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The LeBron James era is soon coming to an end, and a new set of superstars will dominate the NBA. While one player will ultimately assume the throne, some players could grow into superstars in every position.
Ten years seems like an awfully long time, as things could change in the twinkle of an eye. However, several players have already shown glimpses of greatness and could develop into elite talents in that period.
In the past decade, Stephen Curry has been the leading point guard in the NBA. However, Damian Lillard, Russell Westbrook, and Chris Paul have also played the game at the highest level.
James Harden has been the standout shooting guard, winning an MVP award, three scoring titles, among other awards. But we also have to laud the efforts of Klay Thompson, Bradley Beal, and Paul George.
For the small forward position, King James has obviously dominated despite elite talent like Kevin Durant in the same position. Anthony Davis has also been an exceptional power forward so far in the NBA, while Dwight Howard has been the dominant center.
As the reign of these superstars is coming to an end, here are the top five players across the five positions in the NBA for the future.
#1 Luka Doncic - Point Guard
The level at which Luka Doncic has played the game, having spent just three years in the NBA, is astonishing. The 22-year-old plays with so much poise, and it is a no-contest as to determining who will be the top point guard ten years from now.
The NBA also recognized his talent early on, using him as the cover on the recently released NBA 2K22. Doncic has won the Rookie of the Year award, made two All-Star appearances and has been selected for two All-NBA first teams.
Doncic is the early favorite to win the MVP award in the 2021-22 NBA season. With career averages of 25.7 points, 8.4 rebounds and 7.7 assists, he is undoubtedly the best kid on the block.
Trae Young, Ja Morant, De'Aaron Fox and LaMelo Ball are some of the young point guards that are worth keeping an eye on as they develop.
#2 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - Shooting Guard
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the most exciting prospect in the shooting guard position. He has shown steady growth in the three years he has spent in the NBA and could be a major building block for the OKC Thunder.
Although he has not made any All-Star appearances or All-NBA selections, there is no doubt they will come soon. Gilgeous-Alexander finished the 2020-21 season averaging 23.7 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.7 rebounds.
Among the other top shooting guards that could dominate ten years from now include Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics.
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#3 Jayson Tatum - Small Forward
As far as young talents go in the NBA, Jayson Tatum is ranked in the top 3 for sure. The Boston Celtics forward has been the glue holding the franchise together.
In the four years Tatum has spent in the NBA, he has led the C's to four playoff appearances and reached the conference finals twice. He has also received two All-Star nods. Last season, Tatum averaged a career-high 26.4 points and had several 50-point games, including in the postseason.
While the 23-year-old has the small forward position on lock, the Denver Nuggets' Michael Porter Jr. and the New Orleans Pelicans' Brandon Ingram are also top talents.
#4 Zion Williamson - Power Forward
Zion Williamson is the most dominant figure in the paint since the time of Shaquille O'Neal even though he's not an outright center. While modern-day power forwards are required to spread the court, Williamson continues to work exclusively in the post.
The 21-year-old missed out on the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2020 because he played only 24 games due to an injury. However, he had an exceptional bounce-back season in his second year, averaging 27 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while also making his first-ever All-Star appearance.
The 2019 first-round pick out of Duke has taken the NBA by storm and does not look like slowing down. Williamson has brought bully ball back to an NBA that many now consider soft.
Outside of the New Orleans Pelicans forward, John Collins of the Atlanta Hawks is one to keep an eye on for the future.
#5 Bam Adebayo - Center
Bam Adebayo is a versatile big man that has continually evolved as the years go by. He was called up to the USA national basketball team and helped them clinch the gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Although he is not a dominant presence in the paint and has struggled against the likes of Joel Embiid and Rudy Gobert, Adebayo has time to improve in that regard. He is a great two-way player who contributes significantly to the Miami Heat's overall play.
In the 2020-21 NBA season, Adebayo averaged 18.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in 64 assists. He has made one All-Star appearance and two All-NBA second teams.
Jarrett Allen of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Deandre Ayton of the Phoenix Suns are also exciting prospects in the center position.
