As the 2016 calendar year comes to an end, the LWOS MC50 series captures the 50 most captivating athletes from 2016 in each sport. For LWOPB, we take a look at the 50 NBA players who drew headlines this past year, whether it be for on court accomplishments, off-season drama, or happenings off the court.
Here, we analyze the second set of 10 players. A new MC50 article will be published every Saturday morning leading up to the new year.
Most Captivating NBA Players in 2016: Part 2
Kobe Bryant
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzpsyFvz7W0
2016 saw one of the best NBA careers ever come to an end. Kobe “Bean” Bryant capped off his incredible career with an incredible 60-point performance against the Utah Jazz. Some accused Bryant of hurting the Lakers with his farewell tour. However, when you wow your audience for two decades, who are we to judge? After all, the Lakers legend is destined to land in the Hall of Fame. Bryant is arguably the most intense and competitive player since Michael Jordan. But Bryant’s unbelievable work ethic is what got him to where he is today, as the video below proves.
Kevin Durant
After having yet another top tier 2015-16 season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Kevin Durant made a decision that would change the entire NBA landscape. Durant joined OKC’s Western Conference rival, the Golden State Warriors, in a move that shocked fans around the world. This decision led to Durant receiving tons of criticism, criticism which Durant has handled perfectly. Averaging over 26 points per game, Durant fits into the unselfish Warriors system like a glove. Durant is more efficient and the Warriors look set to make another title run. The star forward’s decision to leave Oklahoma City is looking smarter every game.
Devin Booker
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTy873h5588
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker has developed into one of the best shooters in the NBA. Booker is judged to be a steal, as the Suns drafted the talented guard 13th overall in 2015. The Suns might be a lackluster franchise, but Booker is definitely a shining light for a team that won just 23 games in his rookie season. Still just 20 years old, Booker has an opportunity to become a star in Phoenix. Booker is still adjusting to life in the association, as you can see below.
Paul George
After an awful leg injury in 2014, Paul George has spent the last two seasons trying to recover and once again become the player we used to know. George got back there and then some. The Pacers’ number one guy is now a regular All-Star. Next on the agenda for George is to take the Pacers to the next level. George is also very active off the court. Gracing the cover of this year’s NBA 2K17 video game, George appears to be taking the step from star to superstar.
Kawhi Leonard
Two-time Defensive Player of the Year Kawhi Leonard has developed into one of the most versatile forwards in the NBA. Capable of scoring 25 on any given night, whilst guarding the opposition’s best player, Leonard is not just an All-Star, but an MVP candidate. Under head coach Gregg Popovich, Leonard has taken ownership of this Spurs team. Once a promising young wing player playing alongside stars like Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and Tim Duncan, Leonard has become the Spurs’ best player and a first time All-Star in 2016. Known for being quite reserved on and off the court, Leonard lets his game do the talking.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okyJHrWfJnY
James Harden
James Harden, or “The Beard”, as many in Houston know him. A perennial MVP candidate, Harden puts up big numbers on a nightly basis. 2016 might have been average for Houston, but Harden has thrived playing the staring role on a game-to-game basis. This off-season saw Harden switch from shooting guard to point guard. The change has given the extremely talented Harden more control in head coach Mike D’Antoni‘s offense. You only need to take one look at Harden to realize that he’s big on style – the beard, the pre-game outfits, and more. Harden is also a big car fan; check out his collection below.
Zach LaVine
Known for his incredible athleticism, Zach LaVine has won the last two NBA Slam Dunk Contests. Pulling of these incredible dunks have helped LaVine make quite a name for himself. However, there’s more to LaVine than dunks. Playing a key role in Minnesota, LaVine is currently averaging a career high 20.1 points per game. LaVine’s amazing ability to entertain using his insane athleticism has led to the 21-year-old becoming an advertiser’s dream. Most recently, LaVine was featured alongside fellow dunk contest star Aaron Gordon in Nike‘s Unlimited Airtime ad.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVyED3KY3OY
Kemba Walker
Charlotte Hornets point guard Kemba Walker has had a great 12 months. He led the Hornets to the playoffs last season, and the team has stood out for its effort so far in this campaign. Walker is averaging over 23 points per game, and he’s on his way to his first All-Star appearance. Charlotte lost some key players this off-season, but Walker has done more than his best to keep the Hornets in the playoff conversation. The Hornets have a bright future, and Walker is expected to lead this team back to the playoffs and beyond.
Dwyane Wade
This off-season, Dwyane Wade’s tenure in Miami came to an end. Moving on to play for the Chicago Bulls, Wade still has the same impact and continues to play at an All-Star level. Alongside Jimmy Butler, Wade has already asserted himself as a leader in Chicago. Wade has always had natural leadership skills. Whether he’s playing with Butler or LeBron James, Wade continues to lead and put up numbers on a nightly basis. Wade is also known for his work off the court. Most recently, Wade has been battling gun crime, among many other social problems.
Boban Marjanovic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSEt94S73ZY
Boban Marjanovic is one of the NBA’s biggest players. Standing at 7’3” and 290 lbs, Marjanovic is physically imposing. Last season with the San Antonio Spurs, Marjanovic came off the bench and made an impact. After averaging 5.5 points in 54 games, the massive Serbian signed a three-year, $21 million deal with the Detroit Pistons this off-season. With the Pistons, Marjanovic has since failed to replicate last season’s form, playing in only 9 games so far this season. However, Marjanovic will always be remembered fondly by Spurs fans for his great effort and extraordinary size, not to mention his rather large personality.
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