If a discussion on the famous “it was better before” exists in many cultural domains, it is very present in the world of the NBA. Some old players defend their era and believe that young players evolve in a league that is “easier” and less physically tough. On the other hand, the new generations consider themselves to be at the forefront of basketball. This is the option taken by Anthony Edwards.
“I wasn't watching at the time so I can't say anything.”, does it begin. “They say it was harder in their day than it is now, but I don't think there was that much talent. Michael Jordan was the only one with the big skills, if you know what I mean. That's why they were impressed by Kobe Bryant. Because now, everybody's got talent.”
While Anthony Edwards tempers his argument by explaining that he didn't watch basketball when he was younger, his opinion deserves reflection – even if it's an endless debate. In 2023, Damian Lillard had for example, even if they criticized the attitude of the young wolves, assured that “Players more talented than ever” arrived in the NBA.
A speech already given by LeBron James
The Minnesota guard's opinion – on a generally more important talent now than before – is somewhat similar to that of LeBron James, expressed in 2016. The “King” was reacting to the many criticisms of older generations on the league which was then shifting, under the impetus of Stephen Curry and the Warriors, more and more towards the 3-point shot.
“Listen, if you know players who can't play at a high level, let them know. But when we talk about Kevin Durant, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Stephen Curry or James Harden, seriously, we're doing our job,” listed the MVP of the 2024 Olympics. “And we do it to keep this game beautiful. At the end of the day, we don’t let those critics affect us because they paved the way for us. We had Tim Duncan, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett… They paved the way for us. D-Wade, Melo, CP3 and I did it for Steph, Klay and that whole generation, and now they’re doing it for the younger generation.”
| Anthony Edwards | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | LF | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2020-21 | MIN | 72 | 32 | 41.7 | 32.9 | 77.6 | 0.8 | 3.9 | 4.7 | 2.9 | 1.8 | 1.1 | 2.2 | 0.5 | 19.3 |
| 2021-22 | MIN | 72 | 34 | 44.1 | 35.7 | 78.6 | 0.9 | 3.9 | 4.8 | 3.8 | 2.3 | 1.5 | 2.6 | 0.6 | 21.3 |
| 2022-23 | MIN | 79 | 36 | 45.9 | 36.9 | 75.6 | 0.6 | 5.2 | 5.8 | 4.4 | 2.4 | 1.6 | 3.3 | 0.7 | 24.6 |
| 2023-24 | MIN | 79 | 35 | 46.1 | 35.7 | 83.6 | 0.7 | 4.8 | 5.4 | 5.1 | 1.8 | 1.3 | 3.1 | 0.5 | 25.9 |
| Total | 302 | 34 | 44.6 | 35.3 | 79.3 | 0.7 | 4.5 | 5.2 | 4.1 | 2.1 | 1.4 | 2.8 | 0.6 | 22.9 | |
How to read the stats? GM = Games Played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots Made / Shots Attempted; 3pts = 3-pointers / 3-pointers Attempted; LF = Free Throws Made / Free Throws Attempted; Off = Offensive Rebound; Def = Defensive Rebound; Tot = Total Rebounds; Pd = Assists; Fte: Personal Fouls; Int = Steals; Bp = Loose Balls; Ct: Blocks; Pts = Points.
