Overview

• Former Thunder star Kendrick Perkins said Edwards’ paternity lawsuits and bachelor lifestyle disqualify him from the league’s top marketing role.
• Stephen A. Smith argued that statistical output and on-court impact should be the primary benchmark for naming the NBA’s face.
• Charles Barkley rejected ESPN’s push for Edwards, citing MVP winners Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo as more fitting representatives.
• Edwards has declined to claim the mantle himself, instead highlighting Victor Wembanyama when asked about the league’s next figurehead.
• The Timberwolves guard must lead Minnesota to three straight wins against the Thunder to stave off elimination in the Western Conference finals.