NBA journalists recently came under fire by players after publishing their respective NBA player rankings. While it is understandable for fans, and players alike to have some disagreements, the league's elite will always manage to finish somewhere at the top.

With that said, here are ESPN's Top 10 players heading into the 2017-18 NBA season, with analyses from ESPN Stats & Info's Micah Adams:

10. Draymond Green

9.Giannis Antetokounmpo

8. James Harden

7. Chris Paul

6. Anthony Davis

5. Russell Westbrook

4. Stephen Curry

3. Kawhi Leonard

2. Kevin Durant

1. LeBron James

As expected, Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James tops the list once again as the best player in the world. Unfortunately for him, this year's ranking also places three members of the Golden State Warriors in the Top 10. Despite not having the best numbers, forward Draymond Green has seemingly earned the respect of his peers and critics as one of the league's elite players.

One can argue that this list may have slighted 2017 NBA MVP Russell Westbrook. Despite finishing at number five, ESPN still gave the nod to Stephen Curry over Westbrook as the best point guard in the league.

Meanwhile, there is a youth movement being led by New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. Both are the only players under 25 years old on this list.