Top 25 Players in the NBA

By: Zach Jonkman

The NBA offseason is about to take a hectic turn as we enter the start of free agency in a couple of days, so let's do a small check-in with the top 25 players in the league.

1. Nikola Jokic - Denver Nuggets

Jokic has been the consensus best player in the league for a few years now. The three-time MVP and 2023 NBA Champion is one of the smartest players of this generation and proves it with his court vision and playmaking ability. He isn't just one of the best passing centers, he's one of the best playmakers we have ever seen.

2. Luka Doncic - Dallas Mavericks

Luka finished the 2023-24 season on a negative note as the Mavericks lost the NBA Finals in 5 games to the Boston Celtics. Luka was doing most of the legwork through the whole postseason as he led the Mavericks in points, assists, rebounds, steals, and three-pointers. I have no doubt in my mind that Doncic will earn at least one MVP in the next five years and maybe even find that elusive championship that he has been chasing.

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo - Milwaukee Bucks

The Greek Freak has been an unstoppable force on both ends of the floor for quite some time now. Since his rise to superstardom, he's been exceeding expectations every season. Even without the ability to consistently make jumpers, Giannis can draw an entire defensive unit into the paint when he drives, and with a simple kick-out, he provides the shooters around with constant open looks. If the defense doesn't help, expect his matchup to be begging for his life as he gets put on a highlight reel.

4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - Oklahoma City Thunder

Shai won't wow you with flashy dunks or deep three-pointers, but there is one word that can accurately describe his game. Consistent. SGA is capable of scoring at all three levels but chooses to do most of his damage in the mid-range and near the basket. His bag of dribble moves is deeper than you may think and he uses it to create open looks for himself and his teammates. Even when he isn't open he can still knock down those tough jump shots. His defense is also an impressive part of his game. You won't find many players with his offensive and defensive skill sets at such high levels. He truly is one-of-a-kind.

5. Joel Embiid - Philadelphia 76ers

Embiid is one of the most dominant big men in the game. He will kill you down low with a strong post game, but he can also put the ball on the ground and hit a tough shot in your face. His defense is even more impressive. Embiid's large frame forces even the best scorers to change their shot when attacking the rim. I could have thrown him higher on this list, but he has a somewhat concerning injury history. When he doesn't play, his presence is certainly missed.

6. Kevin Durant - Phoenix Suns

The Slim Reaper is one of the most prolific three-level scorers of our generation. He is only getting more efficient as time goes on and continues to score at will. He's searching for his first championship after leaving Golden State and is hoping to do so with the Suns.

7. Jayson Tatum - Boston Celtics

Tatum is a rare individual who is very good at all parts of basketball. He can defend multiple positions, score at all three levels, and is an above-average facilitator when the moment calls for it. His career is just getting started as the Celtics open up as favorites to repeat as champions in the 2024-25 season.

8. Stephen Curry - Golden State Warriors

Curry has already cemented himself as the greatest shooter ever and one of the best point guards ever. Despite being 36 years old and coming off his 15th season, he continues to be a force to be reckoned with on the court and makes you guard him from the parking lot. His style of game has allowed him to have success into his late thirties and he doesn't plan on slowing down just yet.

9. Lebron James - Los Angeles Lakers

King James just wrapped up his 21st season in the association and seems to still have a few more years left. He may not be the twitchy version of himself we saw in Miami and his first stint in Cleveland, but he is one better players in the league and will continue to prove it next year.

10. Anthony Davis - Los Angeles Lakers

The Brow has had issues staying healthy but has since found a way to stay on the court consistently. He can anchor the paint defensively and also score in a multitude. of ways on offense. If the Lakers can add one more piece next to Bron and AD, this team might be able to go the distance next season.

11. Kawhi Leonard - Los Angeles Clippers

The Klaw has been terrorizing opposing forwards for more than a decade now, but he can't seem to fight off that injury bug. When on the court, he is a consistent get-a-stop get-a-bucket player and will play winning basketball until the final buzzer.

12. Devin Booker - Phoenix Suns

Booker has shown to be one of the most dangerous scorers in the league. He has a deadly midrange and can knock it down from deep too. Book was asked to take over the point guard duties this year, but left us wanting more as a facilitator. His defense is as good as ever and he is slowly working his way to a championship.

13. Anthony Edwards - Minnesota Timberwolves

Ant might have just put himself into the superstar category after last season. He dominated on all three levels in the playoffs and played some solid defense too. Edwards has other-worldly athleticism and uses it to his advantage on every drive to the cup. Once he lands a serviceable offensive costar, the Wolves will be at the top of the NBA mountain.

14. Ja Morant - Memphis Grizzlies

Morant has insane hops and uses them to his advantage. He jumps just as high for a poster dunk as he does for a steal on an inbound. Ja is nearly unstoppable in the high pick-and-roll when he gets going downhill and will force you to protect the rim at all costs.

15. Jaylen Brown - Boston Celtics

Brown was the best player on the Celtics throughout the playoffs, earning himself Conference Finals MVP and Finals MVP. A true two-way player and an efficient scorer, He and Tatum complement each other well and can share the load of being the number one option for a championship-caliber team.

16. Donovan Mitchell - Cleveland Cavaliers

Spida is an elite shot creator and an underrated playmaker at the shooting guard position. He creates looks for himself and his teammates with how talented he is when driving to the rim. Mitchell has risen to the occasion multiple times in the postseason and just needs a solid supporting cast around him to push for a title.

17. Victor Wembanyama - San Antonio Spurs

Wemby is one-of-one in the game of basketball. He has an elite shot-blocking ability that will win him multiple DPOYs and an offensive bag that should be illegal for a man who is over 7 feet tall. The word "unicorn" is a massive understatement when describing him. It wouldn't shock me in the slightest to see him crack the top 10 of this list before the all-star break next year.

18. Jalen Brunson - New York Knicks

Brunson is exactly what you want in a point guard. Can score on all levels and is more than willing to set up teammates for success. He may not be an elite defender, but he doesn't have to be. The Knicks acquired Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby in the last year to carry that load for him.

19. Kyrie Irving - Dallas Mavericks

Kyrie is the ultimate Robin to Luka's Batman. When he's locked in, he can take over games with dazzling dribble moves and elite shot-making. Allowing him to run the second unit when Luka is off the court lets us see his deep bag of tricks. Last season ended in a sour fashion, but Irving will no doubt be coming back for revenge next year.

20. Paul George - Los Angeles Clippers

PG13 is one of the smoothest hoopers in the game but may end up taking his talents outside the LA area. He recently declined his option and will test the open market in free agency. George can score anywhere he pleases and has a silky touch around the rim. Whatever team wins his services this offseason will be getting one hell of a player.

21. Damian Lillard - Milwaukee Bucks

Dame Time recently relocated to Wisconsin last offseason to start trying for a championship but his new squad got slapped with the injury bug. He and Giannis missed significant time in the first round of the playoffs and got bounced before showing off their true potential. Dame is another one of those players you have to guard as soon as they get off the bus because he will not hesitate to pull from 35 feet.

22. Zion Williamson - New Orleans Pelicans

Zion was one of the most hyped prospects to come into the NBA and has not disappointed when he plays. Unfortunately, he has also been dealing with injuries for the better part of his career. With a chance to make the playoffs, Zion got hurt in the first play-in game and missed the second one with a hamstring injury. The big forward is a dominant force on the glass and in the key when on the court, he just has to be available.

23. Tyrese Haliburton - Indiana Pacers

The Pacers made the Eastern Conference Finals last year behind the leadership and offensive engine of Haliburton. He has court vision that is almost beyond comprehension and can single-handedly take over games with his three-point shot.

24. Domantas Sabonis - Sacramento Kings

Sabonis has been an underrated star dating back to his Indiana Pacer days. A very intriguing facilitator and a burly back-to-basket big man, Sabonis can initiate offense for himself and his teammates when necessary.

25. Tyrese Maxey - Philadelphia 76ers

Maxey can knock down the tough three and the motor to run like a jackrabbit through any defense they throw at him. He has an endless motor that forces defenses to constantly change how they guard his offensive bag.