ESPN has released its annual Top 10 NBA player rankings, and there are some significant shifts in the order this year, with a new player taking the top spot. The list is based on the players' performances during the previous season, including their individual accomplishments and team success. For the 2024-25 season, some big names have dropped out of the top five, while young stars are rising up the ranks.
1. Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic , the reigning three-time MVP, takes the top spot on ESPN's rankings. He was ranked second last year, but his consistent dominance and ability to impact every aspect of the game have propelled him to number one. Jokic had an extraordinary season, averaging 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.0 assists while shooting 58.3% from the field and 35.9% from three-point range.
Despite the Denver Nuggets failing to defend their title, Jokic's individual brilliance remains unquestioned. His incredible basketball IQ, passing, and scoring ability make him the most valuable player in the league today.
2. Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic jumps from fourth to second in this year’s rankings, solidifying his place among the league’s elite. The Dallas Mavericks superstar led his team to their first NBA Finals appearance, although they fell short of winning the championship.
Doncic averaged a near triple-double with 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists while shooting 48.7% from the field and 38.2% from beyond the arc. His incredible offensive skill set, combined with his size and vision, makes him one of the hardest players to guard in the league.
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo
After two years of holding the number one spot, Giannis Antetokounmpo drops to third in the rankings. Despite putting up great numbers—30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists while shooting 61% from the field—Giannis and the Milwaukee Bucks faced challenges, including injuries and team chemistry issues with the addition of Damian Lillard .
The Bucks were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, but Giannis remains one of the most dominant two-way players in the NBA, and he’ll surely be looking to prove himself again this season.
4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s meteoric rise continues as he moves up from the eighth spot last year to fourth. The Oklahoma City Thunder star has emerged as one of the league’s top players, finishing in the top three in MVP voting for the first time. Shai averaged 30.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.2 assists while shooting an efficient 53% from the field and 35.3% from deep.
His leadership and scoring ability helped OKC have a breakout season, and with a young, talented roster, the Thunder are poised to be a powerhouse in the coming years, despite getting knocked out in the second round this time out.
5. Jayson Tatum
Jayson Tatum enters the top five for the first time, moving up from sixth last year. The Boston Celtics star had a phenomenal season, leading his team to their record-setting 18th NBA title, the first of Tatum’s career.
He averaged 26.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 4.9 assists while shooting 47.1% from the field and 37.6% from three. Tatum’s ability to score at all three levels and play solid defense has made him one of the most complete players in the league.
6. Stephen Curry
Despite another impressive individual season, Stephen Curry falls out of the top five, dropping to sixth. The Golden State Warriors failed to make the playoffs, and with Klay Thompson leaving the team in the offseason, the Warriors are entering a new era. Curry averaged 26.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists while shooting 45% from the field and 40.8% from three. As the best shooter in NBA history, Curry still commands immense respect, but team success will be a key factor in his ranking going forward.
7. LeBron James
At age 39, LeBron James continues to defy expectations. Moving up from ninth to seventh in this year’s rankings, LeBron remains one of the league’s top players heading into his 22nd season. Despite the Los Angeles Lakers getting knocked out in the first round of the playoffs, LeBron put up incredible numbers, averaging 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists while shooting 54% from the field and 41% from beyond the arc. His longevity and continued excellence are unmatched in NBA history.
8. Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid , the 2023 MVP, drops from third to eighth in this year’s rankings, largely due to injuries. Embiid was on pace to win his second consecutive MVP award before injuries derailed his season.
The Philadelphia 76ers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, but Embiid’s individual performance was stellar, averaging 34.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists while shooting 52.9% from the field and 38.8% from three. Health will be the key to whether Embiid can climb back up the rankings next year.
9. Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant remains in the top 10, though he drops two spots to ninth. Durant had another strong individual season, averaging 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.0 assists while shooting 52.3% from the field and 41.3% from beyond the arc.
However, his Phoenix Suns team, despite being a title favorite, was swept in the first round of the playoffs. Durant’s scoring efficiency and ability to play at a high-level post-injury are remarkable, but team success will be critical for him to rise again in the rankings.
10. Anthony Edwards
Rounding out the top 10 is Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards . Entering the top 10 for the first time, Edwards has rapidly developed into one of the most exciting young players in the NBA. He averaged 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists while shooting 46.1% from the field and 35.7% from three. Edwards led the Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals, and his trajectory suggests he could become one of the league’s best players in the near future.
The most surprising absence from the top five is Stephen Curry, who has long been a staple in that elite group. Meanwhile, LeBron James, despite being in his 22nd season, still remains in the top 10, which is a testament to his greatness. Kevin Durant’s drop and Anthony Edwards’ rise signal a changing of the guard, as younger stars like Edwards and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continue to make their mark in the league.
ESPN’s Top 10 NBA player rankings for the 2024-25 season reflect both the continued dominance of established stars like Jokic, Doncic, and Antetokounmpo, while also highlighting the rise of younger talent like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards. The list serves as a snapshot of where the league is heading, with a blend of veteran greatness and emerging superstar potential.
You can check out our own rankings below:
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