I became an NBA fan in the mid-1990s, the height of the Michael Jordan era. As sports fans, we know he’s the standard when talking about the greatest players of all time, and he’s also the one who many players still try to model their game after. There will never be another Michael Jordan, but over the years, some players have reminded us of him with their dunking ability, competitiveness, and smooth jumper. Kobe Bryant emulated Jordan, and more than any NBA player up to this point, his game was most similar to his. All these years later, a new superstar has emerged, and the similarities are turning heads in the NBA Playoffs. The 22-year-old Anthony Edwards has the Minnesota Timberwolves up 1-0 against the reigning NBA Champions Denver Nuggets in the second round. After his remarkable performance on Saturday, he became only the second player to score 40 or more points in two consecutive playoff games at 22 or younger, joining Kobe Bryant. With the way Edwards plays and carries himself, the comparisons to Jordan and Kobe are intensifying. On theathletic.com, Marcus Thompson II has an article, “Go Ahead, Say It: Anthony Edwards Looks A Lot Like Michael Jordan Right Now.” Thompson writes, “Still, the resemblance is uncanny. The way the wristband sits below his left elbow and his left calf is covered. Just like Jordan. The way each step has a little bounce to it, and how he glides when he’s in the air. Just like Jordan. The brashness of his facade, and how he smiles in moments and at his opponents with a certainty he has yet to earn.” We can see how Jordan has influenced Edwards's play on the court - especially when he takes a fadeaway jumper or attacks the rim just like him. In much the same way as noticing how Edwards reminds us of Jordan, I wonder who comes to mind when others watch us “on the court” living out our lives. Who do they see when they see us? Who do we resemble? 1 John 2:6 (NIV) says, “Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did.” If we follow Jesus and emulate Him, others will see similarities when viewing how we live our lives. We know we’ll never live a perfect life as Jesus did, but we are called to be like Him and represent the characteristics He embodied while living on earth. He is the standard and the one we model our life after. He revealed to us what God is like, and ultimately, we want to resemble His holiness and cause others to see Him in us. Ephesians 5:1-2 (AMP) encourages us with these words: “Therefore become imitators of God , as well-beloved children ; and walk continually in love , just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God a sweet fragrance.” Today, I hope we’re challenged to evaluate our character and consider how it aligns with who God is. Also, when others interact with us, do they see something different about us? Do we stand out and lead others to think about God when they watch us? Do they see how Christ influences our lives? Anthony Edwards has a long way to go to be more like Michael Jordan, but at least he’s showing glimpses of similarities. We, too, have plenty of room to grow in our Christlikeness, but let’s be challenged to pursue a life that reminds others of Jesus. Let’s allow His Spirit to work within us and His transforming power to make us more and more like Jesus. I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I desire to be more and more like You. Please help me rely on Your Spirit to show me how to imitate You in all areas of my life. I pray that others will remember You when they see or interact with me. I pray that Your goodness will shine through me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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