James Harden finished second in MVP voting last season — continuing an impressive streak of top-two finishes. He averaged 36.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game, keeping Houston afloat as CP3 dealt with injuries. His shooting splits were impressive too — .442/.368/.879, featuring constant trips to the line. His pick-and-roll ability, step-back 3s and knack for contact are special. He’s locked into the top five for now.
Now the reigning MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo has put himself in the league’s upper echelon. Even without a reliable jumper, his unmatched length, strength and athleticism put tremendous stress on opposing defenses. He’s able to prance to the rim through traffic, euro-stepping hapless defenders and throwing down nasty posters. He led the league in dunks, shot 57.8 percent from the field, and finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting. Milwaukee is in good hands.
The extent to which people forgot about Kawhi Leonard during his M.I.A. season in San Antonio was, in hindsight, laughable. Toronto’s championship run reminded fans of Leonard’s status as a top-three NBA player. He lifted a thin Raptors roster to the Finals, showcasing an impressive blend of strength, shot-making and athleticism in the Michael Jordan-lite mold. He’s a top-level on-ball defender, can make basic reads as a passer and showed leadership skills in Toronto. Now he’s home.
I’m firm in this belief. There’s a strong argument for placing Stephen Curry No. 1, as LeBron James’ inevitable decline is finally in action. No offensive player can warp a defense like Curry. He’s the ultimate off-ball threat, gunning around screens, gravitating toward open space and hitting impossible shots on the move. He’s also a special on-ball talent, bending defenses with his pull-up threat in the pick-and-roll. Add in elite finishing, underrated vision and solid defense, and Curry sits comfortably in this spot.
Last season was a strange one for LeBron James — to a point where I’m willing to write it off, at least partially, as a fluke. There’s legitimacy to the idea James is declining. He’s no longer a plus defender, his jumper wavers at times and his athleticism is beginning to crack. But he’s also LeBron freaking James. His strength, playmaking chops and instincts are undeniable. He can pinpoint passes at unimaginable angles, all while bullying smaller defenders on drives or torturing slower defenders on the perimeter. He sticks at No. 1 for now, but runs the risk of losing it.
Rankings are highly subjective and will always differ from person to person. Feel free to leave your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.