According to our annual Top 100 NBA player rankings, Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant are still among the top 10 players in the NBA. However, their hold on these spots is slipping, indicating that their dominance may soon give way to younger players or a decline in performance due to age. These three players have long been at the top of the NBA, winning awards and championships and being recognized as some of the best in the game. But for the first time in over a decade, none of them are considered top-three players or even worthy of a top-five spot.
In this year’s rankings, Curry dropped from third place to sixth, Durant fell from fifth to ninth, and James came in at eighth after playing 71 regular-season games last season. Despite their lower rankings, these players still demonstrated greatness during this summer’s Olympics. Durant’s return from injury had an immediate impact on Team USA’s roster. James won the tournament’s MVP award. And Curry made unforgettable plays in both the semifinals and gold medal game.
However, there are signs that their reign among the elite is coming to an end. Last season was the first time since 2005 that none of them played in the second round of playoffs. Their respective teams also had disappointing performances in postseason play.
Age is one factor contributing to their potential decline as athletes. Curry is now 36 years old while Durant will turn 36 later this month. LeBron James will be turning 40 in December but continues to defy Father Time with his performances on court.
Other young stars are also emerging who could surpass these veterans’ positions within next year’s top 10 list. Players like Victor Wembanyama (No.12), Anthony Edwards (No.10), Jalen Brunson (No13), Deven Booker (No14), Ja Morant (No16), Tyrese Haliburton (previously a top-five player before injury) have shown great potential.
While Steph Curry shooting over Wembanyama may be seen as a last hurrah for these all-time greats at their current level of performance; it remains uncertain how much longer they can maintain their places among basketball’s upper echelon.
