Without a doubt, the 2022-23 NBA season has been one of the most exciting ones to watch in recent history. We are in the era of superteams, and that has certainly taken over the league, and we have seen a lot of great performances by the best teams and best players in the NBA. By the same token, we have been shocked by some players and some teams that have overperformed according to their preliminary expectations.
Even if the regular season is currently close to ending as the playoffs are around the corner, we have seen enough evidence in the past few years to determine which player is truly the best in the world. We have already seen how the award races for the top players are shaping out, but who are truly the most impactful players in the world over the past season? The top 25 players in the league are all superstar quality players who can get it done on the court at the highest level. By analyzing the numbers, production, impact, and team success of all the top players in the NBA, it is time for the updated player power rankings.
Here are the 25 best players in the NBA for the 2022-23 season, along with five honorable mentions. It is never easy to distinguish between players and choose a select few elites in order, but it must be done.
Honorable MentionsAnthony Edwards
Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 24.5 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Anthony Edwards is increasingly becoming the player that Minnesota truly believes in. He has the right attitude and exceptional scoring ability at only 21 years old and is posting solid numbers across the board while posting a career-high 36.8% from deep.
Edwards has yet to carry Minnesota to a high seeding in the Western Conference, as they are currently in a play-in spot. The shooting guard does seem to be talented enough to one day lead the Timberwolves to consistent playoff seeding but so far this year, he deserves a mention for being an improved scorer and all-around player.
Zach LaVine
Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 25.1 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 4.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Zach LaVine started slowly but has gone back to a fringe All-Star level as the months have gone by. The shooting guard is posting 25.1 PPG on 48.8% FG, 38.0% 3-PT FG, and 84.8% FT, even if that production hasn’t carried the Chicago Bulls to a playoff spot.
LaVine is still one of the best shooting guards in the game and deserves an honorable mention. The player has grown significantly since he shocked the world with his high-flying dunks, adding a sniper of a jumper and improving his all-around game. If LaVine had been more consistent in winning games, he would have been ranked higher, but he cracks the honorable mentions list regardless.
Jalen Brunson
Credit: Wendell Cruz/USA Today Sports
2022-23 Stats: 24.0 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 6.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Jalen Brunson should have made the All-Star Team this year. The talented point guard is having the best season of his career after he helped Luka Doncic lead the Dallas Mavericks to the Western Conference Finals last year. The New York Knicks knew what they were doing when they brought in the point guard to lead the charge alongside Julius Randle, and has been a revelation.
Brunson’s floor leadership and scoring ability have helped the Knicks capture a playoff spot. No doubt, the Mavericks miss Brunson’s presence as a competitor because he is hungry to compete and is improving by the year. At only 6’1”, Brunson has been one of the most consistent guards in the game and barely misses out on the top-25 players list.
DeMar DeRozan
Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 24.9 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 5.1 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.5 BPG
DeMar DeRozan is a top-30 player in the world, mainly because he can be a superstar at times on offense. In fact, DeMar is one of the best mid-range scorers in recent history. The Chicago Bulls have struggled as a team, but DeRozan has been consistent with his scoring, and that is why he made his sixth All-Star Team and second straight with the Bulls.
The only knock on DeMar has been his inability to be the man on a playoff contender, but that should not be held against him. As long as the talented offensive player can score from mid-range and also attack the basket with force, he will always be a threat to deal with. His numbers have been solid, and he deserves a mention for being an All-Star.
Tyrese Haliburton
Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 20.7 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 10.4 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Tyrese Haliburton is an exceptional player when taking into account his ability as a floor general. The 6’5” playmaker is one of the best passers in the game and was leading the NBA in APG for most of the season. His ability to score inside, shoot the three, and create scoring chances for his teammates makes him right behind the 25th spot as an honorable mention.
Haliburton is doing fantastic things as a 23-year-old and will only get better as he gets familiar with his teammates and being a go-to player. The Indiana Pacers are happy to have Haliburton on the team, which is why they traded All-Star Domantas Sabonis for him. The point guard has rewarded the Pacers for that trade as he made his first All-Star selection this year, and there could be many more to come.
25. Pascal Siakam
Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 24.2 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 5.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Pascal Siakam is one of the most talented bigs in the game because he brings a lot to the floor, including scoring, rebounding, and playmaking. The Toronto Raptors have not been great all year, currently holding a play-in seed. This team is clearly far off from the 2019 Toronto Raptors side that won the NBA title.
That isn’t all on Siakam, who has carried the team all year and posted All-Star numbers, reasons why he made his second All-Star Game in 2023. At 29 years old, Siakam is still in his prime and will likely generate a ton of trade interest from other teams across the league. Let’s see if Siakam can have a strong end to the season and sneak into the first round of the playoffs.
24. Trae Young
Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 26.2 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 9.9 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.1 BPG
How can a point guard posting nearly 26 and 10 rank outside of the top-15 at least? Trae is extremely talented as a ball-handler and shot-creator and can literally carry an offense by himself. Despite being only 6’1” and 164 lbs, Young is incredibly quick and skilled, which makes him difficult to handle.
The reason he falls outside of the top-15 is that his style of play has not generated enough wins for the Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks added All-Star guard Dejounte Murray before the season and were expected to compete for a title, especially since the team made the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021. Instead, reports about Young’s attitude have come out, and many are wondering if the superstar offensive player has what it takes to lead a franchise.
23. Lauri Markkanen
Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 25.6 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Lauri Markkanen has blossomed incredibly as a scorer and rebounder. The Finnish star made his first All-Star selection and is one of the contenders for Most Improved Player after taking his averages from 14.8 PPG and 5.7 RPG to 25.6 PPG and 8.6 RPG. That is an incredible jump from a player who was a role player and had zero expectations of him.
Markkanen has been incredible for the Utah Jazz, a team that traded away stars Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert and was expected to lose every game. Rather, Lauri has led the Jazz to 36 wins, and the side looks surprisingly competitive at times. Expect this type of consistency from Markkanen next year, and that is a great sign for Jazz fans.
22. Domantas Sabonis
Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 19.2 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 7.2 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Domantas Sabonis is one of the most unique centers in the game because he can score inside, rebound, shoot the three, and also create scoring opportunities for his teammates. The 6’11” big man looks slender on a physical level but is incredibly impactful in the modern game because of his basketball IQ. No doubt, the big man’s presence has been critical to the Sacramento Kings making the playoffs.
Alongside De’Aaron Fox, Sabonis has carried the Kings all year and has made the side difficult to handle. Offensively, Sacramento ranks first in PPG, and Sabonis is at the heart of it with his scoring and playmaking. Nikola Jokic received considerable praise for his playmaking ability, and for good reason, but Sabonis should start gaining that type of recognition as well.
21. Jimmy Butler
Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 22.9 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Jimmy Butler is a phenomenal two-way player, and the franchise star for the Miami Heat right now will improve his level as the playoffs come. His hard work, dedication to the game, and defensive dominance earn him a top-25 slot. His numbers are also impressive, and Miami got the perfect man to lead their franchise going forward.
Jimmy Buckets has been a revelation for the Heat, and they look like a team on the rise, especially with the performances of Bam Adebayo. If the Heat can avoid the play-in spot and get right into the postseason for a showdown with one of the big guns, we could be seeing some incredible performances from the big-time wing player once again.
20. Jaylen Brown
Credit: Neil Redmond-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 26.7 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Jaylen Brown is one of the best sidekicks in the NBA, but there are reports that the All-Star wing player could be wanting to prove he is more than that. As great as Jayson Tatum is as a scorer, Brown has proven to be more clutch when it matters. The former No. 3 overall pick has improved in every area and wants to be respected as a top-tier player.
Without Brown competing as an All-Star, the Boston Celtics have zero chance of winning an NBA title. Brown’s partnership with Tatum has helped catapult the Celtics into contention over the past two seasons, and the team is the favorite entering the postseason. The Celtics must hold onto Brown because he is only 26 years old and has proven to be a big-time player on both ends of the court.
19. Julius Randle
Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 25.1 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 4.1 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Julius Randle has bounced back from a poor season last year to once again becoming an All-Star. Despite his struggles at times, the power forward has been invaluable to the Knicks franchise alongside newly signed Jalen Brunson. As a scorer and clutch performer, Randle has done his job.
The Knicks holding onto the 5th seed in the Eastern Conference has been huge in ranking Randle’s play because he has been a top-20 player in the world. His improvements as a player have been tremendous in recent years, and he deserves more credit for his hard work.
18. De’Aaron Fox
Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 25.1 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 6.1 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.3 BPG
The Sacramento Kings were patient with De’Aaron Fox, and the speedster has finally become the player we all knew he could be. The point guard is posting his best numbers this season and has been a revelation alongside All-Star Domantas Sabonis for a franchise that will make the playoffs for the first time since 2006.
Fox has been the most clutch player in the game this year, statistically, and his improved finishing and mid-range scoring have been the reasons why. We are all excited to see Fox and the Kings in the playoffs, and hopefully, they don’t disappoint.
17. Kyrie Irving
Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 27.0 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.8 BPG
Much has been said about Kyrie’s leadership abilities or lack thereof, but he is still one of the best 20 players in the world. His dribbling and ability to score probably stand out the most since he is the best at getting his shot off despite being defended tightly. Even with the drama he created in Brooklyn, Kyrie has had a fantastic season on the stat sheet.
Irving is once again having another solid season, although the Mavericks look completely lost since acquiring him from Brooklyn and are far from competing for an NBA title. Even with all the drama, the point guard continues to rise everywhere he goes, he is a box office player with unique skills that are transcendent.
16. Devin Booker
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 28.0 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Devin Booker has consistently been one of the best offensive players in the game and is easily a top-20 player in the world right now. The Phoenix Suns have added superstar Kevin Durant to the team, and that could actually open up Booker’s game even more.
Booker is best suited as a secondary player on a title-contending team because he can play on or off the ball and will learn how to win from all-time greats, including Kevin Durant and Chris Paul. As a scorer and go-to offensive option, Devin Booker has had an excellent season yet again.
15. Ja Morant
Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 26.4 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 8.1 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Ja Morant has had moments of immaturity this season, which might have dropped him down the rankings a little bit. The superstar point guard is still the most explosive and entertaining athlete in the game and is only getting better with time. So far, Morant has said the right things about his behavior that brought negative attention to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Even if the point guard only appeared in 60 games so far, mainly due to suspension, he has been incredibly dominant on offense. There isn’t a more exciting player to watch than Ja Morant, and he will be one of the faces of the NBA going forward as long as he stays focused on dominating the game.
14. Donovan Mitchell
Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 28.3 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Donovan Mitchell was the most excited person in the world when the Utah Jazz traded him to the Cleveland Cavaliers, a team he can build a new legacy alongside some talented young players, including Darius Garland and Evan Mobley.
Mitchell answered the call by posting his career-high in scoring and making his fourth straight All-Star Team. The shooting guard is incredibly explosive but can also score from outside and has improved his leadership ability. With a franchise record 71 points in a single game, Mitchell has already made his impact felt in Cleveland.
13. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 31.5 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 5.4 APG, 1.7 SPG, 1.0 BPG
The Los Angeles Clippers might be wondering how great the duo of Kawhi Leonard and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would have been this season. The superstar guard is having an unbelievable season by posting ridiculous numbers and being the frontrunner for Most Improved Player.
At only 24 years old, Gilgeous-Alexander is playing at an extremely high level and is easily one of the top 15 players in the world right now. Whether it comes to attacking the rim or nailing outside shots, Shai has been unstoppable all year and is forming an intriguing core in Oklahoma City alongside Josh Giddey and the returning Chet Holmgren.
12. Damian Lillard
Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 32.2 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 7.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Damian Lillard is still a top-15 player in the game, which may not even do him enough justice. When Dame is on fire and has his shot going, he might be the best point guard in the world. He is extremely dominant on the court, and he has the killer mentality that is sorely lacking from a lot of great players today. Unfortunately, Lillard has not had the help he needs to make Portland a title contender.
Lillard is once again putting up monster numbers in a terrific season and, for some reason, does not seem hungry enough to have some playoff success while hoping to finally capture an NBA title. The point guard wants to be a star in Portland without championship aspirations, which is a shame because he is so dominant on the offensive side of the court. Let’s see if the All-NBA 75th Anniversary Team member ends up leaving the Trail Blazers because making another All-Star Team selection next year is not enough to justify Lillard’s talents.
11. James Harden
Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 21.1 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 10.8 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.5 BPG
James Harden is the best playmaker in the NBA right now. He is simply an All-Star offensive machine who can score at least 20 points every single night in a seemingly effortless manner while adding 10 assists as well. James Harden can no longer carry an offense on his own, as he has aged quicker than we thought, but he has become a modern version of John Stockton.
The Beard has had a strong season and has been the driving force behind a 76ers team that feels like they are right where they are to finally win an NBA title. Joel Embiid has been the best player on the team all year, but Harden’s presence as a scorer and passer has allowed the center to completely dominate the paint.
10. Kawhi Leonard
Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 23.7 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Even with load management and a lot of rest, Kawhi Leonard is still a top-three ten in the NBA. When he is on the court, he is a winner. It really is that simple because the Claw leaves his best performances for the postseason and will hope to do the same with a very talented yet underperforming Clippers team.
Leonard is still the best perimeter defender in the league when he is locked in and has developed the perfect offensive game. Whenever the two-time Finals MVP plays, he is almost always the best player on the court and the player who is responsible for wins. Regardless of the Clippers’ inconsistent play, Leonard has been the one constant.
9. LeBron James
Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 28.9 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 6.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Without a doubt, LeBron James is still one of the top-ten best players in the NBA. Even though he is 38 years old and struggled with injuries this year, LeBron is still the king and the face of the NBA. LeBron shattered Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record this year, which was arguably the biggest story of the year, and his resume is simply ridiculous when taking into account longevity.
LeBron James, even at his age, can still be dropped on the worst team in the league and make them an instant playoff contender. James still does everything well on the floor and will do his best to lead the Lakers out of a play-in seed for good and start challenging for an NBA championship. As great as the scoring record is, a 5th NBA championship would mean much more to his legacy.
8. Stephen Curry
Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 29.6 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 6.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.4 BPG
The best shooter ever, Stephen Curry is the best point guard in the NBA, and there isn’t an argument for anyone else right now unless you consider Luka Doncic a point guard. Curry has changed the game, won four NBA titles, and is a two-time MVP. Despite being a slim-framed player, he is probably the most dominant scorer at the point guard position that we have ever seen.
Curry’s numbers this season have been excellent again, although he hasn’t been as healthy as we wanted him to be through 54 games played. When Curry is healthy and playing at his best, he is a top-five player in the game but has been top-ten this season as an offensive player regardless.
7. Kevin Durant
Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 29.1 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 5.0 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.4 BPG
Kevin Durant, when healthy, is right in the conversation for being the best player in the league. In fact, many people will claim that Durant is the best player in the NBA, regardless. What separates Durant from the other top-five players in the game is the forward’s inability to stay healthy in recent years, and he has struggled again this season, appearing only in 46 games.
Now a member of the Phoenix Suns, Durant has a chance to form the best team in the league by a wide margin because no other side has this much talent. Durant always shows up in the postseason, and when surrounded by other All-Stars, he usually wins it all, as we saw in Golden State.
6. Anthony Davis
Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 26.3 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.0 SPG, 2.0 BPG
Anthony Davis, thanks to his dominance on both ends of the floor, is one of the best big men in the game. He is long, athletic, and extremely skilled, the main reason why the Lakers have held onto a play-in seed (or even a playoff seed) despite the roster inconsistencies. As great as LeBron has been when healthy, Davis is younger and more able to carry a team offensively, as we have seen.
By most accounts, Davis doesn’t have any weaknesses and has the capabilities of an All-Star guard in a center’s body. Davis is a unique talent, and he might be the most dominant teammate that LeBron James has ever had if he can sustain his level of play. The only issue is that Davis has been a top-10 player in the game one night and then just another guy the next. Judging by his numbers, Davis has been incredibly dominant through 53 games played.
5. Luka Doncic
Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 32.8 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 8.1 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Luka Doncic has had an MVP-caliber season this year. He carried a weak Mavericks team to a playoff spot at the start of the year and looked to be the franchise player for an immediate title contender in the West. Doncic has zero weakness on offense and has a superstar-level game despite being 24 years old, having made the Western Conference Finals last year.
Unfortunately, the Mavericks have faltered tremendously since acquiring Kyrie Irving, and all of Luka’s hard work has gone to waste. Luka’s smile is gone, and despite being a fantastic playmaker, scorer, and rebounder, his MVP chances have burned away by missing the playoffs. If Dallas does end up shutting down Luka (and Kyrie Irving), there could be massive changes coming to the franchise because Doncic is far too good not to be in the playoffs.
4. Jayson Tatum
Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 30.2 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Jayson Tatum is a top-five player in the game right now. He is an absolute force at the forward position, thanks to his ability to explode on offense. Tatum has range, a quick first step, and the ability to create any shot he wants. As the best player on the Boston Celtics, Tatum has led the team to the second seed in the Eastern Conference.
Tatum has taken his hits from last year’s disappointing Finals performance and built on it by adding more aggression and scoring ability. Posting career-highs in PPG, RPG, and APG, Tatum is one of the four best players in the game who has been gunning for the MVP award all year.
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 31.1 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 5.7 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.8 BPG
The Greek Freak is a top-three player in the game and might be the best when taking into account his play on both ends of the court. He is simply phenomenal and is leading the Bucks to the best record in the East again. Giannis cannot be contained and is the most freakish athlete we have seen since a young LeBron James.
In terms of pure productivity and consistency this season, Giannis has a strong argument for being number one on this list. No player carries a load of a team besides Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic as Giannis does, and he has the best record in his conference as a result. Even if The Greek Freak does not end up with the MVP award this year, he will eventually add one or two more before he hangs it up.
2. Nikola Jokic
Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 24.8 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 9.8 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.7 BPG
The reigning two-time MVP, Nikola Jokic, is an all-around center who is the perfect player to build around in today’s NBA. He is a terrific passer, rebounder, and can shoot from the perimeter. Jokic has all the tools to influence the game and has even hit big shots as the main guy on the Denver Nuggets. Of course, he has been the MVP favorite for most of the year, although Embiid’s 52-point performance against the Boston Celtics might have ended this conversation with the season almost over.
No doubt, the most impressive attribute in Nikola’s game is his playmaking, as he is averaging nearly 10 assists per game as the primary point center for the team. The game flows through Jokic, and he always comes through time and time again. The Serbian is still in the conversation for being the first player since Larry Bird to win three straight MVP awards and has been a top-two player all year.
1. Joel Embiid
Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Stats: 33.3 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.7 BPG
Joel Embiid has been absolutely sensational all year long. Perhaps we haven’t seen a center with Embiid’s skill before, as he has a perfect jumper along with a terrifying post-up game and shot-blocking ability. The Cameroonian is also the frontrunner for the MVP award after dropping 52 points on 80% shooting against the Boston Celtics earlier this week.
What Embiid can do as a defender is certainly impressive, but his scoring has been on another level this season. The center is averaging 33.3 PPG on 54.7% FG, 32.8% 3-PT FG, and 85.9% FT. He is leading the league in scoring once again, and if he ends up with a scoring title, the MVP award could be heading his way to solidify his status as one of the most skilled and dominant centers of all time.
Source: fadeawayworld
