This has been a heated debate for a really long time now, and it always changes depending on each player’s performance paired with their team’s success. So, I’m going to give you guys my top 10 NBA players in the league today.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis is simply an unstoppable player. He’s almost impossible to guard because of his strength and athleticism. If he gets inside the paint, it’s almost a guaranteed basket. His shooting has been a weakness of his for a while, but he has been working on it and has improved. The way Giannis makes the team better along with his unbelievable skills makes him the best player in the NBA, at the moment.
- Stephen Curry
Steph Curry is the greatest shooter of all time. There’s no argument to that. He has shattered records throughout his career related to his ability to shoot the three pointer along with his overall efficiency from the field. Stephen Curry is an electric offensive player that can get hot in just a few minutes and light your favorite team up for 40 points any given night. He is also a great team player, since he is willing to rebound and give up the ball to his teammates. His defense is very improved from where it used to be, and even at the age of 35 years old, Steph Curry still has a lot left in the tank.
- Joel Embiid
Dominance, dominance, dominance! That’s what Joel Embiid provides the Philadelphia 76ers with every night. He averaged 33 points per game this season and was one of the best players in the league. His ability to post up, face up, and draw fouls makes him unguardable and even if you find a way to defend him, he’ll still end up drawing a foul and going to the line for two shots.
- Luka Doncic
This season was a failure for Luka’s team since they failed to make the postseason. However, Luka still averaged 32 points per game along with 8 assists and 8 rebounds. Although his team’s success dropped him further down this list, he’s still an offensive machine who can do anything to get his team some points. However, his lack of defensive ability is the reason he isn’t as high on this list.
- Kevin Durant
The long, lanky small forward is an offensive weapon. He can score from anywhere on the court, although he excels from the mid-range. KD can drive to the basket, pull up for a jumper, or nail a long distance three-ball. He can literally do anything on the court. Also, he can lock up on defense from time to time and swat the ball away when other players try to drive against him. KD has the potential to be number one on this list, except his injuries prevent him from staying on the court for the majority of the season like Giannis.
- Lebron James
I know he’s 38, but we need to give this man his flowers! In his 20th year in the league, Lebron averaged 29 points per game! Although he isn’t as dominant as he was in his prime, James is often the best player on the court and can take over a game any time he wants to. Lebron’s shooting has improved throughout his career and he is still one of the best players in the game, even when he is much older than some other guys.
- Nikola Jokic
Jokic is a two-time MVP and some people may believe that he’s much higher on this list than I put him, but I had to put him at 7th because I don’t think Jokic can take over a game like the other guys above him can. Yes, Jokic is a really valuable player to his team and is crucial to their success due to his scoring and playmaking, but he just isn’t as dominant as the other guys. If I need a bucket with my team down two points, I’d much rather ask Giannis to bulldoze his way into the paint, Steph to pull up from three, or Kevin Durant to get me a basket than ask Nikola Jokic to score. However, Nikola Jokic is an incredible basketball player and should not be dis-credited for everything he has done for the Denver Nuggets.
- Jayson Tatum
The Celtics superstar is one of the top two-way players in the league and can score at will. His step back jumper makes him a lethal offensive weapon and a challenge for any player to guard. This season, he averaged 30 points per game, showing his rapid improvement even at a very young age.
- Kawhi Leonard
Although Kawhi Leonard has struggled with injuries the last two seasons, he’s still an incredible player. He’s arguably the best perimeter defender in the league and one of the best scorers, too. He is gifted with some insane athleticism and strength that give him the tools he needs to impact the game.
- Anthony Davis
The Lakers big man has proven his incredible abilities on the basketball court since he was drafted first overall back in 2012. He has an elite post-up game along with great footwork near the basket. His largest weakness has been how injury prone he is as he has gotten injured often and been forced to miss large amounts of time in the regular season and even the playoffs.
Mission Viejo Library Teen Voice 