NBA Rank is Back for Season 14: Who’s Topping the List in 2024-25?
It’s that time again! For the 14th year in a row, ESPN’s NBA Rank is counting down the top 100 players in the league. So, who made the cut this season? Where do MVP contenders like Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Luka Doncic land on the list? And how did NBA legends like LeBron James fare as he gears up for his 22nd season?
The expert panel at ESPN went all-in, evaluating over 15,000 player matchups to predict how each player will perform in the 2024-25 season. The question asked: “Who will be better this season?” After much anticipation, the countdown finally reached its thrilling top 10 finale. Here’s a look at who made the cut, starting with an up-and-coming star and wrapping up with some of the biggest names in basketball.
10. Anthony Edwards, G, Minnesota Timberwolves
2023 Rank: 13
Why he rose: Anthony Edwards shined last season, earning an All-Star appearance, an All-NBA nod, and leading the Timberwolves to the playoffs. He didn’t stop there – his dominant playoff performance helped Minnesota take down the defending champion Denver Nuggets in the second round! At just 23, Edwards is making waves, and with the Wolves now officially his team after trading Karl-Anthony Towns, the sky’s the limit for him.
Key Question: Can Edwards handle the pressure of being the Wolves’ go-to guy? Minnesota has high hopes for him, but taking on the No. 1 spot comes with its challenges. Fans will be watching closely to see how he handles the increased responsibility on offense.
Stat to Watch: Fourth-quarter scoring. Edwards is hungry to take over games when it matters most, and if he can turn up his late-game performance, we might see him ascend to true superstar status.
9. Kevin Durant, F, Phoenix Suns
2023 Rank: 7
Why he fell: Durant is still playing at an elite level, but his ranking slipped due to the rise of other stars. After playing 75 games – his most since his Achilles injury in 2019 – KD averaged an impressive 27.1 points on incredible shooting splits (52/41/86). But with the Suns’ early playoff exit, questions remain about whether they can make a deep postseason run with Durant leading the charge.
Key Question: Can the Suns win it all with their current roster? Durant has already cemented his legacy, but adding another championship would further elevate his status.
Stat to Watch: Durant is just 2,495 points away from passing Wilt Chamberlain on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. Keep an eye on this milestone as he continues to etch his name in the history books.
8. Joel Embiid, C, Philadelphia 76ers
2023 Rank: 3
Why he fell: Injuries. When Embiid was healthy, he was having a historic season, but a knee injury derailed his MVP campaign. Now, as he aims to bounce back, his ability to stay healthy will determine his place in the rankings next year.
Key Question: Can Embiid stay healthy and lead the 76ers to playoff success? He’s yet to complete a full playoff run without injuries holding him back, and that’s been the big “what if” in his career so far.
Stat to Watch: Games played. Embiid’s availability is key to the 76ers’ playoff hopes, and his health will be a major storyline throughout the season.
7. LeBron James, F, Los Angeles Lakers
2023 Rank: 9
Why he rose: LeBron just keeps defying Father Time! The 39-year-old superstar led Team USA to gold in the Paris Olympics and was named MVP of the tournament, proving he’s still a force to be reckoned with. His 21st NBA season was just as impressive, with averages of 25.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.3 assists – all while becoming the first player in NBA history to score over 40,000 career points!
Key Question: What’s left for LeBron to achieve? He’s hinted that everything he does now is “extra credit,” but with his son, Bronny, now playing alongside him on the Lakers, all eyes will be on this father-son duo.
Stat to Watch: Games played. LeBron played 71 games last season, his most since joining the Lakers. Can he stay healthy again to help the Lakers make a deep playoff run?
6. Stephen Curry, G, Golden State Warriors
2023 Rank: 5
Why he fell: Curry had a stellar season, leading the league in clutch points and hitting 357 3-pointers, but some of his stats dipped. Still, don’t let that fool you – Curry remains one of the league’s most dangerous players.
Key Question: Can Curry lead the Warriors back to championship contention? Golden State has some question marks around their depth, but as long as Curry is on the floor, they’ll have a shot.
Stat to Watch: 3-pointers. With his splash brother Klay Thompson no longer in the backcourt, Curry’s shooting volume could skyrocket, which means more records might fall this season.
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5. Jayson Tatum, F, Boston Celtics
2023 Rank: 6
Why he rose: Tatum was a consistent force last season, earning his third consecutive All-NBA selection and helping lead the Celtics to their 18th championship. With a loaded roster, Tatum will look to build on his success and perhaps take a shot at MVP.
Key Question: Is there another level for Tatum? He’s already elite, but with new responsibilities and expectations, Tatum might have even more to show us.
Stat to Watch: Free throw attempts. If Tatum can get to the line more consistently, it could take his game and the Celtics’ offense to the next level.
4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, G, Oklahoma City Thunder
2023 Rank: 8
Why he rose: Shai had a breakout year, establishing himself as an MVP candidate while leading the Thunder to the top seed in the West. He’s now a bona fide star, and with OKC’s young core around him, the Thunder are ready to make noise in the playoffs.
Key Question: Can Shai lead the Thunder to the Finals? With a loaded team and MVP aspirations, this could be the season that SGA takes Oklahoma City to new heights.
Stat to Watch: Scoring title. Shai came close last year and could be a frontrunner this season with his offensive firepower.
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo, F, Milwaukee Bucks
2023 Rank: 1
Why he fell: Giannis had a tough season with injuries, and the Bucks’ early playoff exit didn’t help his case. But when he’s healthy, Giannis is still a dominant force, averaging over 30 points and 11 rebounds per game.
Key Question: How will Giannis and Damian Lillard gel? The Bucks made a blockbuster trade to pair these two superstars, and if they click, Milwaukee could be unstoppable.
Stat to Watch: Defensive efficiency. The Bucks’ defense slipped last season, but if Giannis can get back to his two-way dominance, Milwaukee will be a powerhouse again.
2. Luka Doncic, G, Dallas Mavericks
2023 Rank: 4
Why he rose: Luka had an incredible season, winning the scoring title and leading the Mavericks to the NBA Finals. With the most talented roster around him yet, Luka is primed to take another step forward.
Key Question: Will Luka win MVP this year? He’s come close before, but this might be the year he finally claims the award. And with a championship in his sights, Luka is on the verge of something special.
Stat to Watch: Defense. Luka’s improved defensive play was key to the Mavericks’ run last season, and it’ll be crucial again as they aim for another deep playoff run.
1. Nikola Jokic, C, Denver Nuggets
2023 Rank: 2
Why he’s No. 1: Jokic is simply on another level. With three MVP trophies in the past four years, he’s now aiming for his fourth – a feat only five other players have accomplished. His basketball IQ and passing skills make him a nightmare for opponents, and he’s ready to lead the Nuggets to another title.
Key Question: Can the Nuggets’ new supporting cast step up? With key players gone, Jokic will have to rely on some new faces. But with his talent, Denver will remain a serious contender.
Stat to Watch: Triple-doubles. Jokic is just nine away from passing Magic Johnson for third on the all-time list. Could this be the season he makes history?
And there you have it – the top 10 players heading into the 2024-25 NBA season. Whether it’s rising stars or all-time legends, this season promises to be one for the ages. Stay tuned!