You’ve seen the side-by-side photos. One is a grainy 1990s shot of Michael Jordan mid-shrug, and the other is a high-def snap of Anthony Edwards grinning after a nasty dunk. The jawline is the same. The eyes? Identical. Even that weirdly specific way they both hold their tongues. It’s enough to make you do a double-take.
Social media has basically decided that the "Ant-Man" is the long-lost heir to the Chicago Bulls throne. But is Michael Jordan Anthony Edwards dad? Honestly, the answer is a boring "no," but the story of how we got here is actually pretty wild.
Where Did This Theory Even Come From?
It started as a meme. Then it turned into a full-blown conspiracy theory.
The internet loves a good "secret son" story. We saw it with Jimmy Butler a few years ago. Now, it's Anthony Edwards’ turn. The rumors really caught fire during the 2024 NBA playoffs when Edwards was busy dismantling the defending champion Nuggets. People noticed that at 22, he wasn't just playing like MJ—he looked like him.
But look, the timeline is what usually trips people up. Anthony Edwards was born on August 5, 2001. At that time, Michael Jordan was 38 years old and preparing for his comeback with the Washington Wizards. Biologically, yeah, it’s possible. But that’s about where the evidence ends.
The Real Family Behind the Star
Anthony Edwards didn't grow up in a mansion in Highland Park. He grew up in Atlanta. His real father is a man named Roger Caruth. While Caruth wasn't a constant presence in his life, he’s the one who actually gave Anthony the nickname "Ant-Man" when he was just three years old.
The real heroes of Anthony’s story are his mother, Chrisha Yvette Edwards, and his grandmother, Shirley. They were his world. Tragically, both passed away from cancer within eight months of each other back in 2015. Anthony was only in the eighth grade.
His older siblings, Antoine and Antoinette, stepped up to raise him. That’s his real family. No secret billionaire GOATs involved. Just a kid from Atlanta who lost his mom and decided to become the best in the world to honor her.
Why Do We Keep Asking if Michael Jordan is Anthony Edwards' Dad?
It’s about the aura. There is something about the way Edwards moves on the court that feels like a glitch in the matrix.
Basketball fans are desperate for that specific "Jordan" feeling. We’ve had LeBron, who is a physical marvel, and Steph, who changed the math of the game. But we haven't really had a 6'4" or 6'6" guard who just bullies people while looking smooth as silk.
- The Mid-Range Game: Most young players today just chuck threes. Edwards loves the elbow jumper. Jordan lived there.
- The Trash Talk: Ant isn't afraid of anyone. He told Kevin Durant—his literal idol—that he was sending him home. That's MJ energy.
- The Look: Sometimes the resemblance is just spooky. The shaved head, the muscular build, the way his jersey fits.
Even Michael Jordan himself has supposedly noticed. Reports surfaced that MJ told Chris Broussard he sees the similarities. He didn't say, "That's my kid," obviously. He just acknowledged that the kid has game.
Deceptive Social Media "Evidence"
You might have seen a viral tweet from an account called "NBACentel." It claimed Michael Jordan admitted to having "kids out there I haven't met" and specifically pointed to Edwards.
Don't fall for it.
NBACentel is a parody account. They specialize in making up believable-sounding quotes to trick fans. They’re good at it, too. That quote about MJ and 3-5 women a day during the 2001 season? Total fiction.
The Difference Between Genes and Greatness
Anthony Edwards has actually addressed these comparisons. He’s been pretty humble about it. He’s called Jordan the GOAT but also made it clear: "I want people to say, 'This Anthony Edwards kid, he got his own style.' I'm the first Anthony Edwards, not the next Michael Jordan."
Comparing them is fun for barbershop talk, but it’s a lot of pressure. Jordan won six rings and never lost in the Finals. Edwards is still chasing his first.
What You Should Actually Look At
If you want to understand why this rumor sticks, look at their stats at age 22.
- MJ (1985-86): Averaged 22.7 points (but missed most of the year with a broken foot).
- Ant (2023-24): Averaged 25.9 points and led a deep playoff run.
They are different players from different eras. Jordan was a defensive terror from day one. Edwards is getting there, but he’s more of a natural power athlete. He’s 225 pounds of pure muscle, which is actually heavier than Jordan was during his first three-peat.
The Verdict on the Paternity Mystery
There is zero—and I mean zero—actual evidence to support the idea that Michael Jordan is Anthony Edwards' father.
It’s a fun internet urban legend that bridges the gap between the 90s generation and Gen Z. It gives us a way to talk about how special Anthony Edwards is. We don’t have words for his talent, so we just say, "He must be MJ's son."
In reality, Anthony is the product of a tough Atlanta upbringing and a massive chip on his shoulder. He plays for his late mother and grandmother. Every time he wears the numbers 5 or 1 (he’s worn both), it’s a tribute to the dates they passed away.
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Next time you see a side-by-side photo on TikTok, just appreciate the greatness. You don't need a DNA test to see that the "Ant-Man" is the closest thing we’ve had to the Black Cat in a long, long time.
If you're looking to dive deeper into the Edwards story, your best bet is to watch the "Pass the Rock" series on the NBA app. It gives a lot of insight into his real family life and his bond with his siblings. You can also track his historical pace on sites like Basketball-Reference to see if he's actually keeping up with Jordan's career arc. Stop worrying about the paternity—just watch the highlights.