LA Clippers fans know as well as anyone how interesting basketball discourse can get when it comes to different NBA eras. Seemingly everyone has an opinion on this matter, and that does not exclude Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards.
Recently asked by the Wall Street Journal about how his era of basketball differs from past eras, Edwards had much to say. "I didn't watch it back in the day, so I can’t speak on it," he said. "They say it was tougher back then than it is now, but I don't think anybody had skill back then. was the only one that really had skill, you know what I mean? So that’s why when they saw Kobe , they were like, 'Oh, my God.' But now everybody has skill."
Now, this is obviously a bold and questionable statement from the young stud. Saying that Michael Jordan was the only skilled player of a generation is quite a reach. Ant's words led to plenty of backlash from others around the NBA community, including Clippers legend Jamal Crawford.
Jamal Crawford hit the nail on the head in response to Anthony Edwards
After being asked by a fan on X about Edwards' statement, Crawford gave his thoughts. "I got love for Ant," he said. "Love everything about him. But there was wayyyy more skilled players besides Jordan lol." Of course, this is spot on. Michael Jordan being the best player of the 90s is far from an indictment on his competition.
Crawford continued. "On another note, a bigger conversation should be how it’s been such a 'this or that' culture. Driven by media and social media. That now in this time period - people are questioning legends and pioneers of the game . It’s one of the wackest things out right now..."
This is an excellent way of continuing the conversation by the former Clippers guard, and I believe Jamal hits the nail on the head. The current trendy way of getting attention is by bashing one player to build another up, and disrespecting the legends who paved the way for current players. Frankly, it is ridiculous.
No other major sports see their all-time greats consistently disregarded the way past NBA players are. Clippers fans can be proud of Crawford for sticking up for the truth, for the history of the game and the greats of by-gone eras, all things that true basketball fans should remain appreciators of.