A Guide to the Best Players in the NBA
The National Basketball Association, or NBA, represents the highest level of professional basketball in the world. It is one of the major leagues in the United States and Canada, but its appeal does not stop there, with millions of fans from around the globe regularly tuning in to watch the competition’s elite athletes. Of course, the best way to enjoy the spectacular skills of the players is to see the games live. For fans who want to buy NBA tickets 2022, here is a guide to all the best ballers in the league!
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
A 2-time MVP before he even turned 26, Giannis is a popular pick for the best overall player in the whole of the NBA. Despite the Bucks’ eventual loss to the Warriors in last season’s playoffs, Antetokounmpo broke records as the first player to record at least 200 points, 100 rebounds, and 50 assists during a playoff series.
Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets)
Jokic has won the last 2 MVP awards, and if all goes to plan this season, he could well achieve the remarkable feat of 3 in a row – an accomplishment not seen in the NBA since Larry Bird in the 1980s. Criticised by some for his team’s lack of success deep in the playoffs, Jokic nevertheless posts incredible numbers. No player before him has ever scored 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, and 500 assists in a single season.
Steph Curry (Golden State Warriors)
From a player whose postseason didn’t live up to the standards of his regular season, to a player whose playoffs showing silenced any doubters. Steph Curry had a difficult year by his extremely lofty standards, but he showed up when it mattered, helping the Warriors to another NBA title with a Finals MVP performance. It was Steph’s 4th championship ring, and he’s not finished yet.
Kevin Durant (Brooklyn Nets)
Durant has been one of the best players in the league for some time, and he led the Nets to the playoffs last year with several of his most talented teammates injured for long spells of the season. His performance in the playoff series against the Celtics left a lot to be desired, but that does not change the fact that KD is an ever-present figure in the MVP conversation.
Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers)
The numbers don’t lie for Joel Embiid, who led the NBA in scoring last season and came second in the MVP vote. He is a phenomenal competitor, but has never managed to make the Eastern Conference Finals with the Sixers. If he continues to shoot with the consistency and accuracy that has earned him All-NBA honours, his team may find success in the coming years.
Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks)
It can be tough to remember how young Luka Doncic really is, because the 23-year-old has achieved so much already in his NBA career. He has been selected to the All-NBA first team 3 times, named an All-Star 3 times, and earned a reputation as an outstanding postseason player. Many see him as the future face of the league, and it’s easy to see why.
LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)
LeBron is 37 – 14 years older than Doncic – and has made the All-NBA and All-Star teams for the past 18 years. This is a player who has been in MVP discussions since 2005, and who continues to average 30 points a game. The Lakers didn’t make the playoffs last year, but the fact that the King is still recording such extraordinary numbers as he enters his 20th NBA season is a testament to his outrageous talent and tenacity on the court.
Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies)
Ja Morant is a superstar in the making, and he’s still only 22 years old. Named Most Improved Player last year, Morant also made it into the All-Star selection and helped the Grizzlies into the playoffs. Despite his team’s loss to the eventual champions, Morant sent the fans wild with his electrifying style, and showed why he and the Grizzlies are ones to watch this coming season.
Kawhi Leonard (Los Angeles Clippers)
It has not been an easy few years for Kawhi Leonard, who has missed huge amounts of game time with a torn ACL. The fact remains, however, that when he’s healthy, Leonard is one of the greatest players in the NBA. He has won the Finals MVP award twice in his career, and the Clippers have a strong line-up to challenge this season. If Leonard can stay on the court, the rest of the league will need to step up.
Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
Tatum is the best player in an exciting Celtics team, who seemed close to winning the NBA title last season. With support from teammates like Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown, Tatum continues to improve his scoring average, assists, and rebounds every year. The future is bright in Boston, and Tatum may prove himself one of the very top players in the league if he continues his development.
Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans)
Williamson might be a controversial choice, as like Kawhi Leonard he has been forced to miss long stretches due to injury. Like Leonard, though, he is good enough when fit that he must always be part of the conversation. Zion went viral as a high school athlete for his outrageous dunking abilities, and his stats have been outstanding since elementary school. The Pelicans recently tied him to a 5-year rookie extension contract, and New Orleans will be hoping their young talent brings points and glory to the Crescent City this season.
When these astonishing players battle it out, the fans are the real winners. Tickets for sporting events don’t come much better than great seats at an NBA game.