LeBron James, the best player of the 2010s and one of the greatest to ever feature in the NBA, turns 34 years old before the start of 2019. Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry and Russell Westbrook are at the age of 30 as of the holiday season. Objects in their rearview mirrors may appear closer than they are for these veterans, as rookies and sophomores in the league are making strides toward becoming future stars and cornerstones for championship rosters through the 2020s.
The top two rookies from the 2017-18 campaign haven't quite taken the next figurative steps of their careers that many expected them to take back in early October, but both remain top-tier prospects for their organizations. Meanwhile, this year's Rookie of the Year race may be over before the ball drops in Times Square. Of the 15 rookies and sophomores spotlighted here, who will possess the most hardware and personal accolades come 2030?
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