Written by Matt Connolly on Forbes.com
Earlier this month, Forbes released its annual 30 Under 30 list for sports, honoring 30 athletes below the age of 30 for their outstanding achievements in and out of competition for 2016.
For the second-straight year, an NBA star was selected to be the featured player in the field, with reigning league MVP Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors getting the nod. Portland Trail Blazers All-Star Damian Lillard was also chosen as an NBA representative. One year prior, it was James Harden of the Houston Rockets who got the cover shot, with Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers also making the cut.
The NBA has no shortage of captivating characters worthy of a 30 Under 30 distinction, but which individuals are the odds-on favorites to follow in the footsteps of Curry and co. next year?
While Curry’s burgeoning superstardom could easily render him a repeat selection, we will operate under the assumption that all NBA reps in 2017 will be new to the list. Besides Curry, Lillard, Harden and Paul, those individuals are Derrick Rose (2013 & 2014), Kevin Durant (2013 & 2014) and Anthony Davis (2013). LeBron James (2013 & 2014), Dwight Howard (2013) and Deron Williams (2013) are now ineligible due to the age restriction.
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