Top 6 Current NBA Players You Should Be Keeping an Eye On

As the 2024 NBA playoffs near and playoff teams and play-in teams are determined, dominating players in the league showcase their dominance and continue to prove why they're in the greatest basketball league in the world.

With players such as Stephen Curry, who continues to astonish us with extraordinary plays while he keeps the 10th seed Warriors afloat amidst superteams, Nikola Jokic, who is his usual dominating self and leading the Nuggets to the first seed in the Western Conference, and Anthony Edwards, who is never beating the “Michael Jordan's son” allegations, here are the top six current NBA players fighting for the NBA championship.

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Nikola Jokic

As one of the greatest centers of all time and currently leading candidate for the 2023-24 Kia MVP award, Jokic is no doubt one of the best players in the league right now. Averaging 26-12-9, Jokic may lead the Nuggets to their second championship in a row, after defeating Miami Heat in the 2023-24 season in a 4-1 blowout. Scoring 42 points against the Spurs and Wenbanyama on April 3rd to secure a tie at first seed in the Western Conference, Jokic, supported by solid teammates, Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., the Nuggets are among the favorites to win the 2023-24 NBA championships, second only to Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics.

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Anthony Edwards

Anthony Edwards, leading the Minnesota Timberwolves as the first seed in the Western Conference at 55-24 as of April 10th, has been dubbed “Michael Jordan's son” ever since he displayed his incredible dunking abilities. His ability on both sides of the court makes him one of the most versatile players in the league, whether by mid-range jumpers and dunks on one end, and astonishing blocks against the backboard.

A clip of his game-winning block against the Pacers, when he hit his head on the backboard, went viral, grabbing millions of views across all social media platforms. With players such as Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert reinforcing his dominance, Edwards will be one of the fiercest competitors for the 2024-25 NBA Championship and there is no telling to what heights he will take his team, whether to the Finals or beyond.

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Luka Doncic

Luka Doncic leads the league in points per game, at an astonishing 33.9. Furthermore, he is also second in assists per game at 9.8, and almost holds the record for most three-pointers in the season, second to only the greatest shooter of all time, Stephen Curry. He is currently at number 2 in the Kia MVP ladder list, closely following Nikola Jokic. Doncic's trick shots, from behind the backboard, and a half-court bounce, among others, have reached hundreds of thousands of views online. “Doncic for MVP” has become a universal chant with every incredible video released and time will only tell whether the Dallas Mavericks, currently holding 5th seed in the Western Conference, will be able to beat the odds and win the 2023-24 NBA championship.

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Shai-Gilgeous Alexander

Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, more commonly known as SGA, came into the league in 2018 with the Clippers and was traded to the OKC Thunder. Currently standing at 3rd in points made per game behind Luka Doncic and Giannis Antentokuompo, and first in steals per game, Shai is playing an outstanding season.

Voted as a starter in the All-Star game above Stephen Curry, Shai leads the OKC Thunder to the third seed as the three teams, the Thunder, the Timberwolves, and the Nuggets, fiercely compete for the first seed. With seven-foot Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and Josh Giddey surrounding him, Shai is guaranteed a spectacular playoff run.

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Stephen Curry

Although the Warriors are currently holding the ninth seed at 45-35, Stephen Curry's magical plays allow them to stay afloat in the most crucial games to stay in the play-in. With players such as Trayce Jackson-Davis, or TJD, and Draymond Green holding the backcourt, Jonathan Kuminga, and Klay Thompson attacking on the other side, the Warriors may not have the greatest odds at winning the championship.

However, like in the 2022 Finals, playoff Warriors play a different game and no one should count them out too early. Despite their lack of consistency, the Warriors have won nine of their past ten games, and time will tell whether the Warriors will turn into the strong competitor for the championship as they have been for the past decade.

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Lebron James

Lebron James is still dominating at 39 years old and doesn't show any signs of stopping. Although the Lakers are competing with the Warriors and Kings for 8th and 9th seed, Lebron continually shows his basketball knowledge and sheer athleticism. In a win over the Grizzlies, Lebron scored 37 points, with 9 rebounds and 5 assists.

The oldest player in the league is still one of the top players competing for the championship. He has the most points, most consecutive games scoring, and most minutes played. His records will likely remain untouched for decades and, as the first player in NBA history to make 30,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, and 10,000 assists, his legacy will remain as one of the best, if not the best, player of all time.

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This season has been filled to the brim with incredible players. Jayson Tatum has been having a spectacular season in the Eastern Conference, leading the first seed with extreme dominance. Giannis Antetokuonmpo carries the Bucks at the second seed, trailing behind by five games.

Joel Embiid's powerful playmaking after returning from injury is nothing to dismiss. As the regular season closes and the play-in begins, fighting for their spot in the playoffs, there is little doubt that the competition for the 2023-24 NBA Championship is fierce, and who comes out from the battle victorious is yet to be seen.