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

LeBron, Steph, and KD can't play forever. Who's going to lead the charge for the future of the 'new era' for the NBA.

By Treyvon Hastings

Grizzlies' Ja Morant (pictured) versus Toronto Raptors
Grizzlies' Ja Morant (pictured) versus Toronto Raptors / Justin Ford/GettyImages
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Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves

Ant has quickly risen atop the NBA, with talks of his play style mirroring Michael Jordan's. Ant rarely lets the high praise take a toll on him, as he's found motivation in being 'the first Anthony Edwards', rather than 'the next Michael Jordan.

Edward's ability to make highlight plays with swarming defense and flashy posterizing dunks has made him one of the most polarizing players in the league. Minnesota's meteoric rise to the top of the Western Conference was unexpected, but it benefited Ant.

On the biggest stages this postseason, Edwards was able to lead his team past the star-studded Phoenix Suns in a sweep, but the fun didn't end there for the Wolves. In stunning comeback fashion, Minnesota defeated the defending champion Denver Nuggets in Game 7 on the road. The Wolves swarmed Denver defensively, while Ant's astonishing numbers through the first two series paved the way for a new discussion about where he ranks amongst the league's most elite players.

In the sweep of the Suns, Edwards averaged 31 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and two steals per game. In those four games, Ant shot 51 percent, 44 percent from three, and 84 percent on free throws. In Minnesota's second-round matchup, Ant averaged 28 points, five rebounds, and six assists, shooting 50 percent, 37 percent from three, and 85 percent on free throws. For context, Edwards averaged 26 points, five rebounds, and five assists per game in the regular season.

Edwards appeared to run out of fuel in the Western Conference Finals against Dallas, shooting just 43 percent. However, he shot 41 percent from three and added nine rebounds and eight assists per game to his 24 points. An All-NBA second-team selection last season, Edward should be in contention for a first-team selection and Most Valuable Player (finished seventh in voting last season). Crowning Ant as 'the next LeBron' as an American-born superstar makes almost too much sense.

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