As we head into the Allstar break, we’ve had a decent sample size to reevaluate who the top 10 NBA players are. Ranking the current top NBA player was the main topic of TPR’s Per Sources Podcast’s latest episode which can be heard on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
My method for ranking the top 10 NBA players includes their recent performances, near future outlook, skill, impact on winning, availability, and numerous other facts.
Ranking the top ten NBA players, March 2021.
1.LeBron James – Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles are tied for the 2nd most wins in the NBA, mostly thanks to LeBron James. The Lakers’ offense is mostly predicated on LeBron James’ ability to play the point guard position. What is surprising many analysts about James is the fact that he has played in almost every single game this season, as well as his rejuvenated commitment to the defensive end of the basketball.
James has somehow continued to get better. He has yet to be dethroned.
2. Kawhi Leonard- Los Angeles Clippers
Kawhi Leonard brings more than just his supreme talent to the Los Angeles Clippers. His mental fortitude and leadership stabilizes the Clippers. Without Leonard, the very talented Clippers roster’s performances shrink. With Leonard in the lineup, they look like a team gearing up to compete for an NBA championship.
He may not be as fun to watch as Wardell II or Antetokounmpo, but he is the closest thing to the late Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan in today’s NBA. He has the hardware to back my claim up as well.
3. Wardell Stephen Curry II- Golden State Warriors
Steph Curry, now healthy, has reclaimed his title as the top point guard in the NBA, and one of the top ten NBA players. Steph Curry is putting up MVP type numbers while continuing to make the Warriors relevant. Despite Klay Thompson’s injury, the Warriors have been competitive and fun to watch.
Curry impacts the offense in numerous ways. The primary attribute of a top 10 NBA player, in my opinion, is the player’s ability to make his teammates better. Curry makes a lot of players look a lot better than they really are.
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo- Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks are not as dominant as they were last season thus far. This can be attributed to numerous factors including the lack of fans and Jrue Holiday’s absence due to health & safety protocols. However, the Milwaukee Bucks remain near the top of the NBA standings, mostly thanks to Antetokounmpo.
5. Anthony Davis- Los Angeles Lakers
When Davis was healthy, the Lakers had strong separation between them and the rest of the NBA. Without him, they are struggling to be a .500 team. Davis makes life easier for many players, including LeBron James. He also can correct many defensive mistakes.
The only reason I have him below Antetokounmpo is due to my concerns over his health. The calf is the issue on the surface. However, we’re all worried about his Achilles.
6. James Harden- Brooklyn Nets
A few weeks ago, I thought Harden’s presence on the Nets may push him outside of my top ten. However, Harden has been the Nets’ most reliable player. Although I have him ranked 6th on my top 10 NBA player rankings, he is playing like the best player in the NBA.
If Harden continues to play at this level, he will be making a strong MVP case for himself.
7. Luka Doncic- Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks started out a bit slow to start the year. However, as Doncic has gotten himself in shape, the Mavericks are returning to form. The Mavericks have won 8 of their last ten, mostly thanks to the brilliance of Doncic.
LeBron James insinuated that Lillard belonged in the all-star starters team above Doncic. Many NBA fans seemed to agree.
Despite Lillard’s superior roster, Doncic and the Mavericks are only three wins behind the Trail Blazers. Don’t be surprised if Doncic and the Mavericks catch up.
8. Kevin Durant- Brooklyn Nets
When healthy, Durant is arguably the third best player in the NBA. However, he has had to miss time due to injuries that are probably a product of his body over compensating as most due after a major injury.
I’m pleasantly surprised to see how well he has been doing thus far. However, he has had to miss several games. If it weren’t for the Harden trade, the Brooklyn Nets would be competing hard for an 8th seed.
Durant has the talent to be a top three player. My only concern is his health.
9. Nikola Jokic- Denver Nuggets
Although Embiid has tightened the top NBA center debate, Jokic is still the NBA’s top center. What 76ers fans are excited about, Jokic has been providing to Nuggets fans for years to come. Jokic is playing like a top tier MVP candidate and has continued to carry the Nuggets, despite some roster shake ups.
The Nuggets may not be as dominant as they have been in the past, but they still have championship level talent, mostly thanks to Jokic.
10. Joel Embiid- Philadelphia 76ers
There is a difference between the best player in the NBA and the MVP favorite. Joel Embiid has been playing like the MVP favorite and the Philadelphia 76ers are benefiting from this. The one argument I’d make against his campaign is the abundance of talent that the 76ers have.
Joel Embiid is not carrying the 76ers. He is leading them. On any given day, you can make the argument that he is a top three NBA player. In my rankings, I tend to favor ball handlers slightly.
I know people will be upset about this ranking. However, Embiid has let us down enough times for me to have doubt. He will need to prove himself to us, when it matters most.
Honorable mentions.
The biggest case for Jimmy Butler’s MVP campaign is how bad the Heat are without him. Paul George also has top 10 player talent. Guards like Paul, Lillard, Irving, and Simmons also have an argument to make on any given day.
Care to debate or share your top 10 NBA players? Reach out to me via twitter: @TPRx11