The 10 most dominant NBA players entering 2024-25, ranked

5) Joel Embiid

When healthy, Joel Embiid has an argument for the best player in the NBA. The problem is he cannot stay healthy and that has led to his performance dropping in the playoffs. Nonetheless, Embiid’s dominance cannot be ignored.

Before going down with a knee injury in January, Embiid was averaging more than a point per minute, averaging 33 PPG and 10 rebounds. During the month of December he averaged 40 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists while shooting 61 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range. He was well on his way to a second straight MVP.

Embiid’s knee compromised him in the playoffs, but he still averaged a 30-point double-double in the Sixers’ first-round series loss to the Knicks, including a 50-point game. The knock on Embiid has been the lack of a deep postseason run on his resume, but he hopes to change that this season.

Coming into the year, Embiid is in the best shape of his career, as he is down 25-30 pounds and looking to lose more weight. His focus is not on the MVP or other accolades. He wants to win a championship. If he keeps up the level of play he’s had over the last two seasons, his ranking could be even higher at some point in the year.