SUMMARY
- The comparisons between Anthony Edwards and Michael Jordan continue to grow.
- Shaq wants Edwards to form his own identity instead of living under the shadows of Jordan.
Shaquille O’Neal decided to make his perspective on the comparisons between Anthony Edwards and Michael Jordan clear. Almost all NBA fans should be aware that Shaq is a former superstar who retired several years ago. He still remains relevant to the basketball community due to his impact on the sport as well as becoming a part of ESPN’s cast and starting his own podcast.
Some fans will also know that the Minnesota Timberwolves has a great deal of success this season largely due to the elite play put on display by Anthony Edwards. His highlights have led fans to draw numerous comparisons between Ant and Michael Jordan. While one would assume that Edwards would embrace and encourage these connections, Shaq opines that Ant should do the complete opposite.
Shaquille O’Neal urges Anthony Edwards to establish his own identity
Fans who watched Michael Jordan in action during the 1990s will certainly be able to recall that the Chicago Bulls legend was widely recognized as a mythical figure who changed the very name and reputation of the league. Several of Jorda’s career highlights are considered iconic moments that players after him and attempted to imitate over the years.
While it is unclear if Ant held any similar notions, his impressive play this season earned comparisons to Jordan. Shaquille O’Neal discussed this on his podcast while urging Edwards to maintain his own identity.
“Forget MJ, you need to be Ant Edwards and I’m not telling him how to think but when I was coming in, especially as a guy who they always told wasn’t good enough but I tell them they start comparing names and I’m like fu*k everybody you gonna know my name.”
Perhaps O’Neal sees things better in contrast to the average fan. It would undoubtedly be in Ant’s favor to establish his own identity as opposed to attempting to follow in Michael Jordan’s steps. Be that as it may, one must wonder how these two players compare.
Comparing Edwards’ current statistics with Michael Jordan
Since Michael Jordan played in the NBA for 15 seasons, it would be unfair to compare his entire career stats to Edwards’. After all, Ant has barely been in the league for a few years. Considering that Edwards is now 22 years old, let us compare his stats this season to the numbers Jordan put up at the same age.