The National Basketball Association (NBA) has produced famous superstars and iconic names such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Yao Ming, and Tim Duncan. These names are etched in history because of their contributions on-court and off-court.
But who are the most likable NBA players of the current generation? And what makes them beloved among fans, even from opposing teams?
This article compiles the most popular players in the NBA. Some names may polarize with their off-court antics, but their contributions to on-court and philanthropic activities can’t be understated.
The 10 most likable players in the NBA
1. James Harden
James Harden is an NBA veteran who has been around for 15 seasons. He currently plays for the LA Clippers after only a year with the Philadelphia 76ers. Before that, he spent a year with the Brooklyn Nets, which reduced his popularity a little.
Still, Harden is one of the best point guards in the league and still records double-doubles with averages of 21 points and 10.7 assists per game. A double-double is a performance in which a player gets double digits in two of the five main statistical categories: points, assists, steals, rebounds, and blocked shots.
2. Devin Booker
This player has earned fans’ love because of his seemingly effortless display of offense. He plays for the Phoenix Suns and has become the best shooting guard in the NBA. He’s also one of the best and most skilled scorers.
Devin Booker’s profile rises with the Suns rising in the league. Off the court, Devin engages in community development and philanthropy projects.
3. Zion Williamson
This power forward is known for his incredible physicality, amazing dunks, and unparalleled potential. However, injuries over the years have plagued Zion, so he may not be a contender in many top-10 NBA players lists.
But when he’s healthy, he’s a phenomenal player for his team, the New Orleans Pelicans. He’s a player who shouldn’t be underrated.
4. Karl-Anthony Towns
Karl-Anthony Towns plays as a center for the Minnesota Timberwolves. In the 2022-2023 season, KAT missed most of the season due to an injury. Still, he’s famous for his versatility, incredible range, and scoring ability.
KAT is a key player on his team, but the number one position in Minnesota goes to his teammate Anthony Edwards, nicknamed the “Ant-Man” or simply “Ant.”
5. Jayson Tatum
Jayson Tatum has proved to be one of the youngest stars in the NBA, alongside Ant and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He plays for the Boston Celtics as a power forward or small forward, and when he’s at his best, he is an unstoppable player.
If he continues doing this consistently, he will join the iconic names of the NBA.
6. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Last season, Giannis missed out on some games due to injury. Still, he is arguably the best player for the Milwaukee Bucks and one of the best players in the league.
He plays as a power forward and is an elite defensive presence for the Bucks. His partnership with Damian Lillard may earn them a second title in four years.
7. Kevin Durant
When Kevin Durant graces the floor, you know his team will be a top contender. Sadly, he is often compared to LeBron James, and haters never let him forget that. Still, Kevin is one of the best NBA players of all time and is still operating at a top level.
He plays for the Phoenix Suns as a power forward or small forward.
8. Stephen Curry
At 35 years old, Stephen Curry is not only one of the best NBA players of this generation, but he also qualifies to join the best players of all time. His longtime teammates may be declining, but Steph is going strong.
He plays as a point guard for the Golden State Warriors and is the player who will determine the success of the Warriors.
9. LeBron James
39-year-old LeBron, another NBA veteran, has dominated the league for years. He is arguably the NBA’s best player of all time, although some people still argue that Michael Jordan is the GOAT.
For a player with 21 seasons, LeBron still brings his A-game. He currently plays for the LA Clippers as a small forward or power forward.
Off the court, he’s also involved in several philanthropic projects.
10. Nikola Jokic
Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry have been the stars of this sport for years. However, younger players like Nikola Jovic are picking up the torch. Many people have underrated him even when he won the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, but he is silencing his critics.
Nikola can score at all three levels: three-pointers, mid-range, and at the rim. He plays for the Denver Nuggets and averages a triple-double per game.
