The NBA offseason is filled with predictions and trade talk and is filled with anticipation for the upcoming year.
The Volume recently outlined their top-25 players heading into the 2023-2024 season.
In a ranking that surprised many, they ranked LeBron James as the eighth-best player.
Jason Timpf broke down this selection in great detail.
“The reality is, we don’t know if LeBron is going to have his jump shot back next season,” Timpf said.
"When in rhythm and healthy I think he's one of the very best players in the league. But in my opinion those guys above him on this list are just a safer bet."
—@_JasonLT explains why LeBron James only ranks as his 8th-best player in the NBA pic.twitter.com/MFv3igma6q
— The Volume (@TheVolumeSports) August 9, 2023
James averaged 28.9 points per game last season.
Even at age 38, he continues to defy all odds and hasn’t shown too many signs of slowing down.
However, as Timpf later says, “It’s safe to assume he’s going to miss a third of the regular season.”
James continues to be one of the league’s top players.
However, in the NBA, the best ability is availability.
If he misses out on a third of the Los Angeles Lakers games, his overall ceiling is capped, a probable reason for his low ranking on this top-25 list.
Timpf recognized James’ greatness throughout this video, and his low ranking isn’t an indication of how he feels about him.
It is seemingly more about the ceiling of the players above him, which Timpf believes to be higher.
How many more seasons will James stick around in the NBA?
At the moment, he’s a Tom Brady-like figure, playing well beyond the average shelf life of an NBA star.
He already has the record for most career points, which he’ll continue to add to this season.
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