Tunisia World Cup
Walking into the Golden 1 Center last Friday, I felt that familiar buzz of NBA energy—the kind that reminds you why you fell in love with basketball in the first place. I was there to catch the Kings take on the Los Angeles Clippers, but what struck me most wasn’t just the on-court action. It was a chance encounter I witnessed between two legends from another league: LA Tenorio and Jimmy Alapag, reuniting just before tip-off. Watching them, I couldn’t help but reflect on what it truly means to be among basketball’s elite. That’s the lens through which I want to approach this year’s NBA player rankings—because greatness isn’t just about stats; it’s about legacy, impact, and those intangible qualities that separate the good from the legendary.
Let’s be real: ranking players is subjective, and anyone who tells you otherwise is selling something. I’ve been covering the league for over a decade, and I’ve seen how narratives can overshadow performance. But when you look at the 2022-2023 season, certain names just rise to the top. Nikola Jokic, for instance, isn’t just putting up numbers—he’s redefining the center position. Averaging something like 24.8 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game, he’s the engine of the Denver Nuggets, and his playoff run last spring was nothing short of historic. Then there’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, whose raw athleticism and relentless drive make him a nightmare matchup night after night. I’ve always leaned toward players who impact both ends of the floor, and Giannis is a prime example—he’s a defensive anchor who can drop 32 points in his sleep.
But it’s not just about the usual suspects. This season, we’ve seen younger guys like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leap into the conversation. The Oklahoma City guard is averaging around 31.2 points per game, and his ability to control the pace reminds me of a young Chris Paul—smooth, calculated, and utterly unshakeable. I’ll admit, I’m a sucker for players who elevate their teams beyond expectations, and SGA has done exactly that. On the other hand, veterans like Stephen Curry continue to defy time. Curry’s shooting splits—something like 49% from the field and 42% from three—are just silly for a guy in his mid-thirties. Seeing him drain threes from the logo still gives me chills, and it’s why he remains a lock for my top ten, even if his defensive limitations are worth noting.
What fascinates me, though, is how these rankings shift when you factor in clutch performance and leadership. That’s where the reunion between Tenorio and Alapag got me thinking. Those two may not be NBA stars, but their careers in international basketball exemplify the kind of leadership that often goes unnoticed in stat sheets. In the NBA, look at Jimmy Butler. Love him or hate him, the man turns into a different beast when the playoffs roll around. Last season, he dragged the Miami Heat through an improbable Finals run, posting averages of 26.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists in the postseason. I’ve always valued players who rise in big moments, and Butler’s grit is exactly why I’d slot him ahead of flashier scorers like Trae Young, whose defensive lapses can cost his team in tight games.
Of course, no discussion of elite performers is complete without touching on the rising tide of international talent. Luka Dončić, for example, is a generational talent who seems to play chess while everyone else is playing checkers. His usage rate hovers around 36%, and he’s putting up near triple-doubles nightly—think 32.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 8.1 assists. But here’s my hot take: as much as I adore his offensive wizardry, I’d like to see him tighten up on defense before I crown him the undisputed number one. That’s why, in my book, Jokic still holds the edge—his two-way impact and basketball IQ are just too significant to ignore.
As the Kings-Clippers game tipped off that night, I found myself marveling at how far the league has come. The depth of talent today is staggering, and ranking players feels more like splitting hairs than making bold declarations. But if I had to pin down my top five for 2023, it’d look something like this: Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Dončić, Joel Embiid, and Stephen Curry. Embiid, in particular, deserves a shout for his scoring title and improved playmaking, though his playoff hurdles keep him from climbing higher on my list. And let’s not forget Jayson Tatum—his 30.1 points per game and all-around growth have cemented him as a franchise cornerstone.
In the end, what makes these rankings meaningful isn’t the order itself, but the stories behind each player. From Tenorio and Alapag’s bond to the nightly battles in the NBA, greatness is woven through every level of basketball. As I left the arena that evening, I felt grateful to witness this era of hoops—one where skill, passion, and legacy collide in the most thrilling ways. Whether you agree with my list or not, one thing’s for sure: the debate is what keeps us all coming back for more.
