NBA – After Anthony Edwards’ Comments on Wembanyama, a Legend Speaks Out: “You Can’t Do That”
NBA superstar Anthony Edwards has stirred controversy with his recent remarks about Victor Wembanyama. Draymond Green and, most notably, Carmelo Anthony did not hesitate to respond bluntly to the American Olympic champion.
Who Will Be the Next Face of the NBA?
Like it or not, American fans and players must face the reality that the next face of the NBA is unlikely to be from the United States, as has been the case since the league’s inception.
Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Victor Wembanyama are among the top contenders for this title, with the latter being widely regarded as the frontrunner.
In fact, even young American stars seem to acknowledge this reality, including Anthony Edwards, who publicly admitted that the French phenom is destined to represent the NBA.
This statement naturally sparked debate among the league’s older American players.
Never one to hold back his opinion, Draymond Green quickly offered some advice to the Timberwolves star on his podcast.
Carmelo Anthony and Draymond Green Respond to Anthony Edwards
“He has the potential to be that kind of player in terms of basketball and talent. He has all of that. But to achieve it, he needs to keep elevating his game to another level, to take that next step. He also needs to improve in interviews, off the court, and in how he presents himself. That’s what I thought about when he said, ‘I don’t want to be that guy.’
I hope he understands the opportunity in front of him and realizes that there’s no going back. Once an opportunity is gone, it doesn’t come back. I just hope Ant-Man understands this and doesn’t make a decision at 23 that he’ll regret at 27, 28, or 29.”
For once, the four-time NBA champion showed a more supportive side.
Among the most promising American players of the new generation, Edwards could very well become the future face of the NBA.
However, he does not seem interested in the role, even if it means giving up the privileges that come with it.
This is despite already receiving significantly more media attention than his peers, which led Carmelo Anthony to call him out for hypocrisy:
“I love Ant, but you can’t run away from this, especially when everyone is trying to make you the face of the league. You can’t run from it. You can’t reject it and then be in four out of five commercials. You can’t do that.
You can’t say you don’t want it and then have Adidas, Sprite, and all these ads. You can’t reject it. You have to pick a side. Either you play the game, or you do your own thing. That’s what happens when you’re a superstar.”
Carmelo Anthony is among those who doubt that Victor Wembanyama can be the face of the NBA simply because he is an international player. However, if even American players believe he is destined for that role, then perhaps it is inevitable.
