Unlike the NFL, the NBA only has about 20-25 star players. Most of the time these players make huge impacts for their team and are in-fact the reason why their team has success in the season. Here are the players who have performed the best statistically and as leaders for their team this seas. *Lebron James is not on here because his team has been unsuccessful this year which has led for his value as a star to decrease for this season*
Kawhi Leonard
My respect for Kawhi Leonard went way down when he requested a trade from the Spurs; I understand that it's a business, but the respect the Spurs had shown him made it a poor way for him to exit. Besides this I can not deny the impact he has had on his new team, the Toronto Raptors. Kawhi has basically single handedly led the Raptors to the second seed in the East only behind the Bucks. While his team is solid, no one is making the impact that Kawhi does for the Raptors which makes him one of the best performers of the year.
James Harden
You hate on James Harden, I hate on James Harden, We all hate on James Harden, but scoring 30 points a night for what seemed like a never ending streak is downright impressive. Yes, half his shots are free throws, but still he's a deadly scorer. He is in the conversation for MVP this year, which would make him back to back MVP just like Steph Curry. Harden along with Chris Paul have made the Rockets deadly and a force to be reckoned with.
Stephen Curry
I can't lie Steph Curry is my favorite basketball player right now, because as a Knicks fan I have no one to cheer for. Curry has been unstoppable a majority of nights and when he's out, there is a significant difference in the Warrior's game as it is easy to see how much of a difference Steph Curry makes. He is arguably the greatest shooter in NBA history and it seems like no one can guard him. If he's healthy in the playoffs, get ready for a Warrior three-peat.
Paul George
It's true that Paul George has another star playing with him in Russell Westbrook, and it's true that Westbrook is a triple-double machine, but what's not true is that Westbrook is the best player on the team this year. That nomination goes to Paul George. Paul George has been unstoppable this year and on pace to win or be runner up for MVP. He is once again averaging over 24 points and has been one of the most efficient players in the league this year. Paul George definitely is the second best player in the NBA right now.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
All hail the Greek Freak! Giannis (I don't want to spell his last name) is leading the best team in the NBA right now. He has one other all star on his team who is not really an all star, but an above average player. Giannis has been balling out this whole year and deserves MVP without a doubt. It will be interesting to see how he fares in the playoffs, but as of right now the Greek Freak is MVP.
