ESPN’s NBA Top 10 Heading Into 2025

ESPN’s NBA Top 10 annual ranking is more than a list; it’s a barometer of perception, predictive performance, and narrative. The latest version places 10 players in an elite tier that, in many ways, reflects both what they’ve done and what the voters expect them to do. Below, I break down the top 10, highlight surprises, and question whether the order feels right.

ESPN’s NBA Top 10 List

1. Nikola Jokic
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
3. Luka Dončić
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo
5. Victor Wembanyama
6. Anthony Edwards
7. Stephen Curry
8. LeBron James
9. Kevin Durant
10. Jalen Brunson 

Why Jokic Reigns At No. 1 In ESPN’s NBA Top 10

Nikola Jokic’s placement at the top comes as no surprise. He remains the most consistent triple-double threat in the game and continues to impact winning in ways that defy easy categorization. Even when defenses scheme a “stop Jokic” game plan, he finds subtle ways to shift the flow. His combination of court vision, post-touch, and unselfishness gives him a premium edge over his peers. The ESPN panel clearly believes he’ll remain the most complete weapon next season. 

The Middle Of the Pack: Heated Competition

When you look at Nos. 2 through 6 in ESPN’s NBA Top 10, the chess match gets interesting. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lands at No. 2. His ascent has been powered not just by scoring but by efficiency, leadership, and a growing defensive profile. Luka Doncic at No. 3 feels just on the edge, still a generational talent, though questions linger about his consistency and defensive accountability. Giannis Antetokounmpo sits at No. 4. He’s a perennial matchup problem, but health issues and roster context might be what keep him from climbing higher.

Victor Wembanyama at No. 5 is an endorsement of his promise. The leap from “rookie marvel” to “top-five contender” is massive, and this ranking reflects ESPN’s confidence he’ll make that leap. Anthony Edwards’s spot is well-earned. He has grown into more than a scorer, showing greater command of offense and maturity in big moments. That cluster (2–6) could easily reorder itself during the season, depending on injuries, team success, and development.

Veterans Who Still Command Respect

At No. 7–10, we find names that might surprise or please, depending on your perspective. Stephen Curry (No. 7) is a reminder that shooting and stellar shot creation never fade entirely from respect. Even as age creeps in, his agility and pull-up ability still tilt games. LeBron James drops to No. 8.

For a player entering his 23rd season, that is both remarkable and a signal that the voters see this year as one of transition. Kevin Durant at No. 9 maintains respect for his scoring genius. He may no longer be the athlete he once was, but the mechanics, IQ, and clutch gene keep him relevant. Jalen Brunson rounding out the top 10 is one of the more fascinating entries. His leadership, rise in New York, and consistency earned him this slot.

Big Surprises, Snubs & Quibbles

No ranking list is universally loved, and ESPN’s NBA Top 10 is no exception. However, the first discrepancy is Wembanyama at 5, which feels bullish, and I wonder whether the longevity of his impact will truly justify it. But the panel is clearly buying into his multi-faceted upside. Brunson’s cutting is a story of respect for winning, not flash.

Some will argue that others deserve to displace someone in the bottom half of the top ten. Giannis, at 4, feels safe but not untouchable. If another star leaps forward, he might be vulnerable. Injuries and absences matter. ESPN’s NBA Top 10 list was missing Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Haliburton, Damian Lillard, and others due to injuries or unresolved situations. Their absence leaves holes in potential debate. 

What ESPN’s NBA Top 10 Suggests For the Season

ESPN’s voters might be right; we’ll see. Jokic remains the player to beat, not just statistically, but in his ability to tilt lineups. The next tier (SGA, Doncic, and Giannis) will trade places and jockey for MVP consideration.

Wembanyama, Edwards, and Brunson are rising or solidifying stars, not just “future players.” Veterans like Curry, James, and Durant still command premium slots, but it remains to be seen how much shelf life they retain. In short, ESPN’s NBA top 10 ranking blends the established, the ascending, and the persistent. It’s a snapshot shaped by reputation, projection, and narrative as much as box score real estate.