Comparing Anthony Edwards And Michael Jordan During Their First 4 Seasons

On the other hand, Michael Jordan (48-inch vertical leap) revolutionized the concept of athleticism in basketball during his early years in the NBA. His unparalleled hang time, gravity-defying dunks, and acrobatic finishes at the rim were something the league had never seen before. Jordan's combination of speed, agility, and leaping ability made him a spectacle on the court and set a new standard for athletic excellence in the NBA.

While it might be tempting to give the edge to Jordan based on his revolutionary impact and the awe-inspiring nature of his athleticism during his early years, Edwards' incredible moments and displays of athleticism make this category close to call. However, in the first four seasons, Michael Jordan won two Slam Dunk Contest titles while Anthony Edwards has yet to participate so we clearly have a winner in this category.

Winner: Michael Jordan

Defense

Anthony Edwards - 1.4 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 11.5 DWS

Michael Jordan - 2.8 SPG, 1.3 BPG, 15.2 DWS

Anthony Edwards is still in the early stages of his development as a defender. While he has shown flashes of potential with 1.4 steals per game, 0.6 blocks per game, and 11.5 DWS, he is not yet at the level of a natural defender like Jordan. Edwards is still learning the nuances of NBA defense, improving his positioning, and gaining experience that will help him become a more impactful defender in the future.

Jordan's defensive prowess was not just about statistics; it was about his ability to lock down opposing players, disrupt passing lanes, and make crucial defensive plays when it mattered most. His defensive intensity, combined with his athleticism and basketball IQ, made him a perennial All-Defensive Team selection (1987-88 All-Defensive First Team). Michael also won Defensive Player of the Year in 1987-88 when he posted 3.2 steals and 1.6 blocks per game. 

Jordan was a natural defender by his rookie season and gets a clear edge over Edwards, a player who is an offensive star but has not cracked the list of being a top-20 defender in the league by his fourth season.

Winner: Michael Jordan

Handles

Anthony Edwards has showcased a strong handle with an explosive crossover, allowing him to create separation from defenders and penetrate the lane. His ability to protect the ball and try to limit turnovers (2.8) has been a valuable asset for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Similarly, Michael Jordan was known for his exceptional ball-handling ability, agility, and quickness on the court. As he matured and gained more experience in the league, Jordan further refined his handles, making him even more difficult to defend. Despite averaging 3.3 turnovers per game in his early years, which is slightly more than Edwards, Jordan's overall ball-handling skills and ability to control the game were exceptional.

Winner: Even

Clutch

Anthony Edwards has displayed signs of being a dominant clutch player, making crucial shots and impactful plays on both ends of the court. His ability to rise to the occasion and deliver in key moments has been evident in his young career because he can score or even use his athleticism to block shots when the game is on the line.

On the other hand, Michael Jordan was a different beast when it came to clutch situations. From his rookie campaign, Jordan exuded an unmatched confidence and fearlessness in crunch time that made him one of the most feared players in the league. His killer instinct, combined with his unparalleled skill set and competitive fire, allowed him to thrive in pressure-packed situations and deliver game-winning performances consistently.

Winner: Michael Jordan

Leadership

Anthony Edwards has emerged as a key leader for the Minnesota Timberwolves, especially in his 4th season where he has taken on a primary role as the team's go-to player. His on-court performance, work ethic, and vocal presence have made him a respected figure within the organization and around the league. Edwards' potential to become the face of the NBA is a testament to his leadership qualities and ability to lead by example.

However, Michael Jordan's leadership abilities were evident from his rookie season and played a pivotal role in shaping the Chicago Bulls into a championship contender. Jordan's competitive spirit, work ethic, and commitment to excellence set the tone for his teammates and inspired them to elevate their games. His ability to lead by example, demand the best from his teammates, and make those around him better players solidified his status as one of the greatest leaders in sports history.

Winner: Michael Jordan

Basketball IQ

Anthony Edwards has shown a high offensive IQ, particularly in his scoring ability and understanding of offensive schemes. His knack for finding scoring opportunities and making the right plays on offense has been a key factor in his development as a young star in the league.

On the other hand, Michael Jordan excelled in multiple facets of the game from the outset of his NBA career. Beyond his scoring prowess, Jordan was a better rebounder, passer, and defender in his early years compared to Edwards. Jordan's ability to contribute in all aspects of the game, make his teammates better, and execute at a high level on both ends of the floor showcases his exceptional basketball IQ.

Winner: Michael Jordan

Impact

Anthony Edwards has emerged as a key player for the Minnesota Timberwolves, helping the team secure two playoff appearances during his tenure as the best player. However, both playoff runs ended with first-round exits, indicating that while Edwards has had a positive impact on the Timberwolves, he has yet to lead the team to significant postseason success.

On the other hand, Michael Jordan made an immediate impact upon entering the NBA and led the Chicago Bulls to four playoff appearances during his first four seasons. While the Bulls' deepest playoff run during this period was a second-round exit in the 1987-88 season, Jordan's individual statistics and overall impact on the team were undeniable.

Winner: Michael Jordan

Efficiency

Anthony Edwards - 55.8% True Shooting Percentage, 17.0 PER

Michael Jordan - 58.2% True Shooting Percentage, 29.1 PER

Anthony Edwards has shown significant improvement in his fourth season, establishing himself as a budding superstar. His TS% is over 55% which is extremely commendable, and he has a solid PER for a young player. While these numbers are commendable and indicative of his growth as a player, they are lower than Jordan's early career efficiency metrics.

Michael Jordan was a standout performer from his rookie season, showcasing remarkable efficiency with a True Shooting Percentage of 58.2% and an extraordinary PER of 29.1 over four seasons. Jordan's ability to score efficiently, make plays for his teammates, and impact the game on both ends of the floor set him apart as a transcendent talent and one of the most efficient players in NBA history.

Winner: Michael Jordan

1-On-1 Game

Anthony Edwards is an explosive athlete with a solid jumper, capable of making tough shots and creating scoring opportunities for himself. His ability to use his athleticism and skill set to break down defenders and create space for his shot has made him a formidable offensive threat in the NBA.

On the other hand, Michael Jordan's mastery of the one-on-one game was on another level. His unparalleled footwork, mid-range game, and ability to read and exploit defensive schemes allowed him to average more points per game and dominate opponents in one-on-one situations throughout his career.

Winner: Michael Jordan

Final Score

Michael Jordan vs. Anthony Edwards 10-0

Anthony Edwards Is Not Even Close To Michael Jordan

In comparing the first four seasons of Michael Jordan and Anthony Edwards, it becomes evident that Michael Jordan's early career was characterized by a level of dominance that few players in NBA history have achieved. With a score of 10-0 in the categories evaluated with two draws, Jordan showcased superior performance, skills, efficiency, and impact during his initial years in the league compared to Edwards.

While Anthony Edwards has demonstrated remarkable improvement and growth in his third and fourth seasons, establishing himself as a rising star and a potential future face of the NBA, he has not yet reached the level of early career excellence exhibited by Jordan. Edwards possesses the mentality, athleticism, and talent to potentially become a transcendent player in the league, but he did not start his career as strongly as Jordan did.

Jordan's superior statistics, well-rounded skill set that included rebounding, passing, and defense, and his significant impact on the success of the Chicago Bulls set him apart as a once-in-a-generation talent. His ability to dominate the game on both ends of the floor, elevate his teammates' performance, and deliver in clutch situations solidify his status as one of the greatest players in NBA history.