Ranking the 10 Best Players in the NBA Right Now, Jokic Tops List

The 2022/23 NBA season is over. We witnessed some legendary performances throughout the regular season and the postseason.

The Denver Nuggets were the last team standing as they beat Miami Heat to win the NBA Finals in five games. Nikola Jokic won the Finals MVP and is arguably the best player in the NBA. Sports Brief ranks the top 10 players in the NBA right now.

Philadelphia 76ers center, Joel Embiid won the regular season MVP award, narrowly beating Jokic, who was aiming for his third MVP trophy. Sports Brief looks at individual stats, team performance, impact, and accolades.

Veterans LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant also impressed, despite persistent injury problems.

Top 10 NBA players now

10. Damian Lillard - Portland Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers superstar had the best statistical season of his career in 2022/23. He averaged 32.2 points per game and was named to the All-NBA third team, per Oregon Live. Lack of continuity in the playoffs continues to be held against Liallrd. He dropped a career-high 71 points against Houston on February 26. The 32-year-old has insisted he intends to remain with the Blazers amid trade rumors.

9. LeBron James - Los Angeles Lakers

The 20-year veteran had a phenomenal season. He averaged 28+ points and made history by becoming the NBA's all-time leading scorer, per ESPN. With Anthony Davis sidelined, he kept the Los Angeles Lakers afloat with superb performances. However, his season, especially the playoffs, was hampered by injury. Nevertheless, it was a historic season for the 38-year-old.

8. Kevin Durant - Phoenix Suns

Just like James, Durant was stymied by injuries in the regular season. He had a great regular season, but his playoff performances leave a lot to be desired. Despite all the tribulations, he showed that at 34, he can still deliver. He appeared in only 46 games and averaged close to 30 points per game. With a new coach in place, it will be interesting to see how he performs in his first full season in Phoenix.

7. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - Oklahoma City Thunder

Gilgeous-Alexander had a breakout year in the 2022/23 season. He averaged 31.4 points per game on 51% field goal shooting, and was named an All-Star and in the All-NBA for the first time, per the Oklahoman. He helped a young Thunder team to the Play-In Tournament. The future is bright for the fifth-year Canadian guard.

6. Stephen Curry - Golden State Warriors

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The Golden State Warriors' superstar had a great season but suffered from several injury problems. He was excellent in the playoffs, but his teammates let him down in the second round against the Lakers. The four-time NBA champion received his ninth All-NBA Team selection.

5. Jayson Tatum - Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics star had a great regular season and produced some memorable playoff performances. His Eastern Conference displays against the Miami Heat raised some concerns from fans. The All-Star MVP still helped the Celtics comeback from 0-3 down in the conference finals, but they fell short in Game 7. He's still only 25, so there's plenty of room for improvement.

4. Joel Embiid - Philadelphia 76ers

The Cameroonian won the MVP award but had an anti-climatic postseason. He was disappointing in Game 7 against the Celtics in the second round, leaving many fans with plenty of questions. The Sixers' center is still an elite player.

3. Luka Doncic - Dallas Mavericks

Despite missing the playoffs, Doncic had his best season statistically. For the fourth straight season, the Slovenian was named a first-team All-NBA selection, per Dallas News. He averaged 32.4 points per game in 66 games.

2. Giannis Antetokounmpo - Milwaukee Bucks

Antetokounmpo had a mixed season. He had a sensational regular season, but was bounced by the 8th-seed Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs, per the Athletic. He can get a pass since he was injured at the start of that series. He narrowly misses out on being named the best player in the world.

1. Nikola Jokic - Denver Nuggets

Jokic conquered the NBA. He won the NBA title and took home the NBA Finals MVP. He nearly won his third straight regular season MVP but lost to Embiid. He has an excellent case for being considered the best player in the world.

2022/23 NBA season: Top moments

LeBron James breaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record was the top moment of the season. Dillon Brooks was a huge talking point for much of the season.

Ja Morant's gun video was and still is a hot topic. We also saw two 71-point performances from Damian Lillard and Donovan Mitchell.