are perfect

Recently, basketball icon and Timberwolves legend, Kevin Garnett, drew comparisons between Edwards’ current season and the electrifying performances of Michael Jordan in 1984. Following a recent game against the Trail Blazers, Edwards enthusiastically embraced Garnett’s comparison.

Rachel Nichols: "[Kevin Garnett] said you remind him of an 84 [Michael] Jordan. What do you think about what he said?"

Anthony Edwards: "That's the OG, man. Whatever he say, goes. … I think [KG is] right for sure." 😲

(via @Rachel__Nichols)pic.twitter.com/8KbMCH42ba

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 14, 2024

Nichols: “Kevin Garnett had something to say about you. He said you remind of him of an ’84 Jordan, what do you think about what he said?”

Ant: “That’s an OG man, whatever [KG] say, goes. So anyone want to argue with him, you gotta take it up with Michael Jordan.

Nichols: “Hahaha, do you think he’s right, though?”

Ant: “I think he’s right for sure. ’84 Jordan. He didn’t say ’96-’97, he said ’84. You know, [Jordan] was just finding himself [in ’84]. So, I agree with that.”

Related: Doc Rivers in Awe of Timberwolves; ‘Nobody is Laughing About that Trade Anymore’

In 1984, Michael Jordan was just a rookie in the league but he made an indelible mark on the NBA almost immediately. Jordan showcased his remarkable talent on a night-in, night-out basis, and posted numbers to back up the showtime dunks and mind-boggling highlights.

As a rookie, MJ averaged an impressive 28.2 points, 5.9 assists, and 6.5 rebounds per game, while logging an absurd 38.3 minutes per night. MJ’s rookie campaign is widely regarded as one of the finest debut seasons by any player in NBA history.

(1984-1985) Highlights from Michael Jordan's rookie year when he dropped 28.2 PPG.

Poetry in motion. 🎬: @nba pic.twitter.com/c0G11mzCKf

— Timeless Sports (@timelesssports_) October 26, 2018

Turns out… KG might be onto something

Anthony Edwards may already be in his fourth NBA season, but he’s only 22 1/2-years-old. As a rookie, Michael Jordan turned 22 on February 17th. 1984-85 Jordan was about 200 days younger than Edwards is right now. Wanna get weird? Take a look at Ant’s numbers this season…

Related: Anthony Edwards Credits Timberwolves Win to Rudy Gobert Cussing Out Teammates at Halftime

The All-Star break hits after tonight’s game vs the Portland Trail Blazers. Entering the contest, Anthony Edwards (vs 1984 Jordan) is averaging 26.2 (-2.0) points, 5.2 (-0.7) assists and 5.2 (-1.3) rebounds, in 35 minutes per night (-3.3). If you bumped Ant’s minutes up to ’84 Jordan’s their statistics would be nearly identical.

Anthony Edwards vs Trail Blazers

41 PTS
4 REB
2 AST
2 STL
16/27 FG#RaisedByWolves W pic.twitter.com/ZmkAYk1zxT

— A Walking Highlight (@11AWH) February 14, 2024

Being compared to Michael Jordan is the ultimate honor in basketball, given his widely acclaimed status as the greatest of all time. With such comparisons in mind, the question arises: Is Anthony Edwards poised to become the savior of the Timberwolves franchise, like MJ was for the Bulls?

Can he lead them to a championship? One thing is for sure. As a rookie, Michael Jordan did not have nearly the roster around him that the Minnesota Timberwolves have built around Ant. But he will still be the dude who sinks or floats their playoff boat. Stay tuned…

Anthony Edwards the next Michael Jordan?

You think that’s hyperbole? Not if you ask the NBA scout, who told ESPN’s Tim MacMahon that Ant is the next Michael Jordan. You read that correct. And when you think about it, that scout might be right. I’ll let you hear/read what ESPN Tim, and the scout he talked to, had to say on Friday’s “Hoop Collective” podcast, then I’ll jump in.

“Was talking to some scouts, before last night’s game. One said about Anthony Edwards that he’s the next Michael Jordan. I said, well that’s that’s a bit of hyperbole. The guy said, ‘yeah, but it ain’t too far off’ and his point is… there aren’t very many guys who are that elite, offensively, this kind of scorer. A guy who’s got, what does he average now, 28-29 points per game?

He’s got that kind of potential, who are also dominant defenders, dominant defenders. He’s coming for Giannis [Antetokounmpo]’s crown, as the best two-way superstar [in the NBA]. When you talk about a guy who can light up like he does offensively, and then it’s overtime, game on the line, take the challenge and then just lock up Jason Tatum the way he did.”

Tim MacMahon – The Hoop Collective Podcast (ESPN)

Are Anthony Edwards Michael Jordan comparisons hyperbolic?

Still think the team employing that NBA scout should think about his employment status? Any Michael Jordan comparisons, even if they have to do with how alike they look in NBA 2K games, is bound to be met with heavy skepticism. We’re talking about the greatest of all time.

Related: Timberwolves are Bill Simmons’ Sleeper; Top-5 in His NBA Power Rankings

But, let your mind go beyond that initial fence, and it’s not as hyperbolic as Tim’s co-hosts think it is. I mean, you tell me: Who is the last 6-3 or 6-4 shooting guard to make an All-NBA 1st team and All-NBA Defensive team in the same year, which Ant has a legitimate chance of doing multiple times during his career, if he stays healthy?

“[Jayson Tatum] called me up for an iso & tried to iso me, & I’m like ‘I play defense I just got 5 fouls’… He was talking smack at jump-ball in OT, & I told him like ‘I’m coming again.’”

Anthony Edwards is built DIFFERENT 😤

(via @robsreels)pic.twitter.com/ilDI1rwjz1

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 9, 2023

You guessed it, Michael Jordan, who did it NINE times. In fact, MJ is really the only naturally-sized shooting guard to ever win both honors in the same season. Kobe Bryant (8x) and LeBron James (5x) have each done it plenty, but those guys were/are 6-6 and 6-9, respectively. Ant is listed as 6-4 and that is generous.

It’s unlikely Anthony Edwards will ever be in conversations as the greatest basketball player of all time, but if he can regularly be an All-NBA player on both sides of the floor, it’s safe to say the Minnesota Timberwolves should win a lot of games during that time.

Read all of our Minnesota Timberwolves blogs

But on Wednesday, the future franchise record holder for receiving yards spoke with media himself and was asked about how he sees the situation and whether or not he believes there’s a bounty on his head when he steps between the lines.

Justin Jefferson ~ Michael Jordan

JJ’s answer? Yes. In fact, he called Stephen Gilmore’s hit last weekend ‘uncalled for and over the line’ He even went as far as comparing his treatment to that of Michael Jordan in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Back when the “Bad Boy” Detroit Pistons would beat the shit out of MJ in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Vikings WR Justin Jefferson said the hits that teams are putting on him are like what the Detroit Pistons used to do to Michael Jordan. But he believed that Gilmore hit was uncalled for and over the line

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) December 21, 2022

Is he right? Most of us lived through the 2009 NFC Championship game so we’ve seen first-hand how ruthless NFL mentalities can be. And whether KOC and JJ are right or wrong, it can only help to bring more attention to the problem.

Take, for example, the “unnecessary roughness” penalty that was called last weekend on a Colts defender for doing absolutely nothing unnecessary. Advantage Vikings.

A good way to give up a big lead is to play soft zone coverage and match a safety as the nickel vs Justin Jefferson on a choice route (Choice Stucko), then give him plenty of space to convert on 2nd & 18, then end the play with an unncessary roughness penalty: pic.twitter.com/huMgR5IWd2

— Nick Olson (@NickOlsonNFL) December 20, 2022

Vikings protecting their most prized asset

When you have an asset as valuable as Justin Jefferson, you do everything possible to protect him. It’s completely possible the Vikings believe that defenses are playing JJ dirty. But even if they aren’t sure, it’s a clever way to add some additional protection on Christmas Eve and beyond.

Because if this team were to lose #18, their hopes of a playoff run would be dead. Hell, with the path Jefferson’s career is on, he very well may be the Michael Jordan of wide receivers by the time he’s done.

Most seasons with 1,600 rec yards in history

Years in NFL
Justin Jefferson 2 3
Calvin Johnson 2 9
Torry Holt 2 11
Antonio Brown 2 12
Julio Jones 2 12
Marvin Harrison 2 13 pic.twitter.com/vsnpPJxvot

— NFL on CBS ???? (@NFLonCBS) December 19, 2022

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Across the internet, you can find different Edwards/Jordan comparisons that all point to a variety of traits the two share. Beyond an overall intrigue that Edwards could ‘be the next Jordan‘, many have compared their similar skill sets. Others look to Ant’s high ceiling, which MJ himself said is higher. Even Ant’s swagger and “it” factor have been compared to the GOAT’s.

MJ’s Doppelganger?

But what might be most intriguing. Are how alike the two look. Fringe pop-up sites, Reddit forums and randoms on Twitter have all wondered out loud if Ant and MJ might be related in some way and even as far as asking if Michael Jordan is secretly Anthony Edwards’ father…

On Tuesday, the official NBA twitter account sent out a tweet that will only intensify these burning questions and comparisons. The post was part of an announcement made today that Michael Jordan will, again, grace the NBA 2K cover for the 23 edition. Included in the tweet were two screenshots of MJ.

First Look at our Cover Athlete Michael Jordan in #NBA2K23

???? 80s MJ
???? 90s MJ pic.twitter.com/r27VGCvQfU

— NBA 2K (@NBA2K) July 5, 2022

One photo was supposed to be Jordan in the 80’s. The other, in the 90’s. But I’m having issues seeing anyone but Anthony Edwards. One has a little hair, the other has none. Both are wearing Bulls jerseys. I don’t care. That’s Anthony Edwards.

The more you look at the evidence, the more alike they look. Here is some of the photos I can’t get out of my head.

Anthony Edwards is 1000% Michael Jordan’s son ???? ???? via @AntEdwardsFC pic.twitter.com/aNWLpFuZll

— Hoops ON Tap (@SONTHoops) May 7, 2021

Most career points per game in the playoffs :

1:Anthony edwards (36ppg)
2:Luka donic(33ppg)
3: Michael Jordan(33ppg)

Why is no one talking abt this?? pic.twitter.com/hHEMJz306A

—  ???????????????????????? 32???????? (@katszn_) April 17, 2022

Anthony Edwards really is young Michael Jordan. I see it now @patbev21 pic.twitter.com/fN2RS517o2

— The Daily Wolves (@TheDailyWolves) March 25, 2022

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan