The NBA Playoffs are the crucible that separates the NBA stars and forges NBA legends. The showcase has always displayed premier talent and dramatic storylines. However, this year, a new narrative seems to be taking center court: The rise of the league’s young stars and a potential change of the guard. The Jokics, Antmans, Lukas, and Brunsons of the league don’t seem to be here to take part; they’re here to take over.
A League, Leagues Apart
NBA MVP Nikola Jokic’s court vision and ability to produce for the Nuggets’ offense continue to ravage defenses well into the first round of the playoffs. Northwards, Anthony Edwards is dropping 30+ games on your favorite player’s favorite player, putting on performances that are redefining the franchise’s future (and swept KD and his big three.) Down in Texas, Luka Doncic has been a revelation since his rookie year, but it’s being able to continue that production into the postseason, all that’s left to cement his position atop the League’s unofficial faces is a deep run, or better yet, hoisting the title. Now, and these next two years are his time to do it; despite defensive concerns with the Suns gone, there shouldn’t be a team left in the playoffs that can match them bucket for bucket. In the Big Apple, whom folks thought would be a key role player is quickly proving he is the franchise player, and potentially one of the best players in the league. Who would’ve thought the Knicks would catch a break?
Change of the Guard
This league has been in the hands of LeBron, Kevin Durant, and Steph Curry for more than a decade. Individually, these players are performing well under their years, leading their teams on the floor and the boxscore; however, team success seems to get a little more difficult with each passing season. As such, it seems they’re watching the torch being passed right before their eyes. No one can doubt the brilliance and longevity the old guard are displaying this late into their careers, seasons, and the league’s development, but the hunger matched with the consistency of these younger prospects has been the storyline of this playoff.
For Bettors
For bettors, this shift signals a need to recalibrate strategies. The underdog mentality of younger teams led by rising stars offers high-value opportunities. Teams we thought were too immature to make a playoff run are sitting comfortably, or at the least competitively. Jokic’s triple-doubles, Doncic and Edwards, giving you 30+ on the score sheet or 35+ RPA seem safe bets for the foreseeable future. The young guns of the league are outperforming expectations and upsetting odds in real-time. Some books, like DraftKings, are catching on, but with that much money and fan fervor on the line, they’ll be a little slow to adjust permeance to the league’s new nobility.
