Patrick Beverly thinks Anthony Edwards can be the next Michael Jordan
Beverly feels Edwards can be one of the greatest
Trevor Ruszkowski and Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Through the past 25 years, we have seen so many young and talented players be labeled as the next Michael Jordan. The pressure being put on their shoulders was so big and unfair that it destroyed some guys like Harold Miner while others carved their own paths and careers like Kobe Bryant or LeBron James. There isn't a young guy that really gets the MJ comparison in today's game, but Patrick Beverly feels his teammate Anthony Edwards has got that potential.
The rising stardom of "Ant"
Although his career started with many question marks and subpar play, the #1 pick of the 2020 Draft made sure to prove his doubters wrong and prove he is the next big deal in not even two seasons. A character that considers himself an elite athlete that could dominate any sport, Edwards is a hilarious media personality with one of the flashiest games in the league.
A lot of people feared for his love of the game when he said in his college days that he plays basketball more because he's good at it rather than actually loving the game. But you couldn't tell it on the court by the way Edwards plays. Flashy and sky-high dunks on a nightly basis, a solid all-around game on both ends of the floor, and increased shooting ability -- 34,5% from deep on 8.5 attempts per game -- speaks volumes about his potential at only 20 years old.
His game is getting better by the day and playing a huge part in the resurgence of the Minnesota Timberwolves. The young core of him, KAT, D-Lo, and the veteran supporting cast will probably make the playoffs and finally bring some hope to the Wolves franchise.
Recommended Articles
Beverly compares Ant to MJ
One of the underrated keys to the success of the Wolves has been the addition of Patrick Beverly. The veteran guard, known for his defensive ability and crazy demeanor, has fitted in perfectly with the young stars, serving as that veteran presence and leader while averaging 9.1 ppg, 4.3 rpg, and 4.9 apg.
While talking with JJ Redick on his podcast, Beverly was asked his opinion on Anthony Edwards and his ceiling. The veteran point guard shared a pretty wild and ambitious expectation for his young star:
"Man, if I say this, you're gonna look at me like I'm crazy and I'm gonna put all this pressure on that kid, but I told him, man, you got a chance to be Michael Jordan, brother. You really do. I've been around a lot of them. The kid doesn't indulge in anything negative JJ, off the court, just all positivity..his talent level and skill level; it's crazy, man, he has a chance to be really, really, really special."
Patrick Beverly, The Old Man and the Three
You can definitely see the resemblance between Anthony and a young Michael, as they are two strong and athletic shooting guards with a rising outside game. It's not fair to put those kinds of expectations on Anthony Edwards, but knowing his ability, talent, and character, he will gladly take on the challenge and maybe even become one of the best.
Getting to Jordan's level might be too big of a task, but you can never count out some as ambitious and confident like 'Ant.'
