By NP Palikhey, PSO Director of Basketball Development
Jun 22, 2020

Who is the best player in the game? Many sports media companies and basketball fans all over the world love to debate that exact question all the time. While LeBron James has had the throne since before the first iPhone was released, his days atop the hierarchy are numbered with plenty of other superstars eager to take his coveted spot. 

Whether it’s the offensive prowess of Steph Curry and James Harden, the defensive versatility of Anthony Davis and Kawhi Leonard, or the overwhelming dominance and efficiency of Giannis Antetokounmpo, King James’ longevity and consistent effectiveness can only last so long. Before ranking the top-30 players in 2020, each individual was graded based on their scoring, passing, rebounding, and defensive abilities to generate an overall grade for their productiveness in today’s game. 

Only players who played a game this year were eligible, so Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and John Wall will have to wait until next year before reclaiming eligibility for these rankings. Not only do these rankings contain PSO’s exclusive grading system, but also the ability to create your own rankings and share your own opinions. 

Create your own NBA Player rankings below! 

PSO Rankings

1
Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL)

Giannis Antetokounmpo is having the single most efficient season (32.3 PER) in NBA history and is the best player on the best team (53-12) in the league. Taking down the King isn’t easy, but what’s a King to a (Greek) God?

2
LeBron James (LAL)

LeBron James is the NBA’s most consistently effective superstar and has shown absolutely no signs of slowing down, even at age 35 and in his 17th season in the league, but he isn’t quite producing at the rare rate the Greek Freak is.

3
Kawhi Leonard (LAC)

Kawhi Leonard is arguably the best two-way player in the game and is currently the reigning best player on the planet after leading the Raptors to their first Championship in franchise history which he’ll look to do again in LA.

4
Steph Curry (GSW)

Steph Curry is the greatest shooter of all time and will look to return to MVP form to lead the Golden State Warriors back to relevance next season. Until his return, his Hall of Fame resume speaks for itself.

5
James Harden (HOU)

James Harden is the greatest offensive player of this era and one of the most formidable offensive forces in league history thanks to his patented stepback and unguardable offensive arsenal. Finally getting over the hump in the postseason could elevate him to the top of this list.

6
Anthony Davis (LAL)

Anthony Davis is one of the most complete players in the league and has the potential to simultaneously win the MVP Award and DPOY Award one day.

7
Damian Lillard (POR)

Damian Lillard has consistently been underrated throughout his career despite multiple iconic buzzer-beaters. Dame remains one of the best scoring guards in the entire league.

8
Luka Doncic (DAL)

Although athleticism isn’t his strength, Luka Doncic dominates the game with his superior playmaking skills and high basketball IQ. He’s one of the favorites to be atop this list throughout the next decade.

9
Nikola Jokic (DEN)

Nikola Jokic is the best Center in the league and his unique playmaking abilities make him one of the best passing big men ever.

10
Kyrie Irving (BKN)

Kyrie Irving possesses the greatest handles of all-time and might be the greatest under-the-rim finisher in the history of the sport as well.

11
Bradley Beal (WAS)

Bradley Beal has thrived (30 PPG) without backcourt running mate John Wall and has proven to be one of the elite scorers in the game as one of three players ever to record 30+ PPG & 6+ APG under 27 years old (joining Michael Jordan & LeBron James).

12
Jayson Tatum (BOS)

Jayson Tatum is blossoming into a superstar right in front of fans’ eyes and has the potential to soon emerge as a top-10 player in the NBA with future MVP potential.

13
Joel Embiid (PHI)

Joel Embiid has the size of Shaq combined with the footwork of Hakeem, and is the most dominant post player in today’s NBA.

14
Jimmy Butler (MIA)

Jimmy Butler’s no-nonsense attitude has caused controversy elsewhere but it has helped him lead the Miami Heat to fourth place in the Eastern Conference amidst another All-Star season.

15
Karl-Anthony Towns (MIN)

Karl-Anthony Towns is the best perimeter-shooting Center (41%) in the league and is eager to lead Minnesota to the Playoffs in the near future with new teammate D’Angelo Russell.

16
Russell Westbrook (HOU)

Russell Westbrook is the most athletic Point Guard to ever play the game and is driven to win his first championship in Houston. As he’s evolved his game this season, he’s been one of the most effective players in the league since 2020 began.

17
Trae Young (ATL)

Trae Young may very well be ‘the next Steph Curry’ in the future, but for now, he is already an All-Star PG with some of the best shooting and handles in the entire league.

18
Chris Paul (OKC)

Although he’s 34 years old, Chris Paul is still one of the best Point Guards in the league and has led the Thunder to fifth in the Western Conference thanks to his incredible effectiveness in the clutch this season.

19
Pascal Siakam (TOR)

Pascal Siakam is a versatile offensive and defensive specialist who will look to lead the Toronto Raptors back to the Finals without Kawhi Leonard.

20
Paul George (LAC)

Paul George is one of the game’s elite two-way players and has one of the smoothest offensive arsenals in the league. An injury-riddled debut season in LA has moved him down these rankings, but he has still showed flashes of his 2018-19 MVP-candidate self.

21
Ben Simmons (PHI)

Ben Simmons is essentially a miniature version of Giannis, but with better passing skills, who could be very scary to deal with if he develops just an average jump shot as he still has time before entering his prime.

22
Devin Booker (PHX)

Devin Booker is one of the best young scorers in the game and can be a deadly threat in the future if he improves his defense and decision-making.

23
Khris Middleton (MIL)

Khris Middleton is a two-time All-Star and one of the most efficient players in the NBA. He’s on pace to join the rare 50/40/90 club (50% FG/42% 3P/91% FT).

24
Brandon Ingram (NOP)

Brandon Ingram was having a breakthrough year with the Pelicans (24 PPG, All-Star selection) and will have to learn how to play alongside Zion in order to lead New Orleans to the Playoffs in 2020 and beyond.

25
Donovan Mitchell (UTA)

At only 23 years old, Donovan Mitchell has managed to lead the Utah Jazz to fourth in the West and is one of the league’s brightest young stars.

26
Kemba Walker (BOS)

Kemba Walker is a Top-10 Point Guard in the NBA with nasty handles and an elite ability to score by getting to the rim or with his vintage step-back jumper.

27
Kristaps Porzingis (DAL)

Kristaps Porzingis was having an All-Star year before his injury in 2018, but will have to regain that form to help Luka and the Mavs navigate the postseason. His deep range, interior defense, and offensive versatility make him a modern-day unicorn in the NBA.

28
Bam Adebayo (MIA)

Bam Adebayo is the frontrunner for the MIP Award this season and is one of the most skilled big men in the entire league. His future ceiling is exciting to think about for any South Beach sports fan.

29
Kyle Lowry (TOR)

Kyle Lowry was an integral part of Toronto’s first championship and is eager to prove the doubters wrong again by helping Pascal Siakam lead the Raptors back to the promised land this year and bring another title to the 6ix.

30
Rudy Gobert (UTA)

Rudy Gobert is one of the best defensive players in the league, but will need to improve his offensive output if Utah has any hopes of a deep Playoff run.

My Rankings

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