ESPN.com Oct 12, 2023, 8:00 am ET15 minutes read
AD: Lakers motivated by ‘all the talk’ from Nuggets after title
Anthony Davis says he and fellow Lakers star LeBron James are excited to face the Nuggets after Denver defeated them in the playoffs last season.
NBArank is back for its 13th season and ranks the best players in the league.
Which stars made it and which missed out? Which rookies are already causing a stir in the top 100? Where have MVP contenders like Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic and reigning winner Joel Embiid checked in? Where did LeBron James end up at the start of Season 21?
To arrive at the final NBA ranking prediction, we asked our panel of experts to vote on player vs. player matchups from more than 15,000 possible matchups. Voters were asked “Which player will be better in 2023-24?” and had to predict how each player will perform this season.
There have already been plenty of surprises among players No. 100-51 and No. 50-11, but our countdown ends with a look at our top 10 and the razor-thin battle between Nos. 1 and 2.
In fact, the race for the top spot was one of the closest in NBArank history, as the gap between numbers 2 and 3 was nearly 16 times greater than that between numbers 1 and 2.
Note: ESPN’s NBArank panel of nearly 150 reporters, editors, producers and analysts was asked to rank players based on their projected contributions – quality and quantity – for the 2023-24 season only.
Gary A. Vasquez/USA Today Sports
Los Angeles Lakers | PF
NBA rankings 2022: 20
After a renaissance season with the Lakers in which he set career highs in field goal percentage (56.3%) and rebounds per game (12.5) and with a three-year contract extension worth $186 million has been rewarded, Davis appears ready to dominate again.
Why he rose 10 places: After two injury-plagued seasons after winning the 2020 title in the Orlando bubble, Davis missed 20 straight games from mid-December to late January last season, but returned as a man on a mission to help LA move from a play-in spot to Los Angeles lead the Western Conference finals.
A big question for 2023-24: This one is pretty simple. Can Davis stay healthy? If he can reach the 65-game limit the league has set to qualify for regular-season awards, not only should Davis be in the conversation for both MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, but the Lakers should too host a playoff round or two. But as always, the question is whether his body will betray him or not.
Davis’ path to the No. 1 ranking: Check out the game tape of Davis’ 55-point, 17-rebound show with the Washington Wizards last year. Or the 44-point, 10-rebound, 3-block performance against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks in a road win for LA. Or how about the playoff classic 30 points and 23 rebounds he scored against the Golden State Warriors? If Davis is right, it’s hard to find a more effective two-way player.
– Dave McMenamin
AP Photo/Michael Owen Baker
Los Angeles Lakers | SF
NBA rankings 2022: 6
James, 38, continues to push the boundaries of his prime to unprecedented levels. He will become just the sixth player in league history to reach his 21st season and will be an important part of a championship contender.
Why he fell three places: James missed 27 games last season with a right foot injury, continuing a streak of bad luck to his body that has seen him play just 278 of a possible 389 regular-season games since joining the Lakers. This is where he shows his age most clearly.
A big question for 2023-24: It’s been nearly 10 years since James returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers for a second stint, ostensibly with the goal of taking some of the weight off his shoulders with All-Stars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love leading the way. That never really happened with the Cavs, James is still the clear No. 1. And it hasn’t happened in LA yet. Will the Lakers’ young talent core in Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura finally allow James to become part of the system and not the system?
James’ path to the No. 1 ranking: Count him out at your own risk. As James told ESPN as he entered the offseason contemplating retirement after a win against the Denver Nuggets, “I’m still better than 90% of the NBA…maybe 95.” If he can add a fifth championship to his resume, he will not only champion the best of today’s game, but also the best of all time.
— McMenamin
Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
Oklahoma City Thunder | PG
NBA rankings 2022: 48
Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder took a small step forward last year when the team reached No. 10 and won a game against the New Orleans Pelicans in the play-in tournament before losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Now Gilgeous-Alexander and Co. hope to build on last season’s success.
Why he rose 40 places: Gilgeous-Alexander is coming off the best season of his career: 31.4 points per game on 51.0% shooting from the field. Surrounded by younger players, his play was the reason the Thunder were able to make the jump from the top of the lottery to the play-in tournament.
A big question for 2023-24: Will its efficiency continue? Gilgeous-Alexander saw a jump in production because he changed his style of play. He made more two-point shots than anyone in the league, reduced his three-point attempts from 5.3 to 2.5 per game – he shot 34.5% compared to 30.0% the year before – and led the league in free throws made . This style worked for him last year, but can he do it again?
Gilgeous-Alexander’s path to the No. 1 ranking: A lot would have to happen for Gilgeous-Alexander to make the jump to No. 1, but that says more about the seven players ahead of him than his own game. But if he’s able to continue to be as efficient as he has been, increasing his scoring and maintaining his efficiency on 3-pointers but with a higher volume, it will be difficult to keep him out of the discussion in the coming years to keep out the All-NBA first team.
–Andrew Lopez
Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images
Phoenix Suns | SF
NBA rankings 2022: 8th
This will be Durant’s first full season in Phoenix, having been limited to just eight regular-season games with the Suns before they lost to the eventual champion Nuggets in the playoffs.
Why he moved up one place: Durant didn’t really change rankings and moved ahead of James, largely due to his age (39 in December, while Durant had just turned 35). We’re also a little further removed from Durant’s poor shooting performance (39%) in the first round of the 2022 playoffs against the Boston Celtics.
A big question for 2023-24: Can Durant still be as efficient in the playoffs as he was in the regular season? His shooting percentage of 56% and effective field goal percentage (eFG%) of 61% (which accounts for the added value of 3 seconds) were both career highs. Durant’s eFG% dropped to 52% in the playoffs due to strong defensive attention.
Durant’s path to the No. 1 ranking: Durant topped this list in 2021 after making a superhuman effort to lead the Brooklyn Nets to a seventh game against the eventual champion Bucks. If he performs at this level in the playoffs, he could once again become the best player in the league – especially if he leads Phoenix to the title.
–Kevin Pelton
Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images
Boston Celtics | SF
NBA rankings 2022: 7
Last season was another impressive individual campaign for Tatum, who made an All-Star team for the fourth consecutive season, an All-NBA first team for the second consecutive season, and won his first All-Star Game MVP award. But Boston’s continued quest for a title failed again after it lost seven games to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference finals.
Why he moved up one place: Tatum continues to develop into one of the most versatile wingers in the league. He surpassed 30 points per game for the first time in his career, did a much better job of getting to the foul line, and continues to be a solid defensive player, making him exactly the type of two-way winger every NBA team would love to have.
A big question for 2023-24: The only weak point in Tatum’s game over the past few seasons has been his efficiency – specifically his 3-point shooting. Tatum has averaged 35% shooting from deep on nine attempts per game over the past two years, a number that doesn’t match his fine shooting form. For him to take the final step as a scorer, he needs to get that number closer to 40%. If he can do that, a scoring title could easily follow.
Tatum’s path to the No. 1 ranking: As with so many players on this list, Tatum’s team success will have the biggest impact on his placement. If they can break through and win a title after years of late-season losses, Tatum is likely a sure-fire spot in the top five on this list next year. Combined with improved efficiency and a scoring title, he can win an MVP award again this year.
– Tim Bontemps
Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images
Golden State Warriors | PG
NBA rankings 2022: 5
Curry had one of the best offseasons in the NBA – perhaps just behind Nikola Jokic – and he enters this season with the goal of a deeper playoff run and possibly his fifth ring.
Why his ranking remained unchanged: For the third straight season, Curry is ranked No. 5. He led the NBA in 3-pointers for the third straight season and did everything he could do to help his team stay afloat, but the struggles and chemistry issues The group was too big for Curry to overcome alone. Curry also suffered two separate injuries that limited the two-time MVP to 56 games.
A big question for 2023-24: Can Curry make a case for another MVP? Curry finished third at the 2021 awards ceremony behind Jokic and Embiid. That year, Curry led the league with a career-best 32.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 42.1% from three. Even at 35, Curry still has that magic in him – it’s enough to overtake players like Jokic, Antetokounmpo and Embiid and break the run of big men dominating the MVP race?
Curry’s path to the No. 1 ranking: Last season, Curry averaged the third-most points of his career (29.1). But the support on the pitch wasn’t there and the chemistry in the team wasn’t right either. Now he plays alongside one of the best point guards in the league with Chris Paul, and in just a few preseason games, their partnership appears to be strong. If Curry is able to pass the ball while Paul gives him assists and also create his own shot, there is no reason why Curry can’t get back into the conversation as the best player in the league.
–Kendra Andrews
Tyler Kaufman/AP
Dallas Mavericks | SF
NBA rankings 2022: 3
A first-team All-NBA selection the past two seasons, Doncic possesses a remarkable blend of brilliant basketball mind, strength and skill. He’s arguably the best offensive player in the game, but he enters the season with a lot to prove after the Mavs slipped into the lottery in 2022-23.
Why he dropped one place: It’s difficult to claim a top-three spot for a player whose team finished under .500 and didn’t even qualify for a play-in bid. On the other hand, it’s hard to blame Doncic too much after he had his best statistical season, recording career-highs in scoring (32.4 points per game) and effective field goal percentage (56%) while averaging 8. 6 rebounds and 8.0 assists per game.
A big question for 2023-24: Can Doncic lead the Mavs back into the playoffs and past the first round? Dallas should bring back an elite offense led by Doncic and Irving, and the hope is that the duo’s chemistry improves with more time together, especially in critical situations. But terrible defense was the main culprit in Dallas last season. Personnel improvements were made in the offseason, but Doncic needs to improve in that regard.
Doncic’s path to the No. 1 ranking: Doncic is a perennial MVP candidate who appears to be in his best physical condition in at least four years. He is capable of winning the goalscoring crown and the assists title. If the Mavs manage to catch up, Doncic could certainly find himself in the discussion for the best player in the league.
– Tim MacMahon
Jesse D Garrabrant/Getty Images
Philadelphia 76ers | C
NBA rankings 2022: 4
After finishing second in the previous two seasons, Embiid won his first NBA MVP award in 2022-23 and also claimed his second straight title. However, this did not lead to further playoff success. Philadelphia lost again in the second round, falling to the Celtics in seven games.
Why he moved up one place: Embiid has become the dominant scorer in the league. He shot a career-best 54.8% from the field and finished with a career-high average of 33.1 points per game as he combined a near-automatic mid-range jumper with a tiring route to the free throw line. With his size, speed and skill, it’s not about stopping Embiid – it’s just making life difficult for him and hoping he has an off night.
A big question for 2023-24: The big question surrounding Embiid is the same one that haunts the 76ers: What will happen to James Harden and how will this saga affect Embiid’s feelings about the franchise? Eyes around the league are on Embiid and the state of things in Philadelphia. If this season ends with a loss in the first or second round of the playoffs, next summer will be a long one for the Sixers.
Embiid’s path to the No. 1 ranking: At the end of last year’s regular season, there was a debate about whether Embiid, Nikola Jokic or Giannis Antetokounmpo was the best player in the NBA. How was this battle decided? By running Jokic over the field en route to his first NBA championship. With an MVP title off Embiid’s to-do list, a breakthrough to the championship could easily catapult him to the top of that list.
— Bontemps
No. 2: Nikola Jokic
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Nuggets | C
NBA rankings 2022: 2
After celebrating the Summer of Jokic by dancing and singing in viral videos, the reigning Finals MVP returns refreshed and ready to repeat his historic run to the championship last season.
Why his ranking remained unchanged: Because of the discussions surrounding the race, Jokic wasn’t particularly interested in winning the MVP for the third time in a row during the regular season. But he left no doubt who the best player in the Finals was, becoming the first player in history to lead the postseason in points, rebounds and assists. The Suns, Lakers and Heat had no answer.
In these rankings, Jokic was edged out by another two-time MVP big man by just percentage points.
A big question for 2023-24: Which record will fall next? Jokic does so many things at an elite level, but he is rewriting history with his triple-double wizardry. When opposing coaches had the most time to go against him, Jokic picked apart defenses and averaged 30 points, 13.5 rebounds and 9.5 assists last postseason. His 10 playoff triple-doubles were the most in a single postseason ever. Joker has led the Nuggets in points, rebounds and assists for six consecutive seasons, more than any other player in history.
Jokic’s path to the No. 1 ranking: Hall of Fame point guard Isiah Thomas said Jokic should be considered the best player in the world after his championship tear, which Thomas said also puts Jokic in a “legendary category.” And he still has room to grow, as Nuggets coach Michael Malone said during camp. If he can improve his defense and perhaps be more aggressive with his 3-point shooting – Jokic hit 46.1% of his threes in the playoffs – Jokic could achieve even more hardware, a second straight championship and, ultimately, first place in the NBA -Rank.
— Ohm Youngmisuk
No. 1: Giannis Antetokounmpo
AP Photo/Morry Gash
Milwaukee Bucks | PF
NBA rankings 2022: 1
For the first time in his career, Antetokounmpo will play alongside another superstar after Milwaukee pulled off a blockbuster signing of Damian Lillard. Could playing alongside a Hall of Fame point guard make Antetokounmpo even more empowered?
Why his ranking remained unchanged: Antetokounmpo joined Wilt Chamberlain as the only players in NBA history to average at least 30 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists while shooting 50% from the floor, helping the Bucks to the best record in the NBA in 2022-23. Milwaukee’s postseason could have been much different had Antetokounmpo not suffered a back injury that sidelined him for most of Game 1 and all of Games 2 and 3 in the Bucks’ first-round loss to the Heat.
Antetokounmpo retains his No. 1 spot and has one of the narrowest margins over Jokic in NBA rankings history.
A big question for 2023-24: How will Antetokounmpo’s partnership with Lillard work? This will be the first time in these two stars’ careers that they will be playing alongside another superstar and there will be a learning curve. Antetokounmpo has already spoken during training camp about forgoing his new teammate to make Lillard’s transition smoother. A lighter workload during the season could get Antetokounmpo ready for the playoffs.
AntetokounmpoThe way to keep the No. 1 ranking: Even if Antetokounmpo’s performance changes and Lillard takes over more offense, he should still remain one of the league’s most dominant forces. Lillard could open up easier options for Antetokounmpo and create a duo dangerous enough to rival the Lakers’ legendary one-two punch of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal.
– Jamal Collier