Pre-2019-20 Rank: #49, Pre-2020-21 Rank: #39, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #32, Pre-2022-23 Rank: #21, Pre-2023-24 Rank: #10.

*Peak Period: 2017-24

Joel Embiid has yet to play 500 Games in the NBA. Like most big men, he often misses time due to injury, but the Center has proven to be a top-five player over the last few years, including his 2022-23 MVP. 

The now-American enters this season with a seven-season All-Star streak and has averaged well over 30 Points per Game over the last three seasons.  This is all fantastic and displays a Hall of Fame career, but Embiid has yet to will his hard-luck Sixers into even an Eastern Conference Final. 

The Hall will call his name, but he has to bring Philadelphia deeper into meaningful soring basketball than before. 

Pre-2019-20 Season: #44, Pre-2020-21 Season: #41, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #37, Pre-2022-23 Rank: #37, Pre-2023-24 Rank: #33

Peak Period: 2016-17 to 2022-23

Beal completed 11 seasons in Washington, where he almost won a scoring title, had two 30-plus PPG years, and went to three All-Star Games, but the Wizards were a low-profile team, and Beal was never in that top-tier or even considered a must-watch player.  That was expected to change as he joined Phoenix in 2023 as the final piece to the championship puzzle, but Beal and the Suns slumped, and the Guard had his worst year to date.

The Hall of Fame dream is likely over if he cannot rebound this season.

Pre-2019-20 Rank: #42, Pre-2020-21 Rank: #31, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #13, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #8, Pre-2023-24 Rank: #6

*Peak Period: 2017-18 to 2023-24.

What does it say about the quality of active players in the NBA when we have a three-time MVP and one-time NBA Champion who we have at only #6 among active players for HOF contention?

Nikola Jokic goes into the 2024-25 season as a three-time MVP and the favorite to win it again.  His Nuggets are also top contenders, and he is also a four-time All-NBA First Team Selection.  The only question for the “Joker” is not when he is a first-ballot Hall of Fame inductee but when that will occur. 

Jokic gives us Tim Duncan vibes, as he is unassuming, does not seek the spotlight, and is the consummate team player.  He is now in the conversation as the greatest European player of all time, and he has the goods in him to be a top ten all-time player. 

We are blessed to be able to watch him play basketball.

Somehow, we might have convinced ourselves to place him at #2, but that could quickly happen with a fourth MVP, and notably, he is still in his peak.