‘JUST EMBRACE IT’ 🔊 Stephen A. reacts to Anthony Edwards shunning MJ comps | NBA Countdown

The NBA Countdown crew reacts to Anthony Edwards’ thoughts about comparisons to Michael Jordan, with Stephen A. Smith hoping that the Minnesota Timberwolves star will embrace it.
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[@mr.joshua6818]

No, he shouldn't embrace the comparisons and the Media needs to find a better way to make a paycheck.

[@TheStrawThatStirsTheDrink]

ESPN agenda is desperate for the next blk american hype. Tatum and Booker didnt materialize so they Hyping Ant as the "Next One" Ant the ESPN Plant, even though he has yet to achieve something.

[@Daveyjdigital]

Started with timberwolves fans 2020 and wont stop because he is that lvl

[@malcolm6107]

facts

[@Millicente]

Not embracing the comparison is just a kid's way of saying "no I wanna be the special snowflake." Being compared to the greatest or one of the greatest is 100% complimentary and if you dislike it because you feel it takes away from what you are, then you are missing the point and need to mature. If the comparison never stops, then it means you were never great enough to surpass the name with which you were compared

[@Jsztke]

nah embrace it. the only reason he can’t is the sue deal which even then makes you like well mj could’ve.

[@datsapaddlin]

They wanna build him up to break him down in debates in favor of MJ 😂. The Media ain’t slick

[@QuanBerry]

This is exactly what they are doing

[@TheStrawThatStirsTheDrink]

Forget that Ant hasn't achieved anything yet, ESPN agenda desperate for the next blk american hype to hold up against the Euros. Ant is simply saying "Let me do my work." Weve seen ESPN and SAS crown Book and Tatum before and when it didnt pan out, they were vicious.

[@2phonebabykeem913]

@@QuanBerryhe’s only 22 they gonna turn on him by the time he’s 25 i guarantee it edit: It’s already started 😭

[@datsapaddlin]

@@2phonebabykeem913 Oh if he starts winning that’s when the smear campaign will begin

[@Daveyjdigital]

​@@2phonebabykeem913 not a chance

[@matthewchristopher16]

Stephen A is the master of saying one thing then saying the same thing again but a completely different way to make it seem like he never said the first thing

[@kevothegoat9891]

Facts

[@thomascrowniii1693]

Let Anthony Edwards be Anthony Edwards because that's all he can be.

[@robluv4592]

Let fans be fans and compare

[@managed9348]

I like comparing him to MJ I’m happy with his game

[@quxncy9492]

@@robluv4592 he reminds me more of this guy Anthony Edwards

[@ThatDoesntWorkForMeBrother]

I know, right? SAS called Devin Booker as the second coming of Kobe Bryant and he hasn’t been the same player since. Let these players be themselves!

[@brandonwilliams9560]

Exactly. If they they know that he'll never be MJ than stop comparing him to Jordan. They want him to be like Michael Jordan and it's not going to happen.

[@Mr.Thomas_Anderson]

He’s telling SAS to shut up

[@og_mante5138]

He’s not embracing it because as soon as he fails once the same one’s making the comp gonna be tearing him down.

[@clipsforthepeople5554]

Exactly Anthony Edwards’s knows he likes when they compare him to mj but he knows deep down he’s not him and they will turn on him

[@kh23234]

You see with the media, nba players are in a lose-lose situation comparing them to legends who are one of a kind, There will be only one Anthony Edwards 💯

[@marvinwilliams7938]

They’re using the media as a tool to shape him as the next MJ for money. They need someone to replace Lebron with as the star of the nba.

[@mattkelly4945]

This is how media makes money, btw ANT MAN isn't that great. NBA players perform hot/cold ever year..

[@TheStrawThatStirsTheDrink]

He hasn't achieved anything yet worthy of the "Next one" label. ESPN just desperate for another Plant, Booker and Tatum hasn't materialized so now they hyping Ant. Ant the ESPN Plant.

[@MilkysRevenge]

@@mattkelly4945 saying he isnt that great is hater mentality

[@markozbunjol625]

Malika wants piece of Antman trust me, she wants. I know that she has boyfriend but if she wants more and bigger and harder, and if she wants became more famous, she knows she has to be with him. I hope so. Pray for Malika.

[@lonewulf97]

Dude SAS such a flip flopper

[@mercesletifer9553]

Jordan fantards will get angry to you

[@managed9348]

He’s good for ratings love his energy

[@bodilly6221]

I wanna see what he has to say about his sweep prediction. Anything Stephen A says just bet the opposite and you’ll be just fine.

[@fordifly1368]

At least let the man lead his team to a ring first.

[@htownblack9184]

Why we gotta wait they didn't wait for MJ to hype him up

[@samryan7837]

You clearly did not listen to what Stephen A said in the first minute

[@TheStrawThatStirsTheDrink]

Exactly,ESPN and SAS crowned Booker and Tatum prematurely and when it didn't pan out they were vicious. ESPN agenda looking for the next Plant to hold up against the Euros.

[@greatest599]

Mj was the best player the world had seen before he ever won a ring

[@markozbunjol625]

Malika wants piece of Antman trust me, she wants. I know that she has boyfriend but if she wants more and bigger and harder, and if she wants became more famous, she knows she has to be with him. I hope so. Pray for Malika.

[@htownblack9184]

He shouldn't accept it because yall gon be the same ones tearing him down

[@htownblack9184]

@@franklin8618 whatever

[@htownblack9184]

@@franklin8618 all good

[@SilverSkywalker]

Facts!!

[@user-dg1qz1wf7m]

Media is corny.... let Anthony Edwards be who he is, not who he isn't.

[@JK_073]

SAS mad he can’t glaze😂😂

[@bryonstevenson1084]

Exactly 😂😂😂😂😂😂 he was mad

[@bodilly6221]

He’s defensive because he felt AE was talking directly to him

[@JamesOlyGoldMVP]

Stephen A. is a serious hypocrite. You see how he trashed LeBron when Ham got fired. But supported Durant when Vogel was fired.

[@JohanLWill7_]

Trash

[@quentinjones6877]

He hasn't said anything bad about KD ever since his mom came on the show

[@campaignthomas9480]

How is he mad that he doesn’t want to be compared to M.J?! That’s insane! 😂

[@dreamcometru2012]

They want him to embrace it so they have great content if he falls short

[@AvisBailey]

He doesn’t have to embrace it don’t get upset I don’t blame Ant Man yall always want to compare someone to MJ

[@ckaiborbor]

Build you up to break you down

[@JohanLWill7_]

That’s all they do

[@Daveyjdigital]

Yall trying to shade ant man

[@leetraviusmckay314]

"this guy over here is chomping at the bit I'm gonna let him talk" 😂

[@cleanfresh6718]

If he doesn’t want to be compared or spoken about that way don’t do it. SAS needs to check himself

[@crunchtime91]

Naw ANT right frfr. Don’t compare me to nobody I’m my own man with my own legacy. Every player should have his mindset don’t compare me to anyone.

[@justingabriel1765]

The moment he embraces it and then has like a not so great game the first thing outta SAS mouth will be “I am extremely disappointed, we compared you to the GOAT! You accepted that praise, And then you went out there and played like that what a disgrace to Minnesotar, disgrace to the NBA, and he should be ashamed of himself” if not SAS you know some media member will say that

[@derekanderson2257]

lol 😭😭

[@quentinjones6877]

Lol

[@ne0n1nja247]

Then he's gonna beg for Ant to leave Minnesota so he can 1 Not have to go there during the Play offs cuz he wanna be in Miami or LA 2 so he can go to a big market team where he can Glaze him without having to talk about a small market

[@IslandHopperTV]

Anthony Edwards can’t be stopped! A true leader and mature beyond his years

[@ne0n1nja247]

Media is being way too desperate to try and Push the Next big thing. Instead of just letting it happen they wanna be the ones to bring it in so they can say we told you. SGA didn't exist to the Media until the last 2 weeks of the season where they were looking for someone to give the MVP award to that wasn't Jokic. This new media is gross

[@berrymckockiner5883]

Ant with only 19pts today, he's not that dude

[@btha01982]

AE is gonna be BADASS AF very soon....I mean almost unstoppable

[@MilkiasDebessay]

Fr bro

[@alexandermontufar497]

He’s not even on Luka’s level 🥱

[@btha01982]

@@alexandermontufar497 Luka ain't never gonna win...he don't have "IT"

[@markozbunjol625]

Malika wants piece of Antman trust me, she wants. I know that she has boyfriend but if she wants more and bigger and harder, and if she wants became more famous, she knows she has to be with him. I hope so. Pray for Malika.

[@JM-bg2le]

He is 22 years old.. let him find his own way. He doesn’t need a road or roads already traveled

[@ncrouso]

this is why the players can’t stand these fools

[@thetyronezone5298]

He's got a Michael Jordan style and a magic Johnson smile

[@sombreromalo8686]

“People are going to build you up, and God are they going to, because when you're great and new, we love you. Man, we'll build you up into something that doesn't even exist. Once they've built you as high as they possibly can, they're gonna tear you back down - it's the most predictable pattern. We build you into something that doesn't exist, and that means you have to try to be that thing all day, every day. That's how it works. And we do it again, and again, and again.” Sonny Vaccaro

[@markozbunjol625]

Malika wants piece of Antman trust me, she wants. I know that she has boyfriend but if she wants more and bigger and harder, and if she wants became more famous, she knows she has to be with him. I hope so. Pray for Malika.

[@rahulminhas7882]

Stephen A: “Anthony Edwards is like my son, I was there with him since birth right next to his mother. I can confirm he’s talented like MJ and Kobe, but the brother is a bad independent man and it’s blasphemous to compare him to another man.“

[@alexlaqui9158]

ANTHONY EDWARDS' smile, makes him a WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING.... 😉

[@LADONDRIC81]

This man wanna carve his own lane… Ain’t nothing wrong with that… Stephen A Smith taking it personal like he his son.. RELAX

[@nekow1785]

This the same media that’s going to turn on him if he doesn’t live up to the expectations THEY placed on him

[@RegularGuy09]

It’s literally nobody but the media that keeps comparing him to MJ. Why are they always saying WE like the people are the one making that comparison.

[@CRY_ABOUT_IT958]

We done with the 90's embrace these guys playing rn tf wrong with y'all stop saying he Mj he Anthony Edwards

[@Spongebobisbomb]

I remember not too long ago people were comparing D book to kobe. And now its pretty much crickets when it comes to that now. Same will happen with Ant-man if he doesnt measure up. Just gotta let these players ball. Let them make a name for themselves rather than these ridiculous comparisons

[@vi8035]

MJ about to come out of retirement after that trey ball comment😂😂😂

[@MDCYouTube]

Ikr crazy, and Edwards is only 35.3 percent for his career, MJ was 32.7, not even a big difference.

[@notlivinlifefastjt3654]

To be fair MJ never said he couldn’t hit a trey ball it’s jus he didn’t want to because he said it would take away from the other aspects of his game 💯

[@therealneal3034]

I woulda died laughing if Ant said they should start comparing him to Kermit Wilks 😂

[@JohanLWill7_]

SAS tryna set the kid up for failure

[@050judah5]

Mike had a 3 ball brother, stop...

[@Godlydistgodly]

He don’t wnna be compared to him, that’s it that’s all!

[@evopsuedo309]

4:59 is funny asf I need a voiceover meme like “you think you can go the whole game again?”😭

[@KmoneyB12]

"how do you want to be talked about" What do u mean how do u want to be talked about, uh as himself? What kind of question is that, sports media is such trash man

[@JesusAnibanJr]

SAS hyping and comparing is not helping its pressuring instead😅

[@cirquemedia]

"Comparison is the thief of joy".

[@sumandsubstance7881]

How is that sweep prediction working out for ya clowns?

[@moneymoney3235]

D Wade

[@DroPitt42oh]

I love that he brought up Ants acting job isn’t a coincidence 😂

[@BigMac156]

Malika's smile looks so unauthentic.

[@Sssensei11]

last time this happened was with Kobe. and he was always in his shadow because of it. understandable he wants to be his own player. he wants to be even better.

[@jwdw9745]

And I'm getting sick of media hyping guysup to break them down. Stephen A(s an analyst, but In this clip he's the same kind of fanboy he despises himself. Just imagine the kind of criticism of (older) analists: "Oh you're arrogant thinking you're the next MJ" As a young promise, according to the media, you're either too arrogant or running away from the spotlight you just can't "wun". I don't know how it should happen and it probably won't but these big networks should be called our for such "behaviour". How guys like Stephen A still think that we don't see through him when he gets all amped up is beyond me. I don't know where I first heard the following saying but it's befiting of many media people :"just because you shout the loudest doesn't mean your right."

[@Ok-dw4gz]

Antman is humble unlike other so called uprising superstar who are arrogant

[@brandethewine]

These analyst that stuck in the 90s are going to speak themselves out of relevancy. This man literally said let me build my own name. Stephan A and these others idolize Jordan to the point that it's demonic. It's disgusting. I really hope the nba goes back to nbc. I'm tired of hearing about Jordan and Lebron. It's 2024.

[@venushightower5397]

A lot of people seen mj, kobe, and we never say any compliments mentioning those 2

[@EthnosSynergyEnergy]

He shows flashes of greatness, with some great moves, but no comparison yet to the greats. It's all marketing for the league.

[@iTz_T27]

I know Morant has had off court issues but he's still in the league while everyone is bandwagoning other young players. Watch Ja go off next year

[@nes199]

quite frankly with Stephen A Smith

[@prophecy0731]

I wish they showed the part were he said Jordan couldn't guard him. I love this brother's convidence

[@oddballskull1941]

"We aren't going to stop doing it"

[@4evahodlingdoge226]

Comparing Antman to Kobe is disrespectful, Kobe was a inefficient chucker who's completely overrated vs Antman at the age of 22 is showing out and is the best player so far in the playoffs in his 4th year in the league.

[@bruceellis3167]

You can't be serious about what you said about Kobe at 22 Kobe helped lead LA to a chip at age 21 and he made all first team defense I guessing you didn't watch any of the Western conference playoffs to say Kobe was overrated the first chip Kobe torched San Antonio

[@MarcRush-mp1cw]

You sound stupid

[@derrickablair1368]

I remember in 2006 they did the same for D.Wade and Wade said he just wants to be D.Wade. Than Wade got the first ring averaging more PPG in a finals just 4 points more than MJ. Let Anthony Edwards be the 1st Anthony Edwards!!!!!!

[@esvinperez3580]

Thanks to Mike wilbon Stephen A and Bob for making a point to also mentioned Kobe. That B.... Will diss Kobe every chance she gets.

[@JamesOlyGoldMVP]

Nobody is the G.O.A.T., not un Ant until they get 40K+ PTS, 11K+ rebs, 11K+ Ast, 4 Rings, 4 MVPs!!!

[@HipHopXXIV]

If he embraces and doesn't live up to it then they will say he failed.

[@tmc31390]

The reason Ant is drawing these comparisons because… he is reminiscent of a time that has long gone. We lament on how so many players don’t have the killer instinct MJ and Kobe possessed, that “when we on the court, we ain’t buddies, we ain’t banana boat pals, none of that.” Westbrook was the closest to that, but he doesn’t have the talent Ant has.

[@yesyes1842]

Draymond Green has more 3 pts made than Larry Bird. But I consider Larry a “3pt shooter” and not Draymond. Ant isn’t more of a 3 pt shooter than Mike. He just plays in a diff era.

[@weber3507]

What’s the BGM starts at 4:53?

[@tuprincipe]

Isn’t it tampering that the GM for the warriors is immediately put into a media position?

[@chrisanthony408]

how?

[@MilkiasDebessay]

He’s not the GM anymore. He’s not with the warriors anymore. He resigned. It’s not tampering lol he’s just doing what we wants because he has the money and time to do it

[@chrisanderson2056]

He’s not the GM fool

[@JamaalMills]

😂😂😂😂 what

[@tuprincipe]

@@chrisanthony408 look at what I wrote above

[@KarlisR-xf8kn]

LeBron was compared all the time until he achieved what he achieved and got his name. Now the others are compared to him. So shut up Antman, abmbrace it and keep doing your thing until you have your rings, coz if not, you will not be even an MJ shadow comparison 😅

[@angelocadena7094]

sas has secured a new contract for the next 5 years. with lbj going for a retirement, it's gonna Antman everyday for the next at least 5 years.

[@matrue2]

It’s funny cause the MJ v LbJ debate has made the media millions of dollars over the last 20 something years. Not to mention the hundreds of KZbinrs who’ve built their channel’s identity on that same debate. You can tell the media is terrified about LbJ retiring cause they know he hasn’t passed MJ. Every year when LbJ loses they wipe the slate clean and start the debate next year on what he can do to pass MJ. It’s been a financially winning formula since Kobe came in the league. Now they need to start the process of building up the next coming of Jordan to keep this same tired narrative and financial formula going. So exhausting

[@AtomicBaem27]

Comparing Ant to MJ, is these old heads inability to let history fade. If you see the future of the league in Edwards..than wouldn't it make sense for him to be "his own player"?😂

[@will_9910]

That's what I said. Old heads got to be the worst when it comes to letting the past go. Worse than an obsessive scorned chick, honestly. They can never let new age players be themselves.

[@muddywaters2818]

In the last 5 years Stephen A has said Ben Simmons is the next Lebron/Magic and Devin Booker is the next Kobe… now Edwards is the next MJ. Stop let them prove it and actually win a ring first.

[@mgpray]

SAS getting those moments like he did with Max all over again. Only this time with Bob at the table.

[@darylmoody3824]

I gotta applaud 👏 ANT 🐜 MAN Good for you, young brother 👍

[@ranilcurry615]

Let Anthony Edwards play basketball because when he does not win a Championship. You will tear him down. When he misses a late. They will tear him down. There will never be another Michael Jordan.

[@kevinburke6055]

What happened in game three Stephen A jumping the gun with Edwards like he did with Donovan Mitchell better than Stockton Malone Stephen A’s pathetic

[@justinthompson5282]

Just let AE be him. Just build him without comparison.

[@Youarelovewalk]

Favorite player since MJ for me.

[@djphenom5430]

We don't talk about Anthony Edwards acting in hustle

[@Bailey-cx7zz]

The elite really hate Kobe Bryant. Rest in peace to the Greatest to play the game.

[@phxmiller]

We all know what would happen if AE embraced the comparisons. Y’all setting this man up to get torn down. Let him be him.

[@Jerome-hk1np]

I like he making his own way

[@deerinheadlights9784]

Ain’t nothing to embrace. MN played like a f’in dumpster fire tonight. I’m a MN fan but there’s too many delusional people that thought Denver would be out of the series. Zero surprise about what happened tonight

[@TheyhateJay_2005]

SAS mad he don’t wannabe embrace the MJ comparisons💀 he’s Anthony Edwards not no copy of MJ or KB

[@dylanalbuquerque4854]

Stephen A pisses me off sometimes…the kid asked y’all to stop calling him that…hasn’t he earned enough of our respect for us to honor that Talk about putting immense pressure on the guy

[@SingaporeFriedrice]

Jordan had crazy crazy stats. Unlikely, no one will catch him. Ant Man will create his own legacy.

[@themok4125]

I love AE shutting these 'experts' down - let him be him ffs

[@angelestorres6334]

I'm from the future, Ant desperately wants the comparaisons with MJ to stop so much that he is willing to go unnoticed in game 3 😁

[@usmanchaudhry6678]

1 game ? !Haha...what a joke...win at least 3 championships in a row before we even think of starting the MJ comparisons.

[@CrandallWilliams]

😫 Thank God he said that! NO MJ comparisons!! I'm just Anthony Edwards!! Finally someone who truly believes in creating their own legacy in the game 🎯😄

[@martymcfly7473]

AE5 is pissed after this loss. Sunday will be a win . He’ll go for 40. Statement game. GO WOLVES!!!!

[@heirrose1606]

He's 6'4 like young Wade with a little more athleticism, not 6'6 like Mike & Kobe. Ant does look more like MJ on his dunks and blocks than even Kobe did. Young Wade was also a great defender, and smooth like Mike. Ant-Man has some MJ stuff but he's not as smooth as Mike, Kobe or Wade...yet. Ant-Man's homophobia doesn't bother Bob Myers?

[@pg13pacernation30]

Everything Anthony Edwards is doing is beyond crazy. At just 22 years old, Ant is making an absolute mockery of the reigning NBA champs on their own home court. He’s 6-0 in these playoffs with a postseason average of 32.3 PPG, which is more than MVP candidates Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Edwards makes every big shot down the stretch, he’s one of the most athletic players in recent memory, and his trash-talking and raw emotion make him the greatest entertainer in the game today. He’s also part of a defense that’s so elite it just held the Denver Nuggets to 80 points, despite the Minnesota Timberwolves not even having the DPOY in uniform. The Anthony Edwards era of superstardom has well and truly arrived, and there might not be a single team in the NBA that can do anything to stop him.

[@Airsole23]

Too early

[@bigwillshouse1020]

I really do appreciate Michael wilbon

[@tonysearightinvestmenteduc2566]

Enough Already With The Comparisons 😮

[@yunggpacino]

It ain't just the media all over social media platforms that's all their posting the entire basketball world recognizes the similarities to MJ and kobe

[@2KBPoliteDior]

Anthony Edwards is right stop the comparisons

[@leetraviusmckay314]

"how many minutes can you play? I don't know" 😂

[@davidmarrotte3265]

Ant is like MJ! Jordan won in college, NBA, and Olympics! Kobe won the latter two!

[@allengexclusive6903]

Yeah be Ant because when they compared Kobe to MJ they said he could never surpass him due to the fact he played a lot like him. That’s how they pigeon hole you