The NBA offseason may be in full swing, but that doesn’t mean basketball fans should put their excitement on hold. There are a plethora of intriguing storylines heading into the upcoming season, and ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith recently shared his top five players to watch. With the level of talent in the league at an all-time high, these players are sure to bring their A-game and keep us on the edge of our seats.
First on Smith’s list is none other than LeBron James. Despite turning 36 this year, James is showing no signs of slowing down. After leading the Los Angeles Lakers to their 17th championship last season, he’s hungrier than ever to add more rings to his collection. With his unmatched basketball IQ, versatility, and leadership, James is a force to be reckoned with on the court. He’s already cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time, but he’s not done yet.
Next up is Kevin Durant, who is gearing up for his return to the court after recovering from a devastating Achilles injury. The two-time NBA champion has joined forces with Kyrie Irving in Brooklyn, forming a dynamic duo that’s sure to shake up the league. When healthy, Durant is virtually unguardable with his lethal scoring ability and impressive size for a wing player. He’s determined to prove that he’s still one of the best in the game, and we can’t wait to see him back in action.
Coming in at number three is Giannis Antetokounmpo, the reigning two-time MVP. Despite falling short in the playoffs, Antetokounmpo has proven to be a dominant force in the league. His unique combination of size, speed, and skills makes him nearly unstoppable on both ends of the court. With the Milwaukee Bucks making some key offseason moves to support their star player, Antetokounmpo has his sights set on bringing the championship trophy back to Milwaukee.
Fourth on the list is Kawhi Leonard, who is coming off a disappointing playoff exit with the Los Angeles Clippers. After winning a championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019, Leonard is out for redemption and determined to lead his team to the promised land. A two-time Finals MVP, Leonard is known for his quiet demeanor and killer instinct on the court. He may not be the flashiest player, but he gets the job done and is a true force to be reckoned with.
Rounding out the top five is Luka Doncic, the young star of the Dallas Mavericks. At just 22 years old, Doncic has taken the league by storm with his incredible playmaking and scoring abilities. He led the Mavericks to the playoffs for the first time in four years and is only getting better with each season. With a supporting cast that’s been upgraded with the addition of Josh Richardson and the return of Kristaps Porzingis, Doncic has all the tools to make a deep run in the playoffs.
While these five players may have different playing styles and skill sets, they all have one thing in common – a fierce desire to win and cement their legacies in NBA history. As we eagerly await the start of the 2021-2022 season, these players are sure to keep us on our toes and make the upcoming season one to remember.
In addition to these top five players, there are plenty of other exciting storylines to watch out for next season. Will the Brooklyn Nets live up to their super team expectations? Can the Los Angeles Lakers repeat as champions? Will the Golden State Warriors bounce back with the return of Klay Thompson? And what surprises will the incoming rookie class bring?
Regardless of what happens, one thing is for sure – the upcoming NBA season is going to be one for the books. With the top tier of players as elite as ever, fans can expect nothing short of thrilling and competitive basketball. So mark your calendars, because it’s never too early to get excited about the upcoming NBA season. Let the countdown begin!
