Move over, MJ and LeBron, Anthony Edwards says his basketball GOAT is someone else.
The rising Minnesota Timberwolves star made the surprise declaration during an interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, where he didn’t hesitate when asked who tops his all-time list.
“My GOAT? This gonna sound crazy, but Kevin Durant,” Edwards said.
“I’ve always just been a fan, watching him play as a kid… He’s the first seven-footer I’ve seen putting the ball on the floor and scoring off the dribble. I’ve always been a big fan.”
Durant Over MJ? Edwards Stands Firm
While the NBA world continues to debate the usual names, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Edwards is sticking with the player he grew up idolizing. At just six years old when Durant made his NBA debut in 2007, Edwards has watched KD’s entire career from fan to fellow All-Star.
Earlier this year at All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis, Edwards told Chris Haynes of TNT:
“Durant is my favorite player of all time, of course. Just being around him is super cool.”
Now in his fourth NBA season, the 22-year-old guard is averaging 26.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game while leading the Timberwolves into serious playoff contention. Durant, meanwhile, is still dominant at 35, averaging 28.1 points in his 16th season with the Phoenix Suns.
Best in the NBA? “Me,” Says Edwards
In the same ESPN interview, Edwards made headlines with his unshakable self-belief.
Q: Who’s the best player in the NBA?
A: Me.
And when asked who’s second?
“KAT,” Edwards said, giving props to his teammate Karl-Anthony Towns.
On the MJ Comparisons: “I Love It… They Not Wrong”
Edwards has drawn comparisons to Michael Jordan from analysts like Stephen A. Smith, Kendrick Perkins, and Kevin Garnett, and while he’s humbled by it, he’s keeping things in perspective.
“How would I look denying it? But I don’t want to be compared to somebody of such caliber. I haven’t done anything on his level yet,” he said.
“But I love it. They got faith in me… they not wrong.”
Face of the NBA? Edwards Says He’s Focused on Winning
Despite the hype, Edwards insists he’s not chasing titles like “Face of the League.”
“I never really think about it that way. I just go out there and try to compete every night at a high level. If it comes, it comes.”
