As the Timberwolves are getting ready to face the Nuggets tonight, many pray for victory for the former at Target Center. Every Wolves fan at home is hoping to see another Anthony Edwards mega-night. Amidst all this, one aspect continues to run rampant – the Michael Jordan comparisons. Despite the Ant-Man himself wanting it to stop and Stephen A. Smith getting somewhat offended that a 22-year-old would even consider that, they continue.

Now, Edwards has another NBA legend joining his cause (for good or bad). Charles Barkley pleads with America on this one. “America, please stop the Michael Jordan stuff. This guy’s had one good playoff run!” he stated. And when Shaq asked if he was at least close to MJ, ‘Sir Charles’ had just two words – “Hell, Nah!“. However, his analysis didn’t end there.

Hilariously enough, as far as the ‘Chuckster’ is concerned, the only similarity between the two is that “they both black.” But in all honesty, Barkley said that what they are watching now is the “ascension of a star.” Edwards is just 22 years old. Yet, he does everything that a hardened veteran does for his team. He is carrying the Minnesota Timberwolves on his back like a true champion and the greatest of the leaders.

Everybody knew that the Wolves were coming. No one expected them to reach all the way to the second round of the playoffs and give the defending champions a run for their money. Edwards even had Nikola Jokić run faster!

So much so that the ‘Joker’ imparted the crucial lesson he learned from his Game 3 win to Scott Van Pelt: “cross the half-court in 2-3 seconds!”. From a different viewpoint, the 11x All-Star’s comments could have also arisen from what the TWolves’ superstar himself said a few days earlier.

Ant-Man wants to be the first ‘Anthony Edwards’ and not the next Michael Jordan!

Every athlete, regardless of their field, dreams of being a legendary figure in their respective sport. Someone timeless. Like a Maradona or a Pele, Usain Bolt, or, in our case, MJ or Kobe. Of course, Bolt and Jordan are very much alive now, but they are what we call living legends. While it’s great to be compared to these iconic players, every athlete out there is always looking to leave a footprint that is uniquely them.

This seems to be what is driving Anthony Edwards, too. Although he appreciates the comments drawing attention to his similarity with the 6x champion, the Wolves’ franchise superstar is looking to be one of a kind. Not “like” MJ or the “next” Jordan. Rather, the first “Anthony Edwards”. The 2x All-Star revealed his wish, nay goal, ahead of Game 3 to Malika Andrews.

The 2020 No.1 pick provided a difference in “style” between himself and ‘His Airness’ – three-point shooting. Given how shooting threes was not in fashion during MJ’s Bulls’ era, the 10x scoring champion stuck to mid-range shots. He excelled in them, naturally. Had Jordan been playing now, Edwards might have had quite a tough time making such claims.

Even so, can we really fault a young, hungry, success-driven superstar, already shouldering the responsibilities of a franchise and dreams of every Minnesota fan to leave a legacy that is singular, distinctive, and unparalleled? We’ll leave that to you to ponder about.