Anthony Edwards has never been one to chase the spotlight, but that doesn't mean it hasn’t found him. The Timberwolves star has been one of the league’s most electric young talents, blending explosive athleticism with a magnetic personality that fans can’t help but gravitate toward. But when the conversation shifts to who’s next in line to carry the NBA torch after LeBron James, Edwards isn’t exactly raising his hand.
During All-Star Weekend media availability, Edwards was asked the inevitable question: what happens when LeBron calls it a career? And more specifically-will it hit him emotionally?
“Am I going to shed a tear? I might cry a little bit,” Edwards said with a grin.
That moment of honesty speaks volumes. Edwards has grown up watching LeBron dominate the league, just like many of his peers. The King’s eventual exit will mark the end of an era, and even the next generation feels the weight of that transition.
But when asked if he’s ready to step into that massive void-to become the face of the NBA-Edwards didn’t hesitate to pass the baton elsewhere.
"They got [Victor] Wembanyama. They'll be aight."
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 14, 2026
Anthony Edwards on becoming the future face of the league 😂
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“Man, them folks got Victor Wembanyama. That’s what they got going on.
They got Wemby. They'll be all right,” he said, casually deflecting the spotlight.
It’s not the first time Edwards has sidestepped that role. He gave a similar answer last year, suggesting that while he’s confident in his game, he’s not chasing titles that come off the court. He’s not ducking the pressure-he just seems more focused on hooping than on headlines.
Wembanyama, on the other hand, appears more than ready for the challenge. When asked about being the league’s future face, the 7-foot-4 French phenom didn’t blink.
“I definitely see it happening… Supply and demand. I'm here to supply,” Wembanyama said.
That’s not just confidence-it’s a calculated understanding of the moment. Wemby knows what he represents: a generational talent with global appeal, already making waves in his rookie campaign. If he keeps producing at this level and starts stacking wins, it’s only a matter of time before the league starts building around his image.
Still, the race to be the next face of the NBA is far from a one-man sprint. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been quietly building an MVP-caliber résumé, while Jayson Tatum continues to lead a perennial contender in Boston. Tatum’s consistency, playoff experience, and marketability arguably give him the inside track right now, but Gilgeous-Alexander is closing fast.
And that’s before you even get to players like Luka Dončić, Tyrese Haliburton, or Zion Williamson-each with their own case to make.
But make no mistake: Edwards belongs in that conversation. He’s got the game, the swagger, and a personality that resonates with fans.
What he may lack is the desire to carry the league’s marketing mantle-but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. In a league full of personalities, sometimes the most authentic ones shine the brightest.
Whether or not Edwards wants to be the face of the NBA, his game is already speaking loud and clear. And when LeBron finally does hang it up, the league won’t be short on stars ready to step in. Whether it's Wembanyama, Tatum, SGA, or even Edwards himself-intentionally or not-the future of the NBA is in very good hands.