NBA Rank 2025: Top 10 Players of the League

10. Jalen Brunson, G, New York Knicks

Previous Rank (2024): 12

Jalen Brunson`s remarkable ascent continued last season, earning him his second consecutive All-Star and All-NBA Second Team honors. In just three years, Brunson has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest Knicks players in franchise history, notably leading New York to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years. He also guided them to a third consecutive playoff series win, a feat not seen since the golden era of the 1990s. For Brunson and the Knicks, the ultimate goal this season is a breakthrough to the NBA Finals, a stage they haven`t reached this century.

Biggest Question: How will Brunson adapt to new head coach Mike Brown?

Brunson`s rise to superstardom has been closely tied to his bond with former coach Tom Thibodeau, who successfully built offenses around smaller guards. While Brunson`s immense talent ensures he remains a focal point, Coach Brown advocates for a faster pace and increased ball movement, a contrast to Thibodeau`s slower, ball-dominant approach centered on Brunson. The dynamic between Brunson and Brown will be crucial in determining if the Knicks can end their 26-year Finals drought.

Signature Stat: Last season, Brunson averaged a career-high 7.3 assists, becoming the first player in Knicks history to average 25 points and seven assists in a single season.

Fantasy Projection: 26.3 PTS, 3.0 REB, 7.2 AST

9. Kevin Durant, F, Houston Rockets

Previous Rank (2024): 9

After a first-round playoff exit highlighted their need for an elite offensive catalyst, the Houston Rockets brought in Kevin Durant. Now eighth all-time in scoring (30,571 points) and approaching Wilt Chamberlain`s record, Durant, even at nearly 37, remains a highly efficient and potent scorer. He brings invaluable championship experience, high basketball IQ, and an unrelenting work ethic that promises to elevate Houston`s youthful roster.

Biggest Question: Does Durant`s arrival transform the Rockets into legitimate contenders?

Yes, but contingent on the supporting cast`s ability to integrate Durant effectively. Rockets coach Ime Udoka, who previously worked with Durant in Brooklyn, understands Durant`s preference for natural integration over teammates deferring to him. Maximizing Durant`s impact relies on the continued development of young talents like Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun. Durant has already encouraged his teammates to play their natural game, trusting his vast experience to find the optimal fit within the team, making the speed of this adaptation key.

Signature Stat: Kevin Durant holds the NBA record for averaging at least 25 points, 50% field goal shooting, and 40% three-point shooting for three consecutive seasons.

Fantasy Projection: 24.9 PTS, 5.8 REB, 4.2 AST

8. LeBron James, F, Los Angeles Lakers

Previous Rank (2024): 7

LeBron James slips one spot to No. 8 after another exceptional 22nd season. He averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds, earning an All-NBA Second Team selection and finishing sixth in MVP voting. James continues to defy age with unprecedented late-career productivity, poised to become the first player ever to complete 23 NBA seasons. His sustained prominence in the rankings is unparalleled; by contrast, legendary Kobe Bryant had fallen to No. 93 at the start of his 20th and final season.

Biggest Question: Is this LeBron James` final season as a Laker?

While James is known for embracing discomfort, tensions escalated this summer after his agent, Rich Paul, hinted at evaluating “what`s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career,” despite James opting into his $52.6 million contract. This sparked trade rumors involving teams like Dallas, Cleveland, and New York. Paul later clarified that no trade discussions were initiated, and given James` no-trade clause, such a move would require his consent. The speculation has since subsided, with James focused on workouts and EuroBasket. As he enters an unprecedented season alongside Luka Doncic (who he`ll pass the torch to), playing with his son Bronny, and with four titles and over 40,000 points, a more pertinent question might be whether this marks the conclusion of his illustrious NBA career entirely.

Signature Stat: James is embarking on his 23rd NBA season, surpassing Vince Carter for the most in league history. With 50 more games played, he will also surpass Robert Parish as the all-time leader in games played.

Fantasy Projection: 24.9 PTS, 7.7 REB, 8.2 AST

7. Stephen Curry, G, Golden State Warriors

Previous Rank (2024): 6

Despite facing relentless defensive pressure designed to deny him space and the ball, Stephen Curry managed to hit 311 three-pointers in 70 games last season. This marked his sixth career season with over 300 made threes—a feat no other player in NBA history has accomplished more than once. His unparalleled perimeter prowess continues to force defenses to warp their schemes around him. The Warriors` success remains intrinsically linked to Curry; last season, they outscored opponents by a team-best 299 points with him on the floor, while being outscored by 28 points when he was off. His injury in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Timberwolves directly led to their elimination.

Biggest Question: What potential concerns face the 16-season veteran?

Curry`s hamstring strain last season was his first soft tissue injury since 2018. While he recovered quickly and reported feeling 100 percent, turning 38 in March means his workload must be carefully managed throughout the season, especially as the Warriors push for playoff seeding. Maintaining his disciplined workout routine will be key, but balancing regular season demands with playoff freshness remains a challenge.

Signature Stat: Curry recorded his sixth season with at least 300 made 3-pointers in 2024-25. All other players in NBA history combined have achieved this milestone only four times.

Fantasy Projection: 25.1 PTS, 4.5 REB, 5.8 AST

6. Anthony Edwards, G, Minnesota Timberwolves

Previous Rank (2024): 10

Anthony Edwards showed significant improvement across virtually all metrics last season. He led the league with 320 made three-pointers at a career-best 39.5% efficiency and increased his scoring average from 26 to 28 points per game. Crucially, he spearheaded the Timberwolves` return to the Western Conference Finals, even after the trade of All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns. Despite these achievements, Edwards candidly admitted falling short of his ultimate goals, vowing to outwork everyone in the offseason after their five-game loss to the Thunder. To reach the superstar status widely predicted for him, Edwards must diversify his offensive repertoire and further elevate his teammates.

Biggest Question: Will his tendency for technical fouls and NBA fines persist?

Edwards accumulated a league-high 18 technical fouls last season, resulting in over $400,000 in fines for various infractions, including obscene gestures, explicit language, and failing to exit the court after an ejection. This behavior not only impacts his image as a potential face of the league and America`s top homegrown star but also affects his relationship with referees and can create unnecessary distractions for his team.

Signature Stat: Fueled by his league-leading 320 made 3-pointers, Anthony Edwards averaged 27.6 points last season, marking the highest single-season scoring average in Timberwolves history.

Fantasy Projection: 27.8 PTS, 5.8 REB, 4.7 AST

5. Victor Wembanyama, C, San Antonio Spurs

Previous Rank (2024): 11

Victor Wembanyama appears primed for a dominant season. During a recent visit to a high school devastated by Texas floods, Wembanyama showcased his athleticism, effortlessly tossing the ball off the backboard, catching it mid-air between his legs, and slamming it home—a display that electrified the student spectators and underscored his readiness.

Biggest Question: Will Wembanyama`s intense offseason efforts yield dividends this season?

All signs point to yes. After missing the final 30 games last season due to deep vein thrombosis, Wembanyama received a clean bill of health in July. His summer was packed, including a 10-day training stint at a Shaolin temple in Zhengzhou, China, and dedicated work with Hall of Fame big men Kevin Garnett and Hakeem Olajuwon. Training with Garnett is expected to inject more aggression into his game, while Olajuwon likely refined his footwork and post moves. Wembanyama himself believes his Kung Fu training mirrors certain on-court movements, suggesting a well-rounded development that should significantly benefit his third NBA season.

Signature Stat: Victor Wembanyama is one of only three players (joining David Robinson in 1992-93 and Hakeem Olajuwon in 1989-90) to record a 5×5 game, a 10-block game, and a 50-point game in the same season since blocks and steals became official stats in 1973-74.

Fantasy Projection: 24.7 PTS, 11.5 REB, 4.0 BLK

4. Giannis Antetokounmpo, F, Milwaukee Bucks

Previous Rank (2024): 3

Giannis Antetokounmpo is coming off a season where he averaged a 30-point double-double, finishing second in league scoring behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Had the Bucks achieved a higher seed, he likely would have garnered more MVP consideration, yet he still secured a top-four finish in voting for the seventh consecutive season. Milwaukee`s dominant forward shows no signs of slowing down; he has refined his game by incorporating more midrange jumpers, enhancing his efficiency. Antetokounmpo remains arguably the league`s foremost two-way threat, though the Bucks haven`t advanced past the conference semifinals since 2022.

Biggest Question: In the prime of his career, can Antetokounmpo secure another championship for Milwaukee?

Antetokounmpo`s recent production has surpassed his back-to-back MVP seasons, averaging 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists on 60% shooting in the last two seasons—a historical first, echoing the efficiency and dominance of Wilt Chamberlain and Shaquille O`Neal. Despite being healthy for the 2025 playoffs (for the first time in three years) and posting even better numbers (33 PPG, 14 RPG on 64% shooting), the Bucks suffered their third consecutive first-round exit. Antetokounmpo`s consistent declaration of winning another championship as his top priority raises questions about his patience. As he approaches 31 in December, if Milwaukee cannot build a true contender around him, his long-term future with the team may come into sharp focus.

Signature Stat: Antetokounmpo has averaged 30 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 60% shooting in each of the past two seasons, a statistical achievement unprecedented in NBA history.

Fantasy Projection: 31.5 PTS, 12.2 REB, 6.5 AST

3. Luka Doncic, G, Los Angeles Lakers

Previous Rank (2024): 2

Despite a team change, Luka Doncic maintains his elite status in the NBA Rank, moving only slightly from No. 2 to No. 3. The 26-year-old had a transformative summer, shedding weight through a rigorous regimen, signing a three-year, $165 million extension with the Lakers, and leading Slovenia to the EuroBasket quarterfinals with an impressive 34.7 points per game. Last season was his first since his rookie year without MVP votes, largely due to a calf injury and his midseason trade limiting him to a career-low 50 games. NBA Rank voters are clearly banking on Doncic returning to his previous Dallas trajectory now that he`s settled with the Lakers.

Biggest Question: Has Doncic`s dominant summer set the stage for an MVP season?

Doncic`s summer transformation—physical conditioning, signing a massive extension, and leading Slovenia in EuroBasket—signals a player determined to reclaim his top-tier status. A year ago, he was widely considered the game`s best young talent after leading the Mavericks to the NBA Finals. However, a challenging season, marked by injury and a trade to the Lakers, saw Shai Gilgeous-Alexander surpass him, earning MVP and Finals MVP honors. Now, with the third-highest regular-season scoring average and second-highest postseason scoring average in league history, the 26-year-old Doncic is poised to make a strong push for his first career MVP award.

Signature Stat: After making his debut with the Lakers on February 10, Luka Doncic led the team in average points, rebounds, assists, steals, and three-pointers.

Fantasy Projection: 30.1 PTS, 8.5 REB, 8.2 AST

2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, G, Oklahoma City Thunder

Previous Rank (2024): 4

Scoring champion, MVP, Western Conference Finals MVP, Finals MVP, and NBA champion—it`s no exaggeration to call Shai Gilgeous-Alexander`s 2024-25 season one of the greatest individual campaigns in league history. At just 27, he is truly entering his prime.

Biggest Question: How can SGA continue to elevate his game?

Gilgeous-Alexander has consistently improved his scoring efficiency, achieving a career-best 63.7% true shooting percentage last season, where he also attempted and made the most three-pointers of his career (163 of 435, 37.5%). Further expanding his shooting range will only make him more formidable. He has also demonstrated steady growth as a playmaker, averaging a career-high 6.4 assists, a number likely to increase as his talented young supporting cast develops into more consistent scoring threats.

Signature Stat: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander became the fourth player in NBA history to win the scoring title, NBA MVP, and NBA championship in the same season, joining an exclusive club alongside Shaquille O`Neal, Michael Jordan, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Fantasy Projection: 33.2 PTS, 5.2 REB, 6.5 AST

1. Nikola Jokic, C, Denver Nuggets

Previous Rank (2024): 1

Nikola Jokic claims the top spot in ESPN`s NBA Rank for the second consecutive year, a testament to his unparalleled dominance. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander rightfully earned the league`s regular-season and Finals MVP awards—and defeated Jokic head-to-head in the playoffs—even the Thunder acknowledge Jokic`s extraordinary performances in that hard-fought second-round series. Simply put, Jokic is at the zenith of his basketball powers and remains a perennial MVP frontrunner when playing at this level.

Last season, Jokic joined an exclusive club as only the third player in history to average a triple-double (29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists) for an entire season. He also posted the fourth-highest player efficiency rating (32.04) in league history. He finished as MVP runner-up primarily because the Thunder significantly outperformed the Nuggets, who underachieved with a fourth-place Western Conference finish and underwent coaching and general manager changes at the end of the regular season.

Biggest Question: Have the Nuggets adequately addressed the depth issues that plagued them last season?

Jokic`s astounding numbers were partly a necessity, as he shouldered an immense load after the Nuggets lost key players for a second straight offseason. This season, Denver has been more aggressive in acquiring talent and strengthening its bench. The effectiveness of these moves will only become clear once the new roster takes the court. If Denver rebounds and challenges the Thunder for supremacy in the West, Jokic has a realistic chance to become only the sixth player in NBA history to win four MVP awards, joining an elite company that includes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and LeBron James.

Signature Stat: Last season, Jokic became just the third player in NBA history to average a triple-double for a season, following Oscar Robertson (1961-62) and Russell Westbrook (who achieved it four times).

Fantasy Projection: 29.0 PTS, 12.7 REB, 10.1 AST