NBA fans, and fans of all major sports, have been treated, or rather spoiled in recent years, with some of the most epic, nail-biting drama ever. In terms of back-and-forth, fight-till-the-end, playoff action, we might be living in the greatest of all eras. For example, the World Series, which concluded in Toronto last week, is already being declared one of, if not the greatest, seven-game series finals of all time.
The 2025 NBA Finals were another thriller that showcased the very best talent that the game of basketball has to offer. That is a statement with more profound implications than simply an ingrained image of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) embracing the Larry O’Brien Trophy. It suggests that the previous generation of NBA superstars —the one that recent high school grads might have had posters of in their bedrooms —has become redundant in terms of competition.
The GOAT conversation of the past 15-20 years is about to be filed into the archives of basketball lore. The new ballers are taking over, and for each of the NBA superstars who are about to close the final chapter of their careers, there are at least two superbly skilled, young players who are poised to contend similarly, for multiple titles and MVPs for years to come.
Here are the big three, who sadly, might have just begun the final season(s) of their Hall of Fame careers, and two players for each, who will gladly accept the torch, as having “next”.
Big men who can move like point guards and rarely miss a shot. Generational players, no matter how you slice it. Tatum and Wembanyama are obviously different in terms of physique. They share the same ability to take over a game. Kevin Durant is likely quick to mention Victor as the player whose skill set best resembles his own. Tatum is sidelined for what looks to be, most of the 25/26 season, but at age 27, he should have plenty of seasons remaining, to add to his already, super impressive legacy as an NBA superstar.
The 2025 NBA Finals might have just been chapter one in what will be a perennial clash between these two superstars. Like Curry, SGA won his first title at age 26. At age 25, Haliburton shares the same artistry as both NBA champions & MVPs.
It is fair to predict that Haliburton will be in the MVP conversation with SGA for years to come. When in the zone, these star point guards are virtually impossible to defend.
It’s hard to imagine that Ant-Man, at 6ft 4, has the physical presence to dominate, in the key, like Lebron did in his prime Cleveland and Miami years. Yet his stamina, sheer athleticism, and basketball IQ all help ignite and elevate his teammates’ effort. With the right supporting cast, Edwards will lead Minnesota towards contending for multiple NBA titles.
As for Doncic, his controversial move to the Lakers might have irritated the more informed fans across the NBA. Still, the setting is perfect for the Slovenian superstar to be advised, and molded by the GOAT himself, into a player who could equal LeBron’s generational dominance.
The end of an era brings mixed emotions. We can reflect on the timeless moments that these three NBA superstars have given us over the past 20 years, but the league has entered a new phase. The term “generational player” is now used in abundance, as there are a number of players who qualify for it.
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