You don’t realized how absolutely stacked the NBA is in talent until you sit down and begin to put together your top 10 player list. It’s one thing to put together a generic list off the top of your head; It’s another thing to actually sit down and put together a legitimate list that you intend to share with thousands of readers. Making the list even surprised me while I was making it. I couldn’t believe that I was leaving out top MVP candidates like Isaiah Thomas and Jimmy Butler. Other all-stars like Blake Griffin and Chris Paul didn’t crack the top 10 either. I hope you take the time to read my reasoning behind each selection before criticizing my selections. The Great TPR’s 2017-2018 Pre-Season Top 10 Player Ranking:
10. John Wall- Washington Wizards
John Wall has been the center of debate in the Eastern Conference for the past couple of years. After Derrick Rose tore his ACL, the debate for the best point guard in the East has been on going, with John Wall remaining at the center of it. While Kyrie Irving may be one of the best isolation scorers in basketball, and Isaiah Thomas is the “King In The Fourth”, John Wall finally solidified himself as the Eastern Conference’s best point guard last season. Wall managed to facilitate an offense, lead a competitive team, score at will, all while being the best defensive all-star point guard in the NBA. The Wizards lacked the depth to compete with Boston, and remain a star shy from truly competing with Cleveland. I’m not going to lie, him not taking over game seven versus Boston is a summary of many reasons why I have John Wall below Paul George on this list. However, Wall’s talent and will to win landed him a spot in my my top 10 list.
9. Paul George- Oklahoma City Thunder
I’ve always regarded Paul George on a tier above Gordon Hayward and Jimmy Butler. For a while there, Paul George was competing for a top 5 spot in the NBA. For whatever reason, the summer before he broke his leg, his off the court issues involving women somehow affected George in a way he just quite hasn’t recovered from yet. That being said, George is now having his second baby with that exotic stripper and signs from his Instagram hint that he’s now in a relationship with the woman. Maybe the stability, and team will help elevate his game back to form. Despite the struggles I just mentioned, Paul George remains a very productive two way player in the NBA who has potential to rise back up to the top 5 slot. Like most of the top 5 list, he can score on anyone in the NBA and can guard multiple positions.
8. Giannis Antetokounmpo- Milwaukee Bucks
I was very, very cautious and hesitant to hop on the Giannis Antetokounmpo bandwagon. NBA fans quickly gravitated towards “The Greek Freak” of Nigerian descent due to his unique style of play and charming personality. While I do like the kid, I needed his game to win me over. Giannis’s relentless worth ethic ultimately lead him to lead the Bucks in several categories this season, and treated us to one of the few playoffs series last year with the Toronto Raptors. The Greek Freak continues to elevate his game and dominate numerous teams, despite the Bucks’ second best player Jabari Parker tearing his ACL. While his 22-9-5 average is impressive, the real eye opener for me is his ability to make plays on the defensive end as well (1.6 STL 1.9 BLK last season). The scariest thing about Antetokounmpo? He’s a few years away from even hitting his prime. Think about that.
7. James Harden- Houston Rockets
James Harden is one of the best isolation scorers in the game of basketball, along side Kyrie Irving. With a Mike D’Antoni offense tailored around him, James Harden showed us just what he is capable of with the basketball in his hands. Pick & rolls, running the fast break, facilitating, slashing, shooting, and scoring off the dribble: James Harden can do it all. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out why James is outside my top 5. On our Instagram page, Harden has landed himself the nickname of “James Har_en” because the defensive is missing. Yes, there are highlights of him making a few defensive plays here and there. That doesn’t justify him not willing to play defense night in and night out. With the game on the line, Harden has also repeatedly shown us that he simply is not clutch. You can read an SB Nation article here showing you some statistics to justify the claim that I’ve been making for years. James is very talented, but sometimes will has to play into the equation.
6. Russell Westbrook- Oklahoma City Thunder
Speaking of “will”, the MVP landed himself a spot just above James Harden. If you took “Brodie” off the Thunder, they probably had the worst roster in the entire NBA. Despite the roster weaknesses, Westbrook averaged a 30 point triple double and lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to the playoffs. Westbrook fans and critics both agree that his biggest weakness is his shot selection and ball dominant instincts. That being said, he is the most explosive guard in the NBA, and plays with a fearless heart. Russ is clutch, dominant, and electrifying to watch. I’d love to see him play in a better system with better teammates. Until then, I don’t mind Westbrook being selfish.
5. Anthony Davis- New Orleans Pelicans
Anthony Davis of the New Orleans Pelicans is often forgotten about when discussing the NBA’s top players. He hasn’t exactly been as healthy as he’d like to be over his NBA tenure. Then again, bad teams often have a way of keeping their star player on the sideline (and vice versa). While wing players are usually better at “carrying teams” because the ball is in their hands more often, I’m not going to ignore the dominance of Anthony Davis. Davis averaged 28-11-2 while remaining a force on the defensive end. NBA fans often mistake BLK and STL stats as the mark of a good defensive player. That’s not necessarily the case with most great defenders. Davis’ presence alters the way offensive players attack the rim in many ways. He contests shots and guards the pick & roll really well. When healthy, he is a very intelligent and efficient player who shouldn’t be forgotten about. Davis is a reminder that stats aren’t everything. Notice how stats watchers never include Davis in their top 7 list.
4. Steph Curry- Golden State Warriors
When it comes to making Kevin Durant jokes, reminding the world of the fact that the Warriors blew a 3-1 lead, or basically anything related to mocking the Warriors, I am always at the head of the line waiting. However, when it’s time to be serious, I have to admit that Steph Curry is the best point guard in basketball. Keep in mind that this high ranking can be viewed as a product of the system, but that isn’t a bad thing. Steph plays in a tough Mark Jackson defense, and in a complicated offense which is primarily built around Mike D’Antoni philosophies which Steve Kerr learned from his Phoenix days, and having that luxury of roster continuity. Steph is also an underrated passer, having the ability to put the ball wherever he wants it, even with his remarkable Steve Nash like left hand passing ability. It’s no debate that Steph is the best off the dribble three point shooter of all time. To add to all that, his relentless work ethic has allow him to handle the basketball as well as anyone in the League, and score around the rim against the best of them. You can say he’s a product of the system or team, but you can’t argue that he has made three straight NBA finals, with two regular season MVPs.
3. Kawhi Leonard- San Antonio Spurs
Kawhi Leonard earned the nickname, “Lyin Ass Mamba” because he denied the reports which said that he worked out with Kobe Bryant last summer, despite the fact that his offensive game suddenly resembled Kobe Bryant’s in so many additional ways than it had in the past. Kawhi went from being a system player, to a dominant two way athlete who can score on anyone. To add to his efficient scoring ability, he is also a very clutch performer. The best defender in the League, a terrifying scorer, and about to enter his prime, Kawhi Leonard is in a strong position to surpass Kevin Durant and grab the torch from LeBron James. It just hasn’t happened quite yet.
2. Kevin Durant- Golden State Thunder
We can call him snake, cupcake, KowarD and many other mean nicknames. End of the day, Kevin Durant is an NBA champion and Finals MVP. You all know how I feel about Kevin Durant’s decision to join Golden State. The Warriors didn’t need him, they just needed him not to play with Russell Westbrook. That being said, we can’t ignore Durant’s greatness. There is no player in NBA history that can guard Kevin Durant. KD stands at about 7’0″, moves and handles the basketball like a guard. Kevin Durant’s scoring ability is at an all-time great level. He isn’t afraid to play defense and his great shooting ability doesn’t make him hesitate from attacking the rim. As much as I hate Durant’s decision, I refuse to ignore his greatness. Kawhi has to take it up another notch to surpass Kevin Durant.
- LeBron James- Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron James’ greatness remains a threat to Michael Jordan’s G.O.A.T status. This threat has garnered LeBron a magnitude of hate unlike anything any dominant basketball player has ever faced before. The statistics during the regular season when LeBron misses games, and in the finals when he takes a quick break, should be very alarming for Cavaliers fans who hope to see “King James” bring another championship to the land. However, those same stats help prove James’ greatness. LeBron still possesses the most unique combination of size, strength and athleticism. James simply cannot be guarded one on one, (despite what haters may think), and he is the most selfless superstar we’ve ever seen in basketball. James is a pass first, high IQ, dominant scorer who can truly guard all 5 positions (don’t tell Jokic I said that though). Fans are rushing to dethrone The King and find any reason to diminish his greatness. However, the facts remain, if you want to beat LeBron James with a healthy team, you’re going to need two MVPs, one of the best shooting guards in the game, and the Defensive Player Of The Year to get it done.
I hope you took the time to read through my list. Unlike most lists, I factored in consistency, defensive efforts, and focused less on the stats. I’m sure players will move up and down the list based on their performance throughout the year. Looking forward to reading your feedback via @TPRx11.
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