Michael Jordan rarely weighs in on comparisons between himself and today’s NBA stars. The six-time champion has spent most of his post-playing career carefully guarding his basketball legacy, doling out praise sparingly and keeping his opinions about the current generation largely to himself. That changed when it came to Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards.
Michael Jordan Praises Anthony Edwards’ Passion in Special Message
In 2024, FOX Sports’ Chris Broussard revealed that Jordan agreed that he sees similarities between his game and Edwards’ style of play, a co-sign that carries more weight than most. Now, a source close to Jordan has doubled down on the legend’s fondness for the Timberwolves guard.
Edwards, 24, has evolved from an explosive athlete into one of the league’s most devastating scorers, averaging a career-high 29.5 points per game while leading the Timberwolves to a 40-23 record in the Western Conference. Amid this fabulous season, Edwards took time out to sit for a special conversation with the legendary broadcaster Ahmad Rashad.
Rashad, one of Jordan’s closest friends since they met at Magic Johnson’s 1990 charity game, understood Jordan’s competitive edge better than most during his time covering the Bulls dynasty for NBC. During the interview, he revealed Jordan’s thoughts for the 2026 All-Star Game MVP.
“I talked to [Michael Jordan] yesterday about you,” Rashad said. “He said he loves [your] passion on both ends that you have. You need to continue improving on your game, accepting challenges and thriving. He knows that you’re the type of person who has that determination.”
AHMAD RASHAD to ANTHONY EDWARDS:
“I talked to MJ yesterday about you. He said he loves your passion… he said you need to continue improving on your game, accepting challenges, and thriving.” pic.twitter.com/XOITbnZbpu
— NBA (@NBA) March 7, 2026
Edwards nodded in agreement while revealing, “He [Jordan] came to the gym [during] my pre-draft workout.” Back in 2020, Jordan was the owner of the Charlotte Hornets, who had the third overall pick in that year’s draft. Edwards was selected first overall by the Timberwolves, so Jordan’s Hornets were not in a position to draft him. Despite that, Edwards’ showing up for his workout suggests that his talent was spotted early.
Edwards has done more than accept the comparison at a distance. He’s actively sought Jordan’s counsel. According to ESPN’s Mark Jones, Edwards reached out to Jordan for advice on how to handle the double-teams and traps. The conversation apparently worked. Edwards went on a tear after the discussion, averaging over 30 points while shooting 44% from three in his next stretch of games.
The connection runs deeper than occasional phone calls. Edwards’ trainer, Chris Hines, has made Jordan film a central part of Edwards’ development, sending him videos of Jordan “blacking out” in big games. Edwards admitted after a 44-point performance that Hines told him to channel that same intensity.
Edwards also revealed he picked up specific techniques from Jordan, including a post-up tip about using the upper back rather than the lower body to create space against defenders. That kind of detail reflects a young player genuinely studying the game rather than simply accepting comparisons as compliments.
The fact that Jordan has opened himself up to Edwards, offering advice and publicly acknowledging their stylistic similarities, speaks to something beyond a casual comparison.
Why Edwards Deflects Jordan Comparisons
Edwards has been vocal about wanting the Jordan comparisons to stop. He told Melissa Rohlin of FOX Sports that he wanted fans and media to pump the brakes, calling Jordan “the greatest of all time” and insisting he can’t be compared to someone who won six championships.
The resistance feels genuine. Edwards has carved out his own identity in the Timberwolves, leading the Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals in back-to-back seasons and establishing himself as the most entertaining player in the league. He recently passed Kobe Bryant for the second-most 40-point games by a shooting guard before age 25, trailing only Jordan on that list. He’s a four-time All-Star at 24.
Edwards doesn’t need the Jordan comparison to validate his career. He’s building something that stands on its own merits. But he’s also smart enough to learn from the greatest player ever when given the opportunity. That balance between confidence and curiosity might be the most Jordan-like quality Edwards possesses.
The Timberwolves sit firmly in a playoff position with 19 games remaining. Edwards has his eyes on a championship before turning 30, a goal he’s referenced repeatedly. Jordan won his first ring at 28. Edwards turns 25 in August.
The path is there. Whether Edwards walks it the same way Jordan did remains to be seen, but at least now he’s got the blueprint from the man who wrote it.
