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Ranking of the Top 20 NBA Players Right Now

The quest for supremacy is a perennial narrative in the NBA. As the seasons unfold and skills evolve, a select few players rise above the rest, leaving an indelible mark on the court.

These athletes are not merely players; they are artists, architects of victory, and embodiment of basketball’s relentless pursuit of excellence. From clutch performances that defy the odds to visionary playmaking that transcends the game, these individuals redefine what’s possible on the hardwood.

Their journeys are a mosaic of dedication, honed skills, and strategic brilliance, shaping the NBA landscape in unprecedented ways. 

As we celebrate the elite fraternity of players who currently define the pinnacle of basketball prowess, let us find out who are these competitive individuals guiding us to the zenith of contemporary talent.

1. Nikola Jokic

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Nikola Joki膰, a Serbian athlete, serves as the pivotal player for the Denver Nuggets in the NBA. Joki膰 was selected by the Nuggets in the second round of the 2014 NBA Draft. He made an impressive debut, earning a place on the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2016.

His stellar performance has earned him five selections to the NBA All-Star Team, three of which were first-team honours. Notably, he clinched the NBA Most Valuable Player Award in both the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons.

Joki膰 holds a distinguished place in NBA history, ranking among the top 10 players with the highest number of triple-doubles in both regular and postseason play. He also boasts the record for the fastest triple-double, achieving this feat in just 14 minutes and 33 seconds.

Beyond the NBA, he played a crucial role in the success of the Serbian national basketball team, helping them secure a Silver medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics.

In the 2022-23 NBA season, Joki膰’s outstanding performance led the Nuggets to their inaugural NBA championship, earning him the title of NBA Finals MVP. As the new season kicks off, he continues to be recognized as the most formidable player in the game.

Learn more about the other ranking basketball players to ever come from Serbia besides Nikola by checking out this piece.

2. LeBron James

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At 38 years old, LeBron James embodies greatness in every sense. He has consistently met and often surpassed, the immense expectations placed on him since his high school days in Akron, Ohio. From his very first moments on an NBA court up until the present, LeBron has consistently showcased his exceptional talent and skill.

During his stint with the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013, James secured his initial two NBA championships, earning both league MVP and Finals MVP honours in both years.

Then, in 2016, he orchestrated a remarkable comeback against the Golden State Warriors, securing the Cavaliers’ first championship and ending Cleveland’s longstanding sports drought, all while overcoming a 3鈥�1 deficit. In 2018, James exercised his contract option to leave the Cavaliers and joined the Lakers, subsequently winning the 2020 NBA championship and his fourth Finals MVP.

Now, with a revitalized Los Angeles Lakers team, LeBron James is positioned to lead the younger players towards another title as the 2023 season offers a multitude of opportunities for success once again.

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo

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Giannis Antetokounmpo, a professional basketball player of Greek-Nigerian heritage, is presently active in the NBA with the Milwaukee Bucks. His unique blend of nationality and extraordinary physical attributes encompassing size, speed, strength, and ball-handling skills has earned him the nickname “Greek Freak”.

Antetokounmpo is widely acknowledged as one of the premier power forwards in the annals of the sport, and he stands as one of the greatest European players to have graced the court.

In terms of accolades, Antetokounmpo stands among the most decorated players in NBA history. He secured consecutive NBA Most Valuable Player Awards in 2019 and 2020, a feat shared only with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and LeBron James in winning two MVPs before turning 26.

Moreover, he garnered the NBA Defensive Player of the Yearhonourr in 2020, placing him in the esteemed company of Michael Jordan (1988) and Hakeem Olajuwon (1994) as one of the select few to clinch both awards in the same season.

In 2021, Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to their first NBA championship since 1971 and was named the Finals MVP.

4. Joel Embiid

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Joel Embiid, a professional basketball player hailing from Cameroon, is currently a key player for the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA. He holds dual citizenship in both France and the United States.

Embiid made history by leading the NBA in scoring for both the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, a feat not accomplished by a center since Shaquille O’Neal in 2000. Additionally, he became the first centre since Moses Malone in 1982 to maintain an average of over 30 points per game.

Notably, he was also the inaugural foreign player to secure the NBA scoring title. As this season begins, he is poised to start with a strong momentum.

5. Luka Doncic

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At a mere 24 years of age, Luka Doncic, who plays as a point guard/small forward for the Dallas Mavericks, emerges as one of the NBA’s most promising and captivating rising stars.

Now in his fifth year in the league, Doncic has elevated himself to the status of a superstar, and there’s no doubt he’ll have a substantial impact in the 2023 season.

Standing tall at 6-foot-7, Doncic possesses exceptional court vision, outstanding ball-handling skills, and an impressive scoring ability. He’s widely acknowledged as one of the top playmakers in the league, effortlessly creating scoring opportunities for both himself and his teammates. Doncic demonstrates proficiency in shooting from all three areas of the court.

In the previous season, Doncic put up remarkable statistics, averaging 28.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game. Furthermore, he showcased his prowess in long-range shooting, boasting a 35.3% success rate from beyond the arc, and an overall field goal percentage of 45.7%.

Notably, Doncic led the Mavericks to the Western Conference Semifinals for the first time since 2011 and earned a well-deserved spot on the All-NBA First Team.

6. Jayson Tatum

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A prominent rising star in the NBA is Jayson Tatum, a 25-year-old small forward playing for the Boston Celtics. Tatum, currently in his sixth season with the team, plays a key role and is expected to have a significant impact in 2023.

At a height of 6-foot-8, Tatum showcases remarkable versatility and impressive scoring prowess. Being one of the league’s top scorers, he exhibits proficiency in scoring from all parts of the court.

Moreover, Tatum contributes to the team in various facets, excelling not only as a scorer but also as a rebounder and playmaker.

In the previous season, Tatum maintained an average of 27.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. Additionally, he achieved a 35.3% success rate from three-point range, alongside a 45.3% overall field goal percentage.

Tatum’s outstanding performance led to his inclusion in the All-NBA Second Team, and he steered the Celtics to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2018

7. Stephen Curry

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Despite his relatively small stature, Curry is widely regarded as one of basketball’s all-time greats. His ability to consistently outshoot much taller opponents from long distances is a testament to his extraordinary talent.

What truly sets him apart is his uncanny ability to sink shots from afar with ease, often without even knowing exactly where they’ll land.

This unwavering confidence in his long-range shooting showcases his mastery of a pivotal basketball skill. Stephen Curry’s impact on the game extends beyond his technical abilities; he has revolutionized the sport by inspiring players to strive for excellence in three-point shooting.

As the game adapts to changing scoring trends, offensive strategies now heavily emphasize players’ proficiency in making three-pointers.

While Curry is undeniably hailed as the most excellent shooter of all time by a wide margin, his playmaking skills are sometimes overlooked. This future Hall of Famer from Davidson University boasts an impressive list of achievements, including four NBA championships, one Finals MVP award, and two regular-season MVPhonourss.

8. Kevin Durant

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Opinions about Durant’s standing among this year’s top players are sure to vary. However, one undeniable aspect is his exceptional ability to score when in possession of the ball.

He maintains an impressive career average of 27.0 points per game and holds the title of four-time NBA scoring champion.

His choice to join the Golden State Warriors, an already dominant team, raised many eyebrows. Nonetheless, it turned out to be a successful move as he secured two NBA titles with the team and was named Finals MVP both times.

It’s worth noting that Durant has also earned the NBA MVP award. Now, as a member of the Phoenix Suns, he’ll be striving to continue building his legacy in the game.

9. Jimmy Butler

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Jimmy Butler is a distinguished American professional basketball player presently competing for the Miami Heat in the NBA.

He holds an impressive track record, having earned six selections to the NBA All-Star team, been recognized as a member of the All-NBA Team five times, and honoured on the NBA All-Defensive Second Team five times as well. Butler also secured a gold medal as part of the 2016 U.S. Olympic team.

In July 2019, he officially became a part of the Miami Heat. Butler propelled them to the NBA finals in his first season with the team. Notably, in 2021, he led the league in steals. In 2023, he led the eighth-seeded Heat to their second NBA finals appearance in four years.

10. James Harden

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James Harden, a highly skilled left-handed shooting guard, is currently a member of the Philadelphia 76ers. He is distinguished as one of the NBA’s most prolific scorers and is widely recognized as the premier shooting guard in the league.

Chosen as the third overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder, Harden’s talent was evident from the outset.

During his tenure with the Thunder, he earned the prestigious title of “NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year” in 2012, playing a significant role in the team’s journey to the finals, where they narrowly lost to the Miami Heat in five closely contested games.

Harden’s exceptional skills make him an invaluable asset, and it is anticipated that he will collaborate with Embiid to lead the 76ers to their fullest potential.

11. Devin Booker

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Devin Booker is a professional basketball player who competes for the Phoenix Suns in the NBA. Following a lone season of NCAA basketball with the Kentucky Wildcats, Booker was drafted by the Suns as the 13th overall pick in the initial round of the 2015 NBA Draft.

He gained prominence for becoming the youngest player, at the age of 20, to score more than 60 points in a game, achieving an impressive 70-point performance against the Boston Celtics in 2017.

At just 22 years old, Booker made NBA history in 2019 by recording consecutive 50-point games. He also played a pivotal role in the USA’s gold-medal-winning Olympic team in Tokyo in 2020.

As a three-time All-Star, Booker played a crucial role in the Phoenix Suns’ journey to the 2021 NBA Finals. His exceptional performance led to his inclusion in the All-NBA First Team in 2022, contributing significantly to the Suns’ franchise-record 64 victories.

Teaming up with Durant this season, Booker is expected to have a pivotal role in guiding the Suns towards a championship victory.

12. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, commonly known as SGA, is a 25-year-old player who operates as both a point guard and shooting guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA.

He is recognized as one of the most intriguing young talents in the league, and there are high expectations for him to have a standout season in 2023-2024.

At a height of 6鈥�6鈥�, SGA possesses remarkable speed, top-notch ball-handling skills, and impressive shooting ability. His proficiency in scoring from various areas of the court establishes him as one of the league鈥檚 most versatile players.

In the previous season, SGA maintained an average of 24.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. He also demonstrated impressive shooting percentages with a 45.3% success rate from the field and a 39.1% accuracy from beyond the arc.

SGA’s exceptional performance earned him a well-deserved spot on the All-NBA Second Team, notably leading the Thunder to their first playoff appearance since 2016.

13. Damian Lillard 

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Damian Lillard is a professional basketball player from the United States, currently affiliated with the Milwaukee Bucks in the National Basketball Association.

After being chosen as the sixth overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2012 NBA draft, Lillard earned the prestigious title of NBA Rookie of the Year through unanimous voting.

He’s widely recognized as “Dame Time” due to his knack for delivering crucial shots in high-pressure situations. Notably, he holds the distinction of securing seven NBA All-Star and seven All-NBA Team selections, a feat unmatched by any other player in Trail Blazers franchise history.

Now, Lillard is bringing his talents to Milwaukee, where he’ll have the opportunity to team up with Giannis for an eagerly anticipated showdown, aiming to secure a championship ring in the upcoming season.

14. Anthony Davis

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Anthony Davis is a professional basketball player associated with the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. He plays both as a power forward and as a centre.

Throughout NBA career, Davis has been chosen for four All-NBA First Teams and four NBA All-Defensive Teams. In his first season with the Lakers in 2020, he triumphed in the NBA Finals.

Furthermore, he was recognized with the distinction of being named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. Teaming up with LeBron James, he is expected to spearhead the Lakers in their quest for another championship this season.

15. Trae Young

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The Atlanta Hawks’ point guard, Trae Young, is distinguished as one of the NBA’s most captivating young talents. In his fifth season with the Hawks, Young is already an established player and is anticipated to have a substantial impact in the 2023-2024 season.

Standing at 6 feet 1 inch, Young possesses exceptional shooting abilities and an impressive court vision. He is acknowledged as one of the league’s top shooters, showcasing a wide range of shooting techniques.

In the prior season, Young posted impressive statistics, with averages of 28.4 points, 9.7 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game. He also displayed notable field goal and three-point percentages of 45.6% and 38.2%, respectively.

This exceptional performance led to Young earning a spot on the All-NBA Second Team and propelling the Hawks to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2015.

16. Jamal Murray

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Jamal Murray plays as the point guard for the Denver Nuggets and is a pivotal member of the Canadian national team. After a solitary season with the Kentucky Wildcats in college basketball, he was chosen by the Denver Nuggets as the seventh overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft.

Murray exhibited an exceptional performance on February 4, 2023, in a game against the Atlanta Hawks, achieving a season-high of 41 points, along with five rebounds and seven assists in a 128-108 victory.

Teaming up with Jokic, they played a critical role in guiding the Denver Nuggets to secure the 2023 NBA championship. Now, their goal is to secure another championship title for the city in the upcoming season.

17.  Donovan Mitchell

Donovan Mitchell directing traffic vs Lakers 2022 photo by Aforawesome10 –

Donovan Mitchell Jr. is a professional basketball player from the United States, presently competing for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA. He has the notable distinction of being selected as an NBA All-Star four times.

In his initial season with the Utah Jazz, Mitchell gained acclaim by earning a position on the NBA All-Rookie First Team and emerging victorious in the Slam Dunk Contest in 2018.

His career trajectory shifted in 2022 when he was traded from the Jazz to the Cavaliers. Donovan is expected to have a significant impact in Cleveland, aiming to rejuvenate the team, especially in light of LeBron James’ departure and the most recent championship victory in 2016.

18. Kawhi Leonard

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Kawhi Anthony Leonard is an American basketball player currently playing for the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA. He has built a distinguished career in the league, clinching two championship titles.

Leonard holds an impressive track record with five All-Star nods and five All-NBA Team selections, three of which are First-Teamhonourss. His exceptional defensive abilities and notably large hands have earned him the monikers “Claw” and “Klaw”.

With teammates such as Westbrook and Paul George, Kawhi is resolute in his pursuit of yet another championship ring this season.

19. Ja Morant

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Ja Morant, a 24-year-old point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, is unquestionably one of the most enthralling young talents in the NBA. In his fourth season, Morant has already become a pivotal figure for the Grizzlies and is anticipated to have a significant impact in 2023.

Standing at 6 feet 2 inches, Morant possesses exceptional speed, athleticism, and basketball IQ, ranking him among the fastest players in the league.

During the previous season, Morant maintained impressive averages of 27.4 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game. He also demonstrated proficiency from beyond the arc, hitting 34.4% of his three-point attempts, and boasted a 49.3% overall field goal percentage.

Morant’s outstanding performance propelled the Grizzlies to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2015, earning him a spot on the All-NBA Second Team. This season, he is poised to be a pivotal force in the Grizzlies’ pursuit of success on the grandest stage, the playoffs.

20. De’Aaron Fox

De鈥橝aron Fox, a 25-year-old point guard, is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing young talents in the NBA. He is presently in his sixth season, playing for the Sacramento Kings. Fox has already solidified his role as a pivotal figure for the Kings and is poised to make a noteworthy impact in 2023.

Standing at 6-foot-2, Fox possesses outstanding speed, agility, and scoring prowess, establishing him as one of the quickest players in the league with a wide array of shooting skills. With his adept passing and ball-handling abilities, Fox excels at creating plays for both himself and his teammates.

In the previous season, Fox posted averages of 25.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. He maintained an impressive field goal percentage of 51.2% along with a three-point percentage of 32.2%.

As an emerging star in the NBA, Fox presents a significant challenge for defenders due to his capacity to score from virtually anywhere on the court.

His versatility leads to mismatches against most opponents, allowing him to generate scoring opportunities for both himself and his teammates.

In this dynamic landscape of professional basketball, these 20 athletes exemplify the zenith of skill, determination, and teamwork.

From jaw-dropping dunks to precision passes, they redefine the game with every play. As the season unfolds, their performances will continue to captivate and inspire fans worldwide, solidifying their legacy in the annals of NBA history.