The 14th season of NBA Rank has returned, continuing its countdown of the league’s top players. Who made it into this season’s top 100?
Where do contenders for the MVP award, such as Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Luka Doncic, rank? Which emerging talents are making their first appearances? Has LeBron James moved up or down the list as he embarks on his record-tying 22nd season as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer?
To establish the final NBA Rank predictions, our panel of experts voted on player matchups from over 15,000 potential pairings. The voters were asked, “Which player will outperform the other in 2024-25?” and they had to anticipate how each player would perform this season.
Our countdown began earlier this week with rankings of players Nos. 100-51, followed by Nos. 50-11. We have now reached the top 10, which features a new No. 1 player, a former MVP whose stock has slipped, and three NBA legends who continue to deliver elite performances.
Note: The NBA Rank panel at ESPN includes over 150 reporters, editors, producers, and analysts ranking players based on their expected contributions—both in quality and quantity—for the 2024-25 season only.
NBA Rank: Nos. 100-51 | 50-11 | NBA Rank debate | Who’s next in 2025?
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
2023 Rank: 13
Reason for his rise of 3 spots: Edwards emerged as the breakout star of the 2024 season, accomplishing an All-Star selection, an All-NBA nod, and an impressive playoff run culminating in a Wolves victory over the defending champion Denver Nuggets in the second round. He averaged 27.8 points with a shooting percentage of 48%, leading the Wolves to their first conference finals since 2004. This summer, he contributed significantly to Team USA’s gold medal success at the Paris Olympics. Amidst the NBA’s notable trend of international players excelling in both the MVP race and discussions about the league’s top talent, the 23-year-old is poised to become the next premier American-born player.
NBA Rank’s top 100 countdown
• Nos. 10-1: Thursday
• Nos. 50-11: A significant leap for Wemby
• Nos. 100-51: Klay experiences a drop
• Roundtable: Which player is ranked too high?
• 
Edey, Flagg for next year?
Key question for 2024-25: How will Edwards handle the expectations of being the undisputed No. 1 player in Minnesota? With the Wolves trading Karl-Anthony Towns before the season starts, the team is officially Edwards’ to lead. A young franchise face brings new pressures, heightened expectations, and additional offensive responsibilities. The Wolves still possess a talented and deep roster.
The team is anticipated to be contenders in the Western Conference; however, in the absence of Towns, Edwards will be tasked with shouldering a greater portion of the offensive responsibilities on a squad that finished 17th in efficiency last season. During the postseason, Edwards demonstrated his potential to lead an offense. The current challenge is to maintain that performance consistently throughout the entire season.
Stat to monitor this season: Fourth-quarter scoring. Edwards himself acknowledges that a primary objective is to take control of games in the fourth quarter. Last season, the Wolves secured 56 victories thanks to a solid defense, but their offensive execution in the closing minutes was often disjointed, leading to troubles in crucial moments. Minnesota recorded a minus-13 net rating during clutch situations last season, ranking 27th in the NBA. Edwards embraces the challenge of taking pivotal shots in the game. If he can continue to enhance his closeout instincts, he could elevate both his game and his status as a superstar.
— Jamal Collier
(Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
2023 Rank: 7
Reason for falling 2 spots: Durant’s position largely reflects the progress of others rather than any decline in his performance. Last season, he participated in 75 games, which is 20 more than in any other season since his torn Achilles in 2019. He maintained his usual efficiency, averaging 27.1 points, with shooting splits of 52/41/86, earning his 14th All-Star selection. Though the Suns’ playoff performance was lackluster, attributing the first-round exit solely to him is difficult, given he posted an average of 26.8 points with shooting splits of 55/42/82 against Minnesota in the four-game series. He continued to showcase his remarkable skills during the Paris Olympics, finishing as the third-leading scorer for the team, behind Stephen Curry and LeBron James.
Key question for 2024-25: Can the Suns succeed with their current roster? While Durant is already regarded as one of the all-time greats, his legacy could be further bolstered by repeating the championship success he achieved with Golden State. Recent seasons have seen that goal stall, as he has faced first-round sweeps in two of the past three seasons while with Brooklyn and Phoenix. The franchise made changes by replacing coach Frank Vogel with Mike Budenholzer and signing point guard Tyus Jones, but the team’s potential still hinges on how Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal work together.
Stat to keep an eye on this season: 2,495 points. This is the number of points Durant needs to surpass Wilt Chamberlain, moving from 8th to 7th on the NBA scoring list. Beyond championships, ascending this list as he nears the end of his career will serve to enhance his legacy. It’s a challenging feat to accomplish within a single season—he has only reached that amount once before, with 2,593 points during the 2013-14 season with the Oklahoma City Thunder—but he scored 2,032 points last season. That marked the first time he surpassed 2,000 since his final year with the Warriors in 2018-19 and was the seventh occasion in his career he reached such a total.
— Dave McMenamin
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
2023 Rank: 3
Reason for falling 5 spots: Injuries. When Embiid was in good health last season, he was on track for a truly remarkable season, aiming to become only the second player—alongside Wilt Chamberlain—to score more points than minutes played. However, a knee injury interrupted his season. Consequently, the NBA’s reigning Most Valuable Player was unable to defend his title.
playing only 39 games. He returned just in time for the playoffs against the New York Knicks in the first round, but it was evident that he was not operating at full capacity due to both his knee issues and a bout of Bell’s palsy, which contributed to Philadelphia’s six-game exit.
Play Fantasy Basketball For Free
Join or create a fantasy basketball league on ESPN. Your journey to the championship starts now!
Key question for 2024-25: A recurring concern: Can Embiid remain healthy on the court and regain his dominant form from last season? Throughout his career, he has expressed a desire for at least one full playoff run without health issues. Although he has faced numerous setbacks, the truth remains that this has yet to happen. Should Embiid stay healthy this season, he could easily climb back into the top five of this list next year. Conversely, if he cannot? Dropping out of the top 10 could become a reality for the 2023 MVP.
Stat to monitor this season: What could be more crucial than the number of games played? After sitting out his first two seasons due to foot injuries, Embiid has participated in over 60 games in four out of his eight seasons, averaging 54 games overall. The prospects of achieving the playoff success that both Embiid and the team yearn for will heavily depend on the seven-time All-Star’s availability and his ability to provide the league’s most formidable interior presence.
— Tim Bontemps
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
2023 Rank: 9
Reason for moving up 2 spots: The world’s top basketball players gathered in Paris this offseason for the Summer Olympics, battling for gold and national pride. Ultimately, James secured the third gold medal of his career and earned MVP honors for the tournament — yet another triumph in his ongoing contest against Father Time. Those who witnessed him ignite a second-half comeback against Serbia, guarding Nikola Jokic on one end and driving to the basket on the other, were reminded of LeBron’s tenacity when it matters most. Moreover, his impressive averages of 25.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.3 assists in his 21st season, along with becoming the first player in history to surpass 40,000 career points, solidified his elite status at 39 years old.
Key question for 2024-25: According to James, his personal résumé is complete. “Everything else is extra credit,” he stated at the start of training camp when asked what more he seeks in the NBA. “I love what I do. But no, I don’t need to [achieve more]. No. I’ve got everything.” This raises the question of how well he will work alongside his son Bronny on the Lakers. They have already made history as the first father-son duo to play for the same NBA team. The new query is whether Bronny, selected by L.A. with the No. 55 pick, can develop quickly enough for both to share meaningful minutes on the court.
Stat to monitor this season: Games played. Last season marked James’s highest number of games played (71) since joining the Lakers.
He only experienced a stretch of missed games once, which occurred around the All-Star break as he took that opportunity to seek treatment for his left ankle. Apart from that, he maintained good health, a state that has been challenging for him since he joined the Lakers in 2018 due to a series of injuries to his groin, ankle, and foot during the later stages of his career. For James, who will celebrate his 40th birthday in December, participating in more than 70 games again not only enhances the Lakers’ chances of staying competitive but also keeps him actively engaged as JJ Redick embarks on his coaching journey.
— McMenamin
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
2023 Rank: 5
Why he fell 1 spot: If Curry’s standing were determined by his performance during his debut Olympics this summer, the seasoned veteran would likely have risen on this list. However, last season, both his average assists (5.1) and steals (0.7) hit a career low, while his 45% shooting from the field ranked as his third worst. While it’s difficult to label Curry’s performance as a ”bad season,” he did lead the league in points (189), successful field goals (59), and clutch 3-pointers (32), earning the title of Clutch Player of the Year. He also topped the league with 357 made 3-pointers. Nevertheless, the Warriors’ lack of depth became evident during the playoffs as they were unable to progress past the first leg of the play-in tournament.
Essential Fantasy Basketball Content
• Fantasy basketball 101: How to play
• 10 tips to win your league
• Projections | Top 150 rankings
• Experts: Our five favorite draft targets
• Mock draft: 10-team H2H points league
Biggest question for 2024-25: Does Curry have enough surrounding support? For the first time since 2010, he will be without his backcourt companion Klay Thompson. It is hoped that Draymond Green will remain available this season, and while Golden State is optimistic about its depth, this remains one of the most uncertain aspects of the team. Can younger talents like Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga offer sufficient support for Curry?
Stat to watch this season: While it may seem trivial, keeping an eye on 3-point shooting, and specifically the kinds of 3-point opportunities he receives, is important. Since 2011, Curry has played alongside Thompson, known for being a fantastic floor spacer and sharpshooter. Without Thompson, the Warriors will not only need to compensate for his nine 3-point attempts per game, but Curry will also likely find himself with less space on the court. In the 2020-21 season—the only full season Curry played without Thompson due to injury—he averaged a career-high 12.7 3-point attempts per game. This high volume of attempts has persisted over the last three seasons, with Curry averaging slightly over 11 attempts per game. During training camp, Warriors coach Steve Kerr stressed that the team’s identity must revolve around shooting, even following Thompson’s transition to Dallas. “We need to fill that void, and it will have to come from multiple players,” Kerr stated.
– Kendra Andrews
(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
2023 Rank: 6
Why he rose 1 spot: The Celtics star had another consistent
In the previous season, Jayson Tatum made his fifth consecutive All-Star team and his third straight All-NBA team. More significantly, he helped secure the franchise’s record-setting 18th NBA title, marking the first championship of his career. With consistent averages of approximately 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists per game, along with the capability to guard multiple positions and play over 70 games each season, Tatum stands out as one of the league’s most dependable stars.
Biggest question for 2024-25: Although it seems unusual to question a top-five player, is there potential for Tatum’s game to elevate further? He has established himself as an elite player and has finally overcome playoff challenges, winning a second consecutive gold medal with Team USA. However, it is odd that the conversation around Tatum also focused on what he failed to achieve, such as finishing behind Jaylen Brown in both the Eastern Conference Finals and NBA Finals MVP races, alongside having a limited role on an exceptionally talented Olympic team. Having never finished higher than fourth in the MVP voting, could Tatum make a push for the league’s highest individual accolade?
Stat to watch this season: Free throw attempts per game. Over the past six years, Tatum’s free throw attempts steadily increased, reaching an average of 8.4 per game in 2022-23, before dropping to 6.7 per game last season. Many on the team experienced declines in individual stats due to the team’s star-studded roster. If Tatum can consistently boost his trips to the free-throw line, it would greatly benefit both his performance and Boston’s offense, which sometimes tends to rely heavily on jump shots.
— Bontemps
2023 Rank: 8
Why he rose 4 spots: Oklahoma City claimed the top seed in the West last season, possibly ahead of expectations due to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander emerging as an MVP candidate. He averaged over 30 points for the second consecutive season and recorded a career-high of 6.2 assists last season. The Thunder possess perhaps the best young core in the league, and the additions of Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein alongside Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren have positioned the Thunder as favorites in the West. Gilgeous-Alexander has all the tools needed to advance to the next level, with the potential not only to win the MVP but also lead the Thunder to their first Finals since 2012.
Friday, Oct. 18
Lakers at Warriors, 10:30 p.m. (ESPN2)
Wednesday, Oct. 23
Bucks at 76ers, 7:30 p.m.
Suns at Clippers, 10 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 25
Pacers at Knicks, 7:30 p.m.
Suns at Lakers, 10 p.m.
All times Eastern
Biggest question for 2024-25: Gilgeous-Alexander has demonstrated his ability to be clutch and make game-winning shots, successfully guiding the Thunder to the top of the Western standings. Now, he must focus on deep playoff success. Entering his seventh season, Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder to the second round of the playoffs before succumbing to Dallas and Luka Doncic. Can SGA return OKC to the Western Conference Finals?
Stat to watch this season: Last season, Gilgeous-Alexander achieved an average of 30.1 points, shot 54%, and recorded 2.0 steals. He also notched a career-best shooting percentage of 53.5% from the field. Remarkably, he became the third player since the 1973-74 season to average 30 points, 50% shooting, and 2 steals in a season, joining the ranks of Michael Jordan and Stephen Curry. Both Jordan and Curry have won multiple scoring titles. Can Gilgeous-Alexander follow in their footsteps?
Will Gilgeous-Alexander secure his first scoring title this season? With the rise of Holmgren and Williams, achieving this goal may prove challenging. However, he has come close in the last two seasons, finishing third and fourth, respectively.
— Ohm Youngmisuk
(Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
2023 Rank: 1
Reason for falling 2 spots: Throughout a tumultuous regular season characterized by a series of changes for his team, Antetokounmpo observed from the sidelines due to injury as the Bucks were ousted in the first round for the second consecutive year. The two-time MVP has struggled with health issues lately, making it difficult to provide solutions for the team’s challenges. Nonetheless, when on the court, his performance remains outstanding. Last season, he averaged 30.4 points and 11.5 rebounds, along with career highs of 6.5 assists and a shooting percentage of 61% from the field in 73 games, earning him MVP votes even amid a lackluster overall season in Milwaukee.
Key question for 2024-25: How will Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard continue to develop their chemistry? The Bucks executed their blockbuster trade to acquire Lillard just before the previous season’s training camp, leaving little time for their star duo to establish a connection. Ideally, Antetokounmpo and Lillard would form a formidable pick-and-roll partnership. With a season behind them and a coach experienced in integrating star players, Doc Rivers, the Bucks aim to unlock a superior version of their team and possibly a better version of Antetokounmpo.
Statistic to monitor this season: Milwaukee’s defensive efficiency. Ensuring Antetokounmpo’s health is critical for both him and the Bucks, but it’s also important to watch how they recover defensively. Last season, after parting ways with Jrue Holiday, the Bucks finished mid-tier in defensive efficiency, and it appeared that Antetokounmpo’s defensive impact was limited throughout the year. Milwaukee hopes an improved system can help Antetokounmpo return to the two-way powerhouse that has consistently made him an MVP contender.
— Collier
(Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
2023 Rank: 4
Reason for rising 2 spots: Doncic achieved his first NBA scoring title while producing an astonishing stat line — averaging 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game — during the most efficient shooting season of his career (with a 57.3 effective field goal percentage). He dispelled doubts regarding whether his remarkable production could translate to team success by leading the sixth-seeded Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals, thus becoming the first player in league history to top a single postseason in scoring, rebounding, assists, and steals. Doncic also demonstrated significant defensive improvement, as his team boasted the league’s most formidable defense during the final stretch of the season.
NBA on ESPN+
Gain access to exclusive original series, premium articles from our NBA insiders, and the complete 30 for 30 library, among other offerings. Sign up now to unlock everything that ESPN+ provides.
Key question for 2024-25: Doncic faces two pivotal questions: Will this season be the one in which he secures his first MVP award? Additionally, can he lead the Mavericks to claim their inaugural NBA championship? Recognized as a five-time first-team All-NBA selection, Doncic has yet to reach his peak performance. He has finished among the top five in MVP voting three times, achieving a personal best with a third-place finish last season. This year’s Mavericks roster is the most talented during Doncic’s tenure as general manager Nico Harrison added Klay Thompson to the lineup this summer, following the successful trade-deadline acquisitions that transformed the Mavs into contenders last season.
Statistic to monitor this season: The Mavericks’ defensive ranking among NBA teams will be crucial. Doncic is expected to have an MVP-worthy season, assuming he remains injury-free, while the Mavericks’ offense, enhanced by Thompson as an effective complement to Doncic and Kyrie Irving, is anticipated to rank among the league’s best. The real test lies in constructing a formidable defense, which will be essential for Doncic not only to strive for the MVP title but also to help Dallas make another deep playoff run. Coach Jason Kidd and assistant Sean Sweeney successfully achieved this in the 2021-22 season when the Mavericks boasted the seventh-best defense and reached the Western Conference Finals. Following the trade deadline last season, their remarkable defensive improvement was a key factor in an 18-2 run that culminated in a Finals appearance. Doncic must play an integral role in this endeavor, a challenge he accepted during the previous season.
— Tim MacMahon
Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
2023 Rank: 2
Reason for rising one position: After winning three of the last four MVP trophies, Jokic stands on the brink of achieving legendary status by potentially becoming the sixth player to win four or more MVP awards if he repeats this season. With only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and LeBron James having accomplished this feat, it’s clear why Jokic is currently regarded as the best player in the world. Recognized in a recent GM survey as the top passer and one of the smartest players in the NBA, Jokic will likely be tasked with carrying an even greater load this season with a revamped supporting cast. Nevertheless, his exceptional abilities may make this adjustment less significant.
Key question for 2024-25: For the second consecutive offseason, the Nuggets experienced the loss of a crucial player from their championship team. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has moved to Orlando, and with Bruce Brown’s exit the previous summer, they have lost two of their top three defensive players. Younger talents like Christian Braun and Peyton Watson will need to rise to the occasion alongside new addition Russell Westbrook. Will the Nuggets’ supporting roster be capable of making sufficient outside shots and generating enough defensive stops for Jokic? Moreover, can Jamal Murray maintain his health throughout the season?
Statistic to monitor this season: Last season, Jokic ranked in the top five across total points, rebounds, and assists. If he achieves this feat once more, he will join Chamberlain as the only players to do so three times, according to ESPN Research. Furthermore, after logging 54 triple-doubles over the past two seasons, Jokic is just nine shy of surpassing Magic Johnson for third place on the all-time list.
— Youngmisuk
ESPN Unveils NBA Rank 2024: The Top 100 Players Countdown and Key Insights for the New Season
The NBA season is just around the corner, and ESPN has officially unveiled its highly anticipated NBA Rank 2024, spotlighting the top 100 players in the league. This annual countdown not only ignites rivalry and discussions among fans and analysts but also sets the stage for what fans can expect in the upcoming season. In this article, we delve into the key insights, top players, and what these rankings mean for the teams and players as we approach the new season.
Understanding NBA Rank 2024
ESPN’s NBA Rank is a comprehensive list that evaluates players based on their performance, impact on games, and overall contributions to their teams. The rankings take into account several factors:
- Player Statistics: Points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.
- Team Impact: How a player affects their team’s success.
- Consistency: Performance over multiple seasons.
- Potential for Growth: Younger players with high upside.
Top 10 Players of NBA Rank 2024
This year’s rankings feature a mix of established stars and rising talents. Here’s a quick look at the top 10 players:
| Rank | Player | Team | Position</th |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Milwaukee Bucks | PF |
| 2 | LeBron James | Los Angeles Lakers | SF |
| 3 | Kevin Durant | Phoenix Suns | SF |
| 4 | Stephen Curry | Golden State Warriors | PG |
| 5 | Luka Dončić | Dallas Mavericks | PG |
| 6 | Jayson Tatum | Boston Celtics | SF |
| 7 | Joel Embiid | Philadelphia 76ers | C |
| 8 | Nikola Jokić | Denver Nuggets | C |
| 9 | Kawhi Leonard | Los Angeles Clippers | SF |
| 10 | Damian Lillard | Milwaukee Bucks | PG |
Key Insights from NBA Rank 2024
As fans digest the rankings, several key insights emerge that could have implications for the upcoming season:
1. Dominance of Established Stars
The top players maintain their positions, showcasing their consistent performance and leadership. Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to lead the pack, embodying both skill and versatility on the court.
2. Rising Stars Making Their Mark
Notable players like Luka Dončić and Jayson Tatum are cementing their place among the elite. Their performances last season and potential for growth have garnered significant attention.
3. The Importance of Health
Injuries were a major storyline last season, particularly for stars like Kawhi Leonard and Joel Embiid. Their rankings reflect their potential impact if they can stay healthy throughout the season.
Impact on Teams
The rankings not only reflect individual talents but also have broader implications for their teams:
- Team Strategies: Teams may adjust their strategies to leverage the skills of their top-ranked players.
- Trade Decisions: Players’ rankings can influence trade rumors and decisions during the season.
- Fan Engagement: Higher-ranked players often attract more attention, leading to increased ticket sales and merchandise demand.
Player Spotlights: A Closer Look
To fully appreciate the rankings, let’s take a deeper dive into a few standout players:
Giannis Antetokounmpo
As the reigning NBA Champion, Giannis not only brings athleticism and skill but also leadership qualities that inspire his teammates. His unique ability to impact the game at both ends of the floor solidifies his position as the top player.
Luka Dončić
Luka’s incredible vision and playmaking abilities make him a nightmare for defenders. His rise in the rankings is attributed to his ability to perform in high-pressure situations and his continued development as a young star.
Jayson Tatum
Tatum’s versatility as a scorer and defender has propelled him to the upper echelon of the league. His performance in the playoffs last season was particularly impressive, showcasing his potential as a future superstar.
Benefits of Following ESPN’s NBA Rank
Keeping up with ESPN’s NBA Rank offers numerous benefits for basketball enthusiasts:
- Enhanced Fan Engagement: Understanding player rankings can enhance discussions and interactions among fans.
- Informed Fantasy Basketball Decisions: Fantasy basketball players can utilize rankings to make informed decisions when drafting their teams.
- Strategic Viewing: Fans can prioritize watching games that feature top-ranked players, maximizing their viewing experience.
Practical Tips for Fans
As fans gear up for the new season, here are some practical tips to enhance your NBA experience:
- Stay Updated: Follow ESPN and other reputable sources for real-time updates on player performances and injuries.
- Engage on Social Media: Join discussions on platforms like Twitter and Reddit to share your thoughts on rankings and player performances.
- Utilize Fantasy Tools: If you’re participating in fantasy leagues, leverage tools and insights based on player rankings to create competitive teams.
Case Studies: Previous Rankings Impact
Looking back at previous seasons, we can see how these rankings have impacted players and teams:
Case Study 1: Stephen Curry
After being ranked lower in earlier seasons due to injuries, Curry’s return to form saw him climb back into the top tier. His performance not only revitalized the Warriors but also made him a focal point in NBA discussions.
Case Study 2: Nikola Jokić
With his rise to MVP status, Jokić’s ranking reflected his ability to change the course of games. The Nuggets’ success also stemmed from his leadership and extraordinary playmaking skills.
First-Hand Experiences: Fan Reactions
Across various platforms, fans have shared their reactions to the NBA Rank 2024:
- Surprise Over Rankings: Many fans expressed shock over the placement of certain players, prompting debates and discussions.
- Defensive Players Underrepresented: Some fans noted the lack of recognition for elite defensive players, sparking discussions about the criteria used for rankings.
- Anticipation for the Season: the unveiling of the rankings has generated excitement, with fans eager to see how these players perform in the upcoming season.
As the NBA season approaches, it’s clear that ESPN’s NBA Rank 2024 is more than just a list; it’s a snapshot of the league’s pulse, highlighting the stars, the rising talents, and the narrative arcs that will unfold on the court. Fans and analysts alike will eagerly watch as these players strive to live up to their rankings and make their mark in the new season.
