- Minnesota Timberwolves star is introduced at the end of episode one
- The clip has racked up over 5.7m views on X
- The Netflix series also focuses on LeBron James, Jimmy Butler, Jayson Tatum and Domantas Sabonis
“If there was somebody on the floor that I felt was in better condition or a better fit for the moment than me, then I could possibly sit down for a little longer. I have not seen that yet.”
LeBron James’ declaration barely has a second to linger before the rev of a blue Lamborghini rumbles out of a Minnesota garage. Growling through the early Minneapolis morning, a Run The Jewels and Lil Wayne collab serving as entrance music, pulsating over the Lambo’s horsepower, a voice over fires back at King James.
“I do not look up to anybody in the league right now,” begin the nonchalant tones of the 23-year-old heir to the throne, before clarifying for emphasis, “Not at all. Not the slightest.
“Yeah I wanna cook LeBron one-on-one. Who don’t? If you say you don’t, you don’t wanna compete.”
A tease of a sharp stare down the camera lens and a “I’m coming for it all” smirk later, and we are fading to black with Anthony Edwards positioned as every inch the second coming of Michael Jordan as the media and fans alike have hailed him as over the last four years.
The 23-year-old Timberwolves shooting guard arrives at the climax of the first episode of Netflix’s new ‘Starting Five’ docuseries, like Buzz Lightyear emerging from wrapping paper into Andy’s bedroom at the beginning of Toy Story. The future has arrived.
Positioning the Olympic gold medalist’s entrance to the series in such a way has proven to be expert presentation from Netflix, with a clip of Edwards’ series debut amassing over 5.7m views on X at the time of writing. The former Georgia Bulldog strides through the hallways of the Target Center in Minneapolis like a king riding into a conquered city. And NBA fans cannot get enough of it.
Master villain or the NBA’s next hero, who’s to say? But one thing is for sure, and that is the two-time All Star is primed to lead the league into the next generation. The Buzz to LeBron’s Woody. Heading for the stratosphere while the ageing gunslinger contemplates his own shelf life.
Edwards and James may have tasted Olympic glory together in Paris, this summer, but once the new NBA season tips off in just under two weeks, with the Timberwolves visiting the 17 time champions at the Crypto.com Arena on opening night on October 22nd, there will likely be little in the way of pleasantries on the court.
For Anthony Edwards, it’s not opening night. It’s an opportunity to signify his intent
