As the anticipation for the 2024-25 NBA regular season reaches its peak with the games set to begin on October 22, the basketball community has been buzzing with the latest top 10 players list from NBA analyst Jason Timpf. In a surprising twist, Los Angeles Lakers’ star Anthony Davis has been ranked above perennial favorites LeBron James and Steph Curry, sparking debates and discussions among fans and pundits alike. Notably absent from the top 10 is Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers, a decision that has not gone unnoticed.
Jason Timpf’s Top 10 NBA Players Revealed
Leading the pack in Timpf’s rankings is Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic, a three-time NBA MVP, closely followed by Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks. These athletes have proven themselves to be invaluable assets to their teams, demonstrating both skill and consistency on the court.
Emerging talents Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards also make the top five, showcasing the dynamic and evolving landscape of NBA talent. However, it’s the position of Anthony Davis at number six that has turned heads. Known for his formidable presence and versatility, Davis surpasses even his teammate LeBron James, as well as two-time MVP Steph Curry, who round out the top 10 along with Jayson Tatum and Kevin Durant.
Criteria for Ranking: Performance and Potential
Timpf shared his methodology behind the controversial rankings on X, emphasizing the criteria of availability, playoff performance, and the ease of building a team around a player. “Who would you start your franchise with to lead you through this upcoming campaign from October to potentially June,” Timpf posed to his followers, highlighting the importance of player impact during crucial playoff moments.
The Curious Case of Joel Embiid’s Exclusion
The exclusion of Joel Embiid has particularly sparked intense debate. Last season, Embiid played 39 games, averaging a staggering 34.7 points and 11.0 rebounds, yet found himself just outside the top 10 at number 11. Timpf defends his decision by pointing out Embiid’s availability issues and difficulties in translating regular-season success into playoff triumphs. “He’s probably the least available star in this tier,” Timpf explained, adding that Embiid’s play style makes him less adaptable compared to other players on the list.
Looking Forward to the NBA Season
As the new NBA season approaches, the rankings will undoubtedly fuel exciting discussions and possibly motivate players like Embiid to challenge public perceptions. With the preseason wrapping up and the regular season about to commence, NBA fans have much to look forward to, from individual player performances to how team dynamics will unfold based on these predictions.
Whether you agree with Timpf’s rankings or not, one thing is certain: the NBA remains one of the most exhilarating sports leagues in the world, with every season bringing new narratives and heroes. As players vie to prove their worth on the global stage, the 2024-25 NBA season is poised to be another showcase of high-flying action and intense competition.
I am a writer with a passion for technology and gaming. I write about a variety of subjects, including Esports, Games, Shows, and Sports. I create engaging and informative content for Hiptoro.