The NBA arguably does the best job at marketing their star players among all major sports leagues. The beauty of the NBA is that players from each position contribute to their top rankings. Kids have players from all sorts of places and skill sets to look up to. We’ve already ranked the top 10 NBA point guards, shooting guards, small forwards, power forwards, and centers. It’s now time to rank the top 10 players in the NBA for the upcoming season.
1. LeBron James- Los Angeles Lakers
We’ve been talking about LABron for years. It has finally happened. Yes, as he’s gotten older, he has been taking off many defensive possessions and appears to be cruising through the regular season. However, a cruising LeBron James is still a whole lot better than most all-stars. When the lights are brightest, nobody is better than the King. Whether it’s facilitating, scoring, rebounding, or making clutch defensive plays, LeBron James can do it all. Like fine wine, he has aged well. Not only is he the best player in the NBA, I don’t there there is a close second when you consider everything LeBron brings to a franchise.
2. Kevin Durant- Golden State Warriors
Kevin Durant has the height of a center, with the skills of a guard. Whether it’s assuming the role of the rim protector, or guarding the opposing team’s best players when Green or Thompson need a break, KD is capable of doing it all on the defensive end. When you consider his scoring arsenal and size, there is an argument to be made that he is the greatest scorer of all time. Durant is virtually unguardable.
3. Kawhi Leonard- Toronto Raptors
Many of you will argue with me about this selection. However, I truly believe that the Toronto Raptors traded a player who was not a 15 player in the NBA, for a player who has top 3 potential when healthy. How will Leonard do without Pop? Is he healthy? There are many questions related to Leonard which will impact his ability. However, ever since the “Lyin Ass Mamba” came back a couple seasons ago scoring with Kobe Bryant’s moves, I’ve had the belief that Leonard is a future MVP. Let’s not forget, when healthy, he is also the best defender in the NBA.
4. Steph Curry- Golden State Warriors
The rhetoric that all Steph does is shoot 3’s is so ridiculous. Curry has been the extension of Steve Kerr on the court, who has been running a complex Mike D’Antoni style influenced offense for several seasons now. His basketball IQ and competitive spirit competes with the best of them in NBA history. He is also the best left hand passer I’ve seen since Steve Nash. He can finish at the rim in several different ways, or get by opponents and make the right pass with ease. He may not be a great individual defender. However, he does play his role in the team defensive scheme. Oh and he’s also the greatest off the dribble shooter in NBA history, that means something.
5. Anthony Davis- New Orleans Pelicans
Anthony Davis is the ideal big man in the NBA. Many people ask me if he’s worth two players and two draft picks, I say double the draft picks. Not only is he one of the best defensive big men in the NBA, but he is also a capable scorer in various different ways. Whether he’s asked to get in the post or step out and shoot the three, Davis can do it all. He has also proven that when he’s in the right system and healthy, he is an MVP candidate. Health issues have always prevented me from putting Davis above Curry or Leonard. Maybe this will be the year.
6. Russell Westbrook- Oklahoma City Thunder
Let’s toss some more rhetoric out of the window. Westbrook is not a stats padder. He is simply the hardest playing athlete on the court every time he plays. His triple doubles lead to victories. He’s quicker, bigger, and stronger than the average point guard. In addition to all that, he is one of the most exciting players to watch. The only reason he is this low on my list is his shot selections. As big of a fan of Westbrook that I am, I can admit that he doesn’t always make the best decisions. I believe that is a product of doing too much and not trusting his teammates. Players like Westbrook make me appreciate coaches like Phil Jackson, who knew how to bring the best out of scorers in ways beyond basketball. Once Westbrook trusts his teammates more, his shot selections will improve.
7. James Harden- Houston Rockets
James Harden spent his VC on his blocking ability, which is how he was able to block Per Sources on instagram. Too bad he didn’t apply more of that defensive ability on the basketball court. All jokes aside, the Rockets had a fresh commitment to defense last season, which included Harden. No, he was not a superb on ball defender. However, you could definitely tell that the effort was there. Playing in Mike D’Antoni’s offense has brought the best out of Harden. The MVP lead the Rockets to league best 65 win season. I also believe there is a debate that he is the best isolation offensive player in league history. Whether it’s facilitating off the pick & roll or beating his opponents in multiple ways, Harden cannot be stopped by one defender. The reason why he is so low on my list, and why Kyrie will not be on this list, is his tendency to dribble the basketball too much. If I’m not mistaken, the Rockets averaged the least amount of passes per game last season. That starts with their primary ball handler. Doing too much has cost Harden late in games. I believe his fatigue is part of why Harden is not clutch late in games when they need him.
8. Giannis Antetokounmpo- Milwaukee Bucks
Can you believe that Antetokounmpo is only 23 years old? If my theory that NBA players don’t hit their prime prime until the ages of about 26-27, then Antetokounmpo is going to continue to improve each season for the next few years. That’s a scary thought for the rest of the NBA. Antetokounmpo has proven that you don’t necessarily need to be a shooter to dominate in today’s NBA. While he has been working on his shooting ability, Antetokounmpo has continued to dominate the game physically. He is insanely athletic with all the intangibles and commitment to basketball that any team would love to have. Antetokounmpo could easily move up this list in the near future.
9. Joel Embiid- Philadelphia 76ers
The same fans who were outraged that Embiid made the no.1 spot on my top 10 centers rankings will probably be upset by this selection. However, Embiid has made the center position fun again. He talks trash and backs it up. His game resembles a modern day Hakeem Olajuwon, who many consider to be the best center of all time. Embiid is certainly the most skilled scorer at the center position. With numerous post moves and insane strength, Embiid has been an unstoppable force on both ends of the court. If healthy, I can easily see Embiid move up this list.
10. Jimmy Butler- Minnesota Timberwolves
The ability to run the pick & roll has become one of the most desirable traits from a wing player in today’s NBA. Butler is one of the best at just that. When healthy, he had a team that hadn’t made the playoffs in many years competing for a top seed in the Western Conference. He is a tough player on both ends of the court. In addition to that, he has developed into an insanely skilled offensive player over the years. Butler’s durability has helped him move up from being a top 20 player, to a top 10 player on my list.
A healthy Porzingis, Cousins, Irving, George, and Wall all have arguments to make on this list. This list took defense, intangibles, and offensive ability all into consideration. This ranking list was calculated a little differently than my early projection lists. While Butler may not have George’s size or skill, his hard work and production has helped him rise significantly on my list. Sometimes, production can be a product of opportunity.
Who are your top 10 NBA players? Tweet me at @TPRx11