12 NBA stars and what they need to accomplish in 2023

Even the brightest stars in the NBA can make New Year’s resolutions. Here’s what Luka Doncic, Kevin Durant, Ja Morant and more need to do this year.

Even the best players in the NBA have things they can work on — tweaks to add to their games, improvements to make, skills to develop — and new levels to reach. In a new episode of The Step Back Podcast, hosts Ethan Skolnick and Brady Hawk went through 12 different NBA stars and analyzed what they need to do in the coming year.

What do Giannis, Luka Doncic, Kevin Durant and more need to do this year?

Skolnick and Hawk started with Giannis Antetokounmpo.

“He has a chance, in the second half of the season and into the playoffs, to firmly establish himself as the player of this era,” said Skolnick.

Holding him up against the year-after-year NBA Finals appearances of LeBron James is a serious measuring stick but Skolnick argued that was not only possible for Giannis but what should be the focus.

For Hawk, getting there meant Giannis catching a few breaks with things that are largely out of his control.

“Health is one of the biggest things,” said Hawk, “not just for the player himself but the players around him. You just mentioned the Khris Middleton factor. I think the Brook Lopez factor is massive because when they get to the playoffs they can do different things defensively and put less on Giannis’ shoulders.”

Check out the entire episode to hear more about Giannis and what the rest of the best need to be focused on right now.

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