Like every era in NBA history, the modern NBA is defined by its stars and there are no bigger stars right now than LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant. But as these legends approach the end of their careers, more thought must be given to what comes next. Fortunately, all three champions are massive fans of the younger generation and in a recent chat for ESPN, they explained why the game is in good hands going forward.
LeBron James: “We are fans of the guys that are coming up in the ranks and just doing great things. We hope that we have just inspired them to, you know, when we decide that we’re done and they can keep this beautiful game going.”
As a 21-year NBA veteran, LeBron James is the role model for countless athletes and many of the game’s top players grew up watching his historic career. The same can be said for Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry, who are old enough now that they are battling against guys who used to idolize them.
Kevin Durant: “We at the point in our careers where guys that were kids when we were first coming in, now they’re grown-ups and you see that full circle and we’re still here with them. Son [Bronny] playing on the same team. Ant was 12, 13 years old when he saw me play for the first time.”
It must be strange to compete against guys who are 10-15 years younger, but Durant, Steph, and LeBron can still hang with the best of them. In the case of Curry, his game has aged like a fine wine even as the sport has changed over the years.
Stephen Curry: “Every year it’s like new styles and new young energy coming through that challenges you. But then also knowing like we know it’s not going to be forever. So I feel like it gives you perspective on enjoying the game now and to enjoy every minute of it.”
LeBron James is the longest-tenured NBA superstar. With 21 years of experience under his belt and currently competing in his 22nd season, his longevity is unprecedented and, somehow, he’s still playing at an elite level with averages of 23.2 points, 9.0 assists, and 8.0 rebounds per game on 49.4% shooting this season. After a historic two decades, James reached one of his biggest milestones yet when he paired up with his eldest son, Bronny, as the first father-son duo in NBA history.
Kevin Durant was drafted four years after James (2007), but he gave LeBron some of his toughest fights back in the day and he’s undoubtedly one of the defining players of his generation. As a 2x champion, former MVP, and 14x All-Star, Durant’s resume is beyond impressive and his career continues to be a source of inspiration for countless young athletes (including Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards).
In the case of Stephen Curry, his talents helped to re-define the game itself and his run with the Warriors ushered in the three-point revolution. Curry has already recently spoken up about his future retirement and after accomplishing so much over the past 15 years, he’s got nothing left to prove.
Together, LeBron, Durant, and Curry brought us some of the best moments in NBA history and their collective impact on the game is too massive to properly measure. The league will be worse off when they eventually call it quits, but there are still some young guys who can take the mantle and start a new era for the sport.
Players like Jayson Tatum, Anthony Edwards, Luka Doncic, and Victor Wembanyama are next in line for the throne and they each have the blessing and approval of the legends who came before them.
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