We’ve often talked about how stacked the Western Conference is. Be it when talking about a player or the upcoming season, it’s always ‘beware of the West’ or ‘they’d need all the help to stand their ground against the West’. A glance at the revamped rosters and you can’t help yourself. Interestingly, though, if you look a little deeper, you’d be surprised at how solid the Eastern Conference is this season. Amongst the top-ranked players of the East, this time, we have a surprise – whether it’s shocking or pleasant, we leave that to you.

CBS Sports published its top-25 of the East and yes, it does have all the names that deserve a top place. But the surprising aspect is their ranks. And our attention will be on the Celtics’ superstars and the 76ers’ dominant big man. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were No. 3 and 5, respectively. Joel Embiid came in at No. 2, right behind the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Granted, this list is not going to be everyone’s cup of tea. Especially given the fact that the Jays are the reigning champions, having brought the 18th title to a storied dynasty like the Celtics, Joel Embiid has struggled to stay healthy, again, and the ‘Greek Freak’ was a no-show in the postseason.

However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg, wouldn’t you say? Embiid‘s size, defensive ability, and scoring dominance as a center make him a threat on both ends of the floor. Not to mention, the 7-footer is far more lethal inside the paint, with more than half of his offense coming from the post or within the paint. The man averaged 47.9% FG per game in 2023-24.

Jayson Tatum, on the other hand, is a versatile scorer and can defend multiple positions. But he does not have the same level of dominance inside the paint, clearly from the average of 37.4% field goals made inside the paint per game last season. And while JT is capable of finishing inside, he relies more on perimeter shots and digs deep into his offensive skillset to stand his ground against Joel Embiid.

As for Jaylen Brown, he has certainly stepped up his game and remained consistent in his efforts. But the fact of the matter is that while JB thrives as a complementary star and is an outstanding two-way wing, Joel Embiid is practically the focal point of the Sixers franchise on both ends of the court. That said, Brown’s 2023-24 season saw him clinch the Eastern Conference Finals MVP as well as the Finals MVP for his remarkable contribution to the team en route to the championship.

So, while the Jays are a spectacular duo in their own right, the Cameroonian native does trump them in terms of all-round dominance. And perhaps Jayson Tatum comes close to Joel Embiid in terms of offensive production and leadership in a contending team.

But what about Giannis?

‘Greek Freak’ dubbed 4th-best player by Celtics legend, despite ranking above Joel Embiid in the East

First off, the Greek-Nigerian forward and the towering Sixers center are two of the most dominant players in the NBA. There’s no two ways about it. As such, a comparison between the two would probably be cutting it close. Even so, Kevin Garnett believes that Giannis is nowhere in the conversation with Joel Embiid and Jayson Tatum. Or if he had to be, Antetokounmpo was definitely not his top-ranked player.

In an August episode of Ticket & The Truth | KG Certified, the Celtics legend said, “I would not argue against Embiid or against Tatum. (Giannis) probably like the 4th-best player (in the East).” So, shall we get into it?

An elite post scorer, ingenuous at drawing fouls, and an excellent mid-range shooter, especially with that 7’0, 280-pound frame, Joel Embiid has already established himself as a force to reckon with. Be it on the floor or stretching the paint. And Giannis Antetokounmpo? The guy is dubbed a ‘Freak’ for a reason.

His unreal athleticism, coupled with powerful rim-finishing, incredible defense, and playmaking, make him a menacing opponent. Moreover, the 29-year-old is practically unstoppable when driving to the basket. And if that wasn’t enough, Giannis can guard all the positions. But perhaps the most notable aspect that comes into play here is Antetokounmpo’s accolades.

Joel Embiid is a 2023 MVP, 7x All-Star, but is yet to reach an NBA Finals. But Antetokounmpo does not only have two MVPs and a Finals MVP to his name, the 2013 first-round pick is also an NBA champion with eight All-Star appearances and a DPOY. And these achievements are despite his glaring post-season disappearances – an aspect he shares with Embiid.

So, we leave you to decide who is a better player among the four.