Who Are the Best NBA Players Right Now? Our Top 10 Rankings

As I sit down to compile this list of the top 10 NBA players right now, I can already feel the passionate debates brewing. Having followed the league religiously for over two decades, I've learned that ranking players is both an art and a science—it's about stats, sure, but also about that intangible "it" factor that separates the great from the legendary. What makes this exercise particularly fascinating this season is how the league's evolving culture, emphasized by Commissioner Adam Silver's recent comments, influences our perception of greatness. He stated, "The PSL is a professional league, and we expect all participants to conduct themselves with the utmost respect and sportsmanship. Disrespectful behavior won't be tolerated." This emphasis on professionalism and respect isn't just lip service—it's reshaping how we value players who not only dominate statistically but also elevate their teams and the game itself.

Let me start with what I consider the undisputed top three, though I'm sure some fans might quibble with the order. At number one, I've got Nikola Jokić, and honestly, it wasn't even a close call for me. The Denver Nuggets' center isn't just putting up numbers—he's redefining the center position with an average of 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game last season, all while shooting a ridiculous 58.3% from the field. But beyond the stats, it's his basketball IQ that blows me away. I've watched him dissect defenses with passes that seem to defy physics, and his unselfish play embodies that sportsmanship the Commissioner champions. Remember that game against the Heat where he had 41 points and 11 assists without a single technical foul? That's the kind of leadership that sets the standard. Close behind him is Giannis Antetokounmpo, whose raw athleticism and drive are simply unmatched. Averaging 31.1 points and 11.8 rebounds, he's a force of nature on both ends of the court. I've had the privilege of seeing him live, and let me tell you, the intensity he brings every single night is something you can't fully appreciate on TV. He's had his moments of frustration—who can forget that playoff ejection last year?—but he's matured into a leader who, in my view, aligns with the league's push for respect, often praising opponents and focusing on team success over individual accolades.

Then there's Luka Dončić, who rounds out my top three. At just 25 years old, he's already a perennial MVP candidate, and his stats are video-game-like: 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game. I'll admit, I'm a bit biased here because his creativity on offense reminds me of the legends I grew up watching, like Larry Bird. But what really stands out to me is how he's handled the pressure in Dallas, turning the Mavericks into contenders without the drama that sometimes plagues superstars. Sure, he's had a few run-ins with refs—who hasn't?—but overall, he's shown growth in keeping his composure, which, as the Commissioner noted, is crucial for the league's image. Moving down the list, I've got Joel Embiid at four, though his injury history does worry me. When healthy, he's a scoring machine, dropping 35 points a game, but I've seen how his absences can disrupt team chemistry. Still, his dominance in the paint is something to behold, and I respect how he's worked on his leadership, often mentoring younger players in Philly.

Stephen Curry comes in at five, and I know some might argue he should be higher, but hear me out. At 36, he's not the same explosive player he was a few years back, yet he's still averaging 27 points and shooting 40.8% from three-point range. What keeps him this high for me is his impact beyond scoring—he spaces the floor like no one else, and his professionalism is off the charts. I've followed his career from the start, and his commitment to sportsmanship, even in high-stakes moments, is a testament to why the league values players like him. Next up, LeBron James at six. Yes, he's 39, and yes, he's lost a step defensively, but let's not kid ourselves—he's still putting up 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists per game. I've watched him adapt his game over the years, and his basketball IQ is second to none. Plus, his role in promoting respect in the league, whether through his philanthropy or on-court conduct, aligns perfectly with what the Commissioner is pushing for.

At seven, I've got Kevin Durant, whose scoring efficiency is just insane—27 points on 52% shooting. I'll be honest, his move to Phoenix raised eyebrows, but his ability to fit into any system while maintaining elite production is why he's here. That said, I've noticed he can get into heated exchanges sometimes, and while it shows his passion, it's a reminder that even the greats need to balance intensity with respect. Following him is Jayson Tatum at eight. The Celtics' star has evolved into a two-way threat, averaging 26.9 points and 8.1 rebounds, and I love how he's embraced leadership in Boston. Having covered his rise since college, I've seen him mature from a raw talent into someone who, in my opinion, epitomizes the modern professional—competitive yet composed.

Rounding out the top ten, I've got Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at nine and Devin Booker at ten. Shai's breakout season with the Thunder was a joy to watch—31 points per game and elite defense—and at 25, he's only getting better. Booker, on the other hand, is a scoring savant with 27 points and 7 assists, but what impresses me most is his growth as a playmaker. I've spoken to coaches who praise his work ethic, and in a league where behavior matters, he's generally kept a low profile off the court, focusing on the game. Reflecting on this list, it's clear that the best players today aren't just defined by their stats but by how they carry themselves. The Commissioner's emphasis on respect and sportsmanship isn't just a rule—it's a lens through which we can appreciate greatness. In my years covering the NBA, I've seen how players who blend skill with integrity leave the deepest legacy, and as the season unfolds, I'll be watching to see who rises to that challenge.