Anthony Edwards didn't hesitate when naming surprise NBA star who he ranks above Michael Jordan in the GOAT debate

Rising basketball star Anthony Edwards did not hesitate when asked who his NBA GOAT is and even ranked him above the great Michael Jordan.

Edwards is aged just 23 but has a bright future in the NBA after a string of eye-catching performances over the past couple of years.

Edwards plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves and his team have reached the Western Conference Finals, where they will face the winners of the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets.

To reach that stage, his side have beaten the LA Lakers and also the Golden State Warriors, rosters which include the likes of LeBron James and Steph Curry respectively.

To underline Edwards's credentials, he has recently become only the sixth player in NBA history to score 1,000 play-off points before reaching the age of 24.

He is in good company and has joined the likes of Kobe Bryant, Tony Parker, James, Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum on an exclusive list.

For many, of course, Jordan is NBA's GOAT after a legendary basketball career.

Jordan is a six-time NBA champion following his time with the Chicago Bulls and was crowned the MVP in the NBA Finals a total of six times.

Jordan, now aged 62 and who been retired for more than two decades, was also named the NBA's Most Valuable Player overall on five occasions.

Anthony Edwards. (Image: Getty)

But Edwards has previously said the GOAT for him is Durant, a two-time NBA champion and who currently plays for the Phoenix Suns.

Speaking last year to ESPN, Edwards said: "My GOAT... this is going to sound crazy, but Kevin Durant.

"I've always just been a fan, watching him play as a kid. He's the first seven-footer I've seen putting the ball on the floor... I've always been a big fan."

And on another occasion, Edwards - who has made the NBA All-Star team on the last three occasions between 2023 and 2025 - did name a list of five players worthy of the GOAT title, but omitted James from the quintet.

As well as Durant and Jordan, Edwards included Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iversen.

He said: "MJ, Kobe, (Shaquille O'Neal). That's three.

"Allen Iverson and I mean, of course, (Kevin Durant) for me."