In a recent exchange that has caught the attention of the basketball world, NBA legend Magic Johnson did not mince words in his response to Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards.
The controversy began when Edwards made remarks about the skill level of players from the 1980s and 1990s, suggesting that Michael Jordan was the only player with real skill during that era.
Edwards, in an interview with the Wall Street Journal, stated,
“I didn’t watch it back in the day, so I can’t speak on it. They say it was tougher back then than it is now, but I don’t think anybody had skill back then. [Michael Jordan] was the only one that really had skill, you know what I mean?”.
These comments did not sit well with many former NBA players, including Magic Johnson. Johnson, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, responded strongly during a live event.
“I never respond to a guy who’s never won a championship… He didn’t win a college championship, I don’t even know if he won a high school championship,” Johnson said.
Magic Johnson’s response to Anthony Edwards comments:
“I never respond to a guy who’s never won a championship… He didn’t win a college championship, I don’t even know if he won a high school championship.” pic.twitter.com/y99AaLHv1a
— NBA Retweet (@RTNBA) August 25, 2024
Johnson’s response highlights the pride and respect that players from his era have for their accomplishments and the level of competition they faced. Johnson himself boasts an impressive resume, including five NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and an NCAA championship with Michigan State. His comments underscore the importance of winning at the highest levels of the sport.
Edwards, who is only 23 years old, has shown great potential in his young career. He won a state championship in high school and played a significant role in Team USA’s gold medal win at the Paris Olympics. However, he has yet to achieve the same level of success in the NBA as legends like Johnson and Jordan.
The exchange between Johnson and Edwards serves as a reminder of the generational differences in the NBA and the ongoing debate about the evolution of the game. While Edwards’ comments may have been intended to highlight the skill level of today’s players, they also sparked a conversation about the respect and recognition owed to the pioneers of the sport.
