Nikola Jokić has been the most dominant player in the NBA in recent years. Joel Embiid, Jayson Tatum and Giannis Antetokounmpo have been among those who have been similarly brilliant.
Nikola Jokić (4.95) has won three of the last four NBA MVP awards, while all of the last six have been won by international players.
There are few stats that can demonstrate with such clarity how basketball has changed into a global sport.
The NBA is the hub for the world’s best basketball players – and some of the league’s greats are now past their prime. Based on our current ability, we have put together our top 10.
1. Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets
Serbian centre Jokić has been the best individual player in the NBA over the past four seasons. Not only has he won three regular-season MVPs but in the season he did not get the award, 2022-23, he won the championship with the Nuggets and was Finals MVP. Jokić’s ruthless efficiency in important games has been crucial for the Nuggets in recent years.
2. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
The 2023 MVP’s agility and ball-handling for a big man are exceptional, making him difficult to defend one-on-one. Defensively, Embiid is a force, protecting the rim with his shot-blocking while also having the lateral quickness to guard smaller players on switches. The Cameroonian’s basketball IQ and ability to read the game further elevate his effectiveness on both ends of the floor, making him one of the most complete players in the league.
3. Luka Dončić, Dallas Mavericks
Having come through the ranks at Real Madrid, the Slovenian was already a brilliant player when he entered the NBA in 2018 as the third overall draft pick. Standing 6’7″, he uses his size and strength to overpower smaller guards, while his footwork and ball-handling allow him to break down defences with ease. His court vision is elite, often making pinpoint passes that create easy scoring opportunities for his teammates. Dončić also excels as a scorer, able to hit deep three-pointers, finish through contact, and post up smaller defenders. His composure in high-pressure situations and ability to control the pace of the game make him a rare talent who can impact all facets of play.
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
One of the most unlikely superstars, Greek-Nigerian forward Antetokounmpo was NBA MVP in 2018/19 and 2019/20 before winning his first championship with the Bucks in 2021. His relentless work ethic and tremendous athleticism helped him rise from obscurity in Greece to the upper echelons of the NBA within a matter of years.
5. Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors
Curry has been one of the two best NBA players of the generation along with LeBron James. His powers may be slightly on the wane, but he is still undoubtedly world-class, as evidenced by his crucial role in Team USA’s gold medal run at the Olympics and the way he continues to carry the Golden State Warriors.
6. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Gilgeous-Alexander has positioned himself as the guard most likely to take over from Curry as the dominant force in the NBA – if indeed that transition has not already happened. SGA, as he is affectionately known, led a youthful Thunder to the top of the Western Conference in the last regular season.
7. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
From leading the Boston Celtics to the 2023/24 NBA championship to playing a supporting role during the Olympics, Tatum has shown that he is not only one of the most talented players in the NBA but also one of the most willing to put the team’s best interests before his own.
8. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
Possibly the best NBA player of all time and its leading all-time points scorer, James is still one of the best players in the league at 39 years old. Capable of playing all five positions on the court, he will be eager to lead the Lakers to his second championship with them and fifth overall in the league.
9. Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers
The former Iowa State point guard has averaged over 20 points and 10 rebounds in each of the last two seasons. He was not considered one of the top recruits at the end of his high school career, but he has certainly turned himself into one of the best NBA guards now.
10. Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks
Together with Dončić, Irving is one-half of arguably the best backcourt in the NBA at present. He is 32 years old and may be at the end of his prime in terms of physical capabilities, but the prodigious talent remains and he is now in an environment where he feels truly celebrated, unlike at the Brooklyn Nets previously.
The NBA is more exciting than ever, with a mix of seasoned champions and rising stars pushing the game to new heights. Players like Jokić and Dončić are redefining what it means to be great, while veterans like LeBron and Curry continue to inspire. As the game evolves, it’s their passion, resilience, and talent that keep us watching, reminding us why we love basketball so much.
