The NBA Rank series continues, presenting the top 100 players poised for the 2025-26 season. This installment covers players ranked 50 through 11, highlighting those who significantly climbed the rankings and those who narrowly missed a spot in the elite top 10.
This year, several emerging young talents are making their mark, steadily advancing as they enter their third NBA season. Conversely, some established veterans have seen their positions drop due to injuries sustained last season or revised performance expectations.
The definitive NBA Rank was determined by an expert panel, who cast votes in over 20,000 player-versus-player matchups. Panelists evaluated, “Which player will perform better in 2025-26?” and projected individual player contributions for the upcoming season.
The countdown commenced with rankings 100-51 on Tuesday and progresses today with 50-11. The top 10 players for 2025-26 will be unveiled on Thursday.
See the comprehensive results below.
Note: ESPN`s NBA Rank panel, comprising over 150 reporters, editors, producers, and analysts, assessed players solely on their anticipated contributions (both quality and quantity) for the 2025-26 season. Players like Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Haliburton, Damian Lillard, Kyrie Irving, Dejounte Murray, and Fred VanVleet were excluded from these rankings due to severe long-term injuries.
Which players missed the top 10 of our 2025 NBA Rank?
50. Kristaps Porzingis, C, Atlanta Hawks
2024 NBA Rank: 46
Kristaps Porzingis` health remains a primary concern at this juncture of his career. His 2025 playoff performance was hindered by an upper respiratory illness, which affected him throughout the regular season and into the second round. This prevented him from fully leveraging a strong 2024 Finals run with the Celtics. Now, with a fresh start in Atlanta as a key offseason acquisition, Porzingis has an opportunity to make a significant impact. He is still recognized as one of the league`s top stretch bigs, an exceptional rim protector, and a genuine perimeter threat. If he can maintain his health, he could elevate the Hawks into a competitive force within a less dominant conference.
Signature Stat: Porzingis was fifth in effective field goal percentage allowed among defenders contesting over 700 shots in 2024-25.
Fantasy Projection: 20.1 PTS, 7.0 REB, 1.6 BLK
49. Rudy Gobert, C, Minnesota Timberwolves
2024 NBA Rank: 34
Minnesota concluded last season with the league`s tenth-best defensive rating, largely due to Rudy Gobert, a four-time Defensive Player of the Year. Gobert excels in his core strengths: he shot 66.9% from the field, achieved double-digit rebounds for the tenth consecutive season (10.9 per game), and ranked ninth in total blocked shots. However, his limitations—perimeter defense, lack of outside shooting (no career three-pointers), and occasional foul trouble—often fuel debates about his true value to a Timberwolves team with championship aspirations.
Signature Stat: Opponents shot 57% on layups/dunks with Gobert on the court (3rd best) versus 62% when he was off the floor (21st).
Fantasy Projection: 12.0 PTS, 10.8 REB, 1.5 BLK
48. Mikal Bridges, F, New York Knicks
2024 NBA Rank: 38
Mikal Bridges experienced a tumultuous season in New York after being traded from the rival Nets for a significant haul of draft picks. His inconsistent production was at times a point of frustration, yet he delivered crucial performances, helping the Knicks win two of their four conference semifinals games against the Celtics, securing a spot in the East finals for the first time in 25 years. New York is banking on greater consistency from Bridges this season.
Signature Stat: Bridges played in 556 consecutive games, the fourth most to start a career, and could reach second with 54 more games.
Fantasy Projection: 17.9 PTS, 3.4 REB, 3.7 AST
47. Joel Embiid, C, Philadelphia 76ers
2024 NBA Rank: 8
Ranking Joel Embiid is particularly challenging given the former MVP played only 19 games last season. If he returns healthy, he is undoubtedly a top-10 caliber player, as demonstrated in prior seasons. However, his fitness remains a significant `if`, especially considering the events of the past 18 months in Philadelphia.
Signature Stat: Embiid in 2023-24 became the first player since Wilt Chamberlain (1961-62) with more points than minutes played in a season.
Fantasy Projection: 27.8 PTS, 9.1 REB, 4.6 AST
46. Jamal Murray, G, Denver Nuggets
2024 NBA Rank: 31
Jamal Murray`s season began with health concerns after a disappointing playoff run and an ineffective Olympics showing. Yet, he concluded the season averaging a career-high 21.4 points and playing 67 games, his most since 2018-19. While Murray wasn`t as dominant in the postseason as he was during Denver`s 2023 championship run, he increased his scoring average from the regular season for the fourth time in five playoff appearances. He delivered a monstrous 43-point performance on 17-of-26 shooting against the Clippers in a crucial Game 5.
Signature Stat: Murray`s 1,375 points scored/assisted via handoffs over the past three seasons are the most in the NBA, per GeniusIQ.
Fantasy Projection: 21.3 PTS, 6.1 AST, 1.3 STL
45. Jarrett Allen, C, Cleveland Cavaliers
2024 NBA Rank: 73
Stung by criticism in the league calling him “soft” after missing games in the 2024 playoffs, Jarrett Allen responded by playing all 82 games last season, embracing a slightly diminished role without complaint. He led the NBA in field goal percentage, boasts elite rim protection, and is an exemplary locker room presence. However, a couple of subpar playoff performances at the season`s end left a bitter taste and perhaps ignited new motivation.
Signature Stat: Allen`s five games with 20 points and 90% field goal shooting are tied for second most in the shot clock era; only Wilt Chamberlain had more (11).
Fantasy Projection: 14.2 PTS, 9.9 REB, 1.0 BLK
44. Jalen Johnson, F, Atlanta Hawks
2024 NBA Rank: Unranked
Jalen Johnson was poised for a breakout season until a shoulder injury prematurely ended his campaign in January. He averaged 18.9 points, 10.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.6 steals over 36 games. Now, Johnson and Trae Young are supported by additional talent with the arrivals of Kristaps Porzingis and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Should Johnson continue his upward trajectory, the Hawks could have a fourth-year veteran on the cusp of becoming a top-35 player, potentially transforming the team into a serious contender against the Knicks and other strong teams in the wide-open Eastern Conference.
Signature Stat: Johnson ranked seventh in touches per game as of Jan. 23, part of the only duo with Young in the top 10 in the category.
Fantasy Projection: 18.0 PTS, 9.7 REB, 1.5 STL
43. Lauri Markkanen, F, Utah Jazz
2024 NBA Rank: 33
Lauri Markkanen delivered an outstanding performance leading Finland to the EuroBasket bronze medal game, including an upset victory over Serbia. However, Markkanen didn`t quite meet expectations last season in Utah after signing a substantial offseason extension, playing in only 47 games and averaging just 19 points and 5.9 rebounds for the tanking Jazz. This outcome is as much a reflection of the Jazz`s strategy as it is on Markkanen, who reminded everyone this summer of his versatile and dangerous capabilities.
Signature Stat: Markkanen`s 1,142 career 3-pointers made are the second most by a 7-footer, and he`s the only 7-footer with 200 3s in a season (2022-23).
Fantasy Projection: 21.1 PTS, 6.8 REB, 1.7 AST
42. Julius Randle, F, Minnesota Timberwolves
2024 NBA Rank: 48
Through the first two rounds of the 2025 playoffs, Julius Randle displayed some of the finest basketball of his 11-year career, averaging 23.9 points on 50.9% shooting, with 5.9 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game as the Timberwolves eliminated the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors to reach the conference finals. However, with an NBA Finals berth at stake, Randle struggled in critical moments against Oklahoma City: six points on 2-for-11 shooting with four turnovers in a Game 2 loss, and five points on 1-for-7 shooting with five turnovers in a Game 4 loss. Minnesota believes the forward has more to offer as Anthony Edwards` running mate, signing the 30-year-old to a three-year, $100 million extension in June.
Signature Stat: Randle averaged 21.7 PPG and 50% FG in the 2025 playoffs versus 17.1 PPG and 34% FG in previous postseason appearances.
Fantasy Projection: 19.8 PTS, 7.5 REB, 4.6 AST
41. OG Anunoby, F, New York Knicks
2024 NBA Rank: 51
Last season marked the best of OG Anunoby`s career, as he played a pivotal role in New York`s impressive run to the conference finals. He has solidified his status as one of the league`s premier and most versatile defenders, while setting a career high in points per game (18.0) and matching his career high in games played (74). New York hopes both marks will carry over this season, as he remains a critical component of what the Knicks envision as a conference-winning squad under coach Mike Brown.
Signature Stat: Anunoby is the first Knicks player with at least 150 3-pointers made, 100 steals, and 50 blocks in a season.
Fantasy Projection: 17.7 PTS, 4.8 REB, 1.5 STL
40. Aaron Gordon, F, Denver Nuggets
2024 NBA Rank: 49
Aaron Gordon emerged as a hero in numerous Nuggets playoff games in 2024-25, despite a frustrating regular season plagued by injuries. When healthy enough to play, he showcased a significantly improved 3-point shooting stroke (44%), refined through months of dedicated practice. No one was more dismayed than Gordon by the series of calf and leg injuries that sidelined him for 30 regular-season games. If he can maintain his health this year, expect new coach David Adelman to empower Gordon with an even greater offensive role.
Signature Stat: Gordon had the first game-winning, buzzer-beating dunk in NBA history in Game 4 of the first-round series against the LA Clippers.
Fantasy Projection: 14.6 PTS, 5.5 REB, 3.3 AST
39. Desmond Bane, G, Orlando Magic
2024 NBA Rank: 60
For the first time in his career, Desmond Bane has a new home. The Magic are confident he is the missing piece to advance deeper into the playoffs. Bane, a career 41% 3-point shooter who averaged 19.2 points last season, addresses Orlando`s most pressing need. He is tasked with creating space for Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner with his perimeter shooting and can offer leadership with his playoff experience, including reaching the second round in 2021-22.
Signature Stat: Bane is one of three players with 800 made 3s and a 40% 3-point percentage since 2020-21 (with Zach LaVine and Stephen Curry).
Fantasy Projection: 20.4 PTS, 6.2 REB, 5.5 AST
38. Darius Garland, G, Cleveland Cavaliers
2024 NBA Rank: 57
Darius Garland`s stellar season, which saw him return to the All-Star team after a two-year absence, took an unfortunate turn when he suffered a severe toe sprain late in the season and reaggravated it in the first round of the playoffs. He effectively played on one foot thereafter, which impacted his performance and will linger into this year following offseason surgery. However, there`s much to admire about how he adapted to a different role under coach Kenny Atkinson, who designed game segments around him, separate from Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley. While there was a period when Garland`s future in Cleveland seemed uncertain, that question has now been definitively answered.
Signature Stat: Garland is one of two players to average at least 20 points, 5 assists, and 40% from 3 (with Nikola Jokic).
Fantasy Projection: 20.4 PTS, 6.8 AST, 1.2 STL
37. Amen Thompson, G, Houston Rockets
2024 NBA Rank: Unranked
Amen Thompson, undeniably one of the NBA`s most elite talents, is poised for further ascension after earning a spot on the NBA`s All-Defensive First Team in his second season. Thompson already embodies the intensity Rockets coach Ime Udoka desires. Last season, this allowed Thompson to become the first player since Charles Barkley in 1993 to record 25 points, 5 steals, and 3 blocks in a playoff game. The focus now is on refining Thompson`s skill set, particularly his 3-point shot (27.5% last season). Thompson`s relentless work ethic suggests he will improve in this area.
Signature Stat: Thompson was the first Rockets player with at least 80 steals and 80 blocks since Hakeem Olajuwon (1998-99).
Fantasy Projection: 14.1 PTS, 8.4 REB, 1.5 STL
36. Ivica Zubac, C, LA Clippers
2024 NBA Rank: Unranked
No longer underrated, Ivica Zubac enjoyed a breakout year in his ninth season. At just 28 years old, he appears set for a spectacular prime. In a conference abundant with talented big men, Zubac has matured into an elite defensive center. He is also one of the league`s top offensive rebounders and selectively takes high-percentage shots, hitting over 60% for six consecutive seasons. He has proven his capability for a larger role, and the Clippers intend to provide it.
Signature Stat: Zubac`s 59 double-doubles are the most by a Clippers player since Blake Griffin (2010-11).
Fantasy Projection: 16.5 PTS, 12.6 REB, 1.2 BLK
35. De`Aaron Fox, G, San Antonio Spurs
2024 NBA Rank: 26
San Antonio`s acquisition of No. 2 pick Dylan Harper led pundits to question whether the Spurs would offer De`Aaron Fox a max contract extension. Internally, however, doubt never arose from either side, despite the veteran guard playing just five games last season alongside franchise cornerstone Victor Wembanyama. With a full offseason to train with the French phenom, Fox anticipates the duo will develop into a nearly unstoppable pick-and-roll combination, leading arguably the most athletic and versatile Spurs roster since the franchise`s dynasty era.
Signature Stat: Fox is one of two players to average 20 points, 5 assists, and 1 steal in each of the past six seasons (with Luka Doncic).
Fantasy Projection: 23.6 PTS, 5.9 AST, 1.5 STL
34. Domantas Sabonis, C, Sacramento Kings
2024 NBA Rank: 29
Domantas Sabonis` raw per-game production over the past half-decade places him among the game`s elite. He has finished third, second, first, and first in NBA rebounds in the past four seasons. Among centers in 2024-25, his 423 assists were second only to Nikola Jokic. Sabonis has averaged at least 18.5 points in the past six seasons. He saw a slight increase in 3-point volume last season, making 41% of his 2.2 attempts per game. However, he doesn`t offer formidable rim protection and has generally required the ball to be effective on a Kings team with other ball-dominant players. This unusual mix has kept the team out of the playoffs for two consecutive seasons.
Signature Stat: Sabonis led the NBA in double-doubles for the third straight season, the first player to do so since Kevin Garnett (2002-07).
Fantasy Projection: 19.1 PTS, 13.7 REB, 6.7 AST
33. Ja Morant, G, Memphis Grizzlies
2024 NBA Rank: 20
Ja Morant will likely view this ranking as a slight, but he hasn`t been an All-Star since the 2022-23 season and has only contributed to one playoff series win in his career. Morant`s points per game (23.2) and field goal percentage (.454) last season were his lowest since his second year in the NBA. In fairness, Morant played most of the season in an offensive system that did not cater to his strengths. It would not be surprising if Morant has a bounce-back season with Tuomas Iisalo, known for his creative pick-and-roll schemes in Europe, in his first full year as Memphis` head coach.
Signature Stat: Morant is one of six players to average 25 points and seven assists over the past four seasons (he played in just 54% of Grizzlies games).
Fantasy Projection: 27.2 PTS, 5.4 REB, 8.5 AST
32. Franz Wagner, F, Orlando Magic
2024 NBA Rank: 52
Franz Wagner is coming off a summer where he helped Germany win EuroBasket gold. Now, he aims to help Paolo Banchero and the Magic triumph in the East. Orlando has made strategic moves to contend, not just this season but for the foreseeable future, with the addition of Desmond Bane. Wagner will be a crucial part of this strategy. He took a step forward last season, increasing his scoring average from 19.7 points in 2023-24 to 24.2. His assists and rebounding averages also rose, though his shooting accuracy needs improvement. Wagner missed 20 consecutive games last season due to an oblique injury. A fully healthy season from Wagner could lead to greater achievements for both him and the Magic.
Signature Stat: Wagner had career highs in points, rebounds, assists, and steals last season; he ranks last in eFG% on jumpers with 700-plus attempts over the past two seasons.
Fantasy Projection: 24.0 PTS, 5.7 REB, 4.7 AST
31. Jaren Jackson Jr., F, Memphis Grizzlies
2024 NBA Rank: 55
The Grizzlies` offensive transformation last season suited Jaren Jackson Jr., who emerged as an efficient No. 1 option during Ja Morant`s frequent absences. After his efficiency waned under the weight of a career-high usage rate during the tumultuous 2023-24 Grizzlies campaign, it rebounded last season as Jackson averaged a career-high 26.8 points per 36 minutes. If Jackson could combine that with his Defensive Player of the Year prime, he would be a lock for our top 20. However, Jackson`s defensive impact was more subdued as his block rate remained less than half what it was in 2022-23.
Signature Stat: Jackson was the only player with 1,500 points and 100 blocks in 2024-25.
Fantasy Projection: 22.7 PTS, 5.9 REB, 1.7 BLK
30. Scottie Barnes, F, Toronto Raptors
2024 NBA Rank: 35
An All-Star for the first time at age 22 in the 2023-24 campaign, Scottie Barnes regressed last season. He couldn`t maintain his career-high 34% 3-point shooting, slipping to 28% beyond the arc (bringing his career mark to 30%). These 3-pointers were essential for elevating Barnes` efficiency to league-average levels. On a positive note, Barnes` usage rate (27%) was the highest of his career. Having recently turned 24, Barnes should have further development ahead of him, along with more support following the addition of Brandon Ingram.
Signature Stat: Barnes` 1,000 points, 50 blocks, and 50 steals in each of his four seasons is tied with Chris Bosh for the most in Raptors history.
Fantasy Projection: 18.8 PTS, 7.6 REB, 5.7 AST
29. Trae Young, G, Atlanta Hawks
2024 NBA Rank: 37
Trae Young finished 14th in scoring at 24.2 points per game, his lowest average since his rookie season in 2018-19. However, he distributed the ball even more effectively than Nikola Jokic, leading the league in assists with a career-high 11.6 per game. Despite this, the Hawks missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season. Atlanta has bolstered Young`s supporting cast, adding Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Luke Kennard to join Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Onyeka Okongwu, and Zaccharie Risacher. Atlanta might now have enough talent to challenge the Knicks and other contenders for the Eastern Conference crown, especially if Young is ready to lead the Hawks back to the conference finals for the first time since 2021.
Signature Stat: Young`s 880 assists last season were the most in Hawks history.
Fantasy Projection: 24.7 PTS, 11.4 AST, 1.2 STL
28. Tyrese Maxey, G, Philadelphia 76ers
2024 NBA Rank: 19
Even Tyrese Maxey`s radiant smile lost some of its gleam amidst the woes of Philadelphia`s lost season, but the guard is unequivocally the player the 76ers will rely on most, with both Joel Embiid and Paul George coming off injury-plagued campaigns. One area to monitor is Maxey`s 3-point shooting, which dropped from 43% three years ago to 33% last season.
Signature Stat: Maxey`s five games with 30 points and 10 assists is the most by a Sixers player since Allen Iverson (2006-07).
Fantasy Projection: 26.0 PTS, 6.0 AST, 1.6 STL
27. Karl-Anthony Towns, F, New York Knicks
2024 NBA Rank: 30
Karl-Anthony Towns` transition from Minnesota to New York was remarkably seamless, despite the shocking, eve-of-training camp blockbuster trade that sent him there. He rapidly developed chemistry with Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson, forming one of the league`s most effective pick-and-roll duos. However, opponents learned to contain the Towns-Brunson two-man game, and new coach Mike Brown will be tasked with revitalizing that dynamic and featuring Towns in more offensive sets as the Knicks seek to diversify their attack.
Signature Stat: Towns is one of two players to average 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 40% from 3 (with Nikola Jokic).
Fantasy Projection: 24.2 PTS, 12.3 REB, 3.1 AST
26. Derrick White, G, Boston Celtics
2024 NBA Rank: 39
Not long ago, Derrick White`s exclusion from top rankings was a significant topic of discussion. Now, he is firmly entrenched within the top 50, a testament to his development and his crucial role in Boston`s recent successes. With Jayson Tatum sidelined, White — much like Jaylen Brown — could have an opportunity to elevate his individual accomplishments, and an increase in personal statistics could position him for his first All-Star selection this season. Some of this might depend on his ability to keep a Celtics team, which has lost Tatum, Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, and Kristaps Porzingis, in playoff contention.
Signature Stat: White is one of two players to average three made 3s and one block per game (with Victor Wembanyama).
Fantasy Projection: 16.5 PTS, 5.0 AST, 1.1 BLK
25. Alperen Sengun, C, Houston Rockets
2024 NBA Rank: 54
All of Alperen Sengun`s offseason efforts in Istanbul paid dividends on the international stage, with the 23-year-old leading Turkey to the FIBA EuroBasket final and earning all-tournament recognition. Houston`s management wanted Sengun to enhance his stamina over the summer while concentrating on the strongest aspects of his post-game. He achieved these goals, positioning him to become a dominant force in Houston`s devastating double-big lineups.
Signature Stat: Sengun is the second Rockets player to average at least 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists in a season (joining Charles Barkley).
Fantasy Projection: 19.6 PTS, 10.5 REB, 5.0 AST
24. Chet Holmgren, C, Oklahoma City Thunder
2024 NBA Rank: 32
Chet Holmgren played a significant role in Oklahoma City`s championship run despite missing three months of the season with a fractured pelvis. He has established himself as one of the NBA`s most dominant defensive presences, averaging 2.3 blocks per game throughout his career, and is just beginning to tap into his offensive potential as a 7-footer with perimeter shooting touch, ball-handling skills, and vision. Oklahoma City went 14-2 when Holmgren scored at least 20 points last season, including the playoffs.
Signature Stat: Holmgren led the NBA in FG% allowed on layups/dunks among players contesting 100-plus shots.
Fantasy Projection: 17.0 PTS, 8.9 REB, 2.5 BLK
23. James Harden, G, LA Clippers
2024 NBA Rank: 41
At 35 years old, James Harden played his most games in seven seasons, averaged his highest points total in four years, earned his first All-Star selection in three years, and returned to the All-NBA team for the first time since 2020. The Clippers had a pleasantly surprising season that nearly led to a first-round upset of the Nuggets. This summer, he signed a new contract allowing him to become a free agent in 2026, incentivizing him to replicate his performance. While he has limitations at this stage of his career, and his efficiency dipped last season, his time in LA has been a positive story.
Signature Stat: Harden was the only player with at least 1,500 points, 500 assists, 100 steals, and 50 blocks last season.
Fantasy Projection: 20.7 PTS, 5.3 REB, 8.1 AST
22. Pascal Siakam, F, Indiana Pacers
2024 NBA Rank: 42
Chosen MVP of the Eastern Conference Finals after averaging 24.8 PPG and shooting 10-of-20 on 3-pointers in the Pacers` victory over the New York Knicks, Pascal Siakam has been the missing element for Indiana. Alas, the puzzle might not fit as well without All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton running the show this season after his Achilles rupture. Without Haliburton and the departed Myles Turner, the Pacers will rely even more heavily on Siakam`s ability to create offense. This could potentially diminish the efficiency he displayed last season (including a career-high 39% on 3s) and his versatile defense.
Signature Stat: The Eastern Conference finals MVP scored 472 points in the postseason — third most in Pacers history.
Fantasy Projection: 22.5 PTS, 7.6 REB, 4.1 AST
21. Bam Adebayo, C, Miami Heat
2024 NBA Rank: 18
Eliminated in the first round for two consecutive seasons (including an embarrassing sweep by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the spring), Miami is poised for a reset. Turning the page from Jimmy Butler III, Miami looks to Bam Adebayo to lead a retooled team and restore the Heat`s renowned culture. With Norman Powell, Kasparas Jakucionis, and Simone Fontecchio on board to assist Tyler Herro on offense, Adebayo will strive to return to the player he was in the previous two seasons when he helped Miami reach the NBA Finals in 2023 and was a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, All-Star, and defensive first-teamer in 2024.
Signature Stat: Adebayo took 221 3s last season, up from 104 in his first seven seasons combined, and shot 44% from 3 over the final 36 games.
Fantasy Projection: 18.8 PTS, 9.9 REB, 4.3 AST
20. Kawhi Leonard, F, LA Clippers
2024 NBA Rank: 22
The primary question surrounding Kawhi Leonard entering any season revolves around his health and availability. However, an even more pressing issue this season is the NBA investigation concerning a $28 million sponsorship deal for a `no-show` job Leonard allegedly held with a now-bankrupt company in which Clippers owner Steve Ballmer invested. This marks yet another off-court concern surrounding Leonard, and it could prove to be a distraction for him and the team, especially if the NBA uncovers evidence leading to severe penalties, potentially including the voiding of Leonard`s contract.
Signature Stat: Leonard scored 20-plus points in the final 22 games of the season (regular season and playoffs), tying his career-best streak.
Fantasy Projection: 21.9 PTS, 6.0 REB, 1.6 STL
19. Jaylen Brown, G, Boston Celtics
2024 NBA Rank: 14
With Jayson Tatum sidelined for the season with an Achilles tear, Jaylen Brown will have the opportunity to experience life as the leading scorer in Boston, along with all the responsibilities that entail. Assuming he has no lingering issues from offseason knee surgery, Brown could easily surpass his career high in scoring (26.6 PPG in 2022-23). Still, it remains to be seen how competitive this season`s Celtics squad will be, even in the comparatively weaker Eastern Conference.
Signature Stat: Brown finished with a career high in assists; the Celtics had a 66% effective field goal percentage off his passes, fourth best among those with 500-plus assist opportunities.
Fantasy Projection: 24.9 PTS, 6.2 REB, 4.2 AST
18. Jimmy Butler III, F, Golden State Warriors
2024 NBA Rank: 28
The drama surrounding the conclusion of his Miami chapter kept Jimmy Butler off the court for the majority of last season. His Warriors stint was brief—30 regular-season games, 11 playoff games—but spectacular across all impact metrics, most notably: winning. The Warriors were 25-26 upon his arrival. They concluded with a 23-8 surge and defeated the second-seeded Rockets in the first round. Butler`s hard fall on his tailbone in that series sapped some of his explosiveness for the remainder of the playoffs, but reports from those close to him indicate an extremely motivated offseason, with expectations for him to start the season aggressively. The question for Butler and his post-prime teammates is how their bodies will endure the 82-game grind.
Signature Stat: The Warriors went 23-7 with Butler versus 25-27 without him; they had the third-best NBA record after his debut Feb 8.
Fantasy Projection: 18.5 PTS, 5.4 AST, 1.4 STL
17. Paolo Banchero, F, Orlando Magic
2024 NBA Rank: 24
Paolo Banchero is already a top-20 player, but Orlando is banking on its All-Star making a significant leap forward. The Magic signed Banchero to a five-year, $239-million max rookie extension this past summer and worked to surround him with his strongest supporting cast yet, adding Desmond Bane`s scoring and much-needed outside shooting to provide Banchero and Franz Wagner more space to operate. Tyus Jones adds depth and insurance at point guard behind Jalen Suggs. Banchero has improved statistically in each of his first three seasons, raising his scoring average to 25.9 PPG last season after missing 34 games with an oblique injury. For the Magic to advance past the first round and contend for the East, Banchero will need to remain healthy and take another step forward.
Signature Stat: Banchero is the third Magic player to average 25-plus PPG, joining Shaquille O`Neal and Tracy McGrady.
Fantasy Projection: 24.8 PTS, 8.1 REB, 5.1 AST
16. Devin Booker, G, Phoenix Suns
2024 NBA Rank: 15
Devin Booker spent the first five seasons of his Phoenix career evolving into a respected high-volume scorer on an irrelevant lottery team. Then Chris Paul arrived, and Booker, surrounded by better talent, escalated his scoring, honed other aspects of his game, and proved he could shine as a major contributor on a perennial winner. Booker, 28, has made four All-Star teams and appeared in 47 playoff games. He just signed a mega-extension in Phoenix. This should represent his career apex. However, the surrounding talent is relatively bleak once more. Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal are gone. Booker is the unquestioned best player on a team many believe isn`t playoff-caliber. If the team defies expectations, he will presumably be the main reason.
Signature Stat: Booker is one of two players to average 25-plus points in each of the past seven seasons (with Giannis Antetokounmpo).
Fantasy Projection: 28.0 PTS, 4.2 REB, 7.0 AST
15. Donovan Mitchell, G, Cleveland Cavaliers
2024 NBA Rank: 17
If this ranking seems low for a player who made the All-NBA First Team in 2024-25, it perhaps reflects that Donovan Mitchell, despite accumulating impressive regular seasons, carries a stigma for never leading a team past the second round of the playoffs. Yes, he averaged 34 points in the series loss to the Pacers last season, but he shot 11-of-36 over the final two games as the Cavs were eliminated, a scenario Mitchell has found himself in before. What can be said is this: Mitchell knows exactly what is expected of him and embraces that reality.
Signature Stat: Mitchell is the first guard since Allen Iverson to average 20-plus points per game in his first eight seasons.
Fantasy Projection: 24.6 PTS, 5.0 AST, 1.4 STL
14. Anthony Davis, C, Dallas Mavericks
2024 NBA Rank: 13
The full spectrum of the AD experience was on display during Anthony Davis` Mavs debut. He was brilliant on both ends of the floor for 2½ quarters before going down in a heap in the paint, suffering an injury initially thought to be minor but which ultimately sidelined the 10-time All-Star for the next six weeks. When Davis is healthy, few players possess his blend of offensive production and defensive impact.
Signature Stat: Davis averaged at least 20 points, 1 steal, and 2 blocks in a season for the 11th time in his career in 2024-25, second most by any player since blocks and steals became official in 1973-74. Only Hakeem Olajuwon has more such seasons.
Fantasy Projection: 26.0 PTS, 12.5 REB, 2.3 BLK
13. Evan Mobley, F, Cleveland Cavaliers
2024 NBA Rank: 47
The leap happened. Evan Mobley earned All-NBA honors and won Defensive Player of the Year in his fourth season. The Cavs fully committed to his ascent as a franchise mission last season, and he delivered on his part. However, he now operates under elevated expectations, as crystallized by this ranking, and will be expected to truly demonstrate what it means to be a superstar: uplifting his team in the playoffs. That particular achievement has not yet materialized.
Signature Stat: Mobley was one of two players to make both All-NBA and All-Defense last season, along with Jalen Williams.
Fantasy Projection: 18.0 PTS, 9.3 REB, 1.6 BLK
12. Cade Cunningham, G, Detroit Pistons
2024 NBA Rank: 67
In his initial taste of postseason basketball, Cade Cunningham absolutely rose to the challenge. The young Pistons took a significant step forward with a tough first-round playoff series that ultimately ended in a loss to the Knicks. Cunningham was at the forefront of Detroit`s turnaround last season, leading to his rise on this list. With more talent surrounding him on the roster, Cunningham resembled the star Detroit envisioned when selecting him No. 1 in 2021, earning his first All-Star Game spot while averaging 26.1 points, 9.1 assists, and 6.1 rebounds. The playoffs serve as a learning curve for any young star, and Cunningham was no exception, but he will be worth watching this season to see how he continues to evolve after his first experience playing meaningful NBA games.
Signature Stat: Cunningham averaged career highs across the board last season while becoming the first Pistons player to average 25 points and nine assists in a season.
Fantasy Projection: 26.5 PTS, 6.0 REB, 9.2 AST
11. Jalen Williams, F, Oklahoma City Thunder
2024 NBA Rank: 44
Jalen Williams, a mid-major prospect who remained under the radar until late in the draft process, has improved dramatically in each of his three NBA seasons, achieving elite status in his third year. His contributions to the Thunder`s title run—especially his 40-point performance in the pivotal Game 5 of the NBA Finals—would have been impressive under any circumstances. The fact that he played the entire postseason with torn ligaments in his shooting wrist that required surgery, never uttering a word of complaint, will forever be etched in the franchise`s lore.
Signature Stat: On top of averaging a career-high 21.6 points last season, Williams led the NBA in points per direct isolation allowed and ranked top-five in points per direct drive allowed, per GeniusIQ.
Fantasy Projection: 22.0 PTS, 5.4 REB, 5.2 AST
Rupert Hollis