The 25 Best NBA Players In January 2025

With 2025 going strong, we have collected the best NBA players by tiers so far in the season. We have seen some extraordinary movement from players in the upper tiers in recent weeks, including Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns, while others will miss out on the list completely due to unfortunate injury circumstances. That means stars such as Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Joel Embiid will not appear in the latest rankings.

We still know which players are above the rest, particularly when it comes to the MVP race, and also who is the current face of the league. Let’s go through the January 2025 edition of the 25 best players in the world.

Previous rankings: December 2024

Tier 1

Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo

Nikola Jokic continues to put up ridiculous stats, averaging 31.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game on a scorching 55.4% shooting from the field. His ability to read defenses and deliver pinpoint passes has the Nuggets as a top-four seed in the West while maintaining one of the league’s most efficient offenses. Jokic’s dominance in every aspect of the game solidifies his spot as the league’s most impactful player, and he is right in the race for his fourth MVP award.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander might be the MVP favorite ahead of Jokic right now because of the Thunder’s number-one seed. Averaging 31.4 points, 5.9 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game. His ability to score at will, coupled with his improved defense, has made the Thunder a legitimate championship contender. Even if SGA might be leading the MVP race, he will have stiff competition from Jokic all season long.

Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to be a force of nature, posting 29.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game while anchoring the Milwaukee Bucks' defense. His relentless attacking in the paint and improved playmaking have kept the Bucks relevant despite an awful start to the year. With his unmatched two-way impact, quite frankly, Giannis remains one of the most dominant and feared players in the NBA and a top-three player in the world.

Tier 2

Karl-Anthony Towns, Jayson Tatum, Donovan Mitchell, Anthony Edwards, Anthony Davis, LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama

Nobody expected Karl-Anthony Towns to be this good. His talent was never in question because he has zero weaknesses in his skill set, but his averages of 25.4 points, 14.0 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game on 44.9% from three means he is in the MVP race. The Knicks have been riding Towns all season long and the big man has performed against almost every opponent. We have to give respect where it is due.

Jayson Tatum has been a scoring machine this season, averaging 28.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. His ability to score from anywhere on the court has the Boston Celtics firmly in contention for the East’s top spot behind the Cleveland Cavaliers. What is particularly impressive about Tatum’s game this season is his all-around ability, which has improved tremendously.

Donovan Mitchell has been an exceptional leader for the Cavaliers, averaging 22.8 points, 4.5 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game. His scoring versatility and explosiveness have kept the Cavaliers in contention to possibly break the franchise record for wins on the season. As the team’s go-to scorer, Mitchell continues to deliver when it matters most but he has elevated the play around him more than we expected.

Anthony Edwards has not taken the leap we expected him to but he is still supremely dominant. Averaging 25.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game while thriving as the Timberwolves' leader, Edwards is trying to right the wrongs of what management did to his team. The team misses Karl-Anthony Towns, but Edwards has still answered the call on most nights.

Finally healthy, Anthony Davis is one of the league’s most dominant two-way players, averaging 25.8 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game. His rim protection and ability to score both inside and out make him a game-changer for the Lakers and clearly the best big man in the world behind Jokic and Towns right now.

Even at 40, LeBron James remains a statistical marvel, putting up 23.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game. His leadership and playmaking have kept the Lakers competitive despite their challenges. The King is not the same player he was a few years ago, but he hasn’t fallen out of Tier 2 just yet.

Victor Wembanyama is making a defensive and offensive impact, averaging 25.1 points, 10.8 rebounds, and a league-leading 4.0 blocks per game. Wembanyama’s unique combination of size, skill, and athleticism has transformed San Antonio’s future more than expected this season, and we cannot knock him out of Tier 2.

Tier 3

Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Maxey, LaMelo Ball, Ja Morant, Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley, Darius Garland

Devin Booker’s scoring brilliance is on full display right now, averaging 24.9 points, 6.9 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game. Booker’s lethal mid-range jumper and excellent playmaking make him Phoenix’s offensive anchor with much respect given to his flexibility as a star. With Durant by his side, Booker has thrived as a versatile scorer and leader for the Suns.

Meanwhile, Kevin Durant remains an offensive juggernaut, averaging 27.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game on 51.9% shooting from the field. His ability to score efficiently from anywhere on the court keeps Phoenix in title contention. Despite injuries limiting his time on the court, Durant’s impact when healthy is undeniable.

Jalen Brunson has been a tremendous co-star for Towns this season, averaging 25.5 points, 7.5 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game as the Knicks’ leader. His poise in late-game situations and elite shot creation have made him one of the NBA’s top guards right now. As one of the major driving forces behind New York’s success, Brunson’s presence cannot be denied.

Tyrese Maxey has been a breakout star this season, averaging 25.8 points, 5.8 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game despite his co-stars Joel Embiid and Paul George letting him down in terms of availability. With a ton of responsibility this season, Maxey has been more than great for a struggling 76ers franchise that is suffering from Embiid and (particularly) George’s absences.

LaMelo Ball’s creativity and playmaking have been on full display this season, with averages of 29.7 points, 7.4 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game. His ability to push the pace and generate offense for the Hornets has been a game-changer and there aren’t many players more fun to watch than him right now. Amazingly, Ball is averaging a ton of shots per game but that has to be the case for the Hornets to have a chance in most games.

Ja Morant continues to electrify crowds, averaging 21.0 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game while leading Memphis’s high-octane offense. His explosive drives to the basket and fearless style of play make him one of the league’s most entertaining stars. The Grizzlies are in the mix in the West because of their point guard’s dominant presence.

Jarrett Allen has been an elite defensive anchor for Cleveland, averaging 14.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game. His ability to protect the rim and dominate the glass has been critical to the Cavaliers’ success as the best team in the NBA. No doubt, Allen is having his best season in terms of impact.

Next to Allen is Evan Mobley, a big man who is impressing as a two-way force, averaging 18.9 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. His defensive versatility and ability to guard multiple positions make him invaluable to the Cavaliers’ system. On offense, his improved mid-range game has added a new dimension to Cleveland’s offense.

Darius Garland has been the engine of Cleveland’s offense, averaging 20.9 points and 6.7 assists per game while shooting 42.9% from beyond the arc. His smooth handles and ability to create for himself and others have made him one of the league’s most dynamic guards. Paired with Donovan Mitchell, Garland continues to elevate the Cavaliers as a playoff contender and we will respect his position as a Tier 3 star.

Tier 4

Trae Young, Stephen Curry, Alperen Sengun, Damian Lillard, De’Aaron Fox, Jalen Williams

Trae Young’s offensive wizardry continues, as he averages 22.5 points and 12.1 assists per game, ranking first in the latter category. His deep shooting range and elite playmaking keep the Hawks competitive in the Eastern Conference as a potential playoff team. As the best playmaker and most clutch player in the NBA, Young’s offensive brilliance solidifies his place in this tier.

Stephen Curry remains an offensive powerhouse, averaging 22.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game while shooting 41.1% from three. His ability to stretch defenses with his shooting and off-ball movement makes him a constant threat. Despite dealing with team inconsistencies, Curry’s presence keeps the Warriors in the playoff hunt but he has dropped a tier due to some inconsistent performances over the past few weeks.

Alperen Sengun is averaging 19.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game as Houston’s centerpiece. His ability to facilitate offense as a big man and score in the post has made him one of the league’s most versatile young players. The fact that the Rockets rank second in the West places the big man in likely contention to make his first All-Star Team.

Despite the Bucks’ inconsistencies, Damian Lillard has been sensational this season, averaging 24.8 points and 7.3 assists per game while continuing to deliver offensively when needed. His deep shooting range and ability to take over games make him one of the league’s most dangerous scorers, although the star might be disappointed to not be in a higher tier considering his talents.

De’Aaron Fox has been the engine behind the Kings’ improved play, averaging 26.6 points, 6.1 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game. His speed and ability to attack the rim have kept defenses on their heels all season. With Fox leading the way, the Kings are getting better on the court but their 20-19 record means Fox can’t be higher than at the bottom of Tier 4.

Jalen Williams has been an excellent sidekick to SGA for the Thunder, averaging 20.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. His versatility and ability to play multiple roles have been crucial for the Thunder’s playoff push. As one of the league’s most promising young players, Williams continues to exceed expectations this season. 

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