ESPN’s annual list of the NBA’s top 100 players has reached No. 11, and the debate over who rose, who fell and who missed the cut intensified on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025. With the top 10 set to be unveiled Thursday, a panel of network analysts weighed in on the most noteworthy placements and snubs for the 2025-26 season.
Early shockers inside the countdown
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama drew the sharpest reaction. Writer Jamal Collier said the 21-year-old phenom “is awesome, but top 10 is too high right now” because he lacks the résumé of established veterans.
Conversely, Tyler Herro landing at No. 68 was labeled “disrespectful” by Bobby Marks and Jorge Sedano. Despite a foot injury that will cost him the season’s opening weeks, Herro averaged nearly 24 points on 47.2% shooting and was an All-Star last year.
Other eyebrow-raising slots included Ivica Zubac at No. 36—jumping from unranked a year ago—and Joel Embiid sliding to No. 47 after appearing in only 58 games over two seasons.
Who should have made the list?
Analysts pointed to several omissions. Keegan Murray’s two-way play for Sacramento, Jalen Duren’s rebounding for Detroit and Ausar Thompson’s perimeter defense were each cited as top-100 worthy. Marks also argued that Herbert Jones and Jordan Poole deserved recognition, noting Jones’ 2024 All-Defensive first-team nod and Poole’s career-best scoring and efficiency with Washington.
Hall of Fame trio still in the elite tier
LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant remain inside the unreleased top 10. Most panelists expect all three to repeat next year if healthy, with Curry viewed as the safest bet because of his enduring shooting gravity. James enters Year 23, while Durant begins his first full season with Houston.
Next candidates for a top-10 breakthrough
Cade Cunningham (No. 12) topped Sedano’s list to crack next season’s elite group, while Anthony Slater tabbed Anthony Davis (No. 14) if the Mavericks surprise in the West. Donovan Mitchell (No. 15), Paolo Banchero (No. 17) and Alperen Sengun (No. 25) also received votes as potential climbers.
Impact of injuries on the rankings
The panel agreed that healthy versions of Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton would sit comfortably in or near the top 10. Tatum’s consistent 25-8-5 production would secure a back-half top-five slot, while Haliburton’s Finals run positioned him anywhere from 11 to 17.
Bold forecasts
Among the more daring predictions: Giannis Antetokounmpo will rise further, Amen Thompson (No. 37) will jump into the top 20, and Wembanyama could join Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon and Antetokounmpo as the only players to win MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season.
The final top-10 names in ESPN’s NBA Rank for 2025-26 will be released Thursday.
Source: ESPN
