TOP 5: NBA Players heading into the season
Honorable mentions: Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic
Luka is an absolute killer. His size, ability to control the pace of the game, playmaking ability, and overall IQ is absolutely sensational. However, he is an inconsistent 3-point shooter and subpar defender. He has also proven less than the players ranked above him on this list, so that is why I can’t put him in my top 5 just yet. The team around him isn’t as talented a supporting cast as other superstars have. Luka has to do a lot and at times, it can be marvelous when he does everything and dominates. Yet, the times when he can’t beat a team by himself (like the Warriors), is what is holding him back from reaching his full potential. I believe getting another star next to Luka will catapult him into being a top 2/3 player because that lessen the burden on him and focus on his strengths. But until it happens, outside my top 5.
Jokic was also tough to leave off, given he is the back-to-back MVP. He is one of the best playmakers in the league, a solid shooter for his position, and an overall sensational offensive player, but like Luka, he is not a good defender. I also don’t believe he is as a great player as the ones ranked above. Luka and Jokic can easily prove me wrong and be better than some of my top 5, but barring health, I don’t think so. Also, don’t want to reiterate, but the same issues Luka has with a supporting cast, I believe Jokic has. Maybe Jamal Murray can reclaim some of his Bubble Glory, but coming off a knee injury and sitting out a year, it might be a tough path.
5. Kawhi Leonard
The biggest issue with Kawhi has always been his health. When he is on the court, he is easily one of the best perimeter defenders in the history of the league and a sensational 3-level scorer. Having PG by his side alleviates the offensive and defensive burden he has to carry. The clippers team, as much as I hate to say it, is stacked. They have all the tools to win a championship. I feel the clippers are going to win a lot of games and Kawhi is going to play like Kawhi. In a nutshell, Kawhi will be the best player on the best team this upcoming year — that was so tough to admit.
However, it is going to come down to health, as it always has with Kawhi. Luke or Jokic can easily take Kawhi’s spot if his health issues persist, but I hope Kawhi stays healthy the whole year because the league is better with him.
4. Kevin Durant
Say what you want to about him never being the “Batman” on a championship team, we have never seen someone like KD ever (until Victor Wembanayana enters the league). He is a 7 footer who moves like a guard. I believe with Kyrie and Ben Simmons by his side for the entire year, KD will show out, reminding us all who he is to make up for that lackluster performance in the playoffs last season. Ben has been under scrutiny a lot for his lack of aggression and shooting, but with KD and Kyrie, he won’t need to worry about either. He can focus on being the great playmaker and defender he is. And how about this: Ben Simmons is the best playmaker KD has ever been teammates with. I don’t think that’s a hot take, but let me know if it is.
3. LeBron James
This is personal for me. This ranking is biased. I know some may think it is ridiculous to think put LeBron at 3 after the lakers, led by him, missed the playoffs last year. Yet, he averaged 30 a game and didn’t look like he lost a step. His injuries have been piling up and I think that is a concern going forward. The Lakers, if they can, should try to manage his minutes as much as they can. I also put LeBron at 3 because of what I think of AD. I truly believe this is AD’s year. He is my MVP pick and I think with AD playing like an MVP, LeBron will look even better doing what he does. The lakers as a whole, I see them being the 4 seed out west. Laugh all you want, I’m sticking with my team and being an optimist.
2. Stephen Curry
Don’t think I have to say much here. Just won another championship and got finals MVP. Down 2–1 in Boston and he showed up and drops 40. That’s a superstar statement and if it wasn’t for the next guy, he would be first.
- Giannis Antentokounmpo
Come on man. This is Orlando Shaq, but with a better jumper and a bit more mobile (I am not saying he is better than Shaq, just a similar playing style). An unstoppable freak of nature who is not slowing down anytime soon. I believe if Middleton was healthy, the Bucks repeat as back-to-back champs. It’s not just talent and skills. Giannis’ mentality is what makes him the best. He is not satisfied and does not catch up in his ego. He is hungry and wants more. He plays the game because he loves it and wants to dominate. This is Giannis’ league till further notice.
