With the NBA Season ending a few weeks ago, there is a debate now about the Top 5 Players in the NBA going into next season. Below is a detailed list of the Top 5 Players in the NBA.
Top Five Players in the NBA
The Top Five Ranking
1. Nikola Jokic
Last Season’s Stats
Regular Season Stats: 24.5 ppg, 11.8 rebounds, and 9.8 assists
Postseason Stats: 30 ppg, 13.5 rebounds, and 9.5 assists
Why He Is First
Nikola Jokic just had one of the greatest playoff runs ever. He led the playoffs in total points, rebounds, and assists. He is the first player in NBA History to have such a run statistically. Nikola is a winner, and he does it by balancing unselfish play with times when he needs to take over in his offense. In every moment in the playoffs, he produced. He is efficient as he shot 63.2% from the floor and 38.3% from three in the Regular season, and in the Playoffs, Jokic shot 54.8% from the floor and 46.6% from three.
More importantly, he is a two-time MVP and a Finals MVP. Enough said.
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Last Season’s Stats
Regular Season Stats: 31.1 ppg, 11.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists
Postseason Stats: 23.3 points, 11 rebounds, and 5.3 assists
Why He Is Second
Milwaukee’s playoff run ended early because of the back injury that derailed Giannis Antetokounmpo for 2.5 games. Therefore, Miami got the momentum that led to the NBA Finals. Giannis is still a top-2 player in the NBA because he played more than 11 minutes in the playoffs and averaged 23 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists. While his turnovers and free-throw shooting caused the Bucks to lose, he is arguably the best offense and defensive force in basketball.
When healthy, he is unstoppable in the paint and produces in the postseason. Giannis dominantly affects the game on both ends of the court, and the players below him on the list cannot do that as well. While he did lose to the Miami Heat, Giannis’ greatness is not denied because he has shown up in big moments and did not play poorly in those two losses. Unfortunately, he did not make free throws which is the difference between him and Jokic.
3. Stephen Curry
Last Season’s Stats
Regular Season Stats: 29.4 ppg, 6.1 rebounds, and 6.3 assists
Postseason Stats: 30.2 points per game, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.1 assists
Why He Is Third
Although Stephen Curry got bounced in the second round, he carried the Warriors in both of their playoff series. He had a masterful 50-point contest against the Sacramento Kings in Game 7 of their first-round series. He is the best shooter ever, and Steph fits so well into a motion offense or a high pick-and-roll. Curry is a masterful player who won Finals MVP in 2022. Steph allowed the Warriors to get past the Kings and challenge the Lakers this season.
However, Curry is not higher on this list because of two reasons. He does not defend or rebound as well as Jokic or Giannis. The ability to fill up the stat sheet is important for impacting the game in multiple ways. In the Playoffs, his rebounding, assist numbers, and three-point shooting percentage dipped. Since he cannot guard as well as Giannis or Jokic, he needs to be more efficient and productive from three, and he wasn’t that in the Lakers series.
4. Jimmy Butler
Last Season Stats
Regular Season Stats: 22.9 ppg, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.3 assists
Postseason Stats: 26.9 ppg, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists
Why He Is Fourth
When it comes to Jimmy Butler, look at his resume. He went to three ECFs in four years and made two finals appearances. He wills his team to win through his ability to dominate the midrange, score well in the fourth, and defend at a high level. While he struggled in the finals, Butler proved he could get it done. He beat the number one seed Bucks in five games, dismantled the Knicks, dominated in Game 7 against the Celtics, and never wavered his confidence.
Furthermore, we always see Jimmy Butler competing in late May and Early June. Therefore, it is time to say he is a top-five player because he guided a less-talented roster to the finals. He does not have the dynamic defensive or offensive abilities that Curry, Giannis, and Jokic do.
5. Kevin Durant
Last Season Stats
Regular Season: Stats 29.1 ppg, 6.7 rebounds, and five assists
Postseason Stats: 29 ppg, 8.7, and 5.5 assists
Why He Is Fifth
Since Kevin Durant is an unbelievable player who still produces, he deserves to be a top 5 player. His offensive skillset and defensive ability make him a great player. He scores from every spot on the court effectively and efficiently. However, I have him below the other four guys because Durant does not win enough. With the Suns, he flamed out against the Nuggets and lost by 30 in Game 6. Butler made it to the finals with less talent, Curry produced better in the playoffs, Giannis has won more recently, and Jokic is flat-out a better player and winner. Durant is great, but he needs to produce better against more physical defenders and get the Suns to the Western Conference Finals.
