Modern NBA players enter the league at a very young age, with many getting drafted before their 20th birthday. As a result, these players can undergo many physical changes over their NBA career.
Players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Steven Adams have proven that players can become different beasts entirely, and fans reacted to the transformations they and others NBA stars have had over the years.
The post featured more stars like LeBron James, James Harden, Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose, Jimmy Butler, and Anthony Davis. Most reactions just focused on Antetokounmpo and Adams.
One fan said, “Steven Adams switched identities.”
Someone made fun of rookie James Harden, “Ngl, I wouldn’t let Year 1 Harden near my kids.”
Another fan remarked on Adams’ transformation, “Steven Adams went from a finance major to Aquaman.”
One fan highlighted Kevin Durant’s funny pose in his rookie picture, “Zesty Durant.”
Another fan gave the specifics behind Giannis’ transformation, “Giannis from 6’9 and 190 lb to 6’11,5 242 lb.”
More fans mocked James Harden’s rookie picture, “Maybe the teeth are why James Harden doesn’t smile anymore.”
One fan believed Anthony Davis hasn’t changed much, “AD pretty much looks the same. A little stronger.”
Are Transformations A Good Thing?
Most players will change how they look as compared to their rookie pictures naturally because of aging. LeBron James may be more muscular now, but his face has also changed over the years due to age. Nobody will look the same after a decade or more spent playing in the NBA.
Many transformations are necessary, especially to unlock latent skill sets. Giannis went from a skinny point forward to having the physique of a big man while maintaining his guard-like attributes. Steven Adams nowadays is one of the strongest players in the league and is regarded very highly by his peers.
Players like Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama will be under pressure to make similar changes, mainly to make sure their frame doesn’t cause injuries for their skinny bodies. But as Kevin Durant has also shown, players can make that decision based on what’ll benefit their game most.
Source: fadeawayworld
