Remember the time when people and certain media hailed Anthony Edwards as the next Michael Jordan? Back then too, Charles Barkley was quick to deny any such comparison. “Hell, Nah!” was the short answer from the Suns’ legend to defend his former best friend’s legacy. And amidst the generation debate, Chuck once again urged people to stop the comparison.

“This how full of sh** people in our business are Bill,” said Charles Barkley. He stated that the perception of the media and the industry he is working in keeps changing during the playoffs. “The week before Michael Jordan is reincarnated when Anthony when they were sweeping the Suns. He’s dunking on KD and everything they like this guy Anthony Edwards. ‘Yo man, please stop. I love Anthony Edwards; he’s not freaking Michael Jordan. Please stop, please stop,‘” said Barkley on the Bill Simmons Podcast.

Further, he also shared the example of Luka Doncic and the bias against him. When the Mavericks beat the Wolves, the focus changed towards Doncic being the next player. But once they were beaten by the Celtics, the Slovenian’s defensive capabilities were questioned. Once again, stating that he dislikes the media industry even though he announced he was staying with TNT.

“That’s the thing I hate about our business, man. There’s a lot of guys out there; would they turn quickly? Luka Doncic is the only reason they were in the final period.“

Anthony Edwards is just 23 years old and led his team for minutes, points, and steals. In his 3rd playoff campaign, he averaged 27.6 points, 7.0 rebounds 6.5 assists, and 1.5 steals. Being self-aware, the Wolves star negated any talks of him being heir to MJ’s throne.

Just like Charles Barkley, Ant-man doesn’t like the comparisons to MJ yet

As it turns out, Charles Barkley was not the only person to think that comparing Edwards to Jordan could wait a few more years. Speaking to ESPN’s Malika Andrews during an interview, Edwards candidly denied the comparisons.”How would I look denying it? But I don’t wanna be compared with somebody of such caliber, I mean, I haven’t did anything on his level yet.”

But he was grateful for the faith that people had shown, for the comparisons to even start. After sweeping the Suns they beat the former champions Nuggets 4-3 and reached the Western Conference Finals.
It was the first time in 20 years that Minnesota advanced to the Western Conference finals. ANT’s athleticism and his ability to finish the game when he’s around the rim, or rather his desire and love for basketball, his passion, were all seen in Michael Jordan. But just like Charles Barkley said, the comparisons can wait a few more years.