Top 10 Western Conference stars in the 25-26 season: Jokic & SGA led, Wenban ranked among the top ten

This may not be fair and a bit abnormal, but it is an indisputable fact - most of the top players in the NBA today play for the Western Conference team, and their reputation has mostly been established in the Western Conference. The West of the League is full of stars, gathering many award winners, data kings, champion players, quasi-Hall of Famers and great players at the historical level. One number is enough to illustrate the problem: 13 of the nearly 16 MVP trophys were won by players currently playing in the West.

What's more, the West not only has the talented rising star Victor Vinbanyama, but also LeBron James, Stephen Curry, James Harden, and many veterans who have been fighting in the league for nearly 20 years, which also makes ranking in the West particularly difficult.

After expressing respect to James Harden of the Clippers, Jaylen Williams of the Thunder, Jay Morant of the Grizzlies and Devin Booker of the Suns, let's take a look at the top ten Western Conference stars in the 25-26 season included on the NBA's official website:

1. Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets)

Jokic is not only one of the strongest players in the league today, but also writing his own historical career chapter. Since 2021, he has won the MVP three times and ranked second in the two years without awards.

What's more interesting is that even Jokic himself believes that missing MVP's 2024-25 season may be the best performance in his career. The stable triple-double output and the ability to carry the team forward have allowed him to continue to hold the throne of the league's number one player without dispute.

2. Shea Gilgers Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)

Alexander was almost impeccable last season - scoring champion, All-Star starter, All-Squad first team, regular season MVP, Western Conference Finals MVP, championship and finals MVP - he won all these awards.

Alexander is now invincible in the NBA arena, and at the peak he seems to have room for improvement. Even if his achievements are reduced next season, Alexander will still be one of the most dominant players in the West, after all, he is now unable to surpass himself last season.

3. Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves)

Edwards' performance and self-confidence have risen together, which is part of his growth as a superstar. Last season, Edwards made significant improvements in three-point shooting and shooting percentage, which proves that he is constantly evolving and willing to take on leadership responsibilities.

The only thing Edwards lacks is experience in the finals, but he led the team to the Western Conference Finals for two consecutive years and has already made steady progress towards the championship.

4. Luca Doncic (Los Angeles Lakers)

Shocked the league's trading and the adaptation of the new system, which caused Doncic to encounter some minor twists and turns. At the same time, the record of being selected for the best team for five consecutive years was also interrupted (not enough appearances). Even so, Doncic is still one of the most influential triple-double makers in the league, with super ability to drive the team and take over the game.

Before the start of the preseason, Doncic's physical condition will attract much attention, after all, he has received a lot of criticism from the outside world before. If he can really "slim down" successfully, his performance on the defensive end may bring significant improvements.

5. Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)

Although he averaged a record low in the past decade (24.7 points) and his three-point shooting percentage fell to the second lowest in his career (39.7%), Curry is still one of the top scorers in the league and his efficiency is impressive.

It is undeniable that Curry's decline in form, who is nearly forty years old, may happen next season. But until then, he was still an existence in the league who could instantly change the game situation.

6. Anthony Davis (Dallas Mavericks)

Thick eyebrows can never avoid the word "health". Even after his debut as a Maverick, he was injured and left the field, failing to get rid of the label of "Glass Man" that he had accompanied him for many years.

But as long as you stay healthy, Davis is still one of the best offensive and defensive players in the league. His shooting and low-post offense can attract double-teams, and his rebounding and blocking abilities are unmatched. But the problem is that Than Brow's "glass man" attribute has always put his team in trouble.

7. Kevin Durant (Houston Rockets)

Durant, who is nearly 40 years old, can still score on anyone's head, or easily score 30 or even 40 points on any night. His scoring ability at mid-range, ball-holding offense and outside the three-point line is still the top level in the league.

Durant's defense, rebounds and assists are not impressive, but he is already commendable for his age. Like him, James and Curry are also fighting against the "Old Man of Time", who are both continuing to break the curse of age with high-level performance.

8. Kawhi Leonard (Los Angeles Clippers)

Like Davis, Leonard's evaluation must always be added with "the premise is health". But as long as he can play for about 35 minutes, the trend of the game will often change.

Efficient shooting (up to 41% from three-point shooting in the past three seasons), solid one-on-one offense and defensive ability, Leonard is still the top player in the league at the age of 34. He has won the title of Defensive Player of the Year twice. Although it may be difficult for him to be selected again due to the 65-game award selection criteria, his name is well deserved to be on the Top Ten Stars list.

9. LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)

In NBA history, James is the only player who can still maintain the top level after playing for twenty years. Although he is no longer in his peak period, his condition has declined very limitedly and is mainly on the defensive end.

James can still fill the data bar, hit key balls, and connect teammates, relying on his long-standing self-discipline and professional qualities. Even though he is over forty years old, it is still hard to imagine that he is suddenly "beaten by time" and think that he can compete in the NBA for several years.

10. Victor Vinbanyama (San Antonio Spurs)

As the "next generation facade" of the NBA, Vinban is a rare existence with a height of 7-foot-3 and an outstanding defender skill. Almost as soon as he stepped into the league, he showed elite defensive ability. As long as attendance is maintained, the Wenban is expected to compete for the Best Defensive Player of the Year Award for a long time in the future.

Although he is not the leader of the league now, he doesn't need to rush to take over the banner, because even if he only maintains his current level, Wenban is already an All-Star player.