NBA Rank 2025: Top 10 Player Power Rankings

10. Jalen Brunson, G, New York Knicks

2024 NBA Rank: 12

Last season marked Jalen Brunson`s second consecutive All-Star and All-NBA second-team selection. In just three years, Brunson has cemented his status among the greatest players to ever wear the Knicks` blue and orange. He also propelled the Knicks to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years and secured a third straight season with at least one playoff series victory, a feat not achieved since the franchise`s glory days of the 1990s and early 2000s. For Brunson and the Knicks this season, anything less than breaking through to the NBA Finals for the first time this century would be considered a disappointment.

Biggest question: How will Brunson adapt to new head coach Mike Brown?

For the past three years, Brunson’s dramatic rise to superstardom in New York has been inextricably linked with Tom Thibodeau, a coach with whom he shared a profound bond of trust and mutual admiration. Thibodeau consistently built successful offenses around smaller guards, and Brunson seized the opportunity to become the Knicks’ undisputed leader, flourishing under that system. Brunson is undeniably an exceptional player and will remain central to the Knicks` offensive strategy. However, coach Brown has articulated a vision for a faster pace of play and greater ball movement within his New York offense, echoing his successful approach in Sacramento. Brunson, conversely, has historically favored a slower tempo, with the ball frequently in his hands under Thibodeau.

Observing how this dynamic unfolds in the coming months will be fascinating. Yet, make no mistake: Brunson remains the primary catalyst for Gotham`s success. More than any other player, he will determine whether the Knicks can end their 26-year Finals drought next spring.

Signature stat: Brunson recorded a career-high 7.3 assists last season, becoming the first player in Knicks history to average 25 points and seven assists in a single season.

Fantasy projection: 26.3 PTS, 3.0 REB, 7.2 AST

9. Kevin Durant, F, Houston Rockets

2024 NBA Rank: 9

The Rockets entered last postseason questioning their need for a primary offensive leader and received a definitive answer with a first-round exit. This led to the arrival of Durant, who, heading into the 2025-26 season, ranks eighth all-time in scoring (30,571 points), just behind Wilt Chamberlain (31,419). Even nearing his 37th birthday, Durant remains an incredibly efficient and elite scorer, bringing invaluable championship experience and a high basketball IQ, complemented by a relentless work ethic that is sure to influence Houston’s relatively young roster.

Biggest question: Does Durant`s arrival transform the Rockets into genuine contenders?

Yes, but only if Houston’s supporting cast contributes effectively to help Durant integrate seamlessly into the team. Having previously worked with Durant during his time in Brooklyn, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka understands that the 15-time All-Star isn`t a player who wants teammates to defer to him unnecessarily. Durant desires a natural integration into the group, which in turn diversifies Houston’s offensive options against opponents. Therefore, maximizing Durant’s potential impact relies on the continued development of players such as Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun, who dedicated his summer in Istanbul, Turkey, to refining his post moves for greater effectiveness. Durant has already encouraged his teammates to play their natural game, confident that he will find the optimal way to contribute to the team`s success. His extensive experience across various systems over the years ensures he will adapt; the key is how quickly this adjustment takes place.

Signature stat: Kevin Durant has maintained averages of at least 25 points, 50% shooting from the field, and 40% from 3-point range for three consecutive seasons, establishing the longest such streak in NBA history.

Fantasy projection: 24.9 PTS, 5.8 REB, 4.2 AST

8. LeBron James, F, Los Angeles Lakers

2024 NBA Rank: 7

LeBron James slipped one spot, from No. 7 to No. 8, after an exceptionally strong 22nd season. During this period, he averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds, earned an All-NBA second-team selection, and finished sixth in MVP voting. His late-career production continues to set unprecedented standards, as he is set to become the first player ever to complete 23 seasons when he steps onto the court this autumn. His sustained presence in the NBA Rank is equally unparalleled: fellow all-time great Kobe Bryant, for instance, dropped to No. 93 at the start of his 20th and final season in 2015-16.

Biggest question: Is this LeBron James` final season in a Lakers uniform?

While James has always lived by the personal mantra to `become comfortable being uncomfortable,` tensions between James and the Lakers intensified significantly this summer. His agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, informed ESPN`s Shams Charania, “We do want to evaluate what`s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career,” after the four-time MVP opted into his $52.6 million contract for the upcoming season. This statement triggered a wave of speculation regarding James` desire to remain in L.A., despite his contract decision—teams like Dallas, Cleveland, and New York were frequently mentioned as potential trade destinations. Paul later clarified to ESPN that he never discussed a trade with the Lakers on James` behalf. Given that the 40-year-old veteran possesses a no-trade clause in his contract, any such dialogue would need to be initiated by his camp. The intense rhetoric has since subsided in recent months, with James posting about early morning workouts and cheering on Luka Doncic at EuroBasket via his Instagram account.

James enters an unprecedented NBA season with Luka Doncic poised to potentially inherit the Lakers` torch; his son, Bronny, as a teammate, offering a unique opportunity to cherish; and an already stellar resume boasting four titles and over 40,000 career points. Perhaps the more pertinent question is whether this will be James’ last appearance in the league altogether, and what remaining accomplishments might he still seek?

Signature stat: James is embarking on his 23rd season, surpassing Vince Carter for the most seasons played in NBA history. With 50 more games played, he will also overtake Robert Parish for the most career games played all-time.

Fantasy projection: 24.9 PTS, 7.7 REB, 8.2 AST

7. Stephen Curry, G, Golden State Warriors

2024 NBA Rank: 6

Despite defenses going to extraordinary lengths to deny him space and keep the ball out of his hands, Stephen Curry still managed to hit 311 three-pointers in 70 games last season. This marked Curry`s sixth career season with at least 300 made threes – a feat no other player in league history has achieved more than once. He continues to wield the perimeter dominance that has established him as one of the sport`s all-time greats. This season, he will undoubtedly continue to distort defensive schemes and remain the focal point of every opponent’s game plan whenever he is on the court. The Warriors` success also remains intrinsically linked to his performance. Last season, when he was on the court, the team outscored opponents by a league-best 299 points. Conversely, when he was off the court, they were outscored by a team-high 28 points. With him, they eliminated the 52-win Rockets in the first round and took a 1-0 lead against the Timberwolves in the semifinals. After he suffered a hamstring injury in Game 1 and was sidelined, the Warriors subsequently lost four consecutive games and were eliminated.

Biggest question: What potential concern looms for the 16-season veteran?

The hamstring strain was Curry’s first soft tissue injury since an adductor strain in November 2018. After a relatively swift recovery, Curry even believed he could have returned for Game 6 of the series, had it extended that far. Two months later, he competed in a celebrity golf tournament in Lake Tahoe, reporting his body felt 100 percent. He is renowned for his disciplined workout regimen and dedication to maintaining peak physical condition throughout the season. However, Curry will also turn 38 in March, and everyone associated with the Warriors recognizes that his workload must be carefully managed to ensure he is fresh for playoff contention. This, however, always presents a challenge when every regular-season win is crucial for securing optimal playoff seeding.

Signature stat: Curry made at least 300 three-pointers in a season for the sixth time in his career in 2024-25. All other players in NBA history combined have achieved this feat only four times.

Fantasy projection: 25.1 PTS, 4.5 REB, 5.8 AST

6. Anthony Edwards, G, Minnesota Timberwolves

2024 NBA Rank: 10

By nearly every metric, Anthony Edwards elevated his game last season. He led the league with 320 made three-pointers, hitting them at a career-high 39.5% clip. His scoring average rose from 26 points per game to 28. Most significantly, he guided his team back to the Western Conference Finals despite the offseason trade of All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns. Yet, Edwards himself would be the first to admit he fell short of his ultimate goals last season. Following their five-game loss to the Thunder, Edwards declared that “no one would work harder” than him to improve during the offseason. He experienced firsthand how Oklahoma City operated as a superior team, possessing greater depth, skill, and tactical approaches that effectively neutralized him in games. To reach the lofty heights predicted for him since his breakout performance with USA Basketball in 2023, Edwards must diversify his offensive repertoire and further elevate the performance of his teammates.

Biggest question: Will his tendency for technical fouls and NBA fines persist?

Last season, Edwards accumulated a league-leading 18 technical fouls and faced over $400,000 in NBA fines for various conduct infractions, including obscene gestures, explicit language, and failing to leave the court after an ejection. This behavior is not only detrimental to his public image and his candidacy as a future face of the league and the top American-born star, but also negatively impacts his rapport with league referees and, at times, creates unnecessary distractions for his team.

Signature stat: Spearheaded by his league-best 320 made three-pointers, Anthony Edwards averaged 27.6 points last season, the highest single-season scoring average in Timberwolves history.

Fantasy projection: 27.8 PTS, 5.8 REB, 4.7 AST

5. Victor Wembanyama, C, San Antonio Spurs

2024 NBA Rank: 11

Victor Wembanyama appears unequivocally ready for action. During a recent visit to Ingram Tom Moore High School by the San Antonio Spurs—a community severely impacted by devastating floods in July—Wembanyama led an abbreviated workout for the students. Tossing the basketball off the backboard, he effortlessly jumped to retrieve it, put it between his legs, and unleashed a thunderous dunk that electrified the onlookers. Wembanyama made it look incredibly simple.

Biggest question: Will Wembanyama’s intense summer training yield significant dividends this season?

It certainly should. After missing the final 30 games of last season due to deep vein thrombosis, Wembanyama received a clean bill of health in July. This was followed by a busy summer during which the 21-year-old underwent 10 days of training at a Shaolin temple in Zhengzhou, China, and honed his skills with Hall of Fame big men Kevin Garnett and Hakeem Olajuwon. It`s a safe assumption that his work with Garnett will inject a heightened level of aggressiveness into the Frenchman`s game, while Olajuwon likely imparted the exquisite footwork and post moves that rendered the 12-time All-Star virtually unstoppable for 18 seasons in the NBA. Wembanyama himself believes that some movements practiced during his Kung Fu training in China directly mimic actions he will perform on the basketball court.

Signature stat: Victor Wembanyama became only the third player to achieve a 5×5 game, a 10-block game, and a 50-point game all within the same season since blocks/steals were officially recorded in 1973-74. He joins an exclusive club alongside 1992-93 David Robinson and 1989-90 Hakeem Olajuwon.

Fantasy projection: 24.7 PTS, 11.5 REB, 4.0 BLK

4. Giannis Antetokounmpo, F, Milwaukee Bucks

2024 NBA Rank: 3

Giannis Antetokounmpo is fresh off a season where he averaged a 30-point double-double and ranked second in the league in scoring, trailing only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Had the Bucks achieved a higher seed in the standings, he undoubtedly would have garnered more MVP consideration, yet he still secured a top-four finish in voting for the seventh consecutive season. Milwaukee`s dominant big man exhibits no signs of slowing down; he has reinvented his game by favoring more midrange jumpers over three-pointers, making him even more efficient. Antetokounmpo remains, arguably, the league`s foremost two-way threat, though he hasn`t advanced beyond the conference semifinals since 2022.

Biggest question: Still in the prime of his career, can Antetokounmpo secure another championship in Milwaukee?

Antetokounmpo’s production over the past few years has actually surpassed the levels seen during his back-to-back MVP seasons. He has averaged 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists on 60% shooting in each of the last two seasons—the only player in NBA history to accomplish this feat, showcasing a combination of efficiency and dominance comparable to peak Shaquille O’Neal and Wilt Chamberlain. For the first time in three years, Antetokounmpo was healthy for the 2025 playoffs, and his statistics further improved (33 PPG and 14 RPG on 64% shooting). However, the Bucks still faced a first-round exit for the third consecutive season. Antetokounmpo has consistently stated that winning another championship is his paramount objective, but despite his status as one of the most dominant players of his generation, Milwaukee has gradually drifted further from championship contention. This brings Antetokounmpo’s future squarely into focus for his 2025-26 season. He will turn 31 in December, and if the Bucks fail to build a legitimate contender around him, the question arises: how much longer will Antetokounmpo remain patient?

Signature stat: Antetokounmpo has averaged 30 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 60% shooting in each of the past two seasons, a feat unmatched by any other player in NBA history.

Fantasy projection: 31.5 PTS, 12.2 REB, 6.5 AST

3. Luka Doncic, G, Los Angeles Lakers

2024 NBA Rank: 2

Luka Doncic changed teams but saw only a minimal shift in his elite NBA Rank standing from last year, moving from No. 2 to No. 3. The 26-year-old enjoyed a highly productive summer, during which he significantly trimmed down, signed a three-year, $165 million contract extension with L.A., and guided Slovenia to the EuroBasket quarterfinals, where he averaged an impressive 34.7 points per game. Last season marked the first time since his rookie year that Doncic, the 6-6 guard, didn`t receive any MVP votes, as a calf injury and his midseason trade limited him to a career-low 50 games. NBA Rank voters are clearly banking on Doncic to recapture his Dallas trajectory now that he`s officially committed to the Lakers.

Biggest question: Has Doncic’s stellar summer prepared him for an MVP-caliber season?

First, he transformed his physique through a rigorous workout and dietary regimen. Then, he secured a substantial three-year, $165 million contract extension with the Lakers. To cap it all off, he led Slovenia to the quarterfinals at EuroBasket, showcasing his dominance with an average of 34.7 points per game in the international competition. A year ago, Doncic was riding high after an unexpected run to the NBA Finals with the Mavericks and was widely considered the league`s premier young basketball talent. Following a turbulent season marred by a prolonged calf strain injury and a surprising trade to the Lakers, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander claimed that distinction, earning both MVP and Finals MVP honors while leading the Thunder to a championship. The question now is whether the 26-year-old Doncic—who boasts the third-highest regular-season scoring average and second-highest postseason scoring average in league history—is poised to continue his upward trajectory and finally secure his first MVP award this season.

Signature stat: After making his debut with the Lakers on February 10, Luka Doncic led the team in average points, rebounds, assists, steals, and three-pointers.

Fantasy projection: 30.1 PTS, 8.5 REB, 8.2 AST

2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, G, Oklahoma City Thunder

2024 NBA Rank: 4

Scoring champion, MVP, Western Conference Finals MVP, Finals MVP, and ultimately, NBA champion. It is no exaggeration to assert that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander`s 2024-25 season stands among the most exceptional individual campaigns in the annals of basketball history. And he is just now entering his prime at 27 years old.

Biggest question: How can SGA continue to elevate his game?

He has steadily evolved into a more efficient scorer, achieving a career-best 63.7% true shooting percentage last season, where he also made and attempted by far the most three-pointers (163 of 435, 37.5%) of his career. Further expanding his shooting range will undoubtedly render him even more formidable to defend. Additionally, he has demonstrated consistent progress as a playmaker, averaging a career-high 6.4 assists—a figure that could increase further as his young supporting cast matures into more reliable scoring options.

Signature stat: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander became only the fourth player in NBA history to win the scoring title, NBA MVP, and NBA championship in the same season, joining the exclusive ranks of Shaquille O’Neal, Michael Jordan, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Fantasy projection: 33.2 PTS, 5.2 REB, 6.5 AST

1. Nikola Jokic, C, Denver Nuggets

2024 NBA Rank: 1

For the second consecutive year, Nikola Jokic leads ESPN`s NBA Rank, and his rationale is clear. While Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was a thoroughly deserving recipient of the league’s regular-season and Finals MVP awards, and indeed defeated Jokic directly in the playoffs, even the Thunder themselves would acknowledge that Jokic delivered some otherworldly performances in that contentious second-round series, and they were fortunate to advance. Simply put, Jokic is currently at the apex of his basketball prowess and should be considered an MVP favorite as long as he maintains this elite level of play. Last season, Jokic became only the third player in history to average a triple-double (29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists) for an entire season and recorded the fourth-highest player efficiency rating (32.04) in league history. He finished as the runner-up to Gilgeous-Alexander largely because the Thunder operated as a far more cohesive unit than the dysfunctional Nuggets, who dismissed both their coach and general manager at the conclusion of the regular season and underperformed with a fourth-place Western Conference finish.

Biggest question: Have the Nuggets sufficiently addressed the depth issues that plagued them last season?

A significant factor behind Jokic’s incredible statistics was the immense burden he had to shoulder after the Nuggets lost key players from their championship-winning team for a second consecutive offseason. This season, Denver has adopted a more proactive approach, surrounding Jokic with increased talent and a deeper bench. However, whether these moves will translate effectively on the court remains to be seen. If Denver rebounds and challenges the Thunder as the Western Conference`s top team, Jokic has a realistic opportunity to become only the sixth player in NBA history to win four MVP awards, joining an exclusive pantheon alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and LeBron James.

Signature stat: Last season, Jokic became the third player in NBA history to average a triple-double over an entire season, joining Oscar Robertson (1961-62) and Russell Westbrook (who achieved it four times).

Fantasy projection: 29.0 PTS, 12.7 REB, 10.1 AST