Timberwolves’ Chris Finch sounds off on Anthony Edwards, Michael Jordan comparisons

When asked about his young star, Timberwolves Head Coach Chris Finch lauded Anthony Edwards for his ability to rise to the occasion, but noted that the Michael Jordan comparisons are still long ways away despite Edwards showing certain flashes of brilliance and being able to rise to the occasion under the spotlight (jump to 4:28).

“Stylistically, [the Michael Jordan comparisons] might be [fair]. I think there’s a long way to go, of course, in terms of championship level, sustainability, and all that,” Finch said on The Dan Patrick Show. “The confidence is there, the swagger is there…I can tell you that it’s 100 percent real.”

“He’s never shied away from the moment, that was apparent early on…you never know how a young player is gonna react, some players take years to try to figure out in the playoffs. But that’s not been the case for him…the bigger the game, the more he relishes it.”

Among the traits Edwards possesses is his ability to be self-aware of his weaknesses and being open to improve his game, says Finch. Despite his ability to perform his best under the limelight, there are certain moments in which the 22-year old has a hard time to lock in his focus.

“One thing that’s really great about coaching Ant [is that] he’ll still be honest and tell you what he doesn’t know, tell you what he needs to be better at, his self-awareness is very high. He’s a bit of an old soul that way,” Finch noted.

“Sometimes with Anthony, it’s harder to get him focused and revved up for a game in February on a Tuesday night. Those are some of the challenges he has a hard time motivating himself. But if it’s a big moment, he’s always gonna be there.”

Anthony Edwards deflecting Michael Jordan comparisons

Stephen A. Smith exclaimed that Edwards is “the best two-way guard” in the NBA right now, on top of the ESPN analyst’s bold proclamation that he is comparable to all-time greats Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. Despite praises like these, Edwards deflected comparisons to one of the greatest players of all time in Jordan.

The Minnesota Timberwolves aim to go up 3-0 in their second round series against the defending champion Denver Nuggets on Friday, May 10, at 9:30 p.m. ET.