Ranking The 20 Best Players In The NBA Right Now

The 2022-23 NBA season is officially over since the NBA Finals was completed Monday night, with the Denver Nuggets defeating the Miami Heat in five games. Even if the Finals were slightly underwhelming, the entire postseason was exceptionally interesting from the first game and it capped off an eventful regular season as well. We were treated to All-Stars changing teams, unbelievable storylines, and countless off and on-court dramas that changed the landscape of both conferences, although the West was mainly affected.

Over the 82-game regular season and the playoffs, we have seen enough evidence in the past few years to determine which players occupy the rankings. Specifically, we have a great indication of the top 20 players in the world, taking into account both the regular season and playoffs. We have already seen who the top-25 players were at the end of the regular season, but changes occurred and have made the list extremely fluid. Thus, it begs the question, who are truly the most impactful players in the world over the past season in both the regular season and playoffs?

The top 25 players in the league are all superstar quality players who can get it done on the court at the highest level. By analyzing the numbers, production, impact, and team success of all the top players in the NBA, it is time for the updated player power rankings. Here are the 20 best players in the NBA for the 2022-23 season, taking into account the postseason that ended with the Denver Nuggets lifting the NBA championship. 

20. Kyrie Irving

Regular Season Statistics: 27.1 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.8 BPG

Playoff Statistics: N/A

Much has been said about Kyrie Irving’s leadership abilities or lack thereof, but he is still one of the best 20 players in the world. His dribbling and ability to score probably stand out the most since he is the best at getting his shot off despite being defended tightly. Even with the drama he created in Brooklyn with the Nets and the putrid record with the Dallas Mavericks, Kyrie has had a fantastic season on the stat sheet.

Kyrie posted 27.1 PPG and 5.5 APG over his stints with two franchises and these are numbers that are hard to replicate. The fact that Irving can still score in almost every way possible at 31 years old means there is a ton of pressure for the point guard to continue playing at an elite level. There are few better one-on-one players than Kyrie and that means he is still a top 20 player in the world regardless of his mentality. 

19. De’Aaron Fox

Regular Season Statistics: 25.0 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 6.1 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Playoff Statistics: 27.4 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 7.7 APG, 2.1 SPG, 0.6 BPG

The Sacramento Kings were patient with De’Aaron Fox, and the speedster finally became the player we all knew he could be. The point guard posted the best numbers of his career and was a revelation alongside All-Star Domantas Sabonis for a franchise that made the playoffs for the first time since 2006. In the playoffs, Fox was truly exceptional as he posted over 27 PPG and 7 APG against the Golden State Warriors.

Fox was the most clutch player in the game this year, statistically, and his improved finishing and mid-range scoring have been the reasons why. We are all excited to see Fox and the Kings next year and hopefully, they can build off taking the 2021-22 NBA champions to seven games in the first round. Based on offense and floor leadership, Fox is a top 20 player in the world.

18. James Harden

Regular Season Statistics: 21.1 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 10.7 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Playoff Statistics: 20.3 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 8.3 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG

James Harden is the best playmaking guard in the NBA right now, with his ability to slice through defenses and find the open. He is simply an All-Star offensive machine who can score at least 20 points every single night in a seemingly effortless manner while adding 10 assists as well. His regular season performances could not warrant another All-Star appearance, but his play did help the Philadelphia 76ers capture the third seed in the East.

However, Harden went through inconsistencies in the playoffs yet again. The biggest knock on The Beard has been his inability to come through in the postseason, and he had too many games where he failed to show up, including Game 6 and Game 7 against the Boston Celtics in the second round. Harden seems to mainly care about money and offensive freedom, so we might have to accept that the future Hall of Famer will retire without an NBA championship someday.

17. Ja Morant

Regular Season Statistics: 26.2 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 8.1 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Playoff Statistics: 24.6 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 7.0 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Ja Morant has had moments of immaturity this season, which might have dropped him down the rankings a little bit. The superstar point guard is still the most explosive and entertaining athlete in the game and is only getting better with time. Unfortunately, we might not be seeing Morant on the court for a while as Adam Silver and the NBA are looking to hand out their punishment for the player.

Despite all the nonsense that Morant brought on himself, he is still a top 20 player in the world. No other point guard can dominate a game through raw athleticism and explosiveness as Morant can, and he has shown improvements in his playmaking ability as well. We are praying that Morant gets his head screwed on tightly because he has so much unrealized potential as a top 3 point guard in the game.

16. Donovan Mitchell

Regular Season Statistics: 28.3 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Playoff Statistics: 23.2 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 7.2 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.6 BPG

Donovan Mitchell had the best season of his carer in the regular season, even managing to score 71 points in a single game. With a franchise record 71 points in a single game, Mitchell has already made his impact felt in Cleveland. As expected, the shooting guard made his fourth straight All-Star Team. The shooting guard is incredibly explosive but can also score from outside and has improved his leadership ability.

However, Mitchell wasn’t great in the playoffs when looking at the level he reached during the regular season. His scoring went down, could not knock off the New York Knicks in the first round, and he faced criticism for his inability to make deep playoff runs. However, Mitchell is still one of the top 20 players in the world in terms of scoring and athleticism, and he deserves respect as a result.

15. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Regular Season Statistics: 31.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.0 BPG

Playoff Statistics: N/A

Superstar point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had an unbelievable season by posting ridiculous numbers and making the All-NBA Second Team in his first All-Star season. One of the most athletic players in the world, Shai was unstoppable on offense, and the future is very bright for the player who was once a Los Angeles Clipper.

At only 24 years old, Gilgeous-Alexander is playing at an extremely high level and is easily one of the top 15 players in the world right now. Whether it comes to attacking the rim or nailing outside shots, Shai has been unstoppable all year and is forming an intriguing core in Oklahoma City alongside Josh Giddey and the returning Chet Holmgren.

14. Jamal Murray

Regular Season Statistics: 20.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 6.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Playoff Statistics: 26.1 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 7.1 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Jamal Murray is a fringe All-Star during the regular season but becomes one of the best players in the world in the playoffs. Murray’s track record in the postseason is incredible because he did the same in 2020, averaging over 26 PPG on 50.5% shooting from the field. In this year’s playoffs, Murray posted 26.1 PPG and 7.1 APG on 47.3% FG, 39.6% 3-PT FG, and 92.6% FT. Murray was simply on another level as a point guard and he helped lead the Nuggets to the NBA title.

Without Jamal playing at a superstar level, the Nuggets do not end the season as NBA champions. His ability to score the ball, come through in the clutch, and also be a primary playmaker helped relieve pressure on Nikola Jokic. There is no denying that Murray should be considered a top 15 player in the world for his exceptional play and Denver benefited by winning their first championship in franchise history.

13. Damian Lillard

Regular Season Statistics: 32.2 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 7.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Playoff Statistics: N/A

Damian Lillard is still a top 15 player in the game, which is the truth, even if the point guard did not even have a chance to make the playoffs. When Dame is on fire and has his shot going, he might be the best point guard in the world. He is extremely dominant on the court and he has the killer mentality that is sorely lacking from a lot of great players today. Unfortunately, Lillard has not had the help he needs to make Portland a title contender.

Lillard once again put up monster numbers in a terrific season, posting over 30 PPG on over 46% from the field, 37% from three, and 91% from the stripe. The point guard wants to be a star in Portland without championship aspirations, which is a shame because he is so dominant on the offensive side of the court. Let’s see if the All-NBA 75th Anniversary Team member ends up leaving the Trail Blazers because making another All-Star Team selection next year is not enough to justify Lillard’s talents.

12. Kawhi Leonard

Regular Season Statistics: 23.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Playoff Statistics: 34.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 6.0 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Even with load management and a lot of rest, Kawhi Leonard is still an elite superstar in the NBA. When he is on the court, he is a winner. It really is that simple because the Claw leaves his best performances for the postseason and will hope to do the same with a very talented yet underperforming Clippers team next season. Unfortunately, this season did not end the way Leonard wanted it to.

Kawhi was diagnosed with a torn meniscus and only played two games in the playoffs, essentially confirming that the Phoenix Suns would be progressing to the next round. If Leonard can stay healthy, he has an argument for being a top 5 player in the world because there might not be a better two-way perimeter player in the world. We are all praying that Kawhi can stay on the court because he can make the Clippers a legitimate title contender next year.

11. Kevin Durant

Regular Season Statistics: 29.1 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 5.0 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.4 BPG

Playoff Statistics: 29.0 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 5.5 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.4 BPG

Kevin Durant, when healthy, is right in the conversation for being a top 3 player in the league. What separates Durant from the other top 5 players in the game is the forward’s inability to stay healthy in recent years, and he has struggled again this season, appearing only in 46 games. Of course, Durant also had his struggles in the playoffs, as he shot only 33.3% from deep and that took him down a few notches.

Durant needs to prove he can win without the Golden State Warriors superteam because winning back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018 has seemingly taken him out of the critics’ eyes. Durant’s inconsistency in terms of health in recent years has taken him out of the spotlight somewhat, but he has an exceptional player in Devin Booker alongside him to try to win his third NBA title, so there will be no excuses next year.

10. Devin Booker

Regular Season Statistics: 27.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Playoff Statistics: 33.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 7.2 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.8 BPG

Devin Booker has consistently been one of the best offensive players in the game and is easily a top 10 player in the world right now. The Phoenix Suns have added superstar Kevin Durant to the team, and that could actually open up Booker’s game even more next year. Booker had an exceptional regular season, posting 28.0 PPG, but his play was surreal in the playoffs as he averaged over 33.0 PPG.

The shooting guard was simply unstoppable, scoring the ball in every fashion and doing it at an almost inhuman efficiency (58.5% FG, 50.8% 3-PT FG, 86.6% FT). We might never see an offensive player score as efficiently as Booker did in the playoffs again, and it was certainly incredible to watch. If Booker can maintain this play next year alongside Kevin Durant, the Suns will be a massive problem next year.

9. Stephen Curry

Regular Season Statistics: 29.6 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 6.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Playoff Statistics: 30.5 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 6.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.5 BPG

The best shooter ever, Stephen Curry, is the best point guard in the NBA and there isn’t an argument for anyone else right now unless you consider Luka Doncic or LeBron James as point guards. Curry has changed the game, won four NBA titles, and is a two-time MVP, so his legacy is forever secured. However, Steph was still a forceful offensive presence this year during the regular season and playoffs.

Even if Curry only played 54 games, he averaged almost 30 PPG and led the Golden State Warriors to the 6th seed. In the playoffs, Curry averaged over 30 PPG and helped defeat the talented young Sacramento Kings in one of the most exciting first-round matchups in NBA history. Steph can still shoot the lights out, and as long as he can do that, he will remain a top 10 player in the universe.

8. Anthony Davis

Regular Season Statistics: 25.9 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.1 SPG, 2.0 BPG

Playoff Statistics: 22.6 PPG, 14.1 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.4 SPG, 3.1 BPG

Anthony Davis, thanks to his dominance on both ends of the floor, is one of the best big men in the game. He is long, athletic, and extremely skilled; the second-main reason why the Lakers held onto a play-in seed and made it to the Western Conference Finals despite being under .500 for most of the year. Davis’ impact alongside LeBron James was truly impressive to witness all season long, even if the big man only played 53 games in the regular season.

By most accounts, Davis doesn’t have any weaknesses and has the capabilities of an All-Star guard in a center’s body. Davis is a unique talent and he might be the most dominant teammate that LeBron James has ever had if he can sustain his level of play. No big man can bring what Davis brings defensively, and that separates him from most of the pack. Davis was a force on the boards and on defense in the playoffs, and that makes him a top 10 player in the world.

7. Luka Doncic

Regular Season Statistics: 32.4 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 8.0 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Playoff Statistics: N/A

Luka Doncic has had an MVP-caliber season this year. He carried a weak Mavericks team to a playoff spot at the start of the year and looked to be the franchise player for an immediate title contender in the West. Remember, the Slovenian led the Mavericks to the Western Conference Finals last year. Unfortunately, the team struggled after acquiring Kyrie Irving.

Luka missed the playoffs after posting over 30 PPG during the regular season, and we certainly missed him. Doncic will be back next season because the Dallas Mavericks want to create a title-contending roster around him, and the player is still only 24 years old. In terms of all-around impact and offensive dominance, Luka is clearly a top 10 player in the world and there is no discussion there.

6. Jayson Tatum

Regular Season Statistics: 30.1 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.7 BPG

Playoff Statistics: 27.2 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.1 BPG

Jayson Tatum is a top 10 player in the world based on his skill set alone. He is an absolute force at the forward position, thanks to his ability to explode on offense. Tatum has range, a quick first step, and the ability to create any shot he wants. As the best player on the Boston Celtics, Tatum has led the team to the second seed in the Eastern Conference and made it to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Sure, Tatum should have done better to prevent Boston from falling into an 0-3 hole in the Eastern Conference Finals, but he helped bring the team back to force Game 7. Had Tatum not significantly rolled his ankle in the first minutes of Game 7, perhaps he would have led Boston back to the Finals. Tatum will only get better and the biggest improvement must come in what he does in the playoffs because his maturity is still in question.

5. Jimmy Butler

Regular Season Statistics: 22.9 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Playoff Statistics: 26.9 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 5.9 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.6 BPG

Jimmy Butler is a top 20 player in the game in the regular season, but he becomes a top 5 player in the world in the playoffs. Even in games where Butler struggles, he will always come through in the clutch and create big plays for the Heat. Butler’s run in the playoffs might be unprecedented because he took out Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks, Julius Randle and the New York Knicks, and the favorite Boston Celtics led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

Even if Butler was not himself in the Finals, he had moments that showed how dominant he can be when he has sufficient help around him. Jimmy was banged up after a hard-fought playoff run, and he did not have much help outside of Bam Adebayo. If Butler had another star player to rely on, he could have been good enough to be the player to deliver Miami’s first title since 2013.

4. LeBron James

Regular Season Statistics: 28.9 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 6.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG

Playoff Statistics: 24.5 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 6.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.1 BPG

LeBron James had an extremely impressive regular season, breaking Karem Abdul-Jabbar’s scoring record and averaging impressive all-around stats at 38 years old. Not to mention, James kept the Lakers afloat before Rob Pelinka added key players before the trade deadline, including D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Rui Hachimura. Without James, the Lakers would not have made the play-in tournament.

In the playoffs, James continued his dominance even if his scoring went down. The King’s basketball IQ is simply second to none and he led the Lakers to the Western Conference Finals after a season in which the team finished 7th in their conference. James can still dominate the game with his mind and passing skills, and there is no doubt he is still a top 5 player in the world.

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo

Regular Season Statistics: 31.1 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 5.7 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.8 BPG

Playoff Statistics: 23.3 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 5.3 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.7 BPG

The Greek Freak is a top 3 player in the game and might be the best when taking into account his play on both ends of the court. He is simply phenomenal and is leading the Bucks to the best record in the East again. However, his playoff run was disappointing since The Greek Freak struggled with injuries and was not healthy at all. As a result, the Bucks lost in the first round.

Dealing with injuries in the playoffs should not be held against Giannis Antetokounmpo because he is far too talented to be ignored. No other player in the world can defend all five positions at an elite level while also acting as a one-man fast-break with exceptional passing skills. Giannis will be looking to return with a vengeance next season and if he does, the Milwaukee Bucks are in the mix to become a legitimate title contender once again.

2. Joel Embiid

Regular Season Statistics: 33.1 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.7 BPG

Playoff Statistics: 23.7 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 2.7 APG, 0.7 SPG, 2.8 BPG

Joel Embiid had been absolutely sensational during the regular season and deserved the MVP award when taking into account that he led the NBA in scoring for the second-straight year while also dominating on defense. Perhaps we haven’t seen a center with Embiid’s skill before, as he has a perfect jumper along with a terrifying post-up game and shot-blocking ability.

What Embiid can do as a defender is certainly impressive, but his scoring was on another level this season. The center averaged 33.1 PPG on 54.8% FG, 33.0% 3-PT FG, and 85.7% FT. However, the Cameroonian was far off MVP runner-up Nikola Jokic this year because his play was far less impressive in the playoffs, and that is something Embiid needs to work on. Due to his play in the regular season, Embiid deserves the number two spot.

1. Nikola Jokic

Regular Season Statistics: 24.5 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 9.8 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.7 BPG

Playoff Statistics: 30.0 PPG, 13.5 RPG, 9.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.0 BPG

There is no denying we are living in Nikola Jokic’s world. Known for his incredible passing ability, which allows him to create scoring opportunities for his teammates, we are seeing the epitome of the first-ever point center. Jokic’s combination of scoring, passing, rebounding, and leadership makes him the best player in the world. Capping off a season in which he finished runner-up to his third straight MVP award with an NBA title and Finals MVP is simply unbelievable.

As exceptional as the Serbian was during the regular season, his play took a different level in the playoffs and it is evidenced by his numbers. There was no answer for Jokic on the offensive end as he dominated the Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, and Miami Heat in a row. Jokic is simply the best player in the world right now and anytime a player can dominate the playoffs like he did, it is time to give him his flowers and realize greatness because Nikola is already a top 10 center of all time. If Jokic can build on this season and go on to win another title, his legacy will take an even bigger boost. 

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