NBA

The NBA today is a dynamic league filled with exciting present-day stars who shape its identity. Players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Dončić, and Nikola Jokić dominate with versatile skills and high basketball IQ. These athletes blend traditional fundamentals with modern athleticism, making the game faster and more entertaining. Future stars are already emerging from the draft and international leagues, promising to keep the NBA competitive and fresh. The style of play emphasizes spacing, three-point shooting, and pace, revolutionizing how teams attack and defend. Globally, the NBA’s influence grows as players from all over the world join the league, inspiring fans everywhere and expanding basketball’s reach beyond the U.S., making the NBA a truly global sport.

Amen Thompson

Amen Thompson, a 6’7” guard-forward for the Houston Rockets, entered the league as the 4th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft after starring in Overtime Elite. Known for his freakish athleticism, sharp defensive instincts, and versatility, Amen quickly became one of the NBA’s best young defenders. He leads the Rockets in steals, blocks, and defensive metrics, earning First Team All-Defense honors and legitimate Defensive Player of the Year buzz. Offensively, he’s an unselfish playmaker who thrives in transition, attacks the rim with force, and uses his size to create mismatches. His career already features big playoff moments, including guarding Stephen Curry—someone he once looked up to as a camp attendee—and being featured on a SLAM Magazine cover as part of Houston’s emerging core.

Jalen Johnson

Jalen Johnson, a 6’9” forward for the Atlanta Hawks, came into the NBA as a five-star Duke recruit and has since evolved into one of the league’s more promising young wings. After a modest start, Johnson broke out in his third season, posting averages around 16 points, 8.7 rebounds, and ranking among the league leaders in steals for his position. His combination of size, speed, and ball-handling allows him to push the pace, initiate offense, and finish through contact. Defensively, he’s active in passing lanes and capable of switching across multiple positions. Paired with Trae Young in Atlanta, Johnson has become a key part of the Hawks’ future, showing potential to develop into a 20-point, double-double player with strong defensive impact.

Ron Holland

Ron Holland, a 6’8” forward from Duncanville, Texas, was selected 5th overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 2024 NBA Draft after a standout season with the G League Ignite. Despite a thumb injury cutting his year short, he averaged 18.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.1 steals across 29 games. Holland’s game is built on relentless energy, aggressive defense, and a knack for disrupting plays with steals and blocks. His high motor and physical tools make him a versatile wing defender, while his offensive game is improving, showing flashes of scoring off the dribble and finishing in transition. A two-time gold medalist with Team USA at the U16 and U17 levels, Holland entered the league with a winning pedigree and a reputation for being a two-way force.