Top NBA player #15 — Paul George
All jokes aside, Paul George is still the ultimate 3-and-D superstar. He was the Clippers’ best player for stretches in the postseason, and while his shoulder injury was problematic in 2019-20, it’s safe to expect a healthy and revitalized George in 2020-21. He signed a max contract because he’s worth a max contract. An elite shooter, three-level scorer, and All-Defensive caliber wing are rarely packaged in the same player.
Top NBA player #14 — Chris Paul
Chris Paul took the Thunder to the brink of the second round after entering the season with throwaway expectations. He is getting older, and he’s not as quick as he was in his prime, but Paul remains the Point God. He can control the flow of a game like few others, and Phoenix has a real chance to make noise in the West because of his presence.
Top NBA player #13 — Jayson Tatum
The next true MVP candidate to emerge could be Jayson Tatum. An elite isolation scorer, blessed with tremendous athleticism and skill, Tatum has proven he can carry the Celtics to victory in tight games. He has also proven his mettle as one of the NBA’s top wing defenders, with the length and strength to guard all over the floor. The Celtics got a gem.
Top NBA player #12 — Joel Embiid
After last season ended in disappointment, Joel Embiid is in line for a bounce-back campaign. With more shooters at his side and a revamped offense under Doc Rivers, Embiid is set to operate with more space and purpose than he ever has. No player can physically dominate the interior like Embiid. He is one of a kind in the modern NBA. Expect a return to 2018-19 form.
Top NBA player #11 — Anthony Davis
Officially an NBA champion and one of two MVP candidates on the Lakers roster, Anthony Davis has finally earned his respect in LA. He is one of the top rim protectors on the planet, as well as a versatile offensive threat. He can bully small defenders in the post, torch slow-footed bigs off the dribble, or bomb away from 3-point range. He led the Lakers in scoring over LeBron James last season.