Tracy McGrady Picks His Top 5 Players In The NBA Right Now; Excludes Giannis And LeBron

Among McGrady's top five players is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the dynamic guard known for his versatility and scoring ability. Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged as a rising star in the league, showcasing his skills as a playmaker and perimeter scorer. 

His inclusion on McGrady's list highlights his growing reputation and impact on the game. He is one of the leading MVP candidates, averaging 31.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 6.5 assists while shooting 54.6% from the field and 38.3% from 3-point range for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Another player on McGrady's list is Luka Doncic, the young phenom from Slovenia who has taken the league by storm since entering the NBA. Doncic's combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ has made him one of the most dominant players in the league. 

McGrady recognizes Doncic's immense talent and influence on the court, solidifying his place among the top players in the NBA. Luka is having his best year to date, averaging 34.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 9.8 assists while shooting 49.6% from the field and 37.8% from 3-point range for the Dallas Mavericks. 

Nikola Jokic, the reigning Finals MVP and arguably the best player in the league, also finds himself on McGrady's list. Jokic's unique skill set as a big man, including his exceptional passing ability and scoring prowess, has revolutionized the center position. 

McGrady's acknowledgment of Jokic's impact underscores his status as one of the premier players in the NBA. The Joker is having another great MVP-type year, averaging 25.9 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 9.2 assists while shooting 57.9% from the field and 35.0% from 3-point range for the Denver Nuggets. 

Jayson Tatum, the standout forward for the Boston Celtics, earns a spot on McGrady's list for his scoring prowess and versatility on both ends of the floor. Tatum's ability to create his shot and excel in clutch moments has made him a vital player for his team and a formidable opponent for any defense. Tatum is having another great year averaging 27.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists while shooting 47.7% from the field and 37.2% from 3-point range.

Finally, Kevin Durant rounds out McGrady's top five players. As one of the most gifted scorers in NBA history, Durant's offensive arsenal and ability to take over games make him a perennial MVP candidate. Durant is averaging 27.9 points, 67 rebounds, and 5.5 assists while shooting 52.4% from the field and 42.0 % from 3-point range for the Phoenix Suns. McGrady's recognition of Durant's talent reaffirms his status as one of the league's elite players, even as he continues to defy expectations year after year. 

Tracy McGrady Explains Why He Excluded Giannis Antetokounmpo 

Tracy McGrady's decision to exclude Giannis Antetokounmpo from his top five current NBA players list sparked considerable debate among fans and followers. While many expected Giannis, a two-time MVP and reigning Defensive Player of the Year, to feature prominently on such a list, McGrady offered a surprising explanation for his omission.

McGrady pointed out that for Giannis to earn a spot on his list, the Milwaukee Bucks would need to navigate past Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics, a feat McGrady doesn't believe will happen. By emphasizing the challenge posed by Tatum and the Celtics, McGrady implied skepticism about the Bucks' ability to overcome this formidable obstacle in the playoffs.

The rationale behind McGrady's assertion likely stems from his assessment of Tatum's impact and the Celtics' playoff potential. McGrady views Tatum as a key factor in determining which team emerges as the Eastern Conference representative in the NBA Finals. He referenced the Celtics' success in defeating the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals last season, highlighting Tatum's instrumental role in that victory.

McGrady's comments reflect his belief that Tatum's prowess and the Celtics' performance in the playoffs could overshadow Giannis and the Bucks' achievements. Despite Giannis's impressive accolades, including his MVP awards and defensive prowess, McGrady suggests that the Bucks' playoff success ultimately hinges on their ability to overcome formidable opponents like the Celtics.

In response to a follower citing Giannis's Defensive Player of the Year award and NBA championship ring, McGrady offered a comparison to Draymond Green, known for his defensive prowess and multiple championship rings. By posing the question of whether Green's accomplishments automatically make him better, McGrady indirectly challenges the notion that individual accolades alone determine a player's superiority.

The Giannis Antetokounmpo Hate Is Getting Out Of Hand

The criticism directed at Giannis Antetokounmpo has reached an unreasonable level considering his extraordinary performance on the court. With averages of 30.8 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game, along with shooting an impressive 61.9% from the field, Giannis's statistical dominance is undeniable.

In fact, only two players in the entire NBA are currently averaging over 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists per game: Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Furthermore, Giannis's scoring efficiency is remarkable, shooting over 60% from the field and averaging over 30 points, despite his limited success from beyond the arc.

Giannis's exceptional numbers place him firmly among the elite players in the league, if not at the very top. Many basketball enthusiasts consider him the best player in the NBA due to his incredible all-around skill set and impact on the game.

The backlash against Giannis appears to stem largely from the Milwaukee Bucks' disappointing playoff exit last season. Despite being the top seed, the Bucks were eliminated in the first round, with Giannis missing two games due to injury. However, attributing the team's failure solely to Giannis is unjustified, as injuries are an unavoidable aspect of sports, and no single player can guarantee postseason success.

It's evident that the criticism directed at Giannis for the Bucks' playoff shortcomings is unjust and disproportionate to his contributions. While Tracy McGrady's exclusion of Giannis from his top five players list may have sparked controversy, it's clear that Giannis's on-court performance warrants recognition among the NBA's elite.

Ultimately, Giannis's talent, work ethic, and impact on the game deserve appreciation and respect, rather than unwarranted scrutiny and criticism.