Mar 27, 2024, 08:00 ET
With a LeBron and a Curry in the final stages of their careers, the NBA should start looking for the next face of the league. Now, some of the best candidates to replace them are foreigners: Embiid, Giannis, Doncic, Jokic and Wemby. Who will sit on the throne?
With a LeBron James and a Stephen Curry in the final stages of their careers, the NBA should start looking for the next face of the league.
Unlike other times where American players dominated the NBA, now there are foreigners who emerge as the best of their generation.
Will the next face of the NBA be a star not born in the United States? ESPN experts tell you why they can and why they can’t be.
Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Victor Wembanyama, among the best foreigners in the NBA. ESPN
Country of birth: Serbia
Age: 29 years
Just because: To some extent, the Serbian is already the face of the NBA, whether he wants it or not. He has to be a player with two MVP awards and an NBA title in a Final in which he was the Most Valuable Player and this should not surprise anyone in an increasingly global game. The Denver Nuggets superstar captivates with his intelligent play, his fundamentals on the court and his personality. His complete game, both behind and in front of the rim, is the new benchmark of the complete player. Outside of this, he handles himself very well in front of the media, he doesn’t get into trouble and is a natural with his answers full of humor and mischief.
Why not: Because he doesn’t want to be, he’s not interested in being, and he’s happy if he’s not. “I’m not the face of the NBA, my friend,” she told reporters during the All-Star Game last February in Indiana. Contrary to other players who would raise their hands if offered that title, the ‘Joker’ gives the impression that he seems uncomfortable with the suggestion. His reaction was famous when they told him that he had to attend the championship parade and that he could not go home yet because he preferred to be with his family and watch the horse races. (Hiram Martinez)
Country of birth: France
Age: 20 years
Just because: Victor Wembanyama not only can, but is destined to be the face of the NBA moving forward. The only question is when. At a biotype level, world basketball has never seen someone like him: infinite extension, perimeter movements, elite shooting. He is a perfect mix between Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant. Being a Rookie, no one doubts that he will be Rookie of the Year. The question is whether he will also be Defensive Player of the Season, with his absurd ability to set blocks. What does Wemby need? Teammates, especially an elite point guard for the Spurs to leave the Lottery positions next season and compete for a playoff spot.
Why not: The only reason Victor Wembanyama may not be the face of the NBA in the future is if he suffers a difficult injury that sidelines him for a long time. In any other situation, his destiny of success is inevitable. Of course, he needs the San Antonio leadership to surround him better for two reasons: 1) to give him competitiveness to go for something important, the desire of every player 2) to not get frustrated and ask for a change reluctantly, something that would ruin the Spurs’ future plan. (Bruno Altieri)
Country of birth: Greece
Age: 29 years
Just because: Because he has the perfect mix of talent, showmanship and charisma. He’s already won a title as MVP, which helps his legacy, and he did it in a smaller market, staying true to his principles in an era where players often simply move to the highest bidder. Giannis is a different athlete who does things that no other player can do.
Why not: Because it will always be difficult for a foreigner to be the face of the NBA. Because beyond the fact that loyalty to a franchise should be rewarded, it seems difficult for the Bucks to aspire to a championship again, and for the face of the NBA to play in such a small market. Giannis is an athlete, but he doesn’t necessarily have the grace and naturalness of other players. (Sebastian Martinez Christensen)
Country of birth: Slovenia
Age: 25 years
Just because: The answer here is quite obvious, considering that at only 25 years old and in his sixth season in the league, the Slovenian from the Dallas Mavericks seems to break records for his age every time he scores or achieves a triple-double. The NBA’s leading scorer this season has a ton of room to grow and continue to improve, something that should terrify the rest of the NBA.
Donkic already has four All-NBA first-team honors, five All-Star appearances, won the Rookie of the Year award, and his career 28.6 PPG average is the highest among all active players. The sky seems to be the limit for Doncic in terms of future projections, including as the face of the league once LeBron James says goodbye.
Why not: Although he still has time on his side to hoist a championship trophy (crucial to be considered in this exercise), Doncic has some areas in which he can improve his game on the court, including three-point shooting, blitzing and defense. From Michael Jordan to Kobe Bryant to James, those stars had the ability to dominate on both sides of the court, including in the decisive moments when championships are won and lost.
Doncic seems to have left his condition problems behind, appearing in increasingly better shape on the court. But he still has emotional moments about him that sometimes work against him, including the public perception of his attitude. But more important than anything, Doncic has to win championships. Multiple, if we want to be honest. It is a requirement for the player to assume responsibility at the head of the league. And considering the current competition and the one we see coming, that’s not a guarantee. (Victor Lopez)
Country of birth: Cameroon
Age: 30 years
Just because: Yes because he has all the physical tools and playing skills that, in fact, have already made him the reigning MVP of the league. In addition, the one from Cameroon was already the scoring champion and was part of the defensive team of the year and seven calls to the All-Star Game are already included in his resume. In short, it’s the complete package.
Why not: No, because when push comes to shove, during the Playoffs, when legends are born, all of their statistics are less effective than in the regular season: only 24 points per game and 10.9 rebounds. As if that were not enough, collectively, Philadelphia only has a 27-26 record with Joel on the floor. A brand, to say the least, mediocre. Last year even the lowest of his performances, averaging only 23 units per match, falling far below the expectations placed on him. There has been talk that he could be changed teams, but it is clear that Embiid, already with seven seasons in the league, is running out of his credibility bonus, compared to other intentional stars, such as Nikola Jokic, who was already a champion. (Alfonso Mancilla)
2024-03-27 03:30:51
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