This list of the best basketball players in the NBA today ranks all of the league's current standout top players and NBA stars currently playing. It's common to see lists of the greatest basketball players of all time, but considerably more difficult to consider athletes' relative strengths while their careers are still ongoing. Looking back on the career of a Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, or Magic Johnson once it's complete, there are many factors to consider: number of championships, overall contribution to great teams, even just looking at the statistics. But who can say while an athlete still plays whether their good years are in front of them or behind? And harder still to compare their merits in comparison to other players who may be injured, have overall less experience playing professionally or are just going through a slump.

This list attempts to sort through all the NBA's most popular and famous current all stars to find the most talented, and the players who are the most essential to have on a winning team to truly determine who is the best active player in the NBA today. LeBron James and Stephen Curry, two of the most iconic and celebrated players to ever compete, dominated in the early rankings, but a number of other challengers for the title—such as Houston Rockets phenom James Harden and the legendary Russell Westbrook—have become favorites as well.

Who's the best player in the NBA today? More than just the top 10 NBA players right now, this list has all the league's currently greatest athletes. Vote up your own favorite basketball stars, and if your favorite player isn't represented, make your own list and add them to the rankings. Then head over and vote on the best NBA players of the 2010s.