Anthony Edwards’ latest playoff masterpiece did more than just secure a victory; it prompted a rare and powerful moment of recognition from his idol, Dwyane Wade. On Monday, the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Denver Nuggets 119-114 in Game 2, and Edwards seized the moment to announce his return to dominance. The 24-year-old chipped in 30 points and stepped up emphatically on defense, including a crucial block late in the fourth quarter. That moment mattered. After the game, Edwards spoke about it and shared how much he admires Dwyane Wade and his defensive approach.
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Now, over the course of time, many people have often pointed out how feisty Ant can be on the floor. Everyone has drawn comparisons between him and the great Michael Jordan. But at the same time, D-Wade’s name has also been part of the conversation.
So, given all the comparisons and Edwards’ fresh story of motivation, Wade shared his true feelings. “He has everything. I didn’t have everything. If I’m at this bar, this guy is going to step above that bar for sure. It’s good to see guys like that, you know, could be in this next top 100. When you talk about Donovan, Ant, in these next 25 greats to play this game,” the 44-year-old said on The Check-in with Dwyane Wade on the WY Network.
Dwyane Wade on Anthony Edwards: “He has everything. I didn’t have everything. If I’m at this bar, this guy is going to step above that bar for sure. It’s good to see guys like that you know could be in this next top 100. When you talk about Donovan, Ant, in these next 25 greats Show more
At the same time, Wade said that while calling games, he often sees shades of himself in Anthony Edwards. “I’m looking at Ant, and I’m watching him do things that I know I’ve seen my body do as well. I’m just watching him like ‘I’ve seen this before’ — He’s a national treasure, baby,” D-Wade said. Now, what did Edwards say to bring out such a reaction from the NBA legend?
After Monday’s win, the 24-year-old Minnesota Timberwolves star told the media, ” just be watching Dwyane Wade clips. He was beating s*** at the rim. So I just be trying to beat s*** at the rim. That’s all… I don’t care who it is… I don’t give a damn, I’m tryin to beat that s***.”
Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards has built his name as a true two-way force. Yet this season tested that image. Injuries slowed him down. Rhythm came and went. As a result, his defensive edge slipped at times. Still, flashes remained, and Monday added another reminder.
Moreover, the Wolves finally found some spark after a flat performance in Game 1 on Saturday. This time, the energy looked different. Most importantly, Edwards attacked the rim more often. His knee held up better. He kept driving with purpose. In turn, he and Rudy Gobert exposed the Nuggets’ shaky rim protection.
How does Anthony Edwards stack up against a young Dwyane Wade?
Anthony Edwards is carving out a scorer’s identity with serious volume. In his 4th and 5th seasons, he posted 25.9 and 27.6 points per game. Meanwhile, his three-point attempts surged from 6.7 to 10.3, while his makes rose from 2.4 to 4.1. In comparison, Dwyane Wade recorded 27.4 and 24.6 points in those same stages. The gap feels tight. However, Wade leaned heavily on rim pressure and contact, while Edwards thrives in space and perimeter rhythm.
Then comes efficiency, where Wade quietly takes control. He shot 49.1% in year 4 versus Edwards’ 46.1%, and followed with 46.9% against 44.7% in year 5. Moreover, Wade lived at the line. He attempted 10.5 and 9.2 free throws, while Edwards managed 6.4 and 6.3. That difference highlights shot quality. Wade created closer looks. Edwards stretched defenses outward.
Imago
Apr 18, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) dribbles the ball up the court during the first half against the Denver Nuggets in game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
Finally, the all-around impact tells a deeper story. Wade’s versatility extended far beyond scoring. In his fourth season, he orchestrated play with 7.5 assists while disrupting opponents with 2.1 steals and 1.2 blocks; the kind of defensive omnipresence that defined his career.
Edwards, meanwhile, has shown flashes of that same breadth, though still developing it. His playmaking lags at 5.4 assists compared to Wade’s 7.5, and his defensive anchorness- measured in steals and blocks- trails noticeably.
The gap widens in year five, where Wade’s all-around command remained more pronounced. But here’s where the narrative shifts: when Edwards enters the playoffs, something changes. His game tightens. His focus sharpens. He orchestrates with purpose, delivering stat lines that suggest a player maturing in real time.
Wade, in those same postseason moments, maintained elite consistency with his 23.5 and 27.0 point averages, but Edwards’ trajectory hints at something Wade’s own peak possessed- the hunger to do everything, not just excel at one thing. That hunger is what Wade recognizes when he watches Edwards play.
It’s the same quality that Michael Jordan identified in Edwards earlier this season. Through Ahmad Rashad, Jordan delivered his assessment with rare directness: “He said he loves the passion you have on both ends of the floor.”
But Jordan went further, offering practical wisdom born from experience. He had spoken with Minnesota’s front office about Edwards being double-teamed, explaining that “while that’s the highest respect that you can ever get, if a team feels like they got to double-team you,” the key is learning how to break the double team through movement and positioning.
When two of basketball’s greatest competitors- the GOAT and the modern torch-bearer- independently recognize that same fire in a 24-year-old, it signals something undeniable: not just a talented player, but a generational force emerging before their eyes.
This torch-passing moment between Wade and Edwards reflects a timeless tradition in sports history, where greatness recognizes greatness across generations.
Similar to how Michael Jordan acknowledged Kobe Bryant’s exceptional skill and competitive drive during Bryant’s early career, Wade’s public endorsement of Edwards signals a changing of the guard among elite perimeter players.
Such moments transcend individual achievements- they represent the perpetuation of excellence and the validation of rising talent by those who have already reached the summit.
Therefore, Anthony Edwards made his message clear. He is here, and he is evolving fast. Moreover, Dwyane Wade sees it too, and that matters. The scoring is louder now, and the intent runs deeper. So, while the comparisons continue, Edwards keeps pushing forward with purpose.
