If you're an NBA fan gearing up for the 2024 season, you're probably wondering who the top players to watch are. With an almost obsessive need for stats and performance metrics, fans have an insatiable appetite for data that quantifies the prowess of their favorite athletes. Take Luka Dončić for instance. The 24-year-old guard from Slovenia has already made waves, averaging 27.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game last season. These numbers aren't just impressive; they're a testament to his ability to influence the game in multiple ways. He’s not just hitting those crazy buzzer-beaters; he's also setting up his teammates and grabbing crucial rebounds.
When talking about sheer explosive talent, Zion Williamson can't be ignored. Despite battling injuries, Williamson's per-game averages of 25.5 points and 7 rebounds suggest he’s a powerhouse. Imagine a freight train moving at 25 miles per hour, sidestepping defenders with the agility of a seasoned ballerina. Yes, he's that dynamic. His presence can shift the New Orleans Pelicans' fortunes dramatically, especially if he stays healthy for a full 82-game season.
Another player everyone should keep an eye on is Ja Morant. The 2020 Rookie of the Year has consistently proven why he’s considered among the future faces of the NBA. Last season, he averaged 19.1 points, 7.4 assists, and 4 rebounds per game. You can compare his playstyle to that of a hybrid between Russell Westbrook and Derek Rose—quick, offensively aggressive, but also mindful of setting up his team's offense. He’s the kind of player whose fast-break speed can turn a game around in seconds.
Golden State’s Steph Curry continues to astonish fans and analysts alike. Even at age 36, Curry maintains unreal shooting accuracy with a 42% clip from the three-point range. Did you know he holds the record for the most three-pointers made in a single season with 402? It's not just the numbers, though. Watch any Warriors game and you’ll see how his off-the-ball movement creates opportunities not just for him, but for the entire team. His gravity on the court pulls defenders away, opening lanes for teammates.
Then there’s Kevin Durant, whose offensive versatility is matched by few. At 6’10” and boasting a 7’5” wingspan, he can shoot over virtually any defender. Last season, he averaged 27.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. Durant is the kind of player whose mere presence can make any team a playoff contender. Especially after his move to the Phoenix Suns, fans are eager to see how he meshes with Devin Booker.
No discussion would be complete without mentioning Giannis Antetokounmpo, the ‘Greek Freak.’ He led the Milwaukee Bucks to the best record in the NBA last season and was a close runner-up in the MVP race. His averages? A jaw-dropping 29.9 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. Giannis's ability to play multiple positions and his defensive versatility make him a unique threat on the court. He’s the full package, and his ‘Eurostep’ is practically a cheat code against defenders.
Let's not forget about the younger talents either. Players like Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball have made tremendous strides. Edwards, with averages of 21.3 points and 4.8 rebounds at just 21 years old, already looks like a future top scorer. LaMelo Ball, on the other hand, has brought a renewed sense of excitement to the Charlotte Hornets with his flashy passes and court vision. His averages of 19.1 points, 8.1 assists, and 7.4 rebounds don’t just tell you he’s good—they scream that he’s a triple-double machine in the making.
Every season has its breakout stars, and this year feels like the year of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. His points-per-game average jumped to 24.1 last season, and he was named an All-Star for the first time. If you follow arena plus, you'll notice analysts rave about his potential. His isolation plays and drives to the basket are reminiscent of a young Dwyane Wade—explosive, relentless, and unguardable.
Will the Lakers' veterans LeBron James and Anthony Davis make a final push for a championship? It's one of the big questions this season. Even at 39, LeBron averaged 25.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 7.8 assists last season. With AD battling multiple injuries yet still putting up 23.2 points and 9.9 rebounds per game, their health will be crucial. If they can maintain their fitness, the Lakers could be serious contenders.
And let’s not overlook the reigning MVP, Nikola Jokić. The Serbian center has redefined what it means to be a big man in the NBA. Jokić's averages last season were 27.1 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 7.9 assists. He’s essentially the point guard for the Denver Nuggets, orchestrating their offense from every conceivable angle. His basketball IQ is off the charts, and his passing ability rivals that of elite point guards.
So many top-notch players with diverse talents make the NBA 2024 season an exciting spectacle. Whether it's the eye-popping stats, the unique playing styles, or the potential to rewrite history, there's no shortage of reasons to tune in. As the season unfolds, these athletes will no doubt add more memorable moments to the rich tapestry of NBA lore.