It looks as if LeBron James’s time as being ranked the number one overall best player in the NBA has come to an end. Many analysts, articles, and other rankings have Kevin Durant and even Giannis Antetokounmpo listed ahead of James. With a new crop of NBA stars rising through the ranks, LeBron may slip even further as time goes on.
How Good is LeBron James at This Point in His Career?
The fact that LeBron James will be 37 in December and still ranked in the top three amongst the NBA’s best speaks to his talent. James pays over $1.5 million dollars each season keeping his body in shape and incorporates a rigorous training regimen to continue to compete at an elite level.
Because of his hard work ethic, LeBron should be able to remain near the top this season. Also, he has one of the highest basketball I.Qs of all time which will also allow him to outperform the competition.
LeBron is still a great player, but is now a top three player instead of the absolute best.
Is Kevin Durant Truly the Best Player?
Durant is entering his age 33 campaign, yet still performs at an extremely high level. Due to his length and athleticism, KD is one of the hardest players to guard in the entire league. Preparing to lead the Nets to a deep postseason run, Durant is the current best player in the NBA.
Even if Kyrie Irving misses time due to covid vaccine concerns, Durant and James Harden should have no trouble winning games for Brooklyn.
Will Giannis Take Over the Number One Spot?
Expect Giannis Antetokounmpo to become consistently ranked number one overall within the next couple of seasons. As LeBron and KD age, Giannis is on deck and ready to go. At just 26 years old and with a championship already on his resume, Giannis could be the best player in the league for the foreseeable future once he passes Durant.
Who Else Could Be at the Top?
Steph Curry is arguably already the greatest three point shooter of all time. He also has led the Warriors to multiple NBA Finals victories and is certainly in the conversation for current best player.
Nikola Jokic is fresh off of an MVP season and is the most dominant center in the game. In a modern generation where big men sometimes become an afterthought, Jokic is keeping the position relevant.
Joel Embiid is another top tier center. With Ben Simmons seemingly on his way out of Philadelphia, the 76ers are now completely Embiid’s team. We will see if a center can lead a contending team in the current state of the NBA.
And finally, Luka Doncic. Doncic might have the highest ceiling out of everybody on this list not named Giannis Antetokounmpo. He is still just 22 years old and looks poised and confident on the court.
If Kristaps Porzingis can get back to his star-esque self, Doncic will have a real chance of taking this Mavericks team to the NBA Finals. The skys the limit for Luka Doncic.
Between the veterans like Lebron and KD, and the youth such as Donic and Giannis, the NBA has plenty of talent and is in good hands. We are in store for another very exciting season.
