Top 50 NBA players: #5 — Kevin Durant
Injuries have cut into Kevin Durant’s season, but he has been as good as ever when healthy. He’s averaging 28.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 5.2 assists on 52.8 percent shooting. The 7-footer has adjusted seamlessly to his star teammates when afforded the opportunity to play. He’s still unguardable, with a sky-high release point and limitless range on his jumper. Durant can play small-ball five or mimic point guard duties. He is a bucket from each and every spot on the floor, with no crippling weaknesses to his game. When he’s healthy, he’s as elite as elite comes.
Top 50 NBA players: #4 — Giannis Antetokounmpo
There’s a case to be made that Giannis Antetokounmpo deserves his third consecutive MVP. He’s still a domineering offensive force and system-making defender. His lack of a 3-point shot gets harped on too much. It very rarely matters, for his ability to lower his shoulder and plow to the rim opens up countless opportunities, both for himself and for the Bucks’ offense as a whole. On the season, he’s averaging 28.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 6.2 assists on 56.5 percent shooting. He won’t win Defensive Player of the Year, but he probably deserves more credit in that conversation.
Top 50 NBA players: #3 — James Harden
Bad luck and unfortunate circumstances have dulled James Harden’s playoff résumé, but he’s one of the greatest offensive players ever. The Nets have been world-beaters all season despite KD’s absence. Harden deserves the most credit. It’s him who organizes and distributes the ball for the NBA’s most diverse and dynamic offense. He’s unselfish, but in a pinch, also the best isolation scoring guard in basketball. Harden is averaging 25.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 10.9 assists on 46.3 percent shooting, and he deserves real MVP consideration.
Top 50 NBA players: #2 — Kawhi Leonard
Nagging injuries tarnished Kawhi Leonard’s latest postseason run, but he continues to perform like the best of the best. The Clippers are a real contender, and the main reason why is the simple fact that Leonard can go toe-to-toe with anyone. He’s automatic in isolation — a prolific shooter with the strength and finesse to carve out space anywhere on the court. On defense, he remains a prime counter to the NBA’s elite wing scorers. Leonard’s growth as a playmaker has rectified his biggest weakness, and very few superstars can carry Leonard’s load on both ends. He’s averaging 26.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.0 assists on 51.5 shooting.
Top 50 NBA players: #1 — LeBron James
There’s not much of a conversation here. There have been arguments for KD, Giannis, Steph, Kawhi, you name it, but no one has ever truly supplanted LeBron as the NBA’s top player. The 36-year-old James was, to some, the leading MVP candidate before injuring his ankle. He’s playing as well as ever — 25.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 7.9 assists on 51.3 percent shooting. There is no player I trust more in the playoffs, and frankly, no player I trust more in the regular season. Still. LeBron continues to defy Father Time, and who are we to guess how much longer that can happen?