According to ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, after the Minnesota Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards won the All-Star Game MVP award, it's fitting to appoint him the face of the NBA. Talking about Edwards' all-round game, Smith says that Edwards' unique skill set sets him apart from players like San Antonio Spurs youngster Victor Wambayama.
Edwards is eligible for Smith informal title he said of the face of the NBA, according to ESPN's First Take.
“[Victor] Vembanyama, brother, is special. But that damn Ant-Man, he's worth watching. That's Jordan-esque. He hasn't won yet. So we can't say that," Smith said. "But his game – the pureness of it – the handle, the shot, the athleticism, the swag. She doesn't believe it, but her boy Stephen A. is going to tell her. You got it all.”
Smith says the average fan may relate more to Edwards than Vishal Wembanyama.
"A lot of people can't relate to someone who's 7-feet-5 inches tall. We can never do that. We can't be that. It's just an anomaly. Ant-Man is just like Steph [Curry]The baby face is killer. Damn, look at his size, and he's doing what he's doing," Smith said. "Look at Ant-Man what he's doing... [He] Is going to be the face of the NBA. Mark it. Vembanyama is there with him. He may win sooner than we know, but Ant-Man will be there.
"[Victor] Vembanyama, brother, is special. But that damn Ant-Man... he's worth watching... you got everything... it's just like Steph [Curry]The baby's face is a killer... [He] He's going to be the face of the NBA."
Anthony Edwards on Stephen A. Smith 🙌pic.twitter.com/ulFmpksuqs
- ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 16 February 2026
Edwards totaled 32 points in 26 minutes over three games. He helped lead the USA Stars to a 47–21 victory in the All-Star Game final.
Brian Windhorst praises Anthony Edwards' ASG performance
Stephen A. Smith wasn't the only NBA analyst to praise the Timberwolves' All-Star forward on the four-letter network, as ESPN's Brian Windhorst gave Anthony Edwards his due following the 2026 NBA All-Star Game.
windhorst kept it 100 About Edwards, according to ESPN's Get Up.
"This guy does everything you want from a superstar," Windhorst said. "He plays on both ends of the court, he has great dunks, he's a great 3-point shooter, he has a great personality, he's been a winner. He hasn't won a championship, but he's led the Wolves to their best two years in franchise history, and he has incredible competitive juice, which he's shown in this game."
"He's so attractive that the NBA needs huge investment going forward."
Brian Windhorst on Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, whom he described as "the most underappreciated superstar in all of American sports."
(via @GetUpESPN)pic.twitter.com/njdOIqzam7
- ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 16 February 2026
Edwards earned his first All-Star Game MVP award.
