The NBA's Top 25 Players Going Into Next Season

What puts Paolo on this list at #25 is his fearless playoff production and takeover ability when games slow down. We’ve seen him regularly elevate his game in high-stakes environments, stringing together 30- and 40-point postseason masterpieces while using his size to crash the glass and hold his own physically. Although I can’t place him any higher because Paolo has simply struggled to lead the Magic out of the first round and the play-in. While refining his three-point efficiency and keeping defensive engagement high are his next steps toward pushing for the top 15, Banchero is a certified #1 option for this Magic team.

Yeah I know he’s just Nikola Jokic’s ‘sidepiece’, but Murray was a legitimate All-star this year, shot career bests, and had career highs for points, rebounds, and assists. Obviously the ‘Jokic effect’ inflates some of his stats, but that’s what honestly makes it better. Murray on his own team could be a real number one option. Sadly, that would just make him a glorified Trae Young.

83 points is ridiculous. My quick opinion is that scoring 80+ points in today’s NBA is insanely difficult, so props to him. Bam is still one of the greatest defenders in our game, and I feel like he’s been constantly overshadowed by Tyler Herro, Jimmy Butler, and now Giannis! I initially thought his contract extension two years ago was a bit much, but I feel that his offensive game has grown and he had that incredible run on the Olympic level in 2024, he deserves it.

People forget that Deni Avdija averaged 24/7/7 and made an all-star team last season simply because he was on the small-market Portland Trail-Blazers. He consistently leads the league in drives per game, breaking down defenses and forcing them to collapse. I would definitely have him higher on this list if it weren’t for the fact that he’s now got to compete with Damian Lillard and Ja Morant for a spot as a star for the Blazers.

As a Knicks fan, you gotta love the **Big Bodega** man. Widely regarded as one of the best shooting big men in NBA history, combining a near-**40% career three-point rate with three-level scoring ability at 7 feet tall**. That already tells you something about how great he is. Another thing that I wanna talk about is, his **playmaking as an offensive hub** is just *so* good in Mike Brown’s system. His defense on Wembanyama in the finals was something we were all waiting for him to unlock.

Even at 42-years-old this man is still **top-20 in the league**. Bet you Mike couldn’t do that. A consistent **20/6/6** next season should be the normal for him. Even though I despise the Philly decision I think it might surprise people that I don’t think LeBron will average much more than 15 points a game. This is because **LePoint Guard** is back. The last time LeBron James played point guard was in the 2019-20 season, and he led the league in assists with almost 11 a game! He’s definitely gonna be a factor next season.

Talk about one of the most **electric, stat-sheet-stuffing players** in the game today. Ever since Atlanta fully handed him the keys to the offense, Jalen Johnson has transformed into a legitimate ‘6'8’ engine. He’s essentially the **modern ideal of a ‘point forward’--Basically a young LeBron James**. He’s an All-NBA caliber output. His combination of raw open-court speed, rim-rattling finishing, and elite court vision forces defenders into impossible choices every night. Toss in his length as a **versatile multi-positional defender who racks up steals and blocks**, and you have a player built specifically for high-stakes playoff basketball.

When he’s right, Tyrese Haliburton is the absolute **gold standard for pure, high-octane offensive engine players**. His vision, rapid-fire decision-making in transition, and ridiculous assist-to-turnover ratio are what make Indiana’s fast-paced system run like a finely tuned supermini. He picks defenses apart without needing to hog the ball, putting up elite double-double numbers while shooting with that unorthodox but undeniably lethal jumper.

The only reason Hali isn’t sitting comfortably inside the top 10 is the giant dark cloud hovering over his health. But **until he proves he can navigate a grueling 82-game slate and deep playoff run without physical setbacks**, placing him at #18 feels like the right balance of respecting his genius while accounting for the risk.

Booker remains one of the **purest, most lethal three-level scorers on the planet**. Whether he’s dissecting drop coverage out of the pick-and-roll, his footwork and bucket-getting instincts are elite. He’s proven he can be the **leading scorer on a Finals-bound squad**. So why isn’t D-Book higher? The main ding comes down to efficiency fluctuations and team results when the offense relies entirely on his shoulders. While his playmaking has taken massive leaps over the years, he’s still at his absolute best playing alongside a primary facilitator who lets him focus purely on hunt mode. When forced to do *everything* as the sole engine, his turnover numbers can creep up, and his three-point accuracy has had odd cold streaks. Still, he’s a certified bucket.

If there’s one word to describe Tyrese Maxey, it’s **unbelievable speed**. This guy plays at a tempo that looks like he’s **permanently fast-forwarded on a 1.5x video playback**, making him one of the most frustrating assignments in the entire league for opposing perimeter defenders. Maxey has blossomed from a high-energy spark plug into a legitimate superstar guard. His ability to hit pull-up threes, blow past elite on-ball defenders, and finish through contact at the rim. I love his game, and would have him higher going into next season if he wasn’t going to be **reduced to an off-ball shooting guard role**. Still number 16 though.

Call him ‘Baby Jokić’ if you want, but Alperen Şengün has carved out an **identity all his own as one of the most uniquely skilled big men in basketball**. Operating out of the high post or backing guys down in the paint, his footwork, soft touch, and scoring ability is lethal.

Şengün serves as the engine of Houston’s offense. He manipulates double-teams effortlessly, dropping slick interior passes to cutters or kicking out to open shooters. He still has his issues that make me dislike him more and more, like his **3-point shooting efficiency and his rim protection against elite, vertical roll-threats**. But considering his rapid playmaking evolution, feel for the game, and non-stop motor, Şengün has firmly established himself as a legit All-Star big man who can help KD and the Rockets.

At this point, calling Kevin Durant a ‘cheat code’ almost feels understated. Approaching his late 30s, the Slim Reaper is **still putting up effortless 26-point nights on 50/40/90 efficiency like it’s a casual Sunday in 2014**. The reason KD sits at #14 instead of comfortably in the top 10 comes down to overall workload burden and playmaking ceiling. While he’s an underrated passer and an effective weak-side shot-blocker, he’s at his absolute best when paired with an elite primary ball-handler who can set the table and take pressing defensive pressure off his shoulders. **When forced to carry the primary offensive engine load for 40 minutes, his turnover numbers can rocket boost into a game five exit.**

When Kawhi is on the court, he **remains one of the most ruthless, robotic playoff weapons in NBA history**. He is the ultimate two-way monster—a mid-range assassin on offense and a giant-clawed, pass-lane-disrupting terror on defense. The reason Kawhi sits at #13 rather than near the top 5 isn’t skill—it's availability. Load management, structural knee maintenance, and missed postseasons have become an unavoidable part of the package. **To make it worse the Aspiration scandal alone has stopped him from even joining the Toronto Raptors yet.** And the Raptors said they were perfectly fine leaving the trade, so who knows what’ll happen.

**Ranking an NBA Champion, multi-time All-NBA First Teamer, and perennial top-tier wing at #12 might look like borderline disrespect**, but hear me out. Jayson Tatum is the ultimate plug-and-play modern superstar. At 6 '8', he gives you smooth, high-volume scoring across three levels, durable board-crashing, and an elite switchable perimeter defender. The main reason he sits just outside the top 10 on this list comes down to shot selection and playmaking consistency when defenses zero in on him. **An example would be the semi-finals 2025 against the Knicks.** When his pull-up jumper is dialed in, he looks like the undisputed best player on the floor. But when cold shooting stretches hit, his reliance on tough side-step threes over driving into the lane can stall the offense. Nonetheless, he’s top-12.

There is still only one Wardell Stephen Curry II. The greatest shooter in human history remains a walking half-court gravity generator—the moment he steps across the logo, defenses are forced into panic mode. **His combination of off-ball movement, lightning-quick release, and endless stamina still dictates the entire geometry of the floor like nobody else in the game.**

Even as he approaches the late stages of his career, he’s still casually dropping 24+ points a night on good efficiency. What keeps Steph just outside the top ten now comes down to **simply durability**. He missed significant time with injuries during the regular season, and when the game slows down in late April, opposing offenses aggressively hunt him in isolation, and the pressure Golden State puts on him, it seems like he’s 27 not 38. **But then again, this man will casually drop 5 threes in four minutes, so that’s why he’s eleven.**

‘Spida’ Mitchell has long been one of the most explosive, dynamic scorers in the game, but his **recent evolution as a complete, high-IQ guard solidifies his spot in the top 10**. He’s an unguardable three-level scorer who **can drop 40 on any given night, using his elite athleticism, tight handle, and deep range to leave perimeter defenders helpless**, no matter how short he is.

What elevates Spida into the single-digits territory is his playmaking growth and late-game poise. Instead of just relying on his scoring prowess, **Mitchell has mastered processing defenses, finding open shooters, and executing out of double-teams when defenses try to take the ball out of his hands**. His competitive fire makes him even more dangerous in the playoffs. People forget that this team was four wins away from an NBA finals appearance. Thank god the Knicks stopped it.

The Finals MVP and multi-time All-Star has firmly established that he’s nobody’s sidekick. Jaylen Brown is one of the most powerful, relentlessly aggressive wing scorers in the entire league, possessing a physically imposing frame that allows him to bully defenders on drives easily.

What places JB comfortably inside the top 10 is his mental toughness and two-way dominance when the stakes are highest. **He routinely takes on the opponent’s toughest perimeter assignment defensively while shouldering a massive scoring load.** While critics love to point to his high turnover rate or occasional tunnel-vision playmaking, or being *analytically* the seventh best player on his **former team, the Celtics**, Brown has steadily expanded his game as an engine and playmaker. When you need a clutch bucket, physical rim pressure, or elite on-ball defense in a tight playoff series, Jaylen Brown is as battle-tested as they come, Philly got a good one.

Cade Cunningham has officially transformed from a high-upside prospect into a master of pace and control. **At 6 ‘6’, he operates with a calm composure, using his elite size, processing speed, and pick-and-roll vision to dictate the game script every night.** He is the modern ideal of a tall strong guard—capable of backing down smaller defenders, pulling up from deep, or threading pinpoint passes over collapsing defenses.

What cements Cade at #8 is his incredible floor-raising ability and late-game poise. When opposing defenses tighten up in crunch time, **Cade rarely gets sped up, methodically picking apart coverages to generate high-value shots for himself and his teammates**. While tightening his turnover rates and leadership qualities are things he needs to grow on, he’ll be up in the top five soon.

The king of New York, the Finals MVP, **my favorite player**, and one of the most ruthless clutch performers in the entire sport. Jalen Brunson’s game isn’t built on explosive vertical athleticism; **it’s built on supreme footwork, elite deceleration, uncanny body control, and a relentless, fearless mindset**. He operates with total poise in the tightest spaces, breaking down perimeter defenses with deliberate handles, deadly stop-and-pop mid-rangers, and an unmatched ability to draw contact and finish in traffic.

What puts Brunson at #7, above Cade and D-Mitch is his ultimate playoff viability and ironclad leadership. When the postseason pressure hits, he transforms into an absolute monster, taking on an enormous offensive workload without losing his efficiency or composure. He elevates everyone around him. He led the Knicks to four straight semi-finals. As the number one option, **Brunson is the exact type of point guard and leader you want taking you into war**.

‘Ant-Man’ isn't just the future of the league anymore—he’s the best American player we have! **Playing with an unmatched, Michael Jordan-esque swagger and infectious competitive fire**, Anthony Edwards is the premier two-way wing takeover option in basketball. His game has developed in the right direction, he can easily average 30 if he wanted too.

What puts Ant firmly at #6 is his fearless playoff demeanor and defensive locking-ability when the lights are brightest. He doesn't shy away from late-game double-teams; he attacks them, continuing to sharpen his decision-making as a playmaker without sacrificing his aggressive mindset. While there are still occasional wild possession choices or defensive lapses when off the ball, **his raw athleticism, two-way motor, and absolute refusal to back down from anyone make him a nightmare assignment in a 7-game series**.

The ‘Greek Freak’ remains one of the most unstoppable physical forces the game of basketball has ever seen. **Standing 6 ‘11’ with superhuman athletic length**, Giannis is a two-way titan who can completely overwhelm opponents on a nightly basis. Whether he’s snatching a defensive rebound to jump-start a one-man fast break, steamrolling through wall defenses to finish at the rim, or anchoring a defense with world-class rim protection, **his raw impact on winning is top-tier, even if he’s intensely injury prone**.

The reason Giannis drops to #5 on a list built for a high-stakes playoff series comes down to **health reliability and perimeter shooting limitations**. Recent seasons have shown that heavy physical loads can lead to nagging injuries right around playoff time, and when defenses can pack the paint in crunch-time possessions, his lack of a consistent jumper forces him to drop his efficiency. Now entering a brand-new chapter following his blockbuster trade to Miami, Giannis stepping into Heat Culture gives him a fresh runway to dominate. **If he enters the postseason fully healthy and dialed in, he can shut down any doubt in a hurry and run back to top three status.**

Luka Magic is the definition of a one-man, walking, talking offensive system. He controls the flow of the game better than almost anyone on the planet—**manipulating double-teams, executing impossibly accurate skip-passes, and dropping unstoppable step-back daggers** whenever he needs to crush an opponent’s momentum. He’s virtually unguardable.

Coming off a monster season leading the league in scoring (33.5 PPG), Luka continues to prove that his individual offensive production is virtually bulletproof. **With LeBron James heading to Philadelphia in free agency, LA is officially Luka’s show to run outright.** The only things preventing him from sitting in the top 2 are conditioning consistency over time and his ongoing defensive engagement when things get tough. But when it comes to high-stakes playoff series, **there are almost zero defenders in human history who can slow down Luka Dončić when he’s locked in**.

**Smooth, metronomic, and completely ruthless.** SGA has elevated himself into back-to-back MVP tier of basketball where stopping him in a single possession feels almost mathematically impossible. Shai effortlessly gets to his spots whenever he wants—**drawing contact, snaking through double-teams, or rising up for clutch, game-sealing buckets**.

Even though 2x MVPs don’t usually get put below two other players, it’s not that he isn’t good. He’s just not *good enough*. **Still, he isn’t just a 30+ PPG scoring machine on staggering 50%+ field goal efficiency; he’s also an elite defensive guard who could lead the league in steals and deflections while anchoring one of the most terrifying perimeter defenses in basketball.**

**The three-time MVP is the ultimate walking triple-double.** Watching Nikola Jokić operate in the half-court is like watching a grandmaster play speed chess while everyone else is still figuring out how the pieces move. **He doesn’t rely on explosive athletic bounce or blazing speed; he simply weaponizes elite footwork**, and soft touch at the rim.

Averaging a full-season triple-double while leading the league in both rebounds and assists is standard operating procedure for the Joker. The only reason he sits at #2 instead of taking the top crown comes down to defensive versatility against elite, small-ball perimeter threats and high-paced transition offenses that try to wear him down over a grueling series. But make no mistake: **if you're building a team to win a basketball game tomorrow, Jokić is as bulletproof an option as there is on the planet.**

**There is no longer any debate: the alien has taken over the league.** Standing at a cheat-code 7’5’ with an eight-foot wingspan and fluid guard mechanics, **Victor Wembanyama isn't just the future of basketball—he is the undisputed #1 player you pick right now to win. Simple.**

**Fresh off becoming the youngest—and first unanimous—Defensive Player of the Year in NBA history, Wemby alters the geometry of the court in ways the sport has never seen.** Offensively, he’s a walking 25-and-11 night who pulls up from deep, handles off the bounce, and finishes over entire double-teams. Defensively, he puts an absolute perimeter-to-paint lockdown on opposing teams; players regularly refuse to even attack the rim when he's anywhere on the floor. When you factor in his ridiculous two-way impact, rim protection, and rapidly expanding engine capabilities, placing Wembanyama at the apex of this list is as easy as it gets. **He’s the best player in the NBA.**