Anthony Edwards, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ star shooting guard, recently made some controversial comments that have sparked debate across the basketball community. In an interview, Edwards claimed that while the game might have been tougher in the past, players from those eras — except for Michael Jordan — lacked skill. His remarks quickly drew criticism, including a notable response from NBA Hall of Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson, who dismissed Edwards’ opinion by pointing out that he doesn’t engage with those who haven’t won a championship at any level.
Edwards’ comments were, at best, a reflection of youthful ignorance and, at worst, a disregard for the history of the sport that paved the way for players like him. By stating that only Michael Jordan had skill during that era, Edwards ignored the contributions of countless legends who defined the game in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Players like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Hakeem Olajuwon and many others were not only skilled but were also instrumental in shaping the modern game. These were players who excelled in individual talent and brought a level of basketball IQ, leadership and competitive spirit that elevated the NBA to new heights.
To claim that players from the ‘80s and ‘90s lacked skill is to overlook the fact that the game was played differently, with a greater emphasis on physicality, defense and team-oriented play. The rules of the game have changed over time, allowing for more freedom of movement and higher scoring, which naturally enhances the strengths of modern players. While today’s players may exhibit a wider range of individual skills due to the evolution of training and strategy, the players of previous eras mastered the game within the constraints and demands of their time.
The irony in Edwards’ statement is that he himself admitted to not having watched basketball from that era, yet felt confident enough to make generalizations about it. A kind of attitude that is not uncommon among younger fans and players who, having grown up in an era where the game is faster and more centered around individual skill sets, may not fully appreciate the different but equally demanding style of play that characterized earlier decades.
Edwards’ comments also highlight a broader issue within modern sports culture, where there is a tendency to diminish the achievements of past generations in favor of glorifying the present. This is particularly prevalent in basketball, where discussions often revolve around comparisons between eras, leading to a lack of appreciation for the historical context and the challenges faced by players of the past. Unlike other sports, where legends like Wayne Gretzky in hockey or Dan Marino in football are universally respected across generations, basketball often sees its history questioned or undervalued by those who are more focused on the current state of the game.
Anthony Edwards’ remarks about the skill level of players from previous generations were not only ignorant but also disrespectful to the legacy of the game of basketball. The backlash he received from fans, media and former players alike serves as a reminder that greatness in basketball is measured not just by individual talent, but by a respect for the game’s history and the achievements of those who laid the foundation.
