Top 5 Forwards Pre-All-Star Break

As I am writing this article with a heavy heart, I am filled with many conflicted emotions because the basketball community & humanity lost a legend in Kobe Bryant. I just want to say thank you for everything you did for the game of basketball and for the impact you made in society as well. As we have reached the midway point of the season. It’s becoming clearer in which players are starting to separate themselves. As I did with my top five guards, I decided to combine & rank the best overall seasons for all forwards. Here are the five best forwards pre-all-star break.

5. Pascal Siakam

Has anyone ever won back-to-back Most Improved Player of the Year Awards? If not, Pascal Siakam is in the conversation to win again. Pascal Siakam evolution has been fascinating to watch. From the moment he entered the league to where he is at now, he’s a completely different player. With Kawhi Leonard’s departure, Siakam is proving to be a very solid number one option and one of the best forwards in the league. Siakam has been named an All-Star starter and currently has the Toronto Raptors as a number two seed at 32-14. Many people, including myself did not expect the Toronto to be a top two seed in East at this point of the season. A large part of that is due to Siakam ascension and the team’s championship experience and swagger. Siakam continues to get better every year, as he is averaging career highs of 23.8 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 3.5 APG.

4. Jimmy Butler

The leadership that Jimmy Butler has displayed this season for the Miami Heat has been among the league's best. It finally looks like Jimmy Butler has found the perfect place for himself. The toughness & the winning mentality he has brought to Miami, has certainly benefitted his teammates & the entire organization. The Miami Heat are currently 31-14 which is third in the East and only a half a game behind second. Due to Miami’s current success, there’s no doubt that Jimmy Butler was snubbed out of being an all-star starter. Jimmy continues to show that he’s one of the most competitive players in the league and he’s also a huge reason as to why Miami are one of the most interesting teams & are having a lot of success so far this season. Jimmy Butler is averaging 20.3 PPG, 7 RPG, 6.5 APG, and 1.8 steals per game.

3. Kawhi Leonard

After leading the Toronto Raptors to a championship last season. Kawhi Leonard has continued his high level of play, by putting up career numbers so far this season. Kawhi is still on his (load management) plan, which he is receiving quite a bit of criticism for it, but people have to accept the fact that Kawhi legitimately has (knee) issues. This will most likely be the norm for the rest of his career and people have to realize that the players safety & health are most important. Kawhi Leonard is currently playing the best basketball of his career at the moment, as he is on his longest scoring streak of his career of scoring 30 + in eight straight games while being efficient. Meanwhile, the Clippers have been putting out a lot of inconsistent starting lineups due to them not being fully healthy. Still, Kawhi currently has the Clippers tied for second in the West. Kawhi is averaging 27.4 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 5.2 APG, and 2 steals a game, while being top five in PER (Player Efficiency Rating).

2. LeBron James

The things that LeBron is doing in year seventeen is just simply incredible. It’s unprecedented to continue to see LeBron play at such a high level for this extended period of time. LeBron and the Lakers, currently has the best record in the West at 36-10. The most impressive feat to me so far this season, is the fact that he’s leading the league in assists which shows how great his playmaking has been. LeBron is showcasing that he’s still the best floor general in the NBA and he also looks as rejuvenated as ever on defense. It’s fascinating to continue to watch LeBron “greatness”, as he continues to rack up accolades & make his markings in NBA history. LeBron is averaging 25.3 PPG, (a career-high) 10.7 APG, 7.7 RPG, and 1.3 steals per game.

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo

What more can I say about Giannis, he has been the best player for the best team in the NBA and has been unbelievably good on both ends of the floor so far this season. Once again, Giannis and the Milwaukee Bucks currently has the best record in the NBA at 40-6, and that will continue to happen if he continues his high level of play. Giannis continues to elevate his game as he is beginning to extend his range from three which is scary for the rest of the NBA. Giannis does it all on the floor, with his ability to score, put pressure on the entire defense, facilitate, rebound & effectively push the ball up the court, and defend any position on the court. It’s truly a joy to watch as he is the main reason as to why Milwaukee generates so many open shots. Giannis, in my opinion, is the current front-runner for MVP and is likely to win back-to-back MVPs. Giannis is averaging 30 PPG, 12.9 RPG, 5.6 APG, and over a steal & block a game. Giannis has been extremely efficient from the field, shooting an impressive 55.4%.