We’ve been living in the rearview mirror of LeBron James’ career. Whether you agree that James is the greatest of all time, the void that he will leave when he does retire feels insurmountable. Because the NBA needs a transcendent star, who’s next?
Anthony of the Northern Lights (photo courtesy NY Times)
1. In a lot of ways, Anthony Edwards has what it takes. Personality? Check. Skill? Check. Leadership? Check.
Really, Edwards checks all the boxes to be the next face of the league. His charisma shines at any press conference or interview he attends. Plus, Edwards has never backed down from defending any opposing team’s best player. While he has said that he doesn’t necessarily want to be the next face of the NBA, he has already, unwittingly, taken steps to be. The Minnesota Timberwolves’ playoff shortfalls in previous seasons could be one of the few knocks on Edwards in his young career. To be the next face of the league, winning is the next step.
2. It’s hard to ignore what Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has accomplished. His team is poised to win their second championship in back-to-back seasons, and he is undoubtedly the best player on a team full of great players. He has proven he has the skill set and leadership to lead a team through a championship run.
While there has been plenty of criticism of what advantages Gilgeous-Alexander gets when drawing fouls, the truth of the matter is that with all that criticism, his team is still dominant and, like Thanos in Avengers … inevitable.
There have been many iterations of the Oklahoma City Thunder, and this has been the most successful. A small market team is at the forefront of the league, and Shai has been an integral part of that.
BIG Man! (photo courtesy NBC Sports)
3. Victor Wembanyama is the equivalent of anticipating a movie you really want to see and then the movie living up to your expectations. Wemby entered the league and turned it upside down. At over 7 feet, he is something unlike we have ever seen before, and we all saw Shaquille O’ Neal. His personality and aura are undeniable on the court, as well as his skill. His presence on the court has been critical to San Antonio’s resurgence as a Western Conference powerhouse.
Wembanyama is still young in his NBA career, so much success remains to be seen. But any time the opposing team’s fans are awed and revel in your game, you have undoubtedly reached a point where the next generation of fans will want to emulate you.
Jalen Brunson (photo KSL News)
4. This may feel out of left field, but with the success of the New York Knicks, is it so unbelievable that Jalen Brunson could be the face of the NBA? The Knicks, in recent memory, were the brunt of jokes in the league, and Madison Square Garden was the place where other stars were made. But Brunson has been the catalyst for a team that finds itself in the championship conversation in recent seasons. The New York Knicks are one of the most important brands in the NBA, and their high visibility makes them nearly impossible to ignore.
While for most people, not Knicks fans, the sight of numerous A-list celebrities at games could be nauseating. But the truth of the matter is that Jalen Brunson has been a great reason for those celebrities to sit courtside. He has most certainly proven that he is a clutch player during games. His Roommates podcast with teammate Josh Hart has increased his popularity and undoubtedly raises the question: Why can’t Jalen Brunson be the face of the NBA? Especially if his team makes it to the NBA Finals or wins one.
Cade Cunningham (photo courtesy Detroit Bad Boys)
5. There was a time when the Detroit Pistons were so irrelevant that it was almost laughable. With all their storied history, they were just plain not good. Then the Pistons turned it around … and Cade Cunningham, in NBA terms, arrived. What Detroit has done has been nothing short of remarkable. Cade Cunningham was already considered a great player, but his star status has only increased because of his play. While he clearly leads his team in points, he often leads in assists. His leadership is highly regarded by all his teammates, and his professionalism has maintained balance even when the team was nothing short of awful. His visibility has grown with the Pistons’ success, but if the Pistons continue to do so, the Midwest may have the NBA’s next face. Two generations in a row.
Final Note: It is worth noting that before his injury, Luka Doncic could have been on this list and rightfully so. Luka has had a tumultuous past two seasons, but the Los Angeles Lakers have mortgaged the team’s future on him.
Doncic is one of the most transcendent players on the court, but with his acclaim has garnered more criticism. He has reached a point where he needs postseason success.
