TITLE: League Insiders React to ESPN’s 2025-26 NBA Rank Top 100
SLUG: league-insiders-react-espn-2025-26-nba-rank-top-100
CONTENT:
ESPN on Thursday unveiled its 15th annual list of the NBA’s top 100 players for the 2025-26 season. After the rankings were released, scouts, coaches and front-office executives from across the league shared their opinions on the placement of stars, rising talent and aging legends.
Jokic’s Grip on No. 1
Denver Nuggets center and three-time MVP Nikola Jokic retained the top spot, and most evaluators expect him to stay there for at least two more seasons. Several insiders cited his game’s reliance on skill rather than athleticism as the reason his decline should be gradual, though one Eastern Conference executive warned that rapid shifts in the league are common.
Chasing the Top 10
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, recovering from a torn right Achilles, was universally mentioned as a top-10 lock when healthy. Other names floated as potential climbers include Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (No. 11), Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (No. 12), Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (No. 15) and Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (No. 17). Williams’ 40-point performance in Game 5 of last season’s Finals and Cunningham’s all-around growth with Detroit drew particular praise.
Consensus Top Five
Every insider surveyed listed Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic among their five best players for 2025-26. The fifth slot sparked debate, with votes split among Victor Wembanyama, Stephen Curry, Anthony Edwards, Kevin Durant and Donovan Mitchell.
Status of LeBron, Steph and KD
LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant—each 37 or older when the new season begins—remain in ESPN’s top 10. Most officials agreed they still belong there, provided they stay healthy, though none are seen as top-five talents any longer.
American Bid for No. 1
With seven consecutive international MVPs and an international-heavy top five, insiders doubt an American will seize the No. 1 ranking soon. No. 1 draft pick Cooper Flagg received the strongest support to eventually challenge, while Edwards, Banchero and Tatum also drew mention.
Projecting Flagg’s Rise
Most respondents expect Flagg to land inside the top 30 next year, with some forecasting a borderline All-Star case. A few noted concerns about his role on the veteran-laden Dallas Mavericks and placed him closer to the top 50.
Placing Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid, limited to 19 games last season, generated a wide range of predictions. While some executives said he might miss the list altogether due to durability issues, most slotted him somewhere between Nos. 25 and 40, citing his elite upside when healthy.
Knicks Depth vs. Cavs Star Power
Asked whether they would prefer the New York Knicks’ seven players in the top 100 or the Cleveland Cavaliers’ four players in the top 50, insiders were nearly evenly split. Supporters of New York highlighted the club’s playoff experience and depth, whereas Cleveland backers emphasized superior athleticism, defensive ceiling and concentrated high-end talent.
Source: ESPN
