The Best NBA Players of the Last 5 Years

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is home to some of the most talented players in the world. Over the past five years, several players have risen to prominence, showcasing not only their individual skills but also their ability to lead their teams to success. This article aims to identify the top players based on their performance and achievements from 2017 to 2022, highlighting their unique contributions and their paths to stardom.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo is often highlighted as one of the best players of the last five years due to his remarkable performances and individual accolades. He won the NBA MVP award in 2019 and 2020, which speaks volumes about his versatility and impact on the game. After winning these awards, he led his team, the Milwaukee Bucks, to an NBA Championship in 2021, earning the Finals MVP honor. These achievements solidify his status as one of the top players in the league.

Nikola Joki?

Nikola Joki?, the center of the Denver Nuggets, has also proven to be a dominant force in the league. He won the MVP award in 2021 and 2022, which is a testament to his unique skill set and exceptional playmaking ability. Joki? is known for his excellent passing and shooting, making him a valuable asset on both ends of the court.

Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry, the guard for the Golden State Warriors, remains a dominant force in the NBA. He won the championship in 2022 and was named Finals MVP for the first time in his career. Curry's ability to score from beyond the arc has made him a terror for opposing defenses, and his leadership has been crucial in helping his team achieve success.

Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant has been one of the most prolific scorers in the league despite facing a series of injuries in recent seasons. When he is healthy, Durant proves to be an impactful player, capable of scoring in a variety of ways and providing crucial support to his team.

Luka Don?i?

Luka Don?i? has rapidly emerged as a superstar. Despite his young age, Don?i? consistently puts up impressive stats, and his clutch performances have made him one of the most exciting players in the league. He has shown remarkable potential and will likely continue to dominate the NBA in the years to come.

Scoring Analysis

Based on the NBA MVP rankings from 2017 to 2022, the top players can be evaluated based on their cumulative points. Here is a breakdown of the scoring:

Giannis Antetokounmpo - 15 points Nikola Joki? - 12 points James Harden - 12 points LeBron James - 8 points Joel Embiid - 8 points Stephen Curry - 4 points Luka Don?i? - 3 points Paul George - 3 points Anthony Davis - 3 points Devin Booker - 2 points Damian Lillard - 2 points Chris Paul - 1 point Kawhi Leonard - 1 point Russell Westbrook - 1 point Honorable Mention: Kevin Durant

It is noteworthy that while Kevin Durant has not finished in the top 5 of MVP voting in the past five years, his overall impact and consistency have made him a highly respected player in the league. His absence from the top positions indicates the competitive nature of the MVP voting process, where players must continuously perform at a high level to maintain their standing.

Conclusion

The best NBA players over the last five years have demonstrated exceptional skills, leadership, and team success. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Joki?, in particular, stand out for their individual achievements and contributions to their teams. While Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Luka Don?i? are also among the dominant forces in the league, the MVP rankings provide a clear indicator of their performances and accolades.