Edwards Sticks to His Stance on NBA Stardom

Anthony Edwards had a year to think about his position.

When asked recently if he wanted to become the next face of the NBA—especially after LeBron James retires—he stood firm in his answer. It’s a legitimate question for someone who’s just 24, still within that age range where most of us are figuring things out.

But Edwards was clear.

“Yeah, those guys got (Victor) Wembanyama,” he said just before the All-Star Game. “They’ll be fine.”

During the league’s biggest event, it was interesting to see how Edwards filled the spotlight. He shone beyond just his athleticism, charming the room and earning laughter from reporters while also being named MVP of the All-Star Game.

It’s a remarkable scenario for a superstar today—one that seems almost unimaginable in earlier generations.

Can you envision a young Michael Jordan or LeBron or Kobe Bryant ever saying they weren’t interested in being the face of the league? Those guys fought tooth and nail for that recognition. Sure, they aimed for championships, but they also relished the respect and admiration that came with being at the top.

So, is indifference becoming the new trend in the NBA?

Edwards isn’t the only young star feeling this way. Take Nikola Jokic, for instance. After leading the Nuggets to victory in 2023, he was asked how it felt. His response? “The job is done,” he said. Then, when prompted about the victory parade, he simply stated, “No, I have to go home.”

Contrast that with the historic image of Jordan, James, and Bryant shedding tears after triumphant moments. Jokic, on the other hand? He seemed almost unfazed.

With only 450 spots in the NBA and a mere 1% of high school players making it to this level—it’s hard to understand a casual attitude about the opportunity to play in the league, let alone the idea of not aiming for a championship or embracing the idea of being a figurehead.

But here we are.

It’s worth noting that while the glitz of stardom is attractive, there’s a dark side. The intense scrutiny and pressure on these superstars can be overwhelming. Just ask James—after being drafted by the Cavaliers at 18, he faced immense expectations and challenges.

Yet, when he reflected on the responsibilities that come with being the face of the league, he noted that not only is it about the pressure; it seems that the narrative around games has shifted from celebration to criticism.

“Channing Frye said…why would you want to be the face of the league when the people who cover our games and talk about our games every day are against everyone?” James remarked a year back. “It would be strange if you had such a responsibility.”

And still, even if the perception of being the league’s figurehead has evolved, it raises the question: Why is Jokic so nonchalant about his wins? Is it a quirk of his personality, or does it show a lack of respect for the sport?

Interestingly, not all young stars share this apathy.

One standout is Wembanyama. He clearly wants to take on the mantle of being the league’s face. He even took a bold step by insisting on playing defense during the All-Star Game, shunning the trend of casual play.

After the game, it was evident that he inspired some fierce competition, with Edwards acknowledging, “I’m not going to lie. Wemby set the tone.”

Currently in the running to be the new face of the league are Wembanyama, Edwards, Luka Doncic, Jokic, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Each of them brings a level of passion to the court every single night.

But it’s undeniable that, for some, the conversation about the game itself has shifted.

What once seemed unacceptable is now far more accepted. It’s curious how the absence of interest has garnered a sort of cool factor now.