During the NBA All-Star Weekend, Steph Curry named Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards as three players that could develop into the face of the league. Over the last 15 years, it is fair to say that the title has been held by Curry and Lebron James. Curry turns 36 in March and Lebron is nearly 40. It may be time for the NBA to start looking for a successor.
There is an incredible crop of talented youngsters in the league. Along with the three names mentioned by Curry, Tyrese Haliburton, Jayson Tatum, Ja Morant Chet Holmgren, Zion Williamson and Victor Wembanyama are all 25 or under.
Talent, leadership and marketability are essential qualities when proclaiming the next superstar but during a recent episode of First Take, Shannon Sharpe bought up an interesting point.
“What about relationship status,” said Sharpe. “When we look at presidential candidates…we want them to be secure.”
Shannon Sharpe questions whether being in a stable relationship is necessary to be considered the face of the NBA
“Magic and Bird was married. LeBron was in a relationship with Savannah.”
(h/t @awfulannouncing )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 20, 2024
The question seemed to throw Stephen A. Smith off before Molly Qerim jumped in to clarify the point.
“I get the optics. Like Savannah and LeBron have a beautiful family. Does that play a role in being the face of the league and marketable,” added Qerim.
J.J. Reddick went on to counter Sharpe’s question by focusing on the conduct of previous players in the NBA.
“Lets not act like some of the faces of the league have been perfect with their off court behaviour,” said Reddick.
Sharpe and the crew bring up an interesting point. Is family stability, a wife, kids a factor when determining who takes the reigns from James and Curry. Or should the decision be based solely on talent and skill.
