Tracy McGrady’s Bold Anthony Edwards Statement Fuels Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Debate
Tracy McGrady, the former NBA star, ignited an engaging discourse during the premiere of his podcast, “Cousins.” He discussed the evolving debate between Anthony Edwards and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, two of the NBA’s elite guards. McGrady made these remarks alongside his co-host, Vince Carter, emphasizing Edwards’ burgeoning talent and potential in comparison to Gilgeous-Alexander.
Anthony Edwards vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
The conversation arrives during a notable period for Gilgeous-Alexander, widely recognized as a frontrunner in the league. Last season, he secured the scoring title, MVP, and Finals MVP, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a championship. With an impressive NBA record of 38 wins and 10 losses, his dominance seems well-founded.
McGrady’s Perspective on the Gap
Despite Gilgeous-Alexander’s accolades, McGrady believes the gap between him and Edwards isn’t as significant as many assume. He points to the following attributes of Edwards:
- Defensive prowess
- Competitive spirit
- Leadership skills
McGrady noted, “I think Ant-Man is right there with Shai, if not better.” He highlighted that while Gilgeous-Alexander has more talent surrounding him, Edwards has already achieved two Western Conference Finals at a young age.
Edwards’ Evolving Game
Carter added to McGrady’s analysis, noting Edwards’ evolution during the 2025-26 season. He is not only achieving career highs offensively but also focusing more on winning basketball. This commitment involves reading defenses and facilitating plays for teammates early in games. This strategy sets the stage for his dominance later on.
Team Dynamics and Comparisons
By engaging teammates like Donte DiVincenzo, Jaden McDaniels, and Mike Conley early, Edwards maintains balance throughout the game. Carter remarked that this skill mirrors Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to stay engaged with his team while scoring efficiently.
McGrady’s insightful remarks do not discount Gilgeous-Alexander’s success. Instead, they invite a renewed exploration of the discussion surrounding Edwards as a formidable counterpart in debates about the top guards in the NBA.
