Everyone NBA The player who enters the league hopes to become a popular figure in the league as that is a lifetime dream. Legends like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Bill Russell are still talked about because they were so loved by fans in their day. Today’s gamers are much more involved with social media and more daily coverage than ever before.
Various reasons led to the players in question being valued and respected by the basketball world. There are usually ups and downs for every talent that comes into the league and finds success. Certain personalities and skills on the pitch only make for a more positive reception. The following NBA players are the most popular in the league today, and for good reason.
10 Jayson Tatum
Many Boston Celtics superstars have had polarizing reputations with fans during their playing careers, such as Larry Bird, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. These names became more popular after retirement, but Jayson Tatum is getting his flowers sooner than the previous Celtics names.
Tatum’s history is difficult to respect as someone who has worked hard to show tangible improvements every season. Tatum has gone from rookie sensation to MVP contender, and fans love him as a universally-loved superstar.
9 Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic is already the most unlikely two-time MVP winner with a real shot at even more success as his team improves. Jokic’s rise came unexpectedly as he made the leap from an underrated center to a top-five player in the league.
Most fans have an endearing look at Jokic as he plays the game so selflessly as a passing (and scoring) center. Jokic even had more support from fans during controversial moments like hitting Markieff Morris after Morris did the same to him.
8 Derrick Rose
The unfortunate history of Derrick Rose’s injuries makes his later career even more full of fan support. Rose peaked in the early ’90s when multiple injuries shattered his former status as a consistent All-Star and MVP winner.
The process resulted in Rose no longer playing at that caliber, instead becoming a great sixth man. Rose’s great performances off the bench are always accompanied by strong fan support as most ardent NBA fans just want things to work out for him.
7 Lukas Doncic
Few young players have risen up the league so far in his fledgling career and taken off as much as Luka Doncic. There might be some complaints about Doncic flopping to get calls or being angry, but he’s clearly a popular character.
NBA Twitter was filled with jokes and celebrations as Luka led the Dallas Mavericks to eliminate the Phoenix Suns after that team became unsympathetic. Doncic plays the game with great passion and has childlike energy for the game.
6 Damian Lillard
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© Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
The Portland Trail Blazers have become the team most represented by a beloved Superstar. Damian Lillard doesn’t want to leave the franchise despite not having the same chance of winning a title as some of his peers, but that loyalty is respected in today’s game.
Lillard’s passion and pride is what many fans of the league miss today as Superstars demand a trade every other season. Dame’s style of play is also incredible to watch with the deep three-pointers and dozens of game-winning shots.
5 Stefan Curry
The Babyface Assassin nickname says everything you need to know about Stephen Curry’s reputation. Despite being a killer on the court and having won four NBA championships, Curry is considered the ultimate “good guy” in the sport with no negative news associated with him.
There might be some dissatisfaction from other teams because Curry celebrates and taunts when he’s on top, but that’s the only thing he can be blamed for. Curry’s stunning three-point shooter is a must-see on TV, and he’s never jumped the team like LeBron James, Kevin Durant and James Harden.
4 Boban Marjanović
Boban Marjanovic has a cult following for his gentle giant personality. Most of the players on this list were All-Stars or top-level players at some point in their careers. Boban is fortunate to receive rotation minutes as a backup center for every team he joins.
Fans love Marjanovic as he has a big smile and cracks jokes despite being one of the greatest players in the NBA. Boban gets an acting role Johannes Wick 3 added even more panache to the crowd’s support. Any fanbase would love to have a player like Marjanovic on their bench for the fun that comes with it.
3 I Morant
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© Joe Rondone-USA TODAY Sports
Ja Morant’s career has made him one of the most popular players in the league in just a few short years. Everyone thought Zion Williamson would be the best player in their draft class, but Morant has so far eclipsed him.
A problem in the NBA is that many stars take the regular season as a joke, sitting out games or not doing their best. Dropping it on the floor every night, making explosive plays, and leading his team to fights, Morant has quickly made him a popular character.
Klay Thompson has the perfect combination of a fun personality off the court and excellent basketball skills on the court. The Golden State Warriors’ super-team ending made it easy for fans to love Thompson again as he rarely has bad moments.
NBA fans were thrilled when Klay returned this season after being long on the shelf and long gone due to his injury. Thompson’s humorous personality makes him most endearing to basketball fans in a sport when people can take him too seriously.
The most popular player in the NBA right now is Milwaukee Bucks MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Giannis’ overall story as someone who later in his childhood played basketball after growing up poor in Greece and moving to the United States to start such an inspiring story.
The side on the pitch makes Antetokounmpo even more popular as an exciting player and superstar. Giannis, who made it clear that he wanted to win a title for the Bucks rather than team-hopping, made many fans happy that he didn’t go the way of LeBron James or Kevin Durant. That emotional moment when Antetokounmpo breaks down in tears after winning a title is what the NBA is about.
