In this NBA, which is characterized by aggressiveness, including matching legends of different generations against each other, Magic Johnson had to do some digging into his life again. The journey began with Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves stating that Michael Jordan was the only skilled player from the old-school era.
This did not go well with Magic Johnson (a three-time MVP and five-time NBA champ). In his interview with Stephen A. Smith, Magic Johnson expressed surprise and disgust for what Edwards mentioned here. He is known to be candid on and off the court; he said, “I never respond to a guy who’s never won a championship.
There’s not, nothing to really say. He didn’t win a college championship, I don’t even know if he won a high school championship.” Therefore, his unwillingness to engage with Edward’s point highlights what other NBA legends think about valuing game’s history as well as achievements.
Edwards, who has been talkative about how much he admires Jordan, appears to have wiped his mind off the many talented players that characterized that era. In the 80s and 90s, many makers like John Stockton and breakers such as Dennis Rodman changed the game in limitless manners.
These players, however, weren’t just scorers but did something on the court that affected games.
Edwards’ Controversial Remarks
Johnson is not alone in his critique. Eddie Johnson, formerly called Sixth Man of the Year, commented on this issue but straighter.
While praising Edwards’ conviction and ability to back up his assertions, he still chastised him for making statements designed to attract attention, which he compared to those of a young Charles Barkley. This critique addresses a broader problem in professional sports: balancing idolizing one’s icons and acknowledging everyone else involved.
Edwards’s comments make him look great, yet they unwittingly draw unhelpful comparisons. It only becomes a learning experience for the young Timberwolves star, who will have to be delicate enough while calling out history setters or showing them respect.
The conversation reminds one that there are subtle debates about players’ epochs and abilities in the NBA. It is normal for sportsmen to hold eminent personalities such as Jordan in high esteem, but they should also acknowledge the various skills of other players, which add more value to the history of basketball and teach moral lessons on being modest and honorable.
