By This is the part of the NBA offseason where lists and predictions are made. Now this is my first time doing this, so instead of a top 100 I’m starting with a top 25 players entering the new season and no Kevin Durant on this list sadly but I’ll start with my honorable mentions.
Honorable Mentions: Trae Young, Jayson Tatum, Klay Thompson (Due to injury), Victor Oladipo (Due to injury) and Al Horford, so now we can start the list with number 25.
#25 Kyrie Irving: If it was based on JUST talent Irving would be a lot higher on this list obviously, but his performance and less than desired leadership that lead to a disappointing season in Boston last year. Although Irving is number 25 of this list there are hopes for a bounce back in Brooklyn this season.
#24 Kemba Walker: Kemba Walker comes into this season with a chance to be on a contender with the Celtics. Walker last season finally got the recognition that some felt were long overdue. Making all NBA last year and be the hometown representative for the all star game in Charlotte made up for another difficult season with the Hornets, hopes are that Walker and the Celtics will be a success.
#23 Ben Simmons: Ben Simmons can easily be the most polarizing player on this list because we do not know what is next in his development. The next step in Simmons’ growth is his shooting, if he takes a leap in that direction then he will be ranked higher on several lists but for now he’s #23.
#22 Luka Doncic: Rookie of the year Luka Doncic lived up to promise last season and his impact on the Mavericks was undeniable, giving fans hope for playoff contention this season.
#21 De’Aaron Fox: 1 of the many players on this last to have a massive breakout this season is Sacramento Kings point guard De’Aaron Fox. Fox is an early candidate for most improved player and an all star appearance this season if he continues his rise from last season.
#20 Draymond Green: Personal feelings aside from the person, Draymond Green are a top 20 player and belong on this list. Green will be expected to carry a decent load this season with Klay Thompson out due to injury, his defensive skill and versatility should keep the Warriors in contention until their full healthy by mid season.
#19 Russell Westbrook: Another polarizing player makes the list with Russell Westbrook at 19. Now there were some better or more productive players that could have been on here over Westbrook.
Westbrook made the list with hope of major improvement and evolution to his game now that he is a Houston Rocket and will have a respectable bounce back season.
#18 Blake Griffin: Griffin showed incredible toughness, leadership and playmaking with Pistons last season. With the possibility of having a 2nd career in Detroit, Griffin can lead the pistons to another playoff appearance this season.
#17 Donovan Mitchell: The talk of the summer without question was the potential leap Donovan Mitchell is about to take. Despite the USA disappointing performance in the world cup, Mitchell was 1 of the few bright spots. This upcoming season could be special for Mitchell and the Jazz who are title contenders.
#16 Chris Paul: The ageless wonder Chris Paul unfortunately showed signs of aging last season. As we found out this offseason that Paul and the Rockets wasn’t an ideal fit which sent him to Oklahoma City in the Russell Westbrook trade?
Now the question is what happens next with Paul? Does he demand a trade to a contender? Does he embrace his new home and plays with a vengeance? Or is there a continue decline? The intrigue that keeps Paul in conversations and on lists like this.
#15 Rudy Gobert: The Stifle Tower is 1 of the more intriguing players on my list. Gobert is possibly going for a back to back to back defensive player of the year campaign and all signs point to this season being his 1st all star appearance along side his performance with Donovan Mitchell can be promising for him and the Utah Jazz.
#14 Bradley Beal: Bradley Beal is in a total no win situation. Beal is a major player who will be a target for possible title contenders like the Celtics, Blazers, Nuggets and Raptors which will only improve Beal if that happens but for now he is on the Wizards where he’ll be the lone bright spot.
#13 Jimmy Butler: If I made this list around this time last season Jimmy Butler would NOT have made it because of the way he was leaving Minnesota.
After Butler got his wish and was traded to Philadelphia, Butler lived up to expectations and became the 76ers go to guy in big moments especially in the playoffs.
Butler chose to leave 76ers to go to the Heat and lead a young, tough team in South Beach who may makes the playoffs this season under his leadership.
#12 Karl-Anthony Towns: Ironically #12 on this list was the target of Jimmy Butler’s dislike in Minnesota but also benefited from his departure and that’s Karl-Anthony Towns.
Towns’ sheer talent makes him a top 15 player but he showed glimpses of leadership and defensive improvement last season which hopefully comes together for him this season.
#11 Pascal Siakam: Pascal Siakam was the hugest surprise from last season as he came from nowhere and helps the Toronto Raptors wins their 1st championship.
Now Siakam enters this season as the lead with Kawhi Leonard’s departure this summer, Siakam should continue his rise to stardom and keep the defending champs in playoff contention as well.
#10 Paul George: We’re now at the top 10 of this list and Paul George is where we start. George had an amazing season last year borderline MVP and defensive player of the year before injuries prevented that.
George took the reigns of the Thunder last season and is expected to lead the Clippers to the title along with Kawhi Leonard into a new era in Los Angeles.
#9 Joel Embiid: The Process himself is #9 on my list. Joel Embiid is a force to be reckoned with when he is able to stay on the floor.
#8 Anthony Davis: Last season was essentially a gap year for Anthony Davis as he was trying to force his way to the Lakers and ruined the Pelicans season in the process.
That saga would have Davis lower but the potential of his talent on full display in LA keeps him in the top 10.
#7 Nikola Jokic: The best center in basketball is my #7 and Nikola Jokic is rightfully placed on list. Last season was his breakout year with his surreal passing as a big man along with his ability to run the offense from his position can make a run for MVP this season.
#6 Stephen Curry: This season could be a major season for Warriors mega star Stephen Curry, who could have a monumental year now that Kevin Durant is in Brooklyn and things can go back to normal in the bay area.
Curry along with Draymond Green will have burden a bulk of the load this season with Klay Thompson out for half the season but hopefully that leads amazing numbers and performances from Curry.
#5 Damian Lillard: Finally the top 5 is next and a lot of people will not agree with this but in my opinion the best point guard in basketball is Damian Lillard.
Yes Lillard’s list of accomplishments are thin at the moment but last season especially the playoffs was him making the world take notice and belongs in the top 5.
#4 LeBron James: Putting LeBron James anything outside of the top 3 feels weird honestly, however last season was a disappointment for James despite his 28, 8 & 8 average last season. But the Lakers and James were in turmoil, so expect the King to come roaring back with vengeance as he leads the Lakers back to the playoffs and possible title contention.
#3 James Harden: Last year’s runner-up for MVP falls 3rd on the list; Although James Harden had a magnificent offense display last season that may never be duplicated. Harden can repeat last season and possibly then some this season but the Rockets success is the measure that Harden will be judged by this season.
#2 Kawhi Leonard: The Klaw did wonders for Raptors fan like me last season delivering the team’s first title in history but then broke our hearts leaving for the Clippers this summer and with the question of “what if?” in Toronto. Regardless Leonard had a comeback season last year and reminded many that he’s an elite player.
Load management will be apart of Leonard’s dominance this season but expect title aspirations from Clippers with Leonard leading the way.
#1 Giannis Antetokounmpo: the number one player on this list is and should be a no brainer, Giannis Antetokounmpo was the most dominant player last year winning MVP and coming into the season with intentions to being better making him and the Bucks odd on title favorites.
That’s my top 25 I know there are some odd picks, omissions, shockers and all but what a fun season awaits us.