1) LeBron James – I have still have Lebron as the best player in the league. Had it not been for 4 of 5 of the Lakers starters missing significant time, they would have made the playoffs and he still put up 27pts 9rebs, and 8ast. I’m also expecting a big year from him with everyone doubting him.
2) Kevin Durant – KD has become a much better defender and facilitator since leaving OKC and he’s the most gifted scorer in the league. The thing that keeps him from being #1 is his leadership isn’t there. He struggled leading the Warriors last year when Steph was hurt. Switch him with Lebron and the Warriors don’t struggle.
3) Kawhi Leonard – Kawhi might be the most complete player in the league given how good of an offensive player he’s become. He isn’t the facilitator Lebron or KD are and I can’t put him ahead of the other two because of the consistent high level they play year after year. Kawhi pretty much took a year off and missed 22 games last year so he has to play at a high level consistently before he’s #1.
4) James Harden – I know The he disappears at times in the playoffs but so do every other player on this list. Harden is the best offensive player in the league and has been carrying the Rockets ever since he got there. I don’t think the Rockets have the same success if you switch him out with anyone else in the league not named Lebron, KD, or Kawhi.
5) Steph Curry – The best 3 point shooter the league has ever seen. He doesn’t facilitate like the others and he often doesn’t play well when his team is down and he has to bring them back. He also doesn’t play much defense but he’s a very lethal offensive player and can get hot as fast as anyone.