As the offseason rolls forward with not much news it seems like a perfect time to rank the league’s best players. Today we are going to be counting down the top 25 best players in today’s game. The list was made by 4 big-time NBA fans. Everyone had their own top 25 list, however the list you are about to see is all 4 lists averaged.
Special thanks to our panel (Charlie Bischoff, Ryan Drouin, and Kyle Foster) for making this list possible.
Players who also received votes – Bradley Beal (23,25)
Bam Adebayo (17)
Rudy Gobert (22)
Anthony Edwards (25)
Pascal Siakam (25)
25. Zach Lavine – Chicago Bulls Guard
2021-22 Stats – 24.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 47 fg%, 38 3pt%
Kicking off our top 25 list we have the always electric Zach Lavine. Lavine has a combination of elite athleticism which helps him score inside and a silky smooth jumper that helps him score outside. Lavine’s elite scoring ability and solid playmaking make him a seamless fit in any offense. Lavine played a vital role in the Bulls playoff push. Lavine’s IQ and composure seem to improve every year. Don’t be surprised if we see the 26-year-old be ranked even higher next year.
High Ranking – 20
Low Ranking – Not Ranked
24. Donovan Mitchell – Utah Jazz Guard
2021-22 Stats – 25.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 44 fg%, 35 3pt%
With the looming trade rumors, it’s unclear what uniform Mitchell will be wearing next year. What is clear is that the 25-year-old guard is one of the league’s best scorers. Mitchell has scored over 20 points in each of his 5 seasons. Mitchell uses his athleticism and isolation abilities to get buckets at will. He has proved he can be the top scorer on a playoff team for years now. If Mitchell improves his defense and playmaking he can continue to climb this list even more.
High Ranking – 20
Low Ranking – Not Ranked
23. Jaylen Brown – Boston Celtics Guard/Forward
2021-22 Stats – 23.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 47 fg%, 35 3pt%
At 25 years old Jaylen continuously moves up the board of both the league’s best and the best two-way players. Jaylen can’t be given enough credit for his role in the Celtics mid-season turnaround later resulting in a finals appearance for Boston. In those finals, Jaylen led the Celtics in scoring with 23 a game. Jaylen is an impressive three-level scorer on offense and an impactful defender. Jaylen is a super well-rounded talent who is an amazing second option. To rise up the list Jaylen needs to tighten up his handle and improve how he reads the floor. This improvement would not only help JB rise lists like this but it could help the Celtics win the highly sought-after 18th banner.
High Ranking – 20
Low Ranking – Not Ranked
22. Zion Williamson – New Orleans Pelicans Forward
2020-21 Season stats – 27.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 62 fg%
Zion is one of the hardest players to rank on this list. When he has played he has shown he’s a special player. Zion’s an athletic and physical specimen who can score at will. When he plays he is easily one of the most unstoppable players in the league. But Zion is incredibly injury-prone and doesn’t have the frame to handle consistent injuries. Zion is coming off a mysterious foot injury. These injuries can put Zion’s career at risk. Ultimately if Zion can recover and continue to be a dominant force he will surely rise in the rankings and live up to his enormous potential.
High Ranking – 15
Low Ranking – Not Ranked
21. Damian Lillard – Portland Trail Blazers Guard
2021-22 Season stats – 24.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 40 fg%, 32 3pt %
Dame at 21 might seem low but his age and the fact he’s coming off a down season is cause for concern. Small guards tend not to age great and we could be witnessing Dame’s decline. With all that being said Dame is still a super productive NBA player. Dame can score at will and hit shots from all over the court. Dame compliments this with great playmaking abilities. Dame has the track record as one of the best guards in the league and until proven otherwise Dame deserves the benefit of the doubt.
High Ranking – 12
Low Ranking – 24
20. Trae Young – Atlanta Hawks Guard
2021-22 Season stats – 28.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, 9.7 assists, 46 fg%, 38 3pt %
Trae is both one of the best shooters and one of the best passers in the league. That elite combination has forced the 23-year-old to be discussed with the league’s best. Trae may be a complete offensive player but his defense is anything but complete. Trae’s size prevents him from ever being a great defender but if he could just play respectable defense Trae could shoot up a list like this. Nevertheless, Trae has led the Hawks to two playoff appearances back to back. One of these was a run to the conference finals. Trae with his new backcourt partner Dejounte Murray could make a surprising run in the playoffs this year.
High Ranking – 17
Low Ranking – 21
19. Chris Paul – Phoenix Suns Guard
2021-22 Season stats – 14.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, 10.8 assists, 49 fg%, 31 3pt %
Chris Paul is the classic example of greater impact than his stats show. Cp3 is the best floor general in the league. He finds his teammates effortlessly and makes everyone better. Despite a low-scoring average, Cp3 can put up big scoring numbers regularly. Paul does all this well being one of the better perimeter defenders at just 6’ foot tall. Everywhere Cp3 goes the team is better and that’s no coincidence. With the advanced age of 36, it’s unlikely Cp3 has a ton of great years left so let’s not take them for granted, please.
High Ranking – 14
Low Ranking – 25
18. James Harden – Philadelphia 76ers Guard
2021-22 Season stats – 22 points, 7.7 rebounds, 10.3 assists, 41 fg%, 33 3pt %
The messy Nets exit and following disappointing playoffs with Philly have made a lot of fans sour on Harden. Harden’s scoring numbers continue to decline; this has only been amplified by the free rule change. But even with a scoring decline, Harden is still a top playmaker in the league. Harden can open up a team’s offense and gives the 76ers a lot of upside. Harden and Joel Embiid make up the best pick-and-roll duo in the league. It might not be the same level of play we are accustomed to seeing from Harden. But his playmaking and still solid scoring keep him in the mix with the league’s best.
High Ranking – 16
Low Ranking – 22
17. Karl Anthony-Towns – Minnesota Timberwolves Forward/Center
2021-22 Season stats – 24.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 52 fg%, 41 3pt %
Towns was the most divisive player for our panel to rank. Towns is an incredibly gifted offensive talent. Towns can score at an elite level and is a great floor spacer. The elite shooting ability of Towns makes him one of the most complete and unique offensive centers. What held back Towns on some lists is his wishy-washy playoffs on offense this year coupled with his always subpar defense. But the talent and big numbers keep him at a respectable 17 slot. With the addition of fellow big man Rudy Gobert, Towns now has the burden of pressure to push the Timberwolves into the next level of contention.
High Ranking – 12
Low Ranking – Not ranked
16. Kyrie Irving – Brooklyn Nets Guard
2021-22 Season stats – 27.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 46 fg%, 41 3pt %
The always dazzling yet often controversial Kyrie Irving comes in at number 16. Kyrie might be a top 10 talent in the league but his inability to consistently play for numerous reasons is an undeniable deduction. But when he is on the court Kyrie is one of the game’s most productive and entertaining players. Kyrie’s handles and ability to score from anywhere sets him apart. Kyrie has an elite offensive skill set and is one of the few guys who feels like he can do something special every time he has the ball in his hand.
High Ranking – 14
Low Ranking – 23
15. Anthony Davis – Los Angeles Lakers Forward/Center
2021-22 Season stats – 23.2 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 53 fg%
Davis is coming off a frustrating injury prone 2021-22 campaign. In which he missed the All-star team for the first time since his rookie year. When Davis is healthy he is one of the best two-way bigs in the game. Davis uses his size and athleticism to make big plays on defense. On offense, Davis can be one of the top scorers in the game. With back-to-back down years and countless injuries AD’s career is at a crossroads. Will he reclaim his spot as a top 10 player or will he begin to decline? As of right now, our panel feels like 15 is the perfect spot for Davis with the ability to rise or fall this season.
High Ranking – 13
Low Ranking – 23
14. DeMar DeRozan – Chicago Bulls Forward
2021-22 Season stats – 27.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 50 fg%
DeMar arguably had a career-best year at the age of 32. He led the Bulls to the playoffs for the first time since 2017. His 27.9 points a game was good for 5th best in the league. DeMar was awarded an All-NBA selection which was the 3rd of his career. DeMar’s knack to make difficult shots especially late in the game made him one of the best stories of the year. DeMar’s shot creation ability ranks near the top of all players. Having a borderline career-best year and the consistent improvement is a testament to who DeMar is as a player.
High Ranking – 10
Low Ranking – 22
13. Paul George – Los Angeles Clippers Guard/Forward
2021-22 Season stats – 24.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 42 fg%, 35 3pt %
Paul George and the Clippers had a frustrating injury-riddled season. But PG has time and again proven he is one of the best players in the world. PG is a stupendous two-way player who does both the big and little things that win games. George is an elite shot creator and an elite shot maker. George has proved his value as both a number one and a number two option. George has a unique all-around game that allows him to consistently be one of the league’s top guys.
High Ranking – 12
Low Ranking – 19
12. Devin Booker – Phoenix Suns Guard/Forward
2021-22 Season stats – 26.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 46 fg%, 38 3pt %
D-Book is a guy that polishes up his game every year. Booker continuously makes the little improvements that keep moving him up the league’s hierarchy. Booker’s mainly known for his scoring ability which is a huge reason why the Suns won a franchise-best 64 games this year. Booker isn’t just an elite on-ball player. Booker is one of the best off-ball players in the league. Booker’s playstyle makes him easy to build around and play alongside. Booker does this all well being able to take over a game like a few others in the league.
High Ranking – 11
Low Ranking – 16
11. Ja Morant – Memphis Grizzlies Guard
2021-22 Season stats – 27.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 49 fg%, 34 3pt %
The reigning most improved player finds himself at 11th on our list. Ja established himself this year as not just a talented young player but a great player. Ja became one of the top scorers and led the Grizzlies to a surprising 2 seed. Ja’s athleticism and flashy dunks are the most talked about parts of his game. However, we were more impressed by the control and playmaking abilities Ja holds. Those two things most hyper-athletic players struggle with but not Ja. In each of his three seasons, Ja has improved his weakness and has now forced his name into the top 10 players’ conversation.
High Ranking – 10
Low Ranking – 14
10. Jimmy Butler – Miami Heat Guard/Forward
2021-22 Season stats – 21.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 48 fg%
Jimmy’s stats might not jump off the page like others on this list. But if you’re questioning his placement let the playoffs serve as a reminder of Jimmy’s greatness. Off the shoulders of Jimmy Butler, the Heat went 7 games with the Celtics in the conference finals. The Heat lost game 7 by just 4 points. Throughout the series, Jimmy battled injuries but still put up 25.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. This included a 47-point to force a game 7. Jimmy was the sole consistent scorer for Miami in their playoff run. Jimmy does everything on offense while being a top wing defender in the league. Jimmy is the rare player who gets better when the stage is brighter.
High Ranking – 10
Low Ranking – 13
9. Jayson Tatum – Boston Celtics Forward
2021-22 Season stats – 26.9 points, 8 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 48 fg%, 35 3pt %
This season Tatum entered a new class of players. He led the Celtics to the 2 seed in the East and an eventual finals appearance. Tatum was awarded 1st team All-NBA for the first time in his young career. It’s no secret that Tatum is one of the best shot creators and bucket-getters. But what’s not talked about enough is his impact on defense. Tatum has a big frame but is also very laterally quick which makes him a versatile and impactful wing defender. Tatum is such a well-rounded player who has already contributed to winning basketball.
High Ranking – 7
Low Ranking – 9
8. Kawhi Leonard – Los Angeles Clippers Forward
2020-21 Season stats – 24.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 51 fg%, 39 3pt %
Kawhi missed the entirety of the 2021-22 NBA season with a torn ACL. It’s unclear if Kawhi will return to his peak. However, the claw has long established himself as a top 10 player in the league. Kawhi is elite at both ends of the court. On offense, Kawhi is a great shot creator who can pour in huge offensive numbers. On defense, Kawhi uses his frame to his advantage and can lock down players at numerous positions. Kawhi has a real chance to lead the Clippers to their franchise’s first title. That would surely boost Kawhi up on this list.
High Ranking – 6
Low Ranking – 9
7. LeBron James – Los Angeles Lakers Forward
2021-22 Season stats – 30.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 52 fg%, 35 3pt %
The King’s reign of being the league’s best is over. But being a top 10 player at the age of 37 is no small feat. LeBron is still physically dominant and one of the best scorers in the game. When you think about the combination of speed, strength, athleticism, and IQ that LeBron still holds at his age it’s truly incredible. LeBron’s game and success have certainly declined with his age. But he still has one of the most unique and impressive skill sets in the world. As LeBron enters the final stage of his illustrious career please don’t take him for granted.
High Ranking – 4
Low Ranking – 8
6. Luka Doncic – Dallas Mavericks Guard
2021-22 Season stats – 28.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, 8.7 assists, 45 fg%, 35 3pt %
Luka is the best under 25-year-old in the league. The 23-year-old is already on the shortlist for untouchable players. Luka is a top 5 scorer and passer. Luka has an incredibly deep skillset and offensive arsenal that has propelled the Mavericks. Luka led the Mavericks to the conference finals run last year, this run included upsetting the 64-win Suns. The Mavericks are ahead of schedule and already on the cusp of contention. This is due to Luka’s greatness. Luka has overcome a lack of talent and made the Mavs constant overachievers. It’s a good bet this trend will continue and Luka will crack the top 5 or top 3 lists very soon.
High Ranking – 5
Low Ranking – 9
5. Joel Embiid – Philadelphia 76ers Center
2021-22 Season stats – 30.6 points, 11.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 49 fg%, 37 3pt %
The back-to-back runner-up MVP finds himself at 5th on our list. Embiid is an unstoppable force of a player. He can score at will and is psychically unfair. Embiid is not only a threat to give you 40 any night. But he’s been known to shut down opponents on defense. Embiid and Giannis are the only two guys who have a legit chance to win MVP and Defensive Player of the year. This upcoming year is a huge one for Embiid. The writing is on the wall for the big man to win his first MVP. More than that the roster around Embiid is a viable championship contender. If everything falls into place Embiid could be looked at as a no-brainer top 3 player.
High Ranking – 3
Low Ranking – 7
4. Kevin Durant – Brooklyn Nets Forward
2021-22 Season stats – 29.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 51 fg%, 38 3pt %
KD’s upcoming season could go in a million different ways. Despite the summer-long drama with the Nets, KD has agreed to redact his trade request and make it work in Brooklyn. The Nets season could be a great disaster or success against the odds. Despite the uncertain future of KD, it’s clear he is still great. KD is one of the most gifted scorers in league history. KD continues to score the ball at an elite clip. Durant is not just a great scorer he moves incredibly well off the ball. KD does this well being an impactful playmaker and defender. No matter the situation or uniform it’s clear KD is one of the most gifted and impactful players.
High Ranking – 3
Low Ranking – 5
3. Stephen Curry – Golden State Warriors Guard
2021-22 Season stats – 25.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 43 fg%, 38 3pt %
Curry is coming off a historic season, in which he won his first finals MVP and broke the all-time 3-point record. Curry’s shooting isn’t the only thing that makes him special. Curry is the best off-ball guy in the league maybe of all time. In the playoffs especially in the finals, Curry was dominant. In those finals, Curry averaged 31.2 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Curry beat the Celtics in 6 games winning his 4th career title in the process. Furthermore, he’s the most unselfish superstar in today’s game. Curry could care less about his stats, records, or awards if it benefits his team. Even with the sacrifices he has made Curry still has incredible stats, records, and awards.
High Ranking – 2
Low Ranking – 5
2. Nikola Jokic – Denver Nuggets Center
2021-22 Season stats – 27.1 points, 13.8 rebounds, 7.9 assists, 58 fg%, 33 3pt %
The back-to-back MVP comes in at 2 on our list. Jokic is a special and unique player. He’s a center who handles the ball and passes like a classic Point Guard. Jokic controls the game with his passing vision and is one of the game’s best passers regardless of position. Jokic is also a massive scoring threat. The combination of his passing vision and elite scoring makes him one of the most impactful offensive players of all time. Jokic is one of the top rebounders and a much-improved defender. Jokic carried an injury-depleted Nuggets squad to 48 wins and a playoff spot. With the talent of Jokic and a healthy Nuggets squad, the Nuggets could make a run at a title this year.
High Ranking – 2
Low Ranking – 3
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo – Milwaukee Bucks Forward/Center
2021-22 Season stats – 29.9 points, 11.6 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 55 fg%
Giannis is the unanimous choice for our top player. It’s fair to say we are now officially in the Giannis era. Giannis is an unstoppable and dominant player who impacts the game in all facets. The Greek freak is the hardest player to game plan for and nobody has truly figured out how to stop him. Giannis scores at will down low and can go for 40 any given night. Giannis does well being an incredibly versatile and impactful defender. Giannis is the only current player to hold both an MVP and a DPOY. The craziest fact to me is how Giannis is just 27 and likely hasn’t peaked yet. Giannis at 27 already has one of the best careers of All-time. Giannis could have another 10 years of greatness and I don’t think anyone would complain.
High Ranking – 1
Low Ranking – 1
To see how each of our panel members voted click here – https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1jFApGt8-qYcnuLCDi7IeE6XIDSPuJGUNEF_ErFpw9xQ/edit#gid=0