The NBA is entering a new era in the 2020s, as many of the players that we grew up watching are closer to retiring than their prime.
Of course, LeBron James is the first name that comes to mind when we talk about future retirements, but as James himself has stated, the league is in good hands even if he leaves. Giannis Antetokounmpo shares this sentiment, but he takes it to the next level, saying that European players will rule the league once LeBron is gone.
“I agree. It’s not a secret,” Antetokounmpo told Serge Ibaka on his ‘How Hungry Are You?’ show. “Think about this. The last four MVPs are gonna be European. Two me and two Jokic. Luka might win the MVP, or Jokic might win another one, or Embiid might win.”
“When Lebron & other guys retire… It looks like all the best players will be from Europe.” Do y’all agree? 💭 (via @sergeibaka) pic.twitter.com/DqdVLvhl7g
— Swish Cultures (@swishcultures_) May 30, 2023
Giannis apparently predicted the winner of the 2023 MVP award. Joel Embiid beat Nikola Jokic and the Greek Freak, respectively, to win his first MVP award. The Philadelphia 76ers is originally from Cameroon, but just like Giannis, he could represent a European country, as France has every intention to lure Embiid.
Added to LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard are in their 30s. This means they are closer to retiring, and the young American stars haven’t lived up to expectations.
Devin Booker is still trying to win a championship, and Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown need to win too. Ja Morant has been involved in a series of controversies recently, Zion Williamson has dealt with injuries, and others are trying to find their way to stardom in the league.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, And Nikola Jokic Are Among The Five Best Players In The NBA
Fellow Fadeaway World writer Eddie Bitar shared Giannis Antetokounmpo’s sentiment five months ago in his “European Players Will Dominate The NBA: American Stars Will Have To Wait For The MVP Award Again” piece, predicting that these players will be the rulers of the league for many years to come.
Moreover, the overhyped prospect Victor Wembanyama is about to get drafted with the No. 1 overall pick, adding another big name to this impressive list.
Basketball is a global sport now more than ever, and the last couple of years have shown that talent is everywhere. Europe has given incredible players that can dominate the NBA, and even though some still need to win a championship, it’s hard to say they won’t do it soon.
After Giannis won his first championship in 2021, Nikola Jokic is four wins away from doing the same this year. He’ll have a big rival in Jimmy Butler, another great start in his 30s, but the Nuggets seem to be too much to bear for the Miami Heat.
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