5 ascendant superstars that have all the makings to be the "next LeBron James"

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

The NBA's most underrated superstar, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, has a case to make as the league's next marketable face. Having averaged 30-plus points each of the last two seasons, Shai's numbers stack next to Michael Jordan's historically, postseason included. Despite this postseason being SGA's first, the MVP runner-up shined, leading Oklahoma City to a first-round sweep over the Pelicans. He averaged just 27 points, six rebounds, and five assists per game.

Considered a lackluster first series for Shai, he shot just 43 percent, 28 percent from three, and a lowly 73 percent on free throws (compared to his 88 percent regular season free throw percentage). In the second round, the Thunder fell to the Mavericks in six games, but Gilgeous-Alexander nearly willed the Thunder to a series win, averaging 32 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, one steal, and two blocks per game. SGA shot 51 percent, 55 percent from three, and 83 percent on free throws.

The beauty of the SGA's play style is the uniqueness of it. Gilgeous-Alexander's ability to slash and get to the free-throw line has made him one of the league's most dangerous players. A 'mid-range maestro', defenses are unable to stop Shai. Sagging off allows him to get to his spots on the court while pressuring him initiates a drive to the rim and inevitable foul. SGA's game still has a major flaw regarding three-point shooting, but if he can improve, there's no stopping the 26-year-old.