Did Anthony Edwards Just Throw Shade at the NBA's Biggest Stars in His Latest Adidas Ad?
It seems like Anthony Edwards, fresh off his All-Star selection, might have just stirred the pot a little with his new Adidas advertisement! In a video released shortly after his All-Star announcement, Edwards is seen playing a video game, and some of the characters he's battling bear a striking resemblance to some of the league's top talent, including Victor Wembanyama, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić, and Luka Dončić.
But here's where it gets controversial... The ad doesn't just feature these players; it seems to playfully jab at their on-court personas and recent headlines.
For the character that looks like Victor Wembanyama, Edwards' commentary pointed to a lack of time in the "weight room" and a distinct absence of "swag." And for Giannis Antetokounmpo, the ad hinted at his recent trade rumors while also taking a playful swipe at his famously deliberate free-throw routine.
And this is the part most people miss... When a character resembling Shai Gilgeous-Alexander appeared, the ad humorously suggested his favorite accessory was a whistle, alluding to his knack for drawing fouls. And for Luka Dončić, the ad quipped about him suffering from "late game fatigue."
Now, you might be thinking, can Edwards even afford to talk this much trash? Well, after an absolutely stellar first half of the season, he might just have earned the right! This sixth-year player is putting up incredible numbers: 29.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, all while shooting an impressive 49.5% from the field and a scorching 40.9% from three-point range. This All-Star nod is his fourth in a row, solidifying his status as a perennial elite player.
His team, the Minnesota Timberwolves, are also looking like serious contenders, currently holding a strong fifth place in the Western Conference with a 31-19 record. It's clear Edwards is having a career year.
After this latest campaign from Adidas, it's going to be fascinating to see if the players who were seemingly targeted in the ad will have a little extra motivation when they next face off against the Timberwolves. With the All-Star Game adopting a USA vs. World format this year, we'll actually see Wembanyama, Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic, and Dončić going head-to-head with Edwards sooner rather than later!
What do you think? Was this a harmless bit of fun from Adidas and Edwards, or do you think it crossed a line? Let us know in the comments below – do you agree with Edwards' playful jabs, or do you think he should have shown more respect to his fellow All-Stars?
