Will the next face of the NBA be a foreigner?

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 eras where American players dominated the NBA, there are now foreigners emerging as the best of their generation.

Will the next face of the NBA be a star not born in the United States?

Nikola Jokic | Denver Nuggets
Country of birth: Serbia

Age: 29 years

Why yes: To a certain 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 Finals in which he was 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 natural with his responses full of humor and mischief.

Why not: because he doesn’t want to be, he is not interested in being one and he is happy if he is not. “I’m not the face of the NBA, my friend,” they told reporters during last February’s All-Star Game in Indiana. Unlike 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 return home yet because he preferred to be with his family and watch the horse races.

Victor Wembanyama | San Antonio Spurs
Country of birth: France

Age: 20 years

Why yes: Victor Wembanyama not only can, but he is destined to be the face of the NBA in the future. The only question is when. At the 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 the Rookie of the Year. The question is whether he will also be the Defensive Player of the Season, with his absurd blocking ability. What does Wemby need? Colleagues, especially an elite base for the Spurs to leave the Lottery spots next season and compete for a playoff spot.

Why not: The only reason Victor Wembanyama might 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) give him competitiveness to go for something important, the desire of every player 2) not get frustrated and ask for a change reluctantly, something that would ruin the plan future of the Spurs.

Giannis Antetokounmpo | milwaukee dollars
Country of birth: Greece

Age: 29 years

Why yes: because he has the perfect mix of talent, showmanship and charisma. He already won an MVP title, which helps his legacy, and he did it in a smaller market, staying true to his principles in an era where players often simply go 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 must 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.

Luka Doncic | Dallas Mavericks
Country of birth: Slovenia

Age: 25 years

Why yes: the answer here is quite obvious, considering that at only 25 years old and in his sixth season in the league, the Slovenian of 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 plenty 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 nods, five All-Star Game appearances, won the Rookie of the Year award and his career average of 28.6 points per game 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: While he still has time on his side to hoist a championship trophy (something crucial to consider in this exercise), Doncic has a few areas where he can improve his game on the court, including three-point shooting, blitz and defense. . . From Michael Jordan to Kobe Bryant to James, those stars had the ability to dominate on both sides of the court, even 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 that sometimes work against him, including the public perception of his attitude. But the most important thing is that 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.

Joel Embiid | Philadelphia 76ers
Country of birth: Cameroon

Age: 30 years

Why yes: 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 a scoring champion and was part of the defensive team of the year and his resume already includes seven calls to the All-Star Game. In short, it’s the complete package.

Why not: No, because when push comes to shove, during the Playoffs, in which legends are born, all of his statistics are less effective than in the regular season: only 24 points per game and 10.9 rebounds. As if that weren’t enough, collectively, Philadelphia only has a 27-26 record with Joel on the court. A brand, to say the least, mediocre. Last year he even had the lowest of his performances, averaging only 23 points per game, falling far below the expectations placed on him. There has been talk that they could change his team, but it is clear that Embiid, with seven seasons in the league now, is running out of his credibility bonus, compared to other intended stars, such as Nikola Jokic, who was already a champion.