NBA
Michael Jordan Believes Anthony Edwards’ Butt is the Key to Becoming ‘Unguardable’
Stephen Sheehan began his sportswriting career as a high school student covering sports for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel through a student outreach program. He wrote for Bleacher Report and Fan Rag Sports and worked full-time for Sportscasting in 2020 and 2021. Stephen specializes in covering the NFL, particularly the New England Patriots. Stephen is inspired by the stories sports can tell, from money to tragedies to breaking news; there are so many different ways to cover the industry. He monitors Twitter and various websites every day to find stories to tell in unique ways. Stephen was a 2008 Culpepper Journalism Foundation Fellowship winner, received a bachelor's degree in journalism in 2013 and a master's in sports management in 2015 from the University of Florida, and is an active rugby player and former rugby and football coach.
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When the greatest basketball player of all time gives you career advice, you should listen. So if Anthony Edwards wants to live up to being the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NBA draft, he better start using his butt.
After all, Michael Jordan said so.
Anthony Edwards went No. 1 overall in the 2020 NBA draft after starring at Georgia
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An Atlanta native, Anthony Edwards didn’t travel far to play his college ball. The 6-foot-5, 225-pound shooting guard took his talents to the University of Georgia, where he showcased tremendous scoring ability.
In his first (and only) season playing for the Bulldogs, Edwards averaged 19.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.3 steals in 32 games. However, he did not shoot well from the field. The 19-year-old hit just 29.4% of his 3-point attempts and only shot 40.2% from the field.
Still, given his offensive upside, the Minnesota Timberwolves made Edwards the first overall pick of the 2020 NBA draft. But before he became an overnight millionaire, the talented teenager received some critical career advice from Michael Jordan that could help him become a superstar one day.
Michael Jordan believes Edwards’ butt is the key to reaching ‘unguardable’ status
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For Anthony Edwards, working out in front of Michael Jordan represented a life-altering moment. Not only did he have a chance to showcase his skills but he also had a chance to receive some tips from the greatest player in NBA history.
In speaking with Taylor Rooks of Bleacher Report, Edwards revealed a piece of advice Jordan gave him that could allow him to maximize his terrifying potential on the offensive end of the floor.
“It was mostly just, ‘Use your butt more in the post, in the mid-post,'” Edwards said. “I feel like that was the best thing he told me. He was like, ‘You’re stronger than I am. You’re more athletic. You’re bigger than me. Use your butt more and create more space and you’re gonna be unguardable.'”
Considering he just turned 19 back in August, Edwards has plenty of time to implement Jordan’s advice and continue to refine his game. And if he can provide Minnesota with a consistent scoring punch this season, don’t sleep on the Timberwolves as a legitimate Western Conference contender.
Don’t sleep on the Timberwolves this season
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Drafting Anthony Edwards represented a bold move for Minnesota. Gersson Rosas, the team’s president of basketball of operations, also swung a trade for Ricky Rubio on draft night.
The acquisition solidifies the point guard spot for the Timberwolves. Rubio averaged 13 points, 8.8 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 65 games with the Phoenix Suns last season. Known for his passing skills, the 30-year-old should form a solid backcourt with D’Angelo Russell.
The former No. 2 overall pick got traded to Minnesota back in February and averaged 21.7 points in 12 games. He should only be better in his first full season with the team.
Of course, the Timberwolves already have a bonafide superstar in Karl-Anthony Towns. The 6-foot-11, 248-pound center averaged a career-high 26.5 points last season. Minnesota’s franchise player shot 41.2% from 3-point territory in his fifth year in the league.
On paper, the Timberwolves boast a ton of offensive upside. If Edwards utilizes the advice he received from Michael Jordan, he should challenge for NBA Rookie of the Year honors. And if he and Russell can provide consistent scoring from the wing, that will take the pressure off Towns to carry the load by himself.
Let’s see if Minnesota’s collection of young talent can play up to its potential. If so, don’t be surprised to see the Timberwolves make a push for a playoff spot just one year removed from going 19-45.
All statistics courtesy of Sports Reference and Basketball Reference.
