This list covers the top 15 players heading to Disney to play for a championship. Players not included are injured players not expected to play (Kyrie, KD, John Wall, etc) and teams that have been eliminated so far (sorry Knicks fans, not that any of them would be on here). These players will expect to lead their teams to the playoffs and a chance to compete for a title during this unusual season.
- LeBron James
Until somebody gives a big enough reason to dethrone The King this playoffs, LeBron remains the best player in the league. Father Time has not been able to catch up with James. At year 17 and age 35, he has remained one of the most impactful players and shown no signs of slowing down. He has been the best player in the league for years, and while there are some contenders for that spot, James remains the King for the time being.
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo
The most likely MVP, Giannis has dominated opponents this year with his size, strength, and athleticism. What separates LeBron from Giannis this year is the question of whether or not he can carry the Bucks to an NBA Finals trip. Until he does, LeBron will remain at the top of the hill until someone challenges him.
3. Kawhi Leonard
Last years Finals MVP, Kawhi is ready again to take his second straight and third overall championship. Surrounded with another co-star in George and a great supporting cast, the Clippers have a realistic chance at bolstering Kawhi’s legacy and placing him among the greats. However, Kawhi has not dominated in the regular season like LeBron and Giannis did. Kawhi also missed some time at the beginning of the season as well.
4. James Harden
Harden has put up yet again another incredible offensive season, despite his criticism for a lack of a defense. Unfortunately, he has had his fair share of bad luck in the playoffs with losing to teams such as Golden State at their peak. His teams have been great in the last couple years, but did not do enough to get over the peak. This season, Harden is on a tear. Harden currently leads the league in PPG as he and Westbrook look to earn their first ring. Despite this superstar duo, the lack of Rockets depth might leave Harden with an early exit from Disney.
5. Anthony Davis
One of LA’s numerous stars, Davis looks to finally compete for a title with LeBron at his side. He has been a valuable asset dominating the offensive and defensive end as the Lakers earned a spot as the top team in the West. Adding a title to his resume would propel his legacy and establish himself as one of the best big men ever. With LeBron, that possibility doesn’t feel so far off. Yet, the West is stacked with competitive teams, and Davis and the Lakers’s path to the Finals won’t be easy in Orlando.
6. Damian Lillard
Lillard and the Trailblazers come into Disney on the outside looking in. Having barely made it to Disney, they can only hope to get the #8 seed in the West. Lillard has been spectacular this season, especially on the offensive end where he shines. He has further proved why he is one of the top players in the league. Let’s hope we can see Playoff Dame and more astonishing game winners like the one on PG.
7. Luka Doncic
Doncic has emerged as a superstar this season and a possible future MVP and all-time great. In only his second year, he has taken leaps and bounds beyond what many of us expected. He has the scoring, passing, and defense to place him this high on our list. While Dallas isn’t a real contender this season, it should be fun to watch Doncic light up the playoffs in a probable first round exit.
8. Russell Westbrook
Despite being one of the most polarizing players in terms of his value, nobody can deny the talent and intensity he brings to the floor. The MVP and triple-double king deserves to be on this list, but there are things that make him a liability occasionally. His inefficency and turnovers are a glaring issues, yet he brings so many other things to the table that we can forgive him for those. Westbrook will look to win his first ring along with Harden as the Rockets compete for a title this year.
9. Nikola Jokic
One of the craftiest big men, Jokic brings incredible value to the Nuggets on both ends of the floor. He can pass, score, defend, and rebound as good as any center. While Denver has not had much playoff success, that could change with this unusual season and a playoffs in Disney. Recent photos also seem like Jokic lost a few pounds, and this might actually help with his quickness. Jokic could come back to basketball more skilled than he already is.
10. Joel Embiid
One of the most talented and versatile big men, Embiid’s biggest problem has always been health. When he is on the floor; however, he dominates. Embiid can back down any defender in the post and dominate both the offense and defensive glass. His presence in the paint on both ends makes him extremely valuable and necessary for the Sixers title run. Whether they have enough overall talent on the roster to get over the hump, they can at least compete with any team in the East.
11. Jimmy Butler
Miami’s newest superstar has embraced a leadership role with his young team this season. Butler has always been one of the most skilled and dominant offensive players in the game. It also seems like he can make any clutch shot in the fourth quarter when required. While it is difficult to tell just how far the Heat will go, Butler will no doubt give them a chance.
12. Ben Simmons
Despite his poor (or entire lack of) outside shooting, Simmons impacts the game in numerous other ways. He makes others around him better through his passing skills. Simmons can also get to the paint and finish over any defender. Because he is much taller than other traditional point guards, his size has allowed him to dominate. Simmons has also brought great on-guard defense to the Sixers as well. It will be interesting to see if or when he and Embiid will compete for a Finals as one of the most talented duos in the league.
13. Jayson Tatum
Another breakout performer this season, Tatum has made an even bigger leap in his game. He has shown to be the Celtics best player and closer before the suspended season. He can shoot, defend, and hit post fade-aways over most defenders. Tatum’s potential is limitless, and he could end his career with multiple All-Star appearances and All-NBA awards. He and the Celtics are looking to bring back an NBA title once more to the city of Boston.
14. Pascal Siakam
Siakam has thrived as the number 1 option for the Raptors during the regular season without Kawhi. He made his first All-Star appearance this season and has led the Raptors to a surprising 46-18 record so far. Pascal has improved his game more and more every year, and will no doubt be looking at multiple All-Star appearances goung forward. Siakam has put Toronto into a great position to compete for a title this season, although their journey may end before the NBA Finals.
15. Bradley Beal
Second in the NBA in scoring, Beal has led a mediocre Wizards team to a possible playoff appearance in Disney. He has been phenomenal on the offensive end despite his flaws on the defensive side of the ball. Beal commands attention like any other superstar on this list. If John Wall returns from injury, the Wizards have a real chance of overtaking the Nets and/or Magic for a possible 7th – 8th seed.
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