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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
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 28: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts to a three point shot against the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum on January 28, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

7 stars most likely to be the next face of the NBA: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

The fact that Giannis Antetokounmpo, “The Greek Freak,” is being questioned as the the next face of the NBA is disrespectful. For some reason, the media always fails to give him the respect and flowers he deserves.

This guy is only 27 years old, he’s in the prime of his career, and is having another fantastic season. He’s is averaging over 29 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, and notching roughly a steal and a block per game, all while recording a 32.4 Player Efficiency Rating (PER).

He’s the anchor of his team’s defense, has improved his jumper, is an athletic marvel, a monster in the paint, doesn’t whine about calls, and never cheats you on effort night in and night out. What else could you ask for in your franchise player and potential torchbearer once LeBron James is gone?

At only 27 years of age, Antetokounmpo is an NBA Champion, a Finals MVP, a 2x MVP (2019-2020), a DPOY (2020), a six-time All-Star, a four-time All-Defense player, has five All-NBA selections, won Most Improved (2017), and has an All-Star Game MVP (2021).

Name any other young player who affects the game on both ends as Anteotkounmpo does, who is also a champion and Defensive Player of the Year? None. Not even Nikola Jokic or Joel Embiid can make that claim.

He is one of three players in NBA history to ever win MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season (Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon). Talk about legendary company.

As this is being written, the Milwaukee Bucks currently sit at second in the Eastern Conference, just behind the Miami Heat. With Antetokounmpo leading the way on both ends, there’s no reason they can’t repeat as champions. And there’s no reason why he’s shouldn’t be the odds-on favorite to be the next face of the league.

Next. NBA MVP Ladder Week 21. dark