The NBA has long debated the differences between todayās generation, led by stars like LeBron James, and the previous one dominated by legends like Michael Jordan.
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards recently added fuel to that fire with sharp criticism that didnāt sit well with many in the basketball world. Now, Paul George has joined the chorus of players and former players responding to the āAnt-Man.ā
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Edwards was asked to compare the NBAās past and present eras. He bluntly stated, āI didnāt watch it back in the day, so I canāt speak on it. They say it was tougher back then than it is now, but I donāt think anybody had skill back then.ā
During a discussion on his podcast, Podcast P, with his father, Paul George Sr., George shared his thoughts on Edwardsā comments. āI thought it was kind of disrespectful to the game,ā George said. āIt was a very immature comment. Obviously, Anthony Edwards is super talented and has a bright future ahead. But the game has grown so muchāyou have to respect those who paved the wayā.
Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers is guarded by Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during a 118-100 Timberwolves win. Harry How/Getty Images
Magic Johnson claps back at Edwards
After Edwards claimed that Michael Jordan was the only āskilledā player from previous generations, NBA legend Magic Johnson didnāt hold back in his response.
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āI just never respond to a guy who has never won a championship,ā Johnson said, addressing the Timberwolves star. āThereās really nothing to say. He didnāt win a college championship. I donāt even know if he won a high school championship.ā
Kevin Garnett weighs in
Kevin Garnett, known for his physical play during his career, also chimed in on the debate. He emphasized that the modern style of play, with its emphasis on speed and three-point shooting, wouldnāt have worked in the past.
āIf Iām being honest, bro, I donāt think anybody in this generation could have played like 20 years ago,ā Garnett said on the latest episode of Ticket & The Truth. āBack then, you couldnāt pull off a triple step back. And if you shot that sā, it had to go in. You know why? Because we were all about efficiency back in the day, and it was so fāā hard.ā
As the debate rages on, itās clear that the differences between eras are deeply felt by those who played in them, and the respect for past generations remains a cornerstone of the gameās legacy.
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Anthony Edwards makes surprising revelation about Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant after Olympics final
