NBA Player Power Rankings: Stephen Curry Sends a Message

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Oct 27, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) dunks over Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic (44) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

16. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

Position: Small Forward

Age: 30

2015-16 Slash Line: .457/.125/.364

2015-16 Season Averages: 33.5 MPG, 18.5 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 5.0 APG, 2.0 SPG

For the umpteenth time, these rankings are about what’s happened in 2015-16—not making a shrine to a player’s legacy or reputation.

No matter what the first two games of the season may say, LeBron James is the best player in the NBA. The four-time MVP dominated the 2015 NBA Finals and nearly did it again in the season opener.

Game 2 of the 2015-16 NBA regular season was one of his worst to date, but he opened the season in superb fashion.

James scored 25 points and pulled down 10 rebounds against the Chicago Bulls. He was 12-of-22 from the field and dished out five assists, but had his attempt at a game-tying field goal blocked by Pau Gasol.

One day later, he was an abysmal 4-of-13 for 12 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals.

That may not balance out in the greatest of manners, but James played at an MVP-caliber level against Chicago. Even in his off game against the Memphis Grizzlies, he contributed enough to facilitate a blowout win.

James isn’t No. 1 yet, but that’s unlikely to last for very long.

Next: Dominating the Interior