Players we'll miss most when the NBA returns

The NBA will resume its 2019-20 season on July 31, but it won’t be the NBA as fans remember it. For starters, only 22 teams will participate as the league has only invited franchises with a legitimate shot of winning a championship. That means that several of the Association’s most popular players won’t be on hand when play gets underway at Walt Disney World. Here are the five stars we’ll miss most.

Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks)

There are plenty of players in the NBA that are more accomplished than Trae Young, but there are few that are as exciting. "Ice Trae" was averaging career-highs in points (29.3), assists (9.3), and rebounds (4.3) at the time play was suspended, and had become a nightly staple on SportsCenter thanks to his blistering touch from deep.

Young recently teased us by dropping in on an Oklahoma City summer league game, where he brought the crowd to their feet with a dizzying array of ankle breakers and half court heaves. It was a welcome demonstration, but it left us wanting so much more from the Hawk’s sweet-shooting All-Star.

Steph Curry (Golden State Warriors)

2019-20 was hard on all basketball players, but it was particularly devastating for Steph Curry, who broke his left hand during the fourth game of the season and missed the next four months while undergoing daily rehab. The two-time MVP finally returned to the court on Mar. 5, only to see the season suspended six days later when Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19.

The Warriors were a disaster with or without Curry this year, but the NBA is far better when he’s available. The league – and the world at large – could use more of the unfettered joy he brings wherever he goes.

Zach LaVine (Chicago Bulls)

Zach LaVine is still best known for dunks like this and this, but the 6-foot-6 combo guard is far more than just a leaper. "Young Hollywood" has matured into a lethal scorer who can nail shots from virtually anywhere on the court. That was especially evident on Nov. 23 against the Hornets when he connected on 13-of-17 shots from beyond the arc, or in February, when he torched both the Wizards and Thunder for 41 points apiece.

There are a million reasons why you shouldn’t miss watching the Bulls this summer. LaVine is the one reason you should.

Vince Carter (Atlanta Hawks)

This wasn’t the way Vince Carter’s 22nd - and final - NBA season was supposed to end. The eight-time All-Star and former slam dunk champ was supposed to be honored at arenas around the league as he enjoyed a well deserved victory lap.

Now he’ll have to watch the action from home as younger and far less decorated players try to carry the torch. Thankfully we’ll always have moments like this to remember the player once dubbed "Half Man/Half Amazing".

RJ Barrett (New York Knicks)

Seeing the Knicks shut out of Disney World s truly bittersweet. On one hand we’re thrilled that James Dolan won’t have a chance to spoil the vibe at "The Most Magical Place On Earth". On the other hand, we’re kind of bummed we won’t get to witness RJ Barrett’s continued ascension.

The Duke product averaged 18.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game during March and was finally beginning to fulfill the enormous promise that made him the third overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. Now we’ll have to wait until next December to see the "Maple Mamba" punish smaller guards with his exceptional strength and athleticism.

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