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Golden State's Stephen Curry poses during the team's media day in...

Golden State's Stephen Curry poses during the team's media day in San Francisco on Oct. 2. Credit: AP/Scott Strazzante

BEST PLAYERS

1. Nikola Jokic, Nuggets

Until somebody snatches the crown, Jokic is the best of the West. The reigning NBA Finals MVP will try to win his third regular-season MVP in four years and chase that elusive triple-double average for the season.

2. Luka Doncic, Mavericks

Hard to believe Doncic is just 24 until February. But as a top-10 player in the world and one of the best facilitators in the league, can he lead the Mavericks back to the playoffs after last season’s collapse?

3. LeBron James, Lakers

It’s Year 21 and there might not be 10 current players better than James. That’s uncharted territory. While James will further decline this year, he’s still capable of showing why he has few peer in the league.

4. Stephen Curry, Golden State

Curry remains fun to watch when he gets cooking as a scorer and shooter. But during the last two years, he’s been more impressive while carrying Golden State on his back.

5. Kevin Durant, Suns

Even at age 35, Durant is still among the NBA’s best scorers from anywhere on the floor. His presence - along with Devin Booker - makes the Suns worthy challengers to the Nuggets in the West despite not playing more than 55 games since his 2020 return from his Achilles injury.

Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant points as he brings the...

Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant points as he brings the ball up against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half of an NBA preseason game in Portland, Ore., on Oct. 12. Credit: AP/Craig Mitchelldyer

BEST ROOKIES TO WATCH

1. Victor Wembanyama, Spurs

2. Scoot Henderson, Trail Blazers

3. Amen Thompson, Rockets 

BEST PLAYERS OVER AGE 30

1. Stephen Curry, Golden State

2. LeBron James, Lakers

3. Kevin Durant, Suns

BEST SHOOTERS

1. Stephen Curry, Golden State

2. Devin Booker, Suns

3. Desmond Bane, Grizzlies

BEST POINT GUARDS

1. Luka Doncic, Mavericks

2. Jamal Murray, Nuggets

3. Ja Morant, Grizzlies

The Dallas Mavericks' Luka Doncic dribbles during an NBA preseason game...

The Dallas Mavericks' Luka Doncic dribbles during an NBA preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 7. Credit: AP/Kamran Jebreili

BEST SCORERS

1. Devin Booker, Suns

2. Kevin Durant, Suns

3. Stephen Curry, Golden State

BEST BIG MEN

1. Nikola Jokic, Nuggets

2. Anthony Davis, Lakers

3. Jaren Jackson Jr., Grizzlies 

BEST DEFENDERS

1. Jaren Jackson Jr., Grizzlies

2. Draymond Green, Golden State

3. Kawhi Leonard, Clippers   

BEST REBOUNDERS

1. Nikola Jokic, Denver

2. Domantas Sabonis, Kings

3. Jonas Valanciunas, Pelicans

BEST SHOT BLOCKERS


1. Jaren Jackson Jr., Grizzlies

2. Rudy Gobert, Timberwolves

3. Walker Kessler, Jazz 

BEST BALL HANDLERS


1. Kyrie Irving, Mavericks

2. Ja Morant, Grizzlies

3. Stephen Curry, Golden State

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving poses for photos during media day...

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving poses for photos during media day in Dallas on Sept. 29. Credit: AP/LM Otero

BEST SIXTH MEN


1. Malik Monk, Kings

2. Norman Powell, Clippers

3. Christian Wood, Lakers

BEST OFFSEASON ACQUISITIONS

1. Marcus Smart, Grizzlies

2. Bradley Beal, Suns

3. Fred VanVleet, Rockets

SMARTEST PLAYERS

1. LeBron James, Lakers

2. Chris Paul, Golden State

3. Mike Conley, Timberwolves

BEST COACHES

1. Ty Lue, Clippers

2. Michael Malone, Nuggets

3. Mike Brown, Kings 

BEST ASSISTANTS WHO SHOULD BE A HEAD COACH

1. Jay Larranaga, Clippers

2. Mitch Johnson, Spurs

3. David Adelman, Nuggets   

BEST GMS

1. Calvin Booth, Nuggets

2. James Jones, Suns

3. Zach Kleiman, Grizzlies

TOUGHEST PLACES TO PLAY

1. Ball Arena, Nuggets
 

2. Golden 1 Center, Kings
 

3. Delta Center, Jazz

BEST UNIFORMS


1. Suns

2. Trail Blazers

3. Kings
 

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