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7 young stars most likely to be the next face of the NBA

By Donald Hamilton

Feb 22, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) talks to Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) after the game at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) talks to Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) after the game at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA Power Rankings Week 20
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 31: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks defends Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on March 31, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts, 7 young stars most likely to be the next face of the NBA. The Mavericks defeat the Celtics 113-108. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

The NBA seems to be in a renaissance of amazing young talent. There’s Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic, Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, and Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young, just to name a few.

With older stars such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and James Harden near the end of their primes and getting closer to their mid-thirties, who will be the next face of the league?

7 stars most likely to be the next face of the NBA

Will it be reigning Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, sensational rookie Evan Mobley, or is it someone who’s not even in the league yet? Let’s break down some of the top candidates of players who have a chance to become the next face of the NBA.

Being the face of the league involves a lot of factors. First, a player must be dominant, helping lead their team to title contention year in and year out. Second, they must be both likable and marketable, with people flocking to stores to buy their jerseys.

Third, they should be really good with the media, resonating with people on a personal level. And lastly, they need to have the potential to be a global phenomenon – comparable to the likes of Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

Without further ado, here are some players currently in the league who have a chance to be the next face of the NBA.

Honorable Mentions: Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons), Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers), Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets), Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns), Donovan Mitchell (Utah Jazz)