Ranking The Top 100 NBA Players For The 2024-25 Season: 20-1
By Eddie Bitar,
2 days ago
After breaking down the players ranked 50 to 21 in our previous article , which followed our complete breakdown of players ranked 100 to 51 , we now dive into the next tier of talent, where the competition stiffens and the margins between greatness narrow. Now, we will have the difficult task of narrowing down our list to name the top 20 NBA players until the best in the world is crowned with no debate.
Kawhi Leonard remains one of the most dangerous two-way players in the league, even as his workload has been carefully managed. With elite defensive instincts and a smooth offensive game, he can still take over in critical moments regardless of who his teammate is (now James Harden). The problem with Leonard will continue to be availability and until he can overcome that, we will find it impossible to move him to the top 10 where he probably has the skills to belong.
Tyrese Maxey took a leap last season by averaging 25.9 points and 6.2 assists per game while winning the Most Improved Player of the Year award for the Philadelphia 76ers . His quickness, three-point shooting, and ability to finish around the rim make him one of the most exciting young guards in the league, and his consistency has vaulted him into the top 20. Next season, we expect Maxey to become the second option on the 76ers despite the arrival of Paul George and it is already a huge honor for the 23-year-old to be ranked ahead of Kawhi Leonard.
A cornerstone for the Boston Celtics alongside Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown’s two-way play and athleticism keep him in the upper echelon of NBA stars. His scoring ability, especially in transition and from beyond the arc, is complemented by his defensive versatility. The Boston Celtics had a stacked roster when they won the NBA championship last season but Brown collected the major awards: Eastern Conference Finals MVP and Finals MVP. Brown is a top 20 player in the world right now because of that and he might feel he has a chance to crack the top 15 at some point this season.
Donovan Mitchell has continued to solidify his status as one of the league’s premier scoring guards and the second-best shooting guard in the world. Mitchell's leadership on the Cavaliers and his ability to elevate his game in key moments make him a valuable asset, although he must get out of the second round if he wants to become known as a top 15 player. Mitchell himself might feel he is the best shooting guard in the NBA but only one player has the slight edge over him.
16. Devin Booker
Credit&colon Mark J&period Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Devin Booker’s offensive game is as polished as ever, consistently putting up points from all three levels for the Phoenix Suns . We have to make Booker the best shooting guard in the NBA because his perimeter skills cannot be denied and his improved playmaking puts him over the top. The superstar scorer averaged 27.1 points and 6.9 rebounds per game last season despite playing alongside Kevin Durant so imagine what he can do (numbers-wise) if he doesn’t have to share the ball. There will still be pressure for Booker to perform in the playoffs and a strong season could see him catapult into the top 15.
Tyrese Haliburton’s emergence as a top-tier point guard had been one of the most exciting developments in the league last season. His court vision, passing, and ability to shoot from deep make him a unique playmaker and it worked to the team’s benefit as he made the Eastern Conference Finals in impressive fashion. The Pacers will want to prove that last season was no fluke and Haliburton will need to be the catalyst behind a repeat performance in 2024-25.
Ja Morant’s electrifying athleticism and playmaking ability make him one of the most entertaining players to watch. His ability to finish at the rim, combined with his improved shooting, makes him a threat from anywhere on the floor. Despite off-court distractions, Morant’s talent and competitive spirit keep him among the best guards in the NBA and we anticipate he will return with a vengeance. If Morant is healthy and focused on basketball, the sky's the limit for the Memphis Grizzlies .
When healthy, Anthony Davis is arguably the best two-way big man in the league, with his ability to guard multiple positions, block shots, and dominate the glass. His scoring, both inside and out, along with his rebounding, makes him a two-way force. Injuries have hampered his consistency, but when on the court, Davis is a top player. Can we trust Anthony Davis next season? That remains the question every season but we will anticipate a strong season from the All-Star big man as he sits 13th in the NBA as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers .
Jalen Brunson has blossomed into one of the best point guards in the league since joining the Knicks . His scoring ability, leadership, and knack for performing in clutch situations have transformed New York into a formidable team. Brunson was unstoppable last season, posting 32.4 points and 7.5 assists per game in the playoffs. With some new players including Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns by his side, Brunson can do some real damage again in the 2024-25 season.
Victor Wembanyama’s rookie season has lived up to the hype, with his rare combination of size, skill, and mobility. His shot-blocking ability, combined with a smooth offensive game, makes him a potential generational talent. After posting a league-leading 3.6 blocks per game and finishing second in the Defensive Player of the Year award, we anticipate Wembanyama to start winning awards as soon as next season. As long as the Frenchman puts on weight to get stronger, there won’t be stopping him from becoming a top 10 player in the world in due time.
Kevin Durant remains one of the most prolific scorers in the game. His ability to score efficiently from anywhere on the court, combined with his improved playmaking and defensive capabilities, makes him a perennial top-10 player. Despite some injury concerns, Durant’s skill set is still elite and we can’t knock him out of the top 10 rankings just yet. However, failure to make it past the first round of the playoffs again amid poor leadership with the Phoenix Suns could see him drop out of the top 15 altogether.
Even as he approaches 37 years old, Stephen Curry is still revolutionizing the game with his shooting and offensive creativity. He’s the best shooter in NBA history and continues to perform at a high level, both as a scorer and playmaker. Curry dropped 26.4 points per game on 40.8% from deep last season so he can still take over games when he sees it fit. The Golden State Warriors likely won’t win an NBA championship but they are still in contention because of their point guard’s presence.
8. LeBron James
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LeBron James continues to defy Father Time, remaining one of the most versatile and impactful players in the NBA. While he’s no longer in his prime as he approaches 40 years old, LeBron’s basketball IQ and ability to perform in the clutch make him a top-10 player even in Year 21. With the game on the line, most coaches still wouldn’t mind the experienced King making decisions even if there are major questions about the Lakers roster next season.
Jayson Tatum has developed into one of the league’s most complete players. His scoring, rebounding, and improved playmaking have turned him into a legitimate MVP candidate. Even if he lost the Finals MVP award to Jaylen Brown last season, Tatum is on track to try to capture his second straight NBA championship but his ranking goes far beyond team achievements. His all-around play has improved exponentially and he proved that in the 2024 Finals by averaging 22.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game despite struggling to score efficiently from the perimeter. Tatum has all the tools to be an MVP candidate and he will likely show it in the 2024-25 NBA season.
Anthony Edwards has taken a massive leap in his development, turning into a dominant two-way player. His ability to score from all three levels, combined with his explosive athleticism, has made him a rising star. Edwards’ leadership and growing impact on both ends of the floor have made him one of the most exciting young players in the league but in 2024-25, he might arrive as a fringe top 5 player in the world. The only thing in the way of Edwards achieving greatness is the player himself, and he must have the drive to be the best player in the NBA. If he wants to get there, he has to prove it now.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged as a bona fide superstar. Last season, he led the Oklahoma City Thunder to the first seed in the West and finished second in the MVP race. His ability to create shots for himself and others, coupled with his poise under pressure, makes him one of the most well-rounded players in the league. SGA's ascent continues as he consistently performs at an MVP level, and that won’t change in 2024-25.
The 2023 MVP and two-time scoring champion, Joel Embiid continues to dominate both ends of the court. As the anchor of the 76ers despite the presence of Paul George and Tyrese Maxey, Embiid's size and skill combination make him nearly unstoppable when healthy. The 76ers have championship expectations this season so expect Embiid to challenge for the NBA’s scoring title and MVP award in 2024-25. However, he has to play more than the 39 games he appeared in last season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo remains one of the most physically dominant players in the league, with his relentless ability to attack the rim, defend multiple positions, and control the glass. His sheer impact on both ends of the floor makes him a perennial MVP candidate every season and he will be in the conversation again in 2024-25. After posting 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game last season, expect similar numbers again this season but he has to find a way to make it work with Damian Lillard when it comes to winning playoff games.
Luka Doncic is next in line to be the face of the NBA and there is no denying his elite impact so far. Posting a league-leading 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game last season and guiding the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals, Doncic is on a tear right now and will be in the conversation for the MVP award next year. The Slovenian has more help on the way with Klay Thompson suiting up for the Mavericks so expect him to average double-digit assists (or close to it) for the upcoming season as he aims to win his second-straight scoring title.
1. Nikola Jokic
Credit&colon Gary A&period Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The reigning NBA three-time MVP, Nikola Jokic has redefined the center position with his playmaking, scoring, and basketball intelligence. Jokic has to find a way to lead the Denver Nuggets again in the upcoming seasons despite the team losing another key player in free agency. Jokic is the best player in the world when it comes to pure impact, and even if it isn’t pretty to watch, he delivers time and time again. The question is: can Jokic win his fourth MVP award or possibly average a triple-double for an entire season to join Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook? The answer to both of those questions could be yes and it wouldn’t be a surprise if we saw it.
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