Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards insisted he would match up against Michael Jordan effectively if he played at the same time as the NBA legend.

On Tuesday, ESPN recreated the iconic Kevin Garnett-Randy Moss cover photo from 2000 as Edwards linked up with Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson. Like the duo before them, both Edwards and Jefferson are in an exciting period of their career, representing two of the best in their respective leagues and hailed as the modern saviors of their franchises.

Since entering the league as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Edwards has excelled. He is a two-time All-Star and was named to the All-NBA Second Team last season as he led the Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals, where they lost to Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks.

Thanks to his athleticism and piercing confidence, Edwards has drawn comparisons to a young Jordan. When asked about how he would fare in the more physically demanding NBA era of the 1990s, the 23-year-old backed himself.

“They gonna hate me again when I say this… I would’ve been the guy that could like match up with [Michael Jordan],” Edwards said. “I would have been that matchup. That would have been me. I would’ve been that guy that would’ve been guarding him, scoring back on him. I would’ve been that guy.”

Edwards has played four seasons in the NBA. At the end of his fourth year in the league, Jordan won his first MVP award, led the league in scoring for a second time, and received the Defensive Player of the Year award – becoming the first player to win both MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season in NBA history.

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Anthony Edwards helped Team USA win Olympic gold in Paris during the summer

Anthony Edwards helped Team USA win Olympic gold in Paris during the summer 

Image:

Getty Images)

Regardless, Edwards is a talent that cannot be ignored. His brash confidence often lands him in hot water with stars of the past, which was why he suggested “they gonna hate me again.”

Earlier this offseason, Garnett was joined by Isiah Thomas and Magic Johnson after Edwards claimed Jordan was the only player with skills during his era. Garnett – who won the MVP award with Minnesota before joining the Boston Celtics and winning a championship in 2008 – questioned whether Edwards and other modern players could deal with the physical game of past eras.

When confronted by this exchange during his sitdown with Jefferson, Edwards claimed players like Garnett could have played in any era but doubled down on his belief that the skill level in the NBA is significantly higher. He suggested today’s players would have enjoyed success against the previous generation, even with the heightened physicality.

After coming close to the NBA Finals, Edwards and the Timberwolves are looking to go a step further in 2024-25. Karl-Anthony Towns was traded to the New York Knicks, with Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo sent the other way as Edwards and co. reload and look to contend once again.

Edwards and the Timberwolves tip off their new season against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday, Oct. 22.