The 2025 NBA season is already shaping up to be one of the most thrilling in recent memory, packed with rising stars, elite veterans, and game-changing performances. From the clutch leadership of Jalen Brunson and Donovan Mitchell to the generational dominance of Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo, these players are defining the league and making history every night.
Let's rank our top 10 NBA players for the 2025 season.
10. Jalen Brunson
As the leader of the Knicks, Jalen Brunson guided New York to its first Conference Finals since 2000. Over the past two seasons, he’s one of only two players—alongside Luka Dončić—to average 25+ points and 6+ assists while playing 35+ minutes and shooting 45% from the field and 35% from three. Brunson is also the only Knicks player to do this twice.
Known for his clutch performances, Brunson led the league in clutch points and field goals last year and continues to elevate his game in the playoffs. With additions like Jordan Clarkson, Guerschon Yabusele, and Mike Brown’s motion-focused offense, the Knicks are built to take the next step.
Despite a 3-3 start, Brunson is averaging 31.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5 assists on 47% shooting, cementing his place among the NBA’s top 10.
9. Donovan Mitchell
Mitchell is coming off an All-NBA First Team selection after leading the Cavaliers to only their second 60-win season in franchise history, the first since LeBron James in 2008–09. Mitchell is one of six players in NBA history—alongside LeBron, Jordan, West, Iverson, and Durant—to average at least 28 points over 60 or more playoff games, highlighting his elite postseason scoring ability.
Despite back-to-back second-round exits, the Cavaliers have strengthened their roster with Lonzo Ball, Thomas Bryant, and Larry Nance Jr. Mitchell has started the season strong, averaging over 29 points and 4.5 assists while shooting 55/43/77. His consistency, scoring, and playoff pedigree make him a top-10 player despite Cleveland’s early struggles.
8. LeBron James
If immortality had a face, it would look like LeBron James defying Father Time. He’s the only player aged 40 or older to average at least 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in league history. While his defense isn’t what it once was, LeBron can still turn it on when it matters most.
Once he returns to the court, he’ll share the floor with Austin Reaves, Luka Dončić, and company, forming a formidable lineup in the Western Conference. Once fully healthy, LeBron’s leadership, skill, and experience ensure the Lakers remain a playoff threat and affirm his place among the league’s elite players.
Even in his 23rd year, LeBron continues to set the benchmark for longevity and excellence in the league, which is why he is still a top-10 player.
7. Stephen Curry
Even at 37, Stephen Curry remains one of the most dangerous players in the NBA. While he may no longer be in his prime, the Warriors’ star guard continues to command defenses from the moment he crosses halfcourt. Curry is the only guard in NBA history aged 35 or older to average at least 24 points and 6 assists per game.
This season, he’s putting up 26.5 points on 46/38/94 shooting splits, adding 1.5 steals and over four made threes per game—numbers no other player is matching. The Warriors sit 4-3 in the loaded Western Conference, but with Curry still “cooking” nightly, they remain a team to be feared once the playoffs arrive. Curry's skill, leadership, and unmatched shooting make him a perennial top-10 player
6. Victor Wembanyama
Victor Wembanyama has made an immediate impact in 2025, helping the Spurs to a 5-0 start—the best in franchise history. The 7’6” phenom became the first player in NBA history to record 100+ points and 15+ blocks in the first three games of a season. Just ask the Dallas Mavericks, who appeared mortified as he demoralized them.
At just 20 years old last season, Wembanyama became the youngest player to average over 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game and the first to do so this century. If you add in that he averaged more than three made three-pointers per game as well, he's the only player in history with those numbers.
This generational talent, if health permits, has the potential to transform the NBA and elevate the Spurs to become a legitimate contender.
5. Anthony Edwards
Anthony Edwards continues to electrify the Timberwolves and the NBA with his combination of athleticism, skill, and confidence. At just 24, he has led Minnesota to back-to-back Conference Finals appearances, showcasing a style of play often compared to Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. Edwa
rds is one of only two players in NBA history—alongside Stephen Curry—to average 25+ points and 5+ rebounds while making 10 or more three-pointers per game at 39% or better, and the only player to do so at age 25 or younger. His growth, scoring ability, and playoff impact make him a rising star poised to dominate for years to come.
4. Luka Doncic
Luka Dončić enters his first full season with the Lakers after a historic trade, already making a massive impact with his improved conditioning and toned physique. The superstar guard is averaging 41.3 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game while shooting over 50% from the field as of Nov 3, showcasing arguably the best version of himself yet.
With his combination of size, skill, and versatility, Dončić has transformed the Lakers into a dominant force in the Western Conference, and fans can expect even greater performances as he continues to redefine what it means to be an elite NBA superstar.
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Despite trade rumors and postseason frustrations with the Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo remains one of the NBA’s top three players and its most dominant force. He’s the only player in league history to average 30+ points on 60% shooting from the field in a season—and he did it in back-to-back campaigns (2023-24 and 2024-25).
Currently on pace to achieve it for a third consecutive year, Giannis combines scoring, rebounding, and defensive dominance in a way few players, even legends like Shaquille O’Neal and Wilt Chamberlain, have matched. While Milwaukee may not yet be a true title contender, the Greek Freak’s two-way excellence ensures he remains among the league’s elite.
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a historic 2024-25 season, winning Finals MVP and the NBA Championship, as well as regular season MVP and scoring champion. He also won the ESPY and Male Athlete of the Year awards.
He became the only guard in history to average 30+ points on 50% shooting for three consecutive seasons, joining Michael Jordan, Shaq, and Kareem as one of four players to win Finals MVP, MVP, and the scoring title all in the same year. SGA is at the pinnacle of his abilities, excelling as both a scorer and a defender.
He is currently leading the Thunder to their best start in franchise history, 7-0, cementing his status as arguably the most unstoppable scorer.
1. Nikola Jokić
Nikola Jokić continues to redefine what it means to be an elite NBA player, standing out as perhaps the most dominant since LeBron James in his prime or Michael Jordan in the 1990s. The Serbian center nearly averaged a 30-point triple-double and became the first player in history to record a 30-20-20 game, breaking Chamberlain’s single-game assist record for a center with 22 against the Suns.
He’s the only player ever to average at least 29 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists with a 60% effective field goal percentage. This season, he’s averaging 20-14-10 on 59% shooting, guiding the Nuggets—now reinforced with Cam Johnson, Jonas Valančiūnas, and Bruce Brown — toward another title run. In a league stacked with talent, Jokić remains in a class of his own.