To start, these players are getting compared to some of the league’s top players (Old heads) in the NBA that are likely to retire in the next 5-7 years and will witness the next generation of basketball.

LeBron James - Giannis Antetokounmpo

When Lebron retires, Giannis will be the next LeBron James in the next 5 years. He might rule the East and be one of the greatest power forwards in NBA History. He is a 2X League MVP, an NBA Champion, won DPOY in 2020 (along with his 2nd MVP), has been All-Star multiple times and that resume at age 27 is pretty good. Though he is 27 and his goal is if he can get the title for the Greatest Player Of All Time, sounds crazy but he has the resume and the youth to do it.

Kevin Durant - Jayson Tatum

We might never see another unicorn like KD but Jayson Tatum has been the closest to being Kevin Durant. A lengthy power forward that can handle the ball and create his own shot, Jayson Tatum has been that kind of player, and the next few years he might battle against Giannis in the East. Tatum has already led the Celtics to the ECF twice and he is still getting better.

Chris Paul - Luka Doncic

Chris Paul is one of a kind player, he can create fantastic plays and always click the right buttons to win. Luka can be a CP3 in his own generation, he is a taller version of CP3 and might be considered a Magic Johnson replica but Luka still needs to develop his defense, but other than that he is a CP3 in his generation. But I hope Luka wins a championship in his career and does not rush like CP3 to add a championship in his resume when he is 35+ yrs old.

Stephen Curry - Devin Booker

You might argue why Devin Booker and not Trae Young but Devin Booker has come close to being a Steph Curry of his generation, he might not be the greatest shooter ever but he is a walking bucket. He is a pure shooter and got in the Finals with CP3, he is the best shooter in this list and sometimes moves without Basketball like Steph. He has already been compared to the late, Great Kobe Bryant because of his mentality but I think he is a Curry in the next generation along with his Mamba Mentality.

Derrick Rose (Prime) - Ja Morant

Why Derrick Rose? First of all, Derrick Rose is a better shooter than Westbrook, but Morant is not the type of dude that you want him to leave in the 3 point line because he might posterize on you or make you pay by knocking down a three. He is as athletic as Derrick Rose and he might be the Derrick Rose if he wasn’t injured. Though he has ankle issues, I hope he becomes stronger and better in the next few years.

Paul George - Jaylen Brown

Jaylen Brown and Paul George play the same way, a 3 and D type of guy. I want to put Wiggins to be the next Paul George but he hasn’t proven himself yet in the Playoffs. I want to see Jaylen Brown with his own team like PG13 did when he was with the Pacers on how he will flourish and use him as the First Option.

Russell Westbrook - DeAaron Fox

I compare Fox and Westbrook because of their explosiveness. Fox might need to go and look for another team where he can find help and win in his generation. He is the Best Player on a losing team and if Sacramento don’t fix things in the next couple of years, he might be out of there.

Kawhi Leonard - Ben Simmons

This take needs a lot to unpack here. So, Why Kawhi? When Kawhi was first drafted into the league he wasn’t known for his offensive skills but he is known for guarding the other team’s best player and rebounding. And when he developed his shot, I think Simmons can get where Kawhi is right now. Simmons has flourished to be a tall Guard that can defend 1-5 and with a little bit of Patience I think he might have a jump shot of his own, that’s why Pop wants to coach him. People need to take Ben’s offensive skills patiently.

James Harden - Donovan Mitchell

I think Mitchell can be a James Harden because he has the offensive tools to be one. He might be leaving the Jazz in the next few years because they are only a regular-season type of team but never shows up in the Playoffs. Their center is always getting exposed, their floor general is aging, role players are not present in the offensive role and do not step up when their best player is having an off night or injured.

Blake Griffin - Zion Williamson

Zion is like Blake Griffin, a lob threat, and can bully you at the paint. But Zion needs to have healthy legs that’s why Griffin never got explosive when he joined the Nets and what he is in the situation right now with the Pelicans will be like the situation with Davis. Pelicans are clicking the wrong buttons by letting Lonzo leave and replacing Devonte Graham and not a floor general. Zion will be a SUPERSTAR in the making, but for now, I think he shouldn’t be the 1st pick overall in 2019.

Kyrie Irving - Trae Young

Trae has similarities with Kyrie Irving, the flashiness, the handle, and has better range than Irving. Trae can be a liability in defense but the Hawks’ built a team that can be good in defense and solid offense. Trae is a killer and a silencer, we have seen that in the 2021 Playoffs beating Randle’s Knicks, Joel’s 76ers, and pushing the Bucks in 6 games. He will be one of the best Guards in the NBA in a few years.

Others:

Dwyane Wade - Anthony Edwards DeMarcus Cousins - Myles Turner Anthony Davis - Bam Adebayo Kemba Walker - Anthony Edwards Kyle Lowry - Lonzo Ball Damian Lillard - Jamal Murray