What does the future of the NBA have in store?

As players like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Steph Curry close in on their final seasons in the NBA, many wonder what the league’s future has to offer. This season alone, we have seen some players step up in the spotlight with great performances, proving they have what it takes to be great. We will never truly know if they can ride this momentum for the years to come, but as of now, we can take a closer look at what they have done so far and what makes them so unique.

Victor Wembanyama

As the number one draft pick in the 2023 NBA draft, Victor Wembanyama had a lot of expectations entering the league. Standing over seven feet tall, he was already bound to make it to a high level, which he did in a French professional league. He seemed like the perfect basketball player with his freakish height and experience at a professional level. However, the attribute that put him over the edge was his limitless range from behind the three-point line, making him a threat not just in the paint but from anywhere on the court. The question then becomes: did he live up to the expectations? Most would say he did, averaging around 25 points per game as a rookie, but his insane defense outshined this top-tier scoring. He leads the league in blocks this season with four blocks per game, almost two blocks ahead of the runner-up. Seeing that he can put up these numbers on both sides of the ball as a rookie, it is safe to say Webanyama has impressive potential for the years to come.

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the league in scoring this season, averaging over 30 points per game. He has really taken his game to another level over the past couple of seasons, with his ability to easily drive to the basket and elite footwork, making him a nightmare for any defender. Not to mention the smooth pull-up jumper that has been nearly impossible to stop, beyond his scoring, SGA’s court vision has grown drastically, averaging about five assists per game, proving that he is more than just a scorer. His defense has also improved, as he consistently guards the opposing team’s best player, adding another layer to his already well-rounded game. SGA, especially this season, has shown that he has exactly what it takes to be a great leader. He has single-handedly made the Oklahoma City Thunder one of the most exciting teams to watch in the league, and with his leadership, pushed the team into the No. 1 seed.

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Anthony Edwards

One of the most athletic players in the league right now, Anthony Edwards, seems to be going viral every season for his insane poster dunks. His athleticism was a huge reason why he was selected as the first pick in the 2020 draft. And while his explosive athleticism is a huge part of his game, there is a lot more to look at within it that has made him such a good player over these last couple of seasons. Though it may be surprising, he is averaging over 25 points per game, not just by getting to the rim but also by his shooting. His shot may not be one of the best in the league, but it is much more dangerous due to defenders worrying about him driving towards the basket. You can also imagine that he has some elite defense with his ability to jump so high, which he does, going viral with a couple of his monster blocks as well. If he continues to be this much of a threat on both defense and offense, one can imagine that he will make it far.

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After taking a deep dive into some of these young stars and their games, we can see that the NBA is brimming with talent and potential. These players may not yet be on the level of legends like LeBron James or Steph Curry, at least not yet, but their growth and development hint at a bright future for the league. From electrifying scorers to amazing defenders, these players are already showing flashes of greatness, capturing the attention of fans worldwide.