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It’s that time of the year again. It’s time to rank the best NBA players in 2023-24.
Best NBA players 2023-24
The best NBA players right now consists of veterans and rising young talents. Last season, these players made some noise in the regular season and playoffs. Their stellar 2022-23 campaigns were enough justification that they can continue to produce the same this season, and perhaps even better.
Here are the 25 best players in NBA in 2024…
25. Pascal Siakam
Pascal Siakam continues to get better each season. Last season was his best one yet in terms of scoring, passing, and getting to the charity stripe. He averaged a career-high 24.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 6.7 free throw attempts per game.
His huge 2022-23 campaign is why he earned a second All-Star selection.
Despite missing last year’s playoffs, Siakam will look to lead his team back into playoff contention.
24. Paul George
Paul George boasts arguably has the smoothest offensive game in the league. He can score anywhere on the court with his silky jumper and can cross anyone with ease. Last season, George averaged 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game while shooting 46% from the field.
What separates George from this list is his perimeter defense. He can guard the other team’s best player while carrying the Clippers offensively.
However, he’s starting to miss games in the regular season and the playoffs. The injuries continue to pile up now due to his age.
23. Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard is one of the league’s best two-way players. Last season, he averaged 23.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.
The only problem with Leonard is that he continues to miss games. It’s unlikely that he will play for more than 60 games in a season for the rest of his career.
It’s hard to justify that he belongs at the top of the best NBA players 2023-24 especially since he’s 32 now. However, it’s still enough to land him inside the top 25.
22. Kyrie Irving
After re-signing with the Mavericks in the offseason, Kyrie Irving will look to run it back with fellow superstar, Luka Doncic.
Last season, Irving averaged 27 points per game with the Mavericks, similar to his numbers in his last season with the Nets. He will continue to provide firepower for the team, especially in clutch time. After all, Irving led the league with an average of 9.8 points scored in the fourth quarter.
Now that he has a full offseason in Dallas, the two will prove that they can thrive with each other in the backcourt.
21. James Harden
It’s no secret that James Harden is beyond his MVP-caliber days. However, he’s still widely regarded as one of the best players in NBA in 2023 due to his elite playmaking skills. Last season, he led the league in assists per game (10.7 assists per game).
Harden is arguably the most consistent playmaker in the NBA. In the past four seasons, he has been averaging at least than 10 assists per game. He has led the league in assists already twice.
We may not see him average over 30 points per game but he’s still an elite scorer when needed.
20. Anthony Edwards
Anthony Edwards is poised for a breakout.
There’s no doubt that he’s the franchise player of the Timberwolves now after his stellar performance last season. He averaged 24.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game while shooting 46% from the field. Edwards was even better in the playoffs, averaging over 30 points per game.
Moreover, Edwards got some buzz in the 2023 FIBA World Cup as the best player on Team USA.
19. Devin Booker
One of the most consistent scorers in the league, Devin Booker averaged over 25 points per game in each of the last five seasons. He had his best scoring campaign last season when he averaged a career-high 27.8 points per game. Apart from being a scoring machine, he has improved his playmaking skills over the years.
It’s no secret that Booker has faced the highs and lows of the Suns team. Before, they were a lottery team. Now, he’s on a playoff-contending team with fellow superstar, Kevin Durant.
The addition of Bradley Beal to their lineup increases their chances of another Finals appearance.
18. Anthony Davis
When healthy, Anthony Davis is one of the high-ranked top NBA players. What sets him apart from this list is his elite rim protection, averaging two blocks per game.
Last season, Davis averaged 25.9 points and 12.5 rebounds per game in 56 games. This is the first time he has played in more than 50 games in the past three years.
As long as he’s healthy, Davis should produce monstrous double-doubles every night. After all, he had 40 double-doubles last season which was sixth in the NBA.
17. Domantas Sabonis
Domantas Sabonis continues to improve every season. He averaged 19.1 points, 12.3 rebounds, and a career-high 7.3 assists per game. He also had 65 double-double games which is a league-best.
The only thing about Sabonis that holds him back is his three-point shooting. He’s already a stat sheet stuffer who can rack up points, rebounds, and assists easily. If he can improve his three-point shooting, then he can become more of a threat offensively.
Sabonis is not on the same level yet as the elite centers such as Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid but he’s closely getting there.
16. De’Aaron Fox
The Kings wouldn’t be successful without De’Aaron Fox‘s massive jump last season. We saw an increase in his scoring average and efficiency. Fox averaged 25 points and 6.1 assists per game while shooting a career-high 51% from the field.
His improvement from last season is why he became an All-Star for the first time in his career.
Moreover, what makes Fox one of the best NBA players 2023-24 is his clutch statistics. He led the league with 5.5 points per game in clutch time while shooting 59% from the field.
15. Ja Morant
Despite being the center of controversies in the offseason, Ja Morant is still one of the best NBA players right now. After all, he averaged 26.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and a career-high 8.1 assists per game last season. He also helped the Grizzlies finish second in the West.
Morant will be suspended for the first 25 games in the 2023-24 season. Memphis has acquired Marcus Smart and Derrick Rose in the offseason to fill the void at the point guard position.
But once Morant is back in the NBA, expect to see a lot of his highlights again.
14. Tyrese Haliburton
At such a young age, Tyrese Haliburton has established himself as one of the best passers in the NBA. He averaged 20.7 points and a career-high 10.4 assists per game last season, which was second-best in the league.
What’s great about him is he’s highly efficient. Haliburton is accurate with his passes and doesn’t cough the ball often. He had a stretch of three games last season with at least 15 assists and no turnovers.
Haliburton will continue to flourish with the Pacers and rack up double-digit assists every game next season.
13. Trae Young
There’s no doubt that Trae Young is one of the best playmakers in the league. He’s averaging 10.2 assists per game and leads the league in Assists to Pass percentage (20.5).
Apart from being a top passer, Young also averaged 26.2 points per game last season. He’s a great three-point shooter and slasher which allows him to score in every way possible. Moreover, he’s getting to the line frequently.
Young will now enter his sixth season in the NBA. He’ll lead the Hawks to another playoff appearance.
12. Donovan Mitchell
When it comes to the best scorers in the league, Donovan Mitchell is at the top of the list. Last season, he averaged a career-high 28.3 points per game while also being highly efficient. This was the most efficient season of his career yet, shooting over 48% from the field.
We expected Mitchell to dip in his first season with the Cavaliers. However, he has been even better. He’s now an efficient scorer and an active defender, something that he struggled with in his first five seasons with the Jazz.
Now entering his second season with Cleveland, expect Mitchell to produce better numbers than before. Moreover, expect him to lead the Cavs to the top of the East.
11. Jimmy Butler
The Heat wouldn’t have reached the 2023 NBA Finals without the efforts of Jimmy Butler. He always turns it up a notch when the postseason comes.
Butler has always been a fantastic playoff performer and he delivered last season, averaging 26.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game while also putting up 1.8 steals per game.
Can he carry Miami to another NBA Finals appearance? It’s still possible but they need to surround him with more talent.
10. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is widely regarded as one of the best NBA players in 2023-24. He had an MVP-like performance last season and averaged 31.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game.
The Thunder has given him the full reigns to run everything through him. He will continue to average crazy numbers as long as he’s given this freedom to run the Thunder’s offense.
Now, the question is: Can Gilgeous-Alexander lead Oklahoma City into the playoffs? We’ll see if his game will translate to more wins next season.
9. Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard is still one of the best point guards in the league. Last season, he averaged 32.2 points and 7.3 assists per game in 53 games. It appears that he’s already past his calf injury and will now enter the 2023-24 season fully healthy.
The partnership with Giannis Antetokounmpo is tantalising for neutrals. Lillard has his best chance yet at a ring.
8. Kevin Durant
Despite playing only 47 games last season, Kevin Durant is still a top ten player in the NBA. When healthy, Durant can produce at an elite level. Last season, he averaged 29.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5 assists per game.
Durant now has the whole offseason to mesh with fellow scorers in Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. The Suns are the team to watch for next season.
As long as Durant stays healthy, he’s still an MVP candidate all season long.
7. Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry is widely regarded as the greatest shooter of all time. He was great last season where he averaged 29.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game.
There have been videos circulating around the internet of Curry shooting and working out non-stop in the offseason. He looks in great shape and fully healthy.
Barring injuries, Curry is poised to have another monstrous campaign.
6. LeBron James
LeBron James is still considered one of the best players in NBA in 2023. He continues to defy father time with the way he plays. He doesn’t look like a player who’s going to be 39 years old this year.
Last season, James averaged 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game on 50% shooting, similar to his stat line in his rookie season. This just shows that he still has plenty left in his tank.
It’s now up for the Lakers to build a contending roster around him while he’s still playing at an elite level. Their championship window may be closing soon.
5. Jayson Tatum
Jayson Tatum is widely regarded as one of the best players in NBA in 2024. He continues to get better year after year. Last season was his best season yet, averaging 30 points and 8.8 rebounds per game.
At such a young age, Tatum has the whole offensive package. He can score in isolation, pull up from anywhere, and catch and shoot. Moreover, he’s athletic enough to finish above the rim and dunk on most players.
If he continues to play at such an elite level, Tatum has the potential to become one of the best small forwards in NBA history.
4. Luka Doncic
When it comes to young superstars, Luka Doncic is the name that comes first. After all, he has been putting the league on notice with his monstrous stat lines every game.
Last season, Doncic averaged 32.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8 assists per game. He was third in triple-doubles last season. This just shows that he can rack up stats teasily and run the offense on his own.
Now entering his sixth season, Doncic will look to elevate the Mavericks into a legitimate playoff contender. He won’t be carrying the load by himself since Kyrie Irving will be staying in Dallas.
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo
His career is not yet over but Giannis Antetokounmpo is already one of the best power forwards ever. His size and athleticism are on another level.
What makes Antetokounmpo one of the best NBA players 2023-24 is his defense. He can defend multiple positions and is a great help defender. He was named All-NBA Defensive Team for the fifth consecutive year.
Antetokounmpo averaged 31.1 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists on 55% shooting last season. The fact that he’s dominating the league even without a reliable three-point shot is scary. If he can develop his three-point shooting then it’s over for the league.
2. Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid led the league in scoring for the past two seasons. The last time a center not named Embiid was crowned as the scoring champion was Shaquille O’Neal in the 1999-2000 season.
Last season, Embiid averaged 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. After putting up crazy stat lines and leading the Sixers to the top of the East, he was crowned the MVP. There’s a huge chance that he will lead the league in scoring again as long as he remains healthy.
There’s no doubt that Embiid is one of the best NBA players right now. The only thing that he lacks is an NBA championship to solidify his career. The question now is: Can he lead the Sixers to the championship?
1. Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic already has an impressive resume in just eight seasons in the NBA. He has won a championship and two MVP awards before turning 29. This officially makes him one of the greatest centers of all time.
Last season, Jokic averaged 24.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game on elite efficiency. He led the league in True Shooting Percentage (70.2%). This just shows that he can generate scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates anytime he wants to.
As you can see, Jokic is the best player on the best team in the NBA right now. He deserves every penny of his supermax deal with the Nuggets. Jokic almost won a third-straight MVP award last season and there’s no doubt that he can win another one soon.
