Yesterday, I was sitting at the Mavericks game with my brother discussing the top players in the NBA right now. My brother and I were each naming off top players in the league, when a fan behind us suddenly interjected because he heard us mention Kawhi.
“Kawhi does not even belong in the top-5.”- the fan behind us said.
Absolutely shocked that somebody would say such an outlandish comment, I tried not to roll my eyes and instead listed off the reasons why Kawhi is a top-5 player in the league. The fan merely breezed over my reasons only to tell me that Harden was a top-3 player in the league. That is when I knew I could not reason with this fan, so I went back to enjoy the Mavericks beat up on the Spurs.
With that being said I wanted to finalize my list of top-3 players in the NBA AT THIS MOMENT. My rankings are more of how a player can impact a team. I prefer to see how this player can make a team a force/threat in the post season.
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Averages 30.5 ppg 12.9 rebounds a game 5.7 assists a game
Right now, Giannis leads his team in points, rebounds, and assists per game. The reigning MVP has solidified himself in the top-3 because he has been the main reason why the Bucks has had so much success. The Greek Freak has brought the Bucks to the #1 seed and the conference finals. Without Giannis, the Bucks would be a fighting for a playoff spot. Giannis ensures they are one of top spots in the playoffs. All Giannis needs to do to move up in the rankings is claim the Eastern Conference crown, and show that he can beat even the top defenses.
2. LeBron James
Averages 25.7 ppg 7.6 rebounds a game 10.6 assists a game
I know some may argue this, but I cannot leave LeBron out of my top-3 list just yet. I know he is older, but LeBron continues to show he is one of the best players in the league. First off, LeBron is leading the league in assists by a whole assist (no other player is averaging more than 9.4). People will complain that LeBron is not scoring enough points. That is because is making his teammates better. Averaging over 25 points and 10 assists a game is an incredible stat. LeBron has shown that what ever team he is on can make a run in the playoffs. Not many players in the NBA can say that.
1.Kawhi Leonard
Averages 25.9 ppg 8.0 rebounds a game 5.1 assists a game
The top player in the NBA is Kawhi Leonard. Being the top player in the NBA is not just offense, but defense as well. Kawhi has a significant edge over other players when it comes to defense. He can guard almost anybody in the game. In addition, he plays incredible on the offensive side inside the paint, and beyond the arc. What sets Kawhi apart from everyone else is his clutch gene. Kawhi is one of the most clutch players in the league. Kawhi took out Giannis and the #1 seed Bucks last year, and scored when the moment mattered the most. Just look at the 2019 finals or the last second shot to beat the 76ers in game 7. LeBron has shown he is not as clutch. Just look at the 2011 finals, and the 2016 finals where it was Kyrie’s go-ahead shot that sealed the deal over the Warriors. Kawhi is a terminator on the offensive and defensive side of the ball, and he is best when it matters most. His clutch-ness even made our Top-10 moments of 2019.
Kawhi showed that he was the best player last year, and has the belt. No one has taken it from him yet.
Honorable Mentions:
- Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant were not included because they are injured and out for the season.
- James Harden- great at scoring, but he has not been able to do that in the playoffs to get his team even to the conference finals
- Anthony Davis- excellent player, but LeBron is more valuable for the Lakers with his assists.
- Joel Embiid- Embiid has shown he can be one of the best players. He is just not nearly consistent enough.
- Luka Doncic- He has had an incredible career in the NBA thus far, but has yet to take down some of the best teams and players on a consistent basis
Below is where the other contributors rank their top-3:
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