Sure, here’s your list with varied phrasing:
1. LeBron James
2. Nikola Jokic
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo
4. Steph Curry
5. Luka Doncic
6. Kevin Durant
7. Kawhi Leonard
8. Jayson Tatum
9. Jaylen Brown
10. Donovan Mitchell
11. Jimmy Butler
12. James Harden
Here are some top playoff performers from over the past ten years and further back than that. The roster includes every single one of the most recent NBA Finals MVP winners. These players collectively hold 12 such MVP honors along with numerous All-NBA selections under their belts. Among this group, you'll find both those still competing as well as others who might be relaxing at places like Cancun (similar to how we enjoy Boracay).
Who’s still competing in the playoffs then? If we look at the standout players from the last four teams standing, we have Anthony Edwards from the Minnesota Timberwolves, picked first overall in the 2020 NBA draft. Also in this group is Tyrese Haliburton from the Indiana Pacers, selected twelfth overall in that same draft.
In the memorable 2018 draft, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was selected as the 11th pick, whereas Jalen Brunson followed much later as the 33rd choice. Currently, players entering their seventh year and those in their fifth season are guiding their respective teams toward their inaugural championships (excluding the Knicks, who last achieved this feat over half a century ago).
The point is, the transition of power hasn’t started—it’s already reached its peak.
Quick Turnover
It’s challenging to pinpoint which team ruled the NBA over the last half-decade. Each winner from the 2020s was eliminated surprisingly during the second round of the playoffs the subsequent season.
A side observation noted that experts believed the Boston Celtics were ideally positioned for this breakthrough. They anticipated an easy path through the Eastern Conference with just the Cleveland Cavaliers as potential obstacles. Despite appearing less seasoned during playoff runs when contrasted against the veteran-heavy Boston team, the youthful Cavaliers didn’t get the opportunity to face off against them.
During this period, the NBA saw multiple MVP repeats. While we recognize the standout performers, they didn’t always manage to lead their teams to supremacy. For instance, even theDenver Nuggets, retaining four members of their acclaimed quintet for championships, crumbled the following season.
Now that we understand the situation, what are the factors causing this?
Influx of Talent
The term "generational talent" has turned into a contradiction. It was meant to describe athletes whose skill level appears just once (or very infrequently) per generation.
The differences among "generation-defining talents" have become less pronounced, particularly for those anticipated in the draft. Moving from LeBron James to Kevin Durant and then Anthony Davis represents about five years of spacing between them. Zion Williamson was expected to follow as the next great one.
It’s worth remembering that during the 2007 NBA Draft, the debate between Durant and Greg Oden was extremely intense, as though they were nearly “tied for the No. 1 pick.” However, things did not ultimately turn out that way.
The upcoming generational talent is Victor W embanyama (apologies again, not Anthony Edwards; he wasn’t considered as strong of a top choice compared to the rest). In just the following draft class, Cooper Flagg is now labeled “generational,” which seems to dilute the term’s significance.
There are numerous potential superstar draft picks today, making most draft classes exceptionally thrilling. Additionally, rapid player turnover provides more chances for younger talents to shine. This phenomenon can be attributed to:
Success of Younger Coaches
Maybe not with this particular Final Four as Tom Thibodeau and Rick Carlisle are the eldest coaches around their mid-60s, but currently, we have seen an increase in younger, accomplished coaches compared to what we've had recently. The interim coach taking over for Denver, David Adelman, is just 44 years old. Similarly, Boston’s head coach Joe Mazzulla claimed his maiden championship at only 35 years of age. Furthermore, Oklahoma City's Mark Daigneault is even younger still, being merely 39.
Teams such as the Lakers, Clippers, Grizzlies, Magic, Pistons, and Rockets have coaches who are in their forties or younger. This accounts for over half of the playoff participants.
The blend of vibrant youthful players alongside energetic mentors is reshaping the NBA.
Money Matters
The strict caps, referred to as 'aprons' in the updated salary framework, achieved their aim of enhancing equality within the league. Assembling and maintaining a powerhouse team has grown significantly tougher. Currently, a top player receives between 50 to 60 million USD annually. For franchises to manage their salaries effectively, they require additional members with rookie deals. This shift leads to increased opportunities for newcomers on the court.
An discouraging aspect of this situation is the injuries. Numerous veteran stars are out due to these setbacks, which has opened up opportunities for more youthful players.