AnthonyEdwards Hailed As A Potential Top-100 Player Ever By Gilbert Arenas
In a bold and headline-grabbing statement that has already stirred debate across the basketball world, former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas recently declared that Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards has the potential to be a top-100 player in NBA history. Coming off a breakout season and a memorable playoff run, Edwards is quickly cementing his place as one of the league’s brightest young stars — and Arenas is clearly buying into the hype.
“If this kid keeps working, stays healthy, and keeps that killer mentality, we’re not just looking at an All-Star. We’re talking about an all-time great,” Arenas said during a recent episode of his Gil’s Arena podcast. “He’s got the tools, the mindset, and now the experience.”
A Breakout Year for Edwards
Anthony Edwards, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, has always been known for his explosive athleticism, fearless scoring, and undeniable charisma. But it’s in the 2024–25 season where he truly began to turn heads not just as a scorer, but as a leader. Averaging over 26 points per game with improved shooting splits and defensive effort, Edwards became the centerpiece of a Timberwolves team that pushed deep into the playoffs.
In the 2025 Western Conference Semifinals, Edwards delivered a series of masterclass performances, including a 40-point outing that left fans comparing him to Dwyane Wade and even a young Michael Jordan. He showed an ability to take over games in crunch time, thrive under pressure, and lift his teammates — characteristics that separate great players from legends.
The Gilbert Arenas Stamp of Approval
Gilbert Arenas, never shy about giving hot takes or expressing raw opinions, has a reputation for identifying talent in a unique, unfiltered way. While some may argue his claim is premature — given Edwards is only in his fifth NBA season — others view it as a recognition of something special unfolding.
“A lot of guys put up numbers. A lot of dudes make All-Star teams. But very few have that aura. That ability to change the game emotionally, to make the crowd feel something. Edwards has it,” Arenas explained.
He even drew parallels to other generational guards, suggesting Edwards could have a legacy akin to that of Allen Iverson or Clyde Drexler — guards whose impact went far beyond stats.
Top-100 All-Time: What Does It Take?
Making a top-100 all-time NBA list is no small feat. Consider the names typically found on such lists: Larry Bird, Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Dirk Nowitzki, Scottie Pippen, Reggie Miller. These players not only excelled individually but also contributed significantly to winning cultures, often carrying their teams deep into the postseason or winning championships.
For Edwards to realistically join that elite company, several things will need to happen:
- Sustained Excellence – One great season or playoff run isn’t enough. Edwards will need to consistently perform at an All-NBA level for at least a decade.
- Team Success – Historically, legacy is often tied to playoff success and championships. If Edwards can lead the Timberwolves — or any future team — to a Finals appearance or a ring, his stock will skyrocket.
- Individual Accolades – MVP consideration, All-NBA First Team selections, and multiple All-Star nods will be crucial.
- Evolution of His Game – While Edwards is already a premier scorer and athlete, developing into a two-way force and enhancing his playmaking could make him virtually unguardable.
Comparisons Already Stirring Buzz
The Anthony Edwards-Dwyane Wade comparison has gained traction not just among fans, but even among analysts and former players. Wade himself has praised Edwards, saying the young guard “plays with a fearlessness and swagger that reminds me of myself early in my career.”
Like Wade, Edwards thrives on attacking the basket, plays with a chip on his shoulder, and has shown a natural instinct for the big moment. What sets Edwards apart, though, is a more developed perimeter game at a younger age and a personality that’s as engaging off the court as it is fierce on it.
The Bigger Picture
Edwards’ rise represents more than just individual brilliance. It’s also a symbol of Minnesota’s long-awaited resurgence as a viable franchise. With a solid core including Karl-Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert, and Jaden McDaniels, the Timberwolves are no longer just a rebuilding team — they’re contenders.
And in the middle of it all is Anthony Edwards, the face of a new era.
What’s Next for Ant?
With the 2025–26 season on the horizon, expectations have never been higher for the young star. USA Basketball has reportedly named Edwards as a key player in their plans for the 2028 Olympics, further solidifying his place among the elite. Endorsements are rising, media presence is booming, and the league itself seems ready to hand him the torch.
If Gilbert Arenas’ prediction comes true, we may be witnessing the early chapters of a career that not only entertains but also defines a generation.
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