Biggest upgrade and downgrade in ESPN's 2025 ranking: Anthony Edwards, LeBron James and more
After weeks of countdowns, debates, and fan discussions, the 2025 NBA Rank for the upcoming 2025-26 season is finally decided. From rising stars making their first leap into superstardom to legends still holding their place among the best, this year’s list reflects a mix of new energy and established greatness. Let’s look at how the top 10 shaped up, who climbed, and who dropped in this year’s rankings.
ESPN NBA Rank 2025 : the top 10 players revealed
10. Jalen Brunson - New York Knicks (Rank 12 → 10)
Jalen Brunson jumped two spots from 12th to 10th. He continues to be the heartbeat of the Knicks. Last season, he led them to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years. Now, with Mike Brown as head coach, Brunson faces a new challenge. Can he adjust to a faster style of play? His career-high 7.3 assists in last season suggest he is ready to adapt!
9. Kevin Durant - Houston Rockets (Rank 9=9)
Kevin Durant stays steady at No. 9. Now with the Houston Rockets, the 37-year-old superstar remains one of the league’s most efficient scorers. He brings championship experience to a young side looking to contend in the upcoming NBA 2025-26. The question is how quickly he can fit in with players like Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun. Durant’s consistency keeps him among the elite in NBA Rank 2025.
8. LeBron James - Los Angeles Lakers (Rank 7 → 8)
LeBron James falls one place from 7th to 8th, but his story remains remarkable. Entering his 23rd season, he averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds last year. No player has ever stayed this dominant for so long. The big question: Is this James’ final season with the Lakers or even in the NBA? Whatever happens, his place in history is secure!
Stephen Curry drops one spot from 6th to 7th. At 38, he is still the league’s deadliest shooter. He made 311 threes last season despite constant defensive pressure. However, injuries and age are starting to raise concerns. The Warriors remain tied to his health and performance. When Curry plays, they win. When he sits, they struggle.
6. Anthony Edwards - Minnesota Timberwolves (Rank 10 → 6)
Anthony Edwards rises from 10th to 6th, showing rapid progress. He hit a league-high 320 threes at nearly 40% last year and lifted the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals. However, his 18 technical fouls and hefty fines were a distraction. If he controls his emotions in the upcoming years, Edwards can take another leap as the future face of the NBA.
5. Victor Wembanyama - San Antonio Spurs (Rank 11 → 5)
The French star Victor Wembanyama rockets from 11th to 5th in just his third season! Wembanyama’s mix of size, skill, and creativity continues to amaze. After recovering from a health scare, he trained with legends Kevin Garnett and Hakeem Olajuwon in the offseason. His ability to score, block shots, and even dunk through the legs shows why he is the NBA’s next big thing.
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo - Milwaukee Bucks (Rank 3 → 4)
Giannis Antetokounmpo slips one spot from 3rd to 4th despite averaging 30 points and 11 rebounds last season. His efficiency remains unmatched. Yet, the Bucks have struggled in the playoffs, losing in the first round three straight years. At 31, Antetokounmpo still has time, but will he stay patient with the Milwaukee Bucks if the team cannot contend?
3. Luka Doncic - Los Angeles Lakers (Rank 2 → 3)
Luka Doncic drops from 2nd to 3rd but has a fresh start with the Los Angeles Lakers. After an injury-hit season and midyear trade, he looks fit and motivated again. A strong EuroBasket summer suggests an MVP-level season could be coming. With LeBron by his side and Bronny on the roster, Doncic will be ready to chase his first MVP award.
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - Oklahoma City Thunder (Rank 4 → 2)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander climbs from 4th to 2nd after a dream season. He won MVP, Finals MVP, and a championship with the Thunder. At 27, he is still improving, especially with his shooting and playmaking. He joins the rare company of legends who have won scoring titles and titles in the same season.
1. Nikola Jokic - Denver Nuggets (Rank 1=1)
Nikola Jokic has retained the No. 1 spot for the second straight year! Even though the Nuggets underachieved, he averaged nearly a 30-point triple-double. His dominance is unmatched, and he remains the most complete player in the league. The Denver Nuggets’ challenge is giving him the support he needs to win another championship.
The 2025 NBA Rank top 10 shows a balance between rising stars like Edwards and Wembanyama and legends like LeBron, Curry, and Durant. Jokic remains on top, but SGA, Giannis, and Luka are close behind. As the new season begins, the battle for the No. 1 spot will be as fierce as ever.
Also Read: 3 NBA stars who have stunned with jaw-dropping body transformations ahead of 2025-26 season
ESPN NBA Rank 2025 : the top 10 players revealed
10. Jalen Brunson - New York Knicks (Rank 12 → 10)
Jalen Brunson jumped two spots from 12th to 10th. He continues to be the heartbeat of the Knicks. Last season, he led them to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years. Now, with Mike Brown as head coach, Brunson faces a new challenge. Can he adjust to a faster style of play? His career-high 7.3 assists in last season suggest he is ready to adapt!
Kevin Durant stays steady at No. 9. Now with the Houston Rockets, the 37-year-old superstar remains one of the league’s most efficient scorers. He brings championship experience to a young side looking to contend in the upcoming NBA 2025-26. The question is how quickly he can fit in with players like Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun. Durant’s consistency keeps him among the elite in NBA Rank 2025.
LeBron James falls one place from 7th to 8th, but his story remains remarkable. Entering his 23rd season, he averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds last year. No player has ever stayed this dominant for so long. The big question: Is this James’ final season with the Lakers or even in the NBA? Whatever happens, his place in history is secure!
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7. Stephen Curry - Golden State Warriors (Rank 6 → 7)Stephen Curry drops one spot from 6th to 7th. At 38, he is still the league’s deadliest shooter. He made 311 threes last season despite constant defensive pressure. However, injuries and age are starting to raise concerns. The Warriors remain tied to his health and performance. When Curry plays, they win. When he sits, they struggle.
Anthony Edwards rises from 10th to 6th, showing rapid progress. He hit a league-high 320 threes at nearly 40% last year and lifted the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals. However, his 18 technical fouls and hefty fines were a distraction. If he controls his emotions in the upcoming years, Edwards can take another leap as the future face of the NBA.
The French star Victor Wembanyama rockets from 11th to 5th in just his third season! Wembanyama’s mix of size, skill, and creativity continues to amaze. After recovering from a health scare, he trained with legends Kevin Garnett and Hakeem Olajuwon in the offseason. His ability to score, block shots, and even dunk through the legs shows why he is the NBA’s next big thing.
Giannis Antetokounmpo slips one spot from 3rd to 4th despite averaging 30 points and 11 rebounds last season. His efficiency remains unmatched. Yet, the Bucks have struggled in the playoffs, losing in the first round three straight years. At 31, Antetokounmpo still has time, but will he stay patient with the Milwaukee Bucks if the team cannot contend?
Luka Doncic drops from 2nd to 3rd but has a fresh start with the Los Angeles Lakers. After an injury-hit season and midyear trade, he looks fit and motivated again. A strong EuroBasket summer suggests an MVP-level season could be coming. With LeBron by his side and Bronny on the roster, Doncic will be ready to chase his first MVP award.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander climbs from 4th to 2nd after a dream season. He won MVP, Finals MVP, and a championship with the Thunder. At 27, he is still improving, especially with his shooting and playmaking. He joins the rare company of legends who have won scoring titles and titles in the same season.
Nikola Jokic has retained the No. 1 spot for the second straight year! Even though the Nuggets underachieved, he averaged nearly a 30-point triple-double. His dominance is unmatched, and he remains the most complete player in the league. The Denver Nuggets’ challenge is giving him the support he needs to win another championship.
The 2025 NBA Rank top 10 shows a balance between rising stars like Edwards and Wembanyama and legends like LeBron, Curry, and Durant. Jokic remains on top, but SGA, Giannis, and Luka are close behind. As the new season begins, the battle for the No. 1 spot will be as fierce as ever.
Also Read: 3 NBA stars who have stunned with jaw-dropping body transformations ahead of 2025-26 season
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