CBS Sports has just announced its list of the top 100 NBA players for the new season. Not surprisingly, reigning Finals MVP Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets tops the list.
Followed closely by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Stephen Curry, both of whom have won two consecutive regular season MVPs and Finals MVPs in recent years.
LeBron James averaged 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists last season and is expected to be high on CBS’ list. Instead, he was ranked No. 12 (h/t Lakers Daily ).
Via CBS Sports:
“It’s hard to say which is more surprising: that LeBron James could fall out of the top 10 for the first time since his rookie year, or that he could easily climb back into the top 10 when we revisit these rankings. 1 years,” Sam Quinn wrote. “Keep in mind, starting with Anthony Davis’ injury in mid-December and ending with his own injury in mid-February, James averaged an outstanding record of 33 wins, 8 draws, and 7 losses in 23 games. When he last season When healthy, he’s still the natural force he’s been for two decades. The lame star who led the Lakers to the Western Conference Finals last spring isn’t at his best, and if his history is any indication, he’ll be at his best this season. The season proves it.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Damian Lillard, Jimmy Butler, Devin Booker and Jimmy Butler are just some of the players ranked ahead of James.
Last year, the four-time MVP ranked seventh on this list.
Story originally appeared on LeBron Wire