Anthony Edwards had a year to reconsider his position. After making it clear that he had no interest in becoming the next face of the NBA when LeBron James retires, Edwards was asked earlier …
earlier this month if he had changed his mind. It’s a fair question for a 24-year-old whose prefrontal cortex isn’t expected to be fully developed for another year or so. “Man, those folks got Wembanyama,” Edwards said before the All-Star Game.
“They got Wembanyama. They’ll be all right.” INGLEWOOD, CA – FEBRUARY 26: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the LA Clippers on February 26, 2026 at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE The problem was during the league’s signature event, Edwards’ star shined brightest of all of the superstars, on and off the court. He oozed charm, flashed his signature smile, made a room filled with reporters laugh as he fielded questions — and then was named MVP of the All-Star Game. It’s a surprising position for a superstar to take, one that would’ve been unheard of in previous generations. saying they were uninterested in becoming the face of the league? They were clamoring for the role. They stepped on people’s throats for it. While they publicly chased championships, they also made it obvious that they embraced all of the ego, aura, esteem and acclaim that comes with being Edwards isn’t the only younger superstar who has shown a blase attitude at times. After the now-31-year-old Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets to the 2023 championship, he was asked how he felt. Then, after celebrating with his teammates in the locker room, Jokic was asked if he was looking forward to the championship parade. There are famous images of Jordan, James and Bryant crying after leading their teams to the mountaintop. Jokic essentially yawned. Team USA star and pop singer 'having fun' as romance rumors swirl after Olympics go on to play the sport at the NCAA Division I level, and only 1.1% of those Division I athletes make the NBA. Considering those stats, taking for granted anything about playing in the NBA seems like a crime. And beyond that, not savoring winning championships or wanting to become the face of the league seems unfathomable. Sure, being the face of the league comes with an ugly underbelly. That larger-than-life superstar is under an intense magnifying glass, relentless scrutiny , endless pressure and unyielding criticism. Just ask James, who became the face of the league shortly after being selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Cavaliers in 2003. Ever since he was 18 years old, he couldn’t make a mistake. And he hasn’t. But when asked about the ceremonial role, he made it clear pressure wasn’t the toughest part of it. Rather, he pointed out that it has transformed into something different in recent years as the discourse around the game has degenerated from celebration into criticism. “Channing Frye said it … why do you want to be the face of a league when all the people that cover our game and talk about our game on a day-to-day basis s–t on everybody?” James asked a year ago. “When you have that responsibility, that’s just weird.” Feb 25, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic warms up before the game against the Boston Celtics at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn ImagesEven if being the face of the league has changed, what’s Jokic’s excuse for showing about as much excitement for winning a championship as a kid going back to school after summer break? It’s fair to wonder whether that’s a lovable personality quirk or if it’s disrespectful to the game. In fact, he has taken things to the extreme by insisting upon playing defense during the All-Star Game, single-handedly rejecting the tradition of sauntering down the court. But after the game, other stars such as Edwards credited him for helping inspire the most competitive game in years. whenever the 41-year-old James decides to retire. Each of them pours out their heart into the game every night. What would’ve been considered an anathema in years past is suddenly in vogue.
Sports Anthony Edwards California Nikola Jokic
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Best NBA Player Props Today for February 26: Ant goes marchingMy best NBA player prop predictions for Thursday, February 26, have NBA picks on Kon Knueppel, Marvin Bagley III, and Anthony Edwards.
Read more »
Adidas Released Fitting Anthony Edwards Ad After He Was Fined by NBAEdwards was handed a $25,000 fine for chucking a ball into the stands on Tuesday.
Read more »
Anthony Edwards Barks at Chris Finch After Hitting Dagger vs. ClippersEdwards' clutch three helped secure a sloppy win for the Wolves in Los Angeles.
Read more »
Short-handed Clippers can’t outlast Anthony Edwards, TimberwolvesThe Clippers, playing without Kawhi Leonard and John Collins, take a lead into the fourth quarter, but Edwards (31 points) buries a step-back 3-pointer with 42.9 seconds left to help Minnesota hold…
Read more »
Anthony Edwards y Timberwolves superan a Clippers mermadosAnthony Edwards anotó 31 puntos, Donte DiVincenzo sumó 18 y los enrachados Timberwolves de Minnesota vencieron el jueves 94-88 a los Clippers de Los Ángeles.
Read more »
Laila Edwards' Dad Thanks Kelce Brothers For Unforgettable Olympic ExperienceHometown heroes helping hometown heroes … that’s exactly what went down for Laila Edwards’ gold medal run.
Read more »