Former president Barack Obama and Minnesota guard Anthony Edwards are the comedy duo I didn’t know I needed.
The ad for the Obama Foundation that debuted Tuesday was fantastic long-term storytelling across different mediums while showcasing why Edwards’ persona is good for the NBA. Edwards’ unfiltered commentary might sprinkle in language that’s not rated G, but his approach always feels genuine and is routinely good for laughs.
The ad features Obama going back-and-forth with Edwards in basketball before trying out ping pong and Connect Four while Edwards unabashedly trash talks with the former president.
Obama stops speaking to check and says, “I can’t believe I’m still dealing with this.”
The “this” is Edwards who is outside, ready to test Obama’s basketball skills before their competition shifts to other events. Edwards tells Obama more than once that he’s “the truth” during competition before Obama returns to complete his original announcement: the Obama Presidential Center will be opening in Southside Chicago in June 2026 to all visitors – even Edwards.
President Barack Obama.
NBA superstar Anthony Edwards.Friendly competition at its finest 😂 pic.twitter.com/m1bFGvhtG5
— NBA (@NBA) March 17, 2026
It’s a fun 79 seconds and a reminder that, if the NBA needs a magnetic personality to appeal to casual fans, it has one in Edwards. Edwards might not want to be the face of the NBA, but his game and charisma make it hard to keep him away from the spotlight.
Tuesday’s ad would not have been possible without Obama’s cool demeanor and Edwards’ unwavering confidence.
The root of this friendly rivalry being played out on screen is the Netflix documentary “Court of Gold” from last year that covered the 2024 Olympic men’s basketball tournament in Paris.
During the documentary, Obama is speaking with Joel Embiid when he suggests to Embiid that Edwards, who is standing nearby, is a young guy who can “hoop a little bit.”
Edwards’ response was authentic, funny and quickly made the rounds on the internet as some wondered how a young player could be so assertive with the former president.
Only those who hadn’t paid attention were surprised by Edwards’ response.
“Y’all better stand down,” Edwards said. “I’m the truth.”
Could Edwards have been stoic in his response? Sure, but who would remember a cookie-cutter, public relations-coached answer, especially from him? Edwards’ retort was good-natured banter and set the stage for Tuesday’s ad.
Whether Edwards likes it or not, he’s the kind of player the league can market to the masses and spots like Tuesday’s remind us of this. Edwards’ commercials for his signature Adidas shoes are also entertaining.
But I’d be fine with another edition of Edwards and Obama.