Hundreds of players suit up in the NBA, but only a select few become legends. We don’t need a crystal ball to see which modern-day NBA stars are likely to wind up in the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame – these living legends still roam the courts today, and are ready to take on the next NBA season and keep writing their own stories as they go down in history.
King James Rules the Court
LeBron James was drafted as the No. 1 overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003 and has completely lived up to his pre-draft hype. The three-time NBA champ played for the Cavs over seven seasons before leaving for the Miami Heat in 2010. He battled there for four seasons and notched his first two NBA Finals wins before heading back to Cleveland for the start of the 2014 season. After two seasons back in a Cavaliers uniform, Ohio native “King James” brought a national title back to Believeland.
In addition to his three championship rings, James has been a 12-time NBA All-Star, a 12-time All-NBA Team honoree, four-time NBA MVP, and a 53-time Player of the Week. His career stats reflect a few other household names who have been selected to the Hall of Fame, such as Karl Malone, Julius Erving, and Charles Barkley. It’s hard to imagine a future without James playing in the NBA, but he’s a surefire selection for the Hall of Fame when the time comes.
Steph Curry Setting Records
Stephen Curry, better known as Steph or the Baby-Faced Assassin, is another well-known player in the NBA right now – and most likely a HOF lock. After leading Davidson College on an amazing Cinderella-storied run in the 2008 NCAA tournament, he was drafted No. 7 overall by the Golden State Warriors in the 2009 NBA draft. Since then, he’s become an NBA champ, a three-time NBA All-Star, a three-time All-NBA Team honoree, and a two-time NBA MVP. He’s also the current active leader for 3-point and free throw shooting percentages and is known as one of the best shooters in the league today.
Curry led his team to the 2016 championship (losing to LeBron James and the Cavaliers) after grabbing a stunning 73-win total for the regular season, topping the long-held record dating back to the legendary Bulls team of the mid-1990s. He might remind you of past legendary players like David Thompson, Penny Hardaway, and Sidney Moncrief.
Catching the Durantula
Kevin Durant is a living legend in his own right. He’s suiting up for the Golden State Warriors this season but spent the first nine seasons in the NBA playing for the Seattle SuperSonics and the Oklahoma City Thunder, which is where he made a name for himself. Durant has been an NBA All-Star seven times, selected to the All-NBA Team six times, was the 2013-14 NBA MVP, and was the Rookie of the Year for 2007-08. Oh, and he happens to be the current active leader for points per game.
Durant and the Thunder drew close to a championship title in 2012 but ultimately lost the series to the Miami Heat, one game to their four. His career looks pretty similar to other players of legend, including Connie Hawkins, Larry Bird, and Tracy McGrady.
Catch These Legends in the Flesh
If you have a chance to catch one of these living legends of the NBA in the flesh, don’t wait. While James and Durant probably have a few years left to play (and Curry even more), it’s always a good idea to make it a point to enjoy the heroics in person.
If you’re heading out to the arena (or just want to show your support for your favorite living legend), don’t worry – Fanatics.com carries jerseys, hoodies, and authentic collectibles to keep you looking fresh.
Sources
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