The basketball world unanimously recognizes LeBron James as a legend, and his accolades speak for themselves. Over his golden career, he has amassed four NBA championships and earned four MVP awards, two Olympic gold medals, and multiple All-Star selections. LeBron has truly redefined what it means to be a complete player, so will anyone be better or at least on his level? As the league continues to evolve, a new generation of players is emerging with the potential to surpass even King James himself. Here are our 15 picks.
Anthony Davis
AD, as he is commonly called, joined the NBA as the 1st overall pick in the 2012 Draft by the New Orleans Hornets, now the Pelicans. Anthony’s most memorable moment came during the 2020 NBA Playoffs when he hit a game-winning three-pointer in the Western Conference Finals to push the Lakers to the title.
Nikola Jokić
Nikola Jokić joined the NBA as the 41st pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, a far cry from the typical superstar entry. Despite his under-the-radar introduction, Jokić has become the league’s most dynamic center, known for his exceptional passing, playmaking, and basketball IQ. He led the Denver Nuggets to their NBA championship in 2023 and earned back-to-back MVP titles.
Kawhi Leonard
Born in 1991, Kawhi Leonard entered the NBA in 2011 as the 15th overall pick by the Indiana Pacers before moving to the San Antonio Spurs. His defensive prowess, highlighted by winning two Defensive Player of the Year awards, quickly set him apart. Kawhi is also a two-time NBA Finals MVP, and his best scoring performance came in 2021, with a career-high 45 points.
Devin Booker
Devin Booker was the 2015 NBA Draft’s 13th overall pick and quickly positioned himself as one of the best young scorers in the game. His defining moment came in 2021 when he led the Phoenix Suns to their first NBA Finals appearance since 1993. Booker’s 70-point game against the Boston Celtics in 2017 remains one of the highest-scoring performances in modern NBA history.
Jimmy Butler
With 53 points in 2016, Jimmy Butler has become one of the league’s most inspiring stories. Overcoming a difficult childhood, his ethics and determination made him one of the NBA’s fiercest competitors. In the 2020 Finals, he led the Miami Heat with a gutsy, all-around performance and a 40-point triple-double in Game 3 against the Lakers.
James Harden
James Harden’s prolific scoring and ball-handling skills have revolutionized the modern game. The Oklahoma City Thunder selected him third overall in the 2009 NBA Draft. His dominance was undeniable, clinching the 2018 NBA MVP and leading the league in scoring for three consecutive years. Then, in 2019, he dropped a career-high 61 points.
Anthony Edwards
As the first overall pick in the 2020 Draft, Anthony Edwards quickly established himself as one of the most promising young talents in the league. His freakish athleticism and high-flying dunks made him a fan’s favorite, especially in the 2023 NBA Playoffs, when he scored 41 points in a crucial game for the Timberwolves, showing his potential to lead the team in the future.
Jayson Tatum
For smooth offensive game fans, Jayson Tatum was picked 3rd overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2017 Draft. He rapidly became one of the best forwards in the league as the face of the Celtics franchise. However, his standout moment came in the 2022 NBA Playoffs, where he dropped 46 points in an elimination game against the Milwaukee Bucks to push Boston into the next round.
Luka Dončić
Born in Slovenia, Luka Dončić burst onto the NBA scene after the Atlanta Hawks selected him third overall in the 2018 Draft before trading him to the Dallas Mavericks. He had already made a name in Europe, becoming the youngest EuroLeague MVP at age 19. Luka’s combination of size, court vision, and elite ball-handling skills has made him one of the most dangerous playmakers in the league.
Jalen Brunson
Jalen Brunson moved to the New York Knicks to mark a new milestone in his career. Brunson was a second-round pick in the 2018 NBA Draft but later became one of the most underrated talents. The Knicks fans definitely adored him during the 2023 NBA Playoffs, when he led the Knicks to a second-round appearance with a 41-point performance in Game 5 against the Miami Heat.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Often referred to as the Greek Freak, Giannis Antetokounmpo was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks as the 15th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft and has developed into one of the most dominant players in the history of the NBA. Giannis’s combination of size, speed, and skill is unmatched, and his memorable moment came in 2021 when he led the Bucks to their first NBA title in 50 years.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was born in 1998 and was picked 11th overall in the 2018 Draft. He is famous for his smooth, under-control play, ability to get to the rim, and ability to create shots for himself and his teammates. During the 2022-2023 season, he averaged over 31 points per game, earning his first All-NBA First Team selection.
Donovan Mitchell
After scoring 71 points in 2023, it was clear that Donovan Mitchell was one of the top guards in the league. The Denver Nuggets picked him as the 13th overall in the 2017 Draft and traded him to the Utah Jazz to be one of the NBA’s most impressive scorers. His first unforgettable moment came in the 2020 NBA Playoffs when he scored 57 points against the Denver Nuggets.
Zion Williamson
Since his debut, Zion Williamson has lived up to the hype, earning comparisons to the legendary LeBron James. Known for his exceptional athleticism and power, Zion can dominate in the paint and finish through contact. Despite injuries limiting his time on the court, Zion’s impact has been undeniable, and he is truly a player to watch out for.
Joel Embiid
Born in Yaoundé, Cameroon, Joel Embiid, the third overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, is one of the most dominant centers in the league today. He started playing at the age of 15, inspired by Hakeem Olajuwon. Despite facing injuries early in his career, Embiid has emerged as a force in the paint, offensively and defensively.
15 NBA Players You Want to Keep Your Eyes On