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Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George recently fired back at Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards for his comments dismissing the talent level in Michael Jordan‘s era. In an interview on his podcast “Podcast P with Paul George”, the 11-time All-Star expressed his disapproval of Edwards’ remarks.
Edwards’ Controversial Take
Earlier this year, Anthony Edwards claimed that Michael Jordan was the only skilled player in his era, making headlines. The 23-year-old stated, “They say it was tougher back then than it is now, but I don’t think anybody had skill back then. [Michael Jordan] was the only one that really had skill, you know what I mean?” Edwards, who was born in 2001, admitted he didn’t watch games from Jordan’s era and believed the league was less talented compared to today’s NBA. His comments sparked outrage from fans and former players alike.
Paul George’s Scathing Response
Paul George, who has faced Edwards’ talent firsthand, did not hold back in criticizing the young guard’s perspective. George stated, “I thought it was kind of disrespectful to the game. I thought it was a very immature comment… How much the game has grown… You gotta pay dues to those dudes that did it before us.”
The 34-year-old emphasized the need to respect the pioneers of the game and acknowledge the evolution of basketball over the years. Paul George, who grew up watching classic NBA games, believes that the comments made by Anthony Edwards stem from a lack of knowledge about the league’s history.
The Generational Divide
Paul George’s reaction highlights the generational divide in how young players perceive past eras. Unlike Edwards, George had the opportunity to watch and appreciate the skills of legends like Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Michael Jordan. However, with the rise of streaming and social media, younger players may not have the same exposure to classic games and highlights.
Conclusion
Paul George’s strong words serve as a reminder to respect the game’s history and the contributions of past players. Although the NBA has undoubtedly evolved, icons like Michael Jordan continue to show skills and impact that no one can diminish. As the league continues to progress, it’s essential for players to acknowledge and appreciate the foundations laid by those who came before them.
