Player rankings are a favorite activity in the NBA community and a perfect way to get a picture of the league’s current landscape. As the offseason rolls forward with no major news now is the perfect time to rank the league’s best players. Today we are releasing our third annual top 25 players list. This list was made by five big-time NBA fans. Everyone had their own top 25 list, and the five lists were averaged for this purpose article. Let’s dive into the current top 25 players.
All individual lists can be found here.
Special thanks to our panel Hazen Pierce, Ryan Drouin, Charlie Bischoff, and Justin Holland for making this list possible.
Players also receiving votes: Ja Morant (21, 25, 25) Paul George (18, 19) Jamal Murray (20, 24) Trae Young (23) Pascal Siakam (24)
25. Tyrese Maxey: Philadelphia 76ers Guard
The reigning Most Improved Player kicks off our top 25 list. Tyrese Maxey is a dynamic scorer with lightning-quick speed. Maxey has the deadly combination of elite finishing and outside shooting. Last season Maxey’s scoring jumped from 20.3 to 25.9 points per game. Maxey would further elevate his play in the playoffs averaging 29.8 ppg including an absurd 46-point performance. With the 76ers upgrading their roster this offseason by adding Paul George, Maxey will have the chance to make a deep playoff run and fully establish himself as one of the best guards in the league.
High ranking: 21 Low ranking: Not ranked
Last year’s ranking: Not ranked
24. Paolo Banchero: Orlando Magic Forward
Paolo Banchero is one of the league’s best young stars. In his second season, Banchero surprisingly led the Magic to the playoffs as a 5-seed. Leading a young squad to a 13-win jump and a playoff appearance is incredibly impressive. The Magic took the Cavs to a Game 7 before losing in a close game where Paolo poured in 38 points. In the playoffs, Paolo averaged 27 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 4 assists. Paolo is already one of the league’s best difficult shotmakers. His ability to consistently get buckets with no floor spacing is truly remarkable. Furthermore, Paolo has a well-rounded skill set with high-level rebounding, playmaking, and defense. With an improved roster, Banchero is poised to make another jump.
High ranking: 18 Low ranking: Not ranked
Last year’s ranking: Not ranked
23. De’Aaron Fox: Sacramento Kings Guard
While the Kings took a step back in the standings and missed the playoffs De’Aaron Fox quietly improved. Fox has long been an elite finisher and mid-range maestro. He is notably one of the league’s quickest players. However, this season Fox had a career-best year as a shooter knocking 36.9 percent of his three-pointers on 7.8 attempts. If Fox can add a consistent three-point shot to his offensive bag he will be one the league’s most prolific scorers. Furthermore, it will make DeMar DeRozan’s fit with the team far more ideal. Fox complements his scoring and speed with high-level playmaking and defense. If the Kings return to the playoff picture expect a monster all-around season from Fox.
High ranking: 19 Low ranking: Not ranked
Last year’s ranking: 17
22. Domantas Sabonis: Sacramento Kings Center
Domantas Sabonis offers a ton of value as a well-rounded big man. The Kings took a step back this past season however Sabonis shined as a double-double machine and elite playmaker. Notably, Sabonis broke the record for most consecutive double-doubles. Sabonis is one of the league’s best rebounders and behind Nikola Jokic he is the best passing big man in the league. Sabonis offers all of this with consistent post-scoring. Overall it’s rare for a big man to have such a complete skill set making Sabonis highly valuable.
High ranking: 20 Low ranking: 23
Last year’s ranking: 24
21. Kyrie Irving: Dallas Mavericks Guard
In his first full season with the Mavericks Kyrie Irving silenced many of his doubters. Alongside Luka Doncic, Kyrie led the 5-seed Mavericks to an NBA Finals appearance. Kyrie remains one of the most skilled and efficient guards in the league. The superb scoring duo of Luka and Kyrie terrorized opposing defenses throughout the season. Kyrie is also one of the best clutch-time players in basketball. Notably during the regular season, he shot 60 percent from the field in clutch time play. Ultimately, Kyrie is the complete package as a gifted three-level scorer and a dazzling playmaker with incredible handles.
High ranking: 19 Low ranking: Not ranked
Last year’s ranking: 19
20. Bam Adebayo: Miami Heat Forward/Center
Bam Adebayo has been one of the league’s best defenders for several years now. The 6-foot-9 big man has unmatched defensive versatility and is one of the few players who can truly guard every position. Bam’s elite defense has earned him five straight all-defensive selections. Adebayo pairs this with elite rebounding, consistent interior scoring, and playmaking. This all-around skill set allows Bam to fit with any lineup and makes him one of the best complementary players in the league. While the Heat had a down season Bam has proven he can be the second option on a championship-level team.
High ranking: 17 Low ranking: Not ranked
Last year’s ranking: 22
19. Victor Wembanyama: San Antonio Spurs Center
Victor Wembanyama was the most hyped-up prospect since LeBron James and he delivered a historic rookie season. In just under 30 minutes per game, Wemby posted averages of 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 3.6 blocks, and 1.2 steals. Notably, his 3.6 blocks lead the league. As a rookie Wembanayama already proved to be one of the league’s best defenders. Not only is Wemby an elite shot blocker and disruptor but he is incredibly versatile.
Furthermore, with Wemby on the court, the Spurs had the league’s second-best defense, without him they were below average. Wembanyama finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting and is poised to dominate the award for the next decade. What Wemby accomplished on both ends of the floor with a sub-par supporting cast is truly remarkable. We have never seen a 7-foot-4 player with this level of mobility, shooting, or playmaking. Overall, Wembanyama is on an all-time great trajectory and this will be the lowest he’ll ever rank.
High ranking: 15 Low ranking: 24
Last year’s ranking: Not ranked
18. Jimmy Butler: Miami Heat Forward
After a magical finals run Jimmy Butler and the Heat had a shaky 2023-24 campaign. The Heat finished as an 8-seed once again but were eliminated by the Celtics in just five games. Notably, Butler was injured in the Play-In game against the 76ers and didn’t play in the series. Butler hasn’t played over 65 games since joining the Heat in 2019. This has led to doubt about his approach to the regular season and future with the Heat especially considering his age. Regardless, Butler has proven to be an elite playoff performer and is one of the league’s best difficult-shot makers. Even when his shot isn’t falling Butler impacts the game through his rebounding, playmaking, and defense. Butler, a 2025 free agent, will be 35 when the season starts and he will have to prove his status as one of the top stars.
High ranking: 16 Low ranking: Not ranked
Last year’s ranking: 9
17. Kawhi Leonard: Los Angeles Clippers Forward
Once considered a no-brainer top-10 player Kawhi Leonard has dwindled in his later years mostly due to injuries. After missing the 2021-22 season due to an ACL injury Leonard has missed a total of 44 regular season games in the following two seasons. He has also been injured in the playoffs both years playing in just four out of a possible 11 playoff games. Nevertheless, Leonard is still a two-way star when he’s on the court. This past season Leonard led the Clippers to 51 wins and a home playoffs series while averaging an efficient 23 points per game. Impressively he was named to the All-NBA second team. While Leonard’s days of being one of the league’s top stars are numbered he is still a high-quality star and shows plenty of flashes of his former self.
High ranking: 13 Low ranking: 23
Last year’s ranking: 15
16. Tyrese Haliburton: Indiana Pacers Guard
Tyrese Haliburton had a breakout season and was the engine of the NBA’s second-ranked offense. Notably, Haliburton led the league in assists with 10.9 per game. He has an ideal combination of elite playmaking and three-point shooting with exceptional positional size at 6-foot-5. This skill set allows Haliburton to control the game like few others. Ultimately, Haliburton is a classic point guard yet one who is perfectly suited for the modern game.
High ranking: 14 Low ranking: 21
Last year’s ranking: Not ranked
15. Donovan Mitchell: Cleveland Cavaliers Guard
Kicking off the top 15 of our list is Donovan Mitchell. The 6-foot-3 guard is a dynamic three-level scorer with elite athleticism. Mitchell has averaged at least 25 points over the past four seasons including 26.9 ppg this past season. Additionally, Mitchell is an underrated playmaker, notably he averaged a career-high 6.9 assists last year. Mitchell has led the Cavs to back-to-back playoff appearances including their first series win since 2018. Impressively he averaged 29.6 ppg in the 2024 playoffs including an absurd 50-point performance against the Magic. This offseason Mitchell and the Cavs agreed to an extension. With a new head coach yet virtually the same roster it will be interesting to see if Mitchell and the Cavs can reach another level.
High ranking: 14 Low ranking: 17
Last year’s ranking: 13
14. Jaylen Brown: Boston Celtics Forward/Guard
Jaylen Brown had quite the 2023-24 season. Brown won his first NBA championship after several deep playoffs. Notably, he was named both Finals MVP and Eastern Conference Finals MVP. Brown is one of the best two-way wings in the league. For years many have viewed Brown as a clear sidekick to Jayson Tatum. However, this playoffs proved how Brown can be a true number-one scoring option and highlighted his elite clutch-time abilities. Brown leadership skills also stood out throughout the year, especially in the playoffs. Furthermore, Brown improved a lot as a playmaker and decision-maker. This decisive decision-making also helped Brown improve as an all-around scorer. Brown’s elite on-ball defense was incredibly important to the Celtics’ success; he often guarded the opposing team’s best player in the Finals he played brilliant defense on Luka Doncic. Ultimately, this season Brown established himself as one of the league’s best two-way players.
High ranking: 13 Low ranking: 19
Last year’s ranking: 16
13. Devin Booker: Phoenix Suns Guard/Forward
Devin Booker is largely viewed as a prolific three-level scorer and shot creator. However, he has an underrated all-around skillset. Booker is a high-level playmaker and facilitator this past season he averaged a career-high 6.9 assists. He is an elite off-ball player which allows him to fit with any lineup. Additionally, Booker is an underrated defender capable of guarding positions one through three. Ultimately, Booker is one of the league’s best scorers with a well-rounded skill set which makes him the complete package as a star wing.
High ranking: 11 Low ranking: 14
Last year’s ranking: 11
12. Anthony Davis: Los Angeles Lakers Forward/Center
Anthony Davis is one of the league’s best two-way stars. Davis possesses the rare ability to anchor a defense with elite rim protection while being switchable to defend multiple positions. He is also one of the league’s best rebounders averaging 12.6 rebounds per game this past season. In addition to his superb defense, Davis is a consistent 24-point-per-game scorer. Davis has always been an elite interior scorer however, recently he has expanded his scoring to the mid-range area. Despite an extensive injury Davis has improved upon his consistency in recent years and played in a career-high 76 games this past season. At 31 years old this is a great sign that Davis can extend his prime and remain one of the league’s best stars for years to come.
High ranking: 10 Low ranking: 16
Last year’s ranking: 14
11. Jalen Brunson: New York Knicks Guard
Jalen Brunson shot up the NBA hierarchy after a stellar season. Brunson led an injury-riddled Knicks squad to 50 wins and a 2-seed. They were also just one game away from the Eastern Conference Finals. Brunson’s 28.7 points per game were good for fourth in the league. He has the ideal combination of elite finishing and shooting. Overall Brunson is one of the most skilled and crafty scorers in the league. Brunson is also a skilled playmaker and facilitator. In the playoffs Brunson elevated his play, averaging 32.7 points and 7.5 assists. Brunson’s ability to be the sole engine of an offense while winning games is truly remarkable. With an improved roster the Knicks are legit title contenders and Brunson could establish himself as a consensus top 10 player.
High ranking: 10 Low ranking: 15
Last year’s ranking: Not ranked
10. LeBron James: Los Angeles Lakers Forward
At 39 years old the level that LeBron James continues to perform at is beyond incredible. LeBron has an ideal combination of strength, athleticism, IQ, and shot creation which allows him to remain an elite star. Additionally, in year 21 LeBron shot a career high 41 percent from three. LeBron’s all-around skill set makes him highly impactful and valuable. When it’s all said and done LeBron will be remembered as the most versatile player of all time. LeBron could legitimately play another 10 years if he wanted to. However, he likely only has a few years left and he’ll retire while remaining one of the league’s best stars. As LeBron’s years in the league are dwindling it’s important for the basketball community not to take this all-time great for granted.
High ranking: 7 Low ranking: 15
Last year’s ranking: 8
9. Anthony Edwards: Minnesota Timberwolves Guard/Forward
Anthony Edwards had a magical season and established himself as a true face of the league. The 23-year-old wing is one of the league’s best three-level scorers with supreme athleticism which allows him to create stunning highlights. He is also a high-level defender and playmaker, two skills that Edwards improved upon this past season.
Edwards led the Timberwolves to 56 wins and their first conference finals appearance since 2004. In the playoffs elevated his play, averaging 27.6 points, 7 rebounds, and 6.5 assists. This playoff run included a surprising sweep of the Phoenix Suns and a dismantling of the defending champion Denver Nuggets. Edwards has one of the brightest futures in the league and will continue to climb up the ranks of the NBA’s best.
High ranking: 5 Low ranking: 12
Last year’s ranking: 21
8. Kevin Durant: Phoenix Suns Forward
Many consider Kevin Durant the most complete scorer in NBA history. Durant’s elite and efficient three-level scoring as a near 7-footer makes him stand out. Furthermore, this unique skill set helped Durant sustain success even as he ages. Durant is also an underrated and versatile defender. While the Suns had a disappointing season as they were a 6-seed and swept in the first round, Durant’s remained stellar. With the addition of Tyus Jones the Suns could have a bounce-back year. If Durant can stay healthy and have another deep playoff run it’s possible he can slightly rise up the rankings even at his advanced age.
High ranking: 6 Low ranking: 9
Last year’s ranking: 7
7. Joel Embiid: Philadelphia 76ers Center
The 2022-23 MVP just misses out on our top-5. Joel Embiid is one of the league’s most dominant players and an elite scorer. Additionally, he is a high-level defender making him one of the league’s best two-way players. While Embiid is certainly a top-5 talent his injury history and lack of playoff success hold him back. At 30 with the best surrounding roster of his career, Embiid must prove himself with a deep playoff run and a healthy season. If this happens Embiid would be a no-brainer top-5 player and could push into the top-3. Regardless, Embiid is clearly one of the most talented and impactful players in the league; his spot within the top-10 is very secure.
High ranking: 6 Low ranking: 9
Last year’s ranking: 3
6. Jayson Tatum: Boston Celtics Forward
After years of being so close Jayson Tatum and the Celtics broke through winning an NBA championship. Tatum’s all-around skill set shined throughout the season and the playoffs. He averaged 25 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 6.3 assists in the playoffs. Notably, Tatum joined Larry Bird, Hakeem Olajuwon, Tim Duncan, LeBron James, and Nikola Jokic as the only players to lead their team in these three categories en route to winning the title. An exclusive club to say the least.
Tatum has long been known as a prolific three-level scorer. However, this playoff highlighted his ability to impact the game in a multitude of ways while facing extremely difficult defensive coverage. Even if he wasn’t scoring efficiently through rebounding, playmaking, and defense Tatum found ways to make a positive impact on the game. Tatum’s versatility also stands out as the Celtics offense runs through him and he acts as a point-forward at times. Defensively he often guards opposing big men and was a vital part of Boston’s defensive scheme. Overall, there are few stars as complete and impactful as Tatum.
High ranking: 5 Low ranking: 8
Last year’s ranking: 6
5. Stephen Curry: Golden State Warriors Guard
At 36 years old Stephen Curry still has a lot left in the tank. Curry of course remains the league’s best three-point shooter. He is also the best off-ball player in the league and has unmatched offensive gravity. Additionally, he is one of the league’s best ball handlers and overall shot-creators while being an underrated high-level defender. On a Warriors team that struggled this year, Curry received arguably the most difficult defensive coverage in the league. The Warriors didn’t have any consistent shot creators or scorers next to Curry allowing defenses to solely focus on him. Nevertheless, Steph remained an efficient 26-point-per-game scorer. If the Warriors can add another star next to Curry it’s possible we could have another deep playoff run. If not we will continue to see Curry be one of the most productive one-man offensive engines in the league.
High ranking: 4 Low ranking: 8
Last year’s ranking: 5
4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Oklahoma City Thunder Guard
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander moved up the rankings of the NBA’s best after an MVP-caliber season. Notably, SGA finished second in MVP voting after leading a young Thunder team to 57 wins and the top seed in the Western Conference. Shai’s 30.1 points per game ranked third in the league. He is arguably the league’s most gifted shot-creator and isolation scorer. In addition to SGA’s elite scoring abilities, he is a quality playmaker and defender. In the playoffs, Shai went toe to toe with Luka Doncic. Although OKC lost the series in a close six games, Shai averaged over 30 points and further proved he is a legit superstar. The Thunder are primed for success over the next decade and Shai will remain one of the league’s best stars.
High ranking: 3 Low ranking: 9
Last year’s ranking: 10
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo: Milwaukee Bucks Forward/Center
Once considered the league’s best player Giannis Antetokounmpo has become somewhat forgotten about after back-to-back first-round exits where he dealt with injuries. Nevertheless, Giannis remains one of the NBA’s best two-way stars. Notably, last season he averaged 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists. Giannis is an unstoppable interior scorer with supreme athleticism and strength. The Greek Freak’s combination of athleticism, strength, and speed also allows him to be one of the league’s most impactful and versatile defenders. Ultimately, he is one of the most physically dominant players of all time. If the Bucks bounce back and make a deep playoff run Giannis could reclaim a top-2 spot.
High ranking: 2 Low ranking: 4
Last year’s ranking: 2
2. Luka Doncic: Dallas Mavericks Guard
Luka Doncic is one of the most special talents in the league. After an incredible 2023-24 campaign including a surprise NBA Finals appearance Luka established himself as a consensus top-3 player. Doncic is both a top-tier scorer and a playmaker. As a scorer and shot-creator, there is no player better than Luka. This combination makes Luka an all-around offensive threat and one of the most gifted offensive talents in league history. Notably, Luka last season averaged the most combined points, rebounds, and assists per game since the ABA-NBA merger. After an incredible Finals run and years of elite play, Doncic could finally win the coveted MVP award.
High ranking: 1 Low ranking: 3
Last year’s ranking: 4
1. Nikola Jokic: Denver Nuggets Center
Nikola Jokic remains the consensus best player in the world. The three-time MVP has an unmatched all-around impact. Furthermore, Jokic regularly leads the league in just about every advanced statistic including Win Shares, VORP, and Box Plus-Minus. This highlights his enormous value and overall impact. Jokic is by far the best passing big man of all time and this ability helps elevate all of his surrounding teammates. He is also one of the league’s best rebounders and a dominant inside scorer. After winning three MVPs in four seasons and an NBA championship in 2023 Jokic has solidified himself as one of the greatest players of all time.
High ranking: 1 Low ranking: 2
Last year’s ranking: 1