If you’re new to the world of basketball, you must know what the NBA is and then follow up. It is the best way to know about the game because they’ve shaped it to be what it is today. The NBA is a basketball league in North America that comprises of 30 teams. 29 teams are from the US, while one from Canada.
NBA was founded in New York City in 1946 and was originally known as the Basketball Association of America (BAA). The name of National Basketball Association took over in 1949 after they merged with National Basketball League. The league has several national and international offices that are headquartered at the Olympic Tower in Midtown Manhattan. Channels of NBA TV and NBA Entertainment are directed out of offices in New Jersey.
Being an active member of USA Basketball, the NBA is the national governing body for this game in the US. The basketball league is one of the major sports played in the US and Canada. Their players are the world’s highest-paid athletes and the competition is really tough. Here, we will discuss the top 5 game changers of NBA 2019 and how they’ve made a mark till now.
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Highest ranked players so far at NBA
The following gives you an insight onto the highest ranked players at the NBA 2019 and how they left their imprints:
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Many people thought that Giannis was a dark-horse contender for MVP in the preseason. But most of us were left in awe to see how he changed the game. He is by far the best player on the Milwaukee Bucks and has obtained NBA’s current best record with 53-18.
It is hard for any player to turn out to be an all-rounder the way Giannis has been in this season. His average is phenomenal at 27.5 points with 12.7 rebounds and 6 assists per game. His efficiency has been incredible and impressed people globally. Giannis has an amazing frame and with that athleticism is making him shoot 58% from the field and also helps him get to the rim with finesse.
Giannis is known to be a great defensive player and is averaging 1.4 blocks with 1.3 steals per game. This again shows that his versatility has no end and he knows his game too well. If he maintains the fantastic stats the rest of the team gets complete support.
2. James Harden
James Harden took away the MVP award last season but you don’t expect him to take it easy in this season, do you? After the heartbreaking loss at Game 7 things seem to have changed with James.
Harden has come to be better and stronger in this NBA season. His aggression has offered an average of 35.8 points and 7.7 assists per contest. The player also manages to haul an impressive 6.4 rebounds with every game.
Even with the absence of Clint Capela and Chris Paul, he could smoothly carry his side. The Rockets seem to get to the top 3 seeding out West – thanks to Harden! His defense has improved with an average of 2.2 steals – he follows Rocket’s traditional scheme on this one.
3. Paul George
Paul’s contribution to Oklahoma City Thunder has taken their game to the next level in this season. He is having the best season of his career and is putting up an amazing all-around show. Paul scored the ball smoothly all through the season and averaged a comfortable career-high with 28.3 points per game. He has also seen a hike in rebounds at 8.2 and assists at 4.2
The offensive excellence delivered by Paul is an added advantage and has become the best Defensive Player of the Year. With an average of 2.2 steals per play, he is leading the team to offer the best defense. PG13 is MVP’s favorite in almost every season but his breathtaking performance this season has outdone everything else.
4. Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi was almost entirely out of the previous season due to his injury and that is why no one knew how he’d perform now. He was traded to Toronto Raptors during the off-season and their selection turned out to a grand success.
Kawhi has played exceptionally well in this season and pushed the Raptors to the 2nd position in the East. With an average of 27.1 points and 7.4 rebounds, there is seriously no stopping for this man.
Leonard is another player who knows his offensive game and also dynamic on the defensive end. He has already been tagged with the title of Defensive Player of the Year award once and is famous to lock up his opponent at wing threat.
Kawhi has already won the NBA Title and Finals MVP before. If he can avoid his injury, Toronto can be a threat to other teams just because of him.
5. Kevin Durant
Durant has received a lot of flak from the NBA media but has played amazingly well this season. He is recognized because of his consistency and has proved himself again for Golden State Warriors. If they had got chances of winning the West in NBA season, it would be because of him.
Kevin’s stat line remarkably rounded with an average of 27.2 points with 6.6 rebounds. With assists numbering to 5.7, this has been the best in his career so far. His willingness to pass the ball also shows how loyal he is as a squad player.
In terms of efficiency, he has done the best towards shooting with an average of over 51% from the field and 88% from free throw line. Kevin is also great at defending and his average is over 1 block and right under 1 steal per game.
Kevin has a pivotal role in one of the best team’s sides and he has lived up to their expectation. If Golden State wins the title this year, Kevin will definitely have done a lot to contribute to that.
Conclusion
How things are going to change for NBA 2019 cannot be predicted but the players are definitely moving towards a brighter future. Stay hooked to your television screens to catch the next game and maybe, we will have some more people to write about next time!
