Throughout the history of the NBA there has always been discussions about who are the top 5 best players currently playing. Many others have their opinion already set and sometimes largely influenced by the media such as an ESPN. This is my unbiased list of the best 5 players currently in the NBA today.
1. LeBron James
Arguably one of the best players to ever play the game, it is no surprise that he is listed at number one. With his incredible vision, defense, rebounding and ability to drive to the basket, he is still the best all-around player in the NBA. However, LeBron still suffers from a below average jumper and his ability to close out games comes into question far too often. Still, he is the most dominant player in the league and is one of very few players who have ever played to take a team to the NBA finals singlehandedly.
2. Stephen Curry
He is possibly the greatest shooter who has ever played and one of the best finishers in today’s game. He has elite scoring capability, great vision and amazing handles make up for his lack of size and strength. His quick release makes him capable to shoot over taller defenders and limitless range makes him unstoppable. Even with his amazing offense, his defense is average at best and he is very prone to turnovers. When he has an off shooting night, it seems as if he is almost useless on the court because he just has turnover after turnover and shoots around 30%. Even with that, he is one of the best scorers in NBA history.
3. Kevin Durant
He has yet to win a ring and he got dominated in his only finals appearance, but KD still makes it to number three due to his impact on the Thunder. He is still somewhat young, healthy and has needs to toughen up a bit more but his 28 PPG and 8 APG speak for themselves. Like Curry, he is an amazing shooter (not as good as Curry though) and has incredible ball handles as well, for someone his size. He isn't an amazing defender but at the very least, he is an average defender for OKC for sure. The former scoring champion deserves to be top three for his impact on OKC and on the league itself.
4. Kawhi Leonard
A future superstar in the making (if not already), Leonard is making a name for himself as one of the best defensive forwards in the league. He is already incredibly strong, quick and smart, and all that was left in Leonard's game was a good offensive game. He is still very young, and so much can be improved, but he has already developed a decent jumper and is learning more successful ways to drive to the paint with each game. He will surely be a top three player one day.
5. Russell Westbrook
Westbrook is a player that has grown so much from his rookie season. What was once an amazingly athletic guard who makes awful decisions is now an amazing overall athletic guard who sometimes makes questionable calls. He has decent shot, one of a kind athleticism, good vision and the mentality only comparable to greats such as Michael Jordan, Westbrook is truly a special player. He is also a bit odd because his game does not need much improvement anymore. However, he needs to improve his basketball IQ more than anything. He still makes questionable calls and is turnover prone due to his craziness when dribbling. Still, he is a player that can make a failing team into a playoff team in one year and for that, top five seems appropriate.
