Former NBA player Jay Williams raises doubts about Anthony Edwards being the face of the league

Anthony Edwards is one of the NBA’s most promising young stars. He is only 23 years old but already dominates the court. Averaging 27.6 points per game, he stands out as the only player under 23 ranked among the league’s top five scorers. Because of that, many fans and analysts call him the new face of the league. However, not everyone agrees with that idea. Former NBA player Jay Williams has pushed back on that idea, suggesting a different rising star might be more deserving of that title.

“All I wanna say is, how many times has Jayson Tatum been to the Eastern Conference Finals. How many times has Jayson Tatum been to the NBA Finals? Brother could win multiple championships, and we’re just going to give it to Ant [Edwards]? Because he has a personality?,” stated Jay Williams on First Take ESPN.

For many, Anthony Edwards still has plenty to prove. Jayson Tatum has already led the Boston Celtics to a NBA championship and two NBA Finals buiding a longer résumé. However, Edwards is still early in his career. While he has not yet taken the Minnesota Timberwolves on a deep playoff run, his talent is undeniable.

Some critics say it is too soon to call him the face of the league. However, his performance this season says otherwise. Edwards has stepped up in Minnesota’s toughest moments and embraced the spotlight. He shows all the signs of a star ready to lead. In the 2024-25 playoffs, he is averaging 26.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game. He also led the Timberwolves to a key win over LeBron James and the Lakers.

Jayson Tatum’s impact in the NBA remains widely underestimated. Since turning 21, he has earned regular All-Star selections. He often enters MVP conversations and leads the Boston Celtics as their franchise cornerstone. However, despite all this, people rarely include him in discussions about the face of the league.

Can the Minnesota Timberwolves reach the conference finals for the second straight season?

The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Los Angeles Lakers and secured extra rest before the Western Conference semifinals. They now await the winner between the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets. Regardless of the opponent, the next series will be more demanding. Both teams have shown more consistency and teamwork than the Lakers. Because of that, Minnesota will face a stronger collective challenge.

Even so, the Timberwolves’ progress as a team gives them hope. They aim to reach the conference finals for a second straight year. That would place them one step closer to winning the first championship in franchise history.

If they pull it off, Anthony Edwards could cement his legacy within the team as he has led the way throughout the postseason. Although the task is tough, labeling them underdogs again would be unfair. They have already proven they can rise to the occasion and make a real impact.