SerpApi.Org
The NBA is entering a transitional period as the legends who defined the modern era, particularly LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, are approaching the final chapters of their careers. This has left the league searching for its next face.
And for many, Anthony Edwards is the ideal candidate to carry that mantle. The only question is whether he's willing to embrace that role. And that's where the challenge begins.
While others are eager to crown him, the Minnesota Timberwolves star has shown little interest in accepting the title. Edwards is well aware of the debates and during an appearance at Fanatics Fanfest, he made his stance clear on the matter. For him, there is one crucial requirement to become the next face of the NBA.
"The face of the league comes with a lot of responsibilities and I think one of those is winning the championship," Edwards said. "And I haven't did that yet so, maybe Jalen Brunson or one of those guys."
This is not the first time
At 24 years old, Edwards has definitely shown that he is among the league's best stars. But he has consistently distanced himself from the "face of the league label," a reluctance he reaffirmed during the 2026 All-Star Weekend. When asked about his rivalry with Victor Wembanyama, he unhesitatingly crowned him the title.
"They got Wemby. He's supposed to be the face of the league," Edwards said. "I always gotta get up for that one."
Edwards did not explain that stance at the time, nor did he share his thoughts on grabbing the title for himself. His latest comments, however, reflect the standard he believes the league's next face must meet: winning an NBA championship.
That's why the first player he mentioned was Jalen Brunson, who led the New York Knicks to their first NBA championship in 53 years. Edwards, meanwhile, has yet to reach that milestone. The closest he has come was leading the Timberwolves to back-to-back Western Conference finals appearances, with both runs ending in disappointment.
Considering the list of past NBA faces, including Jordan, James, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Stephen Curry, it makes sense why Edwards would think winning a chip is a necessity for such a role.
Under his criteria, the modern stars who could ease the transition from the James-Curry-Durant era would be Brunson, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Edwards has no choice
Indeed, Edwards has yet to build a winning legacy like his predecessors. He is a four-time All-Star with two All-NBA Second Team nods, a resume he deems unworthy for the title. And former NBA players who competed against different faces of the league are divided over his view.
Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony believes "Ant-Man" has no choice. His talent landed him a lucrative deal with adidas and opportunities with different businesses, turning him into a global superstar at a young age. Anthony believes all of these come at a price – one that many stars like him had to pay.
"I love Ant, but you can't run from that, especially when everybody is trying to give you the face; you can't run from that," he said. "Either you just play ball and you do what you do. This is what comes with being a superstar."
For Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green, although the responsibilities for the title seem daunting, he stressed that Edwards would regret it if he does not capitalize on this opportunity.
But at the end of the day, being the face of the league is not a title that can simply be assigned. It's a role a player must embrace and grow into. Edwards may believe that a championship is the ultimate requirement, but players like Wembanyama have shown that responsibility can be accepted before the accolades arrive.
