NBA All-Star Weekend 2020: 5 Rising Stars who could be MVPs in the future

Rising Stars Challenge is scheduled on Friday at the United Center, Chicago at 9 PM. ET
Rising Stars Challenge is scheduled on Friday at the United Center, Chicago at 9 PM. ET

#2 Zion Williamson

Zion is the first player in 35 years to record 8 20-point games in his first 10 games.
Zion is the first player in 35 years to record 8 20-point games in his first 10 games.

Zion Williamson's inclusion into the NBA landscape has seen explosive athleticism and historic scoring numbers. The 19-year-old is averaging 22 points and 7.5 rebounds per game while shooting over 57% from the floor. NBA defenders are unable to contain his quick first step as well as his dominant presence under the rim.

Given the proper conditioning to maintain his 284-pound frame, Zion could well be the best player in the league in the near future. He is making up for the lost time (due to knee surgery) in commanding fashion just by using his putbacks, athleticism to grab lobs and second jumps. With time, a consistent jumper is expected to emerge, completing his arsenal to be one of the all-time greats.


#1 Ja Morant

Morant is the leading ROY candidate at the moment.
Morant is the leading ROY candidate at the moment.

Ja Morant has played in 48 games this year so far and has led the Memphis Grizzlies into the playoff picture from the Western Conference. The 20-year-old is averaging 17.6 points and 7.1 assists per game, on 49.3 percent shooting from the field. Making a wide leap from Ohio Valley Conference to the NBA, he has acclimatized to league's pace in no time.

Despite standing at just 6-foot-3, Morant's high-flying dunks have already posterized some elite rim protectors in the league in his rookie year. He carries immense potential to shake defenses off the dribble, along with impeccable court vision while operating in traffic.

More confidence and finesse to his outside shot will surely result in an MVP caliber player who can turn the franchise's fortunes around single-handedly.

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