The Future Face of Every NBA Team: Predicting Franchise Cornerstones For The Next Decade

The NBA has always been a league of stars, with each team building around a player they believe can carry their franchise. As the 2024-25 season nears the halfway mark, the current generation of superstars like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry is gradually giving way to rising talents poised to dominate the next decade. 

While some teams are fortunate enough to have an established face of the franchise, others are still searching for their future leader and might be making moves to get him. Still, this article highlights the current franchise cornerstone for every NBA team over the next decade and it will be very interesting to consider some teams have important decisions to make.

Atlanta Hawks – Jalen Johnson

At just 23 years old, Jalen Johnson is emerging as the Atlanta Hawks’ most dynamic two-way player. His blend of size (6’9”), athleticism, and versatility on both ends make him a perfect fit in today’s NBA. 

Johnson is averaging 18.9 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in 2024-25, and his ability to guard multiple positions while serving as a secondary playmaker has solidified his role. With Trae Young’s future looking murky, Johnson’s development has made him invaluable in bridging the gap for Atlanta’s future.

Boston Celtics – Jayson Tatum

Jayson Tatum has long since established himself as Boston’s cornerstone, and at 26 years old, he’s in his prime, averaging a stellar 26.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists this season. His polished offensive game, including a lethal step-back three and elite footwork in the mid-range, makes him unstoppable on most nights. 

Tatum’s willingness to take over games while also excelling as a defender underscores why the Celtics continue to view him as their leader for the next decade. With a championship under his belt, Tatum will lead the way alongside Jaylen Brown in what could be a dynasty in Boston. 

Brooklyn Nets – Cam Thomas

It’s been the season of Cam Thomas in Brooklyn. The 23-year-old guard has exploded as a scoring machine, averaging 24.7 points per game while shooting 44.8% from the field. His confidence in creating his own shot has been the catalyst for a Nets team searching for an identity ever since Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving were traded. 

Although his playmaking and defense are still developing, Thomas’ electric offensive output makes him the natural face of the franchise until someone better comes along. Of course, the Nets could pull the trigger on any moment on a trade involving Thomas this summer but he is their guy until further notice. 

Charlotte Hornets – LaMelo Ball

Despite some injury concerns, LaMelo Ball remains the Charlotte Hornets’ centerpiece. At 23, the charismatic guard is posting 27.3 points, 7.2 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game in 2024-25. His court vision and knack for showstopping plays set him apart as one of the league’s most creative floor generals. 

As long as Ball stays healthy, his mix of flair and production keeps the Hornets’ future bright. The key for the Hornets is to surround Ball with better players because he is the epitome of must-see star power for a struggling franchise. 

Chicago Bulls – Coby White

Coby White has quietly grown into the leader of the Chicago Bulls amid a transition year that has seen Zach LaVine head to Sacramento before the trade deadline. The 24-year-old point guard is averaging career-highs in both points (18.7) and assists (4.6), showcasing improved playmaking to complement his scoring touch. 

While Nikola Vucevic may still command headlines, White’s consistency and growing role as a leader on both ends make him the franchise’s future centerpiece because he has the age and skill behind him right now. 

Cleveland Cavaliers – Evan Mobley

Donovan Mitchell is 28 years old so he is an obvious choice but we have to give it to the 23-year-old Evan Mobley. The center has been a defensive anchor for the Cavaliers, and in 2024-25, he’s also elevated his offensive game. 

Averaging 18.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks, Mobley’s ability to protect the rim while also operating as a versatile scorer in the paint and mid-range makes him irreplaceable.  His potential to dominate both ends for the next decade ensures he’s the face of Cleveland’s franchise because he has made an All-Star Team and there could be many more to come. 

Dallas Mavericks – Dereck Lively II

The Dallas Mavericks have completely reshaped their future with the shocking decision to trade Luka Doncic, and there isn’t much hope for their future outside of Dereck Lively II. Kyrie Irving is almost 33, Anthony Davis is nearly 32, and Klay Thompson is 35, meaning their core is considered old. 

The 21-year-old Lively is averaging 9.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks while shooting 70.1% from the field this season although it has only been in 35 appearances due to injury. His energy, defensive presence, and ability to finish around the rim make him a solid starting center but the Mavs need to see who they can add for their future. 

Denver Nuggets – Nikola Jokic

What more can be said about Nikola Jokic? The three-time MVP continues to play at an elite level, averaging 29.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 10.3 assists in 2024-25. At 29 years old, Jokic remains the heartbeat of Denver’s championship aspirations. 

His ability to control games with his passing and scoring is unmatched, making him an obvious choice as the franchise cornerstone. Jokic might not be the type of player to remain in elite shape as he ages, but even if his prime lasts five more years, it is enough to consider him the future face of the Nuggets.

Detroit Pistons – Cade Cunningham

Cade Cunningham’s complete skill set makes him the clear leader of Detroit’s young core. The 22-year-old guard is putting up 25.5 points, 9.5 assists, and 6.4 rebounds, thriving as the Pistons’ primary playmaker and scorer as a first-time All-Star this season. 

With his size (6’6”), poise, and IQ, Cunningham is the ideal franchise player to guide Detroit’s rebuild and the future could come sooner than later considering how well the team has played compared to last year. Hopefully, the Pistons can give Cade more help around the court to unlock his full potential.  

Golden State Warriors – Jonathan Kuminga

Jonathan Kuminga, now 22, is stepping into a much larger role as the Warriors transition out of the Stephen Curry (and Jimmy Butler) era. Averaging 16.8 points and 5.0 rebounds, Kuminga’s athleticism and defensive potential stand out. 

His growth as a scorer and willingness to take on bigger responsibilities give Golden State a promising future to build around. The Warriors are Curry’s team until the point guard retires, but there is no doubt Kuminga is their future. 

Houston Rockets – Amen Thompson

At 22, Amen Thompson has already shown flashes of being a future star. The second-year player is averaging 13.8 points, 3.3 assists, and 8.0 rebounds while dazzling fans with his elite athleticism and defensive potential. 

As Houston’s young roster develops, Thompson’s ceiling as a two-way guard makes him the Rockets’ most important building block. Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green both deserve mentions for an exciting future, but Thompson has that little bit extra when it comes to being special. 

Indiana Pacers – Tyrese Haliburton

Tyrese Haliburton is everything the Pacers could want in a franchise player in terms of attitude and skill level. The 24-year-old former All-Star is averaging 17.8 points and 8.5 assists while shooting 36.6% from three. 

Even in somewhat of a down year, his leadership, efficient play, and ability to make everyone around him better have solidified his status as the face of Indiana basketball. With Pascal Siakam and other talented players around him, the Pacers could be a playoff team for many years to come. 

Los Angeles Clippers – Ivica Zubac

While not the flashiest name, Ivica Zubac has become the steady presence the Clippers need as they will inevitably undergo a roster shift as Kawhi Leonard (33), James Harden (35), and Norman Powell (31) exit their times. 

At 27, the big man is averaging 15.4 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks this season, proving to be a reliable force in the paint. Zubac’s consistency on defense and his ability to thrive as a pick-and-roll finisher could make him a building block with the future in mind. 

Los Angeles Lakers – Luka Doncic

The Los Angeles Lakers made the blockbuster trade for Luka Doncic with one thing in mind: securing their future. At just 25 years old, Doncic is already a five-time All-NBA player, and his 2024-25 numbers—27.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists—highlight his continued brilliance. 

With his basketball IQ and clutch playmaking, Doncic is poised to carry the torch from LeBron James as the face of the Lakers for the next decade. Lakers fans should rejoice for the rest of the year because they have one of the top three talents in basketball to carry the legacy of Purple and Gold. 

Memphis Grizzlies – Ja Morant

Despite off-court challenges of the past and lingering injury issues, Ja Morant remains the heart of Memphis basketball. The 25-year-old guard is averaging 20.5 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.2 rebounds this season, continuing to dazzle with his high-flying dunks and fearless drives. 

Morant’s ability to energize the franchise and put up numbers ensures he stays at the forefront of the Grizzlies’ plans, and he has the right pieces around him to do something special in the future. As long as he stays healthy and focused, Morant could be one of the faces of the NBA. 

Miami Heat – Tyler Herro

With Jimmy Butler gone from the Miami Heat for good and Bam Adebayo nearing 28 years old, Tyler Herro has become Miami’s focal point for the future. The 24-year-old is averaging a career-high 23.7 points while shooting 38.8% from deep. 

Herro’s ability to create his own shot and deliver in clutch moments gives the Heat a reliable offensive leader moving forward and he will only get better. With Herro on board, Miami just needs to build around him to keep the culture alive.

Milwaukee Bucks – Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo, still only 30, continues to dominate as Milwaukee’s undisputed leader and his work ethic means he will be around for a while. Averaging 31.8 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 5.9 assists in 2024-25, Giannis remains one of the NBA’s most unstoppable forces. 

His loyalty to Milwaukee and relentless drive to improve make him the enduring cornerstone for the Bucks. Milwaukee has done very well to keep giving Giannis pieces to contend with, from Damian Lillard to Kyle Kuzma, and hopefully, he can take that and run with it for the future. 

Minnesota Timberwolves – Anthony Edwards

Anthony Edwards has cemented himself as Minnesota’s franchise player at just 23 years old and he could take the torch from today’s current legends to be the face of the NBA in the future. The explosive guard is putting up 27.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists while emerging as a defensive force. 

Edwards’ swagger, charisma, and elite talent make him the undisputed face of the Timberwolves for the foreseeable future, and we will enjoy seeing that along the way. The Timberwolves need to find new co-stars for Edwards because he won’t be able to carry this team to a championship in the loaded Western Conference. 

New Orleans Pelicans – Trey Murphy III

In a season marked by Zion Williamson’s inconsistencies and the inevitable Brandon Ingram trade, Trey Murphy III has emerged as New Orleans’ most dependable player. At 24, Murphy is averaging 18.4 points and shooting an incredible 43% from three. 

His combination of elite shooting, defense, and maturity makes him a surprising but deserving face of the Pelicans’ future, although there will be competition around him including from Herbert Jones and Yves Missi. Still, no player has been more promising than Murphy this season. 

New York Knicks – Jalen Brunson

Jalen Brunson’s rise as a leader over the past few seasons for the Knicks has been remarkable. The 28-year-old point guard is averaging 26.3 points and 7.5 assists this season while delivering in critical moments throughout his career with the Knicks. 

Brunson’s poise, work ethic, and clutch performances make him the player New York can count on as the face of their franchise as he is bolstered by elite talent including Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges. Anytime Brunson has a big performance, Madison Square Garden stays buzzing and that is what you need from a franchise star. 

Oklahoma City Thunder – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is having another MVP-caliber season, putting up 32.6 points, 6.0 assists, and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 52.8% from the field. At 26, SGA is the leader of one of the NBA’s best teams and is easily a top-five player in the universe. 

What is particularly amazing about Shai is his calm demeanor and ability to thrive under pressure. With an abundance of talent around him, Shai has the skills and charisma to be the undeniable cornerstone of the Thunder and one of the faces of the NBA moving forward.

Orlando Magic – Paolo Banchero

Paolo Banchero has been everything Orlando hoped for when they drafted him No. 1. The 22-year-old forward is averaging 22.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.0 assists while showcasing his versatility as a scorer and playmaker. As long as he stays healthy, Banchero will be the man in Orlando. 

Banchero’s mix of size, skill, and confidence makes him the ideal building block for the Magic’s future and his growth alongside the surprising Franz Wagner will be something to watch going forward. Magic fans are more than happy to have the best player in their recent history since prime Dwight Howard. 

Philadelphia 76ers – Tyrese Maxey

With Joel Embiid’s future uncertain due to never-ending health issues and Paul George looking as if he is semi-retired, Tyrese Maxey has stepped up as Philadelphia’s leader. The 24-year-old guard is averaging a career-best 28.1 points and 6.2 assists this season, thriving as both a scorer and playmaker. 

Maxey’s infectious energy and ability to adapt to any role make him the Sixers’ key to the next chapter and there isn’t a single player on the team that fans love more than him. Even if the 76ers decide that Embiid and George don’t fit into their plans, Maxey is 100% untouchable.  

Phoenix Suns – Devin Booker

Devin Booker remains the Suns’ franchise centerpiece, and at 28, he’s at the peak of his powers. Despite sharing the court with offensive stars Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, Booker is averaging 26.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game. 

Booker continues to deliver elite scoring performances while embracing his role as a leader. His loyalty to Phoenix and ability to elevate his game in big moments solidify his status as the cornerstone, because he is the only untouchable on the struggling team.

Portland Trail Blazers – Shaedon Sharpe

At 21 years old, Shaedon Sharpe has quickly become Portland’s most exciting young talent. Averaging 17.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in his third season, Sharpe’s athleticism, scoring versatility, and defensive upside have made him the focal point of the Blazers’ rebuild. 

With Damian Lillard’s era completely in the rearview and the likes of Deandre Ayton and Jerami Grant looking expendable, Sharpe is stepping confidently into the spotlight. Scoot Henderson might take over that title from Sharpe next season but as of now, Sharpe is the guy for Portland. 

Sacramento Kings – Keegan Murray

Keegan Murray has emerged as the Kings’ most reliable long-term piece considering De’Aaron Fox is gone and Domantas Sabonis is nearly 29 years old. The 24-year-old forward is averaging 12.1 points and 7.0 rebounds this season but his numbers will easily go up over the next few seasons. 

Murray’s ability to stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and play within Sacramento’s fast-paced system has made him invaluable to the team’s future. The question is if the Kings will keep trying to be a playoff team around Sabonis or blow it up sooner rather than later. 

San Antonio Spurs – Victor Wembanyama

It’s no surprise that Victor Wembanyama is the face of the Spurs. The 21-year-old phenom is averaging 24.4 points, 11.0 rebounds, and league-leading 3.9 blocks in his second season, delivering on the immense hype that made him the No. 1 overall pick.

His once-in-a-generation talent and defensive dominance have reinvigorated the franchise and made him the cornerstone of San Antonio’s rebuild and he could be on track to win his first of many DPOY awards. In terms of raw potential, there isn’t a player better than Wemby right now in the NBA. 

Toronto Raptors – Scottie Barnes

Scottie Barnes is the Raptors’ centerpiece even if Brandon Ingram has signed an extension with the Toronto Raptors following his pre-deadline acquisition. Averaging 19.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists this season, Barnes is an All-Star talent. 

The 23-year-old forward’s playmaking, versatility, and relentless motor have made him the ideal player to lead Toronto into the future. With the team embracing his all-around skill set, Barnes is poised to take the next step into stardom in due time.

Utah Jazz – Walker Kessler

Walker Kessler has become a foundational piece for the Jazz thanks to his elite rim protection and rebounding, and he takes the nod over 27-year-old Lauri Markkanen. The 23-year-old center is averaging 11.2 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks, anchoring Utah’s defense while showing steady growth on offense. 

His ability to dominate the paint makes him a vital part of the team’s identity, and in terms of who can command a ton of trade interest, Kessler is the guy. Markkanen might be more talented offensively but it is hard to argue he impacts both ends of the court more than the towering center. 

Washington Wizards – Jordan Poole

Jordan Poole might not be the player the Wizards envisioned when dreaming about their franchise star but he is the guy for now. The 25-year-old guard is averaging 20.7 points and 4.9 assists, showcasing his elite scoring ability and flashy playmaking at times. 

As the Wizards rebuild, Poole’s confidence and dynamic offense position him as the player to build around until something changes. With Kyle Kuzma gone, the Wizards will hope Poole can develop quickly or perhaps make a change to completely embrace the tank.

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