Parity has taken hold in the NBA. The league has seen six different champions over the past six seasons and several contenders are poised to challenge the Celtics’ crown in 2025, possibly extending the streak to seven. But don’t confuse parity for a depletion of talent—on the contrary, this might be the most talent-rich era in the league’s history. Featuring an ageless superstar in his 40s, a prodigy who can’t legally drink, and a host of mega-talents at all phases of their careers in between, here are the 50 best players in the NBA right now.
50.Kristaps Porzingis
Ranking Last Year: Unranked
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 20.1 PPG 7.2 REB 2.0 AST 51.6/37.5/85.8
Porzingis finally got to play for a contender and rewarded them, becoming the key cog to elevate the Celtics defense. The team returned the favor with enough open looks for him to shoot a career high from the floor.
49.James Harden
Ranking Last Year: 26
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 16.6 PPG 5.1 REB 8.5 AST 42.8/38.1/87.8
If he and Kawhi Leonard can lead L.A. to the playoffs (or maybe even a deep playoff run), Harden might change some minds about his high-usage playmaking—and reinvigorate some of his loyal fans. The former MVP has only made the All-Star team once in the last seven seasons and last year had his lowest scoring average since playing for OKC.
48.Draymond Green
Ranking Last Year: Unranked
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 8.6 PPG 7.2 REB 6.0 AST 49.7/39.5/73.0
Even at this stage of his career, he’s one of the best defenders in the league and can be the central hub to facilitate a Top 10 offense as long as Stephen Curry is there to help—and luckily for Draymond, he is. The question remains, can he stay out of his own way by not letting his intensity spill over?
47.Jaren Jackson Jr.
Ranking Last Year: 30
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 22.5 PPG 5.5 REB 2.3 AST 44.4/32.0/80.8
An injury-cursed year may have caused some to forget how good the young core is in Memphis, but the 2023 DPOY improved in 2024, posting a new career scoring high.
46.Desmond Bane
Ranking Last Year: Unranked
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 23.7 PPG 4.4 REB 5.5 AST 46.4/38.1/87.0
Bane has gotten better every year of his career and continued that trend last year, as the sniper posted career highs in scoring and assists per game before injuries prematurely ended his season.
45.Julius Randle
Ranking Last Year: Unranked
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 24.0 PPG 9.2 REB 5.0 AST 47.2/31.1/78.1
While some question Randle’s fit in Minnesota, he could thrive as a secondary creator on a team that desperately needs to lighten the offensive load for Anthony Edwards.
44.Chet Holmgren
Ranking Last Year: Unranked
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 16.5 PPG 7.9 REB 2.4 AST 53.0/37.0/79.3
Holmgren is already one of the league’s best rim protectors, while also having the potential to develop into a dangerous perimeter player on the other end.
43.Cade Cunningham
Ranking Last Year: Unranked
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 22.7 PPG 4.3 REB 7.5 AST 44.9/35.5/86.9
The Pistons may have had the worst losing streak in the history of the league last year, but it wasn’t for Cade’s lack of trying. The 23-year-old posted career highs in points, assists, and shooting across the board.
42.Derrick White
Ranking Last Year: Unranked
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 15.2 PPG 4.2 REB 5.2 AST 46.1/39.6/90.1
The consummate “stats don’t tell the story guy” was a cornerstone of a championship team who proved his worth in the postseason, earning a $118 million contract in the process. There's a reason he was invited to Team USA.
41.DeMar DeRozan
Ranking Last Year: Unranked
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 24.0 PPG 4.3 REB 5.3 AST 48.0/33.3/85.3
The middy still lives as long as the likes of Kevin Durant and DeRozan are in the league. His 235 mid-range jumpers made last year was second only to KD, with third place far behind. His veteran leadership can help his new team the Kings make a deep playoff run.
40.Alperun Sengun
Ranking Last Year: Unranked
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 21.1 PPG 9.3 REB 5.0 AST 53.7/29.7/69.3
The Charmander in the Nikola Jokic Charizard meme, Alperun has absolutely earned the Joker comparisons with his all-around game and his soft touch passing the ball.
39.Jrue Holiday
Ranking Last Year: Unranked
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 12.5 PPG 5.4 REB 4.8 AST 48/42.9/83.3
At 34, Holiday is one of the NBA’s best role players, thanks to his basketball IQ and some of the best and most committed perimeter defense in the league.
38.Jalen Williams
Ranking Last Year: Unranked
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 19.1 PPG 4.0 REB 4.5 AST 54.0/42.7/81.4
As the league continues to get taller, Williams is the prototypical ball handler going forward. Adept at orchestrating the pick and roll, it’s his shooting that points towards superstar potential.
37.Jamal Murray
Ranking Last Year: 18
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 21.2 PPG 4.1 REB 6.5 AST 48.1/42.5/85.3
The league’s foremost playoff riser continues to be the perfect complement to Jokic. He's one of the best players to never make an All-Star game, and his brilliance extends far beyond just his performances against the Lakers.
36.Franz Wagner
Ranking Last Year: Unranked
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 19.7 PPG 5.3 REB 3.7 AST 48.2/28.1/85.0
Like many players on this list, Wagner may see the benefits from a competitive Olympics run with his native German national team. The Magic are poised for a leap, and so is Wagner this season.
35.Pascal Siakam
Ranking Last Year: Unranked
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 21.7 PPG 7.1 REB 4.3 AST 53.6/34.6/73.2
When the going got rough in the playoffs for the Indiana Pacers, it was Siakam and his playoff experience and championship mettle that kept them afloat on their shocking Eastern Conference Finals run.
34.Scottie Barnes
Ranking Last Year: Unranked
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 19.9 PPG 8.2 REB 6.0 AST 47.5/34.1/78.1
Despite being listed as shorter, Barnes is actually 6’11"—at least according to ex-Raptors coach Nick Nurse. Orchestrating the pick and roll at that height as a downhill menace legitimizes the Giannis Antetokounmpo comparisons.
33.Rudy Gobert
Ranking Last Year: Unranked
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 14 PPG 12.9 REB 1.3 AST 66.1/0/63.8
He will never be Shaq’s favorite player, but Rudy is absolutely one of the most impactful defensive forces in the sport. Every possible metric supports that, and so do the four DPOY trophies on his mantle.
32.Karl-Anthony Towns
Ranking Last Year: 27
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 21.8 PPG 8.3 REB 3.0 AST 50.4/41.6/87.3
The self-proclaimed “greatest big man shooter ever” might actually have an argument. But he’ll need to show it in the playoffs for anybody to care—and now he’s under the bright lights at MSG.
31.Domantas Sabonis
Ranking Last Year: Unranked
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 19.4 PPG 13.7 REB 8.2 AST 59.4/37.9/70.4
The league’s leading rebounder also led the league in triple-doubles last season. What Sabonis lacks in defense, he makes up for as a hub of a fast-paced offense that can compete with the giants of the league.
30.Paolo Banchero
Ranking Last Year: Unranked
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 22.6 PPG 6.9 REB 5.4 AST 45.5/33.9/72.5
A 6'10" 21-year-old who's averaged 20-plus points in each of his NBA campaigns, Banchero has bona fide elite point-forward potential.
29.Lauri Markkanen
Ranking Last Year: Unranked
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 23.2 PPG 8.2 REB 2.0 AST 48.0/39.9/89.9
Seven-foot sharpshooters don’t grow on trees. Markkaneni joined Towns as the only players listed as 7'0" or better in the top 80 in three-point shooting.
28.Jimmy Butler
Ranking Last Year: 11
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 20.8 PPG 5.3 REB 5.0 AST 49.9/41.4/85.8
There are clearly two different versions: regular-season Jimmy and playoff Jimmy. The latter is among the most competitive and dynamic two-way wings in the league. The former is often unavailable or in cruise control. That’s fine for when he’s trolling on media day or playing HORSE with Camila Cabello, but we need to see playoff Jimmy early and often this season.
27.Damian Lillard
Ranking Last Year: 12
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 24.3 PPG 4.4 REB 7.0 AST 42.4/35.4/92.0
Dame went looking for greener pastures last summer but had personal struggles (nothing Glorilla can't fix!) as well as health problems that hurt his ability to get in shape. With better health this year and a season’s worth of chemistry with Giannis, look for Dame Dolla to get back on track.
26.Paul George
Ranking Last Year: 17
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 22.6 PPG 5.2 REB 3.5 AST 47.1/41.3/90.7
The Gen Z GOAT, Podcast P will have everything he needs in Philly to finally make his way to June. But can the team make it happen?
25.Kyrie Irving
Ranking Last Year: 21
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 25.6 PPG 5.0 REB 5.2 AST 49.7/41.1/90.5
Your favorite player’s favorite player was just four baskets away from his second 50/40/90 season last year, and may actually be getting better at 32 years old. As long as he stays healthy and away from the YouTube conspiracy theory pages, he'll be apart of the most dynamic backcourt in the league.
24.Bam Adebayo
Ranking Last Year: 24
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 19.3 PPG 10.4 REB 3.9 AST 52.1/35.7/75.5
Adebayo’s ability to plug gaps all over a team was best highlighted during the Olympics, when some were calling for him to unseat Joel Embiid as the team's starting center for his versatility on both ends of the court.
23.De’Aaron Fox
Ranking Last Year: 25
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 26.6 PPG 4.6 REB 5.6 AST 46.5/36.9/73.8
Swipa officially earned his nickname last season by leading the league in steals. The 26-year-old looks to push the Kings into true contention for the first time in over two decades.
22.Tyrese Maxey
Ranking Last Year: Unranked
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 25.9 PPG 3.7 REB 6.2 AST 45.0/37.3/86.8
The Philadelphia speedster rightfully won the Most Improved Player award last season, and is poised to be even better when PG-13 joins the fold and relaxes some of the defensive pressure Maxey dealt with last year.
21.Zion Williamson
Ranking Last Year: 19
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 22.9 PPG 5.8 REB 5.0 AST 57.0/33.3/70.2
The healthy version of Zion remains one of the game’s most spectacular finishers. Before a hamstring injury held him out of the final minutes of a 2024 play-in game against the Lakers, he proved capable of going toe to toe with LeBron James in a high-stakes game with 40 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists in 36 minutes.
20.Trae Young
Ranking Last Year: 22
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 25.7 PPG 2.8 REB 10.8 AST 43.0/37.3/85.5
Ice Trae is a proven playoff riser whose ability to create shots for himself and his teammates is a recipe for success. That’s if you can surround him with capable talent in a top-heavy Eastern Conference.
19.Jaylen Brown
Ranking Last Year: 23
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 23.0 PPG 5.5 REB 3.6 AST 49.9/35.4/70.3
The Finals MVP took fewer shots last season and his shooting percentage improved. But it was his defensive intensity that helped buoy the league’s third-best defense, stymieing Luka Doncic in June for all the marbles.
18.Ja Morant
Ranking Last Year: 14
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 25.1 PPG 5.6 REB 8.1 AST 47.1/27.5/81.3
Prior to last season’s injuries and suspensions, he was as good as anyone at getting past the first line of defense and all the way to the rim. At just 25, there’s no reason to think that explosiveness is suddenly gone.
17.Donovan Mitchell
Ranking Last Year: 20
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 26.6 PPG 5.1 REB 6.1 AST 46.2/36.8/86.5
The man known as Spida took a slight dip in scoring and shooting across the board last year, but he made up for that with bumps in rebounding, assists, and steals, setting career highs in all three.
16.Tyrese Haliburton
Ranking Last Year: Unranked
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 20.1 PPG 3.9 REB 10.9 AST 47.7/36.4/85.5
The funky jumper that sent the Knicks home and kickstarted a WWE career was the engine for the highest-scoring team in the league and got the Pacers to their first Conference Finals since the heyday of Roy Hibbert.
15.Jalen Brunson
Ranking Last Year: 28
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 28.7 PPG 3.6 REB 6.7 AST 47.9/40.1/84.7
With Brunson and his off-the-dribble madness at the helm creating offense for the entire roster, the Knicks were third in the league in offensive rating in 2023 and seventh in 2024. The Garden will continue rocking this year thanks to JB.
14.Devin Booker
Ranking Last Year: 10
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 27.1 PPG 4.5 REB 6.9 AST 49.2/36.4/88.6
If Booker can continue to flash playmaking on a Suns team of sharpshooters that desperately needs it, he can elevate even further in his 10th season in the league.
13.Anthony Edwards
Ranking Last Year: 16
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 25.9 PPG 5.4 REB 46.1/35.7/83.6
Ant is living evidence of how difficult it is to crack the list of the league’s current top 10. He’s one of the most dynamic slashers in the league and an increasingly dangerous distributor and jump shooter. He might think he's Top 5 already or that even Michael Jordan couldn't guard him, but we think he still has a little more to prove in 2024-25.
12.Kawhi Leonard
Ranking Last Year: 13
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 23.7 PPG 6.1 REB 3.6 AST 52.5/41.7/88.5
Leonard at full strength is a player that should easily break the top 10 of every list, but his risk of injury, especially late in the season, puts a ceiling on his ranking. After playing 60 games or fewer in six of the last seven regular seasons, with two consecutive postseasons cut short by knee injuries, his health is always a looming consideration.
11.Anthony Davis
Ranking Last Year: 8
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 24.7 PPG 12.6 REB 3.5 AST 55.6/27.1/81.6
A shot-blocking force who protects a porous Lakers perimeter defense, AD steadily racks up double-doubles, which puts him at the door of the top 10. Last year, he beat the allegations and played a career best 76 games.
10.Jayson Tatum
Ranking Last Year: 7
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 26.9 PPG 8.1 REB 4.9 AST 47.1/37.6/83.3
Narratives swirl around his rough Finals stat lines and bench role during the Olympics—but for those grounded in reality, Tatum has been one of the best players in the league at his position. He’s still the best player on the team that won it all last year—and could do it again.
9.Victor Wembanyama
Ranking Last Year: Unranked
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 21.4 PPG 10.6 REB 3.9 AST 46.5/32.5/79.6
The Alien is perhaps the greatest prospect the sport has ever seen. Even a moderate offensive leap for the 20-year-old brings into question if there even is a ceiling to his potential. He's a team player (just ask Drake) and playing with a true point gawd like Chris Paul can certainly help his development on offense. On defense, he's already a force whose mere presence can stop a fast break. Look out for more unreal highlights this season.
8.Stephen Curry
Ranking Last Year: 4
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 26.4 PPG 4.5 REB 5.1 AST 45.0/40.8/92.3
With another flurry of long-range bombs for Team USA to secure wins over Serbia and France en route to Olympic gold in Paris, Steph proved he’s still capable of swinging high-profile games in an instant.
7.LeBron James
Ranking Last Year: 9
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 25.7 PPG 7.3 REB 8.3 AST 54.0/41.0/75.0
It defies convention to be a consensus Top 10 player in one’s 22nd season—but since when has LeBron been conventional? And Bronny’s dad is still improving, shooting a career-best 41% from three-point range last year. LeBron proved once again in the Olympics, he can still turn it up when he needs to.
6.Kevin Durant
Ranking Last Year: 5
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 27.1 PPG 6.6 REB 5.0 AST 52.3/41.3/85.6
Don’t confuse KD’s comfort in his own legacy for complacence, as the Slim Reaper still gets his hands dirty, exemplified by his dogged pursuit of Bogdan Bogdanovic in the gold-medal game.
5.Joel Embiid
Ranking Last Year: 3
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 34.7 PPG 11 REB 5.6 AST 52.9/38.8/88.3
MVP, two-time scoring champ, all-defensive honors, Olympic gold medalist. There aren’t many personal accolades left for Embiid to accomplish. Only one thing is preventing Embiid from getting his team to the NBA mountaintop. Himself.
4.Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Ranking Last Year: 15
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 30.1 PPG 5.5 REB 6.2 AST 53.5/35.3/87.4
SGA’s ability to carve up defenses in the regular season did not see any slowdown in the playoffs. The young superstar continues to unveil moves and counters against the most prolific defenders, setting the standard for tomorrow’s best scorers.
3.Giannis Antetokounmpo
Ranking Last Year: 2
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 30.4 PPG 11.5 REB 6.5 AST 61.1/27.4/65.7
It’s hard for a top-five player to seem underestimated, but that’s exactly the situation that Giannis is in this season. A second full season with Lillard might be just what he needs to regain his mojo. Either way, we're expecting him to dominate on defense, be unstoppable in the open court, and play hard night in and night out.
2.Luka Dončić
Ranking Last Year: 6
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 33.9 PPG 9.2 REB 9.8 AST 48.7/38.2/78.6
The league’s leading scorer also finished second in assists last year and added Klay Thompson to his arsenal of weapons on the perimeter to further sharpen his lethal drive-and-kick game. His first six seasons rank among some of the best in league history. He’s made All NBA First team five years in a row. He’s yet to win his first MVP—this might be the year.
1.Nikola Jokic
Ranking Last Year: 1
2023-24 Per Game Averages: 26.4 PPG 12.4 REB 9 AST 58.3/35.9/81.7
The consensus best player in the world is coming off a four-year stretch in which he won three MVPs, a Finals MVP, and a title while nearly averaging a triple-double and scoring as efficiently as any high-volume option in the league.
To top that all off, he led an outmanned and outgunned Serbian squad to push a star-studded Team USA to the brink of elimination in the Olympics. That’s where Jokic’s impact is most felt. Regardless of who’s on the floor with him, he can raise the level of his teammates to compete with just about anyone. That's what makes Nikola Jokic the best player in the NBA right now.