Magic Johnson was HIGHLY AGITATED by Ant-Man's MJ comments 👀 - Shannon Sharpe | First Take

Summary

In a spirited discussion, NBA legends and analysts debate the skill level of players across different eras. Anthony Edwards' comment that Michael Jordan was the only skilled player during his era is met with criticism from Magic Johnson, who asserts that only champions should comment on player skill. The conversation touches on the importance of respecting pioneers in basketball and acknowledges the evolution of the game, including improved training, nutrition, and coaching. Despite acknowledging advancements, some argue that today's players may not surpass the skill sets of past greats, while others contend that modern players have reached new heights in versatility and shooting ability.

Takeaways

• 🏀 Anthony Edwards sparked controversy by suggesting that Michael Jordan was the only skilled player during his era.
• 🗣️ Magic Johnson responded by stating he doesn't respond to those who haven't won championships at high school or college levels.
• 🏆 The discussion highlights the importance of championship wins in evaluating a player's skill and legacy.
• 👑 There's a debate on whether the current generation of NBA players is more skilled due to better training, nutrition, and learning from past players.
• 🔍 The conversation emphasizes the influence of pioneers like Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Dr. J on the skills and styles of modern players.
• 🤔 It questions whether Edwards' opinion is valid since he didn't witness the older players in action, suggesting that one's perspective is shaped by personal experience.
• 📈 The skill level in basketball is believed by some to have evolved, with contemporary players being more versatile and technically proficient.
• 🏋️‍♂️ The advancements in training, nutrition, and coaching are credited for the improvement in players' skills over the years.
• 🎯 The script points out the exceptional shooting abilities of today's players, even those not starting, showcasing the depth of talent in the league.
• 🚫 The discussion also touches on rule changes in basketball that have affected how the game is played and how skills are displayed.

Q & A

What was Anthony Edwards' statement about the Michael Jordan era?

Anthony Edwards stated that during the Michael Jordan era, it was tougher back then than it is now, but he doesn't think anybody had skill back then except for Michael Jordan.

How did Magic Johnson respond to Edwards' statement?

Magic Johnson responded by saying he doesn't respond to anyone who hasn't won a championship, neither at the high school level nor the college level.

What does the commentator think about Magic Johnson's response?

The commentator finds Magic Johnson's response fair, acknowledging his status as a five-time champion and one of the greatest point guards in basketball history.

Why does the commentator believe Edwards' statement was disrespectful?

The commentator believes Edwards' statement was disrespectful because it disregarded the skills of other legendary players like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Isaiah Thomas.

What does the commentator emphasize about the influence of pioneers in basketball?

The commentator emphasizes that pioneers in basketball, like Dr. J and Connie Hawkins, paved the way for future players and influenced their skills and styles.

How does the commentator view the skill level of today's basketball players compared to the past?

The commentator argues that today's players are more skilled due to better training, nutrition, and the ability to study and learn from past players.

What does the commentator say about the importance of winning championships in evaluating a player's skill?

The commentator suggests that while championships are important, they should not be the sole measure of a player's skill, as there are many skilled players who have not won titles.

What does the commentator think about the evolution of basketball skills over time?

The commentator believes that basketball skills have evolved and improved over time, with players today being able to do multiple things on the court more effectively.

How does the commentator respond to the idea that past players were more skilled than current players?

The commentator counters this idea by listing several skilled players from the past, such as Charles Barkley, and argues that there were many skilled players in every era of basketball.

What does the commentator suggest about the role of visibility and recognition in discussions about basketball players' skills?

The commentator implies that visibility and recognition play a role in how players are perceived and that those who are not as well-known might be underappreciated for their skills.

Outlines

00:00

🏀 Debate on Skill Level in Basketball History

The paragraph discusses a debate sparked by comments from Anthony Edwards, who suggested that Michael Jordan was the only skilled player during his era. This statement was met with criticism from basketball legend Magic Johnson, who argued that only those who have won championships at any level should comment on the skill levels of players. The conversation touches on the importance of respecting the pioneers of the game and acknowledges the advancements in training, nutrition, and overall skill level of modern players. The discussion also emphasizes the role of evolution in the game, with the current generation benefiting from the lessons and examples set by past greats.

05:02

🗣️ Skill and Legacy in Basketball Evolution

This paragraph continues the discussion on the evolution of basketball skills, with a focus on the contributions of past players to the current generation. It challenges the notion that modern players are more skilled by pointing out the achievements and unique skills of legendary players like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and others. The conversation also addresses the role of pioneers in shaping the game and the importance of acknowledging their influence. There's a recognition of the improved training, nutrition, and coaching that contribute to the skill development of today's players, but also a call to remember the legacy of those who came before.

Keywords

💡Skill

In the context of the video, 'skill' refers to the technical ability and proficiency of basketball players. The discussion revolves around the comparison of skills between players from the Michael Jordan era and contemporary players. The script mentions that some argue Michael Jordan was the only skilled player of his time, which is contested by others who highlight the skills of players like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Isaiah Thomas.

💡Championship

A 'championship' in this script denotes the highest level of achievement in basketball, typically won by a team. It is used to measure the success and skill level of players, as Magic Johnson's comments suggest that those who haven't won championships, especially at high school or college levels, should not be compared to him or other champions in terms of skill.

💡Disrespect

'Disrespect' is mentioned in the context of how certain statements can be perceived as undermining the achievements or abilities of other players. The script discusses how claiming Michael Jordan was the only skilled player of his era can be seen as disrespectful to other skilled players like Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.

💡Pioneers

The term 'pioneers' is used to refer to the players who came before and laid the foundation for the current generation of basketball players. The script emphasizes the importance of acknowledging these players' contributions to the sport and how they influenced the development of skills in those who followed.

💡Evolution

Evolution in this script refers to the progress and development of basketball skills over time. It is argued that with better training, nutrition, and the ability to learn from past players, the current generation of players may have evolved to possess higher skill levels than those from 20 or 30 years ago.

💡Legacy

'Legacy' is discussed in terms of how past players' skills and achievements have left a lasting impact on the sport. The script suggests that current players may not have reached their potential without the legacy of pioneers like Dr. J, Connie Hawkins, and Michael Jordan.

💡Training

Training is highlighted as a factor contributing to the improvement of basketball skills over time. The script mentions that better training methods have allowed current players to develop a higher level of skill compared to previous generations.

💡Nutrition

Nutrition is cited as another factor that has contributed to the enhancement of players' skills. The script suggests that improved nutrition has played a role in the development of better athletic performance in contemporary basketball players.

💡Innovation

Innovation is implied in the discussion about the advancements in basketball skills. The script refers to how the current generation has innovated in areas such as shooting techniques, which have improved due to rule changes and the study of past players' techniques.

💡Hand Check

The 'hand check' is a rule in basketball that has changed over time, affecting how players defend. The script mentions how the rule used to allow more physical contact, which has since been limited, leading to a change in the style of play and potentially influencing the skill set required for modern players.

💡Recognition

'Recognition' in the script refers to the acknowledgment and respect given to players based on their achievements, particularly winning championships. It is used to argue that those who have not won championships may not be in a position to fully assess or compare the skills of those who have.

Highlights

Edwards comments on the Michael Jordan era, suggesting it was tougher back then and that Jordan was the only one with skill.

Magic Johnson's response to Edwards, stating he doesn't respond to those who haven't won championships at any level.

Stephen A. Smith's defense of Anthony Edwards as a favorite player and the importance of seeing him in the national spotlight.

Criticism of Edwards' statement as disrespectful to the skills of past basketball legends like Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.

Discussion on the influence of pioneers in basketball and how current players have built upon their legacy.

Stephen A. Smith's argument that today's players have better training, nutrition, and can learn from past players' successes.

The acknowledgment that while individual players like Michael Jordan were highly skilled, others like Larry Bird and Magic Johnson were equally skilled.

The importance of recognizing the skill level of past players and not dismissing their contributions to the game.

The evolution of basketball skills over time, with today's players having access to better training and nutrition.

The argument that today's players are more skilled due to improved coaching, nutrition, and training methods.

The comparison of shooting skills between past and present players, noting the impressive shooting abilities of today's players.

The impact of rule changes in basketball on the way players can shoot and handle the ball.

The importance of not dismissing the skills of past players based on the fact that current players have not seen them play.

The final point made about the skill level of players and the need to respect the legacy of pioneers in the sport.

Transcripts

and Edwards still making headlines

Edwards told wsj when it comes to the

Michael Jordan era they say it was

tougher back then than it is now but I

don't think anybody had skill back then

Michael Jordan was the only one that

really had skill this sparter responds

from Lakers Legend Magic Johnson who

said that he doesn't respond to anybody

that hasn't won a championship and

hasn't won a championship at the high

school level or the college level are

Magic's comments fair or foul Steph

they're Fair he's a five-time champion

universally recognized as the greatest

point guard in the history of

basketall um I love Anthony Edwards he's

one of my top two favorite players in

the game and I'm praying he wins a

championship because seeing this brother

on national TV and the national

Spotlight is something that is beautiful

for basketball fans everywhere but when

you come out with a statement that you

know what the really the only skilled

player was Michael Jordan that's

flagrantly disrespectful to the old God

uh Larry Bird wasn't skilled to Magic

Isa Isaiah Thomas was one of the

greatest skilled guards in the history

of basketball Magic Johnson was 69ine a

69 point guard we had never seen

anything like him and one of the things

that I pay attention to Shannon is that

I'm very apt in bringing up the fact

that if it were not for the pioneers

others wouldn't be what they are there's

no way that you didn't mirror your game

after somebody when you were in root to

a Hall of Fame football career before

there was Dr J there was Connie Hawkins

for crying out loud before there was

Michael Jordan there was Dr J okay

before you know before there was Vince

Carter there was MJ okay before you know

I mean Kobe Bryant and stuff like that

came later so I look at it from that

standpoint and I'm of the mindset wait a

minute here you know you know I don't

like that you can't say something like

that but the other thing that I would

say is

this understand how

profound Magic Johnson's statement was

when when I was interviewing him at this

event last

week what he said also applies to

Charles

Barkley it applies to the Patrick eings

of the world it applies to Shan Kemp of

the world or

Paul even today the Paul georgees of the

world the Russell Westbrooks of the

world uh and the James hardens of the

world and various others so magic didn't

sit up there and just say today's

generation he said anybody who hasn't

who's played but hasn't won a title

don't get to get my attention as to who

I was or who anybody was that actually

won championships you know what I'm

saying in terms of measuring our skill

level because because he's highlighting

there far more that goes into it than

what the human eye just sees on the

basketball

court Stephen A I've known Magic Johnson

30 years not as well as you know him

right I was

shocked with the veracity in which you

said what he said because normally magic

is a lot more diplomatic he's a lot more

PC now behind the scenes it's a whole

different argument but he's a lot more

diplomatic he's a lot more diplomatic

for him to take that tone in the

harshness in which he said it lets me

know he was highly agitated by what a

said now Stephen A it's hard for me to

sit here and as we was talking about

with de uh uh with do just a minute ago

Evolution happens these guys they have

better training they have better

nutrition and they have the Advent

Advent of having saw what those guys did

and studied those guys it's hard for me

to believe that the inventions today are

not better than some of the adventures

we had TW 30 years ago that just happens

do I believe the players as a hold there

are more skilled players that can do

multiple things aim elijahwan was highly

skilled you still I don't not so sure

that we've seen a big man that can

dominate both ends of the Court like he

could the man did a quadruple double

they took one quadruple double away said

it was it was faulty he went back and

got another one two days later so that

just shows you the skill level yes bird

was skilled magic was highly skilled yes

but as a whole Stephen A it would be

hard press for you to say having covered

the game as long as you have to say that

there are not more skilled players guys

that can shoot dribble and do multiple

things today than they were 20 30 years

ago if is not true because the guys have

gotten better the guys have practiced

more the guys have uh coach better their

nutrition is better guys work out harder

the training yes but for for Antman to

say that Mike was the only skilled

player and when you had Isaiah you had

birdie you had Elijah one no bro Adrian

Dantley was skilled yeah okay let let's

be very very clear about Charles Barkley

is one of the greatest forwards in the

history of basketball we can have we can

we can knock him for not

but but that's right I mean sea Kemp

that wasn't skill you understand I'm

saying I mean I mean Gary pton that

wasn't skilled I mean think about this I

mean listen I go back to Mark Price For

Crying Out Loud out of Georgia Tech that

was playing in Cleveland all of those

years that brother wasn't skilled Allan

Houston wasn't skilled Larry Johnson

wasn't skilled Ying wasn't skilled I

mean wait a minute now I mean there was

a whole bunch of Ballers there was a

whole bunch of cats that were playing

that were very skilled this skill level

might have elevated now but would you

have known what to be Ant-Man if it were

not for the Pioneers that had paved the

way that giving you a visual of what you

could be that's where it emanates from

and that's what we got to remember I'll

just remind everyone he started with the

quote saying that I never saw any of

these guys play so I mean it's kind of

much to do about nothing when you think

of well just because just because you

don't see well see that's why you

shouldn't say that because you see

that's what I'm saying he kind of

contradicted himself work exactly before

before he continued with statement if

you saw the entirety of the quote right

there you go right and the thing is uh

Stephen A mly is that when you look at

it maybe some of the rules but the way

the guys can shoot the basketball

Stephen you you have been at games early

and you watch these guys the 13th guy on

the bench can just flat out shoot the

ball they guys those guys go 10 15 shots

and don't miss a shot and they shooting

from 20 22 25 ft away it's crazy the way

they can shoot the basketball yes the

rule Chang it yes Stephen they don't let

you the uh uh the hand check below the

line the for they used to put your let

you put your forearm in some of the

rules but the guys the way Luca and the

way joic and the way these guys can the

skill level is just off the chart but

and you can't say because you didn't see

it that doesn't mean they weren't

skilled yeah absolutely we'll leave it

there falling in the forest because you

didn't hear it it didn't make a sound

up

[Applause]

[Music]

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