This list may be controversial, but that means it will lead to discussions. A little background on my NBA knowledge; I grew up being a fan of LeBron James until the age of 12. As I played the game, I modeled my playing style to that of Kobe Bryant and later Stephen Curry. I’ve been playing basketball since the age of 10 (the 5th grade). While I’ve been watching NBA basketball since the 6th grade. I am a Lakers fan, because Kobe Bryant is my favorite player of all time. I then did research on the Lakers organization and became a fan of most of their rosters, including the showtime Lakers led by Earvin “Magic” Johnson jr. and Kareem-Abdul Jabbar. I would consider myself an overall basketball fanatic. As I’ve been able to appreciate where the NBA was and where its being led to by the stars of today’s league. So here is my list for the Top Ten (Current) NBA Players, from the 2018-2019 regular season.
#10 – Kyrie Irving
My reasoning for putting Kyrie Irving at number 10 on this list is because although Irving has been a perennial All-star for the past six years, is one of the best offensive players in the league. There are simply 9 other players that are better than him as a whole.
#9 – Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard, before his injury in the 2017 Playoffs, was arguably a top three player in the league; an at the time, a top three MVP candidate as well. Kawhi is a great two way player, but is coming off of an injury, and trade from the San Antonio Spurs to the Toronto Raptors. Knowing that he is not at 100%, Leonard has falen off a little, but still is a top ten player, and will rise back to the top 5 soon.
#8 – Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook is a top ten player in the league, no question. His achievements throughout the last few years allow him to be on the list. Averaging a triple double for the last three seasons. Although this has not translated to playoff success. During the regular season though, that is where Westbrook thrives.
#7 – Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry is known as the greatest shooter of all time, he is a versatile offensive player. And a decent defender at best within the system of the Golden State Warriors. This year he has been efficient, he is just not playing to the best of his ability considering that he is sharing the court with 3 to four other all-stars.
#8 – Paul George
This year, Paul George is playing the best basketball of his career. Averaging 28 ppg, 8 rb’s, and 4 ast’s on 43.8 shooting percentage and 83.9 percent from the free throw. This is while he is the number one option on the Oklahoma City Thunder.
#5 Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis right now, being injured and only playing in slightly more than half of the season, is still a top 5 player in the league simply for the fact that he averaged 25 ppg, 12 rb’s, and 3 ast’s on 51.7 shooting percentage. amd he is just entering his prime.
#4 Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis had a break out season this year (2018-2019), averaging 27 ppg, 12 rb’s, and 5 ast’s while shooting a very effective 57.8%. Giannis and Kawhi have been the leading showman of the east ever since LeBron decided to sign with a western conference team, leaving the eastern conference for the first time in his career. Giannis will continue to grow as a player, only being 24 years old. He still has to go into his prime.
#3 James Harden
James harden has been in contention for the MVP award for the last 4 seasons, and had a league high 32 games in which he scored over 30 points. He is a prolific scorer, although he has not won a championship, it is only a matter of time if he keeps up his consistent play. Harden is only #3 because there are two individual players that are just better than him.
#2 Kevin Durant
I kidding with this image, but besides that, Kevin Durant has been a top two player for the last couple of seasons. Has won 2 championships and 2 finals MVP’s, has countless scoring records. And is overall a great player, and a lot of people have him as the best player in the league, which i would agree on the stand point that, he is the best player on the best team. But there is one guy who Kevin Durant has been chasing for his career that is still playing to this day.
#1 LeBron James
LeBron is just LeBron, nothing else to say. Except that before the injuries occured to the Lakers, they were a top seed in the conference. But once the injuries occurred to such players; LeBron James, Lonzo Ball, Rajon Rondo, Brandon Ingram. Were injured they fell out of the playoffs.
Top Ten (Current) NBA Players 