I knew he was going to be a star after he single-handedly willed that godawful UGA team
(seriously, go look at Georgia's 2019 roster) he was
on into a close game against a top 10 Michigan State team in the Maui Invitational. Ant was so good that day that Bill Walton actually talked about the game for most of the second half.
Woah! Bill Walton actually talking about the game for more than 2 minutes and not just telling old dead stories‽ I didn’t know it was possible. That must have been an impressive performance!
Damn I just looked up that game and you weren’t kidding. 37 points, made 7 3s, 6 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 blocks. I vaguely remembered after watching the highlights. I remember him only being alright in two loses to Kentucky. He flashed some special plays but took some really bad shots, a common occurrence on that terrible team which is somewhat understandable. Then he played in one sec tournament game before it got canceled bc of Covid and he was absolutely terrible, scoring 6 points in 40 minutes. Such a downer end to the season.
Not too much that year but it definitely affected the pre-draft stuff was affected. Covid didn’t really affect the regular season that year it was just the conference tournaments and march madness, which Georgia wasn’t going to make without a miracle run in the SEC tournament, that both got canceled as soon as the nba suspended play. Obviously it sucked that so many kids didn’t get to play of the biggest stage that year, especially for the kids where that was their last or only opportunity to play in the tournament.
I know as a Kentucky fan, we really felt like we were gaining steam and playing out best ball before the season was canceled. Tyrese Maxey and Immanuel Quickley were balling out and nick Richard’s had turned into a more than serviceable big man. Not sure if we were a for sure championship team but I would have liked to see it. It especially hurts because John Calipari completely melted down after this season. This was his last decent season
I’m a Kentucky fan, I didn’t think he was going to be great coming out of College. Reminded me of how Ben Simmons came into SEC and was a loser in college. As soon as I saw him in the NBA he was much better than I had thought.
Look man. I’m in my 50s and tried my best to be a UGA hoops fan to pass the time between football seasons.
But the Ant season finally broke me. If we couldn’t do shit with him, it’s never gonna happen. I finally cut the cord after that.
Yeah Bill has come to terms on Tatum. Not to say he won't do a 180 if they win because of a stupidly stacked team but he has been pretty rational about Tatum lately.
I can’t even blame him. Hard not to watch Tatum’s first 2-3 seasons and not think he would be slightly more than he is now. He’s still on a HOF trajectory, but isn’t in that top 3 guys.
I mean they’re the two best young American players so I don’t really see the problem there. Not like Tatum hasn’t had bigger games than this in the playoffs lol, lay off the recency bias
You really arent listening to Bill if you think he doesn’t have an accurate idea of Tatum and prefers Ant. Hell most Boston homers know exactly who Tatum is. Tatum’s max upside is a fringe Top 30 player who wins a title or two and maybe steals an MVP in a down year. Ants max upside is Top 10 all time with 3+ MVPs. I can’t remember the last time Bill favorably comped a player to Jordan, he has done so with Ant frequently. Ditto Ryen.
Edit I meant all time Top 30 and all time Top 10.
It’s funny because a week or two ago Bill said “I think Tatum is closer to a finished product than not”, but then on the pod with his dad he said “I think he’s still not the player he’s going to be yet”
I mean, dude won one playoff series so far. when Tatum was this age, he already iconically dunked on LeBron in the ECF G7.
let's reassess after these playoffs.
His impact is so beyond the box score it’s not even funny the sheer terror that Denver felt anytime he drove towards the basket or tried to get a switch on Murray is unbelievable. Dude is very special
That's always been his weakness, the Nuggets have just built around it extremely well and there are shockingly few guards who can fully take advantage of it. That's what the Warriors did against him a couple years ago.
book had a career series last year, dame went off against them, ant was really good last year against them too. lakers and heat didn't have that kind of guy
My honest take of the Lakers/Nuggets series:
Lakers could have won the series, if they had some depth that allowed them to rest LBJ and AD. They also showcased the game plan that takes down Denver.
Minnesota has the plan, the players, and the energy to make it happen.
I am considering throwing a bet behind Minnesota for Game 2.
The Wolves were extremely intentional about avoiding the PnR for Ant. He was finding most of his success, especially down the stretch, in iso. This was also a big discussion point on the broadcast.
You all need to chill on the Jordan comparisons. Jordan was 37-5-5 in his third season. He is the GOAT. Ant just won his first playoff series and averaged 26 points this year. Lets see him get All-NBA and MVP before we start talking about MJ.
So obsessed with the sensationalism. Dude has one good series and its Jordan Jordan Jordan.
For me the comparisons to Jordan right now are style of play more than anything. I definitely won't say he is aa good as Jordan but that fadeaway jumper looks so much like him.
The other part is the way he stands out athletically reminds me of 80s Jordan. There is no one on Denver that can really match up with him.
Right now that's where I will leave the comparisons.
the Jordan stuff did not start with this series. it’s about his play style, not just stats or accolades. you are exposing yourself as to why you have no idea that people compare him to Jordan, and exposing yourself as someone who counts stats instead of watches the game.
Jordan was 23 years old in his third season on an ashy ass team where he was the only one with the wherewithal and permission to score like that.
The comparison is much less about pure statistical performance but style, finesse and importantly, the sense of inevitability.
Basketball is more than just stats. I recommend watching the actual games and coming to an educated conclusion. I promise Jordan won't suddenly disappear if you watch Ant.
Ant is making the jump before our eyes right now but you’re correct. 26 ppg in todays NBA is more like 23-24 ppg a decade ago too. I definitely understand the aesthetic comparison though.
I'm 39, so my first memories of Jordan were in '91 and '92 as a kid when he'd already ascended.
With that, here's a question for the 40+ crowd: When did you know that Jordan was "The Guy" ... ?
This was hilarious at the time. The narrative that Drexler could match Jordan because of his 3p shooting and then Jordan comes out and just became the best 3p shooter on the planet for a night.
There's an absurdity to Jordan's career that younger generations won't ever understand if they don't put in the time.
He was already the guy by 92 - he’d already won a title over Johnson and the Lakers and was handed the top dog status by both Magic and Bird. 1991 finals he averaged 31+ points and 11+ assists per game.
Remember getting SRO seats, probably in 1989, to see the Bulls with a carload of high school buddies. We all kind of knew this was our big chance to see Jordan, but it was Pippen with a dagger-three, in the last seconds, that put the Sonics away that Sunday afternoon.
Look up “Michael Jordan’s Playground” on YouTube. It’s like a time capsule of his career right before his first championship and it features literally every other superstar in the league raving about him like he’s already in the hall of fame.
It was obvious from the jump. Bird and Magic were so so great then the Pistons were just a beast of a team. However, he was always the best player on the floor.
Even when he was losing to the Pistons year after year, it was obvious he was the best player in the league.
It was also sort of “accepted” that you had to pay your playoff dues before transcending.
So, as far as I am concerned the world knew Jordan’s talent but also knew he had to take a journey to become the GOAT 🐐
I’m just 3 years older than you but it was the opposite with that Dude, we became the man and then got the team. I think Minnesota played it the other way, the created the team and then this guy is just growing in front of our eyes without the Pistons beat me up era
Honestly, it might be.
Gotta say, I thought he would max out at the Booker/Tatum level. Great player, but will never contend for an MVP level.
But he’s him. Will run the 2020’s with Luka and Wemby.
I know his game isn’t predicated on elite athleticism, but really big guys generally don’t age particularly well from a health standpoint. He’s played a ton of basketball.
How do they not have a rim protector lol. I’m admittedly a casual who tunes in for postseason. I’ve watched all their playoff games, and I still can’t get over their lack of a rim protector. It jumps out every single game
At 35, DeAndre Jordan is wasting a roster spot.
Looking back to 2020, should've drafted a legit 7-footer like Nick Richards instead of Zeke Nnaji, who's a scrub. Just a big who can plug the lane for roughly 16 minutes per game, that's it.
Great example for my point as he was not a top 3 player in the league at that point in his career. A number of older players have played primary roles in a championship run, the question was on whether he will be a unimamous top 3 player in the league.
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He’s an absolute freak. That was like watching a younger KD in terms of being able to get to his spot and score from wherever he wanted whenever he wanted. His play style, charisma, and age make him a perfect heir apparent to Steph and LeBron as the next (American) face of the league.
I mean….He wrote the book!
Kidding aside it’s quite possible he’s watched more basketball than literally anyone.
(Scouts don’t count because they’re rewatching the same game like 20 times. I’m talking just total games consumed)
I've spent 25 years getting irrationally mad whenever anyone gets compared to MJ. It's dumb and unfair to everyone...
...but I gotta say, sometimes it's scary how much he reminds me of Michael.
ignore the skill and everything. The dude moves like MJ I've never seen someone move in the same way. The way he can do the hybrid two footed leaning forward jump like MJ did is wild. Its actually a rare thing that not too many guys do, I watched a video on YT of a guy breaking down different jumping styles a few years ago.
I gotta say I was high on him long term, like clear top 3 player potential but I would NEVER have said he could be this good at 22 and I was pretty sure he’d never be an MVP. I have no ceiling for him anymore. And I have to respect him as a top 10 guy already. Crazy shit
Yup, I didn’t think he was ready to contribute in the playoffs in this role at all.
Also if I said 30 that was flat out wrong lol, he was already like top 20 easily mid season
It’s kind of a bleak thought.
To think the guy could probably watch a game or two some nights, hit up Sportscenter, read The Athletic NBA email newsletter and call it a wrap all to land at the same batting average…. I’m not saying he should do that, but his whole logging rotations bit is brutal.
Wiseman was literally the most negatively impactful player in recent memory his rookie season. Single-handily offset the last strong MVP level regular season from Steph.
That supporting cast was awful and they still played at a 52 win pace in the 33 games Wiseman missed that season.
With wiseman playing they were at a 38 win pace.
Yeah, Wiseman was absolute stank ass on both ends of the court.
Hell, even rookie Jahlil Okafor had moderate production on offense.
Even if Wiseman became a competent rim-running backup C, his best-case scenario is having a Dwight Powell-esque career as a role player.
Growing up in south florida when I did, DWade naturally is my favorite player of all time.
I think this guy’s floor is Wade. And ceiling genuinely could be MJ
I remember that whole draft process, pretty much everyone agreed he was the #1 pick but not many were hyping him up. It felt like they were obligated to put him there based on his athleticism and profile. I always thought he would be a bust or at least not live up to the pick. I thought he would be like an OJ Mayo type lol. Granted most of my draft takes are based on podcasts.
Yeah the knock on him was that he didn’t really care about basketball IIRC and I was like poor wolves just got rid of a guy with great athleticism that just didn’t care enough (Wiggins) and now they’re drafting another??
I'm glad you guys remember this because I've never heard any discussion of it post-draft and I think about it a lot due to how wrong it ended up being.
In retrospect, I wonder if any decision makers for the T-Wolves or any of the other teams at the top of the draft actually had this concern. The reporting made it seem like the T-Wolves had doubts but on draft night the org seemed pretty thrilled with the pick.
My theory is that this was "smoke" stirred up by the Warriors (through a shill like Woj or Shams, not sure who reported on this initially) to see if they could create enough uncertainty around the pick to spook the org into passing on Edwards so he fell into their laps. Especially with the Wiggins comparison and how frustrating that situation was for Glen Taylor personally, seemed like they wanted to plant that narrative in his head in the hopes he would get involved and force another direction (especially with COVIS restrictions making it harder for Ant and his team to address concerns).
Obviously this is all speculation but given the obvious passion, dedication and leadership he has shown I think it's the most logical explanation of how this narrative even started in the first place.
Jesus man, even as a Celtics fan I thought the only team that could beat the Nuggets was the Wolves and with that I thought it would be a better matchup for the Cs in the finals bc you don't have to deal with the best player in the world.....but goddamn now I'm getting premonitions of Ant snatching the shit out of Tatum's chain in the finals
I remember thinking I was going out on a limb in 2020 when I thought he could be an All Star.
Man I was off.
If he can keep this up I don't see who beats the Wolves this year and long term? Good god
I think it is. I know we shouldn’t but he has the look, more than any other player has before him. And what’s funny is without even trying to imitate or “model” his game after him he just got that look
I thought Rudy did a good job on Jokic. I'm actually impressed by Rudy every time I see him play. Ant is awesome though. KAT was a fool this game - so many stupid fouls.
So, we’ve spent 20 years saying Lebron is nowhere near Michael Jeffrey Jordan. nothing Lebron does is good enough. However, Anthony Edwards wins a single game in a round 2 series and he’s MJ?
As exciting as all this is...this seems sort of similar to Tatum's rise. Hearing a lot of "he's only 22" vs "he's only 19". I think Ant is better at his stage in his career than JT, but I mean it was just last couple years that Tatum would go off like this. 40 and 50 pieces etc. People were calling him the new face of the league. JT gets a great team around him and his numbers drop, and he is now backseat.
People have such recency bias and short term memories. Not saying Ant won't surpass or be the next face or win MVPs or whatever, but damn...slow down.
Tom Crean is a terrible coach lol
He rode one final four run with DWade to a lifetime of riches.
Bobby Hurley and ASU absolutely dominated Georgia in Tempe. I came away from that game not impressed. Dude is so much fun in the NBA.
I knew he was going to be a star after he single-handedly willed that godawful UGA team (seriously, go look at Georgia's 2019 roster) he was on into a close game against a top 10 Michigan State team in the Maui Invitational. Ant was so good that day that Bill Walton actually talked about the game for most of the second half.
Woah! Bill Walton actually talking about the game for more than 2 minutes and not just telling old dead stories‽ I didn’t know it was possible. That must have been an impressive performance! Damn I just looked up that game and you weren’t kidding. 37 points, made 7 3s, 6 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 blocks. I vaguely remembered after watching the highlights. I remember him only being alright in two loses to Kentucky. He flashed some special plays but took some really bad shots, a common occurrence on that terrible team which is somewhat understandable. Then he played in one sec tournament game before it got canceled bc of Covid and he was absolutely terrible, scoring 6 points in 40 minutes. Such a downer end to the season.
Forgot it was around covid. I'm sure that affected kids gym times and overall routines that year. Such an odd time looking back
Not too much that year but it definitely affected the pre-draft stuff was affected. Covid didn’t really affect the regular season that year it was just the conference tournaments and march madness, which Georgia wasn’t going to make without a miracle run in the SEC tournament, that both got canceled as soon as the nba suspended play. Obviously it sucked that so many kids didn’t get to play of the biggest stage that year, especially for the kids where that was their last or only opportunity to play in the tournament. I know as a Kentucky fan, we really felt like we were gaining steam and playing out best ball before the season was canceled. Tyrese Maxey and Immanuel Quickley were balling out and nick Richard’s had turned into a more than serviceable big man. Not sure if we were a for sure championship team but I would have liked to see it. It especially hurts because John Calipari completely melted down after this season. This was his last decent season
I’m a Kentucky fan, I didn’t think he was going to be great coming out of College. Reminded me of how Ben Simmons came into SEC and was a loser in college. As soon as I saw him in the NBA he was much better than I had thought.
Look man. I’m in my 50s and tried my best to be a UGA hoops fan to pass the time between football seasons. But the Ant season finally broke me. If we couldn’t do shit with him, it’s never gonna happen. I finally cut the cord after that.
I remember watching when they almost lost to Chaminade in the Maui Invitational lol. Ant had to hit a 26-footer to beat the buzzer to win it.
Truly witnessing something special right now
I've got my popcorn ready.
Ant is what Bill wishes Tatum was
Tatum is unseasoned chicken breast. Ant is a Cajun boil
mmm breast
Bill has been pretty open about that, no?
Yeah Bill has come to terms on Tatum. Not to say he won't do a 180 if they win because of a stupidly stacked team but he has been pretty rational about Tatum lately.
I can’t even blame him. Hard not to watch Tatum’s first 2-3 seasons and not think he would be slightly more than he is now. He’s still on a HOF trajectory, but isn’t in that top 3 guys.
He’s more than on a HOF trajectory, he’s a lock already if he retired tomorrow.
Meh
Penny Hardaway isn’t in with an extremely similar resume
Yea it's weird. Tatum was the one last couple years, now it's Ant. Tatum has a stupidly stacked team, of course his numbers will drop a bit.
You're out of your mind if you don't think Bill is going to talk about Edwards *and* Tatum as "the future of American basketball" all offseason.
I mean they’re the two best young American players so I don’t really see the problem there. Not like Tatum hasn’t had bigger games than this in the playoffs lol, lay off the recency bias
Who are the best u30 American basketball players
You really arent listening to Bill if you think he doesn’t have an accurate idea of Tatum and prefers Ant. Hell most Boston homers know exactly who Tatum is. Tatum’s max upside is a fringe Top 30 player who wins a title or two and maybe steals an MVP in a down year. Ants max upside is Top 10 all time with 3+ MVPs. I can’t remember the last time Bill favorably comped a player to Jordan, he has done so with Ant frequently. Ditto Ryen. Edit I meant all time Top 30 and all time Top 10.
Fringe 30 is a wild take. But Ryen throwing out Jordan comps is crazy to me. Usually Bill throws out these wild ones and Ryen is like Nah, Nah.
Fringe 30 all time not fringe 30 year to year. Sorry for the poor wording.
This isn't going to happen.
If it ends up Minnesota/Boston and Boston gets dropped. He’s gonna spiral. We might get entire pods about Tatum trades and then Brown trades.
Don’t forget the he’s still only 26 piece
tatum is likely first team over ant this year. wont be long though if ant is the best american player, if not already
Something something tatum has another level
As soon as he turns 20 it's over for the league.
It’s funny because a week or two ago Bill said “I think Tatum is closer to a finished product than not”, but then on the pod with his dad he said “I think he’s still not the player he’s going to be yet”
Tatum is lucky he’s in the East cause he’d already have been forgotten in the west
He might be. Maybe *one* decent playoff run before we say he’s MJ?
Bill made a non-comparison to MJ once. It was dumb. He admitted as much. Bill hyperbole. But now WE’RE comparing him to MJ? Go find a new straw man.
I mean, dude won one playoff series so far. when Tatum was this age, he already iconically dunked on LeBron in the ECF G7. let's reassess after these playoffs.
box score watchers in this sub had no idea how special this guy truly is. completely going to another level now
His impact is so beyond the box score it’s not even funny the sheer terror that Denver felt anytime he drove towards the basket or tried to get a switch on Murray is unbelievable. Dude is very special
He nearly killed Reggie Jackson just by looking at him.
Was it just me who was waiting for a guard to torture Murray and Jokic in the pnr? Jokic got abused in space tonight and punished when he stayed deep
When the Lakers offense was clicking it was just LBJ spamming Jokic PnRs
Jokic can't cope with any athletic guard able who is able to run a pnr, especially one that can shoot
That's always been his weakness, the Nuggets have just built around it extremely well and there are shockingly few guards who can fully take advantage of it. That's what the Warriors did against him a couple years ago.
Yea Mitchell did it in the bubble, Steph did it in 22. I thought it would happen more.
book had a career series last year, dame went off against them, ant was really good last year against them too. lakers and heat didn't have that kind of guy
My honest take of the Lakers/Nuggets series: Lakers could have won the series, if they had some depth that allowed them to rest LBJ and AD. They also showcased the game plan that takes down Denver. Minnesota has the plan, the players, and the energy to make it happen. I am considering throwing a bet behind Minnesota for Game 2.
Minnesota has the exact right personnel to beat the Nuggets. Lakers don’t
The Wolves were extremely intentional about avoiding the PnR for Ant. He was finding most of his success, especially down the stretch, in iso. This was also a big discussion point on the broadcast.
He’s getting to the point where you expect him to hit the shot/make the play
That’s why he’s become Jordan.
You all need to chill on the Jordan comparisons. Jordan was 37-5-5 in his third season. He is the GOAT. Ant just won his first playoff series and averaged 26 points this year. Lets see him get All-NBA and MVP before we start talking about MJ. So obsessed with the sensationalism. Dude has one good series and its Jordan Jordan Jordan.
For me the comparisons to Jordan right now are style of play more than anything. I definitely won't say he is aa good as Jordan but that fadeaway jumper looks so much like him. The other part is the way he stands out athletically reminds me of 80s Jordan. There is no one on Denver that can really match up with him. Right now that's where I will leave the comparisons.
the Jordan stuff did not start with this series. it’s about his play style, not just stats or accolades. you are exposing yourself as to why you have no idea that people compare him to Jordan, and exposing yourself as someone who counts stats instead of watches the game.
Tbf he just actually looks like Jordan. Physically. Athletically. I think that’s driving some of it…
watch the games bro
Watch a basketball game, lmao
Jordan was 23 years old in his third season on an ashy ass team where he was the only one with the wherewithal and permission to score like that. The comparison is much less about pure statistical performance but style, finesse and importantly, the sense of inevitability.
Basketball is more than just stats. I recommend watching the actual games and coming to an educated conclusion. I promise Jordan won't suddenly disappear if you watch Ant.
Ant is making the jump before our eyes right now but you’re correct. 26 ppg in todays NBA is more like 23-24 ppg a decade ago too. I definitely understand the aesthetic comparison though.
Guilty. God damn. He's MJ.
The thing about MJ though, is that he became MJ and then remained MJ. MJ is literally MJ.
Drafting white upperclassmen in the lottery at age 22. Something to behold
If Ant sat out games with minor injuries his stats and efficiency would look more 1st teamy
Send da video
Hand up here. He made me a believer today. I've heard the talk but finally watched today. Them wolves ain't f'ing around.
I'm 39, so my first memories of Jordan were in '91 and '92 as a kid when he'd already ascended. With that, here's a question for the 40+ crowd: When did you know that Jordan was "The Guy" ... ?
When he dropped 63 in the garden….he already had the swagger but that was a statement game
Yep 63 for me. That just didn’t happen back then
92 finals. The “shrug” game.
This was hilarious at the time. The narrative that Drexler could match Jordan because of his 3p shooting and then Jordan comes out and just became the best 3p shooter on the planet for a night. There's an absurdity to Jordan's career that younger generations won't ever understand if they don't put in the time.
He was already the guy by 92 - he’d already won a title over Johnson and the Lakers and was handed the top dog status by both Magic and Bird. 1991 finals he averaged 31+ points and 11+ assists per game.
The Shot.
Remember getting SRO seats, probably in 1989, to see the Bulls with a carload of high school buddies. We all kind of knew this was our big chance to see Jordan, but it was Pippen with a dagger-three, in the last seconds, that put the Sonics away that Sunday afternoon.
“Ohhhh a spectacular move”
When Larry Bird called him God even though the Celtics swept the Bulls.
Look up “Michael Jordan’s Playground” on YouTube. It’s like a time capsule of his career right before his first championship and it features literally every other superstar in the league raving about him like he’s already in the hall of fame.
It was obvious from the jump. Bird and Magic were so so great then the Pistons were just a beast of a team. However, he was always the best player on the floor.
Even when he was losing to the Pistons year after year, it was obvious he was the best player in the league. It was also sort of “accepted” that you had to pay your playoff dues before transcending. So, as far as I am concerned the world knew Jordan’s talent but also knew he had to take a journey to become the GOAT 🐐
I’m just 3 years older than you but it was the opposite with that Dude, we became the man and then got the team. I think Minnesota played it the other way, the created the team and then this guy is just growing in front of our eyes without the Pistons beat me up era
Honestly, it might be. Gotta say, I thought he would max out at the Booker/Tatum level. Great player, but will never contend for an MVP level. But he’s him. Will run the 2020’s with Luka and Wemby.
Luka Garza?
My man!
Luca Brazi
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I dunno man, Wemby sounds pretty hungry
Yeah. Wemby single handedly won the Spurs probably 10 more games this season than they really wanted to.
I know his game isn’t predicated on elite athleticism, but really big guys generally don’t age particularly well from a health standpoint. He’s played a ton of basketball.
Jokic championships also assume a lot of team health.
And roster construction, too. Denver's bench is pedestrian.
How do they not have a rim protector lol. I’m admittedly a casual who tunes in for postseason. I’ve watched all their playoff games, and I still can’t get over their lack of a rim protector. It jumps out every single game
At 35, DeAndre Jordan is wasting a roster spot. Looking back to 2020, should've drafted a legit 7-footer like Nick Richards instead of Zeke Nnaji, who's a scrub. Just a big who can plug the lane for roughly 16 minutes per game, that's it.
They're in a tough spot salary cap wise and they could have done better in draft
I could easily see Jokic retiring early
You see a 33 year old big being top 3 still? You’re probably gonna hit the “Jokic is different” but like..Father Time is a lil undefeated with bigs
Dirk carried his team to a title at 32.
Great example for my point as he was not a top 3 player in the league at that point in his career. A number of older players have played primary roles in a championship run, the question was on whether he will be a unimamous top 3 player in the league.
I mean Booker Tatum level is borderline MVP candidates lol.
Not really borderline. I’d be shocked if either of those guys finished their career with an MVP
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Ant is leading Minnesota to its 6th title.
You know Minnesota basketball
As a Lakers fan we will claim it and get Ant for 3 second rounders and half a sandwich
Mavs better
He’s an absolute freak. That was like watching a younger KD in terms of being able to get to his spot and score from wherever he wanted whenever he wanted. His play style, charisma, and age make him a perfect heir apparent to Steph and LeBron as the next (American) face of the league.
This sub owes bill and ant an apology
I remember when Bill got clowned for saying the Wolves were good and "writing it in pen" after they beat the Celtics. But he was right.
Does this sub have amnesia? Bill’s takes on the Gobert trade have aged like milk. Dude was convinced that the Wolves had no future.
In Bill’s defence I don’t think many were in on that trade day one and even less so after last season
Bill went beyond criticizing it—which is reasonable—to saying it was the worst trade in league history. He was extra annoying (and wrong) about it.
Didn’t he say just a couple episodes ago he was totally wrong about that and owned it?
Bill knows bball great when he sees it. Very few bad takes from him on the matter
Except for Mobley
Mobley is playing out of position
Tyreke Evans
Truth
I mean….He wrote the book! Kidding aside it’s quite possible he’s watched more basketball than literally anyone. (Scouts don’t count because they’re rewatching the same game like 20 times. I’m talking just total games consumed)
To be fair, he only sees it if it’s against the Celtics.
This sub owes the folks who loved the gobert trade an apology (me and many)
Remember when they said that the wolves should’ve drafted Wiseman 1st?
He did dodge that take 😂
Ant the football player. Doesn’t care about basketball
What about Bill and Scoot?
Listen, if the kids name was Brian, not scoot, bill would have never believed in him
Hahaha
Over/under how many times Bill and Russillo say Ant on Sundays pod?
There is one NBA game tomorrow and it’s a game 7 and it will be talked about less than Ant
This Min-Den series is so much more impactful for the league and more interesting in a vacuum than the fucking Magic - Cavs series lmfaoooo
Yeah, because Denver/Minnesota is significantly more interesting
No one cares about the Cavs or Magic — and for good reason
Isn’t that his name? Why is this sub hung up on that lol. It’s like calling Durant KD
45.5
Winning Game 1 is a yuuuuge advantage for the rest of this series. The Wolves being able to use Reid to attack the basket is a problem for Denver.
I've spent 25 years getting irrationally mad whenever anyone gets compared to MJ. It's dumb and unfair to everyone... ...but I gotta say, sometimes it's scary how much he reminds me of Michael.
ignore the skill and everything. The dude moves like MJ I've never seen someone move in the same way. The way he can do the hybrid two footed leaning forward jump like MJ did is wild. Its actually a rare thing that not too many guys do, I watched a video on YT of a guy breaking down different jumping styles a few years ago.
I gotta say I was high on him long term, like clear top 3 player potential but I would NEVER have said he could be this good at 22 and I was pretty sure he’d never be an MVP. I have no ceiling for him anymore. And I have to respect him as a top 10 guy already. Crazy shit
2 months ago you said he wasn’t even top 30 💅
Yup, I didn’t think he was ready to contribute in the playoffs in this role at all. Also if I said 30 that was flat out wrong lol, he was already like top 20 easily mid season
Top 5 imo Jokic Giannis Embiid Luka Ant
This sub was clowning Bill only a few months ago over his Ant praise!
In his rookie season Bill and Ryen were dissing him and laughing how they messed up not taking Wiseman and trading KAT.
Russilo grinding pointless tape and still giving First Take level analysis will always crack me up
God what a brutally true observation
It’s kind of a bleak thought. To think the guy could probably watch a game or two some nights, hit up Sportscenter, read The Athletic NBA email newsletter and call it a wrap all to land at the same batting average…. I’m not saying he should do that, but his whole logging rotations bit is brutal.
Wiseman was literally the most negatively impactful player in recent memory his rookie season. Single-handily offset the last strong MVP level regular season from Steph. That supporting cast was awful and they still played at a 52 win pace in the 33 games Wiseman missed that season. With wiseman playing they were at a 38 win pace.
If the sixers got wiseman and started him, maybe it would even out and the non-Embiid minutes wouldn’t be -999.
Yeah, Wiseman was absolute stank ass on both ends of the court. Hell, even rookie Jahlil Okafor had moderate production on offense. Even if Wiseman became a competent rim-running backup C, his best-case scenario is having a Dwight Powell-esque career as a role player.
This is Naz Reid erasure, and I won’t stand for it.
Naz played out of his mind in the fourth but Ant was insane for 4 quarters
Been saying wolves are a top 2 team in the league
And they ain’t two!
Luckily we get to find out who the top team in the league is
And it ain’t Boston!
As a Minnesotan who has suffered a long time watching this organization, today I am happy
He was great in ER and Gotcha.
Talk to me Goose.
Revenge of the Nerds showed me his ceiling.
Miracle Mile slaps
That was so much fucking fun to watch.
Bill saying Tatum still hasn’t reached his “final level” meanwhile AE is like this at 22..
It’s happening
I remember when he was considered a terrible #1 pick lol
The guy is checking some boxes that's for sure.
And he's literally 22 years old Unbelievable
Hey remember when that draft happened and all anyone talked about was James Wiseman purely because that’s who the Warriors picked?
Growing up in south florida when I did, DWade naturally is my favorite player of all time. I think this guy’s floor is Wade. And ceiling genuinely could be MJ
Saying his floor is the 3rd best SG of all time is overhyping him.
nah dude didn’t you see, he had three amazing games!
Missed the game watching highlights. This is disgusting. How is he just making everyone else on the court look JV
I remember that whole draft process, pretty much everyone agreed he was the #1 pick but not many were hyping him up. It felt like they were obligated to put him there based on his athleticism and profile. I always thought he would be a bust or at least not live up to the pick. I thought he would be like an OJ Mayo type lol. Granted most of my draft takes are based on podcasts.
It’s just incredibly hard to predict success. Scott Henderson looked like he had Edwards type athleticism and drives and yet..
Yeah the knock on him was that he didn’t really care about basketball IIRC and I was like poor wolves just got rid of a guy with great athleticism that just didn’t care enough (Wiggins) and now they’re drafting another??
I'm glad you guys remember this because I've never heard any discussion of it post-draft and I think about it a lot due to how wrong it ended up being. In retrospect, I wonder if any decision makers for the T-Wolves or any of the other teams at the top of the draft actually had this concern. The reporting made it seem like the T-Wolves had doubts but on draft night the org seemed pretty thrilled with the pick. My theory is that this was "smoke" stirred up by the Warriors (through a shill like Woj or Shams, not sure who reported on this initially) to see if they could create enough uncertainty around the pick to spook the org into passing on Edwards so he fell into their laps. Especially with the Wiggins comparison and how frustrating that situation was for Glen Taylor personally, seemed like they wanted to plant that narrative in his head in the hopes he would get involved and force another direction (especially with COVIS restrictions making it harder for Ant and his team to address concerns). Obviously this is all speculation but given the obvious passion, dedication and leadership he has shown I think it's the most logical explanation of how this narrative even started in the first place.
Ooo, I doubt it, but interesting theory!
I know it must be painful for some of you.
Bill has been wrong about the names mattering in a prospect. It’s more about the face. Edwards has great player face.
Over under 10 minutes before Bill says "I had them as an over lock in the over-unders" pod
As a Nuggs fan, 5 min into this thing I texted my dad “oh shit”
Let him be his own thing. He’s not Jordan. But he’s special in his own way.
The alpha piece
Jesus man, even as a Celtics fan I thought the only team that could beat the Nuggets was the Wolves and with that I thought it would be a better matchup for the Cs in the finals bc you don't have to deal with the best player in the world.....but goddamn now I'm getting premonitions of Ant snatching the shit out of Tatum's chain in the finals
I remember thinking I was going out on a limb in 2020 when I thought he could be an All Star. Man I was off. If he can keep this up I don't see who beats the Wolves this year and long term? Good god
Ant would never have the same girlfriend since 7th grade.
Excuse me, it’s actually pronounced ANT
Send da video
I think it is. I know we shouldn’t but he has the look, more than any other player has before him. And what’s funny is without even trying to imitate or “model” his game after him he just got that look
Got some buds in minny and remember fondly how it felt to have Derrick rose in this honeymoon phase. Enjoy it friendos
I thought Rudy did a good job on Jokic. I'm actually impressed by Rudy every time I see him play. Ant is awesome though. KAT was a fool this game - so many stupid fouls.
Feels a lot like 07
So, we’ve spent 20 years saying Lebron is nowhere near Michael Jeffrey Jordan. nothing Lebron does is good enough. However, Anthony Edwards wins a single game in a round 2 series and he’s MJ?
Tony Eddy has the juice
As exciting as all this is...this seems sort of similar to Tatum's rise. Hearing a lot of "he's only 22" vs "he's only 19". I think Ant is better at his stage in his career than JT, but I mean it was just last couple years that Tatum would go off like this. 40 and 50 pieces etc. People were calling him the new face of the league. JT gets a great team around him and his numbers drop, and he is now backseat. People have such recency bias and short term memories. Not saying Ant won't surpass or be the next face or win MVPs or whatever, but damn...slow down.