The same hosts who explored the question “What’s wrong with the NBA?” have shifted the conversation this month to “Who will be the next face of the NBA?” At All-Star weekend, Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards suggested French sensation Victor Wembanyama as a potential successor, prompting ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith to assert that an international player could not represent basketball as it is primarily an American sport.
This sparked a news cycle where sports analysts discussed various candidates—from Luka Dončić to Cooper Flagg to Jayson Tatum—who might take the reins after LeBron James retires. The fundamental aim of these discussions is to identify someone who captivates fans both as an athlete and as a personality.
In a fresh perspective on this topic, longtime commentator Bomani Jones weighed in during his podcast, The Right Time with Bomani Jones. He emphasized that historically, being exceptional has been a more critical quality for being the “face” of the league than being relatable or friendly. “What we’re overlooking is that the discussions often stem from the fact that Edwards is American,” Jones stated. “We need to move past some of this xenophobia.”
Jones noted that foreign-born stars encounter fewer language barriers than before and often showcase superior athleticism on the court, particularly pointing to Wembanyama’s unique talent. “These players from other countries are impressive and articulate. I believe Anthony Edwards is right; Victor deserves to be the face because he is simply amazing,” Jones asserted. He also raised concerns about what might happen if fans disregard Europeans like Wembanyama or Dončić—this could lead to a scenario where the recognized face might not even rank among the league’s elite players.
As the game evolves and a new wave of talent emerges behind LeBron, Jones believes fans will gravitate toward genuine excellence. “The idea that players from other countries can’t be the face of the league is unfounded,” he continued, arguing that as long as foreign players can engage with fans, this barrier should no longer exist.
Additionally, Jones addressed a perplexing sentiment among some commentators that white athletes are inherently more popular than their Black counterparts. He argued that the notion of being liked by white audiences does not hold as much weight as suggested. Historically, numerous icons like Julius Erving and Allen Iverson rose to prominence without fitting this mold. Instead, he pointed out that Michael Jordan’s widespread appeal led to a pattern where future stars were often viewed through a similar lens. “White audiences felt no threat from Michael Jordan… He was simply the guy,” Jones explained. “This led to a tendency to categorize future stars based on that characteristic.”
Looking forward, Jones predicts that the next face of the league will emerge through natural evolution, not preordained selection. He noted a distinction between representing the league and gaining true acceptance, citing Iverson’s mixed reception despite his fame and NBA Finals appearances.
While the future direction of the NBA remains uncertain, it leaves room for endless possibilities in finding its next prominent figure.
