Anthony Edwards, recognized as one of the NBA’s most thrilling young talents, recently shared his thoughts on the league’s shifting landscape during All-Star Weekend media sessions. As LeBron James’ prolific career nears its conclusion, Edwards was asked if he anticipated feeling emotional when James eventually retires.
Edwards admitted,
“Am I going to shed a tear? I might cry a little bit,”
conveying his respect for the departing superstar. This moment highlights the generational change in the NBA, with emerging stars poised to lead the sport forward.
Edwards Defers Future Face of the League Title to Wembanyama
When questioned about becoming the next face of the league, Anthony Edwards pointed to fellow rising star Victor Wembanyama rather than positioning himself for that role. Edwards said,
“Man, them folks got Victor Wembanyama. That’s what they got going on. They got Wemby. They’ll be all right,”
clearly indicating his view that Wembanyama is ready to carry the torch.
This response aligns with Edwards’ stance from the previous year, showing his reluctance to embrace the pressure that comes with being the league’s leading figure. The confidence Edwards expresses in Wembanyama underscores the young player’s growing reputation.
Wembanyama’s Ambition to Lead the NBA
Victor Wembanyama himself has embraced the idea of becoming the league’s next prominent face. He stated,
“I definitely see it happening… Supply and demand. I’m here to supply,”
revealing his readiness and willingness to meet expectations.
Wembanyama’s talent and potential have generated widespread attention, positioning him alongside other rising stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jayson Tatum, both of whom also vie for prominence in the post-LeBron era.
Other Contenders for the Next Leading NBA Star
The race for the future face of the NBA includes multiple players with strong cases. Jayson Tatum currently holds a favorable position due to his consistent success, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has shown impressive progression as a prominent league figure. If Wembanyama maintains his trajectory of dominance and team success, he could solidify his claim quickly.
Though Anthony Edwards possesses the charisma and talent to assume the league’s spotlight, his comments suggest a focus on the collective evolution of the game rather than personal accolades.
"They got [Victor] Wembanyama. They'll be aight."
Anthony Edwards on becoming the future face of the league 😂
(via @WorldWideWob)pic.twitter.com/DGLJGbPJpH
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 14, 2026
