Basketball has transformed into a global and cultural phenomenon. With such an expansive and inclusive demographic, the globe’s top basketball talents culminate in one league reserved for the upper echelon of players. Welcome to the NBA.
The National Basketball Association is home to the world’s greatest hoopers and has produced numerous all-time greats. With the 2024-25 NBA season underway, an era of G.O.A.T.s are still performing at their best. Yet, these stars will soon retire — much to the dismay of the basketball community. Thankfully, they are leaving the game in good hands. A new age of the NBA is right around the corner.
From the mid-2000s to the 2010s, Lebron James dominated the NBA. James earned three championships during this time and amassed four Most Valuable Player awards. Critics anticipated James’ production would decline with age, following the trajectory of many former basketball greats. They were wrong. James won his fourth NBA title in 2020 before becoming the league’s all-time scoring leader in 2023. Last week, on Oct. 26, 2024, James again reminded the world of his basketball greatness by dropping a 32-point triple-double … two months before his 40th birthday.
Finding consensus among basketball enthusiasts is like searching for a needle in a haystack. Nevertheless, fans have nearly all agreed that Stephen Curry is the greatest shooter ever. And rightfully so. He holds the record for the most three-pointers made in an NBA career, a number that may tally over 4,000 by the end of this season. Curry’s four championship rings and two MVP awards also cement his case as one of the best overall athletes to play the game. With an astonishing legacy behind him, Curry’s late fourth-quarter takeover of the 2024 Paris Olympic final proved he plans to continue splashing threes, even at age 36.
Kevin Durant may be the greatest pure-scorer ever to touch a basketball. Standing nearly 7’ 0” tall with a 7’ 5” wingspan, KD has combined his physical gifts with an extreme work ethic to perfect his craft. Durant’s ability to rise above his defenders while shooting makes his mid-range fadeaway nearly unguardable. Couple that with his driving ability and knockdown 3-pointer, and it’s easy to see why KD has an MVP and two championships. With timeless gifts, Durant’s offensive efficiency remains potent entering his 17th professional season.
Although a generation-defying trio of NBA legends are still performing near their peaks, retirement is inevitably on the horizon. As those days near, fans look to budding prospects to become the league’s future faces. Luckily, a charismatic kid from Minnesota looks primed to ascend to stardom.
Anthony Edwards is a high-flying and energetic wing considered by many to be the NBA’s next poster child. His jaw-dropping, backboard-pinning blocks and emphatic posterizing slams have captivated millions of viewers. In addition, his improving 3-point shot and willingness as a defender have allowed Edwards to blossom into a franchise cornerstone for the Minnesota Timberwolves. With a flare and personality reminiscent of Michael Jordan, it’s easy to see why Edwards is next up — along with a certain Frenchman.
Victor Wembanyama entered the NBA as the most intriguing draftee in league history. Towering at 7’ 4” with an 8’ 0” wingspan, “Wemby” is a defensive anchor for the San Antonio Spurs. He led the NBA last season with 3.58 blocks per game and is poised to contend for the Defensive Player of the Year award this year. Wembanyama’s skill set is also a matchup nightmare on the opposite side of the ball. Not only is he a lob threat, but he displays gaurd-like shooting and ball-handling abilities. Possessing such a unique archetype, Wemby has all the tools necessary to take over the NBA. With each passing game, Wembanyama inches closer to his championship goal as the world watches.
Not only is the NBA in youthful hands, but many greats are just entering their prime. The Boston Celtic duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown appear ready to repeat as champions this year. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looks to build off last year’s breakout campaign and compete for an MVP. Luka Dončić and Nikola Jokić anticipate putting up more mind-boggling stat lines and returning to the NBA Finals. With the stars of yesterday prepared to shoot off into the night sky, we should appreciate their last moments playing this game. Thankfully, we have a bright future to look forward to.