As the new 2021-22 NBA season approaches, the excitement among basketball fans continues to build. This season promises to be thrilling with a mix of seasoned superstars and rising talents. One player who undoubtedly stands out is LeBron James. At 36 years old, LeBron continues to defy age with his performance. Last season, he averaged 25 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game, leading the Lakers even when injuries plagued his team. His ability to maintain such high efficiency is simply astonishing.
Another player everyone should keep an eye on is Giannis Antetokounmpo. Fresh off leading the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA title in 50 years, Giannis put up staggering numbers, with an average of 28.1 points, 11 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. Giannis’ dominance in the paint and defensive prowess make him a two-way threat any night. His performance in the NBA Finals, where he dropped 50 points in the decisive Game 6, will be remembered for ages.
Kevin Durant is another name that cannot be ignored. After recovering from an Achilles injury, Durant came back stronger than ever, averaging 26.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game last season. For those who love advanced stats, Durant had a true shooting percentage of 67.5%, showcasing his incredible scoring efficiency. KD’s ability to score from anywhere on the court makes him a nightmare for defenders.
Then there’s Luka Dončić, the young prodigy of the Dallas Mavericks. Luka, who is only 22 years old, has already made a name for himself as one of the best players in the league. Averaging 27.7 points, 8 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game last season, Luka’s court vision and scoring ability are comparable to NBA legends. Fans eagerly anticipate how he will evolve and continue to elevate his game.
Stephen Curry deserves a mention too. Steph had a remarkable season last year, leading the league in scoring with 32 points per game at the age of 33. He hit 337 three-pointers at a 42.1% clip, proving that he remains the most lethal shooter in NBA history. His ability to single-handedly transform the Warriors’ offense through his shooting and playmaking is unmatched.
Let’s not forget about James Harden. Despite dealing with injuries, Harden managed to put up 24.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 10.8 assists per game last season. As part of the Brooklyn Nets’ Big Three, alongside Durant and Kyrie Irving, Harden’s playmaking skills and scoring ability make the Nets one of the most formidable teams in the league.
Zion Williamson is another player generating buzz. Just 21 years old, Zion delivered an impressive sophomore season, averaging 27 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. His explosive athleticism and efficiency around the rim, with a field goal percentage of 61.1%, make him one of the most exciting young talents to watch.
We also have Nikola Jokić, the reigning MVP. Jokić had an extraordinary season, averaging 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game. His remarkable versatility and unique skill set for a center make him a perennial MVP candidate. His leadership on the Denver Nuggets has elevated the team to new heights.
The seasoned Chris Paul proved last season that age is just a number. At 36, CP3 led the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1993, averaging 16.4 points and 8.9 assists per game. His experience and court savvy were pivotal in guiding a young Suns team through the playoffs.
Finally, Trae Young showed everyone during the last playoffs that he’s a true star. Leading the Atlanta Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals, Young averaged 28.8 points and 9.5 assists per game in the postseason. His fearless play and deep shooting range have earned him comparisons to Curry, and fans are eager to see how he builds on that success.
In conclusion, the 2021-22 NBA season has an incredible lineup of players who promise to deliver excitement, masterful skills, and unforgettable performances. From seasoned veterans like LeBron James and Kevin Durant to young stars like Luka Dončić and Zion Williamson, there’s a lot to look forward to this NBA year.