Former Laker who played against Jordan says Anthony Edwards is even stronger and more explosive

Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards has stolen the show for much of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, and the more he ascends, the more he’s being compared to Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan.

Two-time Los Angeles Lakers champion Mychal Thompson is one of the latest NBA personalities to comment on the matter.

Thompson, who played against Jordan in the NBA, thinks that Edwards, 22, is currently stronger and more explosive than Jordan was at the same age.

Edwards, for his part, wants the Jordan comparisons to stop.

“I want it to stop,” Edwards told Fox Sports. “He’s the greatest of all time. I can’t be compared to him.”

But in all likelihood, the comparisons are going to continue, as Edwards’ style of play and persona remind many folks of the Bulls legend.

Thanks in large part to Edwards, the Timberwolves have the Western Conference on notice this postseason.

Minnesota swept a talented Phoenix Suns team in the first round and now has the defending champion Denver Nuggets on the ropes in the second round, with the Wolves up 2-0 after two games in Denver.

Edwards has been magnificent along the way. In six playoff games this year, he has averaged 32.3 points, 6.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game while shooting 54.7 percent from the field and 41.9 percent from beyond the arc.

Some folks think Edwards is on his way to becoming the face of the league. He may still have some work ahead of him to get there, but if he were to help his squad reach and maybe even win the NBA Finals this season, his stock would certainly skyrocket.

Jordan, of course, was the face of the league for many years. He retired as a six-time NBA champion, 10-time scoring champion and five-time MVP.

If Edwards ever wants to reach those heights, he’s going to have to put together a long, unforgettable career, but right now, he’s likely just focused on helping Minnesota take care of business against Denver.

The two teams will meet for Game 3 of their series on Friday. Game 4 will take place on Sunday. A scenario exists in which the Wolves take care of business at home in both games and have the series wrapped up by the end of the weekend.

That may be a tall task, but with Edwards leading the way, Minnesota seems capable of anything.