With LeBron gone, the Eastern Conference is now wide open. Young teams such as the 76ers and Celtics can thrive and make a run at the Finals. Talent-wise, The King was keeping things relatively equal with the West. Now that he has departed, let’s take a look at the top 10 players in the NBA’s Eastern Conference.
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Greek Freak has broken out over the last two seasons and proved his worth as one of the NBA’s best talents. In terms of physique, he’s probably the most gifted player in the league besides LeBron. Giannis is only 23 years old and is still well away from entering his prime, making his ceiling terrifying. Already the top player in the East, it seems that he will eventually inherit the throne from King James. He can dominate on both sides of the floor in every aspect, and he really only needs to fix one thing – his shooting.
2. Kawhi Leonard
Whether or not Kawhi lasts long in the Eastern Conference is a whole other conversation, but the two-time Defensive Player of the Year is certainly a superstar. Kawhi has stayed strong defensively over the last few seasons while improving his scoring abilities drastically. He only played 9 games last year, but we’ve seen what he can do. Now in Toronto, it’s too early to tell if he’ll be a one-year rental or a long-term solution.
3. Kyrie Irving
Kyrie is the best true guard in the East, and one of the best in the entire league. He can take games over, lead a team, play on both sides of the ball, and break your ankles. Kyrie can do it all, and he’s just 26 years old. Already a 5-time All-Star and NBA champion, he is looking to take the Celtics to the top in a wide open conference with the help of guys like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
4. Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid might’ve missed his first two NBA seasons and most of his rookie year, but upon playing 63 games last season he’s proved how fantastic he can be. He was named to the All-NBA Second Team last year as a result of his fantastic play, considering he put up 22.9 points and 11 rebounds per game. His game is wholly complete as well. He can dominate in the post, protect the rim and be a defensive anchor, and even shoot from outside.
5. John Wall 
He’s been the leader of the Wizards since he was drafted 1st overall in 2010, and has made every All-Star Game since 2014. Wall has athletic ability and speed comparable to Russell Westbrook, and his ability to command the floor is fantastic as well. He’s a top-5 guard in the league, and with Bradley Beal (whose goes down as my honorable mention on this list) by his side the Wizards are going to look at a deep playoff run.
6. Victor Oladipo
If you read this article a year ago, you would’ve never believed Oladipo owned a spot on this list. His inaugural season in Indiana was fantastic, and for good reason he took home the 2017-2018 Most Improved Player. Averaging 23.1 points and a league-high 2.4 steals per game, Oladipo earned All-NBA Third Team and All-Defensive First Team honors as well as his first All-Star bid. His trainer said he’s improved greatly this offseason, so we can only hope that next year the former second overall pick will be able to lead the Pacers past the first round of the playoffs.
7. Ben Simmons
Still just 22 years old, Ben Simmons is already showing everybody how dominant he can be. After averaging nearly triple-double numbers last year, he was named Rookie of the Year and found himself also on the All-Rookie First Team. The 6’10 (who has reportedly grown to almost 7 feet) Australian point guard uses his length to defend, run the floor, and just needs to work on his shooting. He’s set to eventually become the best guard in the conference, and we might just see the 76ers in the Finals soon enough.
8. Kristaps Porzingis
The 7’3 power forward has become terrifying for defenders, as he has created a decent shot from beyond the arc in addition to his post game. Last season Porzingis was named to his first All-Star Game, but unfortunately missed the rest of the season with a left ACL tear. He averaged 22.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game on 39.5% shooting from three. If he can stay healthy (he’s only 22), Kristaps can end up being one of the most versatile players of all-time.
9. Gordon Hayward
After a tragic, season-ending injury in his Celtics’ debut people thought that the team’s season was over. Boston rallied behind their younger talent and made a near-Finals run, and with Hayward healthy, they might have enough to take down the Warriors. Hayward emerged as an All-Star in 2017, and has proved very dangerous with the ball in his hand. He’s an all-around complete player capable of averaging around 20 points per game.
10. Kemba Walker
Kemba Walker is probably the most underrated player in this list, if you consider how he’s only nominated to two All-Star teams despite averaging 18.9 points per game on his career. He’s never been nominated to an All-NBA team either, despite being Charlotte’s undisputed team leader. Still only 28, he’s entering his prime and still has some more time to improve his game.
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