NBA has been considered as a way of being some of the richest personalities in the world but the renowned sportsman is not made overnight.
From stats to injuries, most NBA fans know what is happening with their favorite players. Whether watching from the bleachers or cheering on their teams from home, basketball fans around the country are looking to see who is on top this year and if their choice made the top picks list.
If you follow all the teams in the NBA regularly and stay on top of advanced statistics and analysis, then you should have a pretty good idea who the top players in the NBA are this year. But in case you’re a little out of the loop, here are some of the best players right now:
1) James Harden:
Starting out the list of top players for the year is Houston Rockets’ no. 13, James Harden. Joining the NBA in 2009, he played for the Oklahoma City Thunder before being traded in the 2012-13 season to the Rockets. He has earned recognition as one of the top overall players in the league and best shooting guard in the NBA.
In 2018 he was named the NBA Most Valuable Player and won gold medals in the 2012 Summer Olympics as well as the 2014 FIBA World Cup, among many other awards.
2) Nikola Jokić:
Next up on the list is the Denver Nuggets center, Nikola Jokić. With his team’s title as the second-best team in the Western Conference, Nikola has seen a rise in respect as well. Not only is this Serbian player bringing fame to the Nuggets, but he is also part of the Serbian national basketball team.
In March, Jokić was third in points-generated scoring and screen assists, with only Harden and Antetokounmpo ahead of him. Nikola’s stats have earned him a rightful place in the top players of the year.
3) Paul George:
Los Angeles Clippers’ no. 13, Paul George, has made the list with his six-time NBA All-Star selection and five-time All-NBA Team selection. Starting his NBA career in 2010 for the Indiana Pacers, George earned the NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors.
In 2013 he received an All-Star selection. After a broken leg took him out of the game for a season, he came back in 2016 and won an Olympic gold medal. In 2017 he was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder. After two seasons he was again traded and found his home with the Clippers. With no shortage of recognition, George has earned his place on the top player’s list.
4) Kevin Durant:
The next player on this list is the Brooklyn Nets’ power forward, Kevin Durant. Starting out in the NBA in 2007 as the second overall pick by the Seattle SuperSonics, Durant has made a name for himself ever since. Continuing with Seattle after their move to Oklahoma City and name change to the Thunder.
Durant has earned multiple awards and recognitions, including Rookie of the Year in his first season, the title of the youngest NBA Scoring Champion during the 2009-10 season, NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award during the 2011-12 season, tournament MVP honors, and a gold medal in the 2010 FIBA World Championship.
5) Stephen Curry:
With over twenty-five highlights and awards on his record, the Golden State Warriors’ point guard, Stephen Curry, should need no introduction. Starting his NBA career in 2009, Curry found a home with the Warriors and has proceeded to make a name for himself.
A few of his career achievements and highlights include: three-time NBA champion, six-time NBA All-Star, two-time NBA MVP, NBA scoring champion, NBA steals leader and NBA Sportsmanship Award. Curry’s record speaks for itself in giving him a place on the top player’s list.
6) LeBron James:
The final player on the top players of the year list could be none other than the Los Angeles Lakers’ no. 23, LeBron James. Working on his 17th NBA season, LeBron has racked up more than points in his professional career. In his debut season with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003-04, James set an NBA record for most points scored by a prep-to-pro player and earned himself the NBA Rookie of the Year Award.
During his successful career, he has won three gold medals and two bronze, plus over sixty other awards. Earning himself a spot on the list of the greatest basketball players of all time, he is still holding his own to find himself again on the list of the top NBA players of the year.
With so many great players to watch, it is time to stock the fridge and get the gang together to watch your favorites battle it out on the court!
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