The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A-rod introduces himself to former UGA star Edwards
Well, at least Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards knew that some guy named Alex Rodriguez was on the verge of becoming a co-owner of the Timberwolves.
Unfortunately for the former MLB star, who probably would have preferred to not feel incredibly old as he prepares to steps into a new role, Edwards, a 19-year-old Atlanta native, had no idea who Rodriguez actually was.
Asked Monday if he grew up as “an A-rod fan,” Edwards replied, “A fan? What do you mean, like — who is he?”
Told Rodriguez was a baseball player, the University of Georgia rookie said, “Nah, I don’t know who that is. I know he’s fittin’ to be the owner, but I don’t know nothing about baseball.”
Just for anyone else who might be wondering about this Rodriguez character, he was one of the most famous and accomplished baseball players of his era. That era didn’t actually end all that long ago — in 2016, to be precise — and Rodriguez has maintained a high degree of visibility not just as an analyst on TV but also as a cast member on “Shark Tank” and as the fiance of pop superstar Jennifer Lopez.
Of course, when you’re a teenager, five years is a lifetime ago, and baseball’s cultural reach is not what it once was.
Rodriguez appeared to take the snub from last year’s No. 1 overall NBA draft pick in stride. Tagging Edwards on Instagram with a screenshot of the latter’s “Who is he?” comments, Rodriguez wrote, “Hi Anthony, I’m Alex!”
“What’s good my guy,” Edwards replied with a laughing emoji, according to Yahoo Sports.
Rodriguez and Lopez had been in the running to buy the New York Mets, all of whom presumably know who he is, but their ownership group’s bid lost out to one from billionaire Steve Cohen.
For the pending purchase of the Timberwolves, Rodriguez has teamed up with another very wealthy person, Marc Lore, in a deal that is expected to cost around $1.5 billion. Minnesota’s NBA franchise, which began play in 1989, has been owned since 1994 by Glen Taylor.
Fans of the Timberwolves can hope Rodriguez helps bring not just glamour but some sustained success to the team. Minnesota has one postseason appearance since 2004 and only once in its history has managed to get past the first round.
That could change if Edwards, who has exhibited a fun-loving nature, comes close to fulfilling his promise. A 6-foot-4, 225-pound shooting guard possessed of scoring talent and elite athletic ability, Edwards is averaging 17.9 points, but his shooting and performances in various advanced metrics have been subpar. His numbers have notably improved, though, over the past month or so.
Edwards may not have intended to dunk on his team’s new owner Monday, but A-rod didn’t seem to mind. Assuming the sale goes though, the two will have plenty of chances to get to know each other better.
Who knows, they might even talk some baseball.