Top 10 NBA players of 2020

Who was the best player in the NBA this year? This video takes a detailed, 360-degree view to rank the top players in basketball in 2020, using scouting reports, analytics, advanced stats and value-concepts based on research on impact and the value of skills.
Player art by @CrumpledJumper
Resources:
LeBron's peaking as a passer: • Why LeBron James is pe...
Kawhi vs. LeBron on defense: • Kawhi vs. LeBron: The ...
Kawhi's playmaking improvements: • Kawhi's passing, super...
The Giannis Rules (2019): • The Giannis Rules | Ho...
Giannis defensive profile: • How Giannis makes the ...
Luka's Leap: • How Luka Doncic is red...
Harden post defense: • Harden's post defense,...
Anthony Davis profile: • Anthony Davis | The pe...
Lillard offensive profile: • Damian Lillard analysi...
Gobert defensive profile: • Does Rudy Gobert's def...
Karl-Anthony Towns profile: • Karl-Anthony Towns ana...
Tatum's Leap: • Jayson Tatum | The 3 r...
Support at Patreon: / thinkingbasketball
Book: www.amazon.com/Thinking-Baske...
Podcast: player.fm/series/thinking-bas... or at www.stitcher.com/podcast/ben-...
Website: www.backpicks.com
Twitter: @elgee35
Ben Taylor is the author of Thinking Basketball, a Nylon Calculus contributor, creator of the Backpicks Top 40 series & host of the Thinking Basketball podcast.
Stats courtesy:
www.pbpstats.com @bballport
www.basketball-reference.com
stats.nba.com
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Footage in this video is owned by the NBA and its partners. It is intended for critique and education.
Music by csus (instrumental)
#ThinkingBasketball

[@ThinkingBasketball]

Unfortunately I couldn't get a larger voting body this year, so it's just me painfully agonizing over how to stack these players up and (hopefully) slotting everyone in a range that doesn't look too crazy in a year or two.

[@donkeyxote7729]

Do you think kyrie can be better than he is right now or kyrie can be best offensive scorer any in 2nd round playoff team? Or It would be like Russell Westbrook that he can't grow any further ?

[@AVB15]

Where would Kd be if he was healthy?

[@onekidarmy]

Ben I absolutely love your work I've listened to every podcast, seen every video, and I originally found and read your whole Backpicks list. I just wanted to say I know it's hard but I'd listen to this for an hour, even longer. I wish you'd had more time to dig into each of these guys. Keep up the great work!

[@rome8180]

Embiid's impact metrics vs Boston were impressive, but what happens if you remove the 1st quarter of every game? Watching it, it seemed like he would come out and dominate the first 12 minutes and then completely disappear. I'm not sure a player with that poor of conditioning should be be considered top 10.

[@howequalspeace]

I still think Giannis is the best player rn. I think in the playoffs the top players are affected more by the make up of their teams and the coach. Lebron this post season had another top 5 player with him. That makes an incredible difference imo

[@nikagogibedashvili6476]

I remember last year, when you ranked Lebron at 6 and said something like "Lebron may have fantastic season in 2020 and make me look dumb for ranking him here". Truth has been spoken.

[@Shadowbane7]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2TdmpicbMxlgM0 6th

[@javierlandaverde4108]

It helps having another elite player in AD playing with him.

[@anishsattaram3793]

@@javierlandaverde4108 okay? it does but that doesn't diminish lebron's skill to run the offense, and you need to know that ad can't function at a high level without a great playmaker running the offense. same with giannis. the numbers are going to be there, but they can't take the leap WE KNOW they can take without that good playmaker.

[@javierlandaverde4108]

@@anishsattaram3793 Are we not acting AD can't handle or create?, yes he is not a elite playmaker or decison maker to create for others but this is a center who averages 4 assist. Giannis also generates offense for teamates. A great playmaker can't function well if he does not have a potent offensive scorer as well. Lebron can kick it out to Pope, Caruso, Rondo, to Dwight or Magee but all these players are not elite shooters or elite post offensive players. Don't get me started on Danny Green. They are all streaky shooters and post scorers so some games you have them come in and knock the shots and some games they are wayy off and you live and die by the three or guys blowing up putbacks or dunks, for example Danny Green game winning 3 in game 5. Having a elite isolation scorer like AD or Giannis or elite shooter like Curry or Klay allows you to have a release pressure on the offense to bail you out and a consistent scorer. Are we also ignoring all the second chance opportunities from offensive rebounds they factor in for a playmaker.. AD and Giannis does that well.

[@javierlandaverde4108]

@@anishsattaram3793 AD also has always been good in the post season, he has a small scale as he has only 3 playoffs in his career but we missed a chance to see a prime Demarcus Cousins + AD in a post season. Sadly we miss that opportunity once Cousins torn his ACL from CP3 challenge.

[@noahgreer4228]

You did Jokic dirty with that artwork

[@RandoNMumber27]

Bron's headband placement too (well its true tho)

[@sean5411]

Fr, at least he pronounced his name right

[@nikolatodorovic168]

@@sean5411 as a Serbian with the exact same name I beg to differ, you may not hear it but at leat he tries.

[@eb1gd627]

Nikola Todorovic of least it’s not nick-cola. Joke-itch

[@sean5411]

@@nikolatodorovic168 that's true, still does a hell of a lot better than mainstream American sports channels

[@spartan99871]

I really don't think people truly grasp how insane it is that Lebron is 35, in his 17th season, and still ended up as the best player in the league + a chip.

[@spartan99871]

The 30 for 30 on him is going to be wild.

[@javierlandaverde4108]

Lebron is 35 not 36 but MJ did it as well at 35, won a chip and ended as the best player in the league + a chip. Not to mention 3 back to back titles and he also played MLB for a season then came back and act that nothing happen.

[@cia6520]

@@javierlandaverde4108 yall jordan fans are something else. Lebron does some shit and yall bring jordan out of nowhere lmao

[@javierlandaverde4108]

@@cia6520 It's just the facts, nothing wrong with Bron, at his age I am thrilled he still has juice on the tank to dominate in the post season. It's nice top have a 27 year old elite center as well with you in the post season as a 2nd option.

[@spartan99871]

Javier Landaverde Why can’t we as fans just appreciate greatness in the present with out bringing out this tiresome/useless G.O.A.T comparison?

[@Katsos44]

THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR (seriously though his videos are like getting Christmas presents)

[@ThinkingBasketball]

🙏 This is one of the hardest videos to make but probably the most fun.

[@jehlielcelestine7055]

I know!! I been waiting on this for like a year. Literally lol

[@jeremyyu2016]

Amen to this haha

[@jakewaugh2059]

@@ThinkingBasketball Dude the quality of your content is unmatched. I'm blown away everytime I watch one of your videos.

[@goose0078]

Lol was about to say the same. Basketball is a beautiful but very difficult and nuanced sport. I don't blame people for low quality content(it's popular and has a lot of casual fans to appeal to, therefore profitable regardless of quality), but, man, it's great to see actually informative content.

[@phothewin6019]

Love how you define your criteria beforehand. "Best" can be broad, so it's good to set specific standards before diving in.

[@marco5030]

He does that in his Backpicks top 40 profile too.

[@javierlandaverde4108]

True, but you can see there is some bias towards true PG's as only one PG made it to the top 10. While explaining and defining criteria for his criteria for the top 10, his criteria for shooting, passing, and defense give an edge to bigger players especially anywhere from SF-PF-C. You can't expect a 6'2-6'3 guard to defend a 7-foot center down the post regardless if the PG is a solid defender. I wish his criteria would change due to this. It leaves out other players off this list but this is a good list just that the criteria is flawed. Some of his top 10 players also are rank as below average defenders in the league as well which also is an issue with the defense criteria but due to there maximum high usage and an offense build around them there numbers and stats go higher from stat paddling.

[@marco5030]

@@javierlandaverde4108 it feels like your arguments contradict each other - PGs are usually the ones who get penalized for subpar defense. Anyways, Lillard and Doncic are both true PGs, and LeBron and Harden play like them, I disagree that he underrates PGs, two true PGs and two players that ressemble them heavily among 10 is player. He has two centers, two 4s that can play C, two two-way wings, two true PGs, and two functional PGs, very balanced list.

[@jomno8539]

@@javierlandaverde4108 You don't get bonus points for being short.

[@javierlandaverde4108]

@@marco5030 See but that is my point, there are PG's who rank higher on defense then some of those players in the top 10 and not every PG is a high usage player as well.

[@martinhuang1750]

Where's my man Jared Dudley at? The game is a 100% winner when Dudley is playing at the 4th quarter.

[@jgaming1045]

😂

[@thomasthedankengine7709]

Can't argue with that logic

[@tomyato]

😂😂😂 oh shit, I didn’t see that coming

[@davidreyna7410]

Tbh

[@dannggg]

Please address the man by his entire name. Jared “the jet” Dudley.

[@StillTre_]

It's crazy how Paul George had such a great season next to Russ and had such a drop-off next to Kawhi. Excellent video.

[@M0ebius]

King Larr Was it really that great last season though? Particular when you factor in the playoffs?

[@clintonhopkins1315]

@@M0ebius I mean he was top 5 in MVP voting so yeah it was pretty good by his standards

[@tribalchiefxxw9158]

He actually had an underrated season. He was in & out with injuries but still one of the best two players in the league

[@therealmvp1538]

@@clintonhopkins1315 he was top 3 in mvp and dpoy

[@lik7953]

I think while russ’s play style is sometimes inefficient and he makes some weird plays, he’s a really good leader off the court, and can get his team on the same page. Kawhi, while amazing on the court, is not a great locker room leader. Kyle Lowry was that guy in Toronto. I think the clippers lacking that leader, along with the constant small injuries and kawhis load management, really hurt chemistry. But they still choked big time.

[@tupapachu]

You could tell he spent HOURS doing research for this video. We appreciate you! Keep doing your thing! This was very entertaining to watch, bravo!

[@gelodude07]

Steph and KD: You'll see next season when we are healthy.

[@wildreams]

Next year will be exciting. I’m a LeBron fan.

[@beerbatreps3861]

Ad them both and drop Butler and Embiid

[@extravirginoliveoil2012]

@@beerbatreps3861 bro butler made the finals hes staying on the top 10

[@vitorhugogusmao4683]

@@extravirginoliveoil2012 no

[@beerbatreps3861]

@@extravirginoliveoil2012 Butler is awesome when he wants to turn it on. But over the course of a whole season I don't see him as top 10

[@dermond2615]

I love these annual top 10 videos, they're seriously one of the best things ever to watch. They're really informative, visuals are amazing and the charts really make it easy to understand and soak all that information but it sucks to wait for a year to have another one come out but they're worth it! Can't wait for the Top 10 NBA players of 2021 haha

[@josephclarke3627]

Great video, this type of top 10 list is better than anything we get in basketball atm. Hopefully more fans start watching channels like this instead of First Take e.t.c. Also would absolutely listen to a 4 hour podcast of you just going through your top 50 players in the nba right now.

[@georgepolychronopoulos647]

Joseph Clarke I mean he has his own criteria so this list is still opinionated, it’s just more informed than a tv analysts opinion. This list can definitely be flipped around a lot

[@Hatingonyall2023]

This guy had Curry at #1 and LeBron at #6 don’t let the numbers fool you

[@mannjacksonjr]

@@Hatingonyall2023 that’s because last year LeBron was hurt and so were all the starters

[@josephclarke3627]

@@Hatingonyall2023 Curry at one was justified, if he was healthy this year then he easily could’ve been number 1-2. I thought LeBron at 6 last year, was harsh but that was mostly due to him being hurt. He also said at the time that he wouldn’t be surprised If LeBron was number 1 next year.

[@josephclarke3627]

@@georgepolychronopoulos647 yeah that’s what I meant. It’s not set in stone and I’d definitely change things on it. But I’m more talking about the fact that he actually presents informed arguments and data instead of going off narratives like most TV basketball shows

[@jaypeesalazar9029]

Its always difficult to rank players coz its easy to become subjective. Especially since there are no set criteria. Thats why i liked that you had a defined criteria before sharing your ranking 👍

[@RJB-V]

an offense built around CURRENT Giannis isn't great in the playoffs.

[@mrbucky226]

not with coach bud and bledsoe lol

[@bcuno]

Yup, they should implement a half court system, bucks should’ve ran pick and rolls with Giannis.

[@mrbucky226]

Bruno 2x exactly. That’s why they gotta try and get Chris Paul to run those

[@vj.phillips]

Current. Key word. He's 25 years old.

[@abidurrahmannajib4092]

@@bcuno i know this won't happen but imagine bucks land harden (maybe trade away every draft pick possible along with middleton and some more players). that harden giannis duo will be unstoppable.

[@marco5030]

Waited so long for this, gonna watch this at least 10 times before the next one. Thank you so much for your great content, Ben!

[@juliosantamaria2438]

This is one of my favorites channels right now, hope to see more great work from you and I'd like to see a top 10 all time like this one. Really great stuff

[@kyleseridonio9807]

Haven't clicked play yet and I already know this is gonna be a banger

[@samuelyuan291]

Yessss. Please make this annual. We need more and more content!

[@michaelo6317]

It is

[@kizitokatende412]

​@@michaelo6317not anymore :(

[@kevinknguyen]

This is seriously some of the best NBA rankings content on YT! Would love if you did something like this for draft-eligible players, players on rookie contracts, or even players within a team e.g., deep-dive comparison between Embiid and Simmons impact on the Sixers.

[@eliasw8553]

Yes, bro! I've literally been waiting for this for a year, last years' was so insightful.

[@pedromdcc13]

God I clicked so fast. I've been waiting for so long. This season was so long...

[@kaad7]

I live for your videos at this point, they distract me from reality. Also interested in seeing how Curry and KD do next season, can’t go wrong with some extra parity.

[@bb24711]

I LOVED your 2019 top 10 players, and I’ve been waiting for this video ever since!!

[@tomtaylor9913]

Have waited all year for this 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@fl3782]

It is time for the best 10 players in 2021!!!!!

[@exquisitemeat5845]

Always enjoyable to see how your list differs from mine ( didn't have PG, Embiid was a bit lower) and the similarities ( Kawhi at 4...) but your reasonings really make it fun to see how many ways there are to place value on different skills

[@rayma1895]

this is the best basketball video all year. please release the 2021 soon

[@robysuryatama2249]

Ben, thank you for dropping this vid. Ur art work inspired my to analyze BB game. Onvet again thank you for your work this season. Hope another great season for next year

[@caleb_lane]

Watching this everyday until 2021’s is released Day 3

[@aidanfionncastralleva5424]

So basically, Jimmy Buckets took the top 1 and top 2 players in this season to six games. Mad respect to Jimmy, Spo and the entire Heat team.

[@vibe2118]

Fax

[@montagehq9872]

But he also had help. You’re acting as if it was a 1 on 2

[@enzorossi9853]

​@@montagehq9872Yes and LeBron and AD also needed help. You acting like they didnt need rondo shooting 50% from 3 to win

[@melvinthompson9873]

wow. i’m speechless this is expert level analysis. great work man, proud to be a sub.

[@rakwraithriser6758]

Damn, I was waiting for this video from the beginning of bubble playoffs. I did watch several times top 10 of previous years. Your podcasts are lit as well🔥🔥

[@miquelcanosasanteularia1678]

I would swap butler for damian lillard, games in the play-off count more and embidd should be number 10

[@shafhoque2282]

Nah you dont understand Embiid's value if you think he's 10

[@KaiRiku573]

I'm guessing next year Curry would take either Embid or Lillard out of the top ten.

[@ThinkingBasketball]

After the Finals I think that's pretty reasonable.

[@miquelcanosasanteularia1678]

@@ThinkingBasketball yeah yeah taking all the play-offs into account

[@gabegamer3663]

I doubt he made this videos last night. He probably had most of it done even prior to the finals.

[@edgm.14]

Excited for 2021 top 10

[@kezron88]

Loved the graphics, always enjoyed the detail that goes into your videos and podcasts! Keep on doing the great work.

[@thomasjacob1240]

So glad that this vid is already out. Sad that it only covers 10 players tho. I want more analysis!!! Maybe top 15 or top 20 next yr?

[@FlyWithMe_666]

Admiral Schofield should be on the list.

[@philipdeaton5217]

Definitely on the Tennessee top 10

[@aziz7461]

Let’s go wizards

[@winnumber101]

Can’t believe he was left off

[@LLawliet-tv9ig]

He has one of the most badass names in the NBA

[@glo3236]

I remember when the nuggets had him and Terrence davis interview before the draft a few years ago

[@GCWen]

Damn, Luka is already in the top 10 and fringe top 5. We are looking at a future all time great! Also, the Lebron and AD critics on Ben’s 2019 video better go find a place and hide.

[@abidurrahmannajib4092]

future superstar? he's a superstar right now and has the potential to maybe become a top 5 offensive player ever

[@eliasdejene2779]

@@abidurrahmannajib4092 fax lmao this man said future superstar he is already an all time level offensive player

[@javierlandaverde4108]

Luka is the most skilled player I have ever seen at that age and he has the highest ceiling of any player ever at his age. At 21 he has accomplish more then any NBA player in league history if you think NCAAB march madness is harder then winning European Champions league and European MVP.

[@t4d0W]

I watched Luka this season and he's deserving of being in the top 10. He manipulates the game and defenses like very few can and has amazing court vision. Defensively he can improve a bit however that isn't why he's dangerous. Best part is he still has not reached his ceiling yet in terms of offense so he will only get better while Dallas puts key pieces together to engage on their first possible finals window.

[@GodofDisco]

@@javierlandaverde4108 You said it right- there is no ceiling. Goat possible.

[@barrygrogan8949]

Great video, you are vastly correct and on point with this graphic looking at the NBA bubble and how things played out I completely agree and I am a person who watches the game closely again great video. 💯🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀

[@MyLocalRock]

you make amazing videos. thank you for making my life better. you and bball breakdown are my favorite.

[@Kairyu_Gen1]

What's the argument for Kawhi>Giannis for health? Kawhi's knee seems like a more significant health concern than anything Giannis has had going

[@jijmotorp3079]

i think he just refers to giannis missing the last 2 game of the series

[@buddyfats4768]

Kawhi has been better in the playoffs

[@Kairyu_Gen1]

jij motorp I'd argue that doesn't make him better, it was just bad timing.

[@Kairyu_Gen1]

Buddy Fats that has nothing to do with them swapping after injuries were taken into account

[@GodofDisco]

Good point agreed

[@JamesJackson-oo7sj]

The only top 10 list I agree with

[@drew388]

trae is better then luka

[@drew388]

wait and see everyone compares luka to trae and the only argument anybody has for luka is wins. but trae was put on a trash rebuild team vs luka going to a playoff contending team.

[@jackdaniels1367]

@@drew388 you've got to be trolling right? or just butthurt hawks fan who's salty they didn't keep luka when they could have?

[@drew388]

@@jackdaniels1367 no way would i trade the next steph curry for luka you out your dam mind boy

[@jackdaniels1367]

@@drew388 obviously. thing is, you don't have the next steph curry. Trae is great but he's no luka

[@kaseygarris3075]

Honesty the most exciting videos I get in my feed. The metrics and statistics are all so incredible. I love this.

[@pkamvp]

YESSSSSSS! I was wondering how soon we’d get this video. Thank you!

[@GodofDisco]

Luka is #6 in his 2nd year. We're looking at the next GOAT.

[@Peter-hx3im]

Bill Simmons and Zach Lowe discussed this in a recent podcast. Their top 4 was Russell, Abdul-Jabbar, Jordan, and LeBron, and they pointed out how Luka compares to the GoaTs offensively, but those 4 GoaTs are some of the best defenders ever, and that Luka doesn't profile to match that kind of 2 way value.

[@GodofDisco]

@@Peter-hx3im Luka can easily reach LBJ levels of defense, no offense but I don't consider Bill Simmons an authority on anything. Luka Doncic is definitely a GOAT prospect. I don't think you understand how rare this is at this age. He has the strength for it. I remember in offseason 2018, I said Luka would average a triple double next season & people told me Luka was not athletic enough or strong enough. Guess what? he came back stronger. He is always improving, I don't know how to put all the knowledge in my head into such concise comments but you can't put a ceiling on this kind of talent- we are looking at the next GOAT prospect.

[@Peter-hx3im]

@@GodofDisco 🤣🤣🤣 you clearly don't know the kind of defender LBJ was back in his Miami days if you think Luka can "easily" reach that level.

[@Solo2121]

@@GodofDisco What?? If Luka can ever reach LeBron's defense from THIS year I'd be surprised. What makes you think Luka has the physical qualities needed to be a LeBron level defender?? Luka will be GREAT I have zero doubt, but easy on the crazy talk. Oh and almost everyone was predicting Luka to be very good after his rookie year. But he still didn't average a trip dub so you were still wrong about that. Can he do that? Of course but you are using you incorrectly predicting something as evidence that you know something everyone else doesn't.

[@SuperArjun11]

@@Peter-hx3im these fools disrespect miami bron so much. He was a fucking demon chasing guards across screens like nothing, 2012 era Bron was THE best perimeter defender we've ever had

[@greedyglo]

I’m Glad Jimmy Made This List He’s Been Top 10 For Years His Defense And His Clutch Game Speaks For Itself

[@arvinbaragani8886]

This was his best year where he proved himself, he wasn't top 10 for years lol

[@greedyglo]

@@arvinbaragani8886 I Disagree But Definitely His Best Year

[@spacerace1448]

I’m glad you stuck to your ideals when talking about this. And although I may not 100% agree, it’s still a great list that is consistent

[@krlllx]

Looking forward to this

[@dacooooo]

My top 10 1. Lebron 2. KD 3. Kwahi 4. Steph 5. Giannis 6. AD 7. Harden 8. Luka 9. Jokic 10. Butler

[@maxh276]

KD and Steph didn't really play in 2020 so it's not fair to put them in the top 10

[@SamTeets33]

I remember the first version from last year. Doesn't feel like that long ago

[@stephenbryant6936]

check out this top 10 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJO1op-ZjZapnbc

[@ashamael]

absolutely fantastic analysis as usual!

[@annonymous4682]

I completely agree. Quality and well thought/preparet content as usual. Keep it up sir! ❤️☝🏻

[@elmehdinafia1237]

I'll put it this way. Giannis is a monster in the regular season because he gives 100% while others he plays against are coasting, plus he gets his points and highlights on transition.. So, when it's playoffs time, the opposition are giving 100% lock down defense, players don't slack on defense at all, it results in half court offense, when you have to be able to hit 3 and have a solid jumpshot..if Giannis doesn't get a jumpshot he gonna get trashed every year in the playoffs, he gonna have teams playing like Toronto last year and the heat this year.. It's sad but this is the reality of the situation

[@dynamiteSANTA]

I think it’s also because, teams are also actively employing extreme defensive strategies and adjustments specifically aimed to stop giannis. Teams are revolving their whole playoff game plan around stopping this guy and it works because his offensive game is so limited and his passing is subpar.

[@stevenwhiters8928]

dynamiteSANTA yeah giannis game flawed but the notion that he’s a playoff choker bs his game need way more polish. Also budenholzer bs offense and their Gm

[@dynamiteSANTA]

@thaGOAT agreed and that’s why I said his offensive game is limited

[@MrOneanddone91]

Pretty much LeBron James circa 2011

[@elliottmercer2739]

Giannis can still work. Coach Bud just doesn't have the balls to put him over 30 minutes a game. With moree off-ball offense and a proper shooting point guard, he can win a chip.

[@erwinrommelgaminde9572]

Waiting for the 2021 list.

[@coledorillo6685]

IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS VIDEO!!!!

[@deathbringer3082]

thank u for ur videos each and every vid holds so much information and i am very excited for the next

[@bilgehancan8138]

are you ok? Waiting for 2021

[@irroyalking3546]

why Lukas head look like that 💀

[@Isaiah_McIntosh]

What about my man jokic.

[@rainboweclipse9249]

You have the best basketball content on KZbin. No bullshit, no clickbait, just pure information. Wish you success on everything!

[@alandemerson]

I am looking forward to your "top 10 NBA players of 2021." Great work with your channel and vids!

[@ehtikhet]

Epic! Where do KD and Steph fit back into this?

[@robertzollicoffer9632]

Can you please do this for 2021

[@sh6700]

I could literally watch this all day. This is the best basketball analysis channel on KZbin by a country mile. Don’t stop being awesome!

[@sticky9400]

this is the video I was looking for thanks man

[@ImBarryScottCSS]

AD really solidified his case this year as I think the best defender in basketball, like you say it's a cheat code on that end, switch him onto anyone, scare their entire offense away from the rim, gobble up boards and throw in some blocks and steals too. If we are taking seriously the whole scalability angle then I can't see a serious case for anyone other than LeBron at number one. He has proven yet again that you can literally give him anything, any cast of misfits and he will cast a magic spell of championship contention on the roster, it's crazy really.

[@jan279]

He made Jimmy look like LeBron for 3 games in the Finals, he can't switch onto anyone.

[@omnom277]

@@jan279 Did you watch game 4, or better yet, 3 games? Did you already forget that the Heat lost in 6?

[@jan279]

@@omnom277 Jimmy was having his way whenever AD gets switched up on him, that's facts. Go watch the tape again. He's a good enough defender at the perimeter, but not the great perimeter defender that you're making him out to be. He's a great post defender/rim protector tho, and that's his true bread & butter as a defender. Don't bring up Game 6 because that's more about Jimmy being gassed for carrying too much of a load for his team.

[@omnom277]

@@jan279 Let's do basic math here; Jimmy had 30+ point games in Games 3 and 5; where is the third game? And Jimmy was scoring on KCP in game 3, not AD. lol You need to be the one watching tape. Watch Game 4 again. It's like you blanked out on how AD blocked the shit out of Jimmy lmao

[@jan279]

@@omnom277 Jimmy had 22-9-10 in Game 4 bro. Go watch Game 5 and tell me again how AD was locking Jimmy down. lol

[@aarontan2197]

2 best players in the league vs 1 10th best and miami still brought lakers to 6 games. Respect butler and miami 🔥

[@latortugapicante719]

Miami has maybe 8 above average nba starters on their team as well. That’s what makes them so good

[@alasdairmacintyre9383]

For sure. I feel like stats aside jimmy's performance in the finals against the best defensive team in the league, well the best team in the league, and 2 of the top 5 players this year, it's gotta put him above number 10. He balled tf out in the finals

[@knowledgegad1294]

The lakers was toying with them to make the series more interesting. Game 6 showed you how the lakers look when they turn it up.

[@aarontan2197]

@@latortugapicante719 damn 8 LOL

[@aarontan2197]

@@knowledgegad1294 HAHAHA fk off butler outplayed lbj 2 games

[@johndizzle9766]

So excited for the 2021 top 10 cant wait

[@iyee318]

This was awesome. Sports Media needs more of this type of indepth analysis.

[@adamzerner5208]

I'm curious what your thoughts are about an offense where Giannis is used more off the ball. Ie as a lob threat, pick and roll partner, and off-ball cutter. Personally I've always thought he'd be more effective in that roll, allowing him to get downhill before the defense is able to wall up against him.

[@hreghg]

Jimmy’s finals performance was the best basketball I’ve seen anyone other than Lebron/kawhi/KD/Steph play for years

[@MrBarborosa]

Jokic/murray were as great against the Flips

[@jan279]

Mitchell & Murray in the first round?

[@combeebrian247]

He said finals performance tho

[@JTempleton]

As Charles Barkley said; “analytics are crap.”

[@jan279]

@@JTempleton yeah, and that's why he ain't an executive of an NBA franchise. lol

[@walkercatenaccio]

Ben, you do great work. For what it's worth, my wife and I came up with an identical list, using our general impressions and the innards of barnyard fowl as guides.

[@EmanCollins]

Perfect list. Well done.

[@bluebclock9388]

waiting for that "Top 10 NBA players of 2021"

[@rasaecnai]

Imagine Giannis being coached by Coach Spoelstra...

[@M0ebius]

Enthusiastic Zestful Villainy Or Steve Kerr.

[@jamesedwards1284]

Or tom tibadeau

[@rasaecnai]

@@jamesedwards1284 he'd be KAT the next season.

[@lik7953]

I think it would still be difficult for the bucks just to replace coach bud with spolstra. Giannis is too predictable in the playoffs, and I think any good coach like nurse or Stevens would be able to shut him down. The bucks need a second guy to run the offense, like Chris Paul, so Giannis can play more off ball, allowing him to cut and get to the hoop more. Cuz right now the opponents are building a wall, which prevents Giannis from scoring, and makes him into a playmaker, and he just doesn’t have that playmaking ability like Lebron. They need a playmaker to run the offense when Giannis can’t

[@vj.phillips]

Oh my goodness.

[@jacksonpetibone2086]

Love how you do these breakdowns

[@michaellepe1406]

Wow this was quick. Amazing

[@thisisSPARTAorsprite]

I’m not a Lebron fan , but watching him steam roll then finesse a layup was just mesmerizing to me. Straight to the hoop and then jelly’s and just so strong

[@stephenbryant6936]

check out this top 10 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJO1op-ZjZapnbc

[@dicedavis84]

This year more then any year in the history of the game, leadership is as high as talent in the scale of importance. You can score 50 more per game then me but do you make guys better and in turn take them further then they should go or underachieving like giannis thats why butler has to be higher for me.

[@Irfanhill]

Your videos are so well produced and so interesting, I'm still very glad when you publish one, thank you! I'm curious as if you had Davis & LeBron at 2 & 1 before the Finals, and even more before the playoffs. I would think that Giannis & Leonard were ahead of them, weren't they?

[@MashaRistova]

Man I love the little cartoon versions of all the players. I'm always excited to see what each player looks like. Great analysis of course but the cartoons just make it awesome. Most of them are spot on but the Luka one is a little funny!!

[@aaronglazer4173]

I think I'd have AD at 4. The others, without a second top 10 player, create a championship contender. AD does not, to the best of our knowledge.

[@baseballpimp1910]

To be fair AD never had a great supporting cast until the 2017-18 season when the pelicans were a 6th seed and they swept Portland. Even though they last to the warriors in five games in the second round that year they played golden state pretty close in all those games. I’d love to see AD get a really good supporting cast but be the undisputed best player on his own team. With that being said you still make a good point because AD hasn’t proven he can get a team to the conference finals or nba finals as the best player on the team

[@aaronglazer4173]

@@baseballpimp1910 I'm not saying he couldn't - I'm saying that since we don't know for sure in the same way we do for the others, I would knock him down a couple of stops.

[@swageyamatobiyolo8068]

@@aaronglazer4173 the 3rd highest scorer on the lakers averaged 11ppg. it was 2 top 10 players and a bunch of good defensive parts + Rondo, basically --- their offensive depth and spacing were both shite, and despite that, bron and ad dragged the team to an elite offense *and* an elite defense ur also underrating AD's scaleability. he is not as good a floor-raiser as giannis but he's a better ceiling-raiser than the greek freak --- davis is also one of the 3 best defenders in the league, and scoring versatility + efficiency + near GOAT level off-ball value (for a big) makes his ability to fit next to other stars near unmatched and invaluable when it comes to constructing championship-level rosters

[@symb0l804]

I think it's the offensive system around giannis more than offenses built around him lacking. Both years they got upset it was because budenholzer got outcoached by a mile, not because giannis didn't perform.

[@noahlandkaioken1192]

It was actually both because he didn't adjust his game to what Toronto had to give and just soars to their wall ans got locked up

[@mosstwig3591]

Id say its mostly on Giannis. He has 2 moves, euro step or spin. If he can't do those then he most likely won't score. Giannis refuses to adapt or upgrade his game from his basic moveset.

[@swageyamatobiyolo8068]

>Both years they got upset it was because budenholzer got outcoached by a mile, not because giannis didn't perform. He didn't perform against the Heat either, it wasn't just a one-time thing against Toronto "wall". He mowed down Orlando and looked much more human against Miami's defense, which was more than a passable imitation of Toronto's, led by Bam

[@jdelgado216]

If he doesn't develop that jumper teams will have an easy way to defend him in the playoffs, at least a post game is a must for him

[@winter9242]

@@mosstwig3591 wdym refuse to upgrade his game? He's talking more 3s already and his 3 point shooting motion isnt as clunky as last season he's still improving bruh

[@AndyZach]

Well-reasoned and documented. This is why I subscribed to you.

[@0000000854]

beautiful statistic visualization!!!

[@crack.1912]

haven't watched the vid but bet buckets be on the list over way off p.

[@xedyir_oZZ]

PG 13% didn't even make the list 😂

[@javierlandaverde4108]

You prob watched and commented this after lol

[@neelmoudgil4962]

@@javierlandaverde4108 yeah right. They probably saw game 6 and bet that Lakers will win the chip

[@louisaltena4309]

Sad that he makes it to the finals and plays as good as lebron in 2 games this year but probs wont be on this list next year when KD and Steph (and maybe even Klay) are back

[@Kyle-fq4kq]

Haven’t seen the draft yet but I bet lamelo will be a top ten pick. Haven’t seen next season yet but I bet the warriors and nets will bounce back and make the playoffs. Haven’t seen the off-season yet but I bet AD resigns with the lakers. I’m just built different 😤

[@montenegrin2011]

Given that Giannis and AD are somewhat similar in terms of filling a position in modern game - they can both play as nominal PF or C on both ends, with quite respectable perimeter tools, I wonder what do you think what would happen if their teams simply flipped them. You did touch on that as it relates to AD's hypothetic role in a team like Milwaukee, but what about Giannis on this Lakers team? Would his impact be just as devastating - especially on defense, or would even that exercise point at his various limitations? As a bonus question - is there an obvious solutions in terms of a perfect teammate for Giannis: is that an elite volume scorer, or a true point in the mold of CP3, or is it just more and better of what the Bucks have been doing in the last two years?

[@WackJallis]

I hope you keep doing these. You should start with showing us the top 10 from last year, as well as finish with showing it to us again comparing it to this year.

[@Antzzz_Manzzz]

One of best analysis 👏🏼👏🏼👍🏼

[@asianlim3000]

Instead of doing top 10s, I do a tier list since I think today’s league is saturated with talent and I think it’s more accurate as there are a lot of guys outside of the top 10 that deserve a top spot.

[@tyrismaxey]

I'm asking here: is it saturated with talent or filled with similarly mediocre players?

[@asianlim3000]

@@tyrismaxey similarly mediocre players, like who for example? From the top of my head, Luka Doncic and James Harden have similar games, are you saying they are mediocre?

[@tyrismaxey]

@@asianlim3000 Not at all, I am saying after the All Stars or top 25 guys in the league. The rest are just guys! Interchangeable pieces that can a lot of everything but nothing really special. guys 6'4"-6'10" that run around and shoot 30% from 3's. Just guys, not a saturation of talent.

[@asianlim3000]

@@tyrismaxey i was talking about a saturation of top tier talent meaning I think there are so many superstars and all stars and borderline all stars in our league today.

[@tyrismaxey]

@@asianlim3000 Ok, I feel you.

[@goated.content]

I tried to rank them according to those skills that "scale up" and would increase championship probability alongside other stars, which you named 1. Shooting, 2. Passing 3. Defense Every named skill ranges from -10 to 10, with (obviously) 0 being average. Also I would like to add Off ball value as a skill as it correlates with the ability to play alongside other stars. Recall 1. 0 is average, so don't be mad when your favorite player scores a 0 in a category. 2. Also, shooting is not just from 3. So if a player has any sort of jumper in the mid range, or a good FT shooter, that helps their case. 3. Dangerous lob threats that linger around opponent baskets or good cutters and catch and shooters also benefit from off ball movement. Lastly, remember the average nba player according to this metric should have a score of 0. T - 1. Stephen Curry (Shooting 10, Passing 7, Defense -1, Off-Ball 8.5) = 24.5 T - 1. Lebron James (Shooting 4.5, Passing 9.5, Defense 7, Off-Ball 4.5) = 24.5 T - 3. Anthony Davis (Shooting 3.5, Passing 1.5, Defense 10, Off-Ball 5.5) = 20.5 T - 3. Kevin Durant (Shooting 7.5, Passing 3, Defense 5, Off-Ball 5.5) = 20.5 T - 3. Kawhi Leonard (Shooting 6, Passing 4, Defense 7.5, Off-Ball 3) = 20.5 T - 6. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Shooting 0, Passing 4.5, Defense 10, Off-Ball 4.5) = 19 T - 6. James Harden (Shooting 7, Passing 8, Defense 2, Off-Ball 2) = 19 T - 6. Chris Paul (Shooting 4.5, Passing 10, Defense 2, Off-Ball 2.5) = 19 T - 9. Nikola Jokic (Shooting 4.5, Passing 9.5, Defense 0, Off-Ball 4.5) = 18.5 T - 9. Damian Lillard (Shooting 9, Passing 7.5, Defense -2, Off-Ball 4.5) = 18.5 T - 9. Jimmy Butler (Shooting 4, Passing 6, Defense 5.5, Off-Ball 3) = 18.5 T - 12. Paul George (Shooting 6.5, Passing 1.5, Defense 5.5, Off-Ball 4.5) = 18 T - 12. Jayson Tatum (Shooting 6.5, Passing 3, Defense 5, Off-Ball 3.5) = 18 14. Luka Doncic (Shooting 4.5, Passing 9.5, Defense 1, Off-Ball 2.5) = 17.5 T - 15. Trae Young (Shooting 8, Passing 9, Defense -3.5, Off-Ball 3) = 16.5 T - 15. Bam Adebayo (Shooting 0.5, Passing 4, Defense 8, Off-Ball 4) = 16.5 17. Ben Simmons (Shooting -3, Passing 8, Defense 7.5, Off-Ball 3.5) = 15 18. Donovan Mitchell (Shooting 7.5, Passing 3.5, Defense 1, Off-Ball 2) = 14 19. Joel Embiid (Shooting 1.5, Passing 1.5, Defense 6.5, Off-Ball 4) = 13.5 20. Khris Middleton (Shooting 6, Passing 0, Defense 4.5, Off-Ball 2.5) = 13 Russel Westbrook (Shooting 1, Passing 6, Defense 0, Off-Ball 2) = 9 George Paul (Shooting -4, Passing 1.5, Defense 2.5, Off-Ball 2) = 2 Boy does this look quite different from what I thought. Let me know who I've forgotten. I'm just having fun with this concept. According to this, these players are the most likely to play and perform well alongside other superstars and contribute to championship aspirations. Which is what Ben, describes as, and I quote, "best".

[@kendallcastellar985]

Great list, would definitely give jokic a perfect 10 for passing

[@goated.content]

​@@kendallcastellar985 I may just give him that, but I dug deeper into his defense and I think it takes quite a hit.

[@whateverreally1347]

Problem with this is that you're basically counting shooting twice. If you're incorporating shooting into your off-ball evaluation then you shouldn't add it twice.

[@goated.content]

@@whateverreally1347No, Off-ball value is not shooting, it just shows how useful a star is when they don't have the ball. It separates ball hog superstars like James harden who don't do much without the ball to guys like Steph Curry doing it at the most elite levels, collapsing defenses with his movement to get guys like Durant open. Anthony Davis running down the court after LeBron grabs the defensive rebound, Zion Williamson running down and around defenders for a lob opportunity. It's a whole different world of offense. If it was just shooting as well, Trae Young would have nothing less than a 9 because he's shooting 47% off the catch.

[@whateverreally1347]

@@goated.content But Curry's off ball value comes from his shooting... So you're counting shooting twice.

[@waltdoggentertainment5612]

this is just dope i know it took a lot of effort to do man fantastic job!

[@Pedro-ql4pq]

man, thank you again for all the amazing content you put out on a consistent basis, love your channel to death

[@user-os1np2no8g]

I can’t wait to see Giannas as #1 for the 2021 season

[@calvincoleman7543]

Curry will be 1

[@user-os1np2no8g]

@@calvincoleman7543 clearly you don’t watch basketball

[@calvincoleman7543]

@@user-os1np2no8g How much you wanna bet he'll be 1?

[@user-os1np2no8g]

@@calvincoleman7543 bruh last year. #1 was the finals MVP. This year, the finals MVP is the Greek freak and he dominated this year. Curry was in dead last and couldn’t carry his team lmao

[@samcapocyan8195]

@@user-os1np2no8g Dawg finals MVP has nothing to do with how he ranks players. I'll bet you right now, Curry is gonna be ranked #1.

[@logansmith8794]

You did Jokic so wrong with that pic 😂😂😂

[@areallybadname9701]

Was waiting for this so much

[@AnthonyTilleyVideography]

Great Breakdown

[@juandiegobernal8473]

Awesome video as always!! Honestly I see Jokic as a more valuable player than Harden to win a championship but I understand your argument.

[@splash_basketball]

Where would you put Curry and Durant on this list assuming they played this season the way they were playing last year?

[@lik7953]

I personally would put Durant top 3, probably #2 over AD because of how efficient a scorer he is, and he’s become a really good defender as well. I think he’s a quicker AD with a little less defense but more polished offensive game. Curry is hard to rank I think. His intangibles are so amazing. I could see curry about #5, but depending on what you value, stats or impact, he could be as high as #3 and as low as #7

[@splash_basketball]

Kevin Lingfeng Li Okay, thanks for sharing your opinion 🙏

[@getyadoughup6012]

curry and durant would be #2 and #3

[@latortugapicante719]

Kevin Lingfeng Li kd isn’t going to be the same player after this injury

[@lik7953]

@@latortugapicante719 ehh I think he’ll be fine. Maybe he won’t be as good as he is before, but unlike Westbrook, durants game is more based on his skill, rather than his athleticism. Even if he can’t move like before, he can still just shoot over everyone, and still be pretty effective. I think he’ll be fine, but hey, we won’t know until next season, so I could be completely wrong

[@jahavan8552]

Yes!! Was waiting for this!

[@Khanh_VH]

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