The NBA Rank is back for its 14th season, offering a countdown of the top 100 players for the 2024-25 season. With an expert panel of over 150 reporters, analysts, and editors, each player is ranked based on their predicted contributions in the upcoming season. The countdown began with Nos. 100-51, continued with Nos. 50-11, and has now reached the top 10, showcasing a mix of MVP contenders, future stars, and legends. This year’s rankings feature an exciting shift, with new players climbing the ranks, established names rising, and some of the league’s most dominant forces pushing for their legacies. The focus is on the 2024-25 season’s projected performance rather than past accolades, making the rankings especially relevant as fans look ahead.
Players like Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Luka Doncic are all in the mix, with MVP candidates driving their teams forward. LeBron James continues to defy age, and young stars like Anthony Edwards and Jayson Tatum are emerging as dominant forces. The list also includes established names like Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Stephen Curry, who are still very much in their primes and shaping the future of the NBA. These players will play key roles in the next chapter of the league, with all eyes on how they adapt to new challenges in the 2024-25 season. Let’s take a closer look at the top 10 players, ranked from 10 to 1.
10. Anthony Edwards, G, Minnesota Timberwolves
Anthony Edwards has made a significant leap in the rankings, jumping from No. 13 to No. 10. The 23-year-old guard had a breakout 2024 season, earning an All-Star nod, an All-NBA selection, and playing a crucial role in the Timberwolves’ deep playoff run. Edwards averaged 27.8 points on 48% shooting and led his team to their first conference finals since 2004. His performance in the postseason, including a victory over the defending champion Denver Nuggets, solidified his status as one of the league’s brightest young stars. Additionally, Edwards’ impactful play for Team USA in the Paris Olympics further boosted his profile as the next great American-born player in the league.
However, as the Timberwolves have traded Karl-Anthony Towns, Edwards is now officially the face of the franchise. This brings a new level of responsibility and pressure for the young star, particularly in terms of carrying the offensive load for a team with championship aspirations. Edwards has shown he can perform under pressure, but maintaining consistency throughout the season will be key to his success. His ability to close games will be one of the most important aspects to watch, as the Timberwolves’ offense struggled in clutch moments last season. If Edwards can rise to the occasion, his status as an elite player could solidify further.
9. Kevin Durant, F, Phoenix Suns
Kevin Durant remains one of the league’s premier players but has slipped slightly in the rankings, moving from No. 7 to No. 9. Durant had another excellent season in 2024, averaging 27.1 points on efficient shooting splits, and earning his 14th All-Star selection. Despite his individual success, the Phoenix Suns’ underwhelming playoff performance—resulting in a first-round exit—has affected his ranking. Durant’s ability to consistently produce in the postseason is crucial for his legacy, and a deeper playoff run is necessary for him to further cement his place among the all-time greats.
Looking ahead to the 2024-25 season, the biggest question surrounding Durant is whether the Suns can win with their current roster. Durant, along with Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, forms a star-studded trio, but how they gel together remains to be seen. The Suns’ success will hinge on the chemistry between their stars and how well they adjust to new coach Mike Budenholzer’s system. For Durant, adding another championship to his résumé would further enhance his already impressive career. A key stat to watch is his pursuit of climbing the NBA’s all-time scoring list. With 2,495 points to pass Wilt Chamberlain for the No. 7 spot, Durant could make significant progress this season.
8. Joel Embiid, C, Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid’s ranking has dropped from No. 3 to No. 8, largely due to injury concerns. The 2023 MVP had a historic season when healthy, but knee issues and a case of Bell’s palsy limited his availability, and he ultimately couldn’t defend his MVP title. Embiid played only 39 games last season and struggled in the playoffs, unable to fully impact the Sixers’ first-round exit against the New York Knicks. His potential remains immense, as he is still one of the league’s most dominant big men when healthy. However, staying on the court has been a challenge throughout his career, and his inability to maintain a full, healthy season could continue to hinder his ranking.
For the 2024-25 season, Embiid’s ability to remain healthy will be the biggest factor in his performance. The Sixers’ hopes for a deep playoff run are directly tied to Embiid’s health, and if he can return to his MVP-level form, he could quickly rise back up in the rankings. The stat to watch for Embiid is games played. He has never played more than 68 games in a season, and with the pressure mounting, maintaining his health will be essential. If he can avoid major injuries and dominate like he did in 2023, Embiid could reassert himself as one of the top players in the league.
7. LeBron James, F, Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James has risen two spots to No. 7, a testament to his continued excellence despite his age. In 2024, James led Team USA to a gold medal in the Paris Olympics, further proving that he can still compete at an elite level. At 39 years old, he averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.3 assists during the 2023-24 season while becoming the first player in NBA history to surpass 40,000 career points. This performance is all the more impressive given that he is in the twilight of his career, and his ability to maintain such high production levels is a testament to his greatness.
The biggest question for James in the 2024-25 season is his continued health and his relationship with his son, Bronny, who is now on the Lakers. The duo could make history by playing together on the same team, a storyline that will be closely followed. James has already accomplished everything there is to accomplish in his career, but continuing to perform at this level and potentially playing alongside his son adds a new layer to his legacy. A stat to watch is games played, as James needs to stay healthy to ensure the Lakers remain competitive and he can continue to perform at an elite level.
6. Stephen Curry, G, Golden State Warriors
Stephen Curry has slipped one spot to No. 6, but his status as one of the most impactful players in the NBA is undiminished. Curry had an excellent individual season in 2024, leading the Warriors in clutch performances and leading the league in three-pointers made. However, Golden State’s struggles to contend for a championship—failing to make it past the first round of the play-in tournament—have affected Curry’s ranking. Despite this, Curry remains one of the best players in the league, and his ability to lead his team with clutch performances will be crucial for the Warriors in 2024-25.
The biggest question for Curry is whether he can continue to carry the Warriors without the same level of support from Klay Thompson. With Thompson now in Dallas, Curry will need younger players like Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga to step up. If Curry can maintain his shooting excellence and continue to be the Warriors’ leader, he will remain one of the most dangerous players in the NBA. The stat to watch is Curry’s three-point shooting, particularly how many attempts he takes in the absence of Thompson. Curry will likely have to shoulder an even greater scoring load, and how well he adjusts to this new role will be key to the Warriors’ success.
5. Jayson Tatum, F, Boston Celtics
Jayson Tatum has moved up one spot to No. 5, cementing his place as one of the NBA’s elite players. Tatum had a stellar season in 2024, earning his fifth straight All-Star selection and leading the Boston Celtics to an NBA title. His ability to consistently score 26 points, grab 8 rebounds, and dish out 4 assists per game makes him one of the most reliable stars in the league. Tatum’s versatility on both ends of the floor and his ability to perform in clutch moments are key reasons for his rise in the rankings. The Celtics’ success in the 2024 season further proved that Tatum is capable of leading his team to championships.
Looking ahead to 2024-25, the biggest question for Tatum is whether he can take his game to another level. Although he has been an elite player, Tatum has yet to win an MVP or take home the Finals MVP, despite coming close. He has the potential to be the league’s top player, but he must continue to improve and develop his game, especially in the postseason. A stat to watch is Tatum’s free throw attempts. If he can increase his trips to the line and become more aggressive, it will help both his scoring and the Celtics’ offense as a whole.
4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, G, Oklahoma City Thunder
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise from No. 8 to No. 4 reflects his incredible development as a player. Last season, he emerged as a top MVP candidate, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to the top seed in the West. Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 30 points per
game and played a key role in the Thunder’s high-octane offense. His ability to score efficiently while also contributing as a playmaker has solidified him as one of the best guards in the league. The biggest question for Gilgeous-Alexander in 2024-25 is whether the Thunder can maintain their success and contend for a championship. Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to lead his young team to even greater heights will be crucial to his ranking.
A key stat to watch is his assist-to-turnover ratio. While Gilgeous-Alexander has shown he can score with the best of them, improving his playmaking and limiting turnovers will be essential as the Thunder aim for deeper playoff runs.
3. Luka Doncic, G, Dallas Mavericks
Luka Doncic comes in at No. 3, down one spot from last year. The 25-year-old continues to be one of the most dominant players in the NBA, earning All-NBA honors for the 2023-24 season. Doncic is a walking triple-double threat, and his ability to control the game from the point guard position has made him one of the league’s most feared players. However, the Dallas Mavericks’ lack of playoff success in recent seasons, combined with Doncic’s inconsistency at times, has kept him from reaching the top two.
The biggest question for Doncic is whether he can lead the Mavericks to sustained success in the postseason. With the arrival of Kyrie Irving and other pieces, Doncic’s ability to develop chemistry and lead his team effectively will determine his ranking. The stat to watch for Doncic is his usage rate, as the Mavericks will likely continue to lean heavily on him as their main playmaker.
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo, F, Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo remains one of the NBA’s best players, staying at No. 2 for the second consecutive season. Antetokounmpo’s dominance on both ends of the floor has made him a perennial MVP contender. In 2024, he led the Milwaukee Bucks to an excellent regular-season record and remained a major force in the playoffs. Giannis’ ability to impact the game in a variety of ways—whether through scoring, rebounding, defense, or playmaking—makes him one of the league’s most versatile superstars.
The biggest question for Giannis in 2024-25 is whether the Bucks can continue to build around him and contend for another championship. With the addition of Damian Lillard, the Bucks now have a more balanced offense, but Giannis’ success will depend on how well he meshes with Lillard and the rest of the team. A key stat to watch is Giannis’ shooting efficiency, as improving his perimeter shooting will add another dimension to his game and help Milwaukee reach the highest heights.
1. Nikola Jokic, C, Denver Nuggets
At No. 1, Nikola Jokic continues his reign as the best player in the NBA. The reigning two-time MVP had a historic 2024 season, leading the Denver Nuggets to their first NBA championship. Jokic’s ability to dominate as a scorer, rebounder, and playmaker is unparalleled, and he remains the most complete player in the league. His efficiency, basketball IQ, and ability to control games make him the most valuable player on the court.
The biggest question for Jokic in the 2024-25 season is whether he can maintain his high level of play and lead the Nuggets to repeat as champions. A key stat to watch for Jokic is his assist-to-turnover ratio, as his playmaking will remain a crucial aspect of the Nuggets’ success. If Jokic can continue to dominate at this level, he will further solidify his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.
