BasketballSports

The current best NBA-players of the 2025 season (Stats included)

As the 2025-2026 NBA season gets underway, fans are witnessing a league in transition, where legends still loom large, but a new generation is pushing for the crown. From MVP winners to dominant two-way stars, the talent pool is huge.

Whether it’s the unstoppable Nikola Jokic, the relentless drive of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, or the ageless brilliance of LeBron James, this list ranks the top 20 players in the league based on recent performance, accolades, and impact on their teams.

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20. Donovan Mitchell – Cleveland Cavaliers

Donovan Mitchell
NBA Press Photo

Donovan Mitchell remains one of the most explosive scorers in the league. Though Cleveland struggled in the postseason, largely due to injuries, Mitchell’s regular season numbers and sheer offensive talent keep him in the top 20.

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With a smooth jumper and elite athleticism, he remains a nightmare for defenders, and his hunger for playoff success continues to grow.

2024/25 stats:
24.0 points, 5.0 assists, 4.5 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 0.2 blocks
Career awards: 6× All-Star, 2× All-NBA
NBA titles: 0


19. Karl-Anthony Towns – New York Knicks

Karl-Anthony Towns
NBA Press Photo

Towns made a huge impact after his move to New York, becoming a key part of the Knicks’ resurgence. Known for his shooting touch as a big man, he stretched defenses and created space for teammates.

While his defense still raises questions, his offensive skill set is as strong as ever.

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2024/25 stats:
24.4 points, 3.1 assists, 12.8 rebounds, 1.0 steal, 0.7 blocks
Career awards: 5× All-Star, 3× All-NBA
NBA titles: 0


18. Jalen Williams – Oklahoma City Thunder

Jalen Williams
instagram/jalenjdubwilliams

Overshadowed at times by SGA, Jalen Williams took a massive leap last season. A crucial part of OKC's championship run, his two-way prowess and consistency make him a rising star.

His growing offensive toolkit and defensive impact suggest he’ll be a regular All-NBA name soon.

2024/25 stats:
21.6 points, 5.1 assists, 5.3 rebounds, 1.6 steals, 0.7 blocks
Career awards: 1× All-Star, 1× All-NBA
NBA titles: 1

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17. Anthony Davis – Dallas Mavericks

Anthony Davis
NBA Press Photo

Often underrated due to his injuries, Anthony Davis is still a force on both ends.

Now part of a new trio in Dallas, his rebounding and rim protection continue to anchor elite defenses. If he can stay healthy, Dallas becomes a legitimate threat in the West.

2024/25 stats:
20.0 points, 4.4 assists, 10.1 rebounds, 0.6 steals, 2.2 blocks
Career awards: 10× All-Star, 5× All-NBA
NBA titles: 1


16. Devin Booker – Phoenix Suns

Devin Booker
NBA Press Photo

Booker continues to be a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing Phoenix campaign. A reliable 25-point scorer, he’s evolved into a more complete player, adding better playmaking and leadership. The Suns need to build fast around him if they want to compete again.

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2024/25 stats:
25.6 points, 7.1 assists, 4.1 rebounds, 0.9 steals, 0.2 blocks
Career awards: 4× All-Star, 2× All-NBA
NBA titles: 0


15. Cade Cunningham – Detroit Pistons

Cade Cunningham
NBA Press Photo

Cunningham’s growth in Detroit has been remarkable. He turned the league’s worst team into a playoff contender, showing poise, playmaking, and scoring prowess. Detroit finally has its franchise player, and the future looks brighter than it has in years.

2024/25 stats:
26.1 points, 9.1 assists, 6.1 rebounds, 1.0 steal, 0.8 blocks
Career awards: 1× All-Star, 1× All-NBA
NBA titles: 0


14. Kevin Durant – Phoenix Suns

Kevin Durant
NBA Press Photo

Durant continues to defy age, averaging nearly 27 points a game in his 17th season. Despite chaos in Phoenix, his efficiency and versatility haven't dropped off.

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With another trade likely on the horizon, expect him to remain a key contributor wherever he lands.

2024/25 stats:
26.6 points, 4.2 assists, 6.0 rebounds, 0.8 steals, 1.2 blocks
Career awards: 1× MVP, 2× Finals MVP, 15× All-Star
NBA titles: 2


13. Evan Mobley – Cleveland Cavaliers

Evan Mobley
NBA Press Photo

Mobley’s breakout year solidified him as a defensive anchor in the NBA.

He added a more polished offensive game under new coaching, and his DPOY win showed just how disruptive he can be on that end. Cleveland has found its long-term star in the frontcourt.

2024/25 stats:
18.5 points, 3.2 assists, 9.3 rebounds, 0.9 steals, 1.6 blocks
Career awards: 1× All-Star, 1× DPOY, 1× All-NBA
NBA titles: 0


12. Kawhi Leonard – LA Clippers

Kawhi Leonard
NBA Press Photo

Finally playing a full season, Kawhi reminded everyone of his playoff pedigree. While the Clippers fell short, Leonard’s ability to take over games and shut down stars was on full display.

If LA can build around him better, another title run isn’t out of reach.

2024/25 stats:
21.5 points, 3.1 assists, 5.9 rebounds, 1.6 steals, 0.5 blocks
Career awards: 2× Finals MVP, 6× All-Star, 6× All-NBA
NBA titles: 2


11. Victor Wembanyama – San Antonio Spurs

Victor Wembanyama
NBA Press Photo

Even with an early end to his season, Wembanyama showed enough to earn a top spot.

A true unicorn, he averaged nearly four blocks per game and continues to expand his offensive game. At just 21, he’s already among the most feared players in the league.

2024/25 stats:
24.3 points, 3.7 assists, 11.0 rebounds, 1.1 steals, 3.8 blocks
Career awards: 1× All-Star, 1× ROTY
NBA titles: 0


10. Jalen Brunson – New York Knicks

Jalen Brunson
NBA Press Photo

Brunson has become the heart of the Knicks. His aggressive scoring and fearless mentality helped drive New York deep into the playoffs.

No longer just a role player, he’s now a true franchise cornerstone capable of carrying the load night after night.

2024/25 stats:
26.0 points, 7.3 assists, 2.9 rebounds, 0.9 steals, 0.1 blocks
Career awards: 2× All-Star, 1× All-NBA
NBA titles: 0


9. Tyrese Haliburton – Indiana Pacers

Tyrese Haliburton
NBA Press Photo

Haliburton silenced critics with a stellar season leading the Pacers to the NBA Finals. Though injury has sidelined him, his elite passing and court vision were key to Indiana’s success. The team’s rise reflects his growing status as a true top-tier point guard.

2024/25 stats:
18.6 points, 9.2 assists, 3.5 rebounds, 1.4 steals, 0.7 blocks
Career awards: 2× All-Star, 2× All-NBA
NBA titles: 0


8. LeBron James – Los Angeles Lakers

LeBron James
NBA Press Photo

At 40, LeBron continues to perform at an elite level. The arrival of Luka Doncic has eased the scoring burden, but James’ leadership and IQ remain unmatched.

Even if he’s no longer the league’s best, his all-around game still earns him a spot in the top 10.

2024/25 stats:
24.4 points, 8.2 assists, 7.8 rebounds, 1.0 steal, 0.6 blocks
Career awards: 4× MVP, 4× Finals MVP, 21× All-Star
NBA titles: 4


7. Stephen Curry – Golden State Warriors

Stephen Curry
NBA Press Photo

The greatest shooter in NBA history continues to light it up. Curry’s leadership and clutch scoring keep Golden State competitive, even as the team retools.

At 37, he’s still a walking 25 points per game threat, and his legacy only continues to grow.

2024/25 stats:
24.5 points, 6.0 assists, 4.4 rebounds, 1.1 steals, 0.4 blocks
Career awards: 2× MVP, 1× Finals MVP, 11× All-Star
NBA titles: 4


6. Anthony Edwards – Minnesota Timberwolves

Anthony Edwards
NBA Press Photo

Edwards has arrived. Electrifying and fearless, he carried the Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals despite key injuries.

With highlight-reel dunks and a rapidly improving outside shot, he’s one of the most entertaining, and dangerous, players in the league.

2024/25 stats:
27.6 points, 4.5 assists, 5.7 rebounds, 1.2 steals, 0.6 blocks
Career awards: 3× All-Star, 1× All-NBA
NBA titles: 0


5. Jayson Tatum – Boston Celtics

Jayson Tatum
NBA Press Photo

Before his devastating ACL injury, Tatum led Boston to a title and continued evolving as a complete player.

Now sidelined, the Celtics’ future is uncertain, but there’s no doubting his value. Tatum’s size, skill, and IQ make him one of the most complete stars today.

2024/25 stats:
26.8 points, 6.0 assists, 8.7 rebounds, 1.1 steals, 0.5 blocks
Career awards: 6× All-Star, 4× All-NBA
NBA titles: 1


4. Luka Doncic – Los Angeles Lakers

Luka Dončić
NBA Press Photo

Now in LA, Luka remains a walking triple-double and offensive wizard. Though his time with the Lakers hasn’t hit peak form yet, the foundation is there for a championship contender. Doncic’s vision, touch, and scoring instincts remain elite.

2024/25 stats:
28.2 points, 7.7 assists, 8.2 rebounds, 1.8 steals, 0.4 blocks
Career awards: 5× All-Star, 5× All-NBA
NBA titles: 0


3. Giannis Antetokounmpo – Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo
Photo: Ververidis Vasilis / Shutterstock.com

A physical force of nature, Giannis continues to dominate with historic numbers.

Despite uncertainty surrounding the Bucks' future, the Greek Freak is a top-three player on both ends of the court. He remains the gold standard for modern power forwards.

2024/25 stats:
30.4 points, 6.5 assists, 11.9 rebounds, 0.9 steals, 1.2 blocks
Career awards: 2× MVP, 1× Finals MVP, 9× All-Star
NBA titles: 1


2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Oklahoma City Thunder

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
NBA Press Photo

The reigning MVP and Finals champion, SGA has officially entered superstardom. His smooth offensive game and two-way ability led the Thunder to the title.

At just 27, he’s now among the most complete and impactful players in the league.

2024/25 stats:
32.7 points, 6.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals, 1.0 block
Career awards: 1× MVP, 3× All-Star, 2× All-NBA
NBA titles: 1


1. Nikola Jokic – Denver Nuggets

Nikola Jokić
NBA Press Photo

Still the best all-around player in basketball, Jokic is a once-in-a-generation talent.

His scoring, passing, and rebounding numbers are elite, and his basketball IQ is unparalleled. MVP or not, there’s no one doing it like the Joker right now.

2024/25 stats:
29.6 points, 10.2 assists, 12.7 rebounds, 1.8 steals, 0.6 blocks
Career awards: 3× MVP, 1× Finals MVP, 7× All-Star
NBA titles: 1