What is a generational talent? This term actually has different definitions depending on who’s using it. A lot of people tend to identify a player as a generational talent if they’re an extremely talented athlete which is so rare in a generation. Sometimes, they use it to call a player who will thrive in different generations. Others like to put a name on that category if they’re so good that they look like they’re way ahead of their time. Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Steph Curry are just some of the legendary names we can throw into that discussion. Well, here’s our take on the top 5 generational talents in the last 10 years, and let’s hope we all agree on this one.
5. Zion Williamson
Before being drafted in 2019, people were already hyped by the uber-athletic 6-foot-8, 280-pound power forward from Duke University, Zion Williamson. It’s incredible for a guy of that size and weight to do emphatic dunks.
Five years have passed, and we’ve seen that Zion really is a freak of nature. However, injuries have been plaguing his career, resulting in tons of missed games. If he finds out who he really is and reaches his ceiling, who knows what Zion could become?
4. Victor Wembanyama
The 2023 first-overall pick does not need an introduction anymore. This 7-foot-4 French rookie, who some call “alien”, is really an out-of-this-world baller.
Dubbed as the biggest prospect since LeBron James, Wembanyama continues to shock his fans and even his haters. The fact that he is just 19 years old and is already on this list proves that this kid is special. Although it’s still very early to say, his recent performances already show how capable Wemby is on both sides of the ball.
3. Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic came into the league as a young European prospect who was touted as one of the biggest talents in recent years. Well, it didn’t take a lot of time for the Slovenian superstar to make a name for himself in the league.
This season, we may be seeing the MVP mode of Luka as he is one of the heavy favorites to win it this year. The Dallas Mavericks star is just 24 years old, but he is just entering his prime, making him undeniably a top 5 player in the league.
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis was a scrawny athletic kid when he came into the league and was not even expected to be the one to turn around the Milwaukee Bucks franchise. However, after years of hard work and dedication, the Greek Freak is easily a top 3 player in today’s NBA.
Looking at his prime, you already know that he’s a generational talent. He’s a dominant force on offense while also taking charge on the defensive end. Truly, Antetokounmpo is the best of both worlds and will go down as one of the best two-way players in NBA history.
1. Nikola Jokic
Need I say more? The best player in the league right now is none other than the reigning NBA champion, Nikola Jokic. Joel Embiid may be the MVP, but Jokic is really the best out there, night in and night out.
He may not be as good as the other centers when it comes to defending opponents, but what he brings to the table is far from what even the best point guards in the league can do. Jokic is so magnificent that he makes it look so easy. Is he a generational talent? Definitely. A 7-footer whose expertise is playmaking is somehow not what we are used to. Yes, there were some guys like Pau and Marc Gasol who were seen as great passing big men, but Jokic is really on a different level. In just his 9th season, Nikola Jokic is already slowly sneaking into the top 5 greatest centers of all-time and it won’t take him long until he finally gets there.