We’re nearly a week from the official start of the NBA 2022-23 regular season. As some teams have kicked off their pre-season matchups, we, at Urban Magazine, have put together a list of the top five players heading into the season. Obviously, this list is subject to change as the season unfolds, and as individual player stats evolve. We have, however, pretty solid expectations of these stars based on last year’s performances and their growth over the Summer.
5. Luka Doncic
The third pick of the 2018 NBA Draft has come a long way these past few years. It didn’t take long for the Mavs guard to add “3x first-team All-NBA” and “3x All-Star” to his basketball resume. Last season, Doncic also experienced his first Western Conference Finals, and there’s no doubt in our minds he’s determined to get back to the top this season.
4. Steph Curry
Undoubtedly the greatest shooter in NBA history, Steph Curry has a lot to prove this season. Closing out the 2021-2022 season, Curry’s field goal percentage was the lowest it’s ever been in his career (43,7%). His 3-point percentage? Even lower (38%). But he silenced all his critics after winning his fourth ring and taking home his first Finals MVP trophy! It’s safe to assume he will continue that momentum while ramping up his numbers again.
3. Jayson Tatum
The Celtics rising superstar is looking to help defend his team’s ECF title, and of course, get back into the NBA Finals for another shot at Banner 18. Considered one of the NBA’s elite wings, Tatum has rightfully earned his First-Team All-NBA spot, and the first-ever Larry Bird “Most Outstanding Player” trophy in the 2022 Eastern Conference Finals. With the fresh changes in the Celtics roster, and on the coaching staff, Tatum is expected to co-lead the franchise’s resurgence to the top of the rankings.
2. Lebron James
A list wouldn’t be a list without the king himself. Lebron is entering his 20th NBA season and still has kept his spot as one of the top players in the NBA. Despite missing the playoffs last season, James still finished the season with a 30.3 PPG average and we know he’s more than capable of pulling off those same numbers this season. But can the King lead the Lakers dynasty to another ring?
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo & Kevin Durant
Yes, we have a tie! The level of dominance of these two players made this decision a difficult one. Respectfully, we had to give the top spot to both Giannis and KD. Athletes of the highest caliber, efficiency, tenacity, resilience, dominance, and elite performance, are words that come to mind when describing these two.
Before the Celtics stripped KD of any chance at the Finals last season, KD was arguably ahead in all MVP conversations. As for Giannis, what he accomplished last season speaks for itself: first NBA player to have at least 200 points, 100 rebounds, and 50 assists in a playoff series. No shot at King James, but Giannis and KD are just as worthy to be being basketball royalty.
