Player rankings are a favorite offseason activity in the NBA community. As the off-season rolls forward with no major news now is the perfect time to rank the league’s best players. Today we are releasing our second annual Top 25 players list. The list was made by 6 big-time NBA fans. Everyone had their own top 25 list, and the 6 lists were averaged for this article. All individual lists can be found here.
Special thanks to our panel Shep Murdough, Charlie Bischoff, Ryan Drouin, Justin Holland, and Hazen Pierce for making this list possible.
Top 25 NBA players entering the 2023-24 season
Players also receiving votes:
James Harden (19, 22) Tyrese Haliburton (22, 23) Jalen Brunson (24, 25)
Lamelo Ball (19) Jrue Holiday (20) Brandon Ingram (21) Julius Randle (21)
Zion Williamson (24) Bradley Beal (24) Pascal Siakam (25) Zach Lavine (25)
25. Jamal Murray: Denver Nuggets Guard
Jamal Murray may have zero all-star selections but after an elite playoff run, Murray earned a spot on this list. Murray is one of the rare players that gets better as the stage gets brighter. In the playoffs, Murray proved that he’s an elite shot-creator and scorer. Murray also proved to be the perfect complementary guard next to Nikola Jokic. He was a consistent number 2 option on a championship team which is a huge accomplishment. A championship run with Murray’s high-level play is more than enough to justify a spot in the top 25.
High ranking: 16 Low ranking: Not ranked
Last year’s ranking: Not ranked
24. Domantas Sabonis: Sacramento Kings Center
Domantas Sabonis is an all-around skilled big man who was an integral part of Sacramento’s success this past season. Sabonis is a high-IQ player with great passing skills. Sabonis made up one half of Sacramento’s elite two-man game that helped Sacramento rank number 1 in offense. Through great passes and screen setting Sabonis generates tons of great looks for Sacramento’s offense. Sabonis is a connective piece that makes everyone around him better. Additionally, he is an elite rebounder and high-quality interior scorer with a solid mid-range game. While Sabonis struggled in the playoffs his regular season play still justifies a spot on the list and he’ll have plenty of chances to make up for those struggles in future playoff series. There has been a recent trend of passing big men and Sabonis is a prime example of this skillset. A skillset that will likely continue to increase in value and players like Sabonis will rise up the ranks as result.
High ranking: 20 Low ranking: Not ranked
Last year’s ranking: Not ranked
23. Paul Goerge: Los Angeles Clippers Forward
Once considered an elite second option and one of the best two-way wings, George’s perception is starting to fade in the eyes of many. Paul George is injury-riddled even when his healthy PG is extremely volatile. At 33 with a hefty injury history, you have to wonder how long George will remain a Top-25 player. Regardless, George is still a talented three-level scoring wing and high-level defender. This is a prove it year for George. If he and the Clippers can stay healthy and compete in playoffs George would remain in the top 25 or even higher for a while. If not we could be witnessing a declining star.
High ranking: 19 Low ranking: Not ranked
Last year’s ranking: 13
22. Bam Adebayo: Miami Heat Forward/Center
Throughout Miami’s finals run Bam Adebayo proved he was immensely valuable. Bam is one of the most impactful and versatile defenders in the league. Adebayo’s defensive skill set allowed Miami to play a variety of defensive schemes and succeed in different schemes throughout Miami’s finals run. Despite not being an elite shot creator Bam was able to be a high-quality number 2 scoring option in the playoffs. Bam is also a high-IQ playmaker and elite screen setter who can initiate offense for Miami. Bam’s all-around impact is truly amazing and it feels like more people are beginning to appreciate his value.
High ranking: 15 Low ranking: Not ranked
Last year’s ranking: Not ranked
21. Anthony Edwards: Minnesota Timberwolves Guard/Forward
Anthony Edwards is a rising star. Edwards is an elite three-level scorer and shot-creator who has shown strong signs of being a number 1 option. Additionally, Edwards is an excellent athlete well being a solid playmaker and defender. At 22 Edwards is already an All-NBA caliber player and the sky is truly the limit for him. 21 feels like a low ranking for Edwards and he will certainly continue to rise the ranks. The Timberwolves are doing everything they can to build around Edwards. While this effort has yielded mixed results, as long as Edwards is in Minnesota they have a bright future.
High ranking: 17 Low ranking: Not ranked
Last year’s ranking: Not Ranked
20. Trae Young: Atlanta Hawks Guard
Trae Young is one of the more polarizing players in the league. Voted the most overrated in the Athletic’s player survey. Young has equal fans and doubters. Regardless, Young is extremely talented and has incredible statistical production. An elite shooter and playmaker, Young is a pure offensive threat. Young’s elite scoring and passing skills led the Hawks to a surprise conference finals appearance in 2021. However, the past two years have been disappointing for Atlanta. Well, Young’s size holds him back from ever being a positive defender. Young can prove himself more as an off-ball threat which will led to more team success. This is a prove it year for Trae if he can adapt his game and lead the Hawks to a higher level of success his ranking could skyrocket.
High ranking: 17 Low ranking: 25
Last year’s ranking: 20
19. Kyrie Irving: Dallas Mavericks Guard
Kyrie Irving is one of the most skilled and entertaining guards in the league. Irving is an incredible three-level scorer with arguably the best handles of all time. Kyrie is also a very solid passer. There’s no questioning his talent and statistical production. However, off-court antics and consistent injuries hold Kyrie back. It’s not fair to completely blame Kyrie for the Mavericks mid-season collapse but his poor defense and the questionable fit next to Luka certainly played a factor. The Mavs have a much-improved roster and should be a playoff squad. If Kyrie can have a healthy year and contribute to winning at a high level again we may view him differently next year.
High ranking: 15 Low ranking: Not ranked
Last year’s ranking: 16
18. Ja Morant: Memphis Grizzlies Guard
Ja Morant is one of the hardest players to properly rank. There’s no denying Morant’s on-court talent. But Ja’s off-court antics and subsequent suspension certainly hinder his ranking. When he plays, Morant is a dazzling star. Morant is a world-class athlete and elite finisher with great playmaking skills to boot. In back-to-back years Morant has been the best player on the 2-seed in the West. If Ja cleans up his off-court distractions and continues his basketball excellence there’s no doubt the 24-year-old can reclaim a spot in the top 10 range.
High ranking: 12 Low ranking: Not ranked
Last year’s ranking: 11
17. De’Aaron Fox: Sacramento Kings Guard
Last season, De’Aaron Fox had a breakout year. Answering any questions about his game in the process. Alongside Sabonis, Fox led an incredibly entertaining Kings team to 48 wins and 3 seed in the West. Breaking Sacramento’s 16-year-long playoff drought as a result. Fox is a lightning-quick guard and elite downhill scorer. Fox is also a high-level playmaker and extremely clutch. Last year Fox led the league in clutch points and was given the league’s inaugural clutch player of the year award. Fox and the Kings look to be a consistent threat in the West. Which could cause him to rise in the rankings even more.
High ranking: 16 Low ranking: 25
Last year’s ranking: Not Ranked
16. Jaylen Brown: Boston Celtics Guard/Forward
Jaylen Brown is the gold standard of second stars. Brown offers the Celtics high-level scoring and defense. Brown has the production to be a number one scoring option. The Tatum and Brown duo gives the Celtics incredible wing production which is difficult to game plan against and a true luxury for Boston. When Tatum is struggling, Brown has a strong tendency to pick up the play and have a big night. Brown and Tatum have been through many playoff battles and have an incredible amount of experience. This off-season Brown was rewarded with the largest contract in league history. The supermax contract pays Brown 300 million dollars over 5 years. In a vacuum, the contract may seem like an overpay. But the Celtics are on the brink of winning a championship and they can’t get there without Brown. If the Celtics can win a championship in the next year or two this deal will certainly be worth it.
High ranking: 13 Low ranking: 22
Last year’s ranking: 23
15. Kawhi Leonard: Los Angeles Clippers Forward
Accurately ranking Kawhi Leonard is an impossible task. There’s no doubt when healthy Kawhi is a top-10-level player. When healthy Kawhi is arguably the best two-way star in the game and a highly efficient scorer. However, injuries play a huge factor in rankings. Kawhi has a long history of knee injuries and suffered another one during the playoffs. This past year was Kawhi’s first season after tearing his ACL in 2021. Early on Kawhi struggled leaving many to wonder if his days as a star were over. But Kawhi finished the year strong and proved he can still produce at a star level. A healthy season could see Kawhi reclaim a spot in the top 10 but another injured riddle year could lead Kawhi to fall the rankings even more.
High ranking: 11 Low ranking: 22
Last year’s ranking: 8
14. Anthony Davis: Los Angeles Lakers Forward/Center
Anthony Davis is without a doubt a top-10-level talent. Davis was once a consensus top 5 player. However, constant injuries and inconsistent aggression on offense bump him outside the top 10. Regardless when Davis is healthy and aggressive he is a force to be reckoned with. With incredible athleticism, shot-blocking, rebounding, and rim protection Davis is one of the best defenders in the league. Davis is also capable of scoring 25 points per game. Making him an elite two-way player. During the Lakers playoff run, Davis’ two-way ability and elite production were on full display. If the Lakers want to contend again they’ll need Davis to play at an elite level.
High ranking: 10 Low ranking: 22
Last year’s ranking: 15
13. Donovan Mitchell: Cleveland Cavaliers Guard
In his first season with the Cavs, Donovan Mitchell had a career-best year. Mitchell is an elite 2-guard and three-level scorer. Additionally, Mitchell is an athletic finisher and can knock down threes at a high level. This makes Mitchell one of the most dangerous scoring threats in the league. Mitchell led the Cavs to 50 wins and 4-seed in the East. The franchise’s first playoff appearance since LeBron James left. An impressive accomplishment. However, for the second straight year, Mitchell left a lot to be desired in the playoffs as did the entire Cavs team. To climb the rankings Mitchell needs to improve his consistency and production in the playoffs.
High ranking: 10 Low ranking: 15
Last year’s ranking: 24
12. Damian Lillard: Portland Trail Blazers Guard
Amid a trade request and a summer filled with Dame trade rumors, it’s unclear what team Lillard will be a part of this season. However, what is clear is that Damian Lillard is one of the most skilled veteran guards in the league. Lillard has spent all of his 11 years in the league with the Trail Blazers. Where he has established himself as an elite shooter and perimeter threat. In addition to being an elite scorer Dame is a great playmaker. With a looming trade request, Lillard has a real chance to win. This could cause him to rise the rankings even more, it’s not often you can say that about a 32-year-old guard.
High ranking: 8 Low ranking: 17
Last year’s ranking: 21
11. Devin Booker: Phoenix Suns Guard
Devin Booker is one of the most prolific scorers in the game. Booker is a true three-level scorer and highly efficient in every area. Booker is also an underrated playmaker and defender. This combination of elite scoring, well being able to play off-ball, and high-level playmaking skills allows Booker to fit next to anyone. This ability will be highly valuable with Phoenix’s revamped star-studded team. At 26 Booker is continuing to improve. It might not be the type of improvement to jump off the stat sheet. But by watching Booker you can tell he keeps getting a little bit better in all areas each year. If Booker continues this improvement he could be a legit MVP candidate in the future.
High ranking: 8 Low ranking: 16
Last year’s ranking: 11
10. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Oklahoma City Thunder Guard
Kicking off our top 10 is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who had a breakout season last year. As a result, he shot up our rankings. SGA established himself as a true star and led the Thunder to a surprisingly good record. OKC’s roster improved this off-season and they could be in line for a playoff spot this year. The combo guard is an elite scorer and finisher with high-level playmaking abilities. At 25 years old, SGA isn’t going anywhere; he will only continue to improve and rise in the rankings.
High ranking: 8 Low ranking: 16
Last year’s ranking: Not Ranked
9. Jimmy Butler: Miami Heat Forward
Jimmy Butler is an elite scorer and a true two-way presence. Butler is a relentless finisher and mid-range maestro. Even if he’s having an off-night in the scoring department Butler manages to make an all-around impact. Including playing great defense, grabbing boards, and setting his teammates up for great looks. While Butler’s regular-season accolades and statistics don’t jump off the page he could care less. All Butler cares about is winning. Ultimately, he’s an all-time playoff riser and performer. The culmination of Butler’s elite playoff history was the magical run this year where he led the 8-seeded Heat to the NBA finals.
High ranking: 9 Low ranking: 12
Last year’s ranking: 10
8. LeBron James: Los Angeles Lakers Forward
At this stage of his career cracking the top 10 is an amazing feat for LeBron James. Last year at 38 years old King James incredibly broke Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s near 40 year old all-time scoring record. LeBron still has an absurd combination of strength, athleticism, IQ, and shot creation. This skill set makes him one of the most all-around productive players in the league. LeBron impressively helped lead the Lakers to the conference finals as a 7 seed. With a similar roster, the Lakers are certainly in the title mix again this year. Well, LeBron is in the final stage of his illustrious career please don’t take him for granted.
High ranking: 7 Low ranking: 12
Last year’s ranking: 7
7. Kevin Durant: Phoenix Suns Forward
Kevin Durant is one of the greatest scorers the game has ever had. Durant is an elite three-level scorer with knockdown shooting all while being nearly 7 feet tall. Durant is a unicorn in every way. His scoring and shooting ability with his size and agility is truly incredible. Durant is undoubtedly a top-five talent. What holds him back is his injury history. However, if Durant can put together a healthy season he’ll surely rise in this list. The Suns have one of the most star-studded and talented rosters perfectly setting up Durant to compete for his third title.
High ranking: 4 Low ranking: 10
Last year’s ranking: 4
6. Jayson Tatum: Boston Celtics Forward
At just 25 years old, it’s truly amazing how much experience Jayson Tatum already has. In 6 seasons, he has already played in an absurd 94 playoff games including 4 conference finals series and 1 NBA finals. Last season he became the first Celtic in franchise history to average 30 PPG in a season. As a player, Tatum is an elite shot-creator and three-level scorer. Tatum is also incredibly impactful on defense and has a ton of value as a two-way wing. Even if he’s having an off-night, Tatum finds other ways to impact the game and help his team win. As Tatum enters his true prime he seeks to bring the long-awaited 18th banner to Boston.
High ranking: 5 Low ranking: 7
Last year’s ranking: 9
5. Steph Curry: Golden State Warriors Guard
The greatest shooter of all time comes in at 5 on our list. Curry’s gravity both on and off the ball makes him one of the biggest offensive threats the game has ever had. Curry has a deadly combination of being the best shooter the game has ever seen while arguably being the best off-ball player of all time. All while having elite shot-creation and ball-handling skills. At 35 years old the 4-time champ is showing no signs of declining. In fact, he’s still improving in some areas. With added strength in recent years, Curry has arguably become even harder to guard and undoubtedly improved as a finisher and defender.
High ranking: 3 Low ranking: 9
Last year’s ranking: 3
4. Luka Doncic: Dallas Mavericks Guard
Luka Doncic is a special young talent. At 24, he will be a no doubt top 5 player for years to come. Doncic is a prolific scorer who creates instant offense. Doncic’s elite scoring and shot-creation abilities make him one of the toughest players to guard in the league. Additionally, Doncic’s playmaking skills make him an all-around offensive threat. If the Mavericks can have a bounce-back year and return to the playoffs Doncic might be in-line for the coveted MVP award.
High ranking: 3 Low ranking: 6
Last year’s ranking: 6
3. Joel Embiid: Philadelphia 76ers Center
The reigning MVP finds himself ranked 3rd on our list. Embiid is a dominant interior scorer and perennial MVP candidate. In addition to being one of the best inside scorers, Embiid is a threat from outside the paint and a two-way presence. Embiid’s elite shot-blocking makes him one of the best rim protectors in the league. There’s no denying that Embiid is an ultra-talented player. However, throughout his career, Embiid has underperformed and or been injured in the playoffs. That must change for Embiid to rise the rankings and fully prove his greatness.
High ranking: 2 Low ranking: 7
Last year’s ranking: 5
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo: Milwaukee Bucks Forward/Center
Well, Giannis didn’t capture back-to-back number 1 spots on our lists. A near unanimous number 2 spot is no knock on Giannis. The Greek freak is an otherworldly athlete who dominates on both ends of the floor. He is one of the most unstoppable and dominant players the league has ever seen. The combination of speed, size, athleticism, and interior scoring makes Giannis one of the biggest downhill threats in the league. While being one of the hardest players to guard. Giannis’ elite physical tools also make him an incredibly impactful and versatile defender. At 28 Giannis has already accomplished so much including winning a championship, two MVPs, and a DPOY. It’s safe to say Giannis will be a lock to be in the top 3 for years to come.
High ranking: 2 Low ranking: 3
Last year’s ranking: 1
1. Nikola Jokic: Denver Nuggets Center
Nikola Jokic is the unanimous selection for our top player. Jokic solidified himself as the league’s best player after an incredible championship run. Putting to rest any doubts about his game in the process. Jokic is hands down the most impactful player in the league. Impacting the game in every possible way while rarely having an off-night. This incredible consistency was on full display throughout the playoffs. For years both advanced and counting stats have indicated that Jokic is the best player in the league. Now Jokic has the jewelry to back it up and has proven without a doubt his the game’s best. Jokic is truly a phenomenal player with a playstyle we’ve never seen before. He is one of the best offensive players of all-time and the best passing big man in league history.
High ranking: 1 Low ranking: 1
Last year’s ranking: 2