1. We're in the playoffs. Heading into a critical 4th quarter. Can this player put my team on his back by doing it all? Scoring, facilitating, making high-percentage plays, being an overall leader and contributing on the defensive end? At the end of the day, it's all about winning playoff games and championships. Can this guy lead me to victory - or help me to victory - when it really matters?
2. In terms of stats, the 2020-21 season obviously gets the most weight, but previous seasons will NOT be ignored. Overall context must be considered.
3. Stats I personally look to: Points Per Game, Assists Per Game and Hollinger's overall Efficiency Rating. I look at blocks, rebounds and steals, too.
4. We're in an era of both "rest" and "load management". On top of that, guys seems to get injured all the damn time. So... can I count on this player? Will he be out there? Is he always hurt or taking nights off? I like durable, reliable, dependable players.
5. Generally speaking, does this player contribute to a winning culture? Or, is he the type of player who jumps around, never really making much impact from one stop to the next?
All right, the tension is killing me; let's roll...
50. Mike Conley, PG, Jazz: Mike Conley is a good, solid all-around basketball player. He's always done things the right way. He plays within himself, and within his team's specific offensive scheme. But... the injuries have been annoying and frustrating throughout his quality career. This is a point guard and floor general who could really be a top-40 player, but we haven't seen the consistency of durability to follow through on a ranking like that. Still, he was a key cog on a very strong Jazz team this season. As planned and desired, he has elevated the Jazz past the level that Ricky Rubio was able to provide. Rubio's Jazz had plateaued a few years ago, but now they continue to develop and improve with Conley as one of the key guards running the show.
49. Kyle Lowry, PG, Raptors: Here's a "six-foot" guard whom I've seen up close and personal. My friends, Kyle Lowry is not six feet. He might be 5-10. And that's just another credit to this young man. Lowry has been a grinder throughout his career, defying the odds while putting together one productive season after another. I always tell this story about Lowry:
One of my best friends - the great Aaron Torres - is a fellow UConn Husky. While we were students at the University of Connecticut, we went to see our boys face off with our hated rivals, the Villanova Wildcats. That particular season, big men Curtis Sumpter and Jason Frasor were all the rage. Everyone was talking about 'Nova's bigs early on. But "AT" and I saw an entirely different storyline developing: the Wildcats were about to be led by their guards. One of those guards was future NBA player Randy Foye. The other was future NBA all-star, Kyle Lowry. Lowry had that spark and spunk since day one. He stood out in a crowd of major recruits and big college names. He relentlessly attacked the rim and kept us on our heels all night, and AT and I knew we had seen somebody special.
Here we are, many years later, and Lowry is a six-time all-star and NBA champion. Great motor, great leader, great role model for smaller players who think they can't make it at higher levels.
48. Kristaps Porzingis, PF/C, Mavs: I'm just gonna be straight with ya - I'm not really a "Porzingis guy". I think initially I had him around No. 55 or 56. But, "The Unicorn" had quite a good season in Dallas. Thirty-third in Efficiency and 43rd in points per game; a fine combination. Of course he plays second fiddle to superstar Luka Doncic, and well, I still kinda think Porzingis is soft. Here's a long, athletic giant who can really do it all on the court - but how much does he really do with those gifts? If he exerted himself like say Lowry, or Montrezl Harrell, Marcus Smart or Draymond Green from Part I of my list - just think about how much he could accomplish. But I just feel like Porzingis plays with a fear of getting hurt; maybe due to internal trauma from past basketball-related injuries. That puts a ceiling on what he can do, ultimately. I don't think he'll ever become a superstar.
47. Malcolm Brogdon, PG, Pacers: Just does what he does. He likes to put pressure on opposing defenses, and his stat output has really ballooned since he joined the Pacers a few years back. He's a guy you want on your team - he's never on the defensive mentally; he goes after the opposition and doesn't back down. Thirty-sixth in points per game, and of course he can give you assists, leadership and overall energy as well.
46. Caris LeVert, G/F, Pacers: Here's one of the most frustrating young players in the game today. Caris LeVert's games played the past three seasons: 47, 45 and 40. And it's such a shame, too, because this kid can really freakin' ball. Here's a kid who returned to the court after the removal of a cancerous mass faster than anyone I've ever heard of. But no matter what the circumstances, we can never seem to get a full season out of him.
Here's a glimpse of what he can do: 43 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds against the Grizz on January 8. Thirty-one points, 12 assists and 3 blocks against the Hawks on May 6, and 35 points, 14 rebounds and 8 assists vs. the Wiz on May 8. Do I even have the explain the overall potential, here? LeVert can drive, shoot, dish, rebound and defend. He's a true all-around player, and he's still just 26 years of age. If he can ever stay healthy, we are talking about a top-35 player, here.
45. Kemba Walker, PG, Celtics: Don't you kind of feel like the mystique has worn off, here? Kemba has always been one of my favorite players - again, I am a UConn Husky - but sometimes he gets lost in the shuffle in Boston. Jayson Tatum is the best player on the Celtics, and Jaylen Brown's game continues to evolve. Kemba was more interesting, and more entertaining and simply better when he led the way for the Hornets/Bobcats. Still, he was 50th in points per game and 82nd in Efficiency, and we know he isn't afraid of taking the big shot. He's one of the leagues most comfortable big-shot takers and makers. There's value in that, and his veteran experience.
44. Deandre Ayton, C, Suns: Hard to find the right balance, here. The Suns just punched their ticket to the NBA Finals, and young Ayton has been a great story throughout the postseason. It's very easy to jump on board and immediately overrate him. I think on my first run through of this list, I had him around No. 35. But we can't go too crazy, here. This kid was 95th in the league in points per game. He's always been good, but it's not fair for him to suddenly rocket into my top 30, or something like that.
On the bright side: he's big, he's long, he's smart and he's a great kid and teammate. He knows exactly what he is supposed to be doing when he's on the court with both Chris Paul and Devin Booker (pictured above). He makes himself available in the pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop, and he finishes plays with emphasis and efficiency. He's just a good, young, sharp two-way center. If he continues developing at this pace, I'll definitely consider the top 30 next year.
43. Clint Capela, C, Hawks: I'll admit - I thought Capela was "living off the land" with James Harden and Chris Paul in Houston. Capela is a traditional catch-and-finish center, and I really thought most of his success was due to who was delivering the rock to him. But, my perception has quickly changed. Capela is the second-best player on a team that may be squeaking into the NBA Finals. He was 15th overall in Efficiency, and he's Trae Young's safety valve (or safety blanket, what have you). He's impactful on both ends of the floor, and I'm placing him one spot ahead of Ayton because he's proven more at this point in their respective careers.
42. Ja Morant, PG, Grizzlies: A tricky youngster to rank. Ja has a lot going for him - he has a cool name (which is great for marketing and "brand" recognition), he was drafted high, he has great ball skills and a good young coach. But, he wasn't even in the top 100 in Efficiency. That means his game is still raw, which we can also see with our own two eyes. Ultimately this is a good landing spot because he's at an early crossroads in his career - a good one, I think - he hasn't put it all together yet, but his young team is on the rise and he continues to improve on a personal level. If he stays healthy next season, he should be a lock for my top 40. Arrow pointing upward; just needs time to continue developing.
41. Jaylen Brown, SF, Celtics: He was sorely, sorely missed against my Nets. I think the Celtics could have given us a better run for our money with JB on the court. He just continues getting better and better. I see some player development similarities to Toronto's Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby, here. These are kids who showed you one type of game early in their careers, but they quickly redefined themselves into better, stronger, more versatile all-around players. Jaylen Brown ain't afraid to take-and-make. He's pulling the trigger, and his confidence is growing. 20th in points per game, which is quite an accomplishment considering how raw his game was just 3-4 years ago.
40. Jrue Holiday, PG, Bucks: Obvious similarities to Mike Conley, here. Conley and Holiday have always been solid two-way point guards. These guys play for you, all out, on both ends of the court. But that "all out" has obviously led to one injury after another. Maybe they've pushed themselves too hard. On the bright side, Holiday became the right piece alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. Giannis is the stat rat and best player on his team - filling up the box score - but he needs both Holiday and Khris Middleton to assist in closing tight games. Giannis isn't really the big-shot maker. So, that makes Holiday even more valuable than past years. Of course he gets a little recency bias bump for Milwaukee's overall success this season, too.
39. Jonas Valanciunas, C, Grizzlies: When I think of "underrated" in the NBA, my mind immediately jumps to Marcus Morris, Lou Williams, Jordan Clarkson and Valanciunas. It's easy to try to write Jonas off because he's a traditional big - but this guy is a monster. 6-11, 265 pounds and he runs rim-to-rim, relentlessly. For such a big, supposedly lumbering guy, his hands are amazing. Soft touch, great finisher, high energy and high efficiency. 14th in overall Efficiency this season, and he's a staple every year. That stat reflects his game - all he does is help you win, time and time again. People wanna automatically say Morant is the best player on the Grizz, but I simply don't agree. The Raptors f'd up on Jonas, ultimately. He's one of the best and most valuable bigs in the world, hands down. And he does it quietly.
38. Pascal Siakam, F/C, Raptors: I've already mentioned him in this piece and in Part I of my rankings, so I don't have much to add. He's the best all-around player on the Raptors right now. It was a down year, but they are still (relatively) recent champions. He's a good, young player on both ends of the floor.
37. Tobias Harris, F, Sixers: I dunno with these Sixers, man. It's hard to give them too much credit individually or collectively, right? They finished as the No. 1 seed in the East - ahead of my once-powerful Nets - and then they flopped out against the Hawks. Come on, the Sixers are a better all-around team than the Hawks. No excuses. They choked. The Hawks outworked them and they deserved to move on in the end. The Sixers didn't play up to their potential, and Tobias is just another spoke in that wheel. Sometimes, he looked like the clear go-to-guy ahead of the supposed leaders Embiid and Simmons. Still, where did that get them? Harris always lands around this spot on my list. He's a very good all-around player, but will never be a true star. He's in ranking purgatory.
36. Nikola Vucevic, C, Bulls: The move didn't make the splash that the Chicago Bulls expected. Zach LaVine and Vucevic actually sounded like a pretty deadly combination toward the bottom of the East's playoff seeds, but it simply didn't pan out that way. Normally I think I'd have "Vuc" around 27 to 32, but this season's runout rubbed me the wrong way. He's a stat rat. A stat machine. 20th in Efficiency and 26th in PPG; but maybe he isn't having the impact I thought he was.
35. CJ McCollum, G, Blazers: He is who he is. Always plays hard, and downhill, and attacks, attacks, attacks. Like Tobias Harris, he always seems to land in the same area on my lists. The Blazers never get over the hump. Thus, CJ never gets over the hump. Maybe he's more of a No. 3 man than a No. 2.
34. Bam Adebayo, C, Heat: A strong all-around big. Second fiddle to Jimmy Butler; 22nd in Efficiency and 54th in PPG. The Heat made an impressive run to The Finals last year, and Bam is a necessary high-energy and impact player on both ends of the floor.
33. De'Aaron Fox, PG, Kings: D-Fox is in the same category as Porzingis, for me. Fox is not a "Fro Guy" (Frascella Guy) as we like to say around these parts. Where is the impact on winning from this kid? But, I can't go off my own personal feelings. Fox was 16th in the NBA in scoring, and he's also the best individual defender on his team. Maybe his teammates are to blame, ultimately. I think I had him in the 40s on the first go-around, but I had to remove my biases from the equation. This is a fair spot for the youngster. He can really play on both ends of the floor.
32. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, G, Thunder: We cannot underestimate the impact Chris Paul had on the rapid development of this kid. But, I don't wanna give CP3 all the credit - "SGA" came into the league poised and wise beyond his years. The Thunder are short on overall talent right now, but SGA is a real leader in the making. He knows how to control tempo and he plays a smart, savvy all-around game. He belongs in the underrated category with the aforementioned Valanciunas.
31. Brandon Ingram, F, Pelicans: Just on pure ability, my natural instincts were to put Ingram near the top 25. I seem to draft him every single year in fantasy. He fills up the box score, and he's a very smooth player to watch. He continues to develop nicely in all facets of his game, but the Pelicans simply aren't winning. As we approach the top 30 and work our way down to the top 20, winning has to be in the equation. In basketball, strong stars can win games for you on their own. This can play out over the long haul of the season, too. Ingram simply isn't at that level, yet. He has seemingly unlimited potential, though.
30. Rudy Gobert, C, Jazz: Kind of a boring guy to write about, to be honest. Same old guy, every year. That's most certainly a good thing for the Jazz and their faithful. 17th in Efficiency, and always in the conversation for best defensive player in the world.
29. Jamal Murray, PG, Nuggets: Ooooooh, a tough one, here! He only played 48 games this season, and he was sorely missed in the postseason. But let's quickly rewind to last year's playoffs:
August 23, 2020: 50 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists @ the Jazz
August 25, 2020: 42 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists vs. the Jazz
August 30, 2020: 50 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds @ the Jazz
And with Gobert, Royce O'Neale and Conley, the Jazz are supposed to be one of the better defensive teams in the NBA, right? Well, Jamal tore them up. Plain and simple, how many players in the league can put up stat lines like that in the playoffs, under the utmost pressure?
So, Murray wasn't able to have a direct impact this season, but overall he clearly has a chance to be a top-20 player in value.
28. Julius Randle, PF/C, Knicks: If Murray was healthy, I would have put him ahead of Randle. Randle choked in the playoffs; it's as simple as that. Where was his trademark energy? He could not get a single thing going against the Hawks, and I really don't think they are a great defensive club. On the bright side, he was a backend MVP candidate this season. The Knicks came out of nowhere with a strong season and playoff appearance, and Randle was their leader and best player across the board. Think of it as a stepping stone - he needs to carry that performance over into the playoffs next year, if he wants to move up my famous list.
27. Domantas Sabonis, PF/C, Pacers: The poor man's Nikola Jokic, to me. An excellent all-around player; polished, efficient and unselfish. Pacers need to win more for him to move up.
26. Zion Williamson, F/C, Pelicans: Possibly the hardest player to rank this season. On paper, he was a superstar - 4th in Efficiency and 8th in points per game. We all know about his highlight-reel dunks and jaw-dropping all-around skillset; but we also know about his injuries and lack of winning. You get the idea, here. We need to see steady health and impact on winning.
25. DeMar DeRozan, SG/SF, Spurs: A pro's pro. One of the steadiest and most consistent all-around basketball players in the world. He's not top 20 anymore, but he's still close, to me. I'd take him as the No. 2 or 3 man on my team, any day of the week.
24. Karl-Anthony Towns, C, Wolves: Charles Barkley and I read that name and immediately think "soft". Towns is a fantasy darling, but like the Pelicans, Kings and Cavs, the Wolves just don't win. Towns never seems to overexert himself. He's such a gifted all-around player that he just coasts on that natural ability. It's a real shame. He's a frustrating young player.
23. Khris Middleton, SG/SF, Bucks: His value is immense in the relativity of the league. I talked about this in Jrue Holiday's blurb, earlier. Giannis is one of the young, important faces of the NBA - but he isn't a closer, yet. Middleton is often that guy for the Bucks, and they are two wins away from the NBA Finals. He is a very important player in the landscape of the league. He's very Scottie Pippen-esque, in this scenario.
22. Zach LaVine, G, Bulls: Oh man, did I go back-and-forth on Middleton and LaVine. It's hard to assess, because the Bulls couldn't even reach the playoffs. But, I think LaVine is a winner on his own. He has balls. He's already made a number of late, clutch shots in his young career, and his overall productivity continues to rise. He was 7th in the league in points per game. That is real star territory. If we clear it out, and the game is on the line, I'm giving the ball to LaVine over Middleton, in spite of their respective teams' records.
21. James Harden, G/F, Nets: If we're only talking about the regular season, Harden is probably a top-five player. But we're getting into the big boys, now. This isn't a regular season list. This is all about the big picture, and look at the facts:
-Harden's FG% in the regular season: 47.1% with the Nets
-Harden's FG% vs. the Bucks with the season on the line: 30.6%
Oh, you wanna write that one off due to injury? Okay, let's back up through time...
-Game 7 against the Warriors: 2 for 13 on threes, 5 turnovers, loss, eliminated.
-Game 6 against the Spurs: 2 for 11 from the floor, 2 for 9 on threes, 6 turnovers, loss, eliminated.
-Only NBA Finals appearance: 37% from the floor, 31% on threes, 12 turnovers and only 18 assists.
And the list goes on and on and on. Harden just can't get it done when it matters. You saw how quickly he gave that ball back to an exhausted Kevin Durant, right?
20. Russell Westbrook, PG, Wizards: Boy, the NBA has changed. Russell Westbrook averaged 22 points, 11.7 assists (led the NBA) and 11.5 rebounds per game. He averaged a triple-double... pretty easily, at that! And he's only No. 20 on my list?? Well, you know, same kinda deal here. Westbrook kills you in the playoffs. He makes boneheaded decisions and takes wild shots at exactly the wrong times. Again, regular season, he is probably top 15 or maybe even top 10. He's definitely top 10 on paper, but these rankings aren't only about "paper" and stats. We gotta be logical and realistic. Westbrook couldn't win with Kevin Durant or Paul George. There has to be some culpability, here.
19. Kyrie Irving, PG, Nets: Another extremely difficult player to rank. I honestly do believe my Nets would have won the NBA Championship if Kyrie was healthy enough to play. But we've seen this before, right? Remember the NBA Finals when LeBron and Matthew Dellavedova almost beat the mighty Warriors by themselves? Well, Kyrie wasn't healthy for that one, either. Also, he misses a lot of games during the regular season and takes very random nights off. I think Kyrie is one of the top 5 or 6 clutch players in the world, but he needs to physically be on the floor when it matters the most. That just hasn't been happening. He was sorely missed vs. the Milwaukee Bucks.
18. Chris Paul, PG, Suns: How can you not be happy for this guy? 41 points, 7-8 on threes, 8 assists, 4 rebounds and 3 steals in a career-defining closeout game?
I can't say I'm surprised. CP3 has always been a warrior. I truly hope this is his time.
It's plain and simple with this ranking, here (see #1 in my ranking criteria) - season on the line in the playoffs, who do you want on the court, Harden, Westbrook or CP3? I'm taking CP every day of the week, and twice on Sunday. It's much closer with Kyrie, but again, Kyrie couldn't manage to stay out there this year. Chris Paul is a winner and leader, through and through.
17. Jayson Tatum, F, Celtics: Now, you can easily say CP3 has "proven more" than Tatum. But we have to draw the line, somewhere - CP3 was 71st in the league in points per game this season. 18th is a very generous and fair ranking, given that relativity. Tatum was 11th in scoring and 34th in Efficiency, and how about dropping 50 on the Wizards in the play-in game, then dropping 50 and 40 on my Nets in Round 1? Tatum's star is most certainly on a rapid rise. A smooth, always-improving all-around performer.
16. Bradley Beal, G, Wizards: 2nd in the NBA in points per game. An all-around scoring machine. Also a great facilitator when he wants to be. With more winning, he's easily in the top 15. For now, he's on the outside looking in at 16.
15. Jimmy Butler, SF, Heat: Another warrior. Singlehandedly carried his team to the NBA Finals last season. This year he was 5th overall in Efficiency. He's just a great, tough two-way player. A real Pat Riley type of guy. That was a match made in heaven from the beginning.
14. Donovan Mitchell, G, Jazz: I like him as a franchise player. He's real solid in that role. But, "real solid" gets you No. 14 on my list. That doesn't get you into the coveted top 10. Mitchell has had tremendous individual success in the postseason, but his Jazz haven't gotten over the hump, yet. I'm not gonna lie... they ran into the Clippers at exactly the wrong time. Imagine being up by 25, then the other team shoots like 75% on three-point attempts? They caught the Clippers at their hottest shooting point of the season. Still, they lost. If they won, maybe "Spida" squeaks into my top 10.
13. Anthony Davis, PF/C, Lakers: Was the key to getting the Lakers over the hump last season. He was the X-factor that led to an NBA title. But... "SOS"... guy never stays on the court. It is so frustrating. He really should be a top-five player, but enough is enough already. It feels like that title will end up being his only one. A player this good should have 3-4 titles. He just doesn't have the heart, drive, durability or dependability.
12. Joel Embiid, C, Sixers: Like Zion, Jo-Jo was one of the absolute best statistical players in the league this year. He was 2nd in Efficiency and 4th in points per game. He might be the MVP of the league. But who cares? He couldn't find a way to close out the Hawks. Again, there are just no excuses for this Sixers team. If Embiid was really a top-top player, wouldn't the Sixers have won that series? What did he do to put his club over the top? Nothing. I gotta see more when it really matters.
11. Paul George, SG/F, Clippers: What do we call this guy, "Playoff P"? "Pandemic P"? Who knows, but his career is an interesting one to track. Let's look at the full scope, here:
-Eastern Conference Finals vs. LeBron's Heat: 48% from the floor, 44% from 3 ("Playoff P" was born)
-Eastern Conference Finals vs. LeBron's Heat, Round 2: 45% from the floor, 38% from 3, points per game jumped by 5 full points
-Bounced out early with the Thunder: 40% and 36% for series - 2 for 16 with 5 points in elimination game
-Bounced out early with the Thunder (again): 43% and 31% for series - 3 for 16 in series-swinging game
-This year: Averaged 29 PPG vs. both the Suns and Jazz. But 5 for 20 in a critical game, this series?
I dunno, man... who is this guy? In all seriousness, he is an extremely talented two-way player at the game's highest level. This was a strong run given Kawhi's lack of availability. PG became the go-to-guy and he did a pretty solid job. Still, his playoff results are inconsistent and he's still not top 10.
10. Devin Booker, SG, Suns: A true scorer. Has been since day 1. I have to say - LeBron called this one (August, 2016). He pegged DB as a future star, and he was right. Here's the ultimate key with Booker: He has full control over his offensive array. Nothing is rushed. Nothing is forced. Everything is smart, smooth, efficient, controlled, decisive. He's just a tremendous young star, and his Suns are now in the NBA Finals. Well-deserved. I almost ranked him as high as 8th on this list. Game on the line, he's one of the first guys I'm giving the ball to.
9. Trae Young, PG, Hawks: What else can be said about this kid, at this point? He's been the talk of the town. 29 and 10 (averages) in a convincing series win over the Knicks. 29 and 11 in a surprising series win over the Sixers. Anyone else getting Allen Iverson vibes, here? Against the Bucks, he's bumped up to 33 points per game - but will he be healthy enough to take the floor in this pivotal Game 5? Hawk fans are holding their collective breath. Still, big picture, this is one of the best and most exciting young basketball players in the world. I imagine his jersey sales have been rocketing through the roof, and there's no question that's well-deserved.
8. Kawhi Leonard, SF, Clippers: Here's another one: Enough is enough. Enough with Karl-Anthony Towns' softness. Enough with James Harden's choking in the playoffs. Enough with Kyrie Irving's injuries and bizarre behavior. Enough with Anthony Davis' injuries and softness, and enough with Kawhi's disappearing act. It's always something, right? Injuries, bizarre disputes, inexplicable behavior. This guy thinks his shit don't stink. Kawhi Leonard should be in the top 3 on this list. But, I won't do it. I've just had enough. Can you blame me?
7. LeBron James, G/F, Lakers: Last year, he was still No. 1 or No. 2 (with Anthony Davis probably being the other). But Bron got old this season - he'd be the first one to tell ya. Still, old and beat up, he was 16th in Efficiency, 17th in PPG and 8th in assists. He remains an all-around leader and beast, on both ends of the floor. If you put him in your top 5, I won't argue. If you have him outside of your top 10, I won't argue. He is very difficult to rank this season, given his aging and the Lakers' early exit from the postseason.
6. Stephen Curry, G, Warriors: The highest-ranked non-playoff player. With good reason, right? Steph led the league in scoring, and he's the greatest shooter in the history of the world. So, if someone's gonna make my top 10 without making the playoffs, it's gotta be him, right?
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo, F, Bucks: Oooooh weee, another tough one! 28 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, a block and steal per game. 57% shooting from the floor! Third in overall Efficiency. Possibly the most "freakish" all-around player in the world. But, he often has to defer to Middleton and Holiday down the stretch. Giannis should be in the top 3, given the Bucks' run this postseason. But, every aspect must be considered. He's still a liability in a key category. If he can somehow get healthy and win an NBA Finals MVP, he could actually be No. 2 overall. But for now, No. 5 looks about right, all things considered.
4. Nikola Jokic, C, Nuggets: Games played: 80, 73, 75, 80, 73 and 72 (led the entire NBA). This kid is a true superstar in every single aspect of the game. 26 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists (7th in the league, a center!) and 1.3 steals on 56% shooting. He's Giannis on the stat sheet, but better. He's been excellent in his postseason career, as well. The problem this year was simple: Robin was needed. Batman can't do it on his own. The Nuggets needed Jamal Murray to help Jokic move on in the playoffs. If you don't admire Nikola Jokic as a basketball player, you know nothing about the game.
3. Damian Lillard, PG, Blazers: Games played: 82, 82, 82, 75, 75, 73, 80, 66 and 67. A true warrior. A real leader. You need a big shot to win it all? He's right up there with the man at my No. 1 spot. "Dame" is definitely the coolest player in the world. He's got swag for days. He can talk the talk and back it up with absolutely no problem; gunz blazin'. How can you not love this guy? He should be one of the most respected players in the world, if not THE most respected.
2. Luka Doncic, G/F, Mavs: The next coming of LeBron James, possibly? 28 points, 9 assists, 8 rebounds and 3 threes per game on 48% shooting. A great ambassador for the league. He has the style, the skill, the international flair. He wants the ball in the big moments. His team sucks, but he makes them so much better than that. If the Mavs can improve their front office and roster, Luka will win championships. He has it all; there's no doubt about it.
1. Kevin Durant, F, Nets: Heeeeee's baaaaack! At full strength, for sure. He was just bonkers this postseason. Points with the season on the line: 48, 32, 49, 28, 30, 32 and 29. Rebounds 9, 11, 17, 13 and 10. Harden playing on one leg (and he sucks, anyway). No Kyrie. Game-tying impossible shot at the buzzer. What else does KD have to do for ya? He was a one-man show for my Nets, while the Bucks had three guys producing in Giannis, Middleton and Holiday. KD very nearly pulled it off by himself. He also made Steph Curry's career by adding more titles to his resume. KD is the best player in the world; there's no question. The real question is this:
You are making a list of the greatest basketball players of all time.
Where do you rank Kevin Durant?
John Frascella is a published sports author and senior writer for Aaron Torres Online. Follow him on Twitter @LegendSports7.
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