PG: Edwards' take on previous eras 'disrespectful to the game'

Paul George took issue with recent comments from Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards about how he thinks Michael Jordan is the only NBA player from previous eras who had skill.

George weighed in on Edwards' take on Monday's episode of "Podcast P with Paul George," calling it "disrespectful" and "immature."

"I thought it was kind of disrespectful to the game. I thought it was a very immature comment," the Philadelphia 76ers star said. "Obviously, Anthony Edwards is super talented and is a huge talent going forward, but just how much the game has grown and how far (it's come), you gotta pay dues to those dudes that did it before us."

Edwards made the remarks in a recent interview with Lane Florsheim of the Wall Street Journal, saying, "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."

Despite disagreeing with the remarks, George said he believes he understands the point Edwards was trying to make.

"I think his comment was more so geared towards ... MJ is moving how guys in this era move today," George explained. "I think that was kind of like where he was going with it, as far as the movement and the explosiveness, the athleticism, and being able to contort your body. Jordan was in a different (class) in terms of playing like that, how guys play today."

Edwards is entering his fifth NBA season. The 23-year-old averaged 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game during the 2023-24 campaign.

George is gearing up for his 15th season and first with the 76ers after a five-year tenure with the Los Angeles Clippers.