The Changing of the Guard in NBA Rankings
For over a decade, Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant have held the upper echelons of the NBA, consistently dominating discussions about the league's best players. However, the latest rankings reveal that their grip on those spots is slipping.
Stephen Curry, who was No. 3 last season, has slipped to sixth. Kevin Durant experienced a drop from No. 5 to No. 9, while LeBron James settled at eighth. Their decline marks a significant shift, potentially signaling the end of an era.
This past season was particularly telling. It was the first time since 2005 that neither Curry, Durant, nor James graced the second round of the NBA Playoffs. LeBron's Lakers and Durant's Suns managed only a solitary playoff win before being sent home in the first round. Curry's Warriors did not make the playoffs at all, a stark departure from their previous dominance.
Individually, the trio still posted impressive stats despite their teams faltering. LeBron James averaged 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists per game. Steph Curry earned last year's Clutch Player of the Year Award while playing 74 games. Kevin Durant, playing 75 games for the Suns, boasted a scoring average of more than 27 points per game, the fifth-highest in the league.
But as these stalwarts begin to show signs of decline, the void at the top is quickly being filled by a new generation of stars. Victor Wembanyama finds himself at an impressive No. 12. Anthony Edwards clinched the tenth spot, while Jalen Brunson, Deven Booker, and Ja Morant took the 13th, 14th, and 16th spots, respectively. Zion Williamson, another rising star, is ranked No. 21. Tyrese Haliburton was performing at a top-five level before his injury in January, highlighting the depth of young talent in the league.
The potential for change was foreshadowed in a quote from the rankings: "Because soon—perhaps very soon—their places among the upper echelon of the NBA will pass to the next stars up." This sentiment was echoed further: "Enjoy these all-time greats at this level while you can."
Not all was lost for the veterans, though. Curry’s heroics in the 2024 Paris Olympics were unforgettable: "Steph's heroics in the semifinals and gold medal game—with his iconic golden dagger—were unforgettable." His performance was a testament to his enduring skill, even as his NBA ranking dropped.
However, the current rankings suggest that this could well be the last year all, or any, of Steph, LeBron, and KD remain among the NBA's Top 10 players. The league has always been about evolution and transition, and the recent shifts reflect that reality. As the torch begins to pass, the next generation of stars is ready to seize their moment in the spotlight, redefining what the upper echelon of the NBA looks like.
The 2024 season and beyond will undoubtedly be intriguing as fans witness a generational shift in real-time. While Curry, Durant, and James may no longer dominate as they once did, their legacies continue to inspire the up-and-coming talents shaping the future of the league.