5 NBA players who are likely to dominate the next decade

As we approach a new decade, the NBA is just as exciting as ever. In this decade, we've seen teams win their first championship (the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016 and the Toronto Raptors in 2019), superstars change teams, and the 3-pointer become a staple of today's game.

This decade featured spectacular performances from players such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry, and even the retirements of some of our favorite players from other decades (think Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, and Dirk Nowitzki). While players like James and Durant are still going strong, there is a new group of players making names for themselves through performances reminiscent of those guys. There is a group of players ushering in a new decade, and if they continue to develop, they'll be the stars of the future. Here are five players who are likely to dominate the next decade.

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#5 Devin Booker

Devin Booker became the youngest player to score 70 points in 2017

Devin Booker is one of the NBA's brightest young stars, especially on the offensive end.

Booker is an exceptional player that can score nearly at will, and throughout his early career, he has had numerous impressive performances. The one that sticks out the most is his 70 point game against the Boston Celtics in 2017.

In that game, Booker scored 70 points while shooting 52.5 percent from the field. He also had eight rebounds and six assists. While the Suns lost this game (130-120), Booker's performance stood out.

Devin Booker became the youngest player to score 70 and put up the most points scored in an NBA game since Kobe Bryant's 81 against the Raptors. He also joined the company of players such as Wilt Chamberlain, Kobe Bryant, David Thompson, David Robinson and Elgin Baylor as players to score 70 or more. So, it is safe to say that he is in good company.

Since 2015 (when the Suns drafted him 13th), Booker has been their focal point. He averaged a career-best 26.6 points last season, and this season, he averages 24.7 points. As the Suns continue their rebuild (and potentially become a playoff team), Booker will continue to dominate on the offensive end.

#4 Nikola Jokic

The Joker is a point guard in a big man's body.

Nikola Jokic is an exceptionally skilled center that also happens to be a triple-double machine. On Saturday, Jokic finished with 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. This marked his seventh triple-double of the season, and at this rate, he'll continue to do so throughout the season.

This season, Jokic averages 18.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 6.8 assists. This is a slight dip from his 20.1 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 7.3 assists last season, but he is still putting up solid numbers.

Jokic is a special player who is just as good of a passer as he is a post player. What makes Jokic even more special is that he was the 41st pick of the 2014 draft. The Nuggets did their homework with Jokic, and it has paid off tremendously.

He, along with a few other big men, could potentially dominate the next decade.

#3 Joel Embiid

Joel Embiid is one-half of the Sixers' duo

Joel Embiid is probably the NBA's best big man of today's game. He has the qualities of the quintessential center that some would say today's NBA lacks. He is dominate, skilled in the post, and capable of putting up big numbers. If any center dominates the next decade, it will most likely be him.

As Embiid enters plays in his fourth season, he continues to dominate. He averages 23.7 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks this season, and in his previous season, he played even better. He averaged a career-best 27.5 points and 13.6 rebounds.

After a rough start to his career (on account of battling injuries), Embiid finally looks like the player fans expected him to be. As the Sixers strive to become a contender, Embiid remains critical to their success.

#2 Luka Doncic

Doncic is a star in the making.

What more can be said about Luka Doncic? In only his second season in the NBA, he looks like a legitimate MVP candidate. The 20-year old is making a name for himself as he leads the Dallas Mavericks through their potential playoff season.

Doncic is a special player, as he has played professionally since the age of 13. He signed a deal with Real Madrid at that age and became a part of their under-16 team. He continued to rise up the ranks and eventually made their senior team. Then, he reached the NBA last year as he was the third pick of the 2018 draft. The Atlanta Hawks drafted him but traded him in exchange for Trae Young. Now, he has found a home in Dallas.

Doncic is averaging 28.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 9.0 assists this season. This is even better than his Rookie of the Year season, where he averaged 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.0 assists. The 6-foot-7 guard/forward is incredible, and he is only scratching the surface.

#1 Giannis Antetokounmpo

Could Antetokounmpo be on the verge of another MVP?

Giannis Antetokounmpo is arguably the NBA's biggest rising star. The 25-year old has made a name for himself, as he is one of the league's most unique players. What makes things more interesting is that he may only get better. So, the league is in for a treat.

In his young career, Antetokounmpo has accomplished numerous things. He is a three-time All-Star, a recipient of the Most Improved Player award in 2017, and was named the Most Valuable Player in 2019.

Antetokounmpo is a talented player who is effective on both ends of the floor. In fact, he does a little of everything. He can drive to the basket and score, block shots, rebound, and can get his teammates the ball if necessary. When Antetokoumpo develops a consistent outside shot, he'll be even more dangerous.

When he first came intp the league, little was known about the "Greek Freak." He was a scrawny kid, who in his first season, averaged 6.8 points. Now, he is one of the league's most talked about stars. Every year, both his points per game average and rebounding average seems to improve.

He averaged 27.7 points and 12.5 rebounds last season, and this season, he's averaging 30.5 points and 12.9 rebounds. If he continues to play at this level, he could win his second consecutive MVP award. He has competition this year as he goes up against players such as James Harden (again), Luka Doncic, and Anthony Davis. However, he and the Bucks have the best record in the NBA. If you take his level of play and the Bucks current record into consideration, he is the favorite for MVP.

The sky is the limit for Giannis Antetokounmpo. He prides himself on improving his game, which is a quality several of the greats have/had as well. Antetokounmpo is the future of the NBA by far, and with that being said, the league is in good hands.