ESPN First Take has taken it on themselves to reveal their list of today’s top NBA players. Today, it was their turn to name numbers 4 and 5 on their list and they may be the most controversial yet.
At 5, First Take put Warriors guard Steph Curry — 3x Champion, 2x MVP, 6x All-Star. He’s considered the best player in the game today but was ranked in front of guys like James Harden, Luka Doncic, and Anthony Davis. Needless to say, Curry’s place in the top five was a topic of heavy discussion for the First Take community.
Our experts ranked the 15 best players in the NBA today.
At No. 5 is Steph Curry.
Do you consider Curry the top PG in the league? pic.twitter.com/txNTmb1SVq
— First Take (@FirstTake) May 25, 2020
Throwing aside this past season, in which Curry was heckled by injuries, he has been among the best scorers in the league and a leader for the NBA’s most winningest franchise. Unfortunately, his underwhelming defensive abilities are no doubt part of the reason why he’s not any higher.
As for Kawhi Leonard, the reigning Finals MVP proved himself last season by winning a Championship with the Toronto Raptors (their first in history). Because of his dominance on both ends of the floor, he is regarded as one of the best and, clearly, the First Take crew holds him in very high esteem.
Kawhi Leonard is ranked No. 4 on our list of the top 15 players currently in the league.
Can you name three players better than the Klaw right now? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/Cumqg4RJ94
— First Take (@FirstTake) May 26, 2020
The biggest issue with the star forward are his questionable leadership methods and his tendency to take game days off. But with averages of 26.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 5 assists this season, his game and talent on the basketball floor has been very clear.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sx9qCN4k-eY
Third on the list was Kevin Durant, who we have yet to see take the court since his Achilles tear last June.
Considering Giannis and LeBron have yet to be revealed, it’s assumed that those two will take the remaining spots.
All-in-all, these types of things will always be a subject to debate. With so many stars having a case to be at the top, the world may never be in agreeance on who belongs where. This list is probably about as good as it gets.
