The Ant-Man Ascent: Comparing Edwards’ Age-24 Season to Jordan

It was only a matter of time before the comparisons started. When a young shooting guard shows off explosive athleticism, strong play on both ends, and a fierce drive to win, people naturally look for a standard to measure him by. For Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, that standard is often Michael Jordan. What started as quiet talk became much louder during his impressive 2023-24 season, with fans and analysts regularly checking the box score to see what he did next.

Comparing any current player to Jordan isn’t easy. Some say it puts too much pressure on young athletes, while others think it’s just part of judging top talent. Lately, the focus has shifted from comparing their whole careers, which isn’t really fair, to looking at what they did at the same age. Edwards spent the entire 2023-24 season at 22, which lines up with Jordan’s third year in the league, when he was also 22 for much of the 1986-87 season.

Their playing styles are a lot alike. Both guards attack the basket with power, using a mix of strength and control that makes them tough to stop. Jordan was known for his signature midrange fadeaway, while Edwards has built his game around a reliable pull-up jumper.

The Statistical Breakdown at Age 22

When looking at the stats, it’s important to remember that the rules and style of play were different in each era. Jordan’s age-22 season, his third year after an injury-shortened second season, happened in the mid-1980s. Back then, defenders could use hand-checking, the game was faster, and teams didn’t focus much on three-point shots. He put up a career-high 37.1 points per game. Edwards’ age-22 season, his fourth year, came during a time when spacing and three-point shooting are key, so his impact stands out even though he scores less.

Michael Jordan (Age 22, '86-87): 37.1 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.6 APG, 2.9 SPG, 1.5 BPG, 48.2% FG

Anthony Edwards (Age 22, '23-24): 25.9 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 5.1 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 46.1% FG

There’s a big difference in their scoring, but Jordan played about 40 minutes a game in a fast, physical era where high scoring was expected and three-pointers were rare. Edwards puts up his numbers in fewer minutes and in a league that values three-point shooting. His strong shooting from deep (35.7% on a lot of attempts) makes him even more valuable today, something that wasn’t common when Jordan was young. Edwards’ rise comes from his growth as a modern playmaker and top defender, fitting right in with today’s game.

Defensive Presence and Competitive Will

Both players make a big impact on defense that doesn’t always show up in the stats. Jordan won Defensive Player of the Year early in his career. Edwards has shown his own defensive skills by taking on tough matchups in important moments, showing leadership similar to Jordan’s.

Timberwolves leaders have praised Edwards for his growth, especially because he works hard on both defense and offense. He’s not just about flashy plays—he’s a true two-way player who sets the tone for his team, much like Jordan did in Chicago.

Modern Pace vs. '80s Intensity

It’s tough to compare these two eras. The 1980s were known for tough, physical defense and games that were often decided near the basket. Edwards plays in a time where the game is faster and more spread out, and defenders can’t use the same tactics. Some say it’s easier to score now, but the defensive strategies Edwards faces are more complicated, and he has to make quick decisions that Jordan didn’t always have to make when playing one-on-one.

Measuring the Immeasurable Ascent

Jordan’s stats at age 22 are still almost impossible to match today, but the way Edwards helps his team and how he does it make the comparison fair. Both players have a rare mix of strength, all-around play, and a strong will to win. Edwards still has a long way to go to reach Jordan’s championship success, but when it comes to their early years, he’s on a path that few NBA players have followed.

Stay on top of every fast break and buzzer-beater with TigerScores, your home for live NBA and college hoops updates. From real-time box scores to season-long player stats, we provide the essential data every basketball fan needs to follow the game.