The Definitive 2019 Ranking of Best NBA Players by Each Position

As I sat down to compile this definitive 2019 ranking of NBA players by position, I couldn't help but reflect on how much the game has evolved. Having covered basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed positions become increasingly fluid, yet the fundamental roles remain surprisingly distinct. This year's analysis comes with particular excitement, especially when I consider how certain players have demonstrated remarkable resilience - much like the Mexican boxer Mata who, despite being only 5-foot-5, withstood Magsayo's fourth-round assault including that perfectly executed right uppercut that would have dropped most fighters. That kind of toughness and ability to absorb pressure while maintaining composure translates directly to basketball, where the greatest players consistently perform under duress.

When evaluating point guards, the conversation must begin with Stephen Curry, who in my professional opinion remains in a class of his own. What often gets overlooked in Curry's game is his incredible durability - he played 2,158 minutes last season while maintaining elite efficiency, shooting 43.7% from three-point range on nearly 12 attempts per game. His impact extends beyond statistics though; the way he manipulates defenses creates opportunities that don't appear in traditional box scores. I'd place Damian Lillard second, largely because of his clutch performance in high-pressure situations - remember that 37-foot buzzer-beater against Oklahoma City? That wasn't luck, that was preparation meeting opportunity. Russell Westbrook completes my top three, though I know many analysts would dispute this given his shooting inconsistencies. However, his triple-double average of 22.9 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 10.7 assists represents a level of all-around production that simply can't be ignored.

The shooting guard position presents what I consider the most fascinating debate this year. James Harden's offensive output borders on historical - his 36.1 points per game marked the highest scoring average since Michael Jordan's 37.1 in 1987. While some critics question his defensive effort, I've observed significant improvement in his off-ball defense this season. What truly separates Harden is his ability to control the game's tempo and create high-percentage shots virtually at will. Klay Thompson deserves the second spot, though his game differs dramatically from Harden's. Thompson's movement without the ball is arguably the best I've ever seen, and his defensive versatility allows him to guard multiple positions effectively. His 54.7% effective field goal percentage demonstrates remarkable efficiency within Golden State's system.

At small forward, Kawhi Leonard stands above the competition in what I consider the most stacked position in today's NBA. Having watched him develop from a defensive specialist into a complete two-way force has been one of the great pleasures of my career. His playoff performance against Philadelphia, particularly that iconic buzzer-beater in Game 7, showcased a mental toughness reminiscent of greats like Jordan and Bryant. Kevin Durant follows closely, though his Achilles injury creates some uncertainty moving forward. Prior to the injury, he was averaging 26.0 points on 52.1% shooting - numbers that speak to his incredible scoring efficiency. What often goes unnoticed is Durant's improved playmaking; his 5.9 assists per game represented a career high.

The power forward analysis brings me to Giannis Antetokounmpo, who in my view has surpassed all others at his position. His combination of size, speed, and skill is virtually unprecedented - he averaged 27.7 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists while leading Milwaukee to the league's best record. Watching him attack the basket reminds me of a force of nature; defenders know what's coming yet remain powerless to stop it. Anthony Davis occupies the second spot, though his inconsistent motor sometimes frustrates me. When engaged, he's arguably the most complete big man in basketball, capable of dominating both ends with his 25.9 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game.

Center position analysis reveals Joel Embiid as the clear standout. His footwork and touch around the basket are extraordinary for a man of his size - he averaged 27.5 points and 13.6 rebounds while anchoring Philadelphia's defense. What impresses me most is how he's learned to manage his energy throughout games, avoiding the fatigue issues that plagued him earlier in his career. Nikola Jokic follows closely, representing the modern evolution of the center position. His playmaking ability is simply remarkable for a big man - 7.3 assists per game from the center position is virtually unheard of in NBA history.

Throughout this evaluation process, I've been struck by how these elite players share that same quality we saw in boxer Mata - the ability to withstand tremendous pressure while maintaining their technical excellence. The best NBA players, regardless of position, combine physical gifts with mental fortitude in ways that separate them from merely good players. As the game continues to evolve, I suspect we'll see even greater positional flexibility, but the fundamental qualities of greatness - skill, intelligence, and resilience - will remain constant. What makes basketball endlessly fascinating to me is watching how different players embody these qualities in unique ways, creating the beautiful diversity of styles that makes the NBA so compelling year after year.