Anthony Edwards is one of the most exciting NBA players today. However, his recent social media comments have garnered a reaction from Magic Johnson. Edwards has basketball fans and analysts debating his stance regarding Michael Jordan as the only skilled player during the old league era. In response, Johnson wanted to make his position on the matter clear.
During a live event with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, the Lakers legend sounded annoyed by the Timberwolves star’s words. Johnson cemented his status as one of the NBA’s all-time greats during the 1980s.
User Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod shared magic Johnson’s comments on X.
“I never respond to a guy who’s never won a championship,” Johnson said. “He didn’t win a college championship. I don’t even know if he won a high school championship.”
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Johnson finished his professional career with five NBA Championships, three MVP awards, three finals MVPs and one NCAA title.
Despite Edwards’ statement that previous NBA generations had no skilled players besides Michael Jordan, Johnson’s critique highlighted Ant’s lack of accolades. Johnson felt it wasn’t worth his time to comment directly on the Timberwolves guard.
Magic Johnson named three players he sees thriving in his NBA era
During his appearance at The Breakfast Club in 2014, Magic Johnson named Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Kevin Garnett as the athletes who could translate their games into his era of professional basketball.
“I think that Kobe and LeBron [could play in our era] for sure,” Johnson said. Garnett, with his toughness, he would have been able to play [too]. We would have made those dudes a little tougher. [LeBron] would have been on the floor, no question about it. … Kobe already got that tough mind attitude so he would fight right in …”
He argued that he and his peers would have brought out another level in the three players to compliment their excellent skill sets and winning mentalities.
A level of physicality was allowed in Magic Johnson’s era that is a far cry from the contact allowed in the modern era.