The top 10 NBA players of 2019

[@ThinkingBasketball]

Thanks for all the positive feedback on this -- means a lot. Just to clarify, the links to the Xs and Os breakdowns for most players are in the description box. This is not a "stats" list -- I just can't put 2 hours of film breakdown in a video!

[@basketballgenesis8969]

W, love the effort you put into these

[@ChrisSmith-tu9bu]

I LOVE your videos but apparently only stupid people watch them from the comments section...I guess youll need a separate page where you teach the basics of logic, math, and reason... before people understand how great your videos are

[@linassp3]

Your patreon, book and below links are broken, just a heads up

[@Fodkfmdjdmdkf]

How can you put Curry 4 ranks over Kawhi Leonard, who beat him in the finals just yesterday?

[@ChrisSmith-tu9bu]

@@Fodkfmdjdmdkf wait bro you do realize that basketball isnt a game of one on one and that in fact normally 7-11 guys play a night righ?t...RIGHT?!.... surely u arent that clueless right?

[@gta4life112]

Honestly would listen to your top 50 for like 1.5 hours tbh

[@riqui5406]

basloutely

[@dddiop]

He has a top 40 all time if you want to read that for several hours.

[@st3v0s]

dddiop where?

[@jackyz3101]

@@st3v0s peep reddit

[@MrE_]

Me too

[@binary]

Just watch how the Raptors defended after Klay got hurt. It was a total blitzkrieg on Steph. You'll never see a guy score 47 while doubled like that in the Finals, this is once in a lifetime stuff

[@realityutubetv8846]

IK and people still disrespect him, Curry is a special player, once in a lifetime. Words can't explain his impact.

[@Van_ax]

Reality Utube Tv - He’s special but he’s no where near the NBA best player.

[@Van_ax]

Where was he in games 4,5 and 6 with Klay?

[@binary]

@@Van_ax played great in games 5 and 6 with Klay. Game 4 was rough after the huge performance in game 3. They should have rested him more in 3 imo.

[@SJO897]

LeBron got 51 game 1 last year, I think that was the only thing I can say was b better than that game. Steph is ridiculous.

[@meep7895]

i feel like i've already watched this but ima watch it again anyways

[@bradenjerome6459]

Yeah I watch it like every two months

[@afrotac2872]

His videos are so high quality you can rewatch them for hours

[@projectc.j.j3310]

Same

[@richardcotmaniii1560]

Exactly

[@mattvalin1958]

@@bradenjerome6459 Totally agreed. I dunno why.

[@Weejee456]

You should have a 30minute show on ESPN instead of sensationalist "sports analysts"

[@dantaylor8197]

The thing about that is that history dictates that sportsfans typically prefer the "charismatic" sports analysts, the analysts that have bigger characters.

[@ChrisSmith-tu9bu]

@@dantaylor8197 Yeah morons with big mouths that are completely wrong

[@ChrisSmith-tu9bu]

@David JR ding ding ding ding

[@landwolf00]

I would love this show, but he'd need to dumb it down and explain to layman what each Stat was each episode.

[@bigmani832]

He wouldn't make clickbait so it doesn't work

[@chad5577]

Congratulations on you securing the bag with the sponsor. Been sub since your Lonzo Ball analysis and I have to say that you are simply the best basketball analyst on KZbin right now.

[@gumbobanana185]

exaxtly the same here

[@0401412740]

Chad TV more valuing adding than ESPN.

[@jordankartchner4090]

PREACH. Literally same, been since Lonzo haha

[@Barak144]

He's good but not the best

[@simonlong4718]

1000Kbaby who's the best?

[@danielsentrik]

It's crazy how analysts put Steph up there in the top 1 and 2, while all the media rips on him and disrespects his game.

[@razkable]

it amazes me how much curry fans will overrate him...you guys just are gay for him aren't you..he had klay and kd

[@j3tthepet120]

@@razkable it amazes me how much curry haters will still hate on him lol. Stick to anime because you clearly don't watch basketball.

[@razkable]

@@j3tthepet120 its not called hating its reality?..you act like its either hes the best or worst and your confusing 2016 curry with 2019 curry.......your looking at it as a legacy conversation i'm talking about individual players..putting him 6th doesn't mean I think he sucks he just doesn't effect the game two ways imo and his effect is less baotu what he does individually and more about how he makes an opponent react just by being out there giving his teammates more space but thats not an individual skill I can measure thats more about legacy how he affects the team....see this is why sensitive sports fans need to stop watching sports..you guys get so offensive and start attacking someone else..why do I need to stick to anime as if I don't watch vidoos online playv ideo games or watch sports t.v. movies in general?....your close minded judging someone based off and clearly are a curry tard its ok hes married you can't have his nuts in your mouth....move on with your life...your just trying to be rude..knock it off fucker...without klay curry is overrated garbage as he proved this season already...i'm not having that debate curry was not the best player this guy is literally using biased reasoning as usual...curry fans will do anything to protect him like hes your god

[@Ikekujux]

@@razkable I bet your greatest achievement in life is "Curry Hate"...get a girl bro

[@pingu9738]

@@Ikekujux omg now he is probably crying because of you

[@ethanbender8143]

This channel is going to blow up at some point. This is better analysis than 99% of what they have on ESPN

[@Akaya7777]

Try 100% 😂

[@nolanrussell6326]

Definitely better than 100%

[@ChrisSmith-tu9bu]

Right! 99.999999%

[@UtotheJ]

ESPN is an incorporation built on entertainment and the talking TV heads are hired as entertainers, TV personalities masquerading as "sports analysts." The majority don't want to listen to and frankly incapable of comprehending in-depth analysis. The likes of Stephen A Smith understand their job descriptions and are in on the joke. Even ex-players/coaches at ESPN breakdown the most simplistic plays for the majority to understand. It just makes financial sense to understand your target audience. Steve Jobs didn't push for Apple Macbooks towards the 5% computer wiz, he targeted the other 95% of users. And yes, I loved this list!

[@haha69sexnumber]

That's not saying much, when Snoop went on he was better than all the regulars.

[@noahwolfe5300]

Russel Westbrook not mentioned once... and I couldn't agree more!

[@Hamzethegoat]

Russ literally just had the worse year of his career and has had 3 knee surgeries in the last 3 years I wouldnt even put him top 15 tbh no disrespect to him

[@ryanthompson602]

Ehh he just barely made my top 15.

[@Maggpiee]

I think his talent and athletism might be the best in the league but he shot isnt consistent anymore, he 30 so hes athleticism isnt the same anymore and he takes so many dumb shots. I hope now that the world has turned against him, he will try to change

[@ricearony9723]

I agree, Russell can’t be the 1st, 2nd, and barely can even be the 3rd option to really have a chance at winning a title, that’s why PG and KD dipped from Westbrook.

[@samuelkeay6560]

@@ricearony9723 well, i think he can be if he redefines his role on a team. if he becomes a slashing 2 with harden and harden plays 1 or more of a combo guard, he could contend for a title. i dont know why im saying this tho, i dont even like the rockets lol

[@crispineda4630]

Dare I say it... I find myself listening to your stuff more than BballBreakdown. Not to say that Coach Nicks Channel is bad. But I really prefer your style and presentation. Simple music. Cuts straight to the point. Great audio quality.

[@anujs613]

I pretty much listen to them both equally because of their different styles of presenting. BBALLBREAKDOWN uses a lot of film and examples while he explains stuff while Thinking Basketball relies heavily on statistics (which isn't a bad thing at all---it's just his way of drawing conclusions).

[@the2dudes1]

Can you hear me shaking my head

[@badaboum2]

They're not really the same thing, BballBreakdown takes a coaches' approach and analyzes plays, Thinking Basketball takes a data analyst's approach and focuses on statistics and how to properly read them.

[@caspuchiha]

really best to just watch both

[@devvv4616]

better to watch both since they come from different perspectives. Coaching perspective, and data/stat analyst.

[@R.B.90]

Do a video showing what the all nba 1st, 2nd and 3rd teams would be based on your analysis

[@norrisrico]

I 2nd this!!

[@burner1303]

All-NBA is kind of arbitrary at this point, considering it forces voters to choose players by position. Personally, I think a top-X is better, although a top-15 or top-20, etc. would be great from Ben.

[@moayedmustafa9673]

Please

[@pathutchison9866]

To me the All-NBA team would be the 5 guys you’d put on the court if you had your pick from the league. It’s pointless to do it by position anymore.

[@ghedneildagalea6958]

Please do!!!

[@diegosantacruz6331]

Hi I just wanted to know if you’re going yo make a video for the draft You’re the best

[@ThinkingBasketball]

I'll have a podcast breaking down the draft next Friday.

[@iamafool9423]

Thinking Basketball sweet

[@philipp6938]

@@ThinkingBasketball Where can one hear your podcast?

[@lexicon3392]

@@philipp6938 check description of video for link

[@lailahamidi2064]

I would love to see another version of this video for the 2019-2020 season! It seems like it will be a while before basketball returns so it would be good to get a statistical evaluation of the league’s top players at this point.

[@blooboy240]

Done

[@alexl9799]

My top 10 in no particular order: Lance Stephenson Bobby Portis Aron Baynes JR Smith Raymond Felton Markelle Fultz Joakim Noah Mario Hezonja Dragan Bender Javale Mcgee

[@acpliego]

Alex l Javale is no longer part of that group. I’ll give him a pass.

[@pablobear4241]

Fuck you for putting fultz on this

[@PanzonVilla]

Damn, no Gerald Green?

[@acpliego]

Pablo Bear lol

[@spencer6064]

Lance is a gem

[@Kaitos11]

Almost spit my milkshake when the little Uncle Drew popped up in the screen, totally caught me off guard!

[@stevensanchez2032]

Same

[@shaneyy__]

That was a hilarious joke, got to give Ben props for that one.

[@michaelbiscay9836]

No Scalabrine? Pass. Seriously, though, kick-ass vid.

[@fakeplayer9088]

Ginger Mamba HOFer TOP 5 players of all-time

[@verbfrombonsai8852]

@@fakeplayer9088 Nah, concensus #1 player of all time

[@zivuhz]

Jm Ellar white mamba 🐐

[@hectorcope2646]

Would love to see an all time one of these for the greatest players ever.

[@burner1303]

Read this, he's already done the top-40 www.backpicks.com/2017/12/11/the-backpicks-goat-the-40-best-careers-in-nba-history/

[@j.g.4726]

It exists and it’s way better. Check the Backpicks link someone shared above my comment.

[@dylanzalman8452]

Thanks for analytically breaking down the greatness i've been seeing and feeling all year from Curry.

[@anthonywadem]

That's why scouts go and see the players play and not just analyze per game stats. The eye test doesn't lie if u know basketball and the impact Curry has is incredible. The focus he generates from opponents man... like no one wonder how does Green Iggy and consort have so many free lay-ups during games well it's because of that man. Steph's shooting.

[@ChrisSmith-tu9bu]

@@anthonywadem not only that they run plays where he'll curl off an off ball screen from say Loony, and Both Steph's man and Loony's man will go with Steph... sometimes even a third guy will run out to him thus allowing Draymond to get easy assists lobbing it to guys like Loony and Klay who'll just dive to the basket they're basically all alone for so many Draymond lobs because of Steph

[@its_a_ducky3467]

It’s frustrating to me that Kawhi even won finals MVP, when Steph was having ridiculous impact. He’s probably gonna win season MVP too.

[@ChrisSmith-tu9bu]

@@its_a_ducky3467 Neh Kawaii isnt even in consideration crazy...its Giannis more than likely with an outside chance of Harden getting it

[@jadonwolfe5349]

- IronFire - I mean to be fair I’m pretty sure Stephen curry doesn’t want a finals MVP in which he lost, just saying. The only time a losing player won the award was jerry west and he said he hated it and wanted to burn it so yeah

[@KunalMoon01]

Finally Curry receiving some deserving respect,,.

[@williamblake7386]

bleacher report also struck hard

[@jwwilhelmi9670]

Kunal Moon when has curry not been respected. Is best shooter alive not good enough for you

[@young_bee]

Lol curry is ass he’s worse than LBJ, Kawhi, Giannis, KD, Harden

[@niklaskunath999]

@@young_bee oh yeah because if you're not in the top 5 you're ass lol

[@rajchow1]

Niklas Kunath Curry was never the best player in the league and probably never will be

[@yassinekhedid345]

Finally a video that shows Steph's real impact that doesn't appear in the box score for casuals. Stephen A, Max kellerman, skip and Shannon are gonna go to therapy after watching this

[@soccerlegend7774]

Exactly casuals would just look at westbrook and his triple doubles and harden and his volume scoring won't understand why steph is just better way beyond box scored

[@immunelist2376]

Embiid antetokounmpo jarden curry best players are those who can win championships made the shot like MJ got six rings

[@kawhi-theking_of_the_north3536]

Steph is crazy. He pulls the defense towards him wherever he goes which makes his teammates able to score more.

[@ChrisSmith-tu9bu]

They wont watch this and Nike slides em money to way way WWWWAAYYYY overhype guys like LeBron..it actually makes my stomach turn TBH

[@ChrisSmith-tu9bu]

@@soccerlegend7774 Most people on talk shows and youtube are casuals pretending to be experts and they all seem to think LeBron is ten times the player of everyone in history including Jordan...and guys like Max Kellerman jump on whoever's team is doing well and acts like they're better than anyone ever

[@kawhileonard6091]

This is indubitably crucial to any future improvement. Thanks for the hardcore basketball review, Thinking Basketball!

[@demigodhooper5735]

Indubitably

[@joshyg4260]

"I use archaic words that no one has ever heard before on KZbin comments to sound smart! Look at me!"

[@shuujo1467]

@@joshyg4260 Indubitably? That's not all that uncommon of a word

[@swafty2403]

Michael Sherman Just let him have his moment trying to get likes and to seem funny even if he just comes off as an idiot.

[@joshyg4260]

​@@shuujo1467 Wow. Lying to win an argument. I won't engage any further.

[@jordanharris3358]

Love how he saw LeBron coming back for the first spot.

[@baronkristianmaralit7407]

came here literally after watching 2020 rankings. blew my mind how he predicted the bron comeback 🤯

[@AQGOAT24]

Damn everyone gonna start hating on your list now that the Raptors won with you putting Steph at 1. But your analysis is fantastic!

[@thepeoplesmix9779]

Lmao his number 1 best player got outplayed by FVV while Draymond had 19 rebs and 13 assists and Iggy had an unbelievable game imagine those two on Portland when Dame has to deal with traps from halfcourt? Haha that’s a fucking joke

[@ChrisSmith-tu9bu]

Raptors have a much better team...GSW have paid bundles to all their stars so they cant afford a good team... therefore when KD or Klay get hurt it destroys their odds of winning and in the finals they both did allowing Toronto to basically triple team Steph the whole series...no team in the NBA is so bad that you can play a box and one unless its GSW

[@ChrisSmith-tu9bu]

@@thepeoplesmix9779 You really are clueless huh? You are as blind as ya are dumb...how well ya think FVF would have played if he was tripled team all series in fact would ya even know he was playing...in fact double FVF for a game and he probably doesn't score period much less get Steph's 25-30 points...Now GTFOH Casual ...and go watch first take with the rest of your moron brethren

[@thepeoplesmix9779]

Chris Smith 😭 haha FREDDIE you got these niggas butt hurt haha ya Curry last shot was tripled teamed you right 😂 man I’m dead 😵 go back to bed kiddo you are officially on suicide watch #The6ixin6 🇨🇦

[@joeyvast]

@@thepeoplesmix9779 LMAO FVV was shooting 8% from 3pt before the Bucks series and now hes the best player in the NBA??! Ive seen it all hahaha Nobody game plans for VanVleet. Curry is picked up from halfcourt on. I was rooting for Toronto but your post makes no sense

[@chavy_chavs]

I just can’t live with AD over Kawhi. Kawhi is a winner, AD isn’t

[@brendanbloom3366]

With kd out next year kawhi is now #1

[@ChrisSmith-tu9bu]

Better teams

[@milto2269]

AD never had the chance to play on a very good team. Let's wait and see until he has a good team around him and we'll have a discussion about that

[@RonquixoteDIII]

They used to say that about Bosh too. They've had similar success only bosh played in the 2000's east and AD plays in the 2010's west. He's in the east and he makes the ECF a few years

[@pjk2380]

Milto 22 bull! Last year’s pelicans were pretty good and they only got one game out of GS, Davis is a choker

[@pierrejean5892]

Honestly since fee agency just started you should make a video on how certain stars blend in with the teams system. Such as kemba walker and Jimmy butler on how they will fit with their new teams and maybe even a video in what team system fits Kawhi. Like So He Can See Maun

[@vickhj6333]

woahhhh. did not expect curry to be 1st. although looking at other vids youve done about the warriors i can understand ur arguments. it just came as a suprise. i like him very much as well as I like ur channel. great analytics.

[@burner1303]

Same, I'm a Curry fan but was surprised to see him at the top of the list

[@pjjeudy9633]

Burn Er facts lol

[@siphillis]

Meanwhile, Reddit thinks Kawhi is now in the GOAT conversation.

[@patricksuyo]

Bwahahahahaha

[@mikeyfocus3845]

People still sleeping on the genius of Kawhi.

[@juliopiotti8807]

Literally nobody is fucking sleeping on kawhi

[@chrishosey7535]

@@juliopiotti8807 If that were true he would've been number 1.

[@akapaytv527]

That Guy Who Loves BBall but he’s not

[@chrishosey7535]

@@akapaytv527 Please tell me how he's not.

[@akapaytv527]

That Guy Who Loves BBall KD?

[@0401412740]

I can tell you're very well educated. Giving a range, rationalising your assumptions is what business valuers do. Keep it up

[@dinheirojovem1152]

0401412740 wouldn’t the fact that he is rationalizing these opinions and giving facts make them less assumptions and more either presumptions or even suppositions depending on the rationale and facts given.

[@PharaohsNews]

Chuuha Couto plus it’s very easy to “rationalize” with a subjective topic such as best and hand selected categories. So he’s not even rationalizing, he’s kinda just telling you what he thinks. You know, once you take all the fluffy words away you’re basically just saying that he’s talking out of his ass. It’s literally just the white guy version of babershop debates.

[@izukumidoriya5628]

He said curry was the best player this year... this man is tripping on acid

[@PharaohsNews]

Izuku Midoriya bUt, GrAvItY! Yeah, give me the guy who can create his own shot in any situation, steps up in the playoffs and can guard his man as well as someone else’s if they get hot. I’ll take the guy who doesn’t need a screen to score or someone else to guard his man. It’s really not that complicated once you narrow it down that way.

[@crassbusinessman3122]

@@dinheirojovem1152Valid point, you are correct by definition. But I think what he meant was that he gave good & rational REASONS for his selections.

[@enkeltrik9330]

160 Westbrook fans also watched this to the end. Lol.

[@MegaAntras]

Hahahhahahahh

[@burner1303]

TY Tom, my only friend

[@RonquixoteDIII]

Even if he was overrated in 2017, I think fans and haters alike can agree his play has suffered

[@enkeltrik9330]

@@RonquixoteDIII he's still a top 10 player over the last 5 years. I just don't know about his IQ... :/

[@milto2269]

@@MegaAntras I think most dislikes are for Kawhi's and Davis' position on the list

[@6aliph77]

Finally someone recognize Curry's greatness

[@Tarutaru94]

Easy top 2. Patrick McCaw 3 years in the league and 3 championships won, enough said. Then there's Linsanity. Didn't lose a single game in the final series when he was on the court.

[@hrned]

Don't forget JaVale MaGee. Won 2 with GS and just won one with Lakers

[@its.me_shreyas5467]

Straight Facts

[@arpeeh21]

"Defense is so important to the ranking..." ... puts Curry on the top spot lol

[@kassios]

I find that funny as well. Curry is actually a good defender, but once compared to Yiannis or AD he doesn't have 1/10th of their impact on D. He does have the offensive gravity though.

[@AlphaDwg]

Isn’t that hilarious. Couldn’t stop undrafted Fred VanVleet from styling on him in the finals but he the best player in the nba 🤣

[@arpeeh21]

@ATL 1 lol

[@requix11]

But who's the best shooter of all time?

[@colbee78336]

Steph Curry best shooter of all time? Leader in steals?

[@elliottrusso1203]

I feel like you severely underrated kawhi’s defense

[@nicholaspolen3418]

Elliott Russo Hes not wrong, even as an on ball defender anytime he was switched onto Steph in the finals it was an easy stepback 3 or middy for Steph and his offball awareness isn’t exceptional.

[@realityutubetv8846]

Nah, Kawhi is a hell of a defender, but I think his offense was better than his defense this year. His defense this season wasn't top notch this year, that's why he isn't in the running for dpoy.

[@stavroknwza2116]

Fierce there’s literally a highlight of that too. Back when kawhi played for the spurs. Curry made kawhi slide off the ball and made a three off of it.

[@132james1]

His defense isn’t what it used to be

[@goatedk176]

Fierce u Obviously didn’t watch any games😂

[@Shalmboo7]

i like your vids keep up the work anyway i sometime find myself lost trying to read those graphs i wish you would explain more about it .

[@burner1303]

You should read his explanation for how he ranked the greatest players of all time, it's a similar evaluation system to the one used in this video www.backpicks.com/2017/12/11/the-backpicks-goat-the-40-best-careers-in-nba-history/

[@jofieji5312]

Bet that 2005 midrange season was by rip Hamilton

[@dcatterall33]

I had the same thought

[@basketballgenesis8969]

It was prolly KG

[@ThinkingBasketball]

Matt Bonner!

[@dinospumoni5611]

I had assumed Steve Nash.

[@dcatterall33]

@@ThinkingBasketball Would never have guessed that! Love your videos btw, keep up the good work!

[@landonr.536]

Funny how the smartest basketball fans put Steph one... But it's only the Steph haters/casuals that don't truly see his impact on the floor. He is the ultimate weapon for this day and age, he is the most skilled basketball player on earth. Kyrie is up there but he is on and off at times. Top 2 ball-handler, not to mention the SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT SKILL IN THE GAME he is the best at and there is not a close second. Not only can he score at rates and efficiency we have not seen since Jordan, but he also creates WIDE OPEN shots for others. And the one thing that is never mentioned by most fans is his gravity. He comes off a pindown and 3 defenders go with him and pretty much gives the screener a wide-open dunk, and if it's not a dunk, he makes one more pass for a dunk/three-ball. Not great defensively, but he is good enough now to where he is not a liability anymore. Best scorer in the league, best off the ball player in the league, a top 3 clutch player, an all-time great leader, and unselfish. You could go to me and give James Harden's stats and say he is the best in the game, or AD or KD or LeBron, but nobody has the single most impact on the outcome of any given game like Steph curry does. You can slow down and stop any of these players besides LeBron, but you cant even slow down Steph, only way to slow him down is to take the ball out of his hands,. And one more thing, there is not been one player since Jordan that gives you fear the way players look at Steph. Look into those Green eyes on the court and you know what is about to happen..... He is about to give you work. ALSO IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH ME, ADD MY DISCORD Landon#4440 we can have a friendly debate there. Because I hate typing on YT comments lol.

[@norrisrico]

I am a certified Basketball Nerd, junkie, take your pick. I absolutely LOVE listening and watching your videos. The greatest compliment I can give you is I use your videos to explain the sport to my 6 year old Son. Please give us more. You are my #Sensei

[@norrisrico]

@ Awww... So sweet of you, to come up with that Tough remark. Mommy took away Toys huh? You'll be big and strong One day, and be a grown up. Patience sweety, patience.

[@aidanoconnor2882]

People need to realize this is only based off of 2019

[@gastonruiz4061]

if it is based only on 2019 it does not make sense that Kawhi is not at number one 🤷

[@Coffee2024.]

Gaston Ruiz lol right

[@gastonruiz4061]

@@Ab-he4vf of course.

[@04rugrat]

Gaston Ruiz fax

[@wallstreetzoomer]

@@gastonruiz4061 It does make sense, his limited playmaking and overrated defense (because of larger offensive load, his defense isn't what it used to be) doesn't make him the best player in the world.

[@maateeus1049]

My List: 1. Kawhi Leonard 2. LeBron James 3. Kevin Durant 4. James Harden 5. Giannis Antetokounmpo 6. Stephen Curry 7. Anthony Davis 8. Paul George 9. Damian Lillard 10. Joel Embiid

[@max7694]

Bruh curry at 6 is so stupid

[@KevinEChoni]

Starters got cancelled by NBA TV maybe you'll get picked up

[@playthatagainbruh394]

Good

[@Akaya7777]

Man I liked the Starters they weren't sensationalist just like regular fans

[@yuvalseri7859]

This is some of the best NBA content I've seen created on KZbin. Your explanation is so charismatic and easy to understand that it's amazing. I can easily see you blowing up in the near future and being the go-to source for all NBA nerds and statisticians. Keep on grinding and I hope to see more content from you in the future.

[@biggestcombofever1197]

Ad and lebron should play 1 on 1 for who gets to wear # 23

[@velo5983]

Lebron is a top 5 of all time Mj is the goat so lebron should wear it

[@yabo1pooky353]

AD is better right now but LBJ Is better all time but right now AD Should wear it.

[@daanishgupta]

LeBron beating him 3-0

[@hotwaterme1]

Welp.....

[@strive4greatness238]

@@daanishgupta lies lol

[@butter_nut1817]

I think adding some clips would help to keep a wider audience.

[@milto2269]

But that would mean that the video would be like 2 hours

[@adojean44]

Copyright maybe

[@soccerlegend7774]

I hate all the people who don't analyse basketball for a living argue with me on Instagram because they won't understand any of this

[@recycledone5941]

Very humble.

[@ChrisSmith-tu9bu]

Yeah only stupid people breed

[@homeslice3084]

r/iamverysmart

[@ChrisSmith-tu9bu]

@ Yeah they were both better this year and the right stats tell the whole story without your opinion attached them

[@ChrisSmith-tu9bu]

@kevin garnett I do

[@joshvickers5342]

So excited for this years breakdown to see where everyone lands

[@vn3677]

Finally somebody giving jokic the respect he deserves

[@pandemonium3860]

Victor R doesn't deserve over Embiod tho

[@ziwuri]

Yaaaass Steph at 1st!!! I'm so tired of people underestimating him because they're jealous or because other people basically tell them to. Also I was suprised that you put AD above LeBron.

[@george4281]

curry is top 4 at best

[@young_bee]

Curry is probably 4 or 5

[@TheTariqibnziyad]

@@george4281 hhh you don't know shit about bball, you're an idiot compared to the guy making this video...atleast he has arguments.

[@TheTariqibnziyad]

@ Curry is as efficient if not better in the playoffs, stop lying.

[@kyleelpel9402]

@@young_bee Team player >>> Iso-ball

[@David-1216]

I feel like the regular season really wears down harden, causing him to fall off in the playoffs

[@aaronghunter]

Given his performance this year in the regular season, I think that is a fair assessment. I actually had a lot of optimism for his prospects after Westbrook started stepping up during Harden's dry spells, because we were seeing a better Westbrook, who could be the first or second option depending on demand.

[@David-1216]

Aaron Hunter yea Westbrook has really been able to pick up the pace when Harden starts struggling, and I really was excited to see them in the playoffs, along with their small ball team

[@harryli5979]

Why does curry look like a lumberjack😂

[@Arthur5000]

Lol

[@easygoing_1956]

Do all-time ! That be really cool

[@SeanD19]

Woah!!! chill out Thats like a 3 month preparation video. but id go with Shaq as No.1

[@Max-kv8uw]

His top 10 before this season was: Kareem Lebron Mj Russell Shaq Hakeem Duncan Garnett Wilt Magic

[@Jay-dn2pg]

@@Max-kv8uw In that order? Or you're just listing them?

[@ayanedjagbre7469]

@@Jay-dn2pg in that order www.backpicks.com/2017/12/11/the-backpicks-goat-the-40-best-careers-in-nba-history/

[@Max-kv8uw]

DJgodslayer 1 yes and he even did an updated list of that on Twitter where he moved Lebron over MJ

[@cwilson9341]

Dude you're the freaking man, your analysis has changed the way I look at basketball

[@kxng_jordxn]

You're my favorite KZbinr, keep up the awesome analysis

[@TrumanBurbonk]

Hi, great video. When are we going to see the top 10 NBA players of ALL TIME analysis?

[@yusukeurameshi9933]

he didn't publish it but he did publish the top 10 career of all time. He even went further than that to publish his top 40 career of all time. Analysis is spot on and clear even though using his own criteria my list of the top 40 career would be different. Anyway here is the list, enjoy the read: backpicks.com/2017/12/11/the-backpicks-goat-the-40-best-careers-in-nba-history/

[@resurrectedpa]

It happened lol

[@aleksandarilic897]

Kawhi was soooooo underrated in this video

[@FlintlockYT]

I have a very small nit-pick. Tiny. You gave both #9 Paul George and #8 Joel Embiid ranges that could have put them in the top seven, but none of your actual top seven had ranges that could have put them eighth or lower. That's a contradiction!

[@El_TigreNegro]

That means that they're probably as good as someone in the top 7 depending on what you look at, but those in the top 7 are definitely not worse than those guys

[@clawer626]

you're forgetting that players can tie

[@dasdet6505]

I think it's hard to argue for a single player's CHAMPIONSHIP value in 2019 specifically. It felt like Toronto's defensive schemes were the difference maker.

[@jdelgado216]

that and injuries, I´m not taking anything from Toronto since it was a well earned chip but it is not the same to plan against a team with Steph, Klay and KD all healthy

[@dummy4794]

1. Durant 2. Kawhi 3. Giannis 4. LeBron 5. AD 6. Curry 7. Harden 8. Embid 9. George 10. Jokic

[@Van_ax]

Imagine watching KD and Kawhi this post season and thinking Curry is the best player in the World. Basketball isn’t played on a spreadsheet. KD was the first player ever to have 50-40-90 postseason.

[@jordansmith580]

eBron James he didn’t have 50-40-90. He shot 39 from 3

[@noahgoetz2629]

"Basketball isn’t played on a spreadsheet" says the guy who justifies his support of KD and Kawhi by cherry picking a statistic... Basketball is a team sport. We may be ranking individuals, but we're ranking them on how good they are at making their team win. It's not just Curry's individual stats but also his ability to make everyone around him so much better that puts him ahead.

[@rg7535]

Imagine being too thick to realize all the ways Steph makes your offense better just by stepping on the court, literally, and still thinking you can argue with a guy who was a video coordinator in the NBA.

[@Van_ax]

RG - Gravity isn’t exclusive to Steph.....every superstar has it.

[@yassinekhedid345]

Well maby if you actually watch the game, the reason KD can have a 50-40-90 split is because Curry is standing on the floor with him. This is what this video is trying to make casuals like you understand. A player's impact on a basketball game isn't limited by his points rebounds assists steals blocks and FG%. Steph can miss 10 straight 3s and the opposing defense would still guard him at the halfcourt line allowing KD to never get double teamed.

[@sondripku4976]

Kawhi should be higher after this championship

[@jaredferguson2999]

the stats don't say that

[@dasaucee9296]

Jared Ferguson the man literally score 732 in a postseason,3rd all time what do you mean

[@jaredferguson2999]

@@dasaucee9296 I didn't say he was bad, I said that the stats show him at number 5

[@jaredferguson2999]

@@dasaucee9296 this video takes the post season into account

[@tiers8077]

@@jaredferguson2999 Then why is AD ahead, he literally had no success

[@juliankelly2946]

LeBron did, in fact, retrospectively challenge everyone for the top spot

[@DLukic09]

I am sorry, but this video literally tells you why stats and analytics are absolute bs. Putting curry on 1 is a disgrace and kawhi so low is just bs 😂

[@pinacoladatime5915]

CONGRATS ON 100k subs in only 3 months ! Best basketball channel on KZbin. Keep doing what u do!

[@justenn9949]

This channel is solid frikkin gold. I love the justification and discussion for each players position and their potential, but ultimately each spot makes so much sense when paint the bigger picture like that.

[@lowelllo9022]

This channel is the future

[@emmettbravakis7127]

I just can't agree with Curry, man can literally guard no one. Van Fleet was cooking him

[@realityutubetv8846]

Not true, Curry was guarding Danny green most possessions. Van Vleet was cooking curry lmao. The raptors offense is was very well organized and in sync, and they had big bodies screenings for the shooters a lot. Van Vleet had a lot of completely open shots because of that. Curry isn't the best defender, but he definitely played good defense on his assignments. The warriors post defenders were to blame on defense, including Draymond green.

[@Ikekujux]

"THINKING BASKETBALL" should be a Home Work for ALL NBA analysts and reporters. ESPN and all the other channels must put these videos so than people could get more interest in basketball.

[@ilordlex]

Waiting for how lebron, ad and kuzma fit together...

[@qwikscopez6619]

Hey Ben I've been doing a little stats myself and Ive been trying to calculate Stephen Currys TS% relative to the raptors defence and I've tried several different methods, Currys finals ts% Vs Raps regular season opp Ts%(this would normally do but the raptors were like you said an all time level ps defence), method 2 calculate the average ts% of players in the ps Vs the raptors and then take that from Currys, method 3 calculate the average ps ts% Vs the raptors excluding the warriors, and lastly compare the difference in Steph's regular and psts% vs the difference between the other teams rs and ps ts%, are any of these methods correct / similar to how u would do it? Or do u have a different method entirely

[@LonghornsLegend]

This channel should have a million subs by the time the 2019 season starts nobody is breaking basketball down better

[@canerakyldz7364]

Can you make "The Top 10 NBA Teams of 2019" ?

[@derek2678]

1. Raptors 2.Warriors 3.Bucks 4. Rockets 5. Trailblazers 6. Sixers 7. Thunder 8. Nuggets 9. Nets 10. Pelicans

[@derek2678]

@Ruth Mitt I changed it

[@donnadunbar5342]

1. WARRIORS 2. Rockets 3.sixers 4. Raptors 5. Bucks

[@aminuabdullahi5922]

I need Paul George to get back to this I hate when people hate but he did choke 2020💀

[@davidturnbull7385]

Facts. I fuck with Paul George but he sold bad this year.

[@zachstarling11]

The effort that went into the video, damn.

[@MrE_]

My list for this year specifically: 1.KD 2.Kawhi 3.steph 4.harden 5.giannis 6.lebron 7.klay 8.jokic 9.pg13 10.embiid But if we are talking about actually good, considering history, stats, team achievements, etc.: 1.kd 2.kawhi 3.lebron 4.curry 5.giannis 6.harden 7.AD 8.kyrie 9.embiid 10.klay

[@nataniell6230]

I agree curry runs the team and was slept on for MVP

[@adrianburgess8927]

Tripp’le H Curry wins

[@mikey3932]

@@adrianburgess8927 gotem

[@killua2120]

@@adrianburgess8927 giannis had the better season team record

[@sihyuanwu5492]

The MVP award doesn't go to the best basketball player unfortunately, it goes to the player whose narrative fits the award the most.

[@young_bee]

Adrian Burgess So would I if I had 4 all stars

[@slyboiimo11]

This video was amazing. I love the way you analyze and dissect every player as if they’re some sort of human trading card it’s prettt cool. I know our season got cut pretty short but me and the rest of the fans would be super grateful if you made one for the 2019-20 season. If not I understand but thank you for creating AMAZING content 🙏🏿

[@TheMission9999]

I normally skip ads but I actually watched this one out of pure respect for the channel. You deserve it man, keep up the outstanding content

[@burner1303]

Same, put some RESPEK on this ad

[@DomJX]

I love Giannis but no way is he better than Kawhi.

[@bradleypeters6656]

Not now but his ceiling is almost limitless. We'll see where he is at Kawhis current age

[@Kodreanu23]

Exactly, DomJX

[@ghedneildagalea6958]

Kawhi was simply with a better team with the perfect scheme to counter Giannis.

[@Kodreanu23]

@@ghedneildagalea6958 until they switched Kawhi on to him, scheme didn't work. It says enough about Greek because he doesn't have more weapons.

[@ghedneildagalea6958]

@@Kodreanu23 ur giving kawhi too much credit there and discrediting gasol. If you're new to the channel, watch the analysis of kawhi being a giannis stopper which was not the case. Raps literally built a wall on giannis everytime he has the ball.

[@mikebevibevi]

Great job on research. Graphics are pretty good too. Can't wait to see more content. I hope you get more sponsorship! 😁

[@tomthayyilthomas7211]

Nice work and analytics are important but results are even more and Kawhi should be one

[@testacer5101]

Triple TTT Retarded logic, otherwise Lowry would better than Curry now and Robert Horry would be better than LeBron James.

[@jacobfabian3802]

I always felt just watching Curry that he was highly underrated by major sports analysts, but I didn't realize just how underrated he really is until now

[@AlphaDwg]

Jacob Fabian where was he when undrafted fred Vanvleet was styling on him in the finals???

[@jacobfabian3802]

@@AlphaDwg averaging 30/5/6

[@AlphaDwg]

@@jacobfabian3802 that didn't help them win lol. You are underrating the impact of his lack of defense on the team. He's a great offensive player but he can't guard his position which is a problem for the warriors that they have to go out of their way to protect. That is why when Klay went down VanVleet and Lowery went off and steph couldn't do anything about it.

[@jacobfabian3802]

@@AlphaDwg if you really believe that curry is a bad defender, the 2016 finals have been over for 3 years. you can start living in the present now

[@MrArjunchoudhary]

Although I don’t completely agree with your top 5 arrangement, I really liked the video content. Subbed!

[@4pm462]

Why don't you agree when he showed tons of evidence for his choices?

[@rajchow1]

Old, but because statistics just can't be used to gauge a players skill and ranking, because we all know curry is not the best player in the league, but all the statistics points to him, which proves my point of the problems with extended statistics and calculations over an eye tesr

[@riqui5406]

@@rajchow1 why do we ''all know Curry is not the best player in the league''? The video gives perfectly solid evidence for his overall impact on a team winning a championship as being the biggest in the league. When you use advanced analytics, you focus on impact and not the player's particular playing style, which removes biases about stuff like ''the two-way player is always the better player''. And also, this video gives a clear perspective used for assessing the best: Championship equity. Given that perspective, there's reason to see Curry as the best. Maybe you have a different value regarding what being the best player means.

[@heliosb3714]

@@rajchow1 wait we do not all know curry isnt the best player in the league. Individually others may be better, but his impact on team performance is rivaled by none. They play 5 on 5 not 1 on 1.

[@rajchow1]

Riqui Yeah but at the same time Curry having the biggest impact doesn’t equate to being the best player, and it goes back to the point of eye test vs analytics. Go back to the 2019 nba finals, for such a big impact curry makes, why couldn’t he win with a perfectly capable team of the championship? Because clearly his stats for at least a little inflated by the fact that the warriors were such a perfect, cohesive unit and then became an unstoppable juggernaut. He was a defensive liability and was literally outplayed by fred vanvleet and failed to perform when it mattered most. For the supposed “best player in the league” how could he not pull through? Because he isn’t a good enough overall basketball player to do it without REALLY good help, that is why he never was and never will be the best player in the league, in my opinion at least.

[@nomennescio8443]

LeBron wants his damn RESPECT.

[@mitchellg4834]

at this time it was a fair ranking but the king reclaimed his throne

[@danhantheman]

@@mitchellg4834 it was not. it was just stupid recency bias

[@joecreations3737]

@@danhantheman it’s not decency bias they’re judging his impact through advanced stats

[@eb1gd627]

@@danhantheman “ if lebron brakes my brain and has a monster 2020, he might be challenging for the top spot on this list” There u go

[@JL-fh4qw]

@@danhantheman He missed the playoffs and had bad efficinecy

[@BalSagoth]

Awesome content. Only enhanced by the slick visuals. Great stuff.

[@BalSagoth]

Why does Kyrie have white hair?! 🤣

[@johncrow7726]

Congrats on the sponsor my man

[@atillacnar5785]

GIANNIS IS NOT better than durant or kawhi

[@donnadunbar5342]

Not kd but giannis better than kawhi

[@fardeenhaider7978]

One thing the comments have shown me is that people are either really stupid and didnt notice this is for last year, or theyre just letting recency bias cloud their opinion.

[@MegaAntras]

If this is best players ...i can agree....but if this is best players for 2019...then how the hell Embid was better then Jokić??! .... Jokić was best Center in 2019... And he is 2 spots behind Embid...

[@ericlord4649]

Not to mention how each of them performed in the playoffs. Embiid could've never carried a team the way Jokic did.

[@johnjohnson6311]

Davis over Leonard? I think you’re massively overthinking this.

[@TrillHighlights]

So you knock Harden for his drop in stats in the playoffs but Steph number 1 and you talk about how he started slow b/c of injuries or w/e but dont talk about how all his stats came against a injuried blazer team that matches up absolutely poorly against steph because of there two guards who lack defense and Kanter as there C. Not to mention his tendency to come up short in the finals. Ain't no way his shooting ability or movement makes him number 1 you high and he has no defense.

[@maybeits1K]

Gratz on grabbing a sponsor! And shout out to your artist!

[@professorkrollz5009]

Kawhi 5 bro u crazy 😂😂🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@jimsu2726]

Basically whenever Curry is playing, his teammates get one less defender from the opposing team to have to deal with, because when pretty much the opponent needs to send two or more of their most elite defenders to guard him once he dribble pass half court. This plus he is a great and humble leader, never pads his stats and always allow teammates to outshine him. I honestly think he is one of the greatest of all time, if not the greatest.

[@absolute062]

Lol Steph looks like himself mixed with Blake

[@nateriver1005]

Kawhi has the perfect balance. He's right in between Lebron and Kobe in terms of court shooting, efficiency, skill, and strength.

[@Evertreynold]

Great vid, but Curry's 0-8 in game winning shots should knock him off #1.

[@godgod3395]

Right where are the crunch time analytics? Thats a huge part of basketball that is overlooked, you can play great the first 3 quarters and still put up great numbers analytically. But if you don't put up numbers when it counts can you really be ranked #1

[@oliderzetouna2891]

Why is Leonard so low he’s at least top 3

[@ChrisSmith-tu9bu]

Based on what numbers?

[@oliderzetouna2891]

Chris you should watch more games and not base your argument on stats. Kawhi is the most all round player in the nba and just led his team to their first championship in franchise history. So you tell me how that’s not a top 3 player in the nba.

[@ChrisSmith-tu9bu]

@@oliderzetouna2891 Ive watched plenty probably WAY MORE games than and I never ranked Kawaii this guy's list and like 3 others just deal with how impactful he is on a good team in 2019....And they all agree Steph is number one.... Sorry that the truth hurts but you see people lie and have biases...numbers don't

[@oliderzetouna2891]

Kawhi brought the their first championship in franchise history, and I’m not arguing that he’s more impactful than steph. All I’m saying is that he is at least top three with Giannis and curry. I 100% agree that steph is the most impactful player in the league, but I also think he is much more impactful than KD.

[@markmilanovich6209]

I agreed until I saw you put Davis over Kawhi

[@jonathandeas8592]

Did the pelicans even make the playoffs

[@lipstickzombie4981]

@@jonathandeas8592 This year no. They made it thrice this decade though, twice with AD.

[@markmilanovich6209]

@@jonathandeas8592 not they were like 13 in the west or something lmfao

[@talhakarsloglu4278]

Jonathan Deas Doesn't mean a thing when you think he didnt play half of the season. If he played for all of the season Pelicans would be in playoffs.

[@jonathandeas8592]

@@talhakarsloglu4278 missed the point okay

[@adriponte]

Top 10 (no injuries) 1 Kevin Durant 2 LeBron James 3 Kawhi Leonard 4 Stephen Curry 5 Giannis Antetokounmpo 6 James Harden 7 Anthony Davis 8 Damian Lillard 9 Joel Embiid 10 Kyrie Irving Maybe you can switch LeBron and Kawhi for the 2nd and 3rd spots...and think about Westbrook, George, Jokic for the 10th spot

[@rileymerino6340]

Why does everybody put Embiid over Jokic? Jokic is far more unique, far better shooter-the only reason is because Jokic doesn’t have the freak athleticism everybody wants in a player, but he has damn near everything else and is the best passer in the league. Not for a center, just in general. Did y’all even watch the 2019 playoffs? Jokic was way more crucial to the nuggets than Joel to the sizers, and his numbers were far superior. He didn’t really have any awful games, Embiid had more than he did dominant games

[@adriponte]

@@rileymerino6340 Jokic is a great player....but Embiid is better...Why? SENSATIONS, this is not about the numbers or if Jokic produces 20 assists per game playing as center... Embiid is a dominant player with lot of talent and 1 season can't be the reason for you to put him in the top 10...if that's the reason, then you have to put Paul George in the top 5/3.

[@rileymerino6340]

@@adriponte Well for one thing, this video is "best players of 2019" so your "1 season" argument, which isn't even valid--He averaged like 20-10-6 on pretty efficient shooting, and recorded the fastest triple double (a minute before halftime) ever last season. This season Jokic was 1st team, Embiid second, and for good reason. and Sensations? What does that even mean? Are you imploring me to watch blindly and just accept that Embiid is better because... you find him more interesting? I don't really understand what you're getting at. All around, I, and I think a lot of other people along with me, would build a team around Jokic before Embiid, I think he has a higher upside, while I believe Embiid is probably not going to improve a lot because of his play style.

[@adriponte]

@@rileymerino6340 Best players of 2019 isn't the same as best players of 2018-19 season...right? Again...if that's the case, then Paul George is a Top 3-5 player right now...agree or not? My arguments for Embiid>Jokic are based on sensations like i told you...i don't care about numbers, my eyes will tell me who is the best player, not their averages in 1 season. For me Embiid is a true center, has a lot of talent both offensively and defensively, great moves, nice range and a much more physical player than Jokic (trust me, i like Jokic too...a lot!) but he is not as dominant physically as Joel, i don't like his defense...but not doubt, he has a special ability moving the ball...impressive, no doubt. Good moves too but i don't think he is as good as Embiid in this category. So ... the difference is not huge, they have a very similar level of play ... I can understand therefore, that you prefer Jokic, but also understands that many others we like more Embiid.

[@donnadunbar5342]

Curry, kawhi and giannis is better than LEBRON

[@UeProductionz]

The one thing I cannot agree with is Anthony Davis being so high up on your list. Reason being, despite putting up some of the most impressive numbers the league has ever seen he consistently struggles to put his team in playoff contention year after year. You can say his team isn't good or his team isn't healthy etc. but if he was truly a top 5 player in the league then that excuse just isn't viable to me. All the greats who played on bad teams always single handedly kept their team in playoff contention. Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, Tracy McGrady, Lebron James, Dwyane Wade etc. the list goes on. When someone tells me that "X Player" is a top 5 player in the league then that person is telling me that he is in the ranks of those players that I mentioned and that is the standard that I am going to measure that player by. Anthony Davis has shown that he cannot do what those players did consistently. I believe something has to be said for that and for that reason alone, despite averaging 28/12/3, he shouldn't be a top 5 player. Top 10? Probably. Top 5? No. Otherwise! As always, loved the video and keep up the great work you do!

[@kingrob8278]

Agreed and despite putting up those monster numbers. I'm curious to know why AD can't do that.

[@wallstreetzoomer]

You mentioned Garnett... he was arguably the best player in 2005 and his team missed the playoffs also.

[@ChrisSmith-tu9bu]

No Center can single handedly drag a team to serious contention in todays NBA....but what he said was who impacts any team the most, as in who with GOOD players as well as bad players would shine but especially good teams because that wins Championships...Like Harden style isnt as effective on good teams because hes a one man show...while Steph's gravity makes every single offensive ever lethal by him being double teamed off ball Everyone else is essentially ALWAYS open...and why KD looks better on GSW then say OKC

[@mrsbndkt]

UeProductionz I’m pretty sure the Pelicans outscored opponents by over 3 points per 100 possessions when AD played. The problem is that they were outscored by over 5 points when he didn’t play. These numbers are pretty similar to last season, the main difference was just that AD missed so many games. So yeah, AD led them to being a decent team, it’s just that they were absolutely awful whenever he wasn’t on the court.

[@UeProductionz]

Kevin Garnett played 12 years in Minnesota and still got his team to the playoffs his first 8 years. You can exclude his rookie year if you want but that is still 7 straight years out of 12. Anthony Davis is 7 years into his career and he's made the playoffs just twice. If you wanna go by percentages then thats 66% and 28% for Garnett and AD respectively. I simply don't see how a player can be Top 5 in the league when he only makes the playoffs 28% of the time.