Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards reacted with appreciation after hearing a message of encouragement from NBA legend Michael Jordan during a recent interview shared by the league.
As the Timberwolves prepare to face the Orlando Magic on Saturday at 2:00 pm ET on Prime Video, the NBA released an interview between Edwards and longtime broadcaster Ahmad Rashad in which Rashad recounted Jordan's thoughts about the young guard.
Rashad began the conversation by discussing Edwards' playing style and the attention he gets from opposing defenses.
"There are very few people who enjoy the way you work. One of them is Michael Jordan. Now, Michael Jordan recently talked about how being double-teamed by you is a sign of respect. Did you know that?"
Edwards replied simply.
"Yes."
Rashad then revealed that he recently spoke to Jordan and shared the Hall of Famer's message about Edwards' continued development and mentality.
"I talked to him yesterday and we talked about you. And he said, he loves the passion on both sides that you have. He said you need to continue to improve your game and accept challenges and move forward. And he knows you're the type of person that has that determination. It's great. [that] Isn't it? To make that man your fan?”
Ahmed Rashad to Anthony Edwards:
"I talked to MJ about you yesterday. He said he liked your passion... He said you have to continue to improve your game, accept challenges and move forward." pic.twitter.com/XOITbnZbpu
- NBA (@NBA) 7 March 2026
Edwards smiled as he accepted the praise from the six-time NBA champion.
"Sure."
The Timberwolves guard also recalled early conversations with Jordan before entering the league.
“He came to the gym before I got drafted in Minnesota, my pre-draft workout.”
Anthony Edwards is coming off career-best season after Michael Jordan praise
Jordan's comments come as Edwards continues to establish himself as one of the NBA's brightest young stars. The 24-year-old guard has continued to improve his game since being selected first overall by Minnesota in the 2020 NBA Draft.
Now in his sixth season, Edwards is producing the most efficient campaign of his career. He averaged 29.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.4 steals per game, while shooting career-bests of 49.5% from the field and 40.6% from three-point range.
In 53 games this season, Edwards has played 35.6 minutes per contest and has emerged as the focal point of Minnesota's offense while continuing to develop as a two-way presence.
His production has helped guide the Timberwolves to a 40–23 record, placing the team among the top contenders in the Western Conference standings. Minnesota has also maintained strong momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season and enters Saturday's match on a five-game winning streak.
Edwards' leadership has played a central role in the franchise's recent success. The Timberwolves have reached the Western Conference Finals in each of the last two seasons and will look to compete deep in the postseason again.
As Minnesota continues its push toward the playoffs, Edwards has focused on building his game while acknowledging the challenges Jordan referenced in his message. The Timberwolves will look to extend their winning streak when they host the Magic as they look to make another deep run in the postseason.
