The process of selecting this year’s list is different. Unlike other years, I didn’t choose the players based on position. I decided to select the top ten players based on value. I’m putting on my general manager or owner’s hat, better yet, I’m picking the teams like we used to do on the playground.
Who would be my first pick, if I was starting a team? Before I let you know, I want to note that I made this list at the beginning of the season. Therefore the stats are based on that time frame. Even though their numbers may have increased or decreased, I didn’t think it was that much of a change to go back and correct it.
Now that you got it, let’s get to the list.
- Nikola Jokic
The first player I would pick if I had the chance would be Nikola “The Joker” Jokic. At the moment, I think he is the best player in the NBA. He is the reigning Finals MVP and all he does is bust people’s ass every time he steps on the court.
It amazes me how it doesn’t look like he is dominating the game, but after it is over, he will end up with 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 15 assists.
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Until last season, my top pick would have been Giannis “The Greek Freak” Antetokounmpo. He is still dominant on both ends of the court, but Nikola Jokic is a better passer and just as good of a rebounder as him. He is still not a good free throw shooter which handicaps his ability to have the ball in his hands at the end of games. Adding Damian Lillard should help with that problem, but I don’t think it will be enough to help his team win the championship.
3. Stephen Curry
Eventually, a new crop of players will be at the top of the NBA. In the meantime, I think it is important that we appreciate the current superstars who have provided us with so many memories over the years. Amongst those players, Stephen Curry is still the most effective and capable of leading a team to the promised land. The disappointing truth is that it probably won’t happen. His team is struggling to stay in the playoff hunt and it is far-fetched to almost impossible that they will win another championship with their current roster.
The silver lining is that “Chef” Curry is still cooking up on the court. I don’t think he has ever been the type of player to carry the team by himself, but his greatness accompanied by the support of his teammates made him unstoppable. With the steady decline of his supporting cast, the burden seems too much for Curry to bear. Let’s hope the increased responsibility doesn’t wear down Curry too much and shorten his career. Because I think I speak for many when I say it has been a pleasure to watch him play.
4. Jayson Tatum
The one knock I have against Jayson Tatum’s game is he is not consistently dominant in big games. From my point of view, he has all the elements to be the best player in the game. He has the size and ability to defend other top scorers on the wing. He can score from anywhere on the court, rebound, and is a capable passer.
It just seems like sometimes his intensity wavers in crucial games. I think a comparison to Anthony Edwards would be appropriate here. I know Edwards is the new “it” guy in the league, but his approach to big games and shots can’t be ignored. This is not to say Tatum doesn’t perform well in big games, but I think he is capable of more. He doesn’t have to be overt in his emotions and vigor to dominate, but it would be cool to display it more consistently.
5. Joel Embiid
I compiled this list at the beginning of the season. Call it laziness or stubbornness, but I didn’t change the list after finding out some players suffered major injuries. The way I look at it, injured or not, Joel Embiid is still a top-ten player in the league.
When he steps on the court, he immediately turns his team from losers to winners. I don’t expect that to change when he returns.