NBA Player Rankings Part 1 No. 30-21

A passionate debate amongst many NBA fans is, where do players rank against each other throughout the league. In part 1 of my list I’ll attempt to examine what I think are the 30 best NBA players in the league right now. Apologizes to whoever gets their feelings hurt after reading this. Cry about it. It is just my opinion. 

30. Domantas Sabonis 

Sabonis is a double-double machine for the Sacramento Kings. He plays the role of the Ox in the Fox and the Ox tandem with teammate De’Aaron Fox. Sabonis is an absolute force on the inside. His size makes it extremely difficult for opponents to move him once he gets position in the paint. His main weakness is his outside shooting and defense. Him slotting into the 30th position is partly due to his underrated playmaking ability on offense. He’s a two time third team All-NBA player. However, his defense is exposed as his size slows him down and his shorter arms don’t help him discourage passes in drop coverage. Nonetheless his offensive game is more than proven at the highest level. 

29. Paolo Banchero 

The 2022 1st overall draft pick has soared past the already high expectations placed on him early in his career. He needs some consistency with his shooting and playmaking before he can move up, but he’s well on his way to having a monster season this year. He's a unique athlete for his size at 6’ 10”. He handles the ball extremely well and can create some separation when a bigger defender is guarding him. He also finishes very well around the basket when teams try to place a smaller defender on him as well. He’s a matchup nightmare on offense and earned an All-star nod this past season after having a stellar sophomore year. Look for Banchero to garner potential All-NBA votes this upcoming year. 

28. Trae Young 

Trae Young is an offensive monster. He’s torched teams in every pick and roll scenario since he entered the league. He’s a box score stuffer with his points and assists totals. He proved his killer mentality in the Hawks 2021 conference finals run as he torched the Knicks, 76ers, and Bucks before losing in 6 games to the Bucks. He’s a master in disguising his floater vs lob to the big. So why is he so low? He’s been a little inefficient and the Hawks have not been very good since 2021. He’s arguably one of the worst defenders in the league and his effort on that end of the floor has improved very little since entering the league. However, averaging 27 points and 9 assists a game is incredible for being just above 6 feet tall in today’s NBA. 

27. De’Aaron Fox 

De’Aaron Fox is an absolute bullet down the floor with the ball in his hands. The former third team All-NBA player had his way with the Warriors in his lone playoff series in 2023 since being drafted 5th overall in 2017. His shot development is evident as his outside percentages continue to increase as well as his volume.  In the half court he plays at his own speed and makes it extremely difficult for his defender to keep him in front. For the Kings he’s also one of their better defenders and has taken on the challenge of guarding the other team's best players. 

Jamal Murray 

Jamal Murray comes in at the 26th overall spot. Murray has dealt with some injuries over the last couple of years and struggled during the playoffs and Olympics this summer. However, he’s a proven playoff killer and has risen to every moment when needed to. None more evident than the 2023 championship run with the Nuggets. His two man game with Nikola Jokic is the best in the NBA and his tough shot making helps make the Nuggets go. I expect him to bounce back after struggling this past summer. I think having a down playoffs and Olympics will help him refocus into being an elite point guard this upcoming year. 

25. Damian Lillard 

Lillard is entering his 13th season in the NBA and still one of the most dangerous shooters in the entire league. His range extends far behind the three point line and is synonymous with his Dame Time celebration as he bombs away long threes. However, he’s coming off a down year. He dealt with some off-court issues and his chemistry with Giannis Antetokounmpo never clicked together like most believe. I don’t think he’ll have as poor a shooting season as he did and is a large reason why I have this high on my list.  Lillard is known for his clutch shooting late in games. Once Lillard gets going he's one of the hardest to stop in the whole NBA. 

24. Tyrese Maxey 

Maxey is one of the most exciting young players in the league today. His clutch performances in the playoffs only furthered expectations for him this upcoming season. I understand having him inside the top 30 is a huge jump past some of the names previously mentioned, but he has a rare blend of speed and shooting ability that’s hard to find in the league nowadays. He’s lighting in a bottle when he runs at Embiid for a handoff and has improved his finishing each year he’s been in the league. His ability to be effective from both inside and outside puts a ton of pressure on the defense. I expect he’ll have another career year and garner some All-star buzz for the upcoming season and possibly get a selection. 

23. Zion Williamson 

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 draft has shown flashes of being a cornerstone player for the Pelicans, but injuries have ultimately derailed his short career so far, however, when he’s been healthy he’s been amazing for the Pelicans. He earned All-Star honors in two of his first four seasons. He also had 40 points against the Lakers and was unstoppable when driving to the basket in their Play-in game this past postseason before injuring his hamstring. Obviously this ranking is based on his health, which is a big question, but if he’s able to stay healthy averaging 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists is more than reasonable for the New Orleans star. He's as dominant a player as there is in today’s current game. 

22. Jimmy Butler 

Butler had a rough season that was derailed with a lot of injuries. He missed Miami’s playoff series against Boston that saw them lose in 5 games. However, Butler has always been a fantastic playoff performer throughout his career. He’s willed the Heat to some massive playoff wins and deep playoff runs as well. He’s an elite two-way talent that’s always willing to take on a tough challenge. He encapsulates the term Heat culture and every player seems to follow his lead. His ability to stay healthy and his poor regular season performances are notable knocks on him, but his playoff performances can’t be overshadowed. He’s proven his play elevates in the postseason with some monster games and iconic performances. 

21. Kyrie Irving 

Kyrie is arguably the most skilled basketball player ever and is shown by his finishing ability at his 6’ 2 frame. He’s a part of the 50-40-90 club which only has about 12 members that have reached those marks in a regular season. His iconic shot in 2016 against the Warriors propelled the Cavs to the 3-1 upset in the finals. However, since then he’s been deemed a bad teammate and locker room cancer. When the Mavericks acquired him, he completely dismantled that notion this past year with one of his better seasons. He’s not playing on the ball as much, but his shooting numbers haven’t dipped and he’s still able to get a bucket when needed. His defense has also improved as he took on numerous challenges in the postseason and was able to show his ability on that end of the floor as well. 

Feel free to comment below about any agreements or disagreements you have with the list!