Zion Williamson and Ja Morant: The Fall of NBA's Future Stars and the Urgent Search for New Faces of the League

In a recent discussion about Anthony Davis’s decision to join Team USA for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, a fan posed an intriguing question: “What about Zion Williamson and Ja Morant? Don’t they deserve a spot on the national team?” This question, once a no-brainer, now evokes a sense of melancholy. Once hailed as the future faces of the NBA, Zion and Morant have seemingly disappeared from the conversation. The excitement and hope they once generated have faded, leaving behind a sobering reality.

The 2019 NBA Draft was one of the most anticipated in recent memory, producing two young talents who seemed destined for greatness. Zion and Morant captivated the basketball world with their incredible athleticism, marketability, and star power, and, crucially, both were American-born—a key factor for a league looking to cultivate homegrown superstars in an era dominated by international players like Nikola Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Dončić, and Victor Wembanyama.

In their early years, Zion and Morant were fixtures on sports media headlines. Their games were analyzed endlessly, their highlights circulated across social media, and their potential was celebrated by fans and analysts alike. Zion, in particular, drew comparisons to LeBron James, with many believing he was the heir apparent to the King’s throne. Every matchup between Zion and LeBron was hyped as a passing of the torch—a symbolic moment in the NBA’s narrative.

The NBA eagerly embraced this narrative, promoting Zion and Morant as the league’s next big superstars. The league was desperate for new faces to carry the torch after the eventual retirement of legends like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry. Zion and Morant were seen as the perfect candidates, with their combination of talent, charisma, and American roots making them ideal ambassadors for the NBA.

A Fall from Grace: Scandals and Setbacks

However, the higher the expectations, the greater the disappointment when those expectations aren’t met. Both Zion and Morant have struggled to live up to the immense hype that surrounded their early careers, but their challenges have taken very different forms.

Ja Morant’s troubles have been far more public and damaging. The explosive point guard has been involved in several off-court incidents that have tarnished his reputation. Most notably, Morant was suspended for eight games after a series of incidents involving firearms, including a video in which he brandished a gun on social media. The NBA, led by Commissioner Adam Silver, made it clear that such behavior would not be tolerated, and Morant was slapped with a 25-game suspension for his actions. The message was clear: one more misstep, and Morant could face a season-long suspension or even be banned from the league altogether.

Zion Williamson’s issues, while less scandalous, are equally troubling. The dominant forward has struggled with injuries and weight management throughout his career, earning him a reputation as a player who can’t stay on the court. Despite flashes of brilliance, Zion has been plagued by frequent injuries that have kept him sidelined for much of his career. Even when he managed to play 70 games in the 2022-2023 regular season, Zion was once again absent for the playoffs due to injury, leaving fans and analysts questioning whether he can ever stay healthy long enough to fulfill his potential.

The unfortunate reality for both players is that their absence from the court—whether due to suspension or injury—has led to a decline in their relevance. In the fast-paced world of professional sports, out of sight often means out of mind. The NBA’s efforts to promote Zion and Morant as the future of the league have been hampered by their inability to consistently perform on the court, and the league has had no choice but to shift its focus elsewhere.

The Changing Narrative: From Future Stars to Cautionary Tales

The decline of Zion and Morant as the NBA’s next big stars is a sobering reminder of the challenges that come with being anointed as the face of a league. The NBA’s relentless pursuit of new superstars to replace the aging icons of the past has, in some cases, placed enormous pressure on young players before they are ready to handle it. For Zion and Morant, the weight of expectation has proven to be a heavy burden, leading to mistakes and missteps that have derailed their careers—at least for now.

Zion’s comparison to LeBron now seems premature at best, as the young forward has yet to show the consistency, durability, or leadership that has defined LeBron’s legendary career. Instead of being seen as the next King, Zion is increasingly viewed as a talented but fragile player whose potential may never be fully realized due to his ongoing struggles with injuries.

Morant, meanwhile, is no longer simply a talented young point guard with a bright future. His off-court behavior has raised serious concerns about his maturity and decision-making, leading some to wonder if he has the temperament to succeed at the highest level. The comparisons to former NBA stars like Allen Iverson—players who had immense talent but whose careers were marred by off-court issues—are becoming more frequent.

Hope Remains: The Path to Redemption

Despite the challenges they have faced, it is important to remember that both Zion and Morant are still in their early 20s. They have time to turn things around and reclaim the promise that once made them the most talked-about young players in the NBA. If they can learn from their mistakes, stay healthy, and focus on their development, there is still hope that they can become the stars they were once destined to be.

For Zion, this means prioritizing his health and conditioning above all else. His physical gifts are undeniable, but they are only valuable if he can stay on the court. The key for Zion will be finding a way to manage his body in a way that allows him to play a full season and contribute in the playoffs—where legends are made.

Morant, on the other hand, must focus on his behavior off the court. His talent is unquestioned, but his maturity and decision-making need to catch up. If Morant can avoid further controversy and dedicate himself to being a professional on and off the court, he has the potential to be one of the league’s most exciting and marketable players.

The 2028 Olympics: A Second Chance?

Looking ahead, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics could represent a second chance for both Zion and Morant to prove themselves on the global stage. If they can regain their form and earn a spot on Team USA, it would be a powerful statement about their resilience and ability to overcome adversity. The Olympics would provide them with an opportunity to show that they can contribute to winning basketball at the highest level—an opportunity to redeem themselves in the eyes of fans and the NBA alike.

However, there are already skeptics who question whether Zion and Morant are suited for international competition. Recent performances by Team USA in FIBA tournaments have shown that not every NBA star can excel in the international game. Jayson Tatum, for example, struggled in the Paris Olympics, averaging just 5.3 points per game on poor shooting percentages. With no international experience, it’s difficult to predict how Zion and Morant would perform in a FIBA setting.

Zion’s game, which is heavily reliant on his ability to dominate in the paint, could be hindered by FIBA’s different rules, including the lack of a defensive three-second violation. This could make it harder for Zion to find his usual scoring opportunities near the basket. Morant, while a dynamic scorer and playmaker, also has limitations as a shooter, with a career three-point shooting percentage of just 31.8%. His ability to thrive in international competition might depend on his ability to adapt to a different style of play.

The NBA’s Next Move: Searching for New Faces

As the NBA continues to search for its next generation of superstars, the decline of Zion and Morant underscores the challenges of finding players who can carry the league forward. The NBA needs new faces to step up and take on the mantle of leadership, especially as the current generation of stars begins to age.

Fortunately, the NBA has a deep pool of talent to draw from, including rising stars like Luka Dončić, Jayson Tatum, and Anthony Edwards. These players have shown that they have the potential to be the faces of the league for years to come, but the NBA will continue to look for more young talent to fill the void left by Zion and Morant’s struggles.

The story of Zion Williamson and Ja Morant is far from over, but their journey serves as a cautionary tale for both players and the league. The NBA’s relentless pursuit of new superstars can sometimes place undue pressure on young players, leading to mistakes and setbacks that can derail even the most promising careers. As the league moves forward, it will need to find a balance between promoting its young stars and allowing them the time and space to develop into the leaders of the next generation.

For Zion and Morant, the next few years will be crucial. They have the talent to succeed, but they will need to overcome the challenges that have plagued them so far. Whether they can do so remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the NBA will be watching closely, hoping that its once-golden boys can finally fulfill their potential and become the stars they were meant to be.