I’ve been posting my top 10 player rankings for years. We’ve had similar faces in the top 10. However, their order has varied over the years. You’ll notice that the order of which players are ranked below are far different than my preseason rankings. This shows how much can change over a give year. Keep in mind, this is not my MVP rankings. This is a list of top 10 players based on their recent performances and proven potential.
10. Paul George- Oklahoma City Thunder
I pointed out earlier in the year that Paul George was having his best statistical season ever. His 2018-2019 season has lead fans to believe that Paul George is serious MVP candidate. George is giving fans good reason with his 28.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, per game. George is also arguably the best defensive player in the NBA. He and Westbrook have found a way to work together, which has brought George back to my top 10 list.
9. Joel Embiid- Philadelphia 76ers
I’m sure I’ve already upset fans with this one. As much as I love Paul George’s game, I am immune to the hype trains that can follow players having storyline seasons. Joel Embiid has taken another step forward in his development and has continued to flourish with a 76ers team that is getting ready for a deep playoff run. Despite all the moving pieces and instability, Embiid has been a constant force for the 76ers. Embiid has recently declared himself as the best defensive player in the NBA and he does have an argument to support his claim. Embiid’s 27.3 points, 13.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.9 blocks, per game, are helping the 76ers compete for the third spot in the Eastern Conference.
8. Anthony Davis- Los Angeles L-(just kidding)
Sometimes your best ability, is availability. Davis has dropped from the four spot to the 8th spot on my list due to numerous factors. The NBA has several great players performing at record breaking levels. In addition to that, Davis has been plagued by injuries. Even when healthy, he doesn’t have the ability to carry a team to the playoffs like Harden and Westbrook can. One playoff series victory is not enough to buy himself some time on my list. Davis is a great player, when healthy. Key words, when healthy.
7. James Harden- Houston Rockets
If I had an official vote, I would have given it to James Harden last season. As for this season, I would do the same. This is a perfect example of the difference between MVP and best player. Harden can get buckets on anyone. He is arguably the greatest isolation offensive player of all time. I’m always DM’d stats trying to prove that Harden is a good defensive player. However, I watch basketball. The eyeball test tells me he’s using a lot more of his energy on the offensive end. Harden carried the Rockets from the 14th seed all the way up to the 5th seed and is competing for a top 4 spot. Harden has my respect, but overall, is not in my top 5 just yet.
6. Russell Westbrook- Oklahoma City Thunder
Basketball fans who don’t watch basketball will tell you that Russell Westbrook pads his stats. As for the rest of us, we can see how his selflessness has helped Paul George emerge as an MVP candidate. We can also see how the Thunder are the third seed in the Western Conference, fighting for a top seed. The Thunder are 8-2 in their last 10, 17-13 on the road, and 20-7 at home; all that starts with Russell Westbrook. 5 years ago, people used to say no one will average a triple double ever again. Westbrook has been doing it in his sleep for the last three years. Needless to say, his current 21.7 points, 11.2 rebounds, 11.2 assists, and 2.2 steals, per game, is being taken for granted. The things keeping him out of my top 10 are his 3P & FT struggles. Sorry Westbrook haters, you haven’t swayed me just yet.
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo- Milwaukee Bucks
I am as big of an Antetokounmpo fan as they get. However, fans are rushing just a bit too quickly to crown him as the best player in the NBA for my liking. Antetokounmpo is a big part of the Bucks’ success this season. His personality, story, and constant improvement have made him a fan favorite. He dominates the game physically and is slowly developing an outside jumper. However, he is still shooting a .223 3P%. He also does not have the playoff success for him to surpass the rest of the players on my list just yet. He does have the potential to move up by the summer on my list. However, you can count on Per Sources to not crown a player as the best player in the NBA ahead of his time.
4. Steph Curry- Golden State Warriors
Wardell Stephen Curry II remains the best point guard on my list and in his usual no.4 spot. It’s funny how NBA fans didn’t appreciate him until he was hurt. Despite having a stacked roster, the Warriors struggled without him. He is a dynamic point guard who can run a complex offense and score in multiple ways. Curry’s mental toughness is underrated. His 28.6 points. 5/1 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and .444 3P%, per game, have helped the Warriors remain at the top of the Western Conference. Let’s not forget, he’s also the greatest shooter of all time.
3. Kawhi Leonard- Toronto Raptors
Just like I told you guys in the preseason, Leonard would come back and not miss a beat. The Raptors have won 6 straight and are tied in the win column with Milwaukee for the most wins in the regular season. Leonard’s presence has helped Toronto emerge as a power house in the East with a different vibe than the one we’ve felt in years. Leonard, in my eyes, is just as great of a defensive player as he ever was. On the offensive end, he is the closest thing to the Black Mamba we have seen since he retired. Yes, Antetokounmpo is great. Personally? I’d rather have Leonard heading into the playoffs. Let’s not forget, he is a proven finals MVP.
2. Kevin Durant- Golden State Warriors
I’m still mad he left the Thunder to join the Warriors. After he ruined the NBA, everything he does irritates us. However, he’s still a top defensive player. He is also arguably the greatest scorer we have ever seen in our lifetime. Durant is a proven finals MVP and there is no one who can guard him. Unlike Harden, his buckets don’t disappear in the playoffs.
1. LeBron James- Los Angeles Lakers
Perhaps the greatest testament to his greatness is how poorly teams perform in his absence. Every team struggles without him, even the Lakers. Whether you dislike him for it or not, it’s obvious that James has been cruising through the regular season for the last few years. Regular season awards mean nothing to the King. Despite him cruising through it, he is still putting up 26.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 7.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. When healthy, he made the Lakers look like a top 4 team in the Western Conference. James is still the king of the NBA in my eyes. He is also arguably the greatest of all time.
As you can see, I don’t rank players based on my personal bias or how cool they look doing the things that they do. Despite being a Celtics fan, Irving did not make my top 10. In fact, I would consider players like Nikola Jokic, Klay Thompson, Damian Lillard, and perhaps Jimmy Butler for the 11th spot ahead of Kyrie Irving. Winning is a large part of the equation.
Care to argue? Let me know your thoughts: @TPRx11