Anthony Edwards is a name that constantly comes up when the next face of the NBA is being discussed. So much so that everything he does is directly referenced to the face of NBA tags. Thus, his lackluster effort during the All-Star weekend activities led to him being called out by Draymond Green.
Draymond Green was speaking on the subject on his podcast ‘The Draymond Green Show’ hosted by Volume Sports. While speaking about Anthony Edwards and his performance during the All-Star weekend Green said this;
A big deal on guys resumes is All-Star Game MVP. I don’t understand why a young Anthony Edwards wouldn’t want his name sketched in stone next to the likes of those guys.
Green added that Edwards’ approach to the All-Star weekend was disheartening;
So to play defense backwards, to shoot left-handed threes, I thought it was a little disheartening. A part of being the face of the NBA is also being a steward of the game. If Anthony Edwards is who I think he is, somebody needs to be teaching him that.
Draymond Green also emphasized that if Anthony Edwards wants to be the face of the NBA, he will be in direct partnership with the league. That requires a lot of effort from the player to play his part.
Green knows the Minnesota Timberwolves superstar may not like to be touted as the face of the NBA. Although nobody likes additional responsibilities, Edwards has a golden opportunity in his hands to take on the mantle.
“As the face of the NBA, you’re kinda in direct partnership with the NBA to continue to move this thing forward”
—@Money23Green tells us why he disagreed with how Anthony Edwards handled the All-Star Game pic.twitter.com/bdmTR85ph1
— The Volume (@TheVolumeSports) February 24, 2024
The face of the NBA has to put in a lot of extra work. It means to take the All-Star weekend seriously and put on a show. Such opportunities do not come to everyone.
Requirements to be the ‘face of the NBA’
The face of the NBA has to be incredibly talented on the court with a bright future. Then, they should have a personality the league can market as their best player. Some consider a scandal-free off-court and family situation to be a factor. Anthony Edwards has the first two in check. After a small dent in his personal life came out in public, Edwards maturely quietened the noise surrounding it.
Anthony Edwards’ lack of effort and general attitude of taking it easy at the All-Star weekend did not sit well with Draymond Green (Image via NBA All-Star/X)Draymond Green cited the examples of LeBron James and Stephen Curry as examples. James has been the face of the NBA since he came into the league. Curry also takes on additional responsibilities whenever required. Both have taken on the responsibilities with aplomb in their long careers.
Anthony Edwards has to take matters seriously if he wants to be the face of the NBA. And Draymond Green gave a compelling argument as to why he should aim for that tag, even if he may not like it.
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