Ranking the top 10 players in the NBA league currently is not as grueling as trying to solve one of the biggest controversies of all time – ranking the legendary players of all time. Be that as it may, rating the top 10 players in the NBA currently still presents its own challenges due to the abundance of talent available.
Without further ado let’s get into our 10 picks:
Damian Lillard
Portland Trailblazers’ point guard is fresh off his debut All-Star first-team appearance and was voted fourth in MVP for the 2017-18 season. He quietly possesses one of the most potent offensive skills in the league, averaging 27.0 points per game in back-to-back seasons.
Everyone has finally woken up to realize he is an elite point guard. On his way to cementing our number 10 spot he has beaten the highly rated Joel Embiid and Paul George. His pick is justified, as he led the Trail Blazers to the number 3 seed in the West last season.
Kyrie Irving
Kyries’s skills and ability were never in doubt however, following his controversial move from Cleveland at the back of the 2016/17 season, could he stay injury free and play consistently to warrant an inclusion in the elite player conversation?
He averaged 24.5 ppg and 5.1 assists last season. Now that all screws and metal plates have been removed from his body, he is 100% healthy and is our dark horse pick to end up in the top 5 MVP candidates at the end of the season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Now that LeBron has moved to the West, it’s time for the Greek Freak to claim his coronation as the King of the East. Easily one of the best young forwards in the league, the 6 ft 11’’ colossus established himself as an unstoppable force in his position.
Although his jump shot is still nonexistent, he still managed to dominate in the paint last season shooting at a staggering 71%. We’ve not seen such explosiveness in the paint since Shaquille O’ Neal.
Kawhi Leondard
This might be the first controversial pick on the list since the majority of Kawhi’s season was marred by injuries. However if we put aside everything that has happened off court including his fallout with the Spurs, and focus on what he does on the court, he is undoubtedly top 3 in the entire sport.
He only featured 9 times for the Spurs last season and has not played competitive basketball since then. His potential is the only thing that warrants his inclusion at number 7, and if he is physically healthy and mentally committed, the Raptors will be serious contenders in the Eastern Conference.
Russell Westbrook
Forever charismatic but constantly misunderstood, some may argue that most of it is self-inflicted. But at his best, very few can dominate a game like Westbrook. Due to his intense competitive nature, which has proven to be both a gift and curse, efficiency has been his biggest Achilles. This has kept him from being strongly considered as a top 5 player in the NBA.
He averaged a triple-double in back-to-back season putting a stamp as one of the all-time greats in the game. His unique polarizing personality has always caught attention however can he evolve to reach higher heights?
Anothony Davis
After finishing a strong third place in the MVP balloting, AD demolished Portland in the first round of the playoffs before losing in 5 to the Warriors. Last season was a reminder of what many projected following his debut season in the league that he was going to be the best ball player in the NBA once LeBron James relinquished the title.
A dominant force in both the Center and Power Forward positions. Averaging at 28 ppg and 11 assists in back-to-back seasons, many predict the upcoming 2018/19 season will be his best ever.
James Harden
Although most critics felt last year’s MVP should’ve went to LeBron, James Harden is as much deserving of the most coveted individual accolade in the league. Even though he had a high turnover percentage and he is not a great defender, he still averaged over 30 ppg and led the Rockets to their best finish in franchise history.
The only thing left now is for him to take his team a step further in the playoffs. We’ve seen him have a couple of good games in the post-season and eventually fade in the Conference Finals, when his team needs him the most.
Stephen Curry
Can you smell what Chef Curry is cooking? At his best Steph Curry, is the most exciting Point Guard to watch. His ability to shoot from the 3 point line is a deadly weapon that no defense can handle. His value to the Warriors came under scrutiny after the arrival of Kevin Durant, and yes there has been a measurable drop in some of his stats however Steph Curry still makes the Warriors tick even without Durant.
Whatever happens going forward, the two time-time MVP has cemented his status as the greatest NBA shooter of all time.
Kevin Durant
Coming in at our number two spot is the Durantular. The back-to-back finals MVP has a big game mentality and is a phenomenal shooter in and out the paint. He’s defensively sound, protects the rim, a savvy passer, knocks down any type of shot from various distances and can handle the basketball.
The only question is, what will happen after the end of this upcoming season? His insatiable urge to keep improving might not keep him at the Warriors for too long.
LeBron James
This is no debate, no conversation and not a suggestion. LeBron James is the best player in the league and maybe the best player in NBA history – I’ll wait for Michael Jordan’s fans to respond.
King James has just begun a new chapter in his legendary career with the Lakers, a franchise with great history. This is a match made in basketball heaven. Many are underestimating this young Lakers team and predict they won’t make the playoffs. However the same sentiments were being echoed after he returned to Cleveland and subsequently led them to their first Championship win in franchise history.
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