A proficient scorer and now first-time All-Star, Anthony Edwards has undoubtedly more than earned his keep as an established NBA veteran. But while most might know the Minnesota Timberwolves star for his fun personality and hilarious soundbites, one of Edwards’ recent takes on the state of the NBA was a bit more serious.
During All-Star Weekend Media Day, Edwards was asked what he’d change about the current NBA. He didn’t mince his words: he’s not a fan of how many players treat rest and the now infamous “load management” during the regular season.
Mainly, aside from the competitive spirit, Edwards apparently thinks players don’t push themselves hard enough, which is a detriment for fans:
"All the guys sitting, resting. That's the only thing I probably don't like. Just play, man. If you 80%, you gotta play. I don't like all the sitting, missing games stuff. These people might have enough money to come to one game. And that might be the game pic.twitter.com/I4FhjPJnmY… https://t.co/umqf5hzyHn
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) February 19, 2023
I mean, he’s not entirely wrong, is he? Many NBA fans do pay a lot of money for games, and they might only be able to go to that one game Insert Big Name Player happened to sit out. Sure, there’s the idea of saving yourself for the spring and playoffs, but the long-term idea for people who love the league isn’t a great set-up.
Given the nature of Edwards’ harsh but reasonable comments, ESPN pieced together a rather interesting comparison. When it came to how Edwards thought of playing for the fans especially, his critique of the NBA was very similar to comments the late Kobe Bryant once made in 2019:
Anthony Edwards’ quote on load management was eerily similar to Kobe’s take in 2019 👀🐍 pic.twitter.com/ZRFIPoZQJX
— ESPN (@espn) February 20, 2023
Huh. It’s not a word-for-word quote, but Edwards’ thoughts seem to align with what Bryant once said. And when it comes to being an ambassador for the league that happens to want to win and play well simultaneously, Edwards is probably emulating the right person — whether he meant to or not.