After finishing second for over three decades, Adidas basketball finally has a chance to get back at Nike. Thanks to Anthony Edwards, who is currently making waves in the basketball sneaker industry. Apart from his comparison to Michael Jordan, based on looks and balling skills, Ant-Man seems to also have a crack at the shoe business, just like MJ. However, the recent ad campaign from the Minnesota Timberwolves star strangely aligned with Kobe Bryant’s iconic ad.

Hours after the Wolves bit the dust after the Conference Finals loss, Adidas dropped the ‘This is only the beginning’ ad campaign. The ad featured Edwards interacting with his friend, who reads out the criticisms that he received from the NBA world. The 22-year-old hears all the criticism and then drops a banging comeback. “This is only the beginning. Cause I’m not who they think I am. I am better. Believe that,” Edwards says in the video, along with an explosive dunk.

Despite Edwards’ position in the NBA world as a spitting image of Michael Jordan, this ad campaign seemed to have some Kobe Bryant energy. It resembled the iconic 2016 Nike ad ‘The Conductor’ where the Lakers legend gives it back to his haters across the NBA franchises. The campaign turned out to be a smash hit as it acted as a lead-up to the Black Mamba’s retirement.

Then, Nike with the Jump Man logo still held its ground and hijacked the sneaker industry with over 58% market share. However, in today’s scenario, Ant-Man’s latest signature line, AE1, has become a breakout success. According to Minnesota’s Star Tribune, the latest sneaker line has achieved “soaring popularity” and is “already being compared to the boost Michael Jordan gave to Nike.”

Moreover, the 22-year-old guard has just completed his 4th season in the league. And has many more seasons to further make a dent in the sneaker world.

Will Anthony Edwards be the next face of the league?

A few hours ago, Anthony Edwards completed his first-ever deep playoff run in the league. He has already made a lot of noise in the league with an average of 27.6 points in the postseason. The 16 games that he played had a lot of drama with him showing signs of a superstar throughout. If not now, he definitely stands next in line to become the face of the league after LeBron James‘ retirement.

That being said, Anthony Edwards might have an opponent rising alongside him. It’s none other than the French big man Victor Wembanyama. The 20-year-old completed his freshman year in the league with a bang, winning the Rookie of the Year Award, along with a runner-up honor in the Defense Player of the Year category.

However, Ant-Man already won the one-on-one battle against Wemby off the court. The 7 ‘4 baller, who signed up with Nike, launched his first collaboration with the brand  G.T Hustle 2. Despite the massive success, Edwards’ success with his signature shoe line has definitely sidelined Wemby.

Stay tuned for more such updates. To follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.