Bryce is No. 1 again, but that's not the only story

The six-time MVP has done it again.

Adelaide's Bryce Cotton is the number one ranked player in Derek Rucker's Top 15, in one of the most hotly contested races since the popular series began.

"The chase for Andrew Gaze's seven MVPs is going to be a huge one," Rucker said.

"If he gets another championship and gets to four championships and seven MVPs, well, now we have to have a real uncomfortable conversation. Michael [Jordan] and LeBron [James] ... we're literally going to have to start having that conversation."

Just like last year's end-of-season list, Sydney Kings champion Kendric Davis sits at number two.

"While I have him second here, I think his usage is going to increase so much that he is almost a lock for the MVP because I think he's unstoppable," Rucker said.

"But the MVP and the top 15 are two separate bodies, and just because you're MVP doesn't mean you're number one. But Kendric will make a strong run at MVP this season."

There's a new face at number three. While Kristian Doolittle had an outstanding season last year, making the top three in the MVP voting, former NBA star Cole Anthony makes his debut right near the top of the list.

Anthony is one of three recruits in this year's Top 15, alongside Melbourne United young gun Luke Travers (8), Cairns' returning gun Keanu Pinder (13), while Sydney Kings champion Torrey Craig comes in at 14.

"Luke Travers might be one of the most fascinating stories of the season," Rucker said.

"Potentially could be a sleeper MVP candidate because of his ability to play on both ends of the floor."

Taipans' marquee man Jack McVeigh moves up two spots from eight to six, while New Zealand Breakers star Parker Jackson-Cartwright is the bigger drifter, down four spots to number 10.

"He's probably the biggest faller from the end of last season," Rucker said.

"I pegged PJC a little bit lower because of the fact that they [New Zealand] lost so many close games last season.

"Being a point guard, I'm always highly critical of other point guards in the NBL and how they manage those critical moments, those crunchtime moments. If your team loses a lot of significant games because of poor performance late, I'm looking at the point guards being the primary driver of that lack of success.

"That doesn't mean that Parker Jackson-Cartwright is not a great player."

View Rucker's full Top 15 list below and all his explanations via the video player.