Is Zion Williamson the small market savior?

Will Zion and Giannis save small market teams like OKC Thunder?

But here’s the thing. LeBron James will turn 35 in December. Although his freakish ability to stay healthy may mean another three to five years in the league, his injury this season may also be the sign of his beginning regression.

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The writing is on the wall for someone to emerge as the new face of the NBA and the most likely replacement is the current MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo who has yet to turn 25 or the youngster Williamson.

Many believe Giannis will also stay put when given the option and if Zion sticks to his initial word that’s a great thing for small markets.

If the two players most likely to replace LeBron embrace being a lifetime member of their drafting squads perhaps that will lead to the players who follow behind them reclaiming the value in that statement.

It wasn’t that long ago Thunder fans bristled with pride when KD said joining superteams was a cop out and he’d rather be competitive. Old school players agreed with Durant, but just a few years later he joined the Warriors.

Therefore we can’t necessarily trust Zion won’t change his mind or Giannis won’t get frustrated if the Bucks fail to reach the NBA Finals or win a championship. Still, this at least offers hope for small market fans watch carefully to see if these two stars do elect to forego the super teams.

And, hey if enough young stars start calling out superstars for handling their choices this way, who knows maybe it will become a trend. After all, these guys are competitors and decisions like this can make an impact.

As the OKC Thunder sit with 15 potential first-round draft picks (depending on protections and where teams finish seeded) plus four draft swaps over the next seven seasons (2020-2026). At the very least that offers a glass half full to focus on!