With the 2023-24 NBA season only a handful of weeks away, here is every NBA team’s best player.
As we get closer to the 2023-24 season, the league finds itself at a crossroads of established superstars, emerging talents, and the perennial pursuit of championship glory.
From the perennial All-Stars who continue to dominate to the rising stars poised for breakout seasons and the newcomers making an instant impact, we’ll delve into the dynamics of each team’s roster to determine who stands at the forefront as the best player. Join us as we explore the players who will carry the hopes and dreams of their respective franchises in the pursuit of NBA glory in the 2023-24 season.
Atlanta Hawks – Trae Young
Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Statistics: 26.2 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 10.2 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Trae Young’s ascent as the Atlanta Hawks’ premier player has been a steady and impressive journey in recent seasons. At just 24 years old, Young boasts a s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 set that encompasses remarkable scoring prowess, exceptional court vision, and remarkable passing abilities. With five years of experience under his belt, he maintains impressive career averages of 25.5 points and 9.3 assists per game.
What makes Young’s trajectory even more captivating is his youth; he has not yet reached his peak, leaving ample room for further growth and development. While the All-Star point guard continues to be included in never-ending trade rumors, it does not seem to phase the floor general as he continues to dominate the offensive side of the ball.
Boston Celtics – Jayson Tatum
Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Statistics: 30.1 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Jayson Tatum, selected by the Boston Celtics with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, quickly established himself as one of the team’s franchise cornerstones. In 2023, Tatum had the best season of his career by posting 30.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game on 35.0% shooting from the three-point line.
Tatum is already the best player for a Celtics team that made the Finals in 2022 and is gunning for a chance to win it all next season. Areas for Tatum to improve upon include his defense, clutch scoring, and consistency as it pertains to being an efficient playmaker when he faces double-teams. Once he gets to that next level, Tatum will be an all-time Celtics great.
Brooklyn Nets – Mikal Bridges
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2022-23 Statistics: 20.1 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Mikal Bridges has important postseason experience on his resume. Mikal Bridges was a young and promising small forward known for his defensive prowess, three-point shooting, and versatility on the court. He was an integral part of the Suns’ roster, contributing to their playoff run in the 2020-21 season, where they reached the NBA Finals.
Since arriving in Brooklyn, Bridges has elevated his game by averaging 26.1 points and 4.5 rebounds per game over the 27 games played. Bridges has elevated his game from being a defense-first player to a go-to offensive player who can lead a team. If Mikal can lead the Nets to at least a .500 record, that would show improvement in his leadership s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s.
Charlotte Hornets – LaMelo Ball
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2022-23 Statistics: 23.3 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 8.4 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Even if he dealt with injuries this past season, LaMelo Ball’s presence for the Charlotte Hornets is invaluable. Ball was selected by the Charlotte Hornets as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and made an impact in the league with his exceptional passing s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s, court vision, and basketball IQ. Over his career so far, spanning three seasons, Ball is posting 19.4 points and 7.3 assists per game.
Since winning Rookie of the Year in his first season, LaMelo Ball has made the 2021-22 All-Star Team and seems to be on a path to make many more. As long as LaMelo stays healthy and continues improving his outside shot (career 37.7%), he will become an unstoppable force with the ball in his hands.
Chicago Bulls – DeMar DeRozan
Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Statistics: 24.5 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 5.1 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.5 BPG
DeMar DeRozan is a fan-favorite across the league because his game is so smooth. He has an unstoppable mid-range jumper, explosive athleticism when attacking the rim, and improved defensive ability on the wings. That is why DeRozan made his sixth All-Star Team in the 2023 season despite winning only 40 games with the Chicago Bulls.
DeRozan is the best player on the team because while Zach LaVine is younger and will be better soon, the former Toronto Raptors star is more physically capable and is one of the most clutch scorers in the league. That is why only DeMar made the All-Star Team and will have another great season in 2024.
Cleveland Cavaliers – Donovan Mitchell
Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Statistics: 28.3 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.4 BPG
The Cleveland Cavaliers have a host of talented players including Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, but Donovan Mitchell has to be considered the best of the bunch. Mitchell is in his prime right now at 27 years old and combines athleticism with exceptional scoring ability. The shooting guard scored 71 points last season, after all.
What happens with Mitchell and his future in Cleveland remains to be seen, but the player has a chance to create his own legacy as one of the greatest players in franchise history behind LeBron James. Mitchell was excellent in his first season with the Cavaliers, averaging 28.3 points per game, and hopefully, he can build on it.
Dallas Mavericks – Luka Doncic
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2022-23 Statistics: 32.4 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 8.0 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Luka Doncic has a chance to be the best player in the world in just a few seasons. In just his first five seasons in the league, Luka Doncic had earned four All-Star and four All-NBA selections and was considered one of the top young talents with the potential to lead the Mavericks to championship contention as he already has a Western Conference Finals appearance to his resume.
It is not often a superstar player with under ten years of experience who can carry a franchise on his back consistently in terms of all-around performance. But Luka isn’t any ordinary player because he has the size, s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁, and leadership qualities to reach an entirely different level as the face of the NBA.
Denver Nuggets – Nikola Jokic
Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Statistics: 24.5 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 9.8 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Nikola Jokic is one of the most uniquely s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁ed big men ever and an all-time great passer at the center spot. Over his eight-year career, Jokic has made five All-Star and five All-NBA Team selections along with his two MVP awards and Finals MVP award. That is quite a haul of accolades for the best big man in the world.
Jokic is simply unstoppable in the NBA because, at 6’11” and 284 lbs, he is immovable inside the post yet can be just as deadly from the perimeter. When the big Serbian isn’t scoring the ball, he is creating easy scoring opportunities for his teammates which is why he is in the running for his third MVP award in 2024.
Detroit Pistons – Cade Cunningham
Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Statistics: 19.9 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 6.0 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Selected by the Detroit Pistons with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Cade Cunningham was widely regarded as one of the top prospects in his draft class. Even if he is getting better, he has yet to show his true potential as an all-around point guard with exceptional All-Star s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s.
Cunningham is averaging 17.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game over his career and is only 21 years old. That means he can reach another level in the 2023-24 season and he will likely average at least 20 points per game and become the cornerstone for the Pistons franchise.
Golden State Warriors – Stephen Curry
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2022-23 Statistics: 29.4 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 6.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.4 BPG
The Golden State Warriors added Chris Paul to the roster, but Stephen Curry is still the best player on the team. The greatest shooter of all time averaged 29.4 points per game on 49.3% from the field, 42.7% from three, and 91.5% from the free-throw line. The point guard is still at the top of his game and will continue to be next season.
Curry is looking for his fifth NBA championship which would boost his resume greatly in terms of all-time point guard rankings. Even if Curry misses some games due to rest and attrition, he will prove to be the best in the world at his position even if the likes of Damian Lillard and Ja Morant will also be at the top of their games.
Houston Rockets – Fred VanVleet
Credit: Fadeaway World
2022-23 Statistics: 19.3 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 7.2 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.6 BPG
The Houston Rockets added two major pieces to the roster: Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks. Even if Jalen Green is the most talented offensive player on the team, VanVleet will be the main guy on the Rockets. VanVleet is the most experienced member of the roster with an NBA championship to his name and is considered an above-average defensive point guard.
VanVleet will be a life-changer for Houston because he brings a steady presence at the point guard spot for the first time since James Harden was on the team. Even if his numbers won’t exactly shock the world, he will make Houston a better team and improve the likes of Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr who need veteran teammates to get better.
Indiana Pacers – Tyrese Haliburton
Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Statistics: 20.7 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 10.4 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Selected by the Sacramento Kings with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Tyrese Haliburton made the All-Rookie Team in his first season and has ascended into one of the best playmakers in the world. In 2023, the point guard posted 20.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game on 40.0% from the three-point line and made his first All-Star Team.
In the upcoming season, Haliburton will likely boost his numbers slightly while continuing to showcase his basketball IQ, playmaking ability, and versatility. The Pacers still do not have the roster to compete in the Eastern Conference, but hopefully, they can get there with the point guard pulling the strings.
Los Angeles Clippers – Kawhi Leonard
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2022-23 Statistics: 23.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Is there anybody else that can top what Kawhi Leonard can do with the Clippers? Leonard is not only the best defensive stopper on the team at his peak, but a sensational go-to scorer that can score inside and outside. Leonard has played under 65 games for six straight seasons and that is the only reason he is constantly criticized.
In 2024, it won’t be likely that Leonard will get to that 65-game mark but the Clippers have hope. The go-to player for the team is absolutely needed throughout the season because the team’s potential is to make the NBA Finals. The last time Leonard was healthy and played at least 60 games, he won an NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors.
Los Angeles Lakers – LeBron James
Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Statistics: 28.9 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 6.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Anthony Davis will need to be the star of the team in order for the Los Angeles Lakers to push for an NBA championship, but no doubt the best player and leader of the team is LeBron James. The King will be 39 years old in the 2024 season and that isn’t the age that a basketball player should be as a leader of a franchise.
However, James isn’t any ordinary player. No player takes care of his body more than the former No. 1 overall pick and LeBron continues to surprise the NBA Universe with his ability to carry an offense at times and come through when needed. It would be a miracle if James plays at least 65 games, but we can’t put it past him.
Memphis Grizzlies – Ja Morant
Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Statistics: 26.2 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 8.1 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Ja Morant, selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, quickly emerged as one of the league’s most promising young talents. With explosive athleticism, Morant has become a fan favorite and a rising star in the league for the Memphis Grizzlies. During his rookie season, Morant won the NBA Rookie of the Year award and has since made two All-Star Teams and the 2021-22 All-NBA Team.
However, last season was marred with suspensions and poor media coverage. Due to pure immaturity stemming from the pressures of being a young superstar with a max contract, Morant was unable to stay focused on basketball. As long as he can keep his behavior in check, Morant will be one of the best point guards in the NBA going forward.
Miami Heat – Jimmy Butler
Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Statistics: 22.9 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Jimmy Butler is the star of the Miami Heat, even if Damian Lillard somehow makes his way to South Beach to join him and Bam Adebayo. Butler is the best defensive stopper on the team, the go-to clutch player, and the emotional leader. After all, the player has led the Heat to two NBA Finals appearances in four seasons.
Butler will likely continue his trend of being an All-Star in the regular season and a bonafide superstar in the playoffs which is why we can never count out the Miami Heat to push for a title. Even if the Heat lost in the Finals last season, acquiring Damian Lillard could put them over the top and Butler will be there to lead the way.
Milwaukee Bucks – Giannis Antetokounmpo
Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Statistics: 31.1 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 5.7 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.8 BPG
After achieving All-Star status in his fourth NBA season, Giannis Antetokounmpo has firmly cemented himself as arguably the most dominant and versatile player in the entire league. With seven NBA All-Star selections and two NBA Most Valuable Player awards to his name, he steered the Milwaukee Bucks to a coveted NBA championship in the 2020-21 season.
Giannis’ extraordinary journey, starting as a relatively unknown prospect and ascending to the status of an NBA superstar, has endeared him not just to Milwaukee fans but also to the broader basketball community. At just 28 years old, and widely considered one of the best two-way players globally and will continue being a top-5 player in the world next season.
Minnesota Timberwolves – Anthony Edwards
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2022-23 Statistics: 24.6 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Anthony Edwards emerged as a highly promising young talent for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA. Selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Timberwolves, he wasted no time in leaving a significant mark on the league. As of 2023, Edwards boasts an impressive career-high average of 24.6 points per game and has earned a coveted spot on the All-Star Team.
Edwards’ development and growth as a player have garnered keen attention, making him one of the ascending stars in the NBA. His future potential and his capacity to contribute to the Timberwolves’ success will boost the offensive star to reach another level and based on what we saw from him with Team USA, the best is yet to come.
New Orleans Pelicans – Zion Williamson
Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Statistics: 26.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.6 BPG
While it’s valid to express concerns about Zion Williamson’s injury history and weight management, we have to acknowledge that a player of his exceptional physical gifts and talent is one of the best players in the league. There’s a strong possibility that as he matures and approaches legitimate superstardom, Williamson will address these issues and prioritize his health.
Already a two-time All-Star, Williamson has a clear opportunity to become the face of the NBA if he can maintain his fitness and stay on the court consistently. It’s evident that he hasn’t fully committed to his career thus far, but this also underscores the enormous untapped potential he possesses as a two-way power forward.
New York Knicks – Jalen Brunson
Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Statistics: 25.1 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 4.1 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Julius Randle was the only All-Star for the New York Knicks last season but Jalen Brunson will be the star of the team next season based on his innate leadership qualities. In only his first season in New York, Brunson was spectacular by averaging 24.0 points and 6.2 assists per game as he led the team to the second round of the playoffs.
Brunson is quick with his handles, elite at slashing, and is getting better as a primary playmaker. His Team USA experience will do him well because he showed up on an individual level and even if the team did not win a medal, he was one of the few bright spots, especially earlier on. Hopefully, he can continue his progression as a playmaker and scorer.
Oklahoma City Thunder – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Statistics: 31.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.0 BPG
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is an explosive athlete who was a superstar in the 2022-23 season. A bonafide scorer, playmaker, and rebounder, the point guard does everything well on the court and is only getting started. He posted 31.4 points per game last year, a remarkable achievement for a 25-year-old.
The guard has everything from scoring s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s to athleticism and defensive capabilities. The only thing truly missing for Gilgeous-Alexander is a slew of teammates who can improve the same way he has. If Josh Giddey and Chet Holmgren elevate their games, the Thunder will be a force in the Western Conference very soon.
Orlando Magic – Paolo Banchero
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2022-23 Statistics: 20.0 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 3.7 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG
The 2022-23 Rookie of the Year, Paolo Banchero is only going to get better in terms of offensive ability and efficiency. The forward looked like a six-year veteran in his rookie season, posting 20.0 points and 6.9 rebounds per game for the Orlando Magic as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Banchero is 20 years old yet already carried an NBA franchise last season and was selected as an esteemed member of Team USA in the 2023 FIBA squad. The forward has the size to always be a consistent rebounder and he has the offensive s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s to average at least 20 points per game for the rest of his career.
Philadelphia 76ers – Joel Embiid
Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Statistics: 33.1 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.7 BPG
The NBA’s reigning MVP is easily a top-two big man in the world and will continue his back-and-forth with Nikola Jokic in terms of who will win the award again in 2024. Joel Embiid is the better scorer and defender, but he has not shown leadership qualities just yet by leading the 76ers to the NBA Finals.
In 2024, Embiid won’t have James Harden by his side by most accounts and that could mean more pressure on the Cameroonian star. We have to hold our breaths because the big man has struggled to stay healthy consistently except the past two seasons where he played at least 65 games. If he can play 65 games, he will be in contention for his third scoring title and second MVP trophy.
Phoenix Suns – Devin Booker
Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Statistics: 27.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Devin Booker is easily one of the league’s premier scorers and was a key figure in the resurgence of the Phoenix Suns in recent seasons. His strengths include exceptional scoring ability, three-point shooting, and offensive versatility, a reason why the Phoenix Suns made the NBA Finals in 2022.
Booker’s leadership and scoring prowess had made him a beloved figure among Suns fans and a respected player across the league, even at only 26 years old. Booker is the best shooting guard in the world and based on how often Kevin Durant has been injured, will be the star for the Suns next season.
Portland Trail Blazers – Scoot Henderson
Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Statistics: N/A
Scoot Henderson was taken No. 3 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft as the long-term replacement for superstar Damian Lillard. Portland sees the end is in sight for arguably their greatest player in the team’s history, and bringing Henderson on board solidifies the point guard position for the foreseeable future.
A dynamic athlete with incredible physical gifts, Henderson has the setting to be the major contender for the Rookie of the Year award behind Victor Wembanyama. Henderson has the mental traits to succeed as well because he is no-nonsense and will make an impact on Portland immediately.
Sacramento Kings – De’Aaron Fox
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2022-23 Statistics: 25.0 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 6.1 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG
De’Aaron Fox has established himself as one of the promising young point guards in the league, thanks to his speed, ball-handling, and scoring ability. This past season, Fox made his first All-Star Team by averaging 25.0 points and 6.1 assists per game and leading the Sacramento Kings into the playoffs, finally.
Fox still needs to improve his outside jumper because he only shot 32.4% from three last year and has a 32.1% clip over his career. Once he does, we could be looking at a contender to be one of the top-five point guards in the world because his speed and improving leadership are clear to see.
San Antonio Spurs – Victor Wembanyama
Credit: Lucas Peltier/USA Today Sports
2022-23 Statistics: N/A
Victor Wembanyama might be the most hyped rookie since a young LeBron James and the pressure on the young man is certainly real. The Frenchman can score, defend, and rebound at an elite level and he is the major contender for Rookie of the Year even if he probably won’t lead the Spurs into the playoffs.
Wembanyama will be a superstar in five years’ time because he has all the physical and mental gifts to do so. The man is a natural basketball player and at 7’3”, he will always be a factor in the paint. Comparisons to Tim Duncan and David Robinson will be made, but Victor seems to be made of the right things to get to that level one day.
Toronto Raptors – Pascal Siakam
Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Statistics: 24.2 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 5.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG
The Toronto Raptors might trade Pascal Siakam and give the team over to Scottie Barnes but it seems that the All-Star will be held onto for now. Siakam is not only an elite defender but can score the ball consistently inside and outside, meaning he is one of the best in the league at his position. In 2023, Siakam posted 24.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game.
Next year, expect Siakam to hover around those numbers while continuing to impact the game on both ends. The Raptors don’t exactly have the team around him to contend which means the power forward will continue to be involved in trade rumors from the start of the season until the end.
Utah Jazz – Lauri Markkanen
Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Statistics: 25.6 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Lauri Markkanen was one of the most surprising players last season, averaging 25.6 points and 8.6 rebounds per game in his first season with the Utah Jazz. The Finnish star not only scored the ball consistently but was actually a versatile defender and rebounder.
His growth is a great sign for the rebuilding Jazz as they have a host of talented young players including Collin Sexton, Keyonte George, Walker Kessler, and Talen Horton-Tucker. Markkanen will likely be the best player on the team in 2024 and hopefully, he can continue progressing in all areas of the court.
Washington Wizards – Jordan Poole
Credit: Fadeaway World
2022-23 Statistics: 20.4 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 4.5 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.3 BPG
The Washington Wizards traded Bradley Beal, meaning the recently acquired Jordan Poole will be the best player on the team in five years’ time. Poole averaged 20.4 points per game last year and is only 24 years old, so the future is very bright for him as the new face of the team.
Kyle Kuzma is also on the team but Poole seems to be the main figure in terms of offensive talent. The shooting guard is not only a perimeter scorer but has an unusual way of getting to the basket and is hard to defend against. Hopefully, his maturity won’t be in question for much longer, and can reach that next level.
