Final week we printed our annual CBS Sports activities High 100 NBA participant rankings, and lately we narrowed that league-wide listing all the way down to the top 25 Eastern Conference players. Now we’ll do the identical factor for the Western Convention.
High to backside, and from each and particular person and crew standpoint, it is common data that the West is and has lengthy been the superior convention. It is getting nearer, at the least on the high, with 5 top-30 gamers — Paul George, Damian Lillard, Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell and Tyrese Haliburton — having relocated from West to East over the previous three years, however 9 of the highest 12 gamers nonetheless hail from the West.
All instructed there have been 54 West gamers in opposition to 46 for the East in our High 100. That features Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Domantas Sabonis, who’re the three top-30 gamers to have moved East to West in some unspecified time in the future previously three years.
In fact, the most effective participant within the league is a Western Convention man. However we cannot begin there. As a substitute, we’ll go backward, beginning with a Memphis Grizzlies guard who has averaged higher than 22 factors over his final 100 video games.
And with that, listed here are your high 25 Western Convention gamers, as voted on by our panel of 10 analysts, primarily based on projected 2024-25 performances.
25. Desmond Bane, Memphis Grizzlies
Bane is without doubt one of the league’s premier shooters — he is made 41.5% of his 3s in his profession, together with 43.4% on catch-and-shoot makes an attempt — and he took one more step ahead as a creator in 12 months 4, growing his utilization to 27.3% (with solely a slight dip in effectivity). It’s notable, too, that whereas the on-ball uptick occurred out of necessity within the absence of Ja Morant, the Grizzlies’ franchise participant was keen to defer to Bane at occasions after they shared the ground. Within the 9 video games that Morant performed, Bane averaged 24.6 factors — a little bit bit greater than his season common — together with a 37-point explosion a number of days earlier than Christmas. It is a disgrace that ankle and again accidents lower his 2023-24 season quick, however there can be extra the place that got here from, although Memphis can have far more firepower at its disposal. — James Herbert
24. James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers
Harden’s basketball odyssey took him to Los Angeles final season, the place he joined his fourth crew in 4 years. Regardless of one other change of surroundings, that marketing campaign ended as many earlier than it had. Within the remaining two video games of the Clippers’ first-round sequence, each losses, Harden scored 23 factors on 28 pictures en path to a six-game elimination by the hands of the Mavericks. With Paul George off to Philadelphia this summer season, Harden might want to tackle an even bigger scoring burden than he has in recent times to ensure that the Clippers to remain related within the Western Convention. — Jack Maloney
23. Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies
One silver lining to the misplaced season Memphis simply endured? It created a complete lot of alternatives for Jaren Jackson Jr. to work on creating his personal pictures. Lower than half of his 2-pointers have been assisted final season. He’d by no means come near that earlier than, and he practically doubled his career-high in post-ups. Memphis was so depleted that he did this stuff comparatively inefficiently, however hopefully the full-strength Grizzlies can really reap the benefits of all of these reps Jackson obtained. We all know he can defend. Although his capturing has declined, he is at the least confirmed keen to fireplace away from deep. If he may create a few of his personal offense within the arc as properly, he’ll be proper again within the All-Star combine. — Sam Quinn
22. Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves
A lot for the Gobert commerce being a catastrophe for the Timberwolves. The Frenchman reclaimed his throne because the Defensive Participant of the 12 months final season, profitable the award for a fourth time, which put him in a tie with Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace for essentially the most all-time. Alongside the way in which, he helped the Wolves make the Western Convention finals for the primary time since 2004. There are at all times going to make sure matchups the place it makes extra sense for the Wolves to have Naz Reid on the market, however final season proved that the Gobert-Karl-Anthony Cities partnership can work. — Jack Maloney
21. Karl-Anthony Cities, Minnesota Timberwolves
Karl-Anthony Cities has ranked as excessive as No. 11 on earlier CBS top-100 lists. The fundamental premise of that rating has largely held. Cities is among the many finest massive man shooters of all time. That hasn’t modified. He stays an athletic marvel and powerful rebounder, and to his credit score, he is adjusted his recreation in gentle of Minnesota’s roster upgrades. He is scaled again his personal scoring for the sake of Anthony Edwards. He is taking part in a extra conventional defensive energy ahead function to swimsuit Rudy Gobert.
There’s one thing to be stated for that flexibility, however too usually, Cities merely light into the background in massive moments final season. He was invisible for big stretches of the Western Convention finals when Minnesota badly wanted offense. Discovering steadiness can be important for him if he desires to climb again as much as his outdated vary on the listing. Cities does not should be the all-encompassing offensive pressure he was earlier in his profession, however he has to have the ability to discover buckets when the Timberwolves want them most. — Sam Quinn
20. Jalen Williams, OKC Thunder
Williams’ numbers when he performed with out Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the courtroom final season have been eerily much like these posted by Kevin Durant. This isn’t to say that the 23-year-old Williams is a famous person hiding in plain sight, essentially — a part of superstardom is with the ability to get your numbers persistently regardless of being on the high of opponents’ scouting report and being hounded by opponents’ finest defenders, not simply because the No. 2 man and in opposition to second models — however, I imply, sheesh. If Williams’ relative struggles in opposition to the Mavericks within the playoffs give him a roadmap for offseason enchancment, be careful. This man is already a scorer from all three ranges, a knockdown shooter, a intelligent playmaker and a flexible defender. There are All-Star appearances in his future. — James Herbert
19. Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets
Jamal Murray is sort of unimaginable to rank. Neglect about making an All-Star crew, we’re judging Murray in opposition to a number of the finest guards within the NBA and he is by no means averaged 22 factors or seven assists in a season. He is right here on the energy of two playoff runs, however they’re two of the most effective playoff runs any lively guard has ever had. Within the 2020 and 2023 postseasons, he averaged over 26 factors whereas flirting with 50-40-90 capturing splits. His peak is aggressive with these of gamers ranked 20 spots greater. His flooring, as we noticed fairly a bit within the 2024 postseason and much more within the Olympics, would possibly warrant a 20-slot dip. With Kentavious Caldwell-Pope gone and the Nuggets thinner than ever, they will want a full season of elite play out of Murray, not just some rounds of it. — Sam Quinn
18. Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz
The Warriors fan in me does not like having to put in writing this blurb, as a result of Markkanen is superior and it looks as if Golden State may’ve had him for a steep value. As a substitute, he stays in Utah on a five-year, $238 million extension. Markkanen is 27 years outdated, simply getting into his prime, however the Jazz aren’t near competing. You marvel about that marriage of these timelines, however you’ll be able to wager Danny Ainge has a plan and that Markkanen, a seven-foot sniper who averaged 23 and eight final season on a greater true-shooting clip than Kevin Durant, is central in it. — Brad Botkin
17. Chet Holmgren, OKC Thunder
The delayed debut for Holmgren was properly definitely worth the wait, as he match seamlessly into an Oklahoma Metropolis crew constructed for sustained success via at the least the subsequent decade. He is 7-foot-1 and but has the deal with of a guard. He can drain a 3-pointer simply as merely as he can again somebody down within the paint. He has already established himself as top-of-the-line rim protectors within the league, with a knack for completely timing blocks, one thing we hardly ever see out of gamers his age. Holmgren’s on a profession trajectory to be a mainstay on the All-Star Sport, in addition to end-of-season awards like All-NBA and All-Protection. — Jasmyn Wimbish
16. Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings
Sabonis led the league in rebounds final season and was eighth in assists. The one different participant within the high 10 in each classes was Nikola Jokic. Moreover, he joined Wilt Chamberlain as the one gamers to common at the least 19 factors, 13 rebounds and eight assists in a season. These are arbitrary cutoffs, in fact, however it emphasizes how distinctive Sabonis’ recreation is for an enormous man. He’s a real playmaking hub for the Kings, whereas additionally being an environment friendly scorer within the paint and a pressure on the glass. Like too a lot of his teammates, although, protection stays a problem. –– Jack Maloney
15. De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings
Keep in mind when Fox could not shoot? He definitely does not. His 36.9% conversion price on 3-pointers is nothing to scoff at in a vacuum, however making that clip on 7.8 makes an attempt per recreation? That appeared practically unfathomable early in his profession, and it is poked a gap in just about each technique opponents may have used to defend him. How are you supposed to remain in entrance of the quickest guard within the NBA when he can casually pull-up from 28 toes while you attempt to duck underneath a display screen? There is not any simple technique to defend Fox anymore. He’ll beat you on the rim or he’ll beat you from deep. Take your choose. — Sam Quinn
14. Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks
For all of the issues about how Irving would match on the Mavericks, each on and off the ground, he put collectively one in every of his finest seasons so far with out ruffling any feathers. Irving has reminded us all of why he is among the many finest secondary choices in NBA historical past. Irving nonetheless has the most effective deal with within the league, can simply get to the rim and rating from all three ranges. The Mavericks definitely would not have made it to the NBA Finals with out him, and alongside Luka Doncic, they create probably the most harmful backcourts within the league. — Jasmyn Wimbish
13. Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans
Williamson was as soon as once more sidelined with an damage when the Pelicans’ 2023-24 season ended, however this felt completely different. His absence within the playoffs was a bummer, not as a result of it prompted disagreeable discussions about his conditioning and dedication, however as a result of his play over the last few months had utterly modified the dialog. Williamson strained his hamstring as he made a floater over Anthony Davis to tie New Orleans’ play-in recreation in opposition to the Lakers in crunch time. The shot gave him 40 factors; on one of many largest levels of his profession, he had come via with one in every of his best video games, main a fourth-quarter comeback that might fall quick after he checked out.
In the most effective form of his profession, Williamson confirmed that he may deal with heavy minutes whereas carrying a playmaking load and competing defensively like by no means earlier than. He appeared in a career-high 70 regular-season video games, and, proper on the finish, he even took a number of soar pictures when opponents sagged off of him. Now all of the Pelicans are asking of him is to supply like an MVP candidate for a full season whereas they proceed attempting to place collectively a roster that may encompass him with the defenders and shooters they should make a leap. — James Herbert
12. Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers
Although he was as soon as once more unable to remain wholesome within the playoffs, it is easy to overlook that Leonard was in a position to play in 68 video games final season. For many of that point, he appeared each bit like top-of-the-line gamers within the league once more at 23 PPG and higher than a 62% true-shooting clip. He is nonetheless one of many deadliest pull-up shooters together with his potential to separate late, as evidenced by his 1.2 factors per possession in isolation — the league’s best mark amongst all gamers with higher than a 15% isolation frequency. Over a two-month stretch from the flip of the calendar to the tip of February, Leonard made 46% of his 3-pointers on virtually 5 makes an attempt per recreation. — Brad Botkin
11. Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies
At his finest, Morant is without doubt one of the most enjoyable guards within the league because of his dazzling expertise and daring creativity, however it’s been some time since we have seen him present that on the courtroom. Between suspensions and accidents, the high-flier has solely performed 70 whole video games within the final two seasons. Whether or not or not Morant can return to an All-NBA degree is without doubt one of the largest storylines to observe this yr. If he does, the Grizzlies may very well be an actual risk within the Western Convention. –– Jack Maloney
10. Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns
Booker has arguably turn out to be probably the most underrated gamers within the league and among the many best. He is a killer within the mid-range, and if he will get scorching, he is liable to drop 40+ factors on you, and he would not even should take very many 3s. He is the kind of plug-and-play man any championship-contending crew would like to have, and final season, we lastly noticed Booker’s versatility after primarily taking part in level guard for a Suns crew missing in that division. It resulted in a career-high yr in assists for Booker, exhibiting that not solely is he top-of-the-line capturing guards within the league, however you may as well put him among the many finest level guards, too. — Jasmyn Wimbish
9. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
After the All-Star break, Victor Wembanyama averaged 23.5 factors, 12 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.5 blocks and 1.5 steals per recreation. I am unable to think about you will be stunned to listen to nobody has ever performed that for a full season. Nobody has even come shut. If you happen to trim each a kind of numbers by 10%, it is nonetheless solely been performed as soon as… by peak Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
As a reminder, Wembanyama was a rookie. He was taking part in on a crew that was constructed to lose. We’re not simply speaking concerning the subsequent nice NBA participant right here. We’re speaking concerning the kind of participant this sport has by no means seen, the subsequent step in its evolution. He’s the last word marriage of dimension and talent, the fruits of the whole lot this sport has been constructing towards for the previous decade. What’s scariest about that absurd post-break stat line is not how nice it’s, however how underwhelming it is going to look compared. In all chance, that is the worst he’ll be for an extended, very long time. It may be 15 years earlier than we publish one other one in every of these lists that has him outdoors of the highest 10. — Sam Quinn
8. Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers
The 2023-24 season was one in every of acceptance for Anthony Davis. Virtually 75% of his shot makes an attempt got here within the paint. That is the very best determine of his Lakers tenure, and there have been years through which he barely cleared 50%. After averaging greater than 5 mid-range makes an attempt per recreation at his Lakers peak, Davis completed under three final season. He would possibly nonetheless need to be an influence ahead, however he has lastly appeared to embrace the truth that the Lakers want him to play like a middle. Regardless of the bodily toll the place would possibly tackle his physique, the outcomes spoke for themselves. Davis simply had his finest season since profitable the 2020 championship, dominating the inside and singlehandedly conserving an in any other case depressing Laker protection afloat. — Sam Quinn
7. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
Edwards jumped from twenty second on this listing final yr to tenth this time round, which emphasizes his beautiful ascension to stardom. He averaged profession highs throughout the board final season, made his first All-NBA look and led the Timberwolves to the Western Convention finals, upsetting the defending champion Nuggets en route. Early within the Wolves’ playoff run, there have been respectable comparisons — at the least aesthetically — to Michael Jordan. Over the summer season, he reiterated his standing as one of many recreation’s finest by taking part in a number one function in Crew USA’s gold medal marketing campaign. — Jack Maloney
6. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns
Durant stays fairly near the peak of his powers. Final season he averaged 27-6-5 on 41% 3-point capturing, and maybe most significantly, he performed in 75 video games — by far his highest mark since leaving Golden State. The have been rumors that he did not love the way in which he was being utilized by Frank Vogel. It will likely be fascinating to see what sort of distinction Mike Budenholzer makes when it comes to Durant’s spots and pictures and the way in which he receives the ball; i.e. in stationary positions or off extra of his most popular pin-down screens. Both manner, Durant was the most effective isolation scorer in basketball final season. — Brad Botkin
5. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James lately turned the oldest participant ever to win an MVP award in any competitors that includes lively NBA gamers when he was named essentially the most helpful participant of the 2024 Olympics. This breaks a file that he himself set in the course of the NBA’s inaugural in-season event. Certain, it is unreasonable to anticipate the approaching quadragenarian to be the NBA’s finest participant over the course of an 82-game season anymore, however make no mistake, in a smaller pattern, there nonetheless won’t be a single participant in all of basketball that conjures up extra worry in his opponents than James. It is not clear what number of MVP awards of any selection are nonetheless left in his getting old physique, however when he must, he can nonetheless summon the entire talent and ferocity that received him his first. — Sam Quinn
4. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Curry continues to be an offense unto himself together with his inimitable motion and pure shot-making expertise. At 36 years outdated, it is exhausting to see the place he is declined in any respect offensively, however what we have seen is that whilst nice as an getting old Curry stays, he wants higher expertise round him to make his manner again into title rivalry. LeBron can relate. — Brad Botkin
3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder
Final yr’s MVP runner-up, Gilgeous-Alexander retains ascending these rankings as his Thunder ascend the standings. The 26-year-old guard led the NBA in drives for the fourth straight season in 2023-24, and, with improved spacing round him, opponents had a good harder time disrupting his funky rhythm. In line with Cleansing The Glass, Gilgeous-Alexander shot 69% on the rim and 51% from midrange, each of which have been profession highs.
Defensively, whereas SGA does not draw the hardest particular person assignments, there are few superstars extra engaged and disruptive on that finish. No one recorded extra steals than Gilgeous-Alexander final yr, and solely two gamers recorded extra deflections. After including a kind of two gamers (Alex Caruso) and a middle who will each shield the rim and function as an offensive hub (Isaiah Hartenstein) this offseason, Oklahoma Metropolis initiatives to have a traditionally nice protection and a extra numerous offense, making the duty in entrance of its franchise participant extraordinarily clear: lead the crew to the place it hasn’t been since 2012. — James Herbert
2. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
Even after six years within the league, it is not unusual to stroll away from watching Doncic play and nonetheless suppose, “How is he doing this?” He performs on the tempo of paint drying on a wall, and but we noticed within the Mavericks’ run to the NBA Finals that even essentially the most elite defenders could not cease him. Doncic will make you pay if you happen to attempt to double crew him, and if you happen to change an enormous on him out on the perimeter, he’ll seemingly drill a dramatic 3-pointer. He handles with finesse, bullies you within the paint and owns a number of the finest assists in NBA historical past. He is coming off the most effective statistical yr of his profession after main the league in scoring, and he is nonetheless solely 25 years outdated. — Jasmyn Wimbish
1. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
The one participant on earth who can nearly assure his crew a top quality shot each possession, Jokic’s dominance happens each in plain sight and on much less seen margins. There is no such thing as a matchup he cannot exploit, inside or out, whether or not as a scorer or facilitator. His protection has made nice strides. The truth that he has zero curiosity in being acknowledged because the world’s finest participant is, partially, what really makes him the world’s finest participant. Each play he makes is freed from agenda and ego. Jokic is the purest embodiment of a basketball participant. — Brad Botkin
