ESPN on Thursday published the final installment of its annual NBA Rank, listing the players its panel of more than 150 reporters, editors, producers and analysts expects to have the greatest impact in the 2025-26 season. Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic occupies the No. 1 position for the second straight year, edging reigning MVP and Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Panelists compared more than 20,000 head-to-head combinations and answered a single question: “Which player will be better in 2025-26?” Votes focused solely on the coming season, excluding long-term injuries to Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Haliburton, Damian Lillard, Kyrie Irving, Dejounte Murray and Fred VanVleet.
Top 10 Breakdown
1. Nikola Jokic, C, Denver Nuggets
After averaging 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds and 10.2 assists—becoming only the third player to post a season-long triple-double—the three-time MVP favorite retains the top spot. Denver’s offseason moves aimed at bolstering depth could determine whether Jokic contends for a fourth MVP award.
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, G, Oklahoma City Thunder
Fresh off capturing the scoring title, regular-season MVP, Western Conference finals MVP and Finals MVP, the 27-year-old seeks to extend his range after hitting a career-best 37.5% from three on 435 attempts.
3. Luka Doncic, G, Los Angeles Lakers
Doncic slips one slot after an injury-interrupted season that still featured 50 games and a mid-campaign trade to Los Angeles. A revamped training program and a three-year, $165 million extension headline an offseason that also saw him average 34.7 points for Slovenia at EuroBasket.
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo, F, Milwaukee Bucks
The two-time MVP produced 30 points, 11 rebounds and six assists on 60% shooting for the second consecutive year. Milwaukee’s early playoff exits now place roster construction under the microscope as Antetokounmpo turns 31 in December.
5. Victor Wembanyama, C, San Antonio Spurs
Cleared after missing the final 30 games last season with deep-vein thrombosis, the 21-year-old trained at a Shaolin temple and worked with Hall of Famers Kevin Garnett and Hakeem Olajuwon. He already owns a five-by-five, a 10-block game and a 50-point outing.
6. Anthony Edwards, G, Minnesota Timberwolves
Edwards raised his scoring average to 28 points, nailed a league-best 320 threes at 39.5% and guided Minnesota to the Western Conference finals. His 18 technical fouls and more than $400,000 in fines remain a concern.
7. Stephen Curry, G, Golden State Warriors
At age 37, Curry drilled 311 three-pointers—his sixth season with at least 300, something no other player has achieved more than once. The Warriors will monitor his workload after his first soft-tissue injury since 2018.
8. LeBron James, F, Los Angeles Lakers
Entering a record 23rd season, James averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds and earned All-NBA second-team honors. Agent Rich Paul said over the summer that the four-time MVP would “evaluate what’s best,” prompting speculation about his future with the club.
9. Kevin Durant, F, Houston Rockets
Durant, now eighth on the all-time scoring list with 30,571 points, joins Houston at age 36 to supply a primary scoring option and championship pedigree. Head coach Ime Udoka expects the roster’s young core to grow alongside the 15-time All-Star.
10. Jalen Brunson, G, New York Knicks
Brunson climbs into the top 10 after back-to-back All-Star and All-NBA second-team seasons and the franchise’s first Eastern Conference finals appearance in 25 years. The main storyline is how he meshes with new head coach Mike Brown’s up-tempo, ball-movement system.
Methodology Notes
The ESPN list launched Tuesday with players ranked 100-51, continued Wednesday with slots 50-11 and concluded today with the top 10. Fantasy stat projections accompany each player, and signature statistics highlight specific achievements such as Curry’s record six 300-three-pointer seasons and Antetokounmpo’s unprecedented two-year efficiency totals.
The complete rankings and related analysis appear on ESPN.com.
Source: ESPN
