The NBA internet just absolutely exploded, and it’s all thanks to one seriously cool, AI-generated image that has hoop fans everywhere losing their minds. Picture this: Michael Jordan, THE GOAT, on the sidelines, microphone in hand, interviewing none other than Anthony “Ant-Man” Edwards, the dude who’s currently setting the playoffs on fire. This incident, cooked up by a creative digital artist named Cole, is a snapshot of a dream scenario that might not be too far from reality.
Cole dropped this masterpiece with a caption that perfectly captured every fan’s wish list: “We could really see this moment next year What yall think? Will MJ be on the sidelines interviewing and commenting on this new generation of the #NBA ????” And the reaction? Pure, unadulterated hype. Why? Because this isn’t just some random fantasy.
First off, Anthony Edwards is playing like a man possessed. He’s dragged the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals, knocking off legends like LeBron James and Stephen Curry in the process. His swagger, his fearless drives, his clutch performances – it’s got “next face of the league” written all over it, and yeah, the MJ comparisons are flying.
What makes this AI image hit different, though, is the timing. Just as Ant-Man is ascending to superstardom, we get the massive news that Michael Jordan himself is officially returning to the NBA broadcast world! NBC Sports announced that MJ, the six-time champ, His Airness, will be joining their NBA coverage as a special contributor when the 2025-26 season kicks off in October.
Talk about a power move! Jordan himself sounds pumped: “I am so excited to see the NBA back on NBC,” he said. “The NBA on NBC was a meaningful part of my career, and I’m excited about being a special contributor to the project. I’m looking forward to seeing you all when the NBA on NBC launches this October.” NBC Sports President Rick Cordella echoed that excitement, stating, “Michael’s legacy both on and off the court speaks for itself. We’re incredibly proud to have him join our coverage.”
And it gets even better because the ultimate seal of approval has already been stamped. MJ himself has publicly recognized Ant’s electrifying talent. Back in April Jordan reportedly told ESPN that Edwards was “special, no question about it.” He didn’t stop there; later that month, he reportedly told Fox Sports that he even sees shades of his own iconic game in Edwards, specifically pointing to that “fiery, fearless edge that defines both of their styles.” So, when fans see this AI picture of Jordan interviewing Edwards, it’s not just a cool “what if”; it feels like a genuine preview of a future interaction that’s not only possible but almost pre-ordained given MJ’s new role and his admiration for Ant.
The fan comments on Cole’s post tell the whole story. “He gone be talking crazy watch ” one fan wrote, perfectly imagining MJ’s no-filter commentary. Another, seeing the undeniable resemblance in their killer instinct, joked, “That’s his son. Dammit I need a dna test lmao.“ And the ultimate praise: “The GOAT is here to save the NBA once again .”
This AI image, coupled with MJ’s return and Ant’s electrifying play, has whipped the NBA community into a frenzy of anticipation. The thought of Jordan, with his unparalleled insight and legendary competitiveness, actually breaking down games and interacting with this new generation of stars like Edwards? It’s more than just thrilling; it’s the kind of content NBA dreams are made of.
“That’s his son!” vs. “MJ ain’t doing sidelines” – Fans go wild over the GOAT’s return and Ant’s rise
That AI image opened up the floodgates for fan reactions, and let me tell you, they did not disappoint. The comments section on Cole’s post became a hilarious, hyped-up, and sometimes skeptical town hall meeting for NBA diehards, perfectly capturing the buzz around this whole situation.
First up, you had the “Like Father, Like Son” crew, absolutely losing it over the Ant-MJ comparisons. One fan, echoing what many were thinking after MJ’s praise for Ant, straight-up commented, “That’s your dad bro. ” Another chimed in with, “His real son .” It’s that undeniable swagger Ant plays with. It’s not just the dunks or the scoring; it’s the attitude. Ant’s out there playing with a confidence that, as Julius Randle told ESPN, is “Kobe-like,” and fans are seeing a direct lineage to Jordan’s own legendary competitiveness. This AI pic just put a face to that feeling.
Then you’ve got the skeptics, the fans who, while hyped about MJ returning to the NBA on NBC, are side-eying the idea of His Airness doing regular sideline interviews. “Mj stayin home and not coming anywhere near a studio let alone the court hahaha,“ one commenter declared. Another was even more blunt: “Folks do really think THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME would be doing sideline gigs for these soft weak modern players . That’s beneath him.“ And you can’t totally blame them. MJ’s post-retirement persona has been famously private, almost enigmatic. The idea of him regularly being on the court, mic in hand? “Mj will not be doing that this mans coverage gone be over skype he wont even step foot in the studio…come on yall think,“ another fan reasoned. It’s a fair point, especially considering reports that Jordan was even absent from NBC’s first unofficial team meeting for his new role, adding to that air of mystery.
But for every skeptic, there’s a fan absolutely buzzing with pure excitement. “This would be so sick ,” one wrote, capturing the sheer thrill of the possibility. Another simply crowned him: “The GOAT is here to save the NBA once again .” For these fans, it’s not just about MJ; it’s about the nostalgia of “NBA on NBC,” the iconic theme music, and the thought of Jordan bringing his unparalleled basketball IQ back to the mainstream conversation. They’re ready for it, no questions asked.
Of course, you can’t have an MJ discussion without a little bit of that spicy, contrarian energy. Some fans are questioning MJ’s motives or even his interest in the current generation. “Y’all really have this wrong perception that MJ cares about the new generation,“ one commenter shot back. This sentiment found an unlikely echo in FOX Sports analyst Nick Wright, who, on his podcast “What’s Wright?”, took a sarcastic jab at MJ’s return. Wright suggested that if NBC was really going to use Jordan right, “he should be their gambling expert,” a clear shot at Jordan’s well-documented gambling history. It’s a reminder that not everyone is ready to roll out the red carpet without a few pointed questions.
But perhaps the most hilariously accurate take came from a fan who knows MJ’s legendary competitive streak: “Nah MJ doing Doris Burke’s job but even better is the most MJ shit ever, let’s be real lmfao he’s one of the most competitive spirits alive .” And isn’t that the truth? If Michael Jordan is going to do anything, you best believe he’s going to try and be the best at it, even if it’s “just” being a special contributor.
Whether he’s on the sideline with Ant, in the studio, or beaming in via satellite from his private golf course, one thing’s for sure: MJ’s return to the NBA conversation, especially with rising stars like Anthony Edwards taking center stage, is going to be must-see TV. The hype is real, the skepticism is there, and the excitement? That’s through the roof!
The post Michael Jordan & Anthony Edwards’ Digitally Manipulated Incident Has NBA Community Thrilled to Bits appeared first on EssentiallySports.