Without question, Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers and Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves are some of the brightest young NBA stars today. However, one of them could be the talk of the town soon, especially if one of them becomes a champion at the season’s end.
First, there is Edwards. There is no question that the “Ant-Man” has been making waves in the NBA, but recognition as one of the top stars is still lacking. According to NBA legend Kevin Garnett, that should all change if the Timberwolves guard can lead his team to a title.
Advertisement
“I think that if Anthony Edwards is somehow, someway figures this out and be able to get Minnesota its first championship, I think it takes him to another…I think we start speaking on him in another light,” Garnett said about Edwards on “KG Certified.”
“The Big Ticket” offered the same take on Haliburton. Already impressed with the level of play of the 12th overall pick of the 2020 Draft, Tyrese could be ranked among the top stars if he managed to lead Indiana to the championship.
“Haliburton is not in that huge market. Edwards is not in that huge market either. But he’s so vibrant that, he’s top-tier. If anybody can come out of this on top, and let’s just say it’s Indiana, Haliburton becomes that deal,” KG pointed out.
Edwards and Haliburton earned rare recognition in 2024
Ironically, there is one thing that Anthony and Tyrese share that most may have overlooked. Both were part of the 2024 USMNT that won the gold in the Paris Olympics, being the only players retained from the disappointing squad that finished fourth in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Advertisement
Considering the U.S. team had LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant in the lead, most overlooked these two young stars. However, it was a testament that their skills were recognized, and now they are showing why.
Haliburton has come into his own with the Pacers, a prominent figure for the team thus far. He has been the spark for Rick Carlisle thus far, and if Hali and the Pacers stay the course, they could be representing the Eastern Conference in the Finals.
So far, the Pacers hold a 2-1 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals over the New York Knicks. Take note that those two wins were collared at Madison Square Garden, and two more victories would push them to the grand stage.
“Ant-Man’s” chances are dimming out West
Sadly, the same cannot be said for Edwards and the Timberwolves. They dropped their first two assignments to the surging Oklahoma City Thunder but managed to take Game 3 to avoid a huge hole.
Advertisement
After a dismal Game 1, Ant made up for his poor performance with a couple of 30+ games. However, with his teammates failing to step up or provide support, the top pick of the 2020 Draft will have to do more to push the T-Wolves to the finals.
Although nothing is set, seeing a final featuring the Pacers and the Timberwolves would be something special and unexpected. It would be a battle featuring some of the top American young stars of today, something that would catapult their respective basketball careers to the next level.