Anthony Edwards, the young 23-year-old superstar has become one of the best players in basketball. In that course, he is currently the favorite to take on the face of the NBA tag. But his age and naivety showed when he suggested that current NBA players are more skilled compared to players of the past. That brought out some strong comments from past greats. Former NBA champions Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce decided to give their perspective.
The two were talking on their podcast, KG Certified when the topic of Edwards’ comments were brought up. After Pierce gave his opinion, Garnett said:
I don’t think anybody in this generation could have played like 20 years ago. Twenty years ago, bro, you couldn’t get to a triple step back. Let’s not talk about the physicality back then. Man, the levels in which you had to be not only strong enough but skilled enough to get by this [expletive] in front of you, you understand? They ain’t never seen a 6’7” Rodman guard you.
Kevin Garnett on KG Certified
Kevin Garnett was clear that the physicality of the years past does not exist in today’s game. In fact, the league has purposefully made the game easier to help players such as Edwards excel.
The former MVP was sure that the likes of Anthony Edwards would not be on a team back in the 90’s. In fact, he critiqued the skills used in today’s NBA. Those moves would not be possible with the hardnosed defense of yesteryears.
Kevin Garnett feels his former team Minnesota Timberwolves‘ newest star and his fellow current NBA players would struggle to get a shot off if someone like Dennis Rodman guarded them. That suggests that back in the day, they needed a different level of physicality and skill to play well.
Anthony Edwards is taking to boxing to improve his hand skills
The 90’s players had some unreal ability to use their hands in different ways to create separation. However, in today’s game, there is no hand-checking, so offensive players are not pulled back on their arms while scoring. But that does not mean it is easier to score. Defenders have found ways to limit arm movement, especially in close contact situations.
It seems Anthony Edwards knows about this defensive technique and wants to improve his hand skills. He was practicing boxing jabs with a trainer. Maybe that can help him handle players bigger than him. After all, the use of hands can make or break a player’s move work. Whether it’s on offense or defense.
As the 23-year-old does not mind contact, such training regimes could help him. He is looking to step up his game next season as the Minnesota Timberwolves star wants to go further in the playoffs.
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