2018-2019 NBA Preview: Top 100 Players: 5-1
5 Anthony Davis–New Orleans–PF/C (-1): Not only did Anthony Davis have his best regular season last year, but he was an absolute monster in the playoffs. He led the Pelicans to a first-round upset over the Blazers as he averaged 30 points and 13 rebounds a game. Davis is also a favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year as he averaged over 2.5 blocks per game.
4 James Harden–Houston–SG/PG (+3): As the reigning MVP, no one had a better year than James Harden. Harden averaged 30 points, 5 rebounds, and 9 assists per game as he led the Rockets to the best record in basketball. While Harden is notorious for not trying on defense, his incredible offensive ability vaults him into the top 5 NBA players right now.
3 Russell Westbrook–Oklahoma City–PG (=): Probably the most underplayed story-line in the NBA last year, Russell Westbrook became the 1st player in the history of the league to average a triple-double in back to back years. That’s just crazy. The only real weakness Westbrook has is his outside shooting (shot 30% from 3 last year). But considering he can get to the bucket at will, it’s not a huge weakness.
2 Kevin Durant–Golden State–SF/PF (=): There may not be a more unguardable player in the league than Kevin Durant. Standing at 6’10” and 245 pounds, Durant can shoot from anywhere on the court and get to anywhere on the court. He’s the most gifted offensive scorer in the NBA and has really improved on the defensive side of the ball. After just turning 30, Durant still has a few years of his prime left in which he’ll score a ton of points.
1 LeBron James–LA Lakers–SF/PF (=): Was there really any doubt? Not only is LeBron James still the best player in the NBA, but he’s far and away the best player in the NBA. Even at age 33, LeBron dragged the Cavaliers to their 4th straight Finals and his 8th straight personally. He’s an athletic monster, a defensive hound, an offensive nightmare, a gifted passer, an incredible basketball IQ, the best player in the NBA and the 2nd greatest player in the history of basketball.
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Steve Santoro (SVS_1993)
