With the tip-off of the 2021-22 season two months away, let’s indulge in one of my favorite things to do. Put out a top ten list. In this case, the top 10 players in the NBA.
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10 – DAMIAN LILLARD
A walking bucket who has toiled in the far northwest, Lillard has kept the Trailblazers relevant. But “Dame Dollar” may be on the move this off-season to join a true title contender.
9 – NIKOLA JOKIC
The reigning league MVP is a superb scorer, rebounder, and passer. Being a below-average defender keeps “Joker” lower on this list.
8 – JAMES HARDEN
Harden adjusted his game beautifully with the Nets to fit with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
Harden got hurt late in the season and continues to be unreliable in the playoffs.
7 – JOEL EMBIID
The uber-talented Embiid puts up fantastic numbers while doing things at the center position last seen from Hakeem Olajuwon.
If Embiid works on his conditioning more diligently, he can and will move up this list.
6 – KAWHI LEONARD
Leonard may miss the entire 2021-22 season after undergoing right knee surgery.
Leonard has no discernible weakness on the court but lacks durability, dependability, and leadership to be in my top 5.
5 – STEPH CURRY
The greatest pure shooter in league history, Curry had an MVP caliber season while leading the league in scoring.
His range is limitless while his movement without the ball is exquisite.
Despite being downright poor on the defensive end, Curry’s offensive impact and leadership are unquestioned.
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4 – LUKA DONCIC
Only 22 years old, Doncic has the most varied offensive skill set in the league. His combination of scoring and passing ability is otherworldly.
Luka is not afraid of the big moment. Better conditioning and a commitment to the defensive end will someday earn Doncic the title of “greatest player in the world”.
At this point, we arrive at our top 3 players. A trio that has distanced itself from the rest of the league.
3 – LEBRON JAMES
After more than a decade as the unquestioned “greatest player in the NBA”, the “King” has abdicated his throne.
James was a leading MVP candidate when he got injured in mid-season.
LeBron may not recover from injuries as quickly as before but he can still influence a game more than any other player in the league while remaining basketball’s best leader.
It’s painful for me to put James on the bronze medal stand. A spot that is not permanent. Another title could easily move James back atop this list. A list he has led for longer than any other player in league history.
2 – KEVIN DURANT
The most efficient, effortless, varied scorer in league history continues to amaze.
Durant is the surest bet to get a bucket in the league. A solid defender, rebounder, and passer, KD was the heir apparent when LeBron James’ run ended. While Durant is coming off a historical playoff run, another player is coming off an even more historic run. A run that ended in a Championship.
1 – GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO
The Greek “Freak” carried the Bucks to their first championship in 50 years. Giannis averaged 30.2 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game in 21 playoff games while shooting 57% from the floor.
While Giannis is not an artful scorer like Durant, he is nearly as productive and efficient.
Factor in Giannis being a superior defender and rebounder than Durant elevates him to the top spot in my ranking of the best players in the NBA.
Giannis is now a champion. Wait till he starts hitting his free throws.
John Sapochetti is co-host of the “The Pick & Roll NBA Podcast With Jet & Sap”, which is heard on Full Press Coverage.
Follow him on Twitter @JohnSap25