Legendary NBA Analyst's bold demand for Anthony Edwards - "You can’t be the face of the NBA until you do this"

Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards has been turning heads with his dominant playoff performances, but one prominent analyst believes he still has one major hurdle to clear before claiming the title of the NBA’s new face.

After leading the Timberwolves to a gentleman’s sweep over the Los Angeles Lakers, Anthony Edwards has further cemented his reputation as one of the league’s brightest young stars. His ability to outplay elite competition—including Luka Doncic, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Nikola Jokic in recent postseasons—has sparked debates about whether he’s ready to take over as the NBA’s marquee player.
However, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith isn’t ready to hand Edwards that crown just yet. On First Take, Stephen A. Smith argued that Edwards must first conquer the Western Conference to truly earn the distinction.

“It’s not Edwards’ league until he wins the West,” Smith said. “He doesn’t even necessarily have to win the championship, but you gotta win the West.” (H/t: Sporting News)

Stephen A. Smith acknowledged Anthony Edwards’ star power, calling him “box office” and praising his magnetic presence on the court. But he emphasized that playoff success—specifically emerging from the loaded Western Conference—is the final step in proving his legitimacy as the league’s new standard-bearer.
“The brother is box office,” Smith said. “The more you see him, the more you want to see him. But still in all, if you don’t have the championship, they’re not gonna give it to you. But if you come out of the West that includes LeBron and Steph, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Jokic? And you’re the guy to come out? That would be different.” (H/t Sporting News)

Minnesota’s dominant first-round performance against the Lakers has positioned them as a serious threat in the playoffs. With Anthony Edwards leading the charge alongside key contributors like Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, and Sixth Man of the Year Naz Reid, the Timberwolves have the depth and firepower to make a deep run.
Their next challenge likely comes against the Golden State Warriors, presenting Edwards with another opportunity to eliminate legends like Steph Curry and Draymond Green. If he succeeds, it would further bolster his case as the league’s next superstar.
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A trip to the NBA Finals—or even a Western Conference title—would mark a historic milestone for the Timberwolves franchise, which has never reached the championship round. For Edwards, it could also be the final step in proving he’s ready to carry the torch as the new face of the NBA.