Stephen A. Smith Named the 5 Best NBA Players Right Now

Stephen A. Smith has long been one of the most recognisable faces on American sports television, providing entertainment and analysis in equal measure with his takes on the NBA.

The well-known sports analyst has never shied away from voicing his opinion, no matter how controversial they are, including revealing his top five greatest NBA players of all-time.

Speaking on ESPN’s First Take Show, Smith delivered his rankings of the five best basketball players in the world right now, and it’s fair to say he left out some big names in the process. The likes of Kevin Durant and Luka Doncic are among the players who Smith rather controversially snubbed, so find out below just who makes his top five list.

5

Steph Curry

The man who has arguably revolutionised basketball more than anyone in the 21st century, Steph Curry’s remarkable shooting touch has made him every NBA prospect’s dream to imitate, but one that has been impossible to replicate. The Golden State Warriors star has been lighting it up from three-point range for many a year now, and even to this day, looks like he will not slow down.

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Having already won championships, MVPs and scoring titles, there is not much left for Curry to really achieve in the game before he retires. Fellow Splash Brother Klay Thompson has already left, while the Warriors front office have tried their best to retool the roster to get Curry one last hurrah.

4

LeBron James

One of the greatest basketball players of all-time, LeBron James remains a near-unstoppable force in the NBA right now. Capable of still delivering athletic dunks and highlight reel plays, the Los Angeles Lakers star has developed his game in recent years to ensure he can still cut it at the highest level.

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Now a gifted passer and more cerebral shooter, James is still continuing to make shock waves in the NBA despite his age. Having already got the chance to play with his son Bronny James, it remains to be seen when the King announces his retirement from the game. When that day does eventually come, basketball fans will miss his talents dearly.

3

Giannis Antetokounmpo

A two-way force of nature, Giannis Antetokounmpo remains one of the most devastating players in the NBA today. An athletic specimen, ‘The Greek Freak’ continues to defy logic with his insane speed and power, and can dominate most players without even breaking a sweat.

But following Damian Lillard’s injury and the Milwaukee Bucks’ subsequent decision to move on from him, Antetokounmpo will be desperately wanting the front office to make some significant moves if they can to maximise his own championship window. It has perhaps been to his misfortune that he has played in the era of Nikola Jokic, or else the Greek star would surely have picked up more MVP awards by now given the kind of production he has been delivering year-in and year-out.

2

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The reigning MVP after an incredible season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, it is surprising to think Stephen A. Smith doesn’t have Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the best basketball player in the world right now. SGA not only dominated the regular season, but he also turned up in the clutch during the post-season too, earning Finals MVP honours in a thrilling seven-game series against the Indiana Pacers.

Despite his extraordinary personal and team success, there are some NBA fans who think Gilgeous-Alexander benefits from refereeing calls sending him to the line on a frequent level. While those 50/50 decisions do seem to be going in the point guard’s favour, there’s no questioning that he still remains an elite player at this level.

1

Nikola Jokic

If it wasn’t for some voter fatigue, Nikola Jokic may well have been looking at another MVP award to his name at the end of the 2024/2025 season. Not discounting the success of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s season, but Jokic’s performances for the Denver Nuggets were near historic once again, and he continues to blaze a trail for how centers play the game.

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By far and away the best passing big man the game has ever seen, Jokic’s efficiency and control from the post makes him a teammate and coach’s dream, and as long as he is in a Nuggets uniform, you can bet that they will always remain in contention for a title.