Anthony Edwards, Tracy McGrady, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Former NBA star Tracy McGrady sparked discussion during the inaugural episode of his new Cousins podcast when he weighed in on a growing debate involving two of the league’s premier guards, Anthony Edwards and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
McGrady made the comments alongside co-host Vince Carter, framing the conversation around Edwards’ development and how close he believes the Minnesota star has come to Gilgeous-Alexander’s level, Yahoo reports. The discussion unfolded at a time when Gilgeous-Alexander remains widely viewed as the league’s top player following a season that included the scoring title, MVP, and Finals MVP while leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a championship.
With Oklahoma City sitting at an NBA-best 38-10 record, the perception around Gilgeous-Alexander’s place atop the league feels justified. Still, McGrady made it clear he believes the gap between him and Edwards is far narrower than commonly assumed.
McGrady Breaks Down Edwards on Both Ends
McGrady did not shy away from a direct comparison, pointing to Edwards’ defensive presence, competitive mindset, and leadership responsibilities as central reasons for his stance, Basketball Network reports.
“I think Ant-Man is right there with Shai, if not better. Defensively, I mean, he’s a on-the-ball lockdown defender. He’s making you work. I think his competitive drive, his spirit, is different than everybody else’s. I think his approach is different. I think he has less talent, uh, depth, I should say, on his roster than someone like Shai. So, it’s going to look different. But for Ant-Man to have taken his team and he’s not doing by himself, but for him to have two Western Conference Finals on his resume at this age, and what he’s right there with Shai,” McGrady said during the podcast.
McGrady acknowledged that Edwards’ production can look different when compared directly to Gilgeous-Alexander’s, largely due to the contrasting roster structures around each player. However, he framed that difference as context rather than a flaw, emphasizing Edwards’ ability to elevate his team deep into the postseason at a young age.
Vince Carter Sees Growth in Edwards’ Game
Carter followed McGrady’s remarks by highlighting what he described as a noticeable shift in Edwards’ approach during the 2025-26 season. While Edwards is averaging career highs offensively, Carter said the most impressive change has been his commitment to playing winning basketball rather than chasing scoring totals.
Carter explained that Edwards has become more deliberate about reading defenses and setting up teammates early in games, which allows him to dictate pace later on.
“His ability now to learn how to manipulate the situation in defenses, meaning early in games, getting guys involved more to make the game easier for him in the second half, for him to be as dominant,” Carter said, noting that scoring volume alone does not guarantee success.
According to Carter, involving players like Donte DiVincenzo, Jaden McDaniels, and Mike Conley early has helped Edwards maintain balance and control throughout games. Carter added that this element mirrors a strength Gilgeous-Alexander already displays, finding ways to score while keeping teammates engaged.
McGrady’s comments did not diminish Gilgeous-Alexander’s accomplishments. Instead, they reframed the conversation, positioning Anthony Edwards as a legitimate peer in an evolving debate about the NBA’s elite guards.