Hey, hoops fans! Let’s dive straight into who I think are the top 10 NBA players right now. No fluff, just facts and feelings.
First up, LeBron James. This guy’s been balling for almost two decades! At 38 years old, King James is still putting up ridiculous numbers, averaging around 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists per game. It's crazy how efficient he remains with a shooting percentage hovering around 50%. His influence on and off the court continues to be monumental, and let’s not forget that he’s also a 4-time NBA champion. Plus, who can ignore his clutch performances? Did you see last season when he single-handedly carried the Lakers through those tough stretches?
Then there’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, aka the Greek Freak. Standing at 6'11" with the agility of a guard, Giannis is a nightmare for defenders. The guy's got a wingspan of 7’3” and uses it to dominate both ends of the court. He averaged about 29 points, 11 rebounds, and over 5 assists per game last season. His defensive versatility and energy make him a perennial MVP candidate. Remember the 2021 NBA Finals when he dropped 50 points in Game 6? That was legendary!
Next up, Luka Dončić. This youngster is making waves and he’s only 24. Can you believe that? He plays like a seasoned vet, averaging around 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. He’s already hit multiple game-winners and buzzer-beaters. His basketball IQ and court vision are off the charts. Pretty sure you caught his triple-double with 40 points against the Clippers in the playoffs. The kid is unreal.
Speaking of playmaking, let’s talk about Nikola Jokić. The Joker is redefining what it means to be a center. He averaged an astonishing 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists per game last season! The way he orchestrates the Nuggets’ offense from the post or the top of the key is like watching a maestro. His no-look passes and touch shots are something you don't often see from a big man. Plus, he’s the reigning MVP for a reason.
And then we have Kevin Durant. Standing at nearly 7 feet tall with the handles and shooting ability of a guard, KD is a scoring machine. Last season, he averaged about 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists per game while shooting over 50% from the field. His performance in Game 5 of the 2021 Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, where he scored 49 points, grabbed 17 rebounds, and dished out 10 assists, was nothing short of spectacular. He’s a walking bucket, plain and simple.
James Harden can't be left out either. Known for his step-back three-pointer, Harden put up around 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 10 assists last season. He’s also one of the most prolific free-throw shooters in the game, often getting to the line 10 times a game. Can you recall his 2018-2019 season where he averaged a mind-blowing 36 points per game? Crazy stuff!
Kawhi Leonard deserves a spot on this list too. Though he battled injuries last season, Kawhi’s impact on the game when healthy is undeniable. He averaged around 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists per game before his knee injury. Remember his playoff runs, especially the 2019 Finals where he led the Raptors to their first championship and won Finals MVP? The Claw’s defensive prowess and mid-range game are second to none.
Stephen Curry, the greatest shooter of all time, continues to amaze. Last season he averaged around 32 points per game while making over 5 three-pointers per contest. His shooting range is pretty much the whole half-court and he frequently hits shots from 30 feet like it's a layup. And don’t forget his unanimous MVP season and those three championships with the Warriors. The splash brother is still splashing and it’s always a show!
Damian Lillard is another name that rings bells. Dame Time is real, folks. He averaged about 29 points and 7 assists per game last season. You want clutch? Look no further than Dame’s series-ending buzzer-beater over Paul George in the 2019 playoffs. His ability to hit deep threes in crunch time makes him one of the most feared players in the league.
Let’s talk about Joel Embiid. The Process is a dominant force in the paint, both offensively and defensively. He put up around 28 points, 10 rebounds, and over 1 block per game last season. His footwork, soft touch around the rim, and ability to stretch the floor with three-point shooting make him a match-up nightmare. Remember his 50-point game against the Bulls last season? Big man skills on display.
If you've made it this far, you know there's no single formula to define the "best" NBA player. Everyone has their own take, influenced by different factors like team success, personal stats, and downright memorable plays. So, who do you think deserves the top spot right now? Check out more on the best NBA players and let the debate continue!