Top 50 NBA Players Tier List 2021

BEST NBA PLAYERS: The early part of the 2021-2022 NBA season is upon us and the theme of the proceedings so far has been the impact of the NBA rule changes.

In the offseason, the NBA introduced a new set of rules that prevents players from foul hunting including jumping forward into a defender looking to contest a shot in pursuit of a whistle.

While this could just be a sign of players adjusting to a new season, a large number of the NBAs top stars have seen a huge dip in scoring numbers and free throw attempts.

Who has been worst for wear as a result? Lets find out as we highlight the top 50 players for the 2021-2022 NBA season.

Note: Article was originally written by Jarrod Castillo, since updated by contributor Jarrett Hoffman.

Related: Updated 2021-22 NBA power rankings

50. Jerami Grant, forward, Detroit Pistons

Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

One of the more surprising success stories from last season was Jerami Grant having a fantastic season for the rebuilding Detroit Pistons. He very nearly nabbed the Most Improved Player award last season averaging career-highs in points, assists, and free throw percentage. While not much is expected from Detroit as a team, there is a lot of excitement to see how Grant continues to develop as a franchise player.

49. Gordon Hayward, forward, Charlotte Hornets

Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Gordon Haywards injury issues are by now well known. He missed all but one game of his first season with the Boston Celtics back in 2017-18 due to a horrible leg injury. Even during his first regular season with the Hornets, it did not appear that the former All-Star was back to 100%. However, with the Hornets cast of young talent shining, not as much is expected from Hayward in this teams quest to be a playoff contender.

48. Christian Wood, center, Houston Rockets

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

One of the most-underrated acquisitions during the 2020 offseason, Christian Wood proved to be a godsend for a Rockets team that will now have to find an identity in the post-Harden era. Wood had a tremendous breakout season last year and has since carried over that success into this season. He along with Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green will be essential pieces in the Houston Rockets rebuild going forward.

47. Kyle Lowry, Miami Heat

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Recently acquired by Miami in a blockbuster sign-and-trade with the Toronto Raptors, the 35-year-old Kyle Lowry continues to prove himself as a top-end point guard. He will play a major role in the Miami Heat looking to hang their fourth championship banner in franchise history as one of many marquee acquisitions for the team this offseason. Provided he has fully healed from the injuries that plagued him last season, Lowry and the Heat could be in for a historic season this year.

46. Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors

Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Since given the opportunity to be the full-time starter in Toronto, Pascal Siakam has shown that he is among the best power forwards in the league today. However, a torn labrum suffered late last season has prevented him from seeing the floor so far this year. Fortunately for Siakam, he could be returning to the court for the Raptors very soon.

45. Miles Bridges, Charlotte Hornets

In the latter half of last season, Miles Bridges began to show signs that he was ready to have a breakout year coming into this season. In his last 19 games of the year, he averaged 20.3 points shooting 52% from the field and 6.8 rebounds. Bridges has continued his great production this season averaging 23.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.8 steals through eight games this season.

Related: Chicago Bulls as legit NBA title contenders?

44. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, guard, Oklahoma City Thunder

Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Pretty much the centerpiece in the trade that sent Paul George to the Los Angeles Clippers ahead of the 2019-20 season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has morphed into a star and leader for the rebuilding Thunder. Its pretty darn shocking what weve seen him do thus far in OKC. Coming off of suffering a season-ending injury last season, SGA has picked up right where he left off averaging 22.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists through seven games this season. Hell be the face of this rebuild moving forward with Josh Giddey.

43. Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

After the Philadelphia 76ers were eliminated from the playoffs, Ben Simmons trade rumors were rampant after his dreadful performance against the Atlanta Hawks. Quotes from Doc Rivers and Joel Embiid only fueled the former All Stars desire to be traded from the team leading to a holdout that he eventually ended. There has been a lot of drama surrounding these trade rumors including Simmons reporting to practice only to be kicked out for not participating. Sixers GM Daryl Morey has made it known that he will not just trade Ben for anyone saying he wants equitable compensation in return. The chances of Simmons stepping back on the court in a Sixers jersey seems unlikely but not impossible.

42. Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves

Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

A former No. 1 pick, the 25-year-old Towns has lived up to his end of the bargain on the offensive end. He still needs to work on his defense but as long as he keeps working, he should be serviceable on that end. But any improvement would be for naught if the Timberwolves dont put a competitive squad around Towns. In the past two seasons, Towns has averaged 25.5 points, 10.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.2 blocks but the T-Wolves have only combined for 42 wins in those years.

41. DeAaron Fox, Sacramento Kings

© Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

DeAaron Fox has proven himself to be among the best NBA players at the point guard position. Thats magnified by the fact Fox has improved in each of his four seasons. Unfortunately, the Sacramento Kings have not been in the postseason since 2006. It will take a lot more for the Kings to make it back to the playoffs or speculation will rise about Foxs future with the team.

Related: 2021-22 NBA Playoff and championship predictions

40. Malcolm Brogdon, guard, Indiana Pacers

Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Acquired in a sign-and-trade with the Bucks prior to the 2019-20 season, Malcolm Brogdon has morphed into a star in Indiana. The 28-year-old guard continues to develop into a star averaging 23.4 points, 7.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists through five games. Perhaps, with new head coach Rick Carlisle calling the shots this year, the Pacers have high expectations to take the next step to becoming a contender but have not gotten off to the best start. However, if Brogdon continues to play as well as hes playing, its only a matter of time before the wins start to pile up.

39. DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls

Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

Even without a three-point shot, the 32-year-old Demar DeRozan has found a way to stay effective. An excellent mid-range shooter, he improved his rebounding and passing pretty much every season. Now a member of the Chicago Bulls after a blockbuster sign-and-trade, DeRozan has played a major role in the team being a contender in the Eastern Conference going forward.

38. C.J. McCollum, Portland Trail Blazers

Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

For a while, CJ McCollum was the subject of trade talks but nothing has materialized and he remains in Portland for the time being. Despite the chatter surrounding him, McCollum has not let this distract him from putting on great performances every time he steps out on the court. With the Blazers having moved on from Terry Stotts, the only head coach McCollum had since joining the NBA in favor of Chauncey Billups, the pressure for Portland to win has ramped and CJ will need to take his game to a new level if the team wants to finally do what they have not done in over 40 years.

37. Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Former Defensive Player of the Year Draymond Green may not get much recognition due in part to him not being a prolific scorer, but he is arguably one of the best playmaking bigs the NBA has to offer. He along with Stephen Curry are spearheading a Warriors hot start to the season in a quest to get back to championship contention after missing the playoffs in each of the past two seasons. Once they get Klay Thompson back in the lineup and in a rhythm, that will make their chances of competing for a title even better.

36. Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans

Ashley Landis/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports

While all of the buzz surrounding the New Orleans Pelicans is based around Zion Williamson, not enough is said about the player that Brandon Ingram has developed into. Ingram signed a max contract extension ahead of the 2020-21 campaign, Ingram is now continuing to play at a high level. That has continued so far this year averaging 25.0 points, 7.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists in six games. Unfortunately, the Pelicans have struggled starting with a 1-6 record due in large part to Williamson being out with an injury with no timetable for his return.

35. Jrue Holiday, Milwaukee Bucks

Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The Milwaukee Bucks took a massive gamble in their blockbuster trade for Jrue Holiday. In the end, it paid off in droves for the Bucks as Holiday played a huge role in the team winning the NBA championship over the Phoenix Suns. So far this season, the Bucks have struggled starting off 3-4 through their first seven games. One reason for this could be due to Jrue Holiday missing five of their first seven games due to an ankle injury. Holiday gets a lot of respect around the league as one of the best perimeter defenders in the game today with even Kevin Durant praising his talents on JJ Redicks podcast. It is unlikely the Bucks will repeat as champions without a healthy Jrue Holiday in their lineup.

34. Russell Westbrook, Los Angeles Lakers

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

After struggling in his first couple games with the Los Angeles Lakers, Russell Westbrook seems to be finding his footing with the team one game at a time. In his first three games, Westbrook was averaging just 12.0 points on 35% shooting from the field. In the three games since then, 24.0 points on 52% shooting from the field. Overall, he is averaging 18.0 points, 8.8 rebounds and 8.7 assists. His biggest problem has been taking care of the ball averaging 5.7 turnovers including two games with over nine turnovers. Westbrook infamously recorded a quadruple-double with 10 turnovers in a comeback loss against the then winless and his former team the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Related: NBA games today TV schedule, daily fantasy picks and best bets

33. Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets

Mike Ehrmann/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports

In highly unfortunate fashion, Jamal Murray went down to a torn ACL 48 games into the 2020-21 season. That came after the 2019-20 NBA Playoff hero averaged 21.2 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.8 assists 41% from three-point range. Unfortunately for he and the Denver Nuggets, there is no timetable for his return depriving fans from seeing his and the teams development.

32. Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The other half of the vaunted Splash Bros., it is unfortunate that we have not been able to see the greatness of Klay Thompson on the basketball court for over two years. The 31-year-old is one of the greatest shooters the NBA has even seen putting together amazing performances that made fans go ballistic. This includes 30-point quarter or scoring 60-plus on fewer than 15 dribbles in the blink-of-an-eye. If hes not destroying opposing teams offensively, hes doing it on the defensive end as hes an All-Defensive-type performer. The good news is Klays return could be coming prior to the end of the calendar year.

31. Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans

Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

While injuries have plagued the short career of Zion Williamson, he has given fans and critics a glimpse of his talent proving he is absolutely worth the hype. He was on pace for the most efficient scoring season before the campaign was suspended back in March. Even after suffering a season-ending injury late in the 2020-21 campaign, Williamson made a name for himself. He averaged 27.0 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists on 61% shooting from the field. Just insane stuff from the 21-year-old. Williamson is currently recovering from a foot injury with no timetable for his return.

30. Kyrie Irving, Brooklyn Nets

Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Probably the best ball-handler of all-time, Kyrie Irvings mastery with a basketball is undeniable. He can score 50 or any given night and drop any defender thats in front of him. Unfortunately, there is a lot of questions surrounding whether or not Irving will step on the hardwood in Brooklyn based on his refusal to get the COVID-19 vaccine which is mandated in the state of New York. Which is sad considering this Brooklyn Nets have a chance to be considered amongst the most talented teams the NBA has ever seen with potential to achieve great heights when together.

29. LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Coming off a season in which he became the first Charlotte Hornet to win the Rookie of the Year since Emaka Okafor in 2005, Lamelo Ball has not become a victim of the sophomore slump so far. Through seven games, he has the Hornets off to a 5-2 start averaging 18.7 points, 6.1 assists and 6.0 steals. Along with teammate Miles Bridges, Ball is a potential candidate to make his first of what could potentially be many All-Star appearances in his career.

28. Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz

Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

An amazing defensive player, the Stifle Tower has shown that he can stop almost anyone at the rim. Goberts offense needs work if he is to stay on the court against smaller, faster teams. But as long as he plays his role, hell be fine. After a second straight playoff loss with the Utah Jazz, Rudy Gobert is going all out to start the season in an effort to help his team finally get over the hump averaging 16.3 points, 17.2 rebounds and 1.7 blocks.

27. Khris Middleton, Milwaukee Bucks

Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

While Khris Middleton gets a bad reputation for being inconsistent, he is arguably one of the most underrated players in the NBA. In this past postseason, Middleton put together some of the best performances of his career including scoring a playoff career-high 40 points in game four of the NBA Finals on his way to the Milwaukee Bucks title win. He has started this season well averaging 20.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.0 steals.

26. Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies

Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

After leading the Memphis Grizzlies to their first postseason since 2017, Ja Morant looks to take his team to the next level with a fantastic start to the season. He is putting himself in contention for his first All-Star appearance so far averaging 28.7 points, 7.7 assists, 5.2 rebounds and 1.8 steals. Whether or not he can propel the Grizzlies back into the playoffs remains to be seen.

Related: Ranking 2021-22 NBA defenses

Best NBA players: Top-25 NBA players of 2021

25. Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls

Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

A throwback to bigs of the past, Nikola Vucevic has been slowly expanding his offensive game and it is paying dividends for a Chicago Bulls team that is on a fast rise to contention in the Eastern Conference. Through six games, however, the 11-year veteran has struggled shooting from the field at just 39% but is averaging 15.8 points and 11.0 rebounds for a Bulls team tied for the best record in the East so far. Once Vucevic gets comfortable with his role on the team, the skys the limit for what this group can accomplish.

24. Domantas Sabonis, Indiana Pacers

Initially a throw-in piece in the Paul George trade, the 25-year-old Sabonis is thriving in Indiana. Fresh off two consecutive All-Star appearances, the Oregon native continues his development as a team leader averaging 20.9 points, 11.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.9 steals. Unfortunatlely, his great play has not led to wins as the Pacers currently sit at 1-6 the worst record in the Eastern Conference so far.

23. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Jaylen Brown has teamed up with Jayson Tatum to form an elite young wing duo in Boston. The former No. 3 pick has proven former GM Danny Ainge right in refusing to include him in trades for the likes of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in the past. Unfortunately, Brown went down to a season-ending injury late during the regular year. Now back on the floor, he does not seem to have missed a beat averaging 26.4 points and 6.4 rebounds through five games.

22. Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls

Jorge N ez-EFE via USA TODAY Sports

No longer just a dunker, LaVine has improved in almost every other facet of his game from his shooting averages to his per-game totals. Only 26, LaVine has a lot of time to improve other facets of his game to become one of the better all-around players in the NBA. In a year that could see him make the playoffs for the first time in his eight-year career, Lavine has gotten off to a good start averaging 25.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists.

21. Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Speaking of max contract extensions, Bam Adebayo re-upped with the Heat as his talents continue to flourish in South Beach. Coming off a season in which the Miami Heat being bounced in the first round of the playoffs, they could be primed for a second NBA Finals in three years with a now revamped roster. Adebayo is sure to play a huge role in that potentially taking place as he has had a sensational start to this season averaging 20.6 points and 14.0 rebounds in five games.

20. Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers

© Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The 28-year-old Anthony Davis has been a two-way presence since being the first pick back in 2012. After what was an injury-plagued 2020-21 regular season in which Davis averaged an eight-year low 21.8 points per game, Davis himself has had a solid start to a season that has been a struggle for his team so far. He is averaging 24.7 points, 11.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks through seven games.

19. Julius Randle, New York Knicks

Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

After a season in which he was named the NBAs Most Improved Player leading to a well-deserved contract extension, Julius Randle is looking to bounce back from what was a disappointing playoff performance. Randles production from last season has carried over to this year averaging 20.8 points, 11.2 rebounds and 6.5 assists through six games. With the Knicks currently sitting at 5-1, Randle could potentially put himself in the MVP conversation if the team remains in the win column.

18. Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz

© Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

Since coming into the league in 2017, Mitchell has proven to be a fast-rising star in the NBA. The 25-year-old is a nightly 20-4-4 threat and even as the focal point in the offense, his percentages have stayed consistent in his three years in the league. If hes able to keep producing, its not out of the equation that Mitchell will become a top-10 player. His numbers have slightly declined so far from last year averaging 23.0 points, 4.7 assists and 4.0 rebounds.

17. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Each year, Jayson Tatum continues to get better and better the more he plays the role of the number one option on offense for the Boston Celtics. While Tatum has had a very good start to the season averaging 26.7 points, 9.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists through six games, the team has struggled with a 2-4 record. The competition in the Eastern Conference is thicker than its been in a long time and that could mean the Celtics missing out on the postseason for the first time since 2014.

Related: Updated NBA trade rumors

16. Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers

Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

No doubt one of the best clutch shot makers in recent history, the 31-year-old Damian Lillard definitely knows what time it is when it comes to the game clock. Its Dame Time. The six-time All-Star has led the Trail Blazers in almost every facet since being drafted in 2012 and it doesnt seem like that is changing any time soon. However, there has been no one that has struggled more at the start of the 2021-2022 season than Lillard has so far. While his 18.3 points and 8.3 assists averages would be great for any other player, him shooting 35% from the field and 23% from three do not represent someone as great as Dame. That being said, do not expect him to be in this shooting funk for very long.

15. James Harden, Brooklyn Nets

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Maybe one of the best offensive players in NBA history, Harden has shown that he can lead a team as the No. 1 option on that end of the court. However, the aforementioned rule changes for foul hunting seem to have affected his performance in the early going. Like Damian Lillard, while Hardens 18.6 points, 8.6 assists and 7.6 rebounds are nothing to scoff at, he is shooting shy of 40% from the field and has only attempted five free throws a game. Again, do not expect this to last very long as Harden is too elite to not be able to adjust when adversity is thrown his direction.

14. Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

One of the few truly elite two-way players in the league, George is a terror on both ends of the court. He can drop 20-25 points on a nightly basis while also shutting down the opposing teams best player. George earned a lot of peoples respect in the playoffs last season nearly leading the Clippers to the NBA Finals despite being without Kawhi Leonard for a large majority of Los Angeles. While the Clippers have struggled to start the season with a 1-4 record, George has done his best to keep the team afloat averaging 27.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 3.4 steals in five games.

13. Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The 32-year-old Butler seems to have finally found a home in Miami. Butler has embraced the Heats winning culture with great success thus far and that could lead be amplified this year as the Heat will have a new and improved team thanks to a wealth of new additions. Butler has been scorching hot to begin the year averaging 25.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 2.8 steals with the Heat tied for the best record in the NBA.

12. Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards

Courtesy of USA Today Images

Arguably the most surprising team to start the season has been the Washington Wizards opening up the year with a 5-1 record. A huge reason for the teams success has been the play of their dynamic guard Bradley Beal. While Beal has not shot particularly well shooting 36% from the field and 22% from three, he and the Wizards have meshed well to start the season and are showing signs of being a team that will be a threat come playoff time.

11. Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns

Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports

Stardom. Thats what we saw from the 24-year-old Devin Booker during Phoenix shocking run to the NBA Finals last season. Booker is looking to build on what was a spectacular postseason with the difference this year being he will be the hunted not the hunter. He and the Suns put teams on notice in the bubble and in last years playoffs and now know what kind of threat they truly are. They will need to get into a rhythm building chemistry sooner rather than later if they want a chance to accomplish the ultimate goal of hoisting the Larry OBrien trophy.

Related: 2021-22 NBA Rookie of the Year rankings

Top 10 Best Basketball Players:

10. Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Paul demonstrated that he still has gas left in the tank during an absolutely brilliant 2020-21 regular season for the Phoenix Suns. Paul is one of the best leaders the NBA has today and that was on full display during the Suns playoff run last season. As his career winds down, Paul will look to get Phoenix back to the promise land capturing the NBA championship that has eluded him.

9. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks

Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

As we saw in the playoffs last year, Trae Young is shaping up to be the next shooter with limitless range. Trae is making a name for himself as not only a great shooter but one of the brightest stars in the league today. Not only that, but he is surrounded by an excellent supporting cast that allow him to flex his amazing playmaking skills. Do not sleep on Trae and the Atlanta Hawks because they can shoot the lights out of any arena and jump out of any gym. They will be a team to be reckoned with for years to come should they remain together.

8. Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers

Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Last season, Kawhi Leonard was a huge catalyst in the Los Angeles Clippers reaching their first Conference Finals in franchise history during last seasons playoffs. Unfortunately, he was unable to reap the benefits of all his hard work as he was injured during the semifinal round forced to miss the rest of the playoffs due to a partially torn ACL. That news is bad enough but it could be even worse as it could force him to miss the entire 2021-2022 season. Hopefully this is not the case and we are able to see him back on the court prior to the start of the 2022 playoffs.

7. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers

Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

When hes on the floor, the oft-injure Joel Embiid is a game-changer. The 27-year-old can put up points in bunches while also shutting guys down on defense. His numbers have taken a slight dip to begin the 2022 NBA season compared to last year averaging 21.0 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists through six games. Considering all the drama and the uncertainty surrounding the Philadelphia 76ers going forward, it would behoove Embiid to pick up his production to give his team a good chance of being a competitor in the much improved Eastern Conference.

6. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

At only 22, Doncic is doing things for the Dallas Mavericks that havent been done since LeBron James. Nearly averaging a 30-10-10 in only his second year, the sky is the limit for Doncic and the Mavericks. After a disappointing playoff exit last year, Doncic is determined to lead the Mavs back to title contention this year averaging 22.4 points, 8.6 rebounds and 7.0 assists through five games. If Doncic improves on defense and Kristaps Porzingis gets back to being the unicorn, this Dallas team will be a massive threat in the Western Conference come playoff time.

5. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets

Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

A good argument could be made that reigning MVP Nikola Jokic has solidified himself as the best big man in the NBA today. The three-time All-Star is only 26 but is already making a name for himself as the most dynamic center the NBA has ever seen. He can easily put up 20-10 with seven assists as the focal point of the Nuggets offense. Jokics production has not stopped as he is off to a great start this year averaging 24.0 points, 14.8 rebounds and 5.5 assists through six games.

4. Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Despite everything revolving around Kyrie Irving and the struggles of James Harden, Kevin Durant proves he is among the best of the best every time he steps out on the court. Durant is doing his best to hold the Brooklyn Nets together putting up 28.5 points on 56% shooting from the field, 10.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. Once James Harden begins to build a rhythm, he along with Durant playing like this will make the Nets a true title contender in the NBA with or without Kyrie Irving.

Related: 2021-22 NBA MVP rankings

Top 3 players in the NBA now

3. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Last season, Stephen Curry put up what might have been the best individual season of his career but it was not enough to lift the Golden State Warriors into the playoffs. This year, Curry has started off hot determined to keep history from repeating itself. He is averaging 28.7 points, 7.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists through six games with his team holding a record of 5-1. With the return of his Splash Brother Klay Thompson imminent, the skys the limit for what Curry and the Warriors can accomplish in the future.

2. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

LeBron James has been accused of being selfish because he has clearly found the fountain of youth but will not let his peers know where it is. He isust one month away from turning 37-years-old and continues to show he has many, many years left in his career. While he has missed two games due to injury, James always produces great numbers so far averaging 26.0 points, 6.0 assists, 5.5 rebounds and 2.0 steals through four games. While it will take the Los Angeles Lakers some time to build chemistry with their surplus of new additions, with LeBron on their team they are not to be counted out.

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

After an incredible performance in the 2021 NBA Finals, leading the Milwaukee Bucks to their first championship in 50 years, Giannis Antetokounmpo has shown no signs of letting up to start the 2021-2022 NBA season. Through six games, he is averaging 27.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.7 blocks. In addition, he seems to have gotten over the free throw demons he faced in the playoffs last year starting off the season shooting 70% from the line. Whats scary about Giannis arguably being the best player in the league is he may not have even reached his peak yet.