Michael Jordan famously traded in his glittering NBA profession to play baseball throughout the 90s, and now Anthony Edwards is eyeing a equally seismic swap in sporting disciplines with soccer in his sights.
Talking on the newest episode of ESPN’s Cowl Story, the Minnesota Timberwolves guard advised Minnesota Vikings extensive receiver Justin Jefferson he needs to attempt to pursue a profession within the NFL ought to he win an NBA Championship within the coming years.
The Timberwolves face the Los Angeles Lakers of their opening sport of the brand new NBA season on Tuesday night time, with Edwards poised to return up in opposition to the father-son duo of LeBron James and Bronny James.
LeBron is, in truth, among the many pool of NBA gamers who may effectively have pursued a profession in soccer, having been recruited by the likes of Notre Dame after taking part in extensive receiver in highschool.
“Soccer gamers cannot go play basketball. No means. I advised my buddies, I stated ‘if I win a hoop within the subsequent three to 4 years, I will play soccer’,” stated Edwards.
“No you are not,” replied Vikings star Jefferson, the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL historical past.
Edwards had outlined his perception he may grow to be the primary to play in each the NBA and NFL throughout a dialog with comic Marco Summers on his discuss present final 12 months.
The 2-time All-Star additionally beforehand prompt he may have made it to the MLB having performed a number of positions in baseball as a baby.
Bo Jackson is among the many most notable multi-sport athletes in historical past having performed for the Los Angeles Raiders within the NFL and for the Kansas Metropolis Royals, Chicago White Sox and California Angels within the MLB as the one skilled athlete to be named an All-Star in two of the main North American sports activities.
Mickey McCarty was additionally chosen by the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs within the NFL-AFL draft in 1968, in addition to by the NBA’s Chicago Bulls and MLB’s Cleveland Indians.
Jordan headed to Minor League Baseball’s Chicago White Sox after retiring from the NBA forward of the 1993 season within the wake of successful three straight titles with the Bulls. He went on to play 127 regular-season video games for the White Sox’s Double-A affiliate workforce Birmingham Barons and would return to the Bulls in 1995 earlier than successful three extra Championships in 1996, 1997 and 1998.
No participant has ever managed a swap from skilled basketball within the NBA to the NFL, and it would not really feel prone to occur any time quickly.
Edwards has established himself as one among basketball’s most dynamic younger stars since turning into the primary total pick of Georgia in 2020. He averages 22.9 factors, 4.1 assists, 5.2 rebounds per sport throughout 302 outings over 4 seasons.
Week Eight begins Thursday night time when the Minnesota Vikings go to the Los Angeles Rams from 1.15am within the early hours of Friday, stay on Sky Sports activities NFL; Additionally stream with NOW.