The Most Popular NBA Starters

Harry Sadoun Sports Betting Expert

5 minute read

When evaluating the top players in the NBA, statistical analysis is always a key factor. However, determining popularity among fans is a different ballgame, not relying on statistics and it’s often influenced by factors beyond the court. Whether it's a high-profile romance, a television appearance, or a political stance, popularity can be as elusive as it is dynamic.

In this article, we explore the realm of NBA popularity, revealing the most popular starters for the year 2023, looking at Google search data going back to January 1. 

Our research has identified the top 10 most popular NBA players overall in 2023 to be:

1. LeBron James
2. Ja Morant
3. Jimmy Butler
4. Kyrie Irving
5. Kevin Durant
6. Stephen Curry
7. James Harden
8. Damian Lillard
9. Victor Wembanyama
10. Jayson Tatum

It’s interesting to note that a staggering 70% of the most popular players find themselves in the Western Conference. Over the last ten championships, teams from the Western Conference have won 70% of the time, shedding light on a geographical dominance, not only in popularity but also in the finals. Perhaps there is a correlation between wins and popularity after all? 

To assess popularity within the two conferences evenly, we analyzed the starters from each team in the league and identified the most popular player in each position throughout 2023, and the most popular players, if they were to fill out a starting-five in a depth chart would be: 

Western Conference

The most popular center in the Western Conference across 2023 was hybrid forward-center  Anthony Davis from the Los Angeles Lakers. For guards in the Western Conference, the most popular starters were Ja Morant from the Memphis Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving. LeBron James from the Los Angeles Lakers and Dillon Brooks of the Houston Rockets were the two most popular starting forwards in the Western Conference. 

Eastern Conference 

In the Eastern Conference, superstar center-forward hybrid 76’ers’ Joel Embiid was the most popular starter in his position. For guards, the most popular starters were Damian Lillard and Jordan Poole of the Milwaukee Bucks and Washington Wizards. Only considering the forwards, we saw that Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics and Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat were the most popular starters.

Pitting these two teams against each other could make for an interesting showing. Based on popularity, it should be an easy W for the Western Conference. 

States perspective

When further delving into the search data for the year that’s coming to an end, we can see that, despite being neck-a-neck in terms of popularity overall, LeBron James still edges out Ja Morant as the top pick in most states throughout 2023. In 78% of US states, LeBron James is the most popular player. Apart from Ja Morant and LeBron James, we also see Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Nikola Jokic, Jayson Tatum, Anthony Edwards, Damian Lillard,  and Giannis Antetokounmpo standing out as the most popular players in certain states, despite not cracking the top ten in terms of overall popularity. 

On this map, you can see the most popular starters in each US state. In some states, like Texas and Louisiana, Lebron James and Ja Morant share the number one spot, with search volumes too close to separate. In Colorado, it’s Lebron James and Jayson Tatum sharing the title as the most popular.

For some states, the search results align pretty well with what you could expect, considering the top players in the respective states. For Milwaukee, the most popular starter is Giannis Antetokounmpo, and for California, it’s LeBron James who sees the most searches. For several other states, there doesn’t seem to be a lot of correlation between local superstars and popularity. For instance, in North Carolina, the top ten most popular players are: 

1. LeBron James (T)
= Ja Morant (T)
3. Kyrie Irving
4. Stephen Curry
5. Jimmy Butler
6. Kevin Durant
7. Damian Lillard
8. Zion Williamson
9. Victor Wembanyama
10. Jayson Tatum

Despite the Charlotte Hornets being based in North Carolina, it’s interesting to see that none of their 'own' starters are among the most popular ones in 2023, but instead searches for LeBron James and Ja Morant account for the highest number of searches. LaMelo Ball would probably have made the top ten, if he was listed as a starter on the Hornets depth chart, but recurring injuries have pushed the superstar off the court. 

Related Queries

While the searches themselves are fascinating, it gets more interesting when we examine what specific topics people are searching for in relation to the NBA players. When searching for the most popular starters, the related keyword 'tall' dominates the search trends in 2023, potentially reflecting fans' astonishment at the athletic prowess of these players, considering their towering stature. Delving into the top 20 related keywords, terms like 'worth,' 'team,' 'rings,' 'college,' and 'drafted' emerge. The fascination with players' earnings sparks curiosity, maybe leaving fans with a touch of FOMO and prompting contemplation about their own life choices. This genuine interest in the keywords beyond the typical tabloid searches, such as 'team,' 'rings,' 'college,' and 'drafted,' demonstrates a nuanced curiosity about the players themselves.

Methodology

To conduct this research, our primary source for data related to player lineups was EPSN. We employed Google Keywords Planner to analyze search volumes across the United States. This allowed us to gain valuable insights into the popularity and trends surrounding the starters identified from ESPN. and to understand related queries, we used the SEO tool Ahrefs. The timeframe of our research spans from January 1, 2023, to October 31, 2023.

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Harry Sadoun

Harry Sadoun is a seasoned sports betting expert with a wealth of experience in the iGaming and sports betting industry. Over the past 5 years, he has established himself as a go-to source for insightful analysis and predictions at Vegasinsider. With a passion for sports, Harry specializes in football, basketball, tennis, rugby, and soccer, showcasing a diverse understanding of athletic competitions. Harry's unique approach to sports betting is rooted in a combination of statistical analysis, in-depth research, and a keen understanding of the dynamics that influence game outcomes. His expert opinions and strategic insights have made him a trusted voice in the industry, guiding both novice and seasoned bettors alike. With an unwavering commitment to delivering accurate and up-to-date information, Harry Sadoun continues to be a prominent figure in the world of sports betting, providing enthusiasts with the tools they need to make informed decisions. More from Harry Sadoun