The National Basketball Association (NBA) is undoubtedly the most predictable league, staying consistent from year to year. However, the league is prone to dramatic changes, and this has become somewhat evident in the past five years. Then, players like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose, and Dwight Howard were at the top of their games.
But as 2020 comes closer, the basketball fraternity is wondering who will garner all the accolades. To put an end to all that anticipation, here’s a list of ten NBA players who are likely to be the most influential ones in 2020:
Anthony Davis
First on the list is Anthony Davis, the 26-year old player playing center and power forward positions for the Los Angeles Lakers of the NBA. On witnessing Davis’s games, the future of basketball unfolds before your eyes. He’s amazingly destructive on all-court forces in the history of the NBA. He is known for his lethal face-up games, residual ball skills, quick first-step courtesy, and his perfect blend of athleticism and length that makes him capable of finishing from all angles and distances. Davis can defend all over the floor; however, he does his best while protecting the rim—just enough to turn the Pelicans into an evergreen playoff powerhouse.
Andrew Wiggins
Next on the list is Andrew Wiggins, the 24-year-old player who was the No. #1 pick last year. Over his last 20 games, Wiggins has scored an average of 19.7 points on 43.0 percent shooting, including 5.3 rebounds and 8.3 free-throws to boot. The stream of injuries suffered by the Minnesota Timberwolves over the first half of the season gave Wiggins a huge opportunity to spread his wings and fly out of the nest. His game hasn’t degraded once a bit since Kevin Martin, Ricky Rubio, and Nikola Pekovic made a comeback to the court.
Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant, the 31-year-old NBA player, may be prone to leg injuries, but that does not stop him from making it to the top ten influential players. Here’s an interesting trivia about this player: Kevin Durant is the 10th-highest-scoring NBA player who made a total career playoff point of 4,032. He has slim built, and even though he is subjected to punishment from brawnier opponents, he seems sturdier than most. His body structure allows him to glide up and down the floor without any effort. In terms of skills, nobody can debate Durant’s long-term viability. Both his height and shooting ability are perfect for games and don’t decline with age.
DeMarcus Cousins
If there’s anybody who resembles Shaquille O’Neal from today’s NBA players, then it has to be DeMarcus Cousins. Cousins may not be as huge as O’Neal, but in the present-day’s spread-out NBA, he is almost as effective and has the sort of ability to fit into that overarching style. With luck and a proper body supporting him, Cousins should be able to become a dominant player in the NBA through his 20s and perhaps into his 30s also. That’s the advantage of being a well-built, strong player who can carve his way to boards and buckets one moment and take a step back for high-post passes and mid-range jumpers the next.
Kyrie Irving
26-year-old Kyrie Irving, when healthy, has a few peers that can match his shooting, ball-handling, and finishing around the rim. Among guards who try at least four shots in the prohibited area per game, he has the top 15th rank in field-goal percentage from every part of the court. Because of his seamless shots and tricky handles, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Irving grades out as the NBA’s most efficient high-volume shooter that the fraternity has seen. Also, it’s LeBron James, who’s teaching Irving the art of leadership. His study includes at least one title for Cleveland Cavaliers.
Stephen Curry
This 30-year-old NBA player is arguably the best and can be at the top for a while. Curry has been one of the foremost three-point shooters at the NBA on 44.2 percent shooting for years. Also, the NBA player isn’t likely to show any signs of slowing down any time soon. His lightning-fast release and dead-eye accuracy are aspects that will be with him for years to come. Also, nobody should expect him to lose control over his amazing handling skills. He reckons upon not speed and strength but rather on super-court vision and creativity with the dribble to bend defenses. This is sure to take him a long way ahead in his game.
Blake Griffin
Nearing 30, Blake Griffin’s game has evolved to become much more than putting people on posters. He scored an average of 3.8 assists as a beginner, and his 5.3 helpers per game are the second-most among bigs- just a little shy of what LeBron James scored. Griffin’s eventual transition from high-flying finisher to point forward bodes goes well owing to his longevity. The stronger he builds his perimeter skills, the lesser he will have to deal with the usual punishment on the interior. Griffin leads the Los Angeles Clippers to their very first championship and becomes the first MVP in the team’s history.
James Harden
Approaching 30, many could predict James Harden’s leap from Sixth Man of the Year in Oklahoma City to All-Star in Houston. But his transition from All-Star to MVP front-runner is a whole new game- something that speaks of how effortless he has evolved in his game. He’s a part of a Rockets squad, whose strengths lie in three-point shooting, getting to the rim, drawing fouls—all of which mirror his own skills. His basketball career peaks in assists (6.9), rebounds (5.6), and steals (1.9) to complement his 27.5 points—just a little behind Russell Westbrook. Under the guidance of Matthew McConaughey, Harden is sure to improve his skills with age.
Paul George
Until four years ago, Paul George (28 years old) was fresh out of his second season as an All-NBA, All-Defensive and All-Star performer. He has a bigger role on the wing for the Indiana Pacers and also a new contract extension set for his immediate future. He then suffered a leg injury, after which things changed for him. But, he is still regarded as one of the NBA’s amazing young players. After he made a comeback, he re-emerges as one of the league’s most elite players, refining his jump shot and handling during his break from the game.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Lastly, there’s this young, 25-year-old NBA player, Giannis Antetokounmpo. He has something new to show to fans at every Milwaukee Bucks game. A few of his moves include driving from the three-point arc to the hoop in two steps, Eurostepping into a dunk, or making every opponent on the fast break shake with fear when aiming for the finish. These are mere sights of basketball’s future, although it’s convincing enough to rank him at a small forward position that could dwindle considerably with LeBron James approaching his mid-30s by 2020. Nonetheless, Giannis Antetokounmpo undoubtedly becomes the foundational base of a Bucks squad that vies for the Eastern Conference crown each year.