NBA starts its regular season this Tuesday – and all eyes are on the ten superstars. ESPN selected the TOP 10 of this years basketball stars, based on their pre-season performances and their stats and assets for the upcoming season.
Number 10: Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
He was the breakout star of last season, so he is 3 places up. Big question: Can he lead the very young Timberwolve-team to a title?
Number 9: Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns
He played 75 games last season, averaging 27,1 points – but he started slow this off-season, was even demolished by a young, star-less Clippers-team. 3 places down.
Number 8: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
Had a historic season last year. Has a fantastic team (with Paul George on his side) this year – can he go for a championship this year. Down 5 places to last year.
Number 7:
LeBron James, LA Lakers
The best basketball player in the world, our hero at the Paris Olympics, but he is already 40 years old, looks tired sometimes. Has two highlights this year: His friend JJ Reddick is his new coach, his son Ronnie is playing on his side. 2 places up.
Number 6:
Stephen Curry. Golden State Warriors
Also an Olympic Heroe of the US, by far the best player of the decimed Warriors. Still the greatest 3-point-shooter – will this be enough for a playoff-spot? 3 places down
Number 5)
Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
The undisputed star of the best NBA Team – will he go for the championship again? 1 place up
Number 4)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Helped Oklahoma to get the top seed in the West last year. This year he is a favorite for the championship. 4 places up
Number 3)
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Was last years Number 1, but had an up-and-down-season last year. Will have a new star with Damian Lillard on his side. 2 places down
Number 2)
Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
He won hs first NBA scoring title with 33,9 points last year. Will this season be the first to win the MVP title? Will the Mavericks be strong enough for a championship? 2 places up
Number 1)
Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
The big surprise in this Top 10-ranking, but he won three of the past four MVP titles – he is the guy with the most triple-doubles. But the Nuggets are not set strongest team this season. 1 place up
