Each era of the NBA is dictated by one savant of the game. A charismatic figure, if you will, who propels the league to its global status. It began with the rise of Michael Jordan. The Chicago Bulls legend boasted the will of a competitor who refused to lose. His 6-0 record in the Finals, the countless astonishing highlights, and the iconic ‘Jordan’ sneaker were revolutionary in terms of the sport making its presence on the international stage.

A lot has transpired since then. Faces have changed, yet the impact of each remains pioneering. From MJ the mantle went to Kobe Bryant. And now it rests in the safe hands of Stephen Curry and LeBron James. For over a decade, these two superstars have dominated basketball like no other. Their marketable character makes them the perfect fit to be the poster of the NBA.

James is heading into the closing stages of a glorious career, while Curry remains the rightful successor of the throne. The three-point champ of the league is responsible for forever changing the game. The silhouette of his three-point shooting has become infectious. He raised the standards to a point every up-and-coming basketball athlete has mastered the trait of shooting the ball.

Despite being 35, there is a common dialogue that the ‘Baby Face Assassin’ is far from the end. Pundits believe his shooting masterclass could extend his career into the 40s. But sooner or later, the throne needs to shift. Well, there are a few worthy ones, those who have created rumbles. Some are well-established, while others show promise. So just who will be the next ‘FACE’?

What makes Stephen Curry the FACE?

When you think of a face, some instrumental qualities are required to be possessed. Taking Stephen Curry as the exhibit, the four-time champion is a pioneer of the sport. His breathtaking shooting allowed him to stand out from his peers. The competition is always cut-throat, but there is something about these faces that makes them the most sellable.

For Curry, it was his story of being a reject. An undersized guard who scouts overlooked now holds the keys to the kingdom. That’s one aspect of what needed to be the front of a multi-billion dollar organization – an admirable tale. Then there is the obvious, a galactic talent that can reign over the league for years to come. Finally, it is the ability to be polarizing.

Stephen Curry became the nation’s sweetheart in 2015 when he won a championship for his team, the Warriors. It was a stunning coming of a dynasty. His baby face and kind mannerisms made him likable to the fans. Yet, it takes merely one maneuver to become the villain. Like LeBron James’ move to the Miami Heat, Curry did so when Kevin Durant became his teammate. Yes, he wasn’t directly responsible for causing the outrage, but he was an accomplice after all.

The move brought in more success, but it came with scrutiny. Each of those two championships was labeled as ‘unfair‘. The Bay became an unshakable powerhouse of the NBA. For years, Curry was seen as a shadow, having 0 Finals MVPs. It was the biggest argument against his case to be among the greats.

Ultimately, redemption was his to claim two seasons ago. After a horror run the prior year, Stephen Curry sat with a palpable confidence. “You don’t wanna see us next year“, he claimed after losing to the Los Angeles Lakers in the play-in. He delivered on this promise, winning a fourth title, and the elusive Finals MVP. That was the moment the NBA world acknowledged Stephen Curry’s greatness when he delivered on the biggest stage of all.

That’s what is a prerequisite to be the NBA’s biggest star. And some are walking down the golden path.

Who will follow behind Chef Curry?

From the get-go, a few names jump out. Jayson Tatum is one of them. The 6’8″ forward breathes the game of basketball from the microscope of Kobe Bryant. Ironically, he plays for the Boston Celtics, but he shows more than just a shade of the Mamba. In only six years, he has been to four Conference Finals and has even tasted the NBA Finals.

Donning the jersey of the joint most successful NBA franchise, Tatum rests on the back of Legends. The 25-year-old phenom is a prodigal talent hailing from Duke University, a popular origin for some of the finest talents. Brought up under the tutelage of a legendary college coach, Mike Krzyzewski, his game has blossomed with every season.

In the 2022-23 campaign, which is marked with another ECF appearance, Tatum was at the pinnacle. Earning his second All-NBA first-team selection, he averaged 30.1 points per game, a career-high. Along with his monstrous offensive leap, Tatum has become a threat as a tall-stopper. He is athletic, can shoot the ball, and has a fire in his eyes to be the ‘best’.

In September he introduced his very own signature shoe with Jordan, the Tatum 1. In addition to being a superstar for a big market team, JT also has an adorable son, Deuce who has become very popular in the NBA circuit. He even has his very own foundation that provides aid to underserved children.

Tatum is a spectacle both on and off the court. It’s a culmination of characteristics that can rocket him to be the next in line. If you ask me, he is most likely to take the spot over from Chef Curry.

Yet as the game grows internationally, it would be foolish to not recognise Luka Doncic. The Slovenian wonderkid goes by many names. Within just five years, he is heralded as one of the greatest international stars to grace the NBA – and for good reason. ‘The Don‘ has made four straight All-NBA first-team appearances. He can score the ball, has remarkable court vision, and some of his plays go beyond comprehension.

Averaging nearly 33 points last season, Doncic is unarguably one of the best players in the NBA today. As a point guard, his size makes him virtually unguardable. He is a menace for any great defender, let alone a horrid nightmare for guards. Like Curry, Luka proudly owns the Dallas colors. After Dirk Nowitzki, he is the hero that the Dallas Mavericks needed.

Doncic is a relatively quiet star which may limit his fandom. However, when he steps on the court, he is the ‘bad boy‘ no one wants to see. Doncic talks trash, makes a joke out of defenders and for the most part, stands tall when challenged. His unwavering demeanor and thick skin almost make it tough to recognize that he is just 24! When speaking to Gilbert Arenas, Curry himself claimed Doncic is “the guy” who will follow.

While a nefarious outlaw on the court, Doncic couldn’t be any more different from it in his ordinary life. He is a funny and loving individual who often cracks up his teammates. He is somewhat of the class clown who flaunts his humor uncontrollably. That’s part of what makes him appealing to the fans. With a following of millions and many touting him as the baby GOAT, Doncic is surely in contention to dethrone Curry.

But enough about the established figures. There are two raw yet undenying individuals who can snatch up the place within a flash.

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One has made Memphis his home, Ja Morant. It could be his outlandish athleticism or the killer mentality, but Morant has made leaps as one of the most lethal strikers in the NBA. After claiming ROTY honors, Morant made the jump to MVP status very quickly. Often striking comparisons to a prime Derrick Rose, Morant is just as explosive and dangerous.

However, it’s his fearlessness that makes him such a dynamo. From the very first time he stepped foot on the NBA court, he oozed confidence that of a veteran. His self-belief helped him ascend into the realm of modern-day stars. He is unforgiving on the court, punishing defenses with rim-shaking dunks and heartbreaking daggers. His electric style even earned him a signature shoe deal with Nike. Unfortunately, he can be his own enemy.

Despite a prior suspension this past season, Morant was once again caught brandishing a firearm to his young followers. And the NBA did not take his actions lightly, handing him 25-game suspensions for the next season. This automatically makes him ineligible for any award after the latest rule changes. After the incident, he issued a public apology, once again vowing to change and make amends for his mistakes. Will he stop digging his own grave only time can tell. But there is potential for him to be a story of redemption. Will that be enough though?

And finally, the latest entrant without a doubt is Anthony Edwards. He might be 22, but his mentality is rather old school. He has already drawn comparisons to Michael Jordan. Just like His Airness, Edwards understands the value of each game. The Minnesota Timberwolves loathes the practice of load management. He passionately spoke about wanting every superstar to play every game during the All-Star press conference.

Ant Man as he goes by is an enigma. On the court, he is a specimen of excellence. He goes above and beyond in his conquest of victory. Having an innate starvation for winning, there is nothing that Anthony Edwards isn’t willing to do. His all-or-nothing mentality is already turning the heads of many NBA legends.

Moreover, after his recent showings with Team USA, even Steve Kerr, an individual who has won a championship on 9 occasions said Ant is “unquestionably the guy”.

Edwards marches with swagger and style. He is an outspoken sigma who can switch gears quicker than most. His result-oriented mindset is second to none. Edwards flashes the characteristics that are necessary for a leading star, a transformative cornerstone who holds the power to change fortunes. He recently introduced his very own shoe with Adidas that was well-met by the fans.

Edwards is still at the bottom of a very steep slope. But he is a herculean who stays persistent in the face of adversity. Can his will carry him to success? Because if it does, there is no one in the path that Ant-Man will yield to.

While the race is only getting started, change is almost in order. Who will take the seat on the illustrious throne is a chronicle fans alike are eagerly waiting for.

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