I love basketball big time, and I have been playing it with my siblings and friends since I was young. I always watch NBA, from the regular season, playoffs to championships, and I never miss important games, especially of my favorite teams. Besides watching games on TV, I buy NBA merchandise, including jerseys, basketballs, and shoes. Yes, I am a die-hard fan.

When I was growing up, Michael Jordan is the player I look up to. I tried to learn all his moves from how to chase the opponent to how to shoot a basketball, the perfect way. It goes without saying that he excels in every department as a basketball player, from fundamental soundness, competitive desire, speed, artistry, and grace to improvisational ability. He is recognized as the Rookie of the Year, Six-time NBA champion, five-time NBA MVP, defensive player of the year, 14-time NBA all-star, Hall of Fame inductee, and more. He is one of the greatest basketball players for a reason.

But we cannot afford not to recognize the top basketball players this 2021. Below, we have gathered some of the best players of this year. Without further ado, let’s dive into it!

LeBron James

LeBron James ranks number one on our list, and a lot of people would surely agree. Started at only 18, Lebron already has fourth NBA championships, Lakers over Heat (2020), Cavs over Warriors (2016), Heat over Spurs (2013), and Heat over Thunder (2012).

Aside from being the NBA champion in 2020, he was also the league’s best player. According to statistics, he led the NBA in assists with a whopping 10.2 APG, making him one of the most well-rounded players of our generation.

Kevin Durant

Yes, Kevin Durant ranks second in our list for a reason. His guard-like skills are great, hands down. His range is limitless. He is considered a scoring machine. He can score from fading away, ankle-braking crossovers, 30-foot 3 pointers, transition dunks, and posting up.

He began in season 2007-08 and already made multiple records. He is the only player who scores 25 or more points in around 41 straight games, the youngest member of the 50-40-90 club, and more.

In 2019, he suffered from a torn Achilles injury, which is sad news to all of his avid fans worldwide. But today, it seems he never experienced a serious injury. He is back to his normal condition, averaging 31.2 points per game, 53.8 field goals, 5.8 assists per game, and 7.2 rebounds per game.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Not every basketball player excels in every skills department. Giannis Antetokounmpo is one. Like other players, he lacks shooting ability. But do not underestimate Giannis Antetokounmpo. He has a good wingspan and great athleticism, contributing to his team’s transition and defense.

For more than eight years as an NBA player, Giannis is recognized as the most improved player. He is an all-star game starter for two consecutive years, from 2017 to 2018. Giannis is a member of the 2016 Greek national team, and he has participated in the FIBA World Cup of 2014 in Spain.

Stephen Curry

A lot of you might be disappointed. But rank 4 is still a good spot. He is praised for his shooting prowess. Recently, he made a new career record of 62 points against Portland. In the 2015-16 season, he won the MVP award unanimously, where he got all 131 available votes.

Aside from his shooting ability, Stephen Curry averaged at least 2.1 steals per game. It only took Curry around 597 games to reach 2,000 three-pointers.

With his shooting skills, he brought his team, Golden State Warriors, to win 3 NBA championships in 2015, 2017, and 2018. For two consecutive years, from 2015 to 2016, he was named as the most valuable player.

James Harden

James Harden is our fifth-best basketball player of 2021. Before he transferred to Brooklyn Nets, he has spent nine years in Houston Rockets. Like Stephen Curry, he excels in the scoring department. In fact, he is the only player to score 30 points against every team in the NBA. Who would have thought it would be possible? James Harden made it happen. Harden is excellent in assists, steals, and rebounds, making him a versatile basketball player we have in this generation.

Have you been playing basketball? Do you want to be like any of these big names in the NBA? It is not impossible! With dedication and patience, you will get there soon. Believe me!