Anthony Edwards has garnered a reputation for being among the more brash athletes in professional sports, which was further stamped by footage of the NBA star trash-talking Barack Obama at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
During an encounter with Team USA that was captured in the new Netflix series Court of Gold, Obama commends Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid’s skills, acknowledging that the big man “can hoop a little bit.”
As Embiid humbly accepts Obama’s praise, Edwards inserts himself into the conversation, proclaiming his own dominance by deeming himself to be “the truth” on the basketball court.
Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates against the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter in Game Six of the Western Conference Second Round Playoffs at Target Center on May 16, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
David Berding/Getty Images
Advising his fellow Olympians to “stand down,” Edwards’ cocksure nature is jokingly challenged by Obama, as the former United States President asks Embiid and others for their take on the Ant-Man’s bold declaration.
However, the Atlanta athlete then gives gives props to Embiid, pointing out that the former league MVP seemingly scores 50 points every time he’s matched up against his Timberwolves, albeit with the caveat that the outcome would be different if he himself was 7 feet tall.
Known for his own sense of humor, Obama dismisses Edwards’ retort, pointing out that the shooting guard has multiple players of similar size as Embiid, making his point null and void.
U.S. President Barack Obama waves after he spoke during the SelectUSA Investment Summit March 23, 2015 in National Harbor, Maryland. The summit brought together investors from around the world to showcase the diversity of investment opportunities available in the U.S.
Alex Wong/Getty Images
“Y’all got two 7-footers and he’s still scoring on ya,” the Chicago native said, referencing Rudy Gobert and former Timberwolves star Karl Anthony-Towns, who has since been traded to the New York Knicks.
Nearly left for a loss of words at Obama’s jab, Edwards warned the political icon to temper his heckling, albeit in a good-natured manner. “Hold on. Hold on. Don’t talk,” the 23-year-old told Obama. “We ain’t gonna do all that.”
Clearly amused by Edwards’ candor, Obama then asked NBA superstar and multi-time Olympian LeBron James whether Edwards was indeed the “truth,” with Bron seconding Ant-Man’s self-assessment of his game.
Anthony Edwards #5 of Team United States reacts after a play during a Men’s basketball quarterfinal game between Team United States and Team Brazil on day eleven of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 06, 2024 in Paris, France.
Jamie Squire/Getty Images
Kevin Durant would commend Edwards’ confidence, as did Obama, clearly impressed with the rising superstar’s competitive demeanor and personality.
Watch a clip of Anthony Edwards’ exchange with Barack Obama below.
Leave a comment