In 2023, numerous extraordinary, noteworthy, and widely shared events unfolded, marking a historic year on the calendar for the NBA.
Record-breaking achievements were attained, highly anticipated debuts took place, and champions were rightfully crowned.
Central to these remarkable occurrences were the players themselves, with NBA superstars enjoying unprecedented visibility, amplified by their engaging interactions on social media. Below is a compilation of the most-watched players on the NBA’s social platforms (X, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube) throughout the year.
1. LeBron James
Garnering a staggering 2.8 billion views, James claimed the NBA’s all-time scoring record on Feb. 8, 2023. The inaugural In-Season Tournament MVP, he shows no signs of slowing down as he approaches his 39th birthday on Dec. 30.
2. Stephen Curry
With an impressive 1.6 billion views, Curry made history with the first-ever 50-point Game 7 in April and reached a milestone in December by becoming the first player with 3,500 career 3-pointers, continuously reshaping long-distance shooting.
3. Victor Wembanyama
Amassing 1.3 billion views, Wembanyama, the highly anticipated French prospect, combines guard skills and quickness with a 7-foot-4 frame. The No. 1 overall pick already set records as the youngest player ever to achieve 20 points and 20 rebounds in a game.
4. Nikola Jokic
Drawing 1.2 billion views, Jokic propelled the Denver Nuggets to their first NBA Finals and championship. Currently, fourth all-time in triple-doubles, he follows only Russell Westbrook, Oscar Robertson, and Magic Johnson in this elite category.
5. Luka Doncic
Accumulating 914 million views, Doncic, the fastest to reach 10,000 career points since Michael Jordan, continues to impress with his fourth consecutive All-NBA First Team season. Boasting a career scoring average of 28.1 ppg, he now leads all active players and ranks third all-time.
6. Jayson Tatum
Garnering 763 million views, Tatum led Boston to its fourth Eastern Conference Finals in six years, showcasing his prominence in an elite Celtics squad this season. With four consecutive All-Star appearances, Tatum’s record-setting 51-point Game 7 is destined to become an enduring classic.
7. Kevin Durant
Drawing 648 million views, Durant’s trade to Phoenix, the oldest NBA franchise without a championship, places heightened attention and expectations on the Suns. The accomplished forward, now among the league’s top 10 all-time scoring leaders, is set to leave a lasting legacy.
8. Jimmy Butler
Amassing 634 million views, Jimmy Buckets emphasized the Heat’s playoff prowess, guiding them from the Play-In Tournament to the Finals. Butler’s memorable impression on Media Day underscored his impact and highlighted the danger the Heat pose, regardless of their playoff seed.
9. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Garnering 592 million views, the Greek Freak is a symbol of court dominance and off-court exuberance. Recently crowned the Bucks’ all-time leading rebounder, Antetokounmpo sparked meaningful discussions with his postseason reflections on the intertwining of sports and failure.
10. Jamal Murray
Accumulating 456 million views, while Jokic defined the Nuggets’ potential, Murray represented the electrifying “what-if” factor in Denver’s quest for a championship. His eagerly anticipated and injury-free return provided a definitive answer. Murray’s standout playoff performance, including a Game 3 triple-double in the Finals, solidified his star status on a championship-caliber team.
11. Anthony Davis
Drawing 456 million views, Davis continues to set the standard for the Lakers, emphasized by his remarkable 41-point, 20-rebound display in the In-Season Tournament title game. His stellar 30-point, 23-rebound performance in Game 1 against Golden State set the tone for the Western Conference semifinal series.
12. Kyrie Irving
Amassing 454 million views, Irving’s collaboration with Luka Doncic in Dallas sent shockwaves through the league. Now, this dynamic duo of playmakers is focused on propelling the Mavericks back to the postseason.
13. Austin Reaves
Garnering 410 million views, Reaves’ rise from undrafted player to success in the Lakers’ spotlight adds a heartwarming touch to his NBA journey. His impactful moments with both the Lakers and Team USA have elevated his popularity and raised expectations. Perhaps, nothing will surpass the memorable “I’m Him” moment from the last postseason.
14. Joel Embiid
Accumulating 396 million views, Embiid, after years of being on the brink, secured a spot in the Kia MVP ranks. Impressively, he has elevated his game even further this season, exemplified by his exceptional 51-point performance against Minnesota’s top-ranked defense on Dec. 20.
15. Ja Morant
Drawing 385 million views, Morant’s dynamic style of play is tailor-made for social media, despite facing suspensions that led to significant time off. His eagerly awaited return not only exceeded all hopes and expectations but also concluded with a storybook game-winning moment.
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