My Top 30 NBA Players After the 2024-25 Season

Every offseason, I like to take a step back and evaluate the NBA's top players. I try to base my rankings on a combination of factors including how dominant a player is or was at the peak of their career, how healthy they typically have been, and how consistent they have been over the previous three years.

This is not about potential, and this isn't a legacy list. It is simply who I think are the top 30 players currently in the NBA. 

Let's get into!

1. Nikola Jokic — C, Denver Nuggets

Still the most unstoppable force in the NBA. A walking triple-double who seems to make history every night he steps on the floor.

2. Giannis Antetokounmpo — PF, Milwaukee Bucks

The best two-way player in the league who still terrifies teams in transition and in the paint.

3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — PG, Oklahoma City Thunder

After an MVP season for the ages, Gilgeous-Alexander proved he is the best-pure scorer in the game leading the Thunder to a championship this past year.

4. Luka Dončić — PG, Los Angeles Lakers

After a distracting season that included a shocking trade, expect Dončić to return to MVP form as he enters the year looking to prove his doubters wrong.

5. Jayson Tatum — F, Boston Celtics

Tatum will likely be out all of the 2025-26 season with a torn Achilles, but when healthy, he is still elite and one of the most complete wings in the game today.

6. Anthony Edwards — SG, Minnesota Timberwolves

Your favorite player's favorite player. Edwards despite being so young is already so dominant. He's guided the Timberwolves to back-to-back Conference Finals appearances, and he's just getting started.

7. Tyrese Haliburton — PG, Indiana Pacers

Throughout the postseason, Haliburton showed he is the best "pure point guard" in the sport as he dragged the Pacers on a miracle run to the NBA Finals before tearing his Achilles in Game 7 of that series. Assuming he comes back healthy for the 2026-27 season and can improve on his scoring ability, he could become a nightmare for the league.

8. Jalen Brunson — PG, New York Knicks

Maybe a top three scorer at the point guard position. Brunson's playoff run proved he’s a top-10 talent as he guided the Knicks all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals.

9. Donovan Mitchell — SG, Cleveland Cavaliers

A proven scorer who continues to improve defensively. Just needs a deep playoff run and next season may be his best chance yet to do so.

10. LeBron James — PF, Los Angeles Lakers

He's not what he once was, but heading into year 23 and somehow still making the All-NBA second team this past season tells you everything you need to know about his longevity.

11. Stephen Curry — PG, Golden State Warriors

Like his peers, he is beginning to show his age but is still the league’s most dangerous shooter is still a top-tier offensive weapon. Curry should age gracefully as he looks to win a fifth ring for the Warriors.

12. Victor Wembanyama — C, San Antonio Spurs

The next all-time great talent in this league. A blood clot ended his season early as he was on pace to win the first defensive player of the year award of his career. The rest of the league better start winning now because Wembanyama will soon take over the NBA.

13. Kevin Durant — F, Houston Rockets

Still an automatic bucket when healthy. Fit with Houston should be fascinating as he looks to win his third ring.

14. Anthony Davis — PF/C, Dallas Mavericks

If he stays on the court, Davis is still a defensive player of the year caliber. If he stays at that level, Dallas at least has to be seen as a threat out West when they are fully healthy.

15. Devin Booker — SG, Phoenix Suns

Smooth scorer with underrated playmaking. Can't wait to see him run the show once again in the desert.

16. Evan Mobley — PF/C, Cleveland Cavaliers

Happy he won his defensive player of the year this past season as he was the defensive anchor for a 64 win team. If Mobley can take another offensive jump, we could be looking at top 10 player in the not so distant future.

17. Cade Cunningham — PG, Detroit Pistons

The breakout was real. Cunningham has the poise, IQ and skill to lead this young Pistons team into the future.

18. Jaylen Brown — SG, Boston Celtics

A physical two-way wing who already has a Finals MVP to his name while continuing to refine his handle and shot creation. It should be fascinating to watch him as the number one option in Boston next season with Tatum out all of next year.

19. Paolo Banchero — PF, Orlando Magic

Injuries derailed Banchero’s season, but a major leap feels certain—don’t be shocked if by mid-season we’re talking about Orlando as a sneaky Finals team and Banchero as a potential top-10 player in the world, because I truly think the sky is truly the limit for him.

20. Kawhi Leonard — F, Los Angeles Clippers

If he’s healthy, he’s still amazing. However, you just never know what you're getting from Leonard and the reasoning why he is probably lower than he should be.

21. Jimmy Butler — G/F, Golden State Warriors

Perfect fit in Golden State. Brought leadership and intensity every night to a team that desperately needed it.

22. Karl-Anthony Towns — PF/C, New York Knicks

Towns can be frustratingly inconsistent, but he was a great pickup by the Knicks—when he's engaged, his elite shooting and passing make him one of the most offensively gifted bigs in the league.

23. Jalen Williams — F, Oklahoma City Thunder

One of the best two-way wings in basketball he proved he can be a Robin on a title team—Williams is efficient, versatile, and rising fast as one of the league's top players.

24. James Harden — PG, Los Angeles Clippers

He’s not what he once was, but he still impacts the game in a big way with his playmaking ability.

25. Joel Embiid — C, Philadelphia 76ers

On pure talent, he’s top five. On durability? Not so much. I don't think any player in the NBA is facing more pressure than Embiid next season.

26. Kyrie Irving — PG, Dallas Mavericks

Irving is still one of the most graceful scorers and is the best ball handler in the league. He was playing at an elite level after the Dončić trade, but a torn ACL ruined everything—still, I can’t wait to watch him team up with AD and Cooper Flagg as a must-see trio when he returns.

27. Pascal Siakam — PF, Indiana Pacers

Siakam is so versatile and has now been the second-best player on two Finals teams (and a championship one). After winning Eastern Conference Finals MVP, it’s time he gets the respect he’s long deserved.

28. Trae Young — PG, Atlanta Hawks

Young is still an elite offensive engine whose defensive flaws limit his ceiling, but the fact that he is clearly the best player on a team I believe can win the East next season has to count for something.

29. Alperen Sengun — C, Houston Rockets

Jokic-lite in the making. He’s creative, tough, and finally getting his shine. I think he will be much better with a true scorer like Kevin Durant by his side. Expect another big jump next season.

30. Darius Garland — PG, Cleveland Cavaliers

Crafty and smooth, with elite shot-making and vision. He will be injured to start next season but I still expect Garland to be one of the best at his position for the foreseeable future.

Just Missed the Cut:

• Ja Morant- PG, Memphis Grizzlies

• Jaren Jackson Jr.- PF/C, Memphis Grizzlies

• Zion Williamson- PF, New Orleans Pelicans

• Jamal Murray- PG, Denver Nuggets

• Bam Adebayo- PF/C, Miami Heat