Anthony Edwards: The New Star Rising in Team USA?
In a dramatic turn of occasions, the spotlight has shifted from pro NBA stars to a younger, dynamic player making waves in Team USA. Anthony Edwards, the 23-12 months-old growing superstar, has caught the eye of lovers and critics alike, with some even suggesting he should take mins far from installed players like Jayson Tatum. The debate intensified after the first sport of the match, where Tatum turned into noticeably benched against Serbia, leaving many to impeach Coach Steve Kerr’s decision-making.
Jayson Tatum, the 2024 NBA champion and cornerstone of the Boston Celtics, treated his benching with grace, but his disappointment become palpable. “The competitor in you wants to play, obviously. But I’m not here to make a story, making it about myself,” Tatum stated, displaying his professionalism. Despite his fantastic attitude, the selection to bench this kind of pivotal player raised eyebrows.
Enter Kendrick Perkins, former Celtics champion and current ESPN analyst, who added fuel to the fire with his comments on the Road Trippin’ Podcast. Perkins, known for his candid opinions, praised Edwards’s relentless drive and suggested he deserves more playing time, even at the expense of veterans like Tatum. “Look, Anthony Edwards would not be denied! Everybody be wondering if Jayson Tatum gonna get minutes. Who’s going to get minutes and who’s going to get shots is Anthony Edwards,” Perkins stated emphatically. He highlighted Edwards’s aggressive style of play, which he attributes to the encouragement from top players like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry.
Jayson Tatum
Perkins’s endorsement of Edwards over Tatum did no longer sit down well with Boston enthusiasts. Given Perkins’s history with the Celtics, his obvious preference for a rival crew’s player over their very own celeb felt like a betrayal. Yet, Perkins stood firm, emphasizing that Edwards’s overall performance at the courtroom justified his praise.
But is Perkins right? Let’s delve into the data.
Anthony Edwards: Rising to the Occasion
Edwards’s overall performance has been not anything brief of staggering. As Team USA’s leading scorer, he has proven his ability to supply below strain. Coach Steve Kerr himself mentioned Edwards’s scoring prowess. “Anthony can score anytime in any situation. The benefit of having a guy like that is, in a tight situation, you need a shot, you know he can get one… We’re trying to help him take another step. You saw Saturday the talent is overwhelming and as he continues to learn how to use it and be efficient in his play, he’ll be unguardable”.
Kevin Durant, another luminary in the NBA, has also spoken highly of Edwards. Durant noted the young player’s mental approach to the game and his defensive tenacity, traits that set him apart from many of his peers. “He approaches the game almost the same way mentally, wanting to be the best he can be every day. Defensively, I think that’s what separates him, puts him in that class of great players already is that he locks in on the defensive side of the ball. Nah, I can’t teach somebody that good anything!”
LeBron James, a veteran known for his exceptional playmaking skills, has expressed his trust in Edwards. James’s willingness to pass to Edwards and confidence in his shot-making ability underscore the young star’s growing influence on the team. “He [James] loves to pass it to me. I love to catch it and shoot it. I told him, ‘If you’ve got no shot, I’ll find one,’” Edwards said after their victory over Puerto Rico, highlighting their effective partnership.
Even Carmelo Anthony, a legendary figure in Olympic basketball, has weighed in, suggesting Edwards could be the next face of the league over Tatum. “He won. He’s successful,” Melo said of Tatum. “[Yet] The reason why we put Anthony Edwards there is because of his aura. If JT had that aura, it’s over.”