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Whenever there is a ranking of anything, controversy follows. It doesn’t matter if you are ranking the top pizza restaurants, top movies, top 5 MC’s or in this case the top ten current NBA (National Basketball Association) players. This is not a MVP (Most Valuable Player) list, this is not a who you would pick to start your franchise with list, this is simply the top ten players in NBA at this moment. There is an abundance of great players in the NBA right now and not everyone can make this list. Let’s see who did!
10. John Wall
John Wall is having an excellent season for the Washington Wizards, who are third in the eastern conference standings. Wall is definitely the key to their success as he is averaging 23 points, 10.7 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game (which is tied for the league lead). The Wizards’ point guard is also shooting 45% from the field and 81% from the free throw line.
9. Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler has been very productive this year amongst the drama in Chicago. Even with the team being very inconsistent, the team’s inconsistency has not rubbed off on Butler. The former University of Marquette standout is averaging 24.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game while shooting 45% from the field, 35% from 3-point range and 86% from the free throw line. Butler carries the offensive load while also defending the best player on the other team.
8. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo is having a breakout season for the Milwaukee Bucks averaging 23.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.9 blocks and 1.8 steals per game, leading his team in each category. The Greek Freak has lived up to his nickname showing rare versatility by playing everything from point guard to center and shooting 53% from the field.
7. Steph Curry
Steph Curry is having another great season for the Golden State Warriors averaging 25 points, 6.3 assists and 1.7 steals per game. The two-time MVP is shooting 47% from the field, 42% from 3-point range and 91% from the free throw line helping lead the Warriors to the best record in the league.
6. Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis has consistently improved each year since coming into the NBA. This year he has been healthy and producing at a very high level averaging 28 points, 12 rebounds, 2.4 blocks and 1.3 steals per game. The “Brow” has also been very efficient this season, leading the league in 2-point field goals made while shooting 50% from the field, 31% from 3-point territory and 80% from the free throw line.
5. James Harden
James Harden has been cooking defenses all season. Coach Mike D’antoni’s move to have “The Beard” play point guard has worked brilliantly. Harden has averaged 29 points, 11.3 assists and 8.1 rebounds per game this season helping to lead the Houston Rockets to the third seed in the Western Conference thus far in the season.
4. Russell Westbrook
What more can you say about Russell Westbrook that hasn’t been said? The man they call “Brodie” is an absolute monster on the court going 100 miles per hour at all times. Westbrook is averaging a triple-double this season, 31 points, 10.3 assists and 10.6 rebounds per game. Westbrook has adjusted well to life after K.D. (Kevin Durant) carrying the Oklahoma City Thunder into playoff contention.
3. Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard has rapidly improved since coming into the NBA. The silent assassin is arguably the best defensive player in the league and one of the most efficient and productive offensive players in the league. Leonard is averaging 26 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game while shooting 49% from the field, 39% from 3-point range and 89% from the free throw line. The former San Diego State University star is definitely the driving force behind the San Antonio Spurs being a championship contender yet again.
2. Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant has transitioned to the Golden State Warriors seamlessly as he has done nothing but prove why he is one of the top basketball players in the world. Durant has averaged 25.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.1 steals per game. The offensive production is nothing new for Durant, but he is playing the best defense of his career. The long and lanky small forward just recently sprained the MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament) in his left knee along with deeply bruising his bone. The injury will keep him off the court for at least four weeks. We will see how losing the second best player in the NBA will affect the Warriors going forward.
1. LeBron James
LeBron James is still the best player in the world. This season has been yet another phenomenal year thus far. “The King” is averaging 25.7 points, 8.9 assists, 7.8 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. James is definitely the main reason the Cleveland Cavaliers are favored to come out of the Eastern Conference and make yet another appearance in the NBA finals.
Thank you for reading this article and please let me know who you have on your top ten list.