How three 25-and-under stars are taking the torch in NBA playoffs
In the 2024 playoffs, young stars such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Anthony Edwards, and Luka Doncic are making their presence felt with their stellar performances.
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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’re currently observing so compelling that it leads us to the undeniable conclusion that change is imminent?
This postseason reveals that Anthony Edwards, Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are no longer following in others’ footsteps. Instead, they’re blazing their own trails and dominating the competition. This could potentially be the massive generational shift everyone expected would ultimately happen.
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 always been marked by a line of succession. Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell passed the torch to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who was followed by Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, then Michael Jordan. The legacy was carried on by Kobe Bryant and then to James, among others.
Saying with absolute certainty that Edwards, Doncic, and Gilgeous-Alexander are on the verge of leading their teams to championship glory would be slightly premature. It’s possible they might not even secure a trophy next month or at any point in their careers.
At times, unforeseen events can disrupt the discourse and shatter the crystal ball predictions. Just inquire with the likes of Patrick Ewing, Charles Barkley, and Grant Hill, to name a few – they were all viewed as the “next big thing” during their heyday.
In the spring of 2024, it certainly feels like we’re turning a new page.
These young players, impatient and greedy as they are, embody the traits of a prospective champion and superstar. Instead of seeking autographs from James, Curry and others, they now assert a different attitude.
Here’s how and why these young stars, all aged 25 and under, are loudly announcing their attempts to dominate in these playoffs:
Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
Take another look at some of Anthony Edwards’ standout performances in 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.
Edwards’ most significant improvement lies in his shooting ability. He recently reflected on his early career, stating, “When I entered the league, I was known for not being able to shoot.” While his 3-point shot is still being refined – his career average being 35.3% and showing a decline from the previous season – his confidence in shooting from that range has improved. He doesn’t shy away from taking a shot during crucial moments.
Aside from the development in his mid-range game, his improved basketball maturity is evident in his enhanced passing skills and increased trust in his teammates. Additionally, his scoring has escalated each season.
Edwards desires the final shot in the game, unconcerned about any potential backlash if he doesn’t succeed.
At last, Edwards is available. He has played 79 games for two consecutive seasons. Although his youth is an advantage, it’s his exceptional fitness and football background that gives him an edge. 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 has yet to receive a major award, but he is just beginning his journey. It is anticipated that he will be awarded All-NBA this month, potentially the first of many similar 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.
Doncic is unparalleled as a playmaker, shot-creator, passer, rebounder, and floor surveyor. The unique combination of exceptional basketball intelligence and skills is scarce, even among the league’s top players, which makes him a formidable competitor.
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.
Furthermore, Doncic’s competitive spirit is intense. This sometimes works against him – especially for the referees officiating his games – but it also motivates him in critical moments and when the outcome of the game is in the balance.
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 and is still in search of a consistent star teammate for sustained deep playoff runs. During their brief stint together, Dirk Nowitzki was beyond his prime to be Doncic’s co-star. This is merely 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.
Furthermore, his path to the free-throw line demonstrates his creativity and opportunism as a player, always seeking ways to score. His free-throw line record for this season stands at 87.4%. Over the past two seasons, Gilgeous-Alexander has managed to average 30.7 points per game with a shooting percentage of 52.3%, indicating his effectiveness.
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 decent, not extraordinary, with a career average assist of 4.9. But this season, he showed improvement by recording 5.5 assists per game, his best since the 5.9 assists per game in the 2020-21 season. This noticeable improvement is a contributing factor to his nomination 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.”
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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.
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