The NBA has heavily relied on its superstars to market the league, and the enduring "face of the NBA" has been consistently LeBron James, a prominent figure since his arrival in the league in the 2003 draft.
While the contributions of other stars like Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant have been significant, the trio is now in the latter stages of their careers, all in their mid-30s. James himself signified during the recent NBA All-Star weekend that there are "not many" seasons left in his storied career.
The next face of the NBA is not as apparent, given the emergence of numerous young talents in the league. However, several candidates could assume this role.
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Best candidates to be the face of the NBA
1. Anthony Edwards
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards emerges as a viable candidate for the role, thanks to his charisma, outspoken personality, and a sense of humor that resonates well with fans.
The 22-year-old shooting guard's debut signature shoe, the Adidas AE 1, may have a polarizing design, but it has proven to be a fan favorite, selling out with its unconventional and bold design language.
Edwards backs up his off-court success with on-court skills, having earned a spot in his second consecutive NBA All-Star Game this year.
2. Victor Wembanyama
San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama is undeniably the most anticipated prospect of his generation, attracting immense hype even before entering the league as the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Standing at an imposing 7-foot-4, his combination of size and guard-like skills on the ball positions him to become the next larger-than-life figure in the league, similar to the charismatic and physically dominant presence of Shaquille O'Neal in the 1990s and 2000s.
This showcases his appeal and has the potential to significantly contribute to the marketing of both himself and the league.
3. Jayson Tatum
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum stands out as another candidate for the face of the NBA, arguably the best American player today.
While European players like Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo have garnered recognition as top players in the league, Tatum's association with the Boston Celtics, the most historic team in the league, could enhance his legacy. If he leads the Celtics to a championship, it could further solidify his position in the league's lore.
4. Luka Doncic
The most prominent candidate for the next face of the league is Dallas Mavericks forward Luka Doncic. Despite his tender age of 24, he is widely considered one of the greatest European players of all time.
His elite offensive skills, characterized by dazzling defenders with simple yet effective moves and exceptional playmaking, have earned him fans worldwide.
Particularly noteworthy is his score of 73 points in a game, marking the highest since Kobe Bryant's iconic 81-point performance in 2006.
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