The top 10 NBA players named and ranked as LeBron James and Steph Curry beaten to No 1 spot

A new poll ranking the 10 best players in the NBA has been released and neither LeBron James nor Steph Curry occupy top spot.

In fact, the megastar duo are both ranked outside the top five.

With eight NBA titles and six MVP awards between them, James and Curry are arguably the two currently active stars who figure highest in debates over who should be considered the greatest player of all time.

James, who at age 39 is now in his 22nd NBA season, has won championships with the Miami Heat, the Cleveland Cavaliers and his current team, the Los Angeles Lakers.

Steph Curry and LeBron James hit a celebration during France vs. USA. Image: Getty

And Curry, who is 36 and has been with the Golden State Warriors his whole career, has won the same number of titles, plus two MVP awards.

He is also regarded as the greatest shooter of all time and helped shape the modern game with his prowess from three point-range.

But with both players now in the twilight of their respective careers, neither is currently considered in the conversation to be named the top player in the league in 2024.

At least, that is according to a poll by ESPN.

The American sports outlet has James ranked seventh – two places up from his 2023 spot and still a remarkable grade for a player who soon turns 40.

Curry meanwhile – who has led the Warriors to a 9-2 start to the 2024 campaign, the best record in the Western Conference – is ranked sixth, one place down from last year.

The top spot went to three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.

The Serbian centre is widely regarded as the best player in the league at present after firing the Denver Broncos to the NBA title in 2023, standing out for his other-worldly vision and passing skills.

Jokic is currently delivering another MVP-worthy campaign, with averages of 29.7 points, 13.7 rebounds and 11.7 assists per game.

Other notable high-rankers include Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks (second), the Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo (third) and Jason Tatum of the Boston Celtics (fifth), who won a record 18th championship last season.