Stephen A. Smith Crowns Rising NBA Star as 'Face of the League'

Analyst compares 4-time All-Star to Stephen Curry, predicts he'll lead the NBA

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith boldly declared that Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards is poised to become the next face of the NBA, comparing the 24-year-old's game and appeal to Stephen Curry. Smith believes Edwards' combination of elite skill, athleticism, and charisma make him the league's future standard-bearer, even over the towering 7'5" phenom Victor Wembanyama.

Why it matters

The debate over who will emerge as the NBA's next transcendent superstar has intensified as the league transitions to a new era. Smith's strong endorsement of Edwards as the league's future face carries significant weight, as he is one of the sport's most prominent and influential voices.

The details

During NBA All-Star Weekend 2026, Edwards put on a show, scoring 32 total points across three games to help Team Stars secure the championship. His explosive play and highlight-reel dunks captivated analysts like Smith, who believes Edwards' combination of size, skill, and personality make him the ideal successor to current superstars like Stephen Curry. Smith argued that while the 7'5" Wembanyama is a 'special' talent, Edwards' relatability and 'Jordan-esque' game will resonate more with fans as the face of the league.

  • Anthony Edwards led the Minnesota Timberwolves to back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances in the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons.
  • Edwards is averaging a career-high 29.3 points per game this NBA season (2025-26).
  • Edwards showcased his skills during the revamped NBA All-Star Weekend format in 2026.

The players

Anthony Edwards

A 24-year-old 4-time NBA All-Star and rising superstar for the Minnesota Timberwolves, known for his elite athleticism, scoring ability, and charismatic personality.

Stephen Curry

A 4-time NBA champion and 2-time MVP, considered one of the league's most influential and popular players of the modern era.

Victor Wembanyama

A 7'5" French basketball prodigy who is widely projected to be the top pick in the upcoming NBA Draft and a potential generational talent.

Stephen A. Smith

A prominent ESPN analyst and host of the network's popular debate show 'First Take', known for his bold opinions and predictions about the NBA.

Brian Windhorst

An ESPN reporter and analyst who has covered the NBA for over two decades, providing in-depth analysis and insights.

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What they’re saying

“[Victor] Wembanyama, the brother, is special. But that damn Ant-Man, he is something to behold. He is Jordan-esque. He hasn't won yet. That's why we can't say that. But his game the purity of it, the handles, the shot, the athleticism, the swag. He don't believe it, but his boy Stephen A is going to tell it to him. You got it all.”

— Stephen A. Smith, ESPN Analyst (First Take)

“A lot of people can't relate to somebody 7-foot-5. We can never do that. We can't be that. It's just an anomaly. Ant-Man is just like Steph, the babyface assassin. Damn, look at his size, and he's doing what he's doing... Ant-Man is going to be the face of the NBA. Mark it down.”

— Stephen A. Smith, ESPN Analyst (First Take)

“This guy kind of does everything you could want from a superstar. He plays both ends of the court, he has fantastic dunks, he's a great 3-point shooter, he has great personality, he's been a winner.”

— Brian Windhorst, ESPN Reporter and Analyst (ESPN)

What’s next

If Edwards continues his upward trajectory and leads the Minnesota Timberwolves to an NBA championship in the coming years, the debate over the league's next face is likely to be settled, cementing his status as the NBA's new standard-bearer.

The takeaway

Stephen A. Smith's bold prediction that Anthony Edwards will become the NBA's next face of the league highlights the rising star's immense talent, charisma, and relatability - qualities that could make him the ideal successor to current superstars like Stephen Curry. Edwards' combination of elite skill, athleticism, and personality has captivated analysts, and his continued success could solidify his status as the league's next transcendent superstar.