Anthony Edwards receives the ultimate praise in recent player rankings

Shaun Powell of NBA.com has released his ranking of the top 10 players in the NBA's Western Conference, sparking notable discussion. Nikola Jokić leads as the undisputed top player, followed by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in second place. Powell's list places Anthony Edwards at third, ahead of Luka Dončić in fourth and Stephen Curry in fifth. The remainder of the top 10 includes Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, LeBron James, and Victor Wembanyama.

Edwards' placement above Dončić surprises many, particularly given Dončić's established reputation as a transcendent player. Despite missing All-NBA honors last season due to games played, Dončić boasts five consecutive First Team selections prior, a scoring title, four top-six MVP finishes, and a 2024 Finals appearance. His recent high-profile body transformation further fueled expectations for an elevated performance.

Edwards, while accumulating fewer individual accolades than Dončić (two All-NBA Second Team nods, two seventh-place MVP finishes), led the Timberwolves to a decisive five-game victory over Dončić's team in the opening round of the 2023 playoffs. This head-to-head outcome, where Dončić averaged 30.2 points but recorded 20 turnovers versus 29 assists, appears influential in Powell's ranking. However, Dončić's Mavericks later defeated Edwards' Timberwolves in the 2024 conference finals, with Dončić outperforming Edwards in that series.

The ranking raises questions given Dončić's sustained elite performance and his prime age (26), compared to the 24-year-old Edwards who is still improving. Powell's decision seemingly weighs the recent playoff result and Edwards' trajectory more heavily than Dončić's longer track record.

The debate is expected to be revisited after the upcoming season, evaluating Dončić's first full campaign with his new team and Edwards' ability to lead the Timberwolves deep into the playoffs again.