Anthony Edwards Rejects 'Face of the NBA' Role - Shannon Sharpe Supports His Stance

Anthony Edwards is one of the NBA’s brightest young stars, but he has made it crystal clear—he does not want to be the face of the league. Despite his explosive performances and growing popularity, he refuses to embrace the expectations that come with such a role. Instead, he just wants to play basketball without the added pressure. NBA analyst Shannon Sharpe agrees, arguing that the media and league should stop forcing this narrative on him. So, why is Edwards so adamant about this? Let’s break it down.

During the recent NBA All-Star Weekend, Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns confidently stated that his former teammate, Anthony Edwards, would soon become the face of the league. However, Edwards himself had a different perspective.
"Nah, not really," Edwards told reporters. "That's what they got Wemby for." (San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama)

Even when the TNT hosts pressed him to acknowledge his potential, Edwards remained firm.
"I'm capable of being that guy," he said. "But I don't want to be that guy, I'll put it like that. I want to be the guy that just show up and hoop and just kill dudes and go home."

On ESPN’s First Take, Shannon Sharpe backed Edwards' stance, stating that the NBA should stop trying to mold him into something he doesn’t want to be.
"How many different ways must someone tell you they don't want something before you believe him?" Sharpe said. "I believe him when he says he doesn’t want to be the face of the NBA. He doesn’t want what comes along with being that. That’s OK. I watch him come to the game with slides on and baggy—he's not trying to be the representation, the best face of the NBA. Leave him alone. Don’t try to put that on him if he doesn’t want it."

While Edwards shies away from the spotlight off the court, his game speaks for itself. The 22-year-old has been a key factor in Minnesota’s success, averaging a career-best 27.5 points per game—ranking fifth in the NBA—along with 5.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists. His third All-Star selection and league-leading 227 three-pointers prove his worth as a top-tier player.
However, with increased attention comes scrutiny. Edwards has been fined for postgame language and gestures toward officials. Aware that young fans look up to him, he acknowledges the need to be more mindful. His reluctance to be the league's face may stem from the relentless public pressure that comes with it—a challenge even legends like LeBron James have struggled with.
"Ant-Man told you, he's good," Sharpe reiterated. "Leave him alone. Let’s push other guys that would gladly accept being what that is, the face of the NBA. It’s OK."

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Edwards has all the skills to be one of the best in the game, but he’s made it clear that he wants to do it on his own terms. Rather than forcing him into a role he doesn’t desire, it’s time to respect his wishes and let him thrive as one of the league’s most electrifying talents—without the unnecessary burden of being its official face.