A single statement caused a wild outrage from an entire generation. Anthony Edwards was seen as pompous when he said apart from Michael Jordan, no other player in his era was ‘skilled’. Knowing the diverse history of the NBA, painted with vivid talents in every era, the statement was inconsiderate. So much so that even modern-day stars stood against Ant. They had watched these 90s savants and probably shaped their game after some of their heroes.

Maybe the Timberwolves star never studied the game in as much detail. But a junkie such as DeMar DeRozan didn’t take his stance lightly. Appearing on Paul George’s podcast, he called out the steadfast guard for his ‘disrespectful’ comments. While it didn’t change his perception of Edwards, Deebo did explain how the evolution of basketball is to be appreciated rather than diminished.

“By far, but even some like that, we never would have made any statement like that. You see what I’m saying? Regardless, at the end of the day, I respect every OG who ever played this game. This game was built on a foundation of taking steps from wherever it came from. I never discredit wherever the league was at 20 years ago, because it’s all about elevating… But if you look at it back then, those guys still were incredible. They still was,” the Kings SG said on Podcast P.

George was a bit more forgiving. He tried to read between the lines and thought Anthony Edwards was speaking about the dramatic increase in athleticism and not necessarily skill. But even then, the dynamic forward called it a “bad take”.

In just one year, Edwards gained tremendous fame due to his charisma and confidence. The comparisons to Jordan, a mind-blowing postseason run, and his Olympic conquests might have been influential in his comments. Remember, he is yet to mature and study the game deeply as he currently enjoys the concentrated spotlight coming his way.

His opinion did come off as naive. Even then, disregarding an entire era of basketball, especially those that contributed significantly to the growth and prosperity of the game, was out of order. This could severely affect how the NBA moves into the future.

Anthony Edwards and the new generation’s disregard could hurt the NBA

Given his infectious allure, Edwards’ charisma saw many NBA legends claim him to be the next ‘face’ of the NBA. Judging from what he delivers, Ant has the key qualities needed to trampoline into a global sensation. He has brimming self-confidence and a thirst to win, and his mannerisms appeal to the audience. However, as humourous and likable as he has been, such comments can hurt the league.

From a global standpoint, the NBA only earns 15% of its revenue from outside the US. Due to its non-flexibility for tip-off timings, the league hasn’t fully grasped its global outreach which was brought forth by Long Game. Their entire profitability depends upon the USA audience’s perception of their marquee names.

Curry is loved, LeBron James has millions of fans and Jordan was an icon through and through. Anthony Edwards does ride the same boat. But when he attacks an entire generation of basketball, he doesn’t just upset a bunch of legends, but along with them their millions of fans. It could drastically affect the league’s viewership within the country if Ant and other young pillars follow suit.

There is a need to be careful when speaking about those who built the stage. Edwards, while he could be a beacon for unprecedented growth, might also demolish it if he doesn’t alter his mentality.