After last year, I don’t think there’s anyone (besides delusional 76ers/Bucks fans) who would have argued against Jokic’s claim as the best in the world. With the Celtic’s championship and the Nugget’s second round exit, have the rest of the pack done enough to dethrone the Serb? Also, where does Wembanyama fall before his sophomore campaign? Shaq seems to think that 31st is a fair ranking, but (spoiler alert) he’s at least in my top 25. Here’s how I would rank the top players in the NBA before the 2024-2025 season (all stats via Statmuse):
HM: Damian Lillard, Zion Williamson, Paolo Banchero, De’Aaron Fox
25-11:
25. Bam Adebayo – Miami Heat
’23-’24 Stats: (19.3 points per game / 10.4 rebounds / 3.9 assists per game)
24. Domantas Sabonis – Sacramento Kings
’23-’24 Stats: (19.4/13.7/8.2)
23. Tyrese Maxey – Philadelphia 76ers
’23-’24 Stats: (25.9/3.7/6.2)
22. Paul George -Philadelphia 76ers
’23-’24 Stats: (22.6/5.2/3.5)
21. Kawhi Leonard – Los Angeles Clippers
’23-’24 Stats: (23.7/6.1/3.6)
20. Karl-Anthony Towns – New York Knicks
’23-’24 Stats: (21.8/8.3/3.0)
19. Jimmy Butler – Miami Heat
’23-’24 Stats: (20.8/5.3/5.0)
18. Donovan Mitchell – Cleveland Cavaliers
’23-’24 Stats: (26.6/5.1/6.1)
17. Ja Morant – Memphis Grizzlies
’23-’24 Stats: (DNP)
16. Devin Booker – Phoenix Suns
’23-’24 Stats: (27.1/4.5/6.9)
15. Tyrese Haliburton – Indiana Pacers
’23-’24 Stats: (20.1/3.9/10.9)
14. Jaylen Brown – Boston Celtics
’23-’24 Stats: (23/5.5/3.6)
13. Jalen Brunson – New York Knicks
’23-’24 Stats: (28.7/3.6/6.7)
12. Anthony Davis – Los Angeles Lakers
’23-’24 Stats: (24.7/12.6/2.3 bpg)
11. Kevin Durant – Phoenix Suns
’23-’24 Stats: (27.1/6.6/5)
The Top 10:
10. Jayson Tatum – Boston Celtics
’23-’24 Stats: (26.9/8.1/4.9)
Why He’s Top 10: He’s the best player on the best team in the world. Despite what voters thought of their ECF and Finals performances, Tatum is unquestionably the 1A on the Celtics. He has steadily improved since bursting onto the scene in the ECF as a 19-year-old. It’s sometimes hard to believe that he is still 19. He’s developed a consistent offensive game with a solid jumper (sans the latter of the playoffs and Olympics), and he remains a very good defender at his size capable of guarding the other team’s star. The Celtics will be the best team in the league and Tatum’s contributions as a player and leader are a big part of that.
9. Victor Wembanyama – San Antonio Spurs
’23-’24 Stats: (21.4/10.6/3.6 bpg)
Why He’s Top 10: This is the biggest disagreement I have with Shaq. To me, the floor of Wemby on any given night is a top 3 defensive player in the league plus whatever he can give you on offense. Most of the time, the offense is going to be around All-Star level. We saw how dominant he was as a rookie, and when you take into account the way the Spurs constructed the roster, I think we are about to see a potential All-NBA First Team season from Wemby.
8. Anthony Edwards – Minnesota Timberwolves
’23-’24 Stats: (25.9/5.4/5.1)
Why He’s Top 10: If I could give an award for coolest player in the league, I would give it to Ant. He is an explosive athlete with incredible offensive capabilities. The high-flying guard recently told Justin Jefferson that he could play in the NFL, and I’m not sure that’s a ridiculous statement. Ant is a fantastic transition player and has a great midrange and close range game. Denver challenged his ability as a playmaker last year, and while I’d still like to see more growth in that area, he ultimately got the job done. If he can improve that area and find his outside jumper more consistently, we will have to clear out some room in the top 5.
7. Steph Curry – Golden State Warriors
’23-’24 Stats: (26.4/4.5/5.1)
Why He’s (Still) Top 10: See August 10th, 2024. Among the brightest of stars, he shone the brightest on the world stage. With the United States seemingly destined to lose in the semi-finals to Serbia, Curry poured in a combined 60 points and 17-three pointers in the last two games. Steph is still capable of reaching the highest of highs, but the consistency isn’t the same as it once was. He’s no longer capable of overcoming the poor construction of the Warriors. But make no mistake, Curry is still one of the best offensive players and is able to prove it against the best in the world.
6. Lebron James – Los Angeles Lakers
’23-’24 Stats: (25.7/7.3/8.3)
Why He’s (STILL) Top 10: What more can you say about Lebron. He has literallly created his own teammate. While there has been a rise of athletes remaining atop their games late into their 30s, none of them have the physical stature or ability that Lebron possesses. Even into his 40s(!), he still has a top-2 basketball IQ in the league, is the best transition attacker in the league, and the driver of the basketball. His defensive effort in the regular season is, understandably, spotty, but when he needs to lock it down, he is a plus-plus defender. The Lakers shortcomings are all in spite of the dominance Lebron continues to exhibit, and it will be disappointing if the Purple and Gold can’t give Lebron one last chance to win a championship.
5. Joel Embiid – Philadelphia 76ers
’23-’24 Stats: (34.7/11/5.6)
Why He’s Top 5: Let’s face it, Joel Embiid is not a likeable player if you don’t root for the 76ers. Even so, he is still an immensely talented player, and he would have likely won MVP without injuries last year. He recently said that he may never play a back-to-back again. While not what fans will want to year, the only way Embiid can elevate himself to legend status is by being available and dominating in the playoffs. The way he can dominate on the blocks paired with his mid-range capability form one of the best offensive skill sets in the league. It would be ignorant not mentioning his defensive ability to “black-hole” the interior and anchor a top-10 defense. I don’t like how Embiid goes about his career, but his presence alone demands respect when he steps on the court.
4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Oklahoma City Thunder
’23-’24 Stats: (30.1/5.5/6.2)
Why He’s 4th: Do you know how good you have to be in order to be the best player in a trade involving Paul George? Shai has transcended that and more. He already surpassed PG13’s highest ever MVP finish when he was runner up to Jokic last year. There’s perhaps no better midrange shot creator in the league, and it’s rare to see such a defensively talented guard so high in the NBA rankings. As his improvement as a playmaker continues to round out his offensive game, the Thunder should continue to ascend if he can unlock the offensive weapons of the peripheral pieces of the team.
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo – Milwaukee Bucks
’23-’24 Stats: (30.4/11.5/6.5)
Why He’s 3rd: Admittedly, I am not the biggest fan of Giannis post-2021. By not the biggest fan, I mean that I don’t think he’s as close to the best player in the world as everyone else. But he also hasn’t slipped further than #3 at any point for me. He will always be more of an offensive liability than the top two guys, especially in half-court. But he’s still a top 10 defender in the league at a minimum and one of the best transition scorers in the league. Coming off of his best offensive season, I expected the Bucks to put up a stronger fight in the Eastern Conference playoffs. An untimely injury limited his involvement in that series, but it should light a fire. Look out for Giannis as an MVP pick if he hits the 65-game mark.
2. Luka Doncic – Dallas Mavericks
’23-’24 Stats: (33.9/9.2/9.8):
Why He’s #2: Luka showed in the 2024 playoffs why he’s the best perimeter player in the league by leading the 4th seeded Mavericks to the NBA finals. Against the Celtics and Timberwolves, he was consistently capable of creating scoring opportunities for himself against some of the best point of attack offensive players in the league. There’s no denying Luka’s offensive capabilities. As long as he is healthy, he will score ~30 points against any defensive matchup. Considering Luka is a solidly below average defender, him being the second-best player based on offensive merit is a testament to his all-time great skill set. If he can become a league-average defender, or at least hide-able in an above average team defense, then it would go a long way towards closing the gap between him and #1.
1. Nikola Jokic – Denver Nuggets
’23-’24 Stats: (26.4/12.4/9):
Why He’s #1: 2023-’24 was a disappointing season for Jokic. The Nuggets dropped from 1st to 3rd in the west, the team was bounced in round 2, and his underlying numbers as a defender and jump shooter fell. If I were talking about any other player, this would be the rationale for dropping them down a few spots in the rankings… Jokic won MVP. His offensive floor is possibly the highest we have ever seen in NBA history. He is in the midst of one of the greatest offensive peaks ever having won 3 of the last 4 MVPs. If this summer’s Olympic games are any indication of his form, there is no sign of him slowing down. While he probably won’t win the MVP this year because of voter fatigue, Jokic is still the best player in the league and should primarily shift his focus to championships.
Award Predictions:
Most Valuable Player – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Coming off their first-place finish last year, I think this is the year the Thunder really dominate the West. That doesn’t happen unless Shai continues to take his superstar career to new heights.
Rookie of the Year: Stephon Castle
While they brought in Chris Paul, I think there’s a good chance Castle overtakes his spot, and Paul ends up on a different team. With the jump I expect Wemby to take, opportunities will open up and I think Castle seizes his.
Defensive Player of the Year and Most Improved Player:
Victor Wembanyama
This is a boring pick, but I think it’s the right one. Wemby is going to be the story of the year and everything comes back to his defense. He is a generational defensive talent. That, combined with the league’s dislike of Rudy Gobert, will ultimately yield his first of many DPOYs. With that secured, the offensive side of his game will reach a level that will catapult him into the All-NBA discussion, and if the Spurs win enough games, maybe the media throws him into the MVP conversation.
6th Man of the Year: Donte Divincenzo
His main competition may come from his own team in Naz Reid, but Donte’s shooting will be so valuable for the Timberwolves. Coming off the confusing trade away from the Knicks, I think Donte’s out to prove why he shouldn’t have been dealt.
Coach of the Year: Mark Daigneault (Oklahoma City)
The Thunder won the West last year, but it came as somewhat of a surprise. When they win it this year, everyone will point at how Daigneault was able to meld this collection of talent into the most dominant team in the league.
Playoff Predictions:
Eastern Conference Finals: Celtics over Knicks (6 Games)
Western Conference Finals: Nuggets over Timberwolves (7)
Finals: Celtics over Nuggets (6)
Margin Call Sports 
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