The 15th annual ranking of the NBA`s top players by an expert panel was recently published. Following this release, various league insiders, including scouts, coaches, and executives, provided their insights on the 2025-26 top 100 list, highlighting points of agreement and contention.
This article delves into key discussions arising from the latest NBA Rank. Topics include Nikola Jokic`s potential longevity at the top, the prospects of an American player dethroning him, and how long veteran superstars LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry can maintain their elite status.
How Long Will Nikola Jokic Reign as No. 1?
League discussions suggest that Nikola Jokic, who has consistently been a top contender for several years, is expected to hold the No. 1 spot for at least two more seasons before potentially declining. An Eastern Conference executive remarked, “That might seem low, but we often underestimate the rapid pace of change in the league.”
Insiders believe Jokic`s sustained top ranking hinges on his game`s age-defying nature, as much as on the competition. Given his style of play, which doesn`t depend on athleticism or explosive speed for MVP-level performance, a graceful transition through the latter part of his prime is anticipated.
An East scout commented, “There`s no reason his game will slow down.”
Another added, “It`s all about his motivation to stay in shape.”
Who Are the Top 10 Contenders for Next Season?
Naturally, Jayson Tatum, the Boston Celtics star, was a frequent mention for a top-10 spot, provided he`s healthy. Despite earning his fourth straight All-NBA First Team selection, he is expected to miss most of the season due to a torn right Achilles suffered in May.
Tatum wasn`t the only name. Others highlighted as strong candidates included Jalen Williams (No. 11) of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Cade Cunningham (No. 12) of the Detroit Pistons, Donovan Mitchell (No. 15) of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Paolo Banchero (No. 17) of the Orlando Magic.
Williams`s case is bolstered by his role in Oklahoma City`s NBA championship victory last spring, notably his 40-point performance in Game 5. Cunningham received accolades for his significant development last season, guiding Detroit to its best record in ten years, and for his continually expanding skill set.
An Eastern executive lauded Cunningham, stating, “He`s got size, playmaking, shooting, he can guard. He checks a lot of boxes.”
The arguments for Mitchell and Banchero were similar: both lead teams with strong potential to advance in a competitive conference. A deep playoff run or an NBA Finals appearance could propel either player into the top 10.
An Eastern assistant coach remarked about Banchero, “If he plays the right way, and his team performs as expected, I could absolutely see him in the top 10 next year.”
Predicting This Season`s Top Five Players
For the second consecutive year, four names consistently appeared in every top-five prediction: Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Luka Doncic.
The fifth spot, however, saw multiple players receive votes, including Victor Wembanyama, Stephen Curry, Anthony Edwards, Kevin Durant, and Donovan Mitchell.
A Western scout noted, “Wembanyama was already good, and now he has teammates aiming for victory.”
Another added, “Edwards just continues to grow.”
An East scout praised Mitchell, saying, “He doesn`t get enough credit for elevating his franchise and for adapting his game to fit his teammates.”
Are LeBron, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant Still Top 10 Players?
It`s remarkable that three players—LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant—who will be 37 or older when the 2025-26 season begins (with James being the oldest player for the second consecutive year) are still ranked among the top 10. This assessment largely resonated with league insiders. While some considered one or two of them borderline, none deemed their inclusion in the top 10 unjustified.
A Western assistant coach stated, “They should be there. They`re just not top-five guys anymore.”
An Eastern scout commented, “They are definitely top 10 as long as they are healthy, but that`s not a certainty at this stage.”
An Eastern executive conceded, “They`re moving down for sure, but they should still be there.”
The American No. 1: Is Cooper Flagg the Future?
Given that the last seven MVPs have been international players, all top five players on this list are international, and France`s Victor Wembanyama is the sport`s biggest young star, the prevailing answer to whether an American player will soon claim the No. 1 spot was, for the second year running, negative.
However, with top pick Cooper Flagg now in the NBA, there`s significant respect for his potential to eventually challenge for the top spot, last held by Kevin Durant in 2021.
An Eastern assistant coach asserted, “You don`t go to Team USA and perform like he did last summer without having a chance.”
Other players mentioned as potential future No. 1 contenders included Anthony Edwards, Paolo Banchero, and Jayson Tatum.
Cooper Flagg`s Projected Ranking for 2026-27
The general consensus is that Flagg is poised for a significant rise in the rankings next season.
A Western assistant coach predicted, “Top 25. He`ll be a borderline All-Star, sparking debates about his inclusion as a second-year player.”
Many others projected Flagg within the top 30 for next year, forming the overall consensus. Concerns about Flagg`s potential focused not on his skills, but on the Dallas Mavericks` veteran-laden roster, which some insiders worried might create an initially awkward fit.
A Western assistant, who ranked Flagg closer to the top 50, expressed reservations: “I just don`t like the role for him on that team.”
Where Does Joel Embiid Fit in the Rankings?
Almost unanimously, insiders agreed that a healthy Joel Embiid, the Philadelphia 76ers` MVP big man, is a top-10 or top-15 talent. However, considering NBA Rank combines both quality and quantity of play for the upcoming season, and Embiid played only 19 games last season, his potential ranking sparked debate.
A few insiders questioned his inclusion on the list altogether, with one Western executive stating, “I just don`t think he`ll play enough.”
Most, however, placed Embiid within the top 40, with some pushing him into the top 25. An Eastern scout justified this, saying, “The upside is just too great to have him much lower than that.”
Knicks vs. Cavaliers: Which Roster is Stronger?
Considering these two franchises are Eastern Conference favorites with no clear consensus on superiority, the question naturally resulted in a nearly 50-50 split among respondents. Those favoring the Knicks emphasized their superior roster depth, while Cavaliers supporters highlighted the team`s concentrated top-tier talent.
A Western scout described the Knicks, who made it to Game 7 of the conference finals last season, as “more battle-tested.”
Conversely, an Eastern scout argued, “[The Cavs] are more athletic, possess greater defensive potential, and have a higher ceiling.”
