Sam Darnold earned a payday with the Seattle Seahawks, and Daniel Jones turned down more money for a chance to start with the Colts. That series of decisions has put the offense in a bad spot, and Justin Jefferson is feeling the results of that.

Although there have been moments where Jefferson looks at fault, the Vikings’ ultimate problem rests at quarterback. And when your superstar wide receiver needs a competent QB to get the ball, not having one becomes a major problem; one that Stephen A. Smith (ESPN) is worried will eventually boil over.

Stephen A. Smith starts the Jefferson trade talk

When Justin Jefferson was seeking his massive payday, he went about it unlike most wide receivers before him. The anti-diva has not been overly vocal about how bad his quarterback is, but there will come a point that he can no longer stay silent, says Stephen A.

"I wouldn't blame Justin Jefferson if he asked to be traded. I'm disgusted with the Minnesota Vikings." 😳@stephenasmith on if the Vikings are wasting Justin Jefferson's prime 👀 pic.twitter.com/yrvIrxAs63

— First Take (@FirstTake) November 27, 2025

“I wouldn’t blame Justin Jefferson if he asked to be traded. I’m disgusted with the Minnesota Vikings. I’ve been very, very reluctant to say that…Now [Kwesi] Adofo-Mensah the general manager for the Minnesota Vikings, and listen I’m unapologetic brothers in executive positions, I root for them because we don’t see that too often. I’m very, very happy, and I’m rooting for the brother. But him, and Kevin O’Connell made a joint decision, and they miscalculated. I understand why. Sam Darnold was a free agent…you’re looking to move on because this brother played so well last year that he was in a position to triple his salary…

Here’s my problem, this is Justin Jefferson y’all. This is an all-world receiver. The first five years of his NFL career we weren’t talking about him being great, we were talking legacy. We were talking about whether or not he was going to be in that conversation with the Jerry Rice’s and and Randy Moss’ of the world…What you don’t do to somebody like that is take away their damn quarterback for a rookie that is unproven. You don’t do that.”

Stephen A. Smith – First Take

Every team across the league would love an ideal situation where they build a Super Bowl roster around a quarterback on a rookie deal. Only the New England Patriots spent more money in free agency this offseason. Difference is, they have a good quarterback in Drake Maye, while the Minnesota Vikings have J.J. McCarthy.

McCarthy has completed just 54.1% of his passes, and has a 6/10 TD/INT ratio this season. Despite terrible quarterback play from McCarthy, Jefferson has somehow still generated 795 yards receiving. He has just two touchdowns though, and his all-time NFL record 96.5 yards per game is now down to 93.5.

Justin Jefferson this season:

With Carson Wentz – 95.4 YPG

With J.J. McCarthy – 53.0 YPG

I'd be frustrated too.https://t.co/j2bxNqfPEt

— Ted (@tlschwerz) November 24, 2025

When Carson Wentz came on to start for the Vikings he understood that the star wide receiver was his best path to competitiveness. That’s maybe not lost on McCarthy, but his ability is not enough to execute on that understanding.

It would be malpractice to run it back next season with McCarthy going without competition. Whether that’s Aaron Rodgers, Daniel Jones, or someone else, the Minnesota Vikings need to find a way to stop wasting their star wideout before he makes it known how sick of it he is.

Minnesota has surged to a 6-2 record in the NBA Playoffs, after also dropping the Los Angeles Lakers 4-1 in the first round. While this team took some time to find their way, they have come together at the right time.

National talking heads don’t typically give teams from Minnesota their flowers. In a surprising turn of events however, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith is ready to do much more than that.

Minnesota Timberwolves are NBA Title favorites says Stephen A. Smith

Draymond Green used his postgame podium time to talk up the Minnesota Timberwolves and suggested “they have a real chance” at winning it all. Stephen A. Smith, who is well known for his boisterous personality is going even one step further. The First Take host says they should be the favorites.

Stephen A Smith has the Minnesota Timberwolves as NBA Finals Favorites 😳 pic.twitter.com/6EYRFSFdgy

— SneakerReporter (@SneakerReporter) May 16, 2025

“I believe that the Minnesota Timberwolves should be a favorite to win a championship at this point. I think they should be favored over the Knicks. I think they should be favored over the Indiana Pacers. I think they should be favored over OKC (Oklahoma City), even, and definitely Denver who they beat all four times they played this year. I think when you see the way they play defense, obviously that rivals OKC, who they split their four games with this year.

I’m going to bring up the name Julius Randle, because when I think about how he has played in these playoffs, particularly the last four games of the series against Golden State…We know what Ant-man brings to the table. I think that when you’re Oklahoma City and you’re thinking about a team you have to concern yourself with…Minnesota could stay close enough. It could come down to SGA (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) versus Ant-man. I just think that even though SGA is about to win league MVP, Ant-man is so special. Particularly at this moment in his career. I just find it hard to believe that I can look at anybody and say, at this juncture, that they should be favored over Minnesota.”

Stephen A. Smith – ESPN

That is quite the strong vote of confidence from Smith. Maybe even more so because the Minnesota Timberwolves have not even played their best basketball during the playoffs. As a team, they have come out on top and looked like the superior squad, but they have also had roster advantages in each matchup.

Multiple games have seen Anthony Edwards get off to slow starts, and he has three games where he shot 40% or worse from the field. His three-point percentage (38.5%) is down from the 39.5% he shot during the regular season. Although he had the big 43-point performance against the Lakers, his teammates have really stepped up.

Related: Draymond Green Glazes Timberwolves, Including a Little Love for Rudy Gobert…?

On the flip side, if the Timberwolves get a more efficient and consistent Edwards, then no opponent stands a chance. Julius Randle has been huge in both series, and has established himself as a serious difference maker in the playoffs.

History made by MN Timberwolves

A return to the Western Conference Finals looked impossible at points early on during this Minnesota Timberwolves season. Ultimately they weathered the storm and the team has gelled in the wake of trading franchise fixture Karl-Anthony Towns.

Now they are on the doorstep of an NBA Finals berth for the second straight season, and as previously mentioned, have accomplished that feat for the first time in franchise history.

"There is no satisfaction." 🗣️

Ant & Rudy are hungry for more after clinching a spot in the Conference Finals 👀 pic.twitter.com/POHn4JBoH3

— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 15, 2025

As Anthony Edwards said though, this team is not and can not be satisfied. The goal is still to win eight more games and anything short of that would be a disappointment.

Minnesota will face either Oklahoma City or Denver, and with an additional period of rest, they’ll be looking to give the opponent all they can handle.

J.J. Reddick pulled a Tom Thibodeau on Sunday and used just his five starters for the entire second half. James and Doncic have played out of their minds for most of this series, yet they cannot keep up with Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves, who have one of the deepest rosters in the league.

Kendrick Perkins says Minnesota Timberwolves have the better star

In the Timberwolves 116-113 victory on Sunday Anthony Edwards poured in 43 points while shooting 52% from the field. Former NBA big man Kendrick Perkins made his performance a talking point on First Take Monday. He sees a clear advantage for Minnesota over the Lakers and Luka.

“Ant is a better all-around basketball player than Luka Doncic." – @KendrickPerkins

pic.twitter.com/22u4m5axgL

— GopherHole.com (@GopherHole) April 28, 2025

“Watching the 4th quarter [in game 4], I saw what Nico Harrison was talking about when it comes down to why he traded Luka. He traded Luka because he felt the Dallas Mavericks were not going to be able to win a championship with Luka.

I didn’t feel that way watching the game, looking at Anthony Edwards. I’m saying to myself, Anthony Edwards is going to win a championship before Luka Doncic. Anthony Edwards is built different. Anthony Edwards is a better all-around basketball player than Luka Doncic.

Now, I could come here and blame JJ Redick, rightfully so, for the minutes he played LeBron James at 40 years old. But like I said, Luka is young. He should have been able to play those 24 minutes straight. Anthony Edwards did, and Anthony Edwards thrived in those minutes.

When I look at what he’s done, and what he’s doing, not only did he send [Kevin Durant] home last year, he sent (Nikola) Jokic home last year. He’s now about to send LeBron and Luka home this season, because [the Wolves] are going to win this series. And think about this for a second, in the next round he could possibly be facing Steph Curry.”

Kendrick Perkins – First Take

While the Lakers were still licking their wounds from the comeback defeat by Minnesota on Sunday, it was head coach J.J. Reddick whining about a no-call at the podium. Doncic stepped on the foot of Jaden McDaniels and lost the ball.

Lakers and their fans can keep crying

Anthony Edwards was also given key free throws as the result of LeBron James hacking him on the wrist. The future Hall of Famer said that the hand should be part of the ball. That probably excludes the wrist. Of course, all this this has LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Lakers fans, Dallas Cowboys fans, and New York Yankees fans all big mad.

They’re even mad at Anthony Edwards for his blunt physicality against LeBron in game four. But really, they’re upset at their imminent reality. They cannot hang with the Wolves. They know it… and Ant knows it. But just in case, he’s been letting them know verbally too, something that NBA pundits like Stephen A. Smith and Kendrick Perkins cannot get enough of.

This is not basketball pic.twitter.com/wwfE3HkzUw

— Per Sources (@PerSources) April 27, 2025

“This man is just built different. He defends his ass off. He wanted smoke with LeBron. He wanted smoke with Luka, that’s what I like, he wanted smoke with Austin Reeves. I look at Anthony Edwards and I say, that is a top five player in the game today. TODAY!

If I’m starting a franchise, yes we know we have Jokic, we have Giannis, we have those guys. But dammit, you better not overlook Anthony Edwards.”

Kendrick Perkins – First Take

While a player like Luka is capable of stuffing the stat sheet every night out, his mentality and dedication to being a well-rounded basketball player is not the same as Anthony Edwards’. Don’t get me wrong, Ant has plenty of growing up to do, both on and off the court, but at 23 years old, his killer mindset is different.

Doncic has made a career of overshadowing his incredible skill set with laziness on defense and constant whining to officials. There’s no doubt a team can win with Luka, but as Perkins points out, they’ll have to overcome what he isn’t, in order to make it happen. And this Lakers team is not good enough to do that.

Related: Anthony Edwards Disciplined for Bragging About His ‘Size Advantage’ in LA

If you aren’t aware that Anthony Edwards is a star you haven’t been paying attention. Whether he wants the title or not, he is (or will soon become) the new face of the NBA. The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski put it eloquently saying, “Time to stop asking why Edwards does not want to be the future face of the league and start asking, how can he not be?”

Stephen A. Smith showers Anthony Edwards with praise

It seems like a lifetime ago when questions about Anthony Edwards’ desire to play basketball surrounded his draft status. Those questions are dead. Anthony Edwards is box office, as First Take star Stephen A. Smith likes to say. But on ESPN Monday, he took it to another level, doubling down on Kendrick Perkins’ praise, calling

“Anthony Edwards is a 200 million dollar player playin like he broke”
💪😤

Via @FirstTake pic.twitter.com/WtOEd8MKZM

— The Daily Wolves (@TheDailyWolves) April 28, 2025

“This brother, after taking [the Wolves] to the conference finals and getting smoked by Luka, is not only smoking Luka, he’s smoking LeBron too. With LeBron doing his thing, still it’s not enough! You just said it Windy, the best player in this series, with LeBron and Luka on the basketball court, is a 23-year-old with a $200+ million contract playing like he’s broke… playing like ‘I want this. I’m taking them out’.

I’ve said it before and I will say it again. He is a shark in blood-infested waters. Yeah, I think this series is going to go back to Minnesota. But make no mistake, he’s coming to take them out in LA. He wants to ruin tinseltown for them all summer long. Antman is coming. I’m sorry, he’s arrived.”

Stephen A. Smith – First Take

Edwards is clearly fueled by the competitive fire. He may have a lighthearted attitude behind the microphone, but every passionate quote or dagger on the court reflects a player willing to win at any cost, something that national pundits are starting to see firsthand.

Related: Rapper Drake Betting BIG on the MN Timberwolves

This Timberwolves team didn’t experience the same level of certainty of the one that reached the Western Conference Finals last season. Edwards has his group clicking on all cylinders right now though, and regardless of what odds may say, betting against them seems like a losing proposition.

Whether it’s the Warriors, Steph Curry, and the clown known as Draymond Green, or another opponent in the next round, Edwards will be the best player on the court, and the only superstar entering his prime.

Stephen A. Smith a Minnesota Vikings believer

As has been the case for virtually every Minnesota Vikings doubter, the disbelief is rooted in Sam Darnold. That is no different for Stephen A. Smith, and the first three weeks weren’t good enough to change his opinion. When Cris Carter stepped in and told him why he was wrong, it apparently hit home.

With the help of @criscarter80 and all of you, @stephenasmith has seen the light.

He has the #Vikings #2 in the #NFL ahead of the #ChiefsKingdom #Skol

🎥 @FirstTake pic.twitter.com/HAbSqytD1P

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) September 25, 2024

“Give me number two on the list please. Bam! The Minnesota Vikings. Look y’all, Sam Darnold, I’ve got to give the man love. I ain’t telling y’all I’m going to do it in a couple of weeks, because I know what I saw over the previous six years. But, thus far you see this brother flinging the football. You seen Kevin O’Connell and the way that he’s coaching this thing. You’ve seen that defense in Minnesota. I’ve got to give love and respect when it’s due. We know Jefferson is that dude, don’t even have [Jordan] Addison and those boys back. Watch the Minnesota Vikings. I’ve got to give credit where credit is due. They top two.”

Smith on the Minnesota Vikings right now (First Take)

It’s great that Smith is now coming around on the Vikings. It’s a bit puzzling that he had such a significant change of heart in a matter of hours. He used the same line about six years of history to prove a point to Carter. Appearing on First Take, this seems like a quick reversal after being taken to task for his initial feelings.

Related: Cris Carter, Stephen A Smith Go at it Over Vikings’ Legitimacy

Sam Darnold pic.twitter.com/KLL20OnPqZ

— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) September 24, 2024

Realistically though, Stephen A. Smith’s feelings on the Minnesota Vikings don’t matter. What Minnesota has to continue doing it taking the field and proving those that doubt them wrong. The locker room clearly believes in Sam Darnold, and so does the head coach. If those people are on board, then the performance on the field will take care of itself.

Related: Former Falcons QB Has High Praise for Vikings’ Sam Darnold

The Vikings have another opportunity to make a significant impact this weekend against the Green Bay Packers. Darnold can knock off his first NFC North divisional foe, and Minnesota would move to 4-0.

Anthony Edwards is the next Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant or [input your favorite NBA backcourt great here]. The Wolves’ lineup is the deeper than any 60’s or 70’s Lakers/Celtics teams; their defense is more suffocating than the 80’s ‘Bad Boy’ Pistons or 90’s MJ/Rodman-led Bulls defenses… or the 2000’s Boston defense, which Kendrick Perkins played on.

I’ve been on one the best defensive teams ever… but that clinic the Timberwolves put on tonight was one of the greatest performances I’ve ever witness. Real Talk.

— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) May 7, 2024

But what made all of those teams memorable? Because it wasn’t their star players or deep lineups or suffocating defenses. All those squads won championships, and lots of them.

So far, the Minnesota Timberwolves have won nothing. But there is no doubt, and clearly everyone else sees it too, that this team has all the qualities of a team that is worthy of hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy later this summer.

Stephen A. Smith picks Minnesota Timberwolves to win NBA Championship

On Tuesday morning, though, Stephen A. Smith (ESPN) put his championship vote into the Minnesota Timberwolves’ basket. Monday, he crowned Anthony Edwards as the next Michael Jordan. Today, he crowned the Wolves as the next NBA champions.

.@stephenasmith says the Timberwolves are the new championship favorites 👀 pic.twitter.com/umtHDwqFMu

— First Take (@FirstTake) May 7, 2024

“I think that the Denver Nuggets are on the verge of getting swept. I never thought in my wildest dreams that I’d be able to say that. I think the Denver Nuggets are on the verge of getting swept and I believe that the Minnesota Timberwolves are gonna win the world championship. I think they gonna win it all. I think they gonna win it all…”

“I’m looking at Anthony Edwards, I’m not saying he’s Jordan, he’s got a lot to prove. But when you saw Jordan and you saw Kobe, that’s what you’re seeing right now, with that killer instinct. I’m looking at a Karl- Anthony Towns. The brother was averaging 19 PPG. He’s dropping 27, he’s sitting there shooting threes and posing. Jamal Murray trying to elbow him, he pulling up from the right corner, then looking at him. Getting stuff thrown on the court that he damn near tripped over and he’s still draining more threes!

I’m watching Naz Reid! I’m watching Alexander-Walker, I’m watching the leadership of [Mike] Conley. I’m watching a coach with a cracked Patella on crutches, OK, with his assistant running the damn show! And these brothers are just putting it on folks!”

Stephen A. Smith on the Minnesota Timberwolves winning it all (First Take – ESPN)

Normally, I would call this hyperbole out as click-bait propaganda. Even up 2-0 and heading back home, it should be a huge mistake to count the Denver Nuggets out of this series, and maybe it is.

Related: Anthony Edwards is Over the Michael Jordan Talk

That’s before we even get to the Western Conference Finals, where the Luka Doncic + Kyrie Irving led Dallas Mavericks or No. 1 seed OKC Thunder will be waiting. But if you watched the performance that the Timberwolves put on last night, without their best defender, Rudy Gobert, it’s impossible not to walk away feeling the same exact way as Stephen A. does.

I have not seen a defense like that, like what I saw in the first half last night. As great as Boston is defensively, it’s gonna require every bit of greatness from the Boston Celtics. Dallas or OKC, good luck! Because I’m looking at this team, without Rudy Gobert… WITHOUT RUDY GOBERT… force them into 35% shooting, 30% shooting from three-point range.

Jamal Murray couldn’t get off, Aaron Gordon couldn’t get off… Nikola Jokic couldn’t get off, and he looked exhausted. Kentavious Caldwell Pope, Mr. Model Citizen, arguing with officials! I mean, Mike Malone getting in officials’ face — could have been ejected, could have been ejected! Mad love and respect to the Denver Nuggets, they’re the reigning defending champions, they’re legit. But something special has developed in Minnesota. I got the Minnesota Timberwolves winning it all, man. I gotta them winning it all, right now. That’s what I’m seeing

Stephen A. Smith on the Minnesota Timberwolves winning it all (First Take – ESPN)

They have possibly the best player in the NBA on their team, in Anthony Edwards. And one of only a few players you could argue is better than Ant, Nikola Jokic, has absolutely no help down low against one of the deepest and most talented front court combinations the NBA has seen since Tim Duncan and David Robinson played together in San Antonio.

Related: Nikola Jokic Already Sounds Exhausted by Timberwolves’ Defense, Depth

And even those teams may not have had the additional depth that Minnesota does with Naz Reid and Kyle Anderson. And if the Nuggets can’t hang with the Wolves… who can?

Jordan, who starred in the movie Space Jam, was tasked with defeating the Monstars to win his freedom back. Well, what if Edwards is a monster coming back for his revenge? At this point, we can’t rule anything out.

Charles Barkley agrees. Well, not with the Space Jam theory, but he does view Edwards as an otherworldly talent. Neither he nor Stephen A. Smith are not savants on Minnesota culture though, that’s for sure.

“That boy Anthony Edwards. They’re gonna get that boy all the Three Lakes and the Twin Cities by the time his career is over. Because Anthony Edwards is a flat-out monster. They’re going to give him Minneapolis and Saint Paul. They’re gonna have to give him all those cities by the time he does his next contract because he’s a great player, and he’s ascending. So he’s unbelievable.”

Charles Barkley gushing about Anthony Edwards

Anthony Edwards’ max contract begins in 2025 without keys to the Twin Cities or even three lakes (but that’s not a bad deal)

I’m not saying the entire Twin Cities is out of the question but I would definitely like to start the negotiations at three of our 10,000+ lakes. If Ant will stay forever at that price, he’d be totally worth it. In all honesty, I might have given him at least 1,000 of them if that’s what it took.

Sir Charles Barkley’s contract offer sounds pretty enticing, but there’s a reason he’s not an NBA GM and never will be. By the time his career is over, Anthony Edwards should have no trouble seeing his No. 5 jersey retired in the rafters of the Target Center.

Related: Draymond Green Puts Anthony Edwards on Blast for ‘Outlandish’ All-Star Weekend Behavior

Lucky for the Timberwolves, Edwards recently signed a five-year, maximum-level contract extension with the Timberwolves that keeps him in Minnesota through the 2028-29 season. This contract will pay Edwards at least $35.2 million in 2024-25 and could even increase if he is named to an All-NBA team.

Depending on how he performs and how well the Wolves do in the playoffs, Edwards may very well have yet another massive raise coming to him in due time. If he helps the Timberwolves win their first-ever NBA Championship, then Edwards should get all of what Barkley suggests and then some.

That’s right, you thought the esteemed four-letter network had been ignoring the Wolves this entire time. When in fact, they were just waiting for one day, so they can get it all out of their way, and get back to the big market teams they actually care about. So, we might as well soak it in. Here’s today’s ‘Timberwolves: All-Access’ schedule on the ESPN family of networks.

Minnesota Timberwolves Day at ESPN (All-Access) Schedule:

It started early this morning on ‘AM’ SportsCenter and continues with First Take, where the star of the day, Stephen A. Smith is co-hosting the show from the Twin Cities. He already interviewed Karl-Anthony Towns, but the day is only getting started.

The days’ events include (but are not limited to) features on Mike Conley and Rudy Gobert along with the KAT interview, a Naz Reid sit down and a couple different features/interviews with Ant.

Karl-Anthony Towns wearing a Timberwolves Brazil shirt on First Take. 🔥

Incredible. pic.twitter.com/7HqeTqYUGr

— NBA World (@NBAW0RLD24) February 23, 2024

ESPN is doing hits from Minnesota and from inside Target Center throughout the day, and it is all leading up to the grand finale, a primetime (west coast) matchup vs the Milwaukee Bucks at 9 p.m. CT. Here is their schedule for the day.

It’s Minnesota Timberwolves Day on SportsCenter 

• TV Channel: ESPN2 
• Time: 7 AM (CT) 

SportsCenter will air parts of a recent Timberwolves practice, which will feature Coach Finch and Wolves players mic’d up for an exclusive all-access look into the team. 

“Timberwolves: All-Access” on Get Up! with Stephen A. Smith 

• TV Channel: ESPN 
• Time: 8:30 AM (CT)  

Live from Minneapolis, Stephen A. Smith will introduce Timberwolves Day or “Timberwolves: All-Access” on Get Up! (ESPN) This segment will air again on ESPN2 at 9 AM.

Related: Mike Conley Agrees to Contract Extension with Minnesota Timberwolves

Karl-Anthony Towns interview on First Take 

• TV Channel: ESPN 
• Time: 9:35 AM (CT) 

Karl-Anthony Towns joins Stephen A. Smith on First Take 

Karl Anthony Towns says Anthony Edwards will be the FACE of the NBA on First Take pic.twitter.com/rVYCkYnyco

— 2Cool2Blog (@2Cool2Blog) February 23, 2024

Naz Reid interview on SportsCenter 

• TV Channel: ESPN 
• Time: 11:20 AM (CT)

SportsCenter interviews the best bench big man in the league, Naz Reid.

Rudy Gobert takes you to film school on SportsCenter 

• TV Channel: ESPN 
• Time: 12 PM (CT) 

ESPN’s Richard Jefferson will chat with Minnesota Timberwolves big man Rudy Gobert to breakdown some of his defensive highlights and shed light on Minnesota’s No. 1 ranked defense. Rudy’s segment will air on SportsCenter (noon) first and then again on NBA Today at 2 PM (ESPN2) and 4 PM (ESPNEWS).

Related: Anthony Davis Says Timberwolves are the Best Team He’s Seen This Season

Anthony Edwards Interview with Malika Andrews on SportsCenter 

• TV Channel: ESPN 
• Time: 12 PM (CT) 

ESPN’s Malika Andrews interviews Anthony Edwards for a chat about his blow up season and the Minnesota Timberwolves success in the first half. This segment will first air on SportsCenter at noon CT and then again on NBA Today at 2 PM (ESPN2) and 4 PM (ESPNEWS).

Ride to Work with Mike Conley Jr. on NBA Today 

• TV Channel: ESPN 2 
• Time: 2 PM (CT) 

NBA Today  rides along with point guard Mike Conley Jr. on his way to the arena for a “Ride to Work” segment. The segment will first air at 2 PM on ESPN 2, then again at 4 PM on ESPNEWS.

Anthony Edwards interviews with Stephen A. Smith on NBA Countdown Live

• TV Channel: ESPN 
• Time: 6-6:30 PM (CT) 

Anthony Edwards joins Stephen A. Smith on the NBA Countdown Live pregame show.  

Alex Rodriguez Interviews on Timberwolves vs. Bucks broadcast 

• TV Channel: ESPN 
• Time: Interview during Wolves vs. Bucks broadcast (9 PM CT start) 

Timberwolves minority owner Alex Rodriguez joins ESPN’s Mark Jones and Richard Jefferson live during Wolves vs. Bucks.

This article will be updated throughout the day with highlights and clips with the best moments.

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