Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, and LeBron James defined an era of NBA Basketball. When someone thought of the NBA, they thought of them for the better part of a decade. As they’ve aged, the question arose: Would the NBA survive?
Many fans were terrified of a post-LeBron, KD, and Steph league. As those three took up so much space in the NBA zeitgeist. Who would be the next faces of the NBA and take the league into a new era?
Victor Wembanyama, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Anthony Edwards, and Luka Dončić are the answer. Throughout the first two weeks of the season, these players have dominated the conversation more than any player, including those three previous faces of the NBA.
Wemby’s Unbelievable Start
The basketball world came to a standstill when Wembanyama was first discovered. Everyone was sure we had found the next generational talent. At 7 feet 5 inches, with incomprehensible mobility and skill, he can do things no one has ever seen before on a basketball court.
Fast-forward to this offseason, ahead of his third season, the expectations were as high as they’ve ever been. Even people with the highest expectations couldn’t have expected this start. Wemby’s playing out of his mind, averaging 30 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 blocks per game. His effect on the game defensively is unparalleled.
This start set the NBA world on fire and is one of the biggest stories in the game right now. Fans and media are proclaiming Wemby as the future greatest of all time and the next face of the league. His 40-point, 15-rebound, 3-block first game of the season outshone KD’s Houston debut and Curry’s amazing game against the Nuggets opening week.
Wemby is a player archetype that we’ve never seen before, and with that, he becomes a spectacle that true basketball fans and casuals alike have to watch.
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Shai’s Dynamic Start
Last season, Shai had one of the greatest seasons of all time, winning the MVP, a Championship, Finals MVP, and the scoring title. His accomplishments last season stamped him as one of the best players in the game and well ahead of his peers when it comes to accolades.
Shai had an amazing start to the season, willing his team to wins in back-to-back double overtime games. OKC is currently 6-0, and Shai’s averaging 34 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists on 53 percent shooting.
The two double-overtime games were especially hot topics around the league. Seeing Shai work in crunch time is exhilarating to watch. He controls the game with his midrange shooting and is almost unguardable, which makes him tough to stop in late-game situations.
Shai is an all-around superstar. He answers questions the right way and uses fashion to build his brand and presence. Simply put, Shai is a star, someone that the league can market and build around.
Edwards’ Authenticity is Box Office
Edwards is 24 years old and one of the league’s best players. Each season, he’s continued to get better, and this season feels no different. Edwards is a top-tier player, but what sets him apart from the rest of the league is his personality. His personality is his greatest attribute; it affects everything from his branding to his playstyle.
No one knows what Edwards will say or do, which makes him one of the most exciting players to watch. In an era where every star seems to have scripted lines, Edwards is a breath of fresh air.
His being genuine in his interviews and commercials makes fans want to support him harder. His team and Adidas understand this, which makes his marketing campaigns must-watch. Much like his personality, his shoe campaigns aren’t like anything else on the market.
It’s a shot of adrenaline every time Edwards plays. He has such tenacity and a need to compete that’s so compelling to watch. When he gets the better of another star, he’ll make sure everyone in the arena and at home can feel and hear it. The NBA and its fans can feel that Edwards is a bona fide superstar.
Luka’s Revenge Tour
After Luka’s shocking trade to the Lakers, basketball fans knew a scorched-earth Luka would be must-see TV. This season, Luka has lived up to expectations, averaging 45 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists on 58 percent shooting. He’s incredible start to the season is a top storyline in the league. Scoring is second nature to Luka; every time he’s out there, the game seems easy to him.
He’s on pace to win his first MVP award if he keeps this up and the Lakers have a winning record. It’s hard to describe just how good Luka is playing. It feels like everything is coming together from his three, to his midrange fadeaways, to his drives to the basket. He looks unstoppable.
One of the best players in the league going to the NBA’s biggest market feels like a match made in heaven. Luka will have more attention in LA than he ever did in Dallas. All eyes are on the Lakers at all times, and Luka thrives in that type of environment.
The Lakers now have their franchise player as LeBron’s career wraps up. When LeBron returns from injury, he will be the second option on his team for the first time. Luka’s time is now, and the Lakers and the NBA as a whole recognize that.
What This Means For The NBA
These four players being beloved by the fans and primed to be the next faces of the NBA is significant for basketball enthusiasts. The league will continue to be relevant and grow under the watchful eyes of these players. The game can continue to have star-studded slates and rivalries that define generations.
Each of these players brings something different to the table, but they’re all tied by their love of the game and innate desire to be the best.
The league is in great hands for the years to come.
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