In Netflix’s Starting 5, a moment featuring Anthony Edwards and Jayson Tatum has caught the attention of basketball fans. Edwards locked down Tatum in a thrilling 114-109 Timberwolves overtime win in November 2023. He scoffed at the idea of Tatum being the “best player in the league.” The fiery exchange hints at what could become one of the NBA’s most exciting rivalries. It pits two of America’s brightest stars against each other—Edwards and Tatum.
This rivalry couldn’t come at a more important time. The last American-born MVP in the NBA was James Harden in 2018. The American audience is yearning for a relatable superstar. Both Edwards and Tatum represent the nation’s best chance at reclaiming the MVP crown from the likes of international stars Nikola Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Joel Embiid. This rivalry isn’t just about bragging rights between two elite players—it’s about the future face of American basketball.
A Clash on Multiple Fronts
On the court, Anthony Edwards and Jayson Tatum are both proving themselves to be two-way forces. They are capable of leading their respective teams deep into the playoffs. The Timberwolves, led by Edwards, came just three wins shy of facing the Celtics in the 2023-24 NBA Finals. That near-miss heightens the possibility that both teams could meet on the biggest stage in the 2024-25 season, further intensifying the rivalry. Imagine Edwards and Tatum, not just battling for personal glory, but for the championship—a matchup that could define the NBA for years to come.
Off the court, this is about more than just two players going head-to-head. Tatum, the Celtics’ forward, has long been seen as the future of American basketball. However, Edwards with his breakout 2023-24 campaign, is closing the gap fast. His trash talk after their first meeting in November 2023 only added fuel to the fire, showing that Edwards isn’t content to play second fiddle. Meanwhile, Tatum’s response—a game-high 45 points to secure an overtime win in their next encounter—shows that he’s not backing down either.
This budding rivalry could be further developed by matchups in high-stakes games like the NBA Finals. This could provide the American fanbase with the homegrown superstar showdown it has longed for.
The American MVP Battle
Since Harden’s 2018 MVP win, the award has been dominated by international players. Anthony Edwards and Jayson Tatum are seen as the two leading American candidates who could change that. Both are entering the prime of their careers and are poised to remain superstars for years to come.
Tatum’s more polished game, characterized by elite scoring and defensive prowess, has made him a perennial MVP candidate. Edwards, on the other hand, is the rising star. He combines athleticism with a growing skill set, leading the Timberwolves to heights they haven’t seen since the early 2000s. If Edwards continues to elevate his game, the race to be the American face of the league between him and Tatum will become a story to watch. Every matchup will feel like a litmus test for who stands as America’s best hope for the prestigious award.
Legacy and Impact of a Rivalry Between Anthony Edwards and Jayson Tatum
The rivalry between Anthony Edwards and Jayson Tatum holds the potential to shape the narrative around the NBA for years. As the league grows more global, American fans are eager for a star they can rally around. Someone who embodies the country’s basketball future. Edwards’ fiery personality, combined with his rise to stardom, offers the chance for a dynamic rivalry with Tatum, who has long been considered one of the smoothest and most skilled players in the game.
Their on-court battles will push both players to new heights, much like the rivalries of past NBA greats. And with their influence over the next generation of fans and players, this could evolve into the defining matchup of the decade. With two scheduled matchups in the 2024-25 season and the ever-present possibility of a showdown in the Finals, the stage is set. This rivalry is about more than two stars competing—it’s a battle for the future of American basketball.
