How three 25-and-under stars are taking the torch in NBA playoffs
In the 2024 playoffs, young stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Anthony Edwards, and Luka Doncic are making their mark.
• Download the NBA App
There’s usually a bit of comprehension and hesitation in the NBA when it’s about the star pecking order and that four-letter word: Next.
Like, who’s got it?
Is the evidence we are currently observing compelling enough to inevitably conclude that change is imminent?
This postseason reveals that Anthony Edwards, Luka Doncic, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have stopped following in others’ footsteps. They are now forging their own paths and dominating on the court. This could potentially be the momentous and generational transition that everyone anticipated would happen at some point.
While LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry, all well into their 30s, are at home watching on TV or doing whatever inactive superstars do with their unexpected free time in May, their spots are occupied by players much younger and just as hungry, if not more.
The league’s history has long been marked by a line of succession. Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell were succeeded by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, followed by Magic Johnson and Larry Bird who gave way to Michael Jordan. Jordan was then succeeded by Kobe Bryant, and Bryant by James, among others.
Claiming conclusively that Edwards, Doncic, and Gilgeous-Alexander will soon lead their teams towards championship runs might be somewhat hasty. There’s even a possibility that they may not raise a trophy in the following month, or perhaps not at all in their respective careers.
Sometimes, unexpected events can disrupt a conversation or shatter predictions. Just ask Patrick Ewing, Charles Barkley, and Grant Hill, among others. They were all viewed as the “next big thing” during their prime.
However, it certainly feels like a pivotal moment here in the spring of 2024.
These young players, impatient and greedy as they are, embody the traits necessary for a prospective champion and superstar. Instead of seeking autographs from James, Curry, and others, they now assert their own presence.
This is how and why these stars, all aged 25 and under, are loudly announcing their attempted takeovers in these playoffs:
Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
Take another look at some of Anthony Edwards’ top performances from the first round against Phoenix.
Body of work: At just 22, he owns the fastest-rising reputation in the league, drawing comparisons to 2006 Dwyane Wade and even Michael Jordan (pre-six championships). The latter might be a bit rich, but such is life in a social media and debate TV era, where recency bias runs unchecked and nuance is often lost in the rush to gush.
Make no mistake, though, Edwards is jumping the line and could already be a top-five pure talent in today’s game. Just ask Kevin Durant, whom he swept in the first round, or any current greats. Or, just trust your eyes. Best of all, his impact lies on both ends of the floor.
Shooting is his most significant improvement. He admitted recently, “When I first joined the league, I was known for not being able to shoot.” Edwards is still working on his 3-point shot — he’s maintained a career average of 35.3% and his performance has slightly decreased from the previous season. However, his confidence in shooting from such a distance has increased, and he isn’t afraid to take a shot during critical moments.
Every season, his scoring has improved. Beyond the development in his mid-range game, his enhanced basketball maturity is evident in his improved passing and increased trust in his teammates.
Edwards desires the final shot in the game, unconcerned about potential backlash if he doesn’t succeed.
At last, Edwards is available. He has played 79 games for the second consecutive season. Certainly, his youth is an advantage, but he also maintains excellent physical condition. His background in football is also beneficial. Moreover, Edwards doesn’t just claim to love basketball, he demonstrates it.
Work to do: He just took his team into the Western Conference semifinals. At least that’s progress, considering he lost in the first round last season. The ultimate measure of greatness is playing well into May and even June, and doing it consistently.
Edwards is yet to win a major award, but he is just beginning his journey. It is anticipated that he will receive the All-NBA title this month, which could be the first of numerous such recognitions.
Said Durant: “So impressed with Ant. My favorite player to watch … he’s gonna be somebody I’m following for the rest of his career.”
Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
Body of work: Initially he was on the fast track for being one of the greatest international players ever. After further review, Doncic at his current pace could rank among the greatest players — regardless of birthplace.
As a playmaker, shot-creator, passer, rebounder, and floor observer, Doncic has only a handful of equals. The fusion of top-tier basketball intelligence and exceptional basketball talent is uncommon, even among the best players in the league. This balance makes him a formidable contender.
He’s already made four All-NBA first teams, is a four-time All-Star starter and claimed the scoring title this season (only Euro to do so). He and LeBron James are the only players to reach 10,000 points, 3,000 rebounds and 3,000 assists before turning 25.
Additionally, Doncic’s competitive spirit is intense. This often leads to negative repercussions for him – particularly for the referees officiating his games – but it also invigorates him during crucial moments and when the game is on the line.
Did someone say alley-oop!? pic.twitter.com/PaGjSH7iDf
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) May 4, 2024
Doncic has only led the Mavericks to the Western Conference Finals once. He is still seeking a consistent star teammate to help the team make regular deep playoff runs. During their brief time together, Dirk Nowitzki was too old to serve as Doncic’s co-star. Currently, this is just Doncic’s second season playing alongside Kyrie Irving.
Work to do: Win a Kia MVP, win a championship. That’s the to-do shortlist for Luka. Both are reasonable, especially the MVP as he could win multiple such awards.
Said Irving: “I want to see him win MVP. If it’s not going to be this year, it’s going to be in the eventual future.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Body of work: Discipline, work ethic, talent, competitive spirit. It’s all there with Gilgeous-Alexander, who’s making a strong bid to be the most dangerous scorer in the league at just 25.
About that scoring: Gilgeous-Alexander mainly works the creases and openings inside the 3-point arc, searching for that spot to pull up for the jumper. It’s all very Chris Paul-like, which is no accident since he took tips from Paul in 2019-20, their one season together.
Additionally, he frequently makes his way to the free-throw line, indicating his creativity and opportunistic nature as a player who seeks to score by all possible means. He has recorded an 87.4% shooting percentage from the line this season. Over the past two seasons, Gilgeous-Alexander has managed to achieve an average of 30.7 points per game, with a shooting percentage of 52.3%.
He should make first-team All-NBA for the second straight season, mainly because — aside from scoring and leading the Thunder to the top of the West — his defense took another leap. His two steals per game tied him with the Sacramento Kings’ De’Aaron Fox for No. 1 in the NBA.
Work to do: Despite his knack for scoring, Gilgeous-Alexander is an average 3-point shooter (career 34.9%). Defenses will choose their poison and collapse and give him that space. If he can stretch the floor more, he’d be even better off the dribble — and nearly unstoppable.
The passing ability of this point guard is satisfactory rather than exceptional, with a career average assist of 4.9. Nonetheless, he demonstrated improvement this season, achieving 5.5 assists per game (apg), which is his best since recording 5.9 apg in the 2020-21 season. This level of progression is what makes him a contender for the MVP award.
Said Nikola Jokic: “He’s a special player. Not just this year. And the good thing about him, he wants to win. He doesn’t care about numbers. He wants to win. And I think that’s the best thing about him.”
* * *
Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for more than 25 years. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on X.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Warner Bros. Discovery.
