Hey everyone, if you're as excited about this NBA season as I am, then you've got to check out my top picks for players who are going to make waves. Seriously, this is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling seasons in recent memory, and not just because of the usual suspects. We've got some fresh faces and seasoned vets ready to put on a show.
First up, Luka Dončić. This kid is just 24 years old and he's already playing like a seasoned pro. Now, I know he had an incredible year last season, boasting an average of 28.4 points per game, but trust me, he's only scratching the surface of his potential. He has a PER (Player Efficiency Rating) of 27.6, which places him among the league's elite. Watching him on the court is a bit like watching a highlight reel in real time. And hey, he led the Mavericks to the playoffs almost single-handedly!
Then, there's Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak. What else can you say about a guy who's won two MVP awards by the age of 25 and led the Bucks to an NBA Championship in 2021? Last season, he averaged 29.9 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. These are superhuman numbers! His usage rate is around 34%, and he’s such a versatile player that he can guard almost any position. Honestly, watching Giannis play is like seeing a superhero in action.
Can't forget about Joel Embiid either. He’s coming off a season where he averaged 30.6 points and 11.7 rebounds per game. That's no small feat! You know why Embiid is a must-watch? It's not just his size and skills, but his presence on the court. He has an offensive efficiency rating that places him in the top echelon of players, proving he's a powerhouse on both ends of the floor. Plus, his personality is just magnetic; he’s always engaging with fans and stirring up excitement.
Have you been keeping an eye on Ja Morant? If not, you definitely should. This young gun averaged 27.4 points and 6.7 assists last season, and he's only going to get better. His explosiveness and ability to control the pace of the game make him a fan favorite. His true shooting percentage of .569 is pretty impressive for a point guard. He’s also clocking in at a blistering 34.4 minutes per game, making him a workhorse for the Grizzlies.
Zion Williamson is another player to keep your eyes on, assuming he stays healthy. You can't ignore a guy who averaged 27 points per game on a 61% shooting percentage during his rookie season. The power and speed he brings to the Pelicans are unmatched. His player impact estimate is already among the highest in the league, which is crazy considering he hasn't even reached his prime yet. Zion is basically a freight train in sneakers.
And then there's Kevin Durant. He’s like fine wine, just getting better with age. Last season, he put up 29.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game. At 34 years old, KD shows no signs of slowing down. His shooting splits of 52/38/88 are remarkable, especially for someone with his usage rate of 32%. What makes Durant special is his ability to score effortlessly; it's poetry in motion, really.
Now let’s talk about Jayson Tatum. He's barely 25 and already playing like a veteran. Tatum averaged 26.9 points and 8 rebounds per game last season. What’s special about him is his versatility—he can play both forward positions and impact the game on both ends. His win shares per 48 minutes stand at .171, pretty solid for someone so young. He’s the cornerstone of the Celtics’ future, no doubt.
Kawhi Leonard is another one to keep tabs on. Despite battling injuries, when he's on the floor, he’s a game-changer. Last season, he averaged 24.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists. Those may not be career highs, but his defensive win shares and defensive box plus-minus are metrics that show his well-rounded skill set. Kawhi’s ability to dominate on both ends makes him a must-watch.
LaMelo Ball is quickly becoming one of my favorites. It’s rare to see such maturity and flair in a player so young. LaMelo averaged 20.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 7.6 assists in just his second year! His assist percentage of 33.4% speaks volumes about his capability as a playmaker. Plus, he brings a certain swagger to the Hornets that’s just plain fun to watch.
Lastly, keep an eye on Devin Booker. He’s been a scoring machine for the Suns with an average of 26.8 points per game last season. His VORP (Value Over Replacement Player) is high, placing him among the most valuable players in the league. Booker’s offensive acumen is simply off the charts, and his partnership with Chris Paul has been nothing short of magical for the Suns.
If you love basketball as much as I do, you won’t want to miss a single game from these incredible talents this season. And hey, if you’re looking for a place to catch all the action, why not check out arena plus? They’ve got all the games you could ever want!