Stephen A. Smith reveals that he changed his mind about Anthony Edwards being the modern-day Michael Jordan: “I saw him resign himself to the circumstances” originally appeared on Basketball Network.
The Minnesota Timberwolves find themselves at a critical juncture after back-to-back Western Conference Finals losses. Chris Finch and his crew failed to go beyond five games, whether it was against the Mavericks in 2024 or the Thunder in 2025. This serves as a serious wake-up call.
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Facing maximum heat for consecutive exits is Anthony Edwards, who appeared helpless against OKC’s double-team strategy employed on him. The T-Wolves guard had 19 points on 38.9 percent shooting in a must-win Game Five and was 1-for-7 from the 3-point line.
Going into the 2025 WCF, there were high expectations from Ant-Man, given the narrative of him sending superstars like Kevin Durant and LeBron James home in the playoffs. The 23-year-old’s outspoken ways and boastful personality may have painted a target on his back.
Recently, appearing on the “PBD Podcast,” Stephen A. Smith was asked about Edwards being the Michael Jordan of the new era, to which he responded with the following.
“I changed my mind,” Smith told Patrick Bet-David. He further added, “Talent-wise, he is. When I saw him resign himself to the circumstances in Game Five, it changed my mind. It reminded me of Michael Jordan. I remember when Pat Riley with the Knicks would take a 250 lbs Anthony Mason and put him on Michael Jordan, who knew dribbling the ball out front, top of the key, that kind of area, and stuff like that made it easier for him to be guarded because he ain’t playing with his back to the basket. So you can guard him and anticipate what direction he’s going,” highlighted the ESPN veteran, further adding how “Air Jordan” got stronger, developed a post-up jumper and made his mid range game top tier.
How Jordan overpowered Mason’s physicality
Standing at 6’8,” the late Anthony Mason was a physical specimen. Known for his aggressive and tenacious approach on defense, the Tenessee State product had his most notable years playing under Coach Pat Riley for the New York Knicks. His ability to intimidate the opponent and disrupt their offense made him a top prospect for guarding MJ.
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During their playoff matchups against the Bulls in the 90s, Coach Riley often assigned “Mase” the responsibility to guard Jordan. The Knicks forward did do an impressive job no doubt, But it wasn’t enough to curtail the offensive prowess of the six-time champion and Finals MVP. Acknowledging the defensive schemes thrown at him, MJ spent more time at the gym.
Jordan’s iconic post-up fadeaway jumper against Mason during the 1998 playoffs remains etched in history. Identifying the threat of being outmatched physically, the Bulls MVP mastered the mid-range game, especially his fadeway jumper.
SAS expected more fight from Ant-Man
While Smith still believes Edwards holds the potential to be the face of the league, the latter needs to show more fight. Ant-Man’s vulnerability against double teams is visible. The three-time All-Star has expressed his frustration about the same in the past as well.
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Talking about the Wolves, Stephen A. highlighted the lack of adjustments from Coach Finch and none of Ant-Man’s teammates stepping up.
“You know the Minnesota Timberwolves was postseason low of anybody, 32 percent from the field in pull-ups. The minute you chase them off the 3-point line and you force them to pull up off the dribble they don’t make it. Naz Reid, Jaden McDaniels, Mike Conley Jr., they’re set shooters. They’re not shooters off the dribble,” mentioned the 57-year-old.
With a long summer ahead and free agency around the corner, Minnesota may need to go back to the drawing board. As for Edwards, the 6’4″ guard will need to adopt diverse scoring methods and not merely fluctuate between drives to the rim and the 3-point shot.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.