NBA 2019-20: Players to look out for

Ashwin Menon, Undergraduate batch of 2022

“The dynasty is over,” said Drake after the Raptors became NBA champions and the trophy left for Canada. With such a huge upset last season it is fair to say the NBA is more competitive than ever. So it would be interesting to look at the players who may create some magical moments and overall have a major influence over their team’s performance this season. No, the list does not include Lebron James, James Harden and Stephen Curry. The current NBA season has proven to be interesting with the Golden State Warriors struggling to get off the bottom of their conference, and teams like the Heat and the Utah Jazz performing beyond expectations. The Bucks look set for an amazing season led by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Devin Booker also seems ready to lead the Phoenix Suns to possibly one of their best NBA seasons ever. Now without any further delay, let’s take a look at the players to watch out for in the 2019-20 season.

Luka Doncic

Luka Doncic played his first season in the NBA with the Mavericks last year and the world could see a snippet of what this 6 ft 6 inches tall Slovenian guard can do. Averaging 21.2 points per game and recording 7.8 rebounds and 6 assists per game last season, he showed that he could play in the NBA and signs that he could dominate the game. 10 games into the current season, Doncic averaged 28.4 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game. Dallas Mavericks are currently 6^th in the Western Conference. Alongside centre, Kristaps Porizingis who averages 2.4 blocks per game, this season is set to be an interesting one for the former Real Madrid player.

Anthony Davis

Last season wasn’t the best for the 6 feet 9 inches Kentucky born center. But this season, having teamed up with the Lakers franchise, he is surrounded by talented players like Kyle Kuzma, Rajon Rondo and the legendary Lebron James. Alongside them, Davis is set to show what everyone knew he was capable of. 15 games into the season, he averages 25.5 points, 8.8 rebounds and an astounding 3 blocks per game. The future certainly looks promising for the Lakers franchise as at just 26 years of age, he still has a few more years at the top.

Kemba Walker

The 29-year-old guard Kemba walker has spent all of his career until now in the NBA as a part of the Hornets. Now in his 9^th year, he has teamed up with the Celtics, who currently sit on top of the eastern conference. Alongside him, the Celtics boast a roster that includes Jaylen Brown, Jaysen Tatum and Gordon Hayward.  With this set of talented players, they definitely promise to be one of the dominant forces in the league. This season, Walker averages 21.1 points a game and has a 3-point percentage of 38.9 which is among the highest in the league. Finally, this might be his season to shine and the switch some may say has come at the perfect time for him. All in all, Kemba Walker is a player of interest this season.

Pascal Siakam

The 25-year-old Cameroonian is in his 4^th year in the league and he has made sure Kawhi Leonard is not missed as much as everyone thought he would be. Siakam averages 25.1 points and 8.8 rebounds per game and more interestingly, scores 14.2 points per game in the paint which makes him one of the most productive players in the league. With a 7-3 streak, the Raptors are looking good yet again and with Siakam spearheading the attack, they look set to make the playoffs once again this season.

Kawhi Leonard

Last season, the raptors took the NBA trophy to Canada and one man who was instrumental to that was the 6 feet 6 inches tall forward Kawhi Leonard. Currently averaging 26.8 points, 8.9 rebounds and 6 assists per game, it has been a promising start to the long season and the former Spurs man is in top form. With Paul George and Patrick Beverly in the mix as well, the Clippers look forward to securing a playoff spot and it is beyond doubt that they are a force to be reckoned with. Their rivals from across town may be having a headstart right now, but the Clippers have the quality to close the gap, especially with their star acquisition leading the attack.

Key Transfers this season: