With the 23-24 NBA year officially starting with the preseason today, we can now analyze and predict who will the stat leaders be for each of the most critical categories in the league. Who will be in the top three of each one?
Points Per Game (PPG)
1. Joel Embiid, 33.1 PPG
Even though Embiid had a subpar playoff performance last year, we expect the reigning MVP to live up to the expectations this upcoming regular season and win the scoring title once again. He is in serious need of redemption as the leader of Philadelphia.
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, 32.4 PPG
Entering his sixth NBA season, Shai has displayed a phenomenal basketball level across the board with the Oklahoma City Thunder. We expect him to continue with All-Star caliber performance this year, improving even more compared to his 22-23 season.
3. Luka Doncic, 31.8 PPG
The 24-year-old superstar still has plenty of tricks up his sleeve. With an improved Dallas Mavericks roster, Luka can now develop a more versatile playstyle that will still allow him to be one of the NBA’s top scorers as a result.
Assists Per Game (APG)
1. Tyrese Haliburton, 10.7 APG
Haliburton exceeds all expectations of him every year. Ending up #2 in the APG leaders last season, he has the potential to be the league leader in this department, especially due to the controversy surrounding James Harden, who was the assist leader in the 22-23 season.
2. Nikola Jokic, 10.2 APG
Jokic’s playmaking only seems to improve as years go by, and this one will not be the exception by any means. His effortless yet extremely effective passing is one of the most prominent aspects of his game and part of what made the Denver Nuggets NBA Champions.
3. Chris Paul, 9.4 APG
With his recent trade to Golden State, his role might change as he can potentially be the team’s sixth man, or exploit his playmaking as the new point guard. However, his passing and playmaking essence will stay the same, with the potential of scoring even more assists per game due to the Warriors’ deadly offensive capabilities.
Rebounds Per Game (RPG)
1. Domantas Sabonis, 12.5 RPG
With him being a crucial piece in the massive improvement of the Sacramento Kings, Sabonis is becoming a master in his craft, with rebounding being his forte. The 27-year-old has the potential to play his prime season this year.
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo, 12.3 RPG
While he may lose some points of his scoring production due to Damian Lillard joining the Bucks, this does not mean he will stop being one of the best players in the world, if not the best. Giannis’ rebounding will still be one of the most complete in the 23-24 NBA.
3. Nikola Jokic, 12.0 RPG
Once again, the Joker’s versatility extends to much more than scoring and passing. His rebounding skills due to his size and basketball IQ are also a pivotal part of his style and the Denver Nuggets’ success as a whole.
If a player, in particular, was not mentioned in this list, it does not mean they cannot have a fruitful season or are not the best players in the league. We could not be more excited about the start of the 23-24 NBA season, as it can be one of the most competitive years in recent memory. Who are your favorites to lead the league in these stats? Let us know!
Text sources: nba.com, statmuse.com
