Player Rankings ahead of the regular season have always been a point of contention. Despite stirring a massive controversy each time, these lists are an annual phenomenon. Oftentimes these rankings are bizarre, leaving out great players like LeBron James, for instance, to simply get a reaction out of the demographic. Interestingly, these lists aren’t as well thought out as one would expect.
More Recently, an ex-ESPN employee and NBA Insider came forward with the basis of these rankings. He goes on to expose the system that disrespects future greats and demystifies the entire mechanics.
ESPN?s Ranking System Exposed
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In a recent YouTube video by Dreamers Pro, an expert from presented. In it, a former ESPN journalist breaks down the inception of these lists. While also discussing the sensationalism it indulges in. The scathing admission will leave many fans scratching their head about the validity of any list in the first place.
“I’m willing to pull back the curtain and tell you how ESPN does it because most people think that we would sit there and I would say, ‘Okay, LeBron’s one, Steph Curry’s two…” said the NBA insider. He further elaborates, “What happens is they create this algorithm, and you go into the portal. The portal will just give you a bunch of names, like it’ll say Chris Paul or Jason Kidd. You say, ‘Jason Kidd,’ and it would just bring up names like Tyrese Haliburton or De’Aaron Fox, or Tyrese Haliburton, like Julius Randle.”
He goes on to explain how this algorithm is similar to a randomized search based on a code, rather than game statistics. In concludes by saying, “I implore you all to know it’s all buls*hit. They’re just wanting you to react and argue.” However random the list is, it’s still worth noting what the rankings are. Despite the first three positions, the rest of the list might open a Pandora’s Box.
Lebron James ranked behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander?
According to a summary of the list posted by Dunk Central on X. The first three positions are fairly obvious with ?Giannis Antetokounmpo ranked at number one trailing at number two is Jokic, followed by the reigning MVP ?Joel Embiid. Steph is placed at number 5 behind Luka Don?i?.
However, LeBron James is placed at number 9 behind OKC?star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. This turned many heads questioning the validity of the rankings. Although the young All-star averaged around 31.8 points last season to suggest he surpassed King James himself is dubious at best. Have you seen the list? Do you agree with it? Let us know in the comments below.
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