Top 50 NBA players: Where do Sixers’ stars rank?
77. . SF. Los Angeles Clippers. Kawhi Leonard. 5. player
Top NBA player #5 — Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard’s degenerative leg condition is worrisome. The Clippers’ playoff collapse went well beyond him, but Leonard looked slow and out of sorts in crucial stretches — the opposite of what we came to expect during Toronto’s championship run the season prior. That said, Leonard made huge strides as a facilitator last season. He played some of his best basketball in a Clippers uniform. Hopefully proper rest helps him get back to that form.
Luka Doncic. 4. player. 79. . PG. Dallas Mavericks
Top NBA player #4 — Luka Doncic
The early favorite for MVP is Luka Doncic. The 21-year-old has defied even the highest expectations, averaging 28.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 8.8 assists in just his second year. The Mavs are on the brink of a breakout, with Doncic’s supercharged shot creation at the center of it all. He is simultaneously the best passer and one of the best isolation scorers in basketball.
SG. Houston Rockets. James Harden. 3. player. 169.
Top NBA player #3 — James Harden
James Harden, too, is both an elite facilitator and an elite isolation scorer. The Rockets have built their entire system around Harden’s skill set for years. He has sneaky strength, a deadly step-back, and a penchant for foul-drawing that makes him virtually unguardable. Harden can force his way to the rim, or shoot over the top from 3-point range. He averaged 34.3 points and 7.5 assists in what one could justifiably call a “down year.”
Milwaukee Bucks. Giannis Antetokounmpo. 2. player. 89. . PF
Top NBA player #2 — Giannis Antetokounmpo
Officially signed to a five-year supermax extension, Giannis Antetokounmpo will keep Milwaukee in the title conversation for years to come. A 7-footer with unmatched strength, length, and explosiveness, Antetokounmpo is a freight train once he gets downhill. Lack of a jump shot aside, it’s virtually impossible to keep him from the rim. Few defenders are strong enough, and those who are are seldom quick enough. Add in great court vision, and Giannis is the two-time MVP for a reason.
Los Angeles Lakers. LeBron James. 1. player. 20. . SF
Top NBA player #1 — LeBron James
This spot could justifiably belong to Giannis. That said, there’s no player more trustworthy in critical moments than LeBron James. He will elevate his performance and rise to the occasion, especially in the playoffs — it’s a given. Last season, the 35-year-old James averaged a career-high 10.2 assists per game. He’s still evolving in year 16. At this point, it’s impossible to predict a decline. He may very well make All-Star games until he’s 40.
Next. Top 30 players in Sixers history. dark
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