THE TRUE CHAMPION IS TBD
The larger-than-life NBA superstars make the basketball court seem small. In fact, a constant hot topic among fans and analysts is WHO is currently best player in the league. The NBA is a player-driven game, meaning that the players influence the teams and league rather than the coaches or GMs. For example, LeBron James’s influential presence likely determines his team’s success. James is definitely one of the best in the game, but is he THE best?
RING COUNT
One of the measures of the best player is ring count. However, not many NBA superstars have one. Chris Paul, who is leading the Suns’s deep playoff run, does not have a ring. Neither does Carmelo Anthony, whose Blazers were recently eliminated from the playoffs. Young hot players such as Luka Doncic and Trae Young have not yet competed in a Finals, but will possibly later in their careers. Without question, players with rings and league awards are contenders for the best player spot. Such players include: Kawhi Leonard, LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant. Rings define players’s careers. Ask players like Charles Barkley and Karl Malone who will always be known for their lack of jewelry.
STATS
If you measured the greatest by stats, then Russell Westbrook would be the best player in the game. Westbrook averages a triple-double every game, and he has the NBA record for triple-doubles in a season and career triple-doubles. In addition, Westbrook has an MVP, but he does not have a ring, which hurts his legacy thus far. James Harden is also a stat monster who averages 30 points and 6 assists per game. Harden also has an MVP trophy, but like his former teammate Westbrook, no ring. LeBron is a stat warrior as well and the same goes for his teammate Anthony Davis. 2021 MVP Nikola Jokic fills stat sheets, but a lack of rings and playoff successes hurt his reputation.
ON THE COURT PLAY
Stats look good on paper, but play on the court is more relevant to player greatness. When a player steps onto the court and the other team solely focuses on stopping him, then you know they fear him. As LeBron influences his team’s roster, he also influences the other team on the court. He has accumulated skills over the course of his lengthy career. For example, his three accuracy, which he did not have in high school and early in his career. Kawhi Leonard affects the game with his tenacious defense and equally powerful offense. Steph Curry slices up defenses with his deep ball and slashing attacks on the rim. James Harden’s deep shooting ability combined with his dribble moves make him an elite 2 guard. Kevin Durant with his condor-like wingspan solidifies him as an elite defender and shooter. Luka Doncic, with his European playstyle, resembles a combination of Manu Ginobili and Dirk.
MY CHOICE
But for me, one stands out from the crowd. He has the killer instinct and shows up in big games. He is known as a recluse off the court and focuses only on basketball. The best current NBA player, in my opinion, is Kawhi Leonard. The man has three rings, two in San Antonio and one in Toronto. Leonard, according to official NBA stats, is the 2nd most clutch player in the NBA behind Luka Doncic. Opposing teams fear Kawhi’s Terminator Mode, where he can drop 50 on your team without emotion or celebration. Kawhi is responsible for one of the best moments in playoff history, with his last second shot against the Sixers from the corner ricocheting 3 times of the rim before going through the net in an elimination game. Kawhi Leonard has the rings and the stats, the talent, and the drive.
