Paul George has responded to Anthony Edwards’ recent controversial comments about Michael Jordan and the players of his era, adding his voice to the ongoing debate about the evolution of the NBA.
The debate over the differences between today’s NBA stars, like LeBron James, and the legends of yesteryear, such as Michael Jordan, has been a hot topic for years. Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards recently stirred the pot with remarks that were met with criticism from various corners of the basketball world.
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Edwards was asked to reflect on the contrast between past and present NBA eras. His blunt assessment was, “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.”
Paul George, discussing the matter on his podcast, *Podcast P*, with his father, Paul George Sr., expressed his disapproval of Edwards’ comments. “I thought it was kind of disrespectful to the game,” George remarked. “It was a very immature comment. Obviously, Anthony Edwards is super talented and has a bright future ahead. But the game has evolved significantly—you have to respect those who paved the way.”
Magic Johnson Responds to Edwards
Magic Johnson, another NBA legend, also weighed in on Edwards’ comments. Johnson took a firm stance, stating, “I just never respond to a guy who has never won a championship.” He further emphasized Edwards’ lack of major accolades, saying, “There’s really nothing to say. He didn’t win a college championship. I don’t even know if he won a high school championship.”
Kevin Garnett Offers His Perspective
Kevin Garnett, known for his intense and physical style of play, also joined the discussion. Garnett highlighted the differences in play style between eras, noting that modern techniques like the triple step-back wouldn’t have worked in the past. “If I’m being honest, bro, I don’t think anybody in this generation could have played like 20 years ago,” Garnett said on the latest episode of *Ticket & The Truth*. “Back then, you couldn’t pull off a triple step back. And if you shot that, it had to go in. You know why? Because we were all about efficiency back in the day, and it was so hard.”
As the debate continues, it’s evident that the contrasts between eras remain a sensitive topic among those who experienced them firsthand. The respect for past generations and their contributions to the game remains a crucial part of basketball’s rich history.