In a league with so many superstar talents, it's hard to
pick just ten players to keep an eye on. Rookies have overtaken the league,
while established veterans continue to wow people with their otherworldly
skills. Below is a list of the top ten NBA players you should pay attention to
right now.
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis, also known as the Greek Freak, is a 6'11"
small forward/point guard for the Milwaukee Bucks. Born in Greece to Nigerian
parents, he didn't start playing organized basketball until he was 14. Giannis
has been with the Bucks since they drafted him in 2013, and he's become one of
the league's finest players.
He's an incredible athlete with a 7'3" wingspan, and he
uses his size and strength to power through defenders. Giannis is an excellent
rebounder and shot-blocker for his position, and he's also a gifted scorer. He
can quickly finish at the rim and has a developing mid-range game. Giannis is
24 years old and among the best players in the NBA.
2. LeBron James
LeBron James is among the most popular and well-known
players in the NBA today. He is ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers and despite what any
of the Lakers rumors
that are floating around say, he is considered to be one of the best players.
Many people pay attention to LeBron because he is a highly talented player and
always seems to be in the spotlight.
3. Anthony Davis
As the number one overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft, Anthony Davis has already shown himself to be a gifted player with a tremendous future ahead of him. Davis averaged 13.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game In his rookie season, earning himself a spot on the All-Rookie First Team.
Now in his third year in the league, Davis has taken his
game to new heights, averaging an impressive 24.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and
2.9 blocks per game while shooting 50% from the field. He currently leads the
league in blocks per game and is second in total blocks (behind only Hassan
Whiteside).
Davis is also a very efficient scorer, evidenced by his
actual shooting percentage of 62%. This means that he not only scores a lot of
points, but he does so without taking many shots or turning the ball over (his
turnover percentage is just 9%).
4. Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard is among the most interesting players in the
NBA. He was recently traded to the Toronto Raptors, and he's significantly
impacted the team. He's a great scorer and defender, and he has the potential
to be a superstar in this league.
5. Kevin Durant
As one of the most prolific scorers in the NBA, Kevin Durant
is a player that any team would love to have on their side. Averaging over 27
points per game for his career, Durant has shown time and time again that he
can take over a game and put up big numbers. He's also an outstanding rebounder
and playmaker, averaging nearly seven rebounds and five assists per game.
Durant is in his 11th season in the NBA and shows no signs
of slowing down. He is a big reason why the Golden State Warriors are among the
top teams in the NBA. If you're looking for a player to pay attention to right
now, Kevin Durant is someone you should keep an eye on.
6. Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving is one of the top NBA players to pay attention
to. He's a dynamic point guard who can score and create for his teammates. He's
also a solid defender. Irving is currently in his seventh NBA season and is
averaging 22.2 points, 5.3 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game. Irving has been
named an All-Star four times and MVP of the 2016 All-Star Game. He was also
named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2012. The 26-year-old Irving plays for the
Boston Celtics and is under contract through the 2020-21 season.
7. Russell Westbrook
While the NBA landscape is constantly shifting, there are
always a few players who manage to stand out above the rest. Right now, one of
those players is Russell Westbrook.
Westbrook is currently in his 9th season with the Oklahoma
City Thunder and shows no signs of slowing down. He's an explosive guard who
can score and distribute the ball, and he's always a threat to put up a
triple-double.
8. Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry is among the most popular players in the NBA.
He plays for the Golden State Warriors and is known for his shooting skills.
Curry is a two-time MVP and has led the Warriors to four NBA Finals
appearances. He is also a three-time champion.
9. Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard is among the most exciting players in the
NBA. A quick and explosive guard, Lillard has become one of the league's best
scorers. He can get to the rim and has a deadly outside shot. Lillard is also a
good playmaker and an improving defender. At just 26 years old, he is already
among the best players in the NBA and should only get better in the coming
years.
10. Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid is one of the top NBA players to pay attention
to. The young center has dominated the league since he was drafted in 2014 and
has shown no signs of slowing down. Embiid is a physical specimen at 7 feet
tall and 250 pounds, with a 7-foot-5 wingspan. He's an incredible athlete for
his size and has rewritten the book on how big men can play in today's NBA.
Conclusion
Despite the NBA season being on hiatus, there are still
plenty of players to watch. These ten players will impact the league next
season, from up-and-comers to seasoned veterans.
