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NBArank 2021: The case for No. 1 for LeBron, Giannis and every superstar remaining on the countdown

The NBArank 2021 countdown is nearly in the books, as we've already unveiled our lists of players Nos. 100-51, Nos. 50-26 and Nos. 25-6.

On Friday, we'll reveal where our final five superstars check in. But who should hold the No. 1 spot for the 2021-22 season?

The Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo has won two Most Valuable Player awards and an NBA Finals MVP over his past three seasons, but the Brooklyn Nets' Kevin Durant might be the most dangerous offensive weapon in basketball, now two seasons removed from the Achilles injury that cost him his entire 2019-20 season.

The Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry can change the momentum of a game with one 30-foot heave, but the Dallas Mavericks' Luka Doncic possesses a combination of size, shooting and savvy that's uncanny for a 22-year-old.

And the Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James? Well, he's LeBron James.

Only one of these generational stars can reign supreme for 2021-22. Each has a unique case for No. 1, and our NBA Insiders are diving into why all five should be there.

More NBArank: Breakout picks | A decade of lessons


The case for Giannis Antetokounmpo