The NBA’s Power Structure Is Shifting-And Jeff Teague Sees It Clearly
Christmas Day basketball has always been a showcase for the league’s brightest stars. But this year, something felt different.
The spotlight didn’t fall on the usual suspects-LeBron James, Stephen Curry, or Kevin Durant. Instead, it was the new generation that took center stage.
And for former NBA guard Jeff Teague, the message was loud and clear: the league is turning a page.
Speaking on the Club 520 podcast the day after the holiday slate, Teague didn’t mince words. “It showed me changing of the guards,” he said. “It’s safe to say Jokic, Wemby, and Ant are taking over the league.”
That’s not a knock on the legends. LeBron, Steph, and KD are still producing at an elite level, still capable of game-breaking moments.
But what Christmas Day revealed was the rise of a deeper, more balanced league-one where the gravitational pull isn’t concentrated in just a few names. It’s spread across a new wave of stars who are ready, willing, and able to carry the torch.
Let’s start with Nikola Jokić. The reigning MVP didn’t just show up-he dominated.
His performance wasn’t just historic; it was a reminder that we’re watching one of the most unique talents the game has ever seen. His ability to control the tempo, score at will, and elevate everyone around him?
That’s the kind of stuff that wins championships-and reshapes eras.
Then there’s Victor Wembanyama. Still in his rookie season, but already playing like a seasoned pro.
Wemby’s combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ is something we haven’t really seen before. He’s not just a future face of the league-he’s already part of the conversation.
And Anthony Edwards? He’s bringing a swagger and explosiveness that’s impossible to ignore.
His fearless approach, especially on big stages, screams franchise cornerstone. He’s not waiting his turn-he’s taking it.
Teague’s point wasn’t about pushing the old guard out the door. It was about acknowledging that the league is no longer defined by just three names.
Parity is real. Star power is everywhere.
And on any given night, a different player can take over and shift the narrative.
But Teague didn’t stop there. He also turned his attention to a team he knows well-the Boston Celtics.
Despite missing Jayson Tatum all season due to an Achilles injury, the Celtics have quietly stayed in the mix. With an 18-11 record and a top-five offense, Boston sits third in the East, outperforming expectations with a younger, retooled roster.
Teague sees the potential for something bigger if Tatum returns.
“They top what, three? They can mess around and be in the finals again,” he said. “If JT comes back and is anything like we think… if JT is anything like that we know JT to be, if he is anywhere near that and he comes back, the Celtics will make a run.”
That’s a big “if,” of course. After nearly a year off, Tatum will need time to find his rhythm, shake off the rust, and get his conditioning right.
But if he’s cleared and anywhere close to his All-NBA form, Boston’s ceiling changes overnight. Suddenly, the Eastern Conference picture gets a whole lot more complicated.
So yes, this Christmas brought the usual drama and highlight-reel moments. But it also brought clarity.
The NBA isn’t just evolving-it’s already evolved. The torch isn’t waiting to be passed.
It’s already in new hands. And if you weren’t paying attention before, this year’s holiday slate made it impossible to miss.