Is Jimmy Butler Reclaiming The Title of Michael Jordan's Son From Anthony Edwards?

The Anthony Edwards-Michael Jordan comparisons are starting to simmer down.

Nov 24, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) and Minnesota Timberwolves forward Anthony Edwards (1) exchange some actions before each receiving a technical foul in the third quarter as referee Andy Nagy (83) and forward Caleb Martin (16) step in at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports / Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler was once crowned "Michael Jordan's son" by NBA social media. That title slowly drifted toward Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards because of his swagger and prolific playoff performances.

However, that label is slowly shedding after Edwards' last three games, where he is averaging just below 19 points on lackluster shooting. In Game 2 against the Dallas Mavericks, Edwards went 5 of 17 for 21 points with two turnovers. His sloppy late-game passes arguably cost Minnesota in the final stretch.

Don’t ever call Anthony Edwards “Michael Jordan” EVER Again. - He’s not even Kobe. @stephenasmith #Mavs #Timberwolves pic.twitter.com/ILaVuEPtwS

— CZarApocaAnon2025 (@CZarAnon25) May 25, 2024

Some believe the criticism shouldn't be geared toward the young superstar, but instead to those who placed such a high standard on him so early in his career.

"Let's be clear: Anthony Edwards himself denounced the Michael Jordan comparisons," CBS writer Sam Quinn tweeted. "If you're holding him to that standard now, while he's struggling, you're doing it because you have an axe to grind with overzealous media members. Don't tear down an awesome young player for that."

Let's be clear: Anthony Edwards himself denounced the Michael Jordan comparisons. If you're holding him to that standard now, while he's struggling, you're doing it because you have an axe to grind with overzealous media members. Don't tear down an awesome young player for that.

— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) May 25, 2024

Still, NBA Twitter spares nobody, so Edwards was resorted to memes and jokes after the Game 2 loss.

Anthony Edwards: "I got a 3 ball. Michael jordan didn't "

Past 3 games: 17/57

Man doesn't even have a 2 ball

— BossHogg (@6Hogg6) May 25, 2024

Butler went through a similar slump last postseason after his ankle injury against the New York Knicks. The Heat star's inability to replicate his early playoff performances ultimately led to Miami being gentleman's swept in the 2023 NBA Finals.

The Timberwolves still have time to salvage the season, leaving Edwards with opportunities to redeem himself and continue the their magnificent playoff run. He could string together performances reminding fans why he drew the Jordan comparisons in the first place.

If this slump continues though, Butler could reclaim the title as Jordan's son next season.

Jayden Armant is a contributor to Inside the Heat. He is a student at Howard University. He can be reached at jaydenshome14@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @jaydenarmant.

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