Since being selected first overall in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards has consistently elevated his game each season. At just 24 years old, Edwards is widely considered a rising star poised to become a future MVP and potential face of the league. Rich Paul, a prominent sports agent, has recently placed Edwards above reigning three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, claiming Edwards is currently the best player in the NBA.
Paul’s opinion has attracted significant attention this season, as he has repeatedly shared bold views. Earlier in the year, his comments suggesting the Los Angeles Lakers trade star guard Austin Reaves stirred controversy, especially because Paul also represents LeBron James. Paul has now returned with another provocative assertion, insisting Edwards is the league’s top player right now.
Rich Paul’s Perspective on Edwards’ Status
On the show Game Over, Paul stated,
“I still think it’s a community, but I think that community is led by Anthony Edwards.”
He went further, declaring,
“I think Anthony Edwards is the best player in our league today.”
While many fans and experts might argue otherwise, with figures like Jokic or the reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander commonly regarded as the NBA’s best, Paul remains firm in his stance. He explained,
“The face of the league, you have to grow into that; that’s something different. But best player, yes, he is the best player to me.”
Paul emphasized,
“Because you can’t watch a game on any given night against anybody and look at that game and say, ‘Oh, that person is better than Anthony Edwards.’”
Public Reaction and Context of the NBA’s Current Star Landscape
The discussion about who holds the title “face of the NBA” is ongoing, without a universally accepted answer. For several years, the league hasn’t seen a clear-cut superstar dominating the conversation, partly influenced by the prominence of international players. This global shift has made it more difficult for some American fans to relate deeply to NBA stars.
Historically, the league showcased unmistakable figures such as Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird, all American-born athletes who significantly pushed basketball into the mainstream spotlight. Coming from Atlanta, Georgia, Edwards fits the profile of a player who could grow into a similarly iconic role in the future.
Nevertheless, at present, the NBA’s face is often seen as a collective of global talents, or perhaps Jokic himself, given his dominance over recent years.
Comparing Edwards, Jokic, and the Broader Debate
Despite his admiration for Jokic, Paul stated,
“I love Jokic, no question about it. But no. If you say, ‘I’m taking Jokic,’ I’m saying, ‘Okay, give me Anthony Edwards.’”
This perspective diverges from many experts and fans who believe Jokic or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander currently hold the upper hand.
Paul’s recent run of controversial opinions fuels lively debates across the basketball community, even if not widely agreed upon. His view opens a window to reconsidering Edwards’ place in the NBA hierarchy over the coming seasons as the young talent’s skills and influence continue evolving.
Potential for Anthony Edwards to Lead the Next Generation
While acknowledging the current consensus that Jokic or Gilgeous-Alexander might be the leading players today, Paul’s comments underscore Edwards’ potential to become a transformative figure in the NBA. Analysts like Max Kellerman have expressed enthusiasm about Edwards’ future, noting his appealing personality and star quality.
If Edwards fulfills expectations, he could emerge as a defining athlete for the next era of basketball, much like Jordan and LeBron did in their primes. For now, his steady ascent remains one of the league’s most exciting stories to watch.
Rich Paul says Anthony Edwards is the best player in the NBA 👀
“He is the best player. You can’t watch a game on any given night against anybody and look at that game and say ‘oh that person is better than Anthony Edwards.’ I love Jokic, but no”
(Via Game Over) pic.twitter.com/PzeOskii5B
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) February 18, 2026
