3 NBA superstars with legacies on the line heading into 2023–24

We’ve officially reached the point in the NBA offseason where all we can do is speculate about what the upcoming season will have in store. Most teams have a basic blueprint for their rosters, and even those who may still attempt to make a move surely have an idea of what the on-court product could look like.

With this in mind, it feels like an appropriate time to check in on three superstars whose legacies could be greatly impacted by their 2023/2024 campaigns.

NBA Superstar #3: Phoenix Suns, Kevin Durant

Speaking about Kevin Durant’s legacy feels like a yearly endeavor. Whether he was part of a young unit in OKC, a championship contender in Golden State, or a title pretender in Brooklyn, KD has always garnered a ton of attention for his on-court performance and off-court chatter.

This upcoming season, Durant will play alongside both Devin Booker and Bradley Beal for the Suns. KD’s first full season in the Valley will afford him the opportunity to showcase his skills and reaffirm his status as one of the association’s premier players.

Injuries and off-court drama clouded Durant’s tenure in Brooklyn. A new superteam in Phoenix could aid his ability to play make. It is well known that Durant can score, but towards the end of his time with the Nets, it became clear that his court vision was nothing to scoff at.

Being surrounded by more consistently available scorers like Beal and Booker could elevate Durant’s game and legacy.

NBA Superstar #2: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers

As the 2022/2023 NBA MVP, Joel Embiid will be under a microscope when the new season tips off. Many felt that he only won the coveted award due to voter fatigue for Denver Nuggets’ big man Nikola Jokić.

With a new head coach in Nick Nurse, Embiid will be given a clean slate and a shot at being one of the East’s premier teams.

Embiid’s case is particularly interesting given it is not yet known whether or not James Harden will return to Philadelphia or be treated elsewhere. Either outcome would force Embiid to take on unique responsibilities.

If Harden stays put, Embiid will have to further develop his relationship with the former MVP and find more ways to play off of each other. Conversely, if “The Beard” leaves the City of Brotherly Love, “The Process” will have to be more aggressive on offense while still maintaining some semblance of defensive intensity. Regardless of where Harden ends up, Embiid will most assuredly have his hands full next season.

NBA Superstar #1: Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks

Kyrie Irving’s legacy is largely a matter of perception. For better or worse, the former Duke Blue Devil is one of the NBA’s most polarizing players.

Even though he won a title in 2016 alongside LeBron James as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, there have still been questions regarding his commitment to basketball and locker room presence.

Much of this narrative began during his time with the Boston Celtics and continued during his stint with the Brooklyn Nets. This season will mark Irving’s first full year with All-Star teammate Luka Dončić. Given how ball-dominant each player is, it is not known if they can co-exist successfully. The two posted a 5-11 record together and missed the NBA Playoffs. There is clearly room for growth.

Such a situation presents Irving with a perfect opportunity to combat some of the narratives that have clouded his recent endeavors. If he’s able to figure out a working relationship with Dončić, many of the naysayers may be out of on-court critiques.