For Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, his recent playoff performances have done just that, drawing eyes from all corners of the basketball world, including those of esteemed coach Mike Krzyzewski. Speaking to CBS Sports, Coach K highlighted Edwards’ exponential growth under playoff pressure. As the NBA playoffs unfold, certain performances can elevate a player from a rising star to a basketball sensation.
“The emergence of Anthony Edwards, everyone knew he was really good, but the playoffs give opportunities for players to get to another level if they can get to another level,” said Krzyzewski. “That’s what has happened with Edwards. He shined. Not just shined but he has been amazing.”
Edwards’ impressive streak included scoring 40 points with seven 3-pointers in a game against the Suns, showcasing his potential to lead and dominate on the court. His prowess continued with a 43-point game against the defending champions in Denver, positioning the Timberwolves for a promising series lead.
Anthony Edwards: The Unfair Burden of Comparisons to Michael Jordan
However, with great performance comes great scrutiny, and for Edwards, this scrutiny has manifested in comparisons to none other than Michael Jordan. Coach K, who has a unique perspective having coached against a young Jordan and alongside him on the 1992 Dream Team, advised caution in these comparisons.
“People should just slow down comparisons,” Krzyzewski advised.
“Jordan is as good as anyone who has ever played, Anthony Edwards is 23 years old. Michael Jordan did it his entire career. Jordan is bigger and a little bit longer. But in this day and age, Edwards has a chance to be that perimeter superstar.”
Krzyzewski emphasizes the importance of time and consistency in evaluating a player’s legacy, suggesting that while Edwards has shown flashes of brilliance, endurance and sustained excellence are what truly define a player’s greatness.
Coach K’s Insight on the NBA’s Current Landscape
Aside from his views on Edwards, Coach K also shared his thoughts on the broader NBA landscape. He regards the Boston Celtics, led by his former player Jayson Tatum, as the clear favorites in the East. However, the Western Conference presents a more unpredictable scenario.
“He put together this team where there are two big guys, (Karl-Anthony) Towns and (Rudy) Gobert. That’s unusual in a league that has gone without centers,” Krzyzewski noted, commending Timberwolves president Tim Connelly on his team composition, which makes them strong contenders in the West.
Krzyzewski also acknowledged the impressive performance of the Denver Nuggets and the emerging strength of the Oklahoma City Thunder, making the West a highly competitive battleground.
Anthony Edwards when he sees Gobert check back in pic.twitter.com/cam9QtwjMy
— binness_stander (@realOGfr) May 13, 2024
A Legendary Coach’s Continued Impact Off the Court
Since retiring from Duke in 2022, Coach K has not slowed down. He remains involved with the NBA as a special adviser to basketball operations and continues his philanthropic efforts through the V Foundation for Cancer Research. In September, he will host the inaugural Chicago Epicurean, a culinary event to support cancer research, reflecting his ongoing commitment to making a difference beyond the basketball court.
“I’ve had an opportunity to coach great teams in college and for the United States, and being on the V Foundation is being on another great team,” Krzyzewski shared. “But the game we have to win is a long game and it requires commitment — daily commitment.”
As the NBA playoffs continue, the insights of Coach K remind us of the depth of talent in the league and the importance of patience in crafting a legacy. While the spotlight on Edwards grows brighter, the wisdom of seasoned figures like Krzyzewski provides a necessary perspective on the journey of a potentially great basketball career.
