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The 2020-21 NBA season is off to a great start, and even with the pandemic creating havoc, fans have got their money's worth with action-packed games and blockbuster moves. The NBA was a leader in all major league sports to have restarted games last year with the NBA Bubble.
The league continues to bring joy back into our homes this year with its latest edition.
While there is a lot of basketball left to be played, the early season has given us a glimpse into the hottest players that have been tearing it up this campaign and are looking primed to register a memorable season performance.
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NBA 2020-21: The best players in the league thus far
This article will attempt to list the premier talent in the association and rank the best player at each position at this stage. The players have been selected based on their individual performances and not in the context of how their teams are performing.
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Center: Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets)
Nikola Jokic is irrefutably the best center in the league right now. The Joker has taken his game to another level and is posting some unbelievable numbers across the board.
Jokic's exceptional ability allows him to display an array of impressive post moves. These are matched with insane passing skills that make him a center-cum-point guard.
The big man from Serbia is putting together an MVP-caliber season, as he is averaging a mind-blowing triple-double in the early days of the season. That said, it would be interesting to see if he can keep up this pace till the end of the season.
In 14 games, Jokic is averaging 25.1 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 10.0 assists on an impressive 57% shooting from the floor. Give that man a raise.
Power Forward: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
It shouldn't be a surprise to see the reigning league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo feature in this list. Giannis continues to play the game at an elite level and has picked up from where he left off last season.
Giannis is a special talent - the likes of which have few points of reference. The 26-year-old is in his prime and his mastery over the game is evident, courtesy of two back-to-back MVP titles.
He can turn around the fortunes of any team with his presence and continues to raise the ceiling for future superstars who will follow in his footsteps.
Giannis is a great player and possesses a high basketball IQ that prevents him from suffering major injuries. His durability is as impressive as his incredible skills on the floor.
In 13 games, Antetokounmpo is averaging 27.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists on 53% shooting from the field. Now that is what you call efficient basketball.
Small Forward: LeBron James (LA Lakers)
LeBron James entered the NBA right out of high school and was aptly tagged as the Chosen One. It has been truly remarkable to see a man live up to all the hype. In his storied career, James has demolished record after record and is well on his way to reach G.O.A.T status by the end of his career.
James played stellar basketball in the 2020 Playoffs and earned his fourth NBA title - his first with the LA Lakers. This season, he is right where one would expect — at the top.
What makes LeBron special is his ability to make everyone around him better. James' immaculate injury record is very rare and speaks volumes about how intelligently he plays the game.
In 15 games, James is averaging 23.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.5 assists on 47.9% shooting from the floor.
Shooting Guard: Bradley Beal (Washington Wizards)
Despite the Wizards' abysmal season record, Bradley Beal has been firing on all cylinders. He is at pace with his previous season's average of 30 points. The two-time All-Star has taken a leap in the past few seasons and has found another level to his game.
Beal has embraced the mid-range game this campaign and is reaping the benefits of the high percentage shot.
Beal has been the subject of multiple trade scenarios this season and could potentially be moved as his restricted agency is drawing closer. He could make a huge impact at one of the title contenders and perhaps become a part of another 'big three' in the association, raising the stakes league-wide.
In 10 games this season, Beal is averaging an impressive 34.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists on 49.4% shooting from the floor. He has aptly earned his nickname as the Real Deal.
Point Guard: Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks)
Luka Doncic has been touted as the new MVP candidate to dethrone Giannis, and the 21-year-old has lived up to those expectations at the start of the new season. The six-foot-seven-inch Slovenian can do it all, and it's scary to imagine what he will look like when he reaches his prime in the NBA.
He plays the point position but can easily match up with other positions. In Porzingis' absence due to an injury, Luka demonstrated the ability to carry the Mavericks on his shoulders. He spearheaded the franchise to a four-game winning streak - the first of many to come this season.
In 13 games, Luka is averaging 26.1 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 9.5 assists on 45% shooting from the field. A point guard averaging 10 boards a game is a testament to his superior skills that will only get better with more game experience.
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