NBA Top 10 players ranked: Wembanyama rising, Doncic sliding

The NBA is absolutely loaded with talent.

The Top 10 players on this list are dynamic and impactful, and they encompass everything from young risers like Victor Wembanyama and Cade Cunningham, to old heads like Stephen Curry and Kawhi Leonard, and everyone in between.

The competition at the top and bottom of this list was fierce, and players like Jalen Brunson didn't even make the cut. Where did everyone land? And who could move up or down by this time next year?

Point guards l Shooting guards l Small forwards l Power forwards l Centers l 25-11 Overall

No. 10: Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

Before tearing his Achilles, Jayson Tatum was in the mix at No. 5. The player who returned late last season was more the 30th-best player in the NBA than the 5th. This rank is a bit of a hedge until we see how Tatum looks. His shooting, scoring, playmaking, rebounding and defense are all high enough at a premium position that a return to form will push him back to his former height among the league's best.

No. 9: Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons

We knew Cade Cunningham could defend at a high level and both shoot and pass on offense; we learned just how much he can do with the ball in his hands at all times this past season, and he ascended into clear Top-10 status on a 60-win team.

No. 8: Kawhi Leonard, Toronto Raptors

When he was healthy and on the court, Kawhi Leonard was one of the league's best players last season. He can get his shot off against anyone, still defends at a high level, and his all-around game remains underrated despite how long he has been a star. Returning to a Toronto team that successfully kept him healthy and fresh en route to the 2019 title should only help Leonard stay on the court.

No. 7: Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

Another aging player who is dealing with injuries, Stephen Curry remains a game-changing offensive player due to his shooting and gravity. Defenses tie themselves in knots trying to keep him from scoring, and they still fail miserably as he launches a 35-footer over their spinning heads. He is strong, savvy, has amazing touch and the shooting will never go away. A difficult season, due to injury ot decline, could see Curry plummet. For now, he is still wildly valuable.

No. 6: Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers

Luka Doncic slides down this list a few spots from where most would rank him, placing him just outside of the Top 5. It is true that his deliberate offensive attack is nearly impossible to stop, and he can either unleash the stepback, shoulder his way into the paint, or fire a pinpoint pass to an open teammate. With that being said, he does a lot of the little things poorly, and that holds him back compared to the very best of the best.

No. 5: Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves

Anthony Edwards looks the part of an NBA superstar, the charismatic guard who can leap out of the gym. It's even better that he has played the part, scoring in bunches, improving as a shooter, and utilizing his strength and athleticism on defense. There is a reason the Timberwolves have won 5 series in the past three seasons, mostly as underdogs, and it's Anthony Edwards.

No. 4: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Miami Heat

As noted in the power forwards ranking, Giannis Antetokounmpo is the player in the Top 10 most likely to move down this next year as age eats away at his impact. When on the court last season, however, he continued to dominate in the paint, and putting the ball in his hands usually produces good outcomes. His defense is now good, not great, but he has added to his offensive game each year.

No. 3: Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

Many are ready to rank Victor Wembanyama first overall, and with good reason. He is the league's best defender, walling off the paint and even terrorizing 3-point shooters with his closeout speed and length. On offense, he is a work in progress, but like when the Mona Lisa was in progress -- a masterpiece is being painted before our eyes. He shoots, handles, passes and rebounds on top of excellent finishing touch. In a couple of years, he may be challenging for GOAT status.

No. 2: Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets

Nikola Jokic did not have his best year last season, and he was still the best offensive player in basketball, putting up stat lines that would make a 2000s NBA fan blush. He sees the entire court in his mind and is able to make pinpoint passes or subtle movements to open up seams in the defense. When he does shoot, the ball goes in at historic rates from every area of the court.

No. 1: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

The rightful MVP winner, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a metronome on offense, steadily dribbling and pulling up to slay defenses on a nightly basis. That gravity allows his teammates to get open for shots as well. Defensively, SGA is a ballhawk generating steals and holds up 1-on-1, allowing him to play heavy minutes for the league's top defense. Wembanyama will have to work hard to pry the top spot away from him.