NFL
By: Nick Andre
The 2024-25 NBA Season has begun. That means that we see many teams bring back the same players from a year ago while other teams added new additions to their roster. Also, this season continues to show us that the NBA is heading in a new direction as far as star talent looking to lead the way.
The 2010s was a special time in basketball. It started with LeBron James making his decision to join the Miami Heat as he won two titles in four seasons. Later came the dynasty of the Golden State Warriors, who won three championships during the decade and set the record for most wins in a regular season. Other key moments were watching players like Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and several others dominate in their way.
The players of the last decade set the standard of what the NBA is about. They carried the torch of what other talents like Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, and several others passed to them. Because of it, they’ll all be future Hall of Famers when it’s all said and done.
Don’t get it twisted! The players that I mentioned in the second paragraph are still playing at a high level. For instance, in his 22nd season, LeBron James is still playing at a high level. His longevity has been amazing as fans just witnessed him share the floor next to his son, Bronny James. Kevin Durant has entered his 18th NBA season and is still one of the best scorers in the league. Other players like Curry, Westbrook, and others have continued to play at the highest level in the NBA.
However, the torch is being passed. It’s like when a track racer passes the baton to the next person. Once it is passed, it’s their turn to carry the momentum of what’s already been set. Several young players in the NBA are in a position to be the next big thing. The talent in the league continues to get better and their game continues to be eye-opening amongst fans.
First, you can discuss the duo in Boston. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are the reigning champions. They may be in their eighth and ninth seasons in the league but they’re arguably hitting their prime now. Tatum and Brown have an advantage due to their championship win a season ago. They’ve been through the wars of the postseason since they stepped foot into the NBA and understand what it takes to compete at a high level. Despite their championship win, Tatum and Brown still believe they have something to prove moving forward.
Next, you can travel to Minnesota and look at Anthony Edwards. Edwards personifies what it means to be the face of the NBA. His mentality and demeanor draws many comparisons to Michael Jordan. Edwards competes at a high level on a nightly basis. Every season, he’s shown improvements as a scorer, defender, and leader, which played a role in the Timberwolves advancing to the Western Conference Finals last season.
Other key players who have taken over the league include Ja Morant, Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, and several others. What makes his new wave of superstars great is that they bring a different dynamic to the NBA. Some of them are three-level scorers while others impact the game from a defensive and playmaking perspective. The players’ unique style not only elevates them as stars but also plays a role in their team’s success.
The NBA is in a good place. As the careers of older stars are starting to fade, there’s a set of great players who will hold the league down. The growth of the young players will be magnificent as they can blossom as potential faces of the NBA.
