Jimmy Butler continues to provide all-world defense and steadfast offensive stardom for the Heat. He doesn’t shoot as many 3s as one might like, and he’s prone to deferring a little too often for a star of his magnitude, but few are more capable of taking over a game when it really matters. Butler is one of the best clutch players of his generation.
Paul George is probably underrated relative to his current (and previous years’) level of stardom. Not long ago, he was a top-3 MVP candidate in OKC. We’re talking about much more than the “best No. 2 in the league” — George has proven that he can be the No. 1 when called upon, slicing defenses apart with slippery footwork and a deadly pull-up game.
Kawhi Leonard at full strength would have a case for No. 1, but when was the last time Kawhi Leonard was at full strength? Injuries have done irreparable harm to Leonard’s career post-Toronto. It’s unfortunate. He has already missed 27 games this season, but when he does play, he often offers a strong reminder of why he’s a two-time Finals MVP.