Every NBA player entering the league hopes to become a beloved figure in the league since it is a lifelong dream. Legends like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Bill Russell are still talked about fondly for how well they were regarded by fans in their era. Today’s players have a lot more to navigate with social media and more day-to-day coverage than ever before.
Various reasons led to the players in question becoming appreciated and respected by the basketball world. There are usually ups and downs for every talent entering the league and finding success. Certain personalities and on-court skill sets just create more of a positive reception. The following NBA players are the most beloved in the league today for good reason.
10 Jayson Tatum
Many Boston Celtics superstars had polarizing reputations from fans during their playing careers like Larry Bird, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. Those names became more beloved after retirement, but Jayson Tatum got his flowers earlier than the previous Celtics names.
The story of Tatum is hard not to respect as someone who worked hard to show noticeable improvement every season. Tatum has improved from a rookie sensation to an MVP candidate with fans loving him as a generally beloved superstar.
9 Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic has already become the most unlikely two-time MVP winner with a real chance for even more success as his team improves. The rise of Jokic came unexpectedly when making the leap from an underrated center to a top five player in the league.
Most fans have an endearing view of Jokic since he plays the game so unselfishly as a passing (and scoring) center. Jokic even had more support from fans during controversial moments like hitting Markieff Morris after Morris did the same to him.
8 Derrick Rose
The unfortunate tale of Derrick Rose’s injuries makes his later career even more full of fan support. Rose had his peak run end in the early ’90s when multiple injuries made him drop off from his former status as a constant All-Star and an MVP winner.
The process led to Rose no longer playing at that caliber but becoming a great sixth man. Rose having great performances off the bench is always met by strong fan support since most avid NBA fans just want things to work out for him.
7 Luka Doncic
Few young players have entered the league and taken off as much as Luka Doncic so far in his young career. There may be some complaints about Doncic flopping to get calls or having a temper, but he’s clearly a beloved figure.
NBA Twitter went wild with jokes and celebration when Luka led the Dallas Mavericks to eliminate the Phoenix Suns after that team grew unlikable. Doncic plays the game with huge passion and has child-like energy for the game.
6 Damian Lillard
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The Portland Trail Blazers have become the team most represented by one beloved superstar. Damian Lillard does not want to leave the franchise despite not having the same opportunity to win a title as some of his peers, but that loyalty is respected in today’s game.
The passion and pride displayed by Lillard are what many fans feel the league is lacking today with superstars demanding trades every other season. Dame’s style of play is also incredible to watch with deep three-pointers and dozens of clutch game-winning shots.
5 Stephen Curry
The babyface assassin nickname says everything you need to know about Stephen Curry’s reputation. Despite being a killer on the court winning four NBA Championships, Curry is considered the ultimate “good guy” in the sport with no negative news associated with him.
There may be some unhappiness from other teams for Curry’s celebrating and taunting when up, but that’s the only thing one can hold against him. Curry’s breathtaking three-point shooting is must-watch television, and he’s never team hopped like LeBron James, Kevin Durant and James Harden.
4 Boban Marjanovic
Boban Marjanovic has a cult following for his personality as a gentle giant. Most players on this list have been All-Stars or top-level players at some point in their careers. Boban is lucky to get rotation minutes as a backup center on each team he joins.
Fans love Marjanovic since he has a big smile and cracks jokes despite being one of the tallest players in the NBA. Boban getting an acting role in John Wick 3 added even more momentum of crowd support. Every fan base would love to have a player like Marjanovic on their bench for the fun that comes with it.
3 Ja Morant
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Ja Morant’s career has seen him become one of the most beloved players in the league in just a couple of years. Everyone thought Zion Williamson would be the best player from their draft class, but Morant has outshined him so far.
One issue in the NBA is many stars treating the regular season as a joke by sitting out games or not playing their hardest. Morant leaving it on the floor every night, making explosive plays, and leading his team to contention has quickly made him a beloved figure.
2 Klay Thompson
Klay Thompson has the perfect combination of a fun personality off the court and superb basketball skills on the court. The Golden State Warriors super team ending made it easy for fans to love Thompson again since he rarely has any bad moments.
NBA fans were ecstatic to see Klay returning this season after a long time on the shelf for a long time away due to his injury. Thompson’s humorous personality is what makes him most endearing to basketball fans in a sport when people can take it too seriously.
1 Giannis Antetokounmpo
The most beloved player in the NBA has to be Milwaukee Bucks MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo at this point. Giannis’ overall story as someone playing basketball later into childhood after growing up poor in Greece and moving to the United States to start such an inspiring story.
The on-court side makes Antetokounmpo even more popular as both an exciting player and a superstar. Giannis making it clear he wanted to win a title for the Bucks instead of team hopping made many fans happy that he wasn’t going the route of LeBron James or Kevin Durant. The emotional moment of Antetokounmpo breaking down in tears after winning a title is what the NBA is all about.