The NBA season has officially kicked off, but not without stirring the pot. In a bold move, the TNT “Inside the NBA” team has released its player rankings, sending shockwaves through the basketball community. Most notably, Kenny Smith’s jaw-dropping placement of Luka Doncic has left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads.
LeBron Over Doncic? Kenny Smith’s Outrageous Player Rankings Stun Fans!
Traditionally, Doncic has reigned near the top in player rankings, often clinching a spot in the top two or three. However, in this latest ranking by Bleacher Report, he shockingly landed at sixth place, trailing behind stars like LeBron James and Joel Embiid. While Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal placed him higher—second and third, respectively—Smith’s controversial ranking raises eyebrows.
One can’t help but wonder, is Kenny Smith out of touch? With LeBron entering his 22nd season, it’s hard to imagine he could still hold the title of the second-best player at his age. Meanwhile, Embiid has openly acknowledged his limitations in playing back-to-back games, which could hurt his chances for accolades this season.
Interestingly, Andy Bailey from Bleacher Report noted, “We might be getting numb to the outrageous production of Luka Doncic.” In a different era, Doncic would be a no-brainer for the top spot, yet he finds himself in a league with legends like Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo, both of whom are at the peak of their powers.
Entering the season, Doncic is the favorite to win the MVP title, buoyed by his stellar performance last season and an impressive playoff run. Can you believe it? Despite the low ranking, he’s expected to light up the court once again.
But let’s not overlook Kyrie Irving, Doncic’s teammate on the Dallas Mavericks. Ranked 18th overall, his placement also drew scrutiny—particularly from Smith, who surprisingly put him at 30th. This stark contrast underscores the divisive nature of these rankings.
In conclusion, as the NBA season unfolds, fans will undoubtedly keep a close eye on how these rankings shake out. Will Kenny Smith’s bold claims come back to haunt him, or will they stand the test of time? Only time will tell. But for now, one thing is clear: the debate over player rankings is far from over.
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