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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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Predicting who will be the next face of the NBA
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MAY 04: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans dribbles the ball downn court during the fourth quarter of an NBA game against the Golden State Warriors at Smoothie King Center on May 04, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

7 stars most likely to be the next face of the NBA: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans

Oh, Zion Williamson – the most hyped NBA prospect since LeBron James back in 2003.

He was selected as the first overall pick in 2019 after a dominant, historic season at Duke. Unfortunately, injuries have plagued Williamson’s career thus far, as he’s played in just 85 games through his first three seasons in the NBA. He’s been dealing with knee and foot injuries, causing people to start comparing him to Greg Oden – the man picked ahead of Kevin Durant back in 2007. Ouch!

But, when Williamson is on the court, he’s a one-man wrecking crew. He proved this in 61 games last season where he averaged 27 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. Plus, he did all that while shooting over 61 percent from the field.

Coming into the league Williamson was hailed as next in line. But thus far, injuries have slowed his progress to that lofty title. There have been lots of reports stating that Williamson wants out of New Orleans, which could pose to be an early problem in his career.

However, if Williamson can stay healthy, shed some weight, and get back into some semblance of his Duke days, then he definitely has a chance to become the player everyone expected him to be upon arrival.

Will the addition of CJ McCollum, and the Pelicans’ improvements since his arrival, be enough to encourage Williamson to stay? We will have to wait and see.