Looking at prospects that were considered next in line for LeBron James’ crown.

Over the years, the label “The Next LeBron” has been bestowed upon several highly touted NBA prospects. From Ben Simmons and Andrew Wiggins to Zion Williamson, Jabari Parker, and most recently, Cade Cunningham, these players entered the league with immense expectations and comparisons to the legendary LeBron James. However, as the seasons unfolded, the trajectories of these players took unique turns, making it clear that it is not easy to fill James’ legendary shoes.

1. Ben Simmons

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From the moment Ben Simmons was selected as the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, expectations were sky-high. His entry into the league in the 2017-18 season was nothing short of spectacular, as he immediately made his mark by averaging an impressive 15.8 points, 8.2 assists, and 8.1 rebounds in 81 games. Simmons’ all-around skills were on full display, earning him the well-deserved Rookie of the Year award.

Simmons’ ability to impact the game extended beyond traditional scoring, with his exceptional playmaking and rebounding making him a unique force on the court. However, as his career progressed, the glaring gap in his offensive game became apparent. The Australian sensation developed a reputation for hesitating outside the paint, leading to defensive schemes exploiting this perceived weakness, particularly in playoff matchups.

The 2020-21 season marked a pivotal moment in Simmons’ career. Despite contributing 14.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists in 58 games, his struggles in crucial playoff moments drew considerable criticism. The Philadelphia 76ers faced a second-round exit against the Atlanta Hawks, prompting significant offseason changes. In a blockbuster move, Simmons was traded to the Brooklyn Nets for James Harden, signaling the end of his era in Philadelphia.

However, the transition to Brooklyn did not immediately elevate Simmons back to his peak performance. Adjusting to a new team and system, he faced challenges regaining the rhythm that defined his early years. The ongoing season has seen Simmons contend with a new set of obstacles, posting averages of 8.6 rebounds, 7.0 points and 6.4 assists in a limited number of games.

The narrative surrounding Ben Simmons remains one of the most intriguing storylines in the NBA. The talented playmaker stands at a crossroads, facing both criticism and anticipation as he navigates through a crucial phase in his career.

2. Andrew Wiggins

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From the pinnacle of being the first overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, Andrew Wiggins entered the league amidst fervent expectations of becoming a prolific scorer. His rookie season in 2014-15 painted a promising picture, as Wiggins showcased his scoring prowess by averaging 16.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 82 games, ultimately securing the Rookie of the Year award.

Yet, as the seasons unfolded, Wiggins’ journey failed to completely align with the lofty expectations set for him. A trade to the Golden State Warriors in the 2019-20 season provided a fresh start. Despite flashes of brilliance with averages of 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, the label of a transformative star eluded him.

The zenith of Wiggins’ career came in the 2021-22 season, where he played a crucial role in the Warriors’ campaign. After achieving personal milestones such as his first NBA All-Star selection and contributing significantly to the team’s NBA championship victory, questions still lingered about whether Wiggins had truly fulfilled the immense potential projected onto him as a first-overall pick.

As the current season unfolds, Wiggins’ performances have once again raised eyebrows. Averaging 12.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists, the narrative surrounding Wiggins oscillates between glimpses of his scoring prowess and the consistent production expected from a player of his draft pedigree.

3. Zion Williamson

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Zion Williamson burst into the NBA scene with unparalleled anticipation as the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. His rookie season in 2019-20 showcased glimpses of his potential, as Williamson averaged an impressive 22.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 24 games. His unique blend of athleticism and skill set the stage for what many believed would be a remarkable career.

The following season, Williamson continued to build on his promising start, elevating his game with averages of 27.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 61 games. This stellar performance earned him a spot in his first NBA All-Star game, solidifying his status as one of the league’s emerging talents.

However, amidst the optimism surrounding Williamson’s trajectory, persistent issues with fitness and concerns about his weight began to emerge. The young star’s struggles with injuries and his inability to maintain peak physical condition raised questions about his long-term durability. These challenges became evident in the 2023-24 season, where Williamson’s numbers dipped to 22.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 42 games.

The narrative surrounding Williamson shifted from the potential MVP candidate many envisioned to the impact of ongoing fitness concerns on his ability to consistently contribute at the highest level. Injuries and missed games disrupted the momentum he had built in his first two seasons, hindering the seamless progression expected from a player of his caliber.

4. Jabari Parker

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Jabari Parker entered the NBA with high expectations as the second overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. His rookie season with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2014-15 showed promise, as Parker averaged 12.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. He displayed a versatile scoring ability and a promising skill set that suggested a bright future.

However, injuries soon became a recurring theme in Parker’s career, hindering his ability to fully realize his potential on the court. In the 2016-17 season, he suffered a torn ACL, cutting short what seemed to be a breakout year. Despite showing resilience in his recovery, subsequent injuries continued to plague Parker’s career, disrupting his rhythm and preventing him from establishing a consistent presence.

Over the years, Parker struggled to find stability as he moved between several NBA teams, including the Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, and Boston Celtics. Injuries limited his playing time, and the once-promising forward found himself on the fringes of the league, unable to showcase the skills that made him a highly touted prospect.

The toll of injuries took a toll on Parker’s statistics, and his presence in the league diminished. While the numbers tell a story of unfulfilled potential—averaging 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game in his best season with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2016-17—his inability to consistently stay on the court overshadowed the glimpses of brilliance he displayed early in his career.

As the NBA landscape evolved, Jabari Parker’s name gradually faded from the spotlight, a stark reminder of how injuries can derail even the most promising careers. His journey serves as a cautionary tale of the fragile nature of professional sports and the challenges athletes face in overcoming persistent physical setbacks. While the narrative around Parker may be one of unfulfilled potential, his story is a poignant illustration of the impact that injuries can have on a player’s trajectory in the demanding world of the NBA.

5. Cade Cunningham

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Cade Cunningham, the first overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, entered the league with immense expectations. His rookie season with the Detroit Pistons showcased a promising start, as Cunningham demonstrated his versatility with averages of 17.4 points, 5.6 assists, and 5.5 rebounds. His basketball IQ, playmaking ability, and scoring prowess quickly marked him as a rising star.

As the current season unfolds, Cunningham has continued to evolve, elevating his game to new heights. In 42 games, he has notched impressive averages of 22.4 points, 7.5 assists and 4.0 rebounds. These numbers underscore his rapid development and his ability to impact various facets of the game.

However, individual success has been a lone bright spot for Cunningham in a season marred by team struggles. The Detroit Pistons, with a record of 3-36, find themselves at the bottom of the NBA standings, claiming the undesirable title of the league’s worst team. Despite Cunningham’s stellar performances, the team’s collective challenges have overshadowed his individual achievements.

As the season progresses, Cade Cunningham remains a beacon of hope for the Pistons, and his continued development will undoubtedly be a focal point for the team’s future. The tale of Cunningham’s early NBA journey reflects not only his individual growth but also the stark realities that young talents often navigate when striving for success in a highly competitive league. The question now is how Cunningham’s leadership and skill set will shape the Pistons’ trajectory in the seasons to come.