NBA analyst Bill Simmons has stirred controversy with his latest NBA Top 15 Player Pyramid, notably excluding LeBron James and Kevin Durant from the list. The decision has sparked debate among fans and analysts, with many questioning whether the two future Hall of Famers have truly fallen out of the league’s elite tier.
Simmons’ rankings featured rising stars and established superstars, but neither James nor Durant made the cut. Instead, his list included players such as Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jayson Tatum, and Anthony Edwards.
While James and Durant have both seen their teams struggle this season—James’ Lakers were eliminated in the first round, and Durant’s Suns failed to make the playoffs—many argue that their individual performances still warrant a spot among the top 15.
At 40 years old, James continues to defy expectations. He averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game while shooting 51.3% from the field and 37.6% from three. He was also named to the All-NBA Second Team, proving that he remains one of the league’s most impactful players.
Despite the Lakers’ early playoff exit, James was arguably their best all-around performer, averaging 25.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game in the postseason.
Durant, meanwhile, put up 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game while shooting an efficient 52.7% from the field and 43.0% from beyond the arc. However, the Suns’ disastrous season—finishing 11th in the Western Conference with a 36-46 record—may have hurt his standing.
While Phoenix’s struggles were largely due to defensive issues and injuries, Durant was still their most consistent performer. The Suns were 33-29 with Durant in the lineup but 3-17 without him, highlighting his value despite the team’s shortcomings.
Simmons’ rankings have reignited discussions about how to evaluate greatness in the NBA. Should individual performance outweigh team success? Are younger stars like Anthony Edwards and Jalen Williams truly more impactful than LeBron and Durant?
While Simmons’ list reflects the current state of the NBA, many believe that James and Durant still belong among the league’s top 15 players. As the offseason approaches, both stars will have a chance to prove their doubters wrong.
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