Paul George expressed his disapproval of recent comments made by Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, who suggested that Michael Jordan is the only NBA player from past eras with skill. George criticized Edwards’ remarks as “disrespectful” and “immature” during Monday’s episode of “Podcast P with Paul George.”
“I thought it was kind of disrespectful to the game. I thought it was a very immature comment,” said George, who currently plays for the Philadelphia 76ers. He acknowledged Edwards’ talent but emphasized the importance of respecting the history and evolution of the game. “Obviously, Anthony Edwards is super talented and is a huge talent going forward, but just how much the game has grown and how far (it’s come), you gotta pay dues to those dudes that did it before us.”
Edwards made his comments in an interview with Lane Florsheim of the Wall Street Journal, stating, “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.”
While George disagreed with Edwards’ viewpoint, he attempted to clarify the context behind the remarks. “I think his comment was more so geared towards … MJ is moving how guys in this era move today,” George explained. “I think that was kind of like where he was going with it, as far as the movement and the explosiveness, the athleticism, and being able to contort your body. Jordan was in a different (class) in terms of playing like that, how guys play today.”
Edwards, entering his fifth NBA season, averaged 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game during the 2023-24 campaign. Meanwhile, George is preparing for his 15th season and his first with the 76ers following a five-year stint with the Los Angeles Clippers.
