Kevin Durant: Anthony Edwards, Devin Booker, Luka Dončić Among Future Faces of NBA

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Kevin Durant is impressed with the wave of youth that has entered the league in recent seasons.

During his press conference at NBA All-Star Weekend, the Phoenix Suns forward named teammate Devin Booker, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards and Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Dončić, among others, as faces of the league that are helping to advance the game for younger generations.

“There’s so many guys that are inspiring the next generation of hoopers out there to become basketball players,” Durant said. “It’s about pushing the game forward, setting a different standard of how we play. These guys are doing it right now.”

Durant also named Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Tyrese Maxey and Tyrese Halliburton and admitted that he would inevitably miss some other stars but that the youth are making a huge impact on the league.

Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry also joined in on the praise, saying that Dončić, Gilgeous-Alexander and Edwards are capable of taking the mantle of carrying the league when Durant, LeBron James and himself retire.

One look at the standings proves Durant’s point, as teams like the Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder look like true contenders with young stars taking on major roles.

That doesn’t mean the league has passed Durant by, however, as the 35-year-old is averaging 28.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 5.7 assists in 48 games. He and Booker have led Phoenix to a 33-22 record and the team sits in fifth place in the Western Conference.