Ranking the top 10 players in the NBA Finals

10. Guard Cason Wallace | Oklahoma City Thunder

Wallace is a sophomore in the NBA. Yet, he's established himself as a mainstay in the Thunder's second unit, averaging 22.4 minutes per night in the playoffs. He's producing 5.4 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists in each of his 16 outings. 

Wallace isn't going to be the catalyst for a big win. Nor will he drag the Thunder back from the brink. He does, however, play his role well, fit within the system and produce consistently solid minutes. 

9. Guard T.J. McConnell | Indiana Pacers 

McConnell is the picture of consistency for Indiana. He's relentless on-ball pressure as a defender, has a penchant for the mid-range game and his humility to know his role and rarely step outside of it. McConnell is an important part of the Pacers' rotation and will have an impact in the NBA Finals, one way or another. 

In terms of box score impact, McConnell is averaging 8.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.9 assists. Solid production from a veteran earning 16.3 minutes per night.

8. Forward Aaron Nesmith | Indiana Pacers 

A straight-up sniper, Nesmith is an elite shooter, both off the catch and via movement. He's also a reliable slasher and cutter, capable of pressuring the rim or exploding for breathtaking dunks. 

Nesmith is also an aggressive defender, blending his size and strength to be an off-ball menace, especially when fighting over or through screens.

7. Forward Jalen Williams | Oklahoma City Thunder

This is Williams' third year in the NBA. He's going to be a star in the very near future. His versatility on both sides of the floor makes him an ideal postseason performer. He's currently living up to the hype, scoring 20.4 points per game throughout the playoffs thus far.

6. Center Myles Turner | Indiana Pacers

Turner is being rewarded for his patience with the Pacers franchise. Throughout his 10-year tenure with the team, Turner has consistently been floated as a potential trade chip. Now, his hybrid style of floor-spacing and rim-running is anchoring Carlisle's team. Turner has tasted deep postseason success for two consecutive seasons and will have a key role to play in the Finals.

5. Guard Alex Caruso | Oklahoma City Thunder

Arguably the best defensive guard in the NBA. Caruso is an expert at screen navigation, can guard multiple positions and is no slouch when going down the other side of the floor. He's been a revelation for Oklahoma City since being traded there from the Chicago Bulls. 

If the Thunder raise the Larry O'Brien Trophy later in June, it's fair to assume Caruso's fingerprints will be all over the performances that got them there.

4. Center Chet Holmgren | Oklahoma City Thunder

Holmgren is a true "unicorn." His presence ensures the Thunder have all the space they need on offense, especially as they're built on sound ball movement and cutting sequences. Holmgren will test Indiana's defensive principles and put Turner into some difficult spots. 

However, his lack of postseason experience could see him wind up in deep waters with little choice but to try and swim back to shore.

3. Forward Pascal Siakam | Indiana Pacers

Siakam is the Eastern Conference Finals MVP. He's the only player in the upcoming series with championship experience, and he's also one of the best two-way players in the NBA. It makes sense that he's seen as the third-best player in this matchup, especially as he's been playing some inspired basketball throughout Indiana's run.

2. Guard Tyrese Haliburton | Indiana Pacers

Pass-first point guards are a thing of the past. Well, all of them except for Haliburton. Playing with a smile on his face, Haliburton is a genuine force of nature on the court. One minute, he's spinning you around with pinpoint dime-dropping, and the next he's cooking off the dribble, ready to drain a three in your face or blow by you to the rim.

Haliburton's presence will ensure that Oklahoma's advantage at the guard position is the slimmest it's been all postseason.

1. Guard Shai-Gilgeous Alexander | Oklahoma City Thunder

The 2025 NBA MVP. SGA walks into the NBA Finals with the pressure of being the best player on the court. Fortunately for the Thunder, SGA has proven capable of handling such lofty expectations and will undoubtedly be near-impossible to guard throughout the coming matchup. 

SGA has rapidly become a marquee name in the NBA. A championship will cement him among the league's best players. He will likely relish the matchup with Haliburton, too. Still, just because he's the most talented guy on the floor doesn't mean he's guaranteed a championship ring. SGA must prove he can thrive under the brightest lights. The world will be watching.