My Top Ten Franchise Player Rankings
Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2024 11:36 am
1. Giannis
2. Jokic
3. Embiid
4. Luka
5. Lebron
6. Tatum
7. Curry
8. Durant
9. Shai Gilgeous Alexander
10. Victor Wembanyama
Now obviously this list will change as time passes but right now - this is my list of top ten franchise players currenly. These are guys - because of their combination of age, skills, size, potential, and accomplishments - I would most likely build my team around. It doesn't mean they aren't other players more talented and or more deserving to be a franchise player -but being the face has a lot of things that go into it.
Obvious Giannis is #1. He's skinny Majin Buu (dragon ball z reference) and just is a force on both sides of the court. His athleticism gives him versatility like no other. Jokic is just a very talent basketball player and could easily be #1. A very skilled big man who plays the right way. Isn't as good a defender as Giannis but isn't a slouch either. When Embiid is healthy - his strength and touch is unmatched. With the right supporting cast and injury free - he's a force to be reckon with. Luka for guys 6'6+ is probably the most skilled offensive player in the league. The patience, the passing, the step back, and his ability to get the shot he wants is overall the best in the game right now. His defense is steadily getting better. His leadership and will to win still needs to take that next step- if he wants to be the best - he has to take the crown, it wont be given. Lebron at his age (posting the numbers that he does) speaks volumes. People forget he was just in the WCF last year. He was 1 series away from another finals appearance at age 38. Tatum isn't as offensively refined but at 6'9 he can put the ball in the basket. He also competes on the other end. He doesn't have the extensive offensive skill set as a Luka nor has he shown the type of leadership as a Lebron but on potential and scoring ability he has to be up there. Curry is obvious older but he's still producing at a high level. His style of play (ala Reggie miller) still allows for him to be the system. Just doesn't have the pieces around him late in his career. Durant still putting up great numbers late in his career. Quietly avg 27ppg while shooting 53% from the 2 and 42% from the 3. He doesn't have the quickness like he use to as he ages but if you put the right pieces - he is still a top guy imo. I'm not super big on Shia (too may touch calls) but you cannot deny his success in OKC. At his size (6-6'6'7) ,age (25), and skillset - you have to give him credit and put him on this list. Also he does it quietly, you do not hear anything out of him negative. Lastly, Victor is the face of the Spurs and may be the face of the league 5 years from now. Based on his age, skillset, and potential - the sky's the limit.
There were other guys who could have made this list...Anthony Edwards...A. Davis...Brunson..but for one reason or another I just think they weren't ready to be the franchise guy or maybe they lacked something...in Brunson's case or Young's - the ability to maintain a certain level of play at that size. A.Davis obviously the injuries and inconsistent play b/c of it. Edwards is a very good player but not quite in a leadership role and hasn't established himself as the face of a franchise just yet. Obviously guys like Fox and Halliburton are guys who will be considered one day but I just don't think they have reached that level of consistency yet....All the guys on my list have got or are currently getting legit MVP consideration.
2. Jokic
3. Embiid
4. Luka
5. Lebron
6. Tatum
7. Curry
8. Durant
9. Shai Gilgeous Alexander
10. Victor Wembanyama
Now obviously this list will change as time passes but right now - this is my list of top ten franchise players currenly. These are guys - because of their combination of age, skills, size, potential, and accomplishments - I would most likely build my team around. It doesn't mean they aren't other players more talented and or more deserving to be a franchise player -but being the face has a lot of things that go into it.
Obvious Giannis is #1. He's skinny Majin Buu (dragon ball z reference) and just is a force on both sides of the court. His athleticism gives him versatility like no other. Jokic is just a very talent basketball player and could easily be #1. A very skilled big man who plays the right way. Isn't as good a defender as Giannis but isn't a slouch either. When Embiid is healthy - his strength and touch is unmatched. With the right supporting cast and injury free - he's a force to be reckon with. Luka for guys 6'6+ is probably the most skilled offensive player in the league. The patience, the passing, the step back, and his ability to get the shot he wants is overall the best in the game right now. His defense is steadily getting better. His leadership and will to win still needs to take that next step- if he wants to be the best - he has to take the crown, it wont be given. Lebron at his age (posting the numbers that he does) speaks volumes. People forget he was just in the WCF last year. He was 1 series away from another finals appearance at age 38. Tatum isn't as offensively refined but at 6'9 he can put the ball in the basket. He also competes on the other end. He doesn't have the extensive offensive skill set as a Luka nor has he shown the type of leadership as a Lebron but on potential and scoring ability he has to be up there. Curry is obvious older but he's still producing at a high level. His style of play (ala Reggie miller) still allows for him to be the system. Just doesn't have the pieces around him late in his career. Durant still putting up great numbers late in his career. Quietly avg 27ppg while shooting 53% from the 2 and 42% from the 3. He doesn't have the quickness like he use to as he ages but if you put the right pieces - he is still a top guy imo. I'm not super big on Shia (too may touch calls) but you cannot deny his success in OKC. At his size (6-6'6'7) ,age (25), and skillset - you have to give him credit and put him on this list. Also he does it quietly, you do not hear anything out of him negative. Lastly, Victor is the face of the Spurs and may be the face of the league 5 years from now. Based on his age, skillset, and potential - the sky's the limit.
There were other guys who could have made this list...Anthony Edwards...A. Davis...Brunson..but for one reason or another I just think they weren't ready to be the franchise guy or maybe they lacked something...in Brunson's case or Young's - the ability to maintain a certain level of play at that size. A.Davis obviously the injuries and inconsistent play b/c of it. Edwards is a very good player but not quite in a leadership role and hasn't established himself as the face of a franchise just yet. Obviously guys like Fox and Halliburton are guys who will be considered one day but I just don't think they have reached that level of consistency yet....All the guys on my list have got or are currently getting legit MVP consideration.