NBA (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
The NBA season has finally returned and with that the completion of the top 50 player rankings. We have previewed the previous 40 players in groups of 10 at the following places:
50-41
40-31
30-21
20-11
In the final set of the power rankings, we will go over what is our definitive top 10 players in the NBA. Who is number one?
Let’s get started.
Top 50 NBA players ranked:10. Damian Lillard
Previous Rank: 9
Remaining one of the ticking time bombs of trade requests in the league, Damian Lillard is currently saying all the right things. He is giving new head coach Chauncey Billups a chance to work with this roster. Until something changes, the Portland Trail Blazers are getting a completely locked-in version of Lillard.
Lillard was his normal dominant self a season ago. Over the course of 67 games, the six-time All-Star averaged 28.8 points, 7.5 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game. For a Blazers team that struggled with a lengthy absence of CJ McCollum, Lillard remained the driving force for the Blazers returning to the postseason. Finding themselves matched up with the Denver Nuggets yet again was something of a tough draw and the Blazers found themselves back on the outside looking in.
Now the rest of the league will be watching Portland and Lillard closely. It is no secret that the Philadelphia 76ers have been waiting for him to make another trade request. Should he do so, many in the league will not be far behind them. If there is any sort of bumps along the way, Dame Time will start to take on a new meaning. Until then, sit back and enjoy the show.
50-41
<p><a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/10/19/ranking-top-50-nba-players-10-1/"https://hoopshabit.com/2021/09/28/ranking-top-50-nba-players-40-31-2/">40-31
<p><a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/10/19/ranking-top-50-nba-players-10-1/"https://hoopshabit.com/2021/10/05/nba-top-50-players-ranked-30-21/">30-21
<p><a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/10/19/ranking-top-50-nba-players-10-1/"https://hoopshabit.com/2021/10/12/nba-players-top-50-2021-22/">20-11
<h2>In the final set of the power rankings, we will go over what is our definitive top 10 players in the NBA. Who is number one?</h2>
<p>Let’s get started.</p>
<h2>Top 50 NBA players ranked:10. Damian Lillard</h2>
<p><em>Previous Rank: 9</em></p>
<p>Remaining one of the ticking time bombs of trade requests in the league, <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/10/19/ranking-top-50-nba-players-10-1/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/lillada01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Damian Lillard</a> is currently saying all the right things. He is giving new head coach Chauncey Billups a chance to work with this roster. Until something changes, the Portland Trail Blazers are getting a completely locked-in version of Lillard.</p>
<p>Lillard was his normal dominant self a season ago. Over the course of 67 games, the six-time All-Star averaged 28.8 points, 7.5 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game. For a Blazers team that struggled with a lengthy absence of CJ McCollum, Lillard remained the driving force for the Blazers returning to the postseason. Finding themselves matched up with the Denver Nuggets yet again was something of a tough draw and the Blazers found themselves back on the outside looking in.</p>
<p>Now the rest of the league will be watching Portland and Lillard closely. It is no secret that the Philadelphia 76ers have been waiting for him to make another trade request. Should he do so, many in the league will not be far behind them. If there is any sort of bumps along the way, Dame Time will start to take on a new meaning. Until then, sit back and enjoy the show.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/10/19/ranking-top-50-nba-players-10-1/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 9 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-436754" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/10/19/ranking-top-50-nba-players-10-1/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1346653773.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1346653773.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1346653773-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Top 50 NBA players ranked: 9. Anthony Davis</h2>
<p><em>Previous Rank: 5</em></p>
<p>Last season was something of a lost cause for the Los Angeles Lakers. <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/10/19/ranking-top-50-nba-players-10-1/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/davisan02.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Anthony Davis</a> and <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/10/19/ranking-top-50-nba-players-10-1/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jamesle01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">LeBron James</a> both dealt with injuries. Davis was limited to just 36 games due to injuries last season and even when he was healthy he never quite looked like himself after the quick turnaround between seasons. Not just were his numbers less impressive than in season’s past but the eye test told a story of exhaustion following a title win.</p>
<p>Starting with the numbers, it is clear the new champion was not performing at his usual levels. He averaged just 21.8 points (lowest since his second season), 7.9 rebounds (lowest of his career), 3.1 assists, 1.6 blocks (career-low) and 1.3 steals per game. He was clearly hampered for much of the season and in the end, his physical limitations cost the team in the long run.</p>
<p>For a fully reloaded Lakers squad, Davis will remain atop the list of most important players with LeBron James. Much and more will be made about the additions of Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony. Jokes abound about the age of the depth on the team. However, what ultimately matters the most will be the health and performance of Davis and James. Should everything break right, Davis will show the world once again why he was the handpicked successor to the king.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/10/19/ranking-top-50-nba-players-10-1/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 8 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-436755" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/10/19/ranking-top-50-nba-players-10-1/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2135,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1346106818.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2135" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1346106818.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1346106818-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Top 50 NBA players ranked: 8. Joel Embiid</h2>
<p><em>Previous Rank: 14</em></p>
<p>For much of the season, <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/10/19/ranking-top-50-nba-players-10-1/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/e/embiijo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Joel Embiid</a> was neck and neck with eventual MVP <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/10/19/ranking-top-50-nba-players-10-1/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jokicni01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Nikola Jokic</a>. He was the driving force on the team with the best record in the Eastern Conference. Embiid was a two-way force that for most of the season stayed healthy and dominated everyone in front of him. An ill-timed injury removed him from MVP contention. Then came another early exit in the playoffs and the explosion of the remnants of the Process chemistry experiment.</p>
<p>Now more than ever it is all on Embiid. Simmons is back with the team, but more than likely that is just in appearances and not in production. Until the roster is reshaped with a trade the path forward will depend on Embiid looking like the player he was last season. Over 51 games the star averaged 28.5 points (fourth in the league), 10.6 rebounds (11th), 2.8 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.0 steals per game.</p>
<p>If nothing else during the vocal offseason, Embiid has made it abundantly clear that this is his team and now is the time to win. He wants everyone around him to buy in at the same level he has. If you are not on the same page, you will not be on his good side for long. Should the Philadelphia 76ers make a splash with the eventual Simmons trade, Embiid may finally get his wish granted.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/10/19/ranking-top-50-nba-players-10-1/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 7 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-436756" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/10/19/ranking-top-50-nba-players-10-1/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1067,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1321827879.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="1067" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1321827879.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1321827879-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">NBA (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Top 50 NBA players ranked: 7. Luka Doncic</h2>
<p><em>Previous Rank: 7</em></p>
<p>Prior to the announcement of the start date for last season, <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/10/19/ranking-top-50-nba-players-10-1/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/doncilu01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Luka Doncic</a> felt like the favorite to win the MVP and make a noticeable push forward in the standings. Then the season started a month sooner than previously expected and Doncic was not quite himself when games got underway. This season, the Mavericks and Doncic will not be facing any such issue.</p>
<p>Doncic’s individual production took a slight hit as he was not at peak shape at the start of the season. In his third season in the league, the star averaged 27.7 points, 8.6 assists, 8.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game. These are MVP-level numbers, and yet they are all down from the previous season. Now with new head coach Jason Kidd running the show, Doncic will have to do even more to get the team over the hump.</p>
<p>Had the Mavericks not run into the LA Clippers in the first round of the postseason for the second consecutive season, much of this would look different. Now, with a healthier Kristaps Porzingis, Doncic is looking to win his first playoff series. He was able to nearly push Slovenia deeper in the Olympics than ever before. Now, it is time to return the Mavericks to the second round.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/10/19/ranking-top-50-nba-players-10-1/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 6 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-430891" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/10/19/ranking-top-50-nba-players-10-1/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2134,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2021%2F06%2F1233401948.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2134" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2021/06/1233401948.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2021/06/1233401948-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Top 50 NBA players ranked: 6. Nikola Jokic</h2>
<p><em>Previous Rank: 10</em></p>
<p>Nikola Jokic has been considered one of the best players and rising stars in the league for some time. Last season was something different. Jokic was a wizard for the Denver Nuggets, continuing his development as arguably the best passing big man in the history of the league. No matter who was in and out of the lineup for the Nuggets, Jokic was the constant force of nature that kept them afloat.</p>
<p>It goes without saying that Jokic exhibited statistical brilliance on the way to his first career MVP award. In his sixth season in the league, the Serbian big man averaged 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game. He boasted an exceptional 60.2 effective field goal percentage, thanks in large part to his 3-point improvement (38.8 percent last season). Before injuries sidetracked everything the Nuggets looked like potential favorites for the title thanks to the way that Jokic warped the floor.</p>
<p>Some of that shine has come off this season, due in large part to the absence of Jamaal Murray for most, if not all, of the season. However, Jokic has proved to be a workhorse who will get the best out of anyone he shares the floor with. That could be Michael Porter Jr. making the leap and blossoming into an All-Star. It could be Aaron Gordon finally realizing his potential, as he seemed to right after the trade from the Magic. No matter what, bet on Jokic being in the middle of all the success.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/10/19/ranking-top-50-nba-players-10-1/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 5 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-436757" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/10/19/ranking-top-50-nba-players-10-1/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2135,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1346107492.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2135" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1346107492.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1346107492-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Top 50 NBA players ranked: 5. James Harden</h2>
<p><em>Previous Rank: 4</em></p>
<p>Now that the league is a season removed from the meltdown that led the Houston Rockets to go from one of the most consistent contenders for the top of the league to truly rebuilding, the feelings around <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/10/19/ranking-top-50-nba-players-10-1/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hardeja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">James Harden</a> have drastically changed. No longer is he being called a chemistry killer (though some would lob that at one of his current teammates). Finally, at long last, the focus on what he can do on the basketball court while being paired with a scorer on his highly elevated level.</p>
<p>Before last season, Harden had won here straight scoring titles, each over 30 points per game. He was coming off a streak of averaging at least 29 points for five straight seasons. Now finally in a role where he was not the number one option, a dip was to be expected. Following the trade, Harden averaged 24.6 points, 10.9 assists, 8.5 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. He posted the best effective field goal percentage (54.8 percent) since his final season with the Oklahoma City Thunder.</p>
<p>Harden’s life will be the easiest it has been in years. He can remain one of the best passers in the league, capable of leading the league in assists. With Irving likely out for some portion of the season, he is likely to be among the top scorers in the league as well. The Brooklyn Nets are expecting something special this season. Harden is more than capable of delivering.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/10/19/ranking-top-50-nba-players-10-1/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 4 </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_436758" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img class="size-full wp-image-436758" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/10/19/ranking-top-50-nba-players-10-1/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2210,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1345437549.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2210" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1345437549.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1345437549-768x530.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Top 50 NBA players ranked: 4. Stephen Curry</h2>
<p><em>Previous Rank: 3</em></p>
<p>Just in case you forgot just who <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/10/19/ranking-top-50-nba-players-10-1/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/curryst01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Stephen Curry</a> was after a year that was lost due to injuries, last season’s tour de force was the perfect reminder. The Golden State Warriors were unable to finish off the deal by making It back to the postseason. Ultimately the growing pains of James Wiseman combined with the massive, Klay Thompson-sized hole in the roster was too much for Curry, Draymond Green and company to overcome.</p>
<p>This season, the roster is more prepared to compliment the reigning scoring champion. Curry achieved that honor for the first time in his career last season, averaging 32.0 points per game. He added in 5.8 assists, 5.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. He had a season-high 62 points, plus two more 50 plus point games and eight more 40 plus point games. He was a dynamo and now will lift the rest of the players around him.</p>
<p>This season is about Curry bringing the Warriors back to a prominent place in the league. Jordan Poole has taken a step forward and should explode this season. The young core is beginning to become an impressive factor in the future. Green remains the driving defensive force and one of the best passing big men today. Thompson will be back at some point. Ultimately, it all boils down to the former unanimous MVP.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/10/19/ranking-top-50-nba-players-10-1/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 3 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-436759" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/10/19/ranking-top-50-nba-players-10-1/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2216,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1346410317.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2216" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1346410317.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1346410317-768x532.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Top 50 NBA players ranked: 3. LeBron James</h2>
<p><em>Previous Rank: 1</em></p>
<p>At long last, the reign of LeBron James as the best player in the league may be coming to an end. He was one of the candidates for the MVP before injuries took him out for a little too long. The Los Angeles Lakers ultimately had to play in the play-in before falling in the first round of the postseason. Now, despite entering the season as the favorites in the Conference, a couple of other players have staked their claim at was once James unassailable thrown.</p>
<p>Do not be mistaken. James is still one of the most dominant forces in the league. In his eighteenth season, James averaged 25.0 points, 7.8 assists, 7.7 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. He was limited to just 45 games, cutting off any chances he had at recognition. IF his social media posts are any sort of harbinger, this season will be a reckoning for those who stand in his path.</p>
<p>One thing James, <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/10/19/ranking-top-50-nba-players-10-1/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/antetgi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> and <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/10/19/ranking-top-50-nba-players-10-1/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/duranke01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Kevin Durant</a> all have in common is that the regular season is not going to define their season. All of them are playing to add to their postseason resumes. To date, James is the most complete. Unfortunately, he also has the least amount of time remaining.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/10/19/ranking-top-50-nba-players-10-1/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 2 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-436760" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/10/19/ranking-top-50-nba-players-10-1/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1304,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1333658904.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="1304" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1333658904.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1333658904-768x626.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">NBA (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Top 50 NBA players ranked: 2. Giannis Antetokounmpo</h2>
<p><em>Previous Rank: 2</em></p>
<p>Choosing between the top two players in the league is as close as flipping a coin. Much like their second-round playoff series last season, the margin between Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo is razor-thin. If this was about where they ended up at the end of last season, the championship performance would have put Antetokounmpo on top. Projecting this season, however, he may just be the slightest step behind.</p>
<p>Let’s take one final moment to celebrate exactly what the former two-time MVP did last season. During the regular season he averaged 28.1 points, 11.0 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. The biggest factor that prevented him from earning any accolades happened to be the recency of those he had previously won combined with the (to that point) playoff disappointments. Then came the playoffs and Antetokounmpo would not be denied.</p>
<p>If players are defined by their best moment, Game 6 will cement Antetokounmpo as one of the all-time greats. In a game for his first-ever championship, he posted a line of 50 points, 14 rebounds, five blocks and two assists. It was the kind of performance basketball legends (or best-selling books) are made of. He may have more titles in his future, but if the top player on the list has anything to say about it, it will not happen this year.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/10/19/ranking-top-50-nba-players-10-1/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 1 </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Top 50 NBA players ranked: 1. Kevin Durant</h2>
<p><em>Previous Rank: 6</em></p>
<p>At times during the series against the Milwaukee Bucks, Kevin Durant felt like he was on the brink of ending the season (and title prospects) of every other player in the league. He was torching through the playoffs with one All-Star teammate out with injury and the other one hobbled. Even coming up just short of winning the season, Durant made it abundantly clear. He was back to be the best.</p>
<p>This season should be even better. The further removed from the injuries that he gets; Durant looks more and more comfortable on the court. The Nets are simultaneously one of most star-studded rosters as well as one of the deepest. Combine that with his sheer statistical brilliance, the world is Durant’s oyster.</p>
<p>Last season was Durant’s best from a numbers point of view since leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder. He averaged 26.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.3 blocks per game on shooting splits of .537/.450/.882. Now, with a full season with James Harden to partner with, it may be too late for the rest of the league. He may get the chance to take some nights off along the way, but if Durant is healthy at the end of the season the title will be his to lose.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="NBA Power Rankings 3: Bold predictions" data-url="https://hoopshabit.com/2021/10/18/nba-power-rankings-3-giannis-mvp/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/10/19/ranking-top-50-nba-players-10-1/"https://hoopshabit.com/2021/10/18/nba-power-rankings-3-giannis-mvp/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> NBA Power Rankings 3: Bold predictions </a> </div>
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