Anthony Edwards, a rising star in the NBA, has made waves with his recent comments regarding the quality of basketball in different eras. Fresh off an Olympic gold medal and a standout season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he averaged 25.9 points per game, Edwards confidently stated that the current era of basketball is the best.
He has been instrumental in helping his team reach the Western Conference Finals, and they are expected to be strong contenders in the upcoming playoffs.
Edwards went further by challenging the common belief that basketball was tougher in the past, suggesting that players from earlier eras lacked the skills that are now prevalent in the game. He acknowledged Michael Jordan as the only player from the past who possessed the kind of skill seen in today’s players.
According to Edwards, the widespread skill level in the current NBA is why players like Kobe Bryant were initially seen as extraordinary, whereas now, skill is more evenly distributed among players.
Not everyone agrees with Edwards’ assessment, however. NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas responded to Edwards’ comments with caution, warning against the influence of propaganda and encouraging people to be careful about what they believe. Thomas’ response reflects the ongoing debate among basketball fans and players about which era truly represents the pinnacle of the sport.
Despite the controversy, Edwards remains firm in his beliefs. His strong performance on the court, highlighted by a career-high shooting percentage and assists in the 2023-24 season, underscores his confidence in the current state of the NBA. While the debate over the best era of basketball will likely continue, Edwards has clearly stated his position, contributing to a discussion that shows no signs of ending soon.
