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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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7 stars most likely to be the next face of the NBA
BOSTON, MA – MARCH 06 Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts after hitting a three-point basket during a game against the Brooklyn Nets at TD Garden on March 6, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

7 stars most likely to be the next face of the NBA: Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

He’s only 19! A hysterical statement that has followed his career since he dunked on LeBron in Game 7 of the 2018 East Finals as a rookie. Since his rookie season, Jayson Tatum has been to two Eastern Conference Finals, coming up just short of a Finals berth in both 2018 and 2020 He’s also a three-time All-Star and an All-NBA player – something he will likely also be this season.

Tatum is a great two-way player who has improved every year he’s been in the league. But the last two seasons have statistically been his best, with him averaging over 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists in both of them. He’s had five 50-point games in his career (four in the regular season and one in the playoffs), which ties him with Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird.

He even dropped 50 in a Game 3 victory against the Brooklyn Nets’ former Big 3 of Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving last postseason, showing he’s meant for the bright lights of TD Garden. Tatum has the total package offensively and is a solid defender.

If he can continue to elevate his playmaking ability and become a more efficient scorer, he could easily become the face of the Association. It doesn’t hurt he plays for one of the greatest franchises in sports history as well.