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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
DALLAS, TEXAS – MARCH 07: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrates after scoring against the Utah Jazz in the second half at American Airlines Center on March 07, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

7 stars most likely to be the next face of the NBA: Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks

“Luka Legend” has been nothing short of extraordinary for the Mavericks since his arrival in 2018. He has averaged over 27 points per game since his sophomore season, and he even averaged over 21 as a rookie! His career averages so far are 26.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game.

Luka Doncic has proven worthy of the lofty hype that surrounded him coming into the league by also showing off his abilities in the postseason. He has averaged over 30 points per game over the course of two series against the LA Clippers – a that has two of the best perimeter defenders in the league in Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.

His playoff career averages are an eye-rubbing 33.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game on almost 50 percent shooting from the field. He is “Luka Magic” and he has done nothing but exceed the expectations put on him after winning EuroLeague MVP as a young prodigy.

Doncic has the respect of his peers media pundits alike, but for him to be the best player in the league, he must stop coming into the season out of shape, as he has done the last two seasons.

He needs to get out of the first round, as he has failed to do so in two postseason appearances. Regardless, “The Don” is easily the best player under 25 in the NBA right now and is a top 10 player in the league. The only way is up for him.