The excitement for the 2023-24 NBA season is palpable, and everyone’s talking about the players who might dominate the court this year. One name that stands out is Luka Dončić. This guy already has a couple of All-Star appearances under his belt despite being only 24 years old. Last season, he averaged 28.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game. If he continues at this pace, there’s no telling how many records he might break. I mean, he’s already on paths of legends; stats like those have you mentioning Luka in the same breath as Oscar Robertson.
Then there’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Greek Freak. At 28 years old, Giannis shows no signs of slowing down. Known for his incredible wingspan and combo skills, he averaged 31.1 points and grabbed 11.6 rebounds per game last season. He’s a two-time MVP and has the potential to contest for another if he keeps this level of play. I read a report recently from ESPN suggesting that Giannis has been working on his three-point shooting this offseason. Imagine a Giannis that consistently hits threes; the league would be in serious trouble!
Anthony Davis, provided he stays healthy, is someone I’m excited to see as well. His 2022-23 season was plagued with injuries, but he still managed to put up 23.2 points and 10.3 rebounds per game when he played. If he can stay injury-free for a full season, the Lakers are genuinely contenders again. Davis’s player efficiency rating (PER) is usually among the top in the league, showing just how impactful he is every time he steps on the court.
Speaking of young stars, Ja Morant has to be on this list. At just 24 years old, he’s already becoming one of the most exciting players to watch. Morant was the Rookie of the Year in 2020 and has since elevated his game to an All-Star level. Last season, he averaged 27.4 points and 6.7 assists per game. His explosiveness and ability to finish at the rim remind so many of prime Derrick Rose. Plus, he’s leading a Grizzlies’ team that’s projected to make a deep playoff run. NBA.com even ranked Memphis as one of the top defensive teams, and Morant’s leadership is a huge part of that.
You can’t talk about top NBA players without mentioning Kevin Durant, even at 34. His move to the Phoenix Suns shocked a lot of people, but Durant is still one of the deadliest scorers in the game. Despite missing a portion of the last season due to injury, he still averaged 29.9 points on 52.5% shooting. His playoff experience and scoring ability make the Suns instant candidates for a title run. Moreover, a healthy Durant playing alongside Devin Booker is a basketball fan’s dream.
Another fascinating player is Nikola Jokić. The 2021 and 2022 MVP continues to dazzle fans with his unique skill set for a center. The Serbian big man averaged 25.8 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game last season. He’s like a point guard in a center’s body, orchestrating plays and leading Denver Nuggets to one of their best seasons in years. Statistically, Jokić recorded one of the highest usage rates in the league, showing how crucial he is to his team’s success.
If you’re following rising talents, Anthony Edwards is a name to remember. Just 22 years old, Edwards is quickly making his mark on the league. In the last season, he averaged 24.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists. His athleticism and scoring ability make him a cornerstone for the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are banking on his development. His shooting efficiency improved by 3% last season, and if that trend continues, the sky’s the limit.
Need I mention Stephen Curry? Even at 35, he’s still arguably the greatest shooter of all time. He averaged 29.3 points per game last season with a 42.7% three-point shooting percentage. Curry’s ability to change the game with his long-range shooting keeps him as a perennial MVP contender. He recently expressed in an interview how he feels “more motivated than ever,” which should make every team wary of the Golden State Warriors.
Also keep an eye on Jayson Tatum, a young star who’s proving he’s worth the hype. At 25, Tatum was instrumental in leading the Boston Celtics to the NBA Finals in 2022. Last season, he averaged 30.9 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. Those are MVP-caliber numbers. Tatum is working hard during the offseason, and given his trajectory, this season could very well be his breakout year. He has already been named an All-NBA First Team member, which puts him in elite company.
Then there’s Zion Williamson. Talk about potential; this guy has it in spades. When healthy, Zion is a wrecking ball on the court, averaging 27 points and 7 rebounds per game last season. A lot of his critics focus on his injury history, but Zion has reportedly invested over $1 million into his body and training regimen for this season. If he can stay on the floor, the New Orleans Pelicans have a game-changer on their hands. I’d say Zion has the potential to be the best player in the league if he can string together a couple of healthy seasons.
So if you’re a fan of the 2023-24 nba season, buckle up. This season is set to showcase some incredible talent and thrilling basketball.