Anthony Edwards has often been compared to Michael Jordan throughout his career. With Edwards now averaging 32.1 points per game in the playoffs, these comparisons have intensified, prompting a strong reaction from NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley.
During an episode of Inside the NBA, Barkley expressed his frustration over the comparisons. “Please America, please stop the Michael Jordan stuff,” he said. “This guy has had one good playoff run. I think he’s going to be a great player and he’s a really nice kid. We’re rooting for him.”
Shaquille O’Neal asked Barkley if Edwards was even close to Jordan, to which Barkley emphatically responded, “Hell nah!”
Barkley, while a big fan of Edwards, believes the young player is not in the same league as the legendary Michael Jordan. He urged fans to appreciate Edwards for his own merits. “Close to who?” Barkley questioned. “They’re both black. He not close to Michael Jordan… I love Anthony Edwards, do not do that… Why can’t we just let people do their thing and watch them?”
Even though Edwards is averaging 32.1 points per game in the playoffs during his fourth season, it’s important to note that Jordan averaged 36.3 points in his fourth season and an astonishing 45.2 points in the first round. The comparisons are misplaced, and it’s time to let Anthony Edwards shine on his own terms.
