Top 3 Players in the NBA for the 2025-26 Season

Firoz Gill
October 21, 2025
6 min read

The 2025-26 NBA season has begun, showcasing a league overflowing with exceptional talent, yet only a handful of players rise to the pinnacle of the sport. The competition is fierce, with stars pushing the boundaries of athleticism, skill, and strategy. Preseason rankings from trusted sources like ESPN, CBS Sports, Bleacher Report, and Action Network have guided the selection of the top three players expected to lead the pack. These rankings weigh critical factors such as historical performance, versatility on offense and defense, and their projected impact for the current season.

The players highlighted here have distinguished themselves through consistent excellence and transformative contributions to their teams. Each has a unique journey, marked by overcoming challenges and redefining their roles in the modern NBA. Their ability to influence games—whether through scoring, playmaking, or defensive prowess—sets them apart as the league’s elite. This analysis draws on their career trajectories, statistical dominance, and recent performances to underscore why they are the best of the best.

For the 2025-26 season, these athletes are not just performers but game-changers, capable of shifting the fortunes of their franchises. Their rankings reflect a combination of individual brilliance and team success, with an eye on how they elevate those around them. From clutch moments to all-around dominance, their recent form suggests they are primed for another standout year. Sources like Bleacher Report and ESPN emphasize their ability to adapt to evolving team dynamics and league trends.

Looking ahead, the expectations for these players are sky-high, with each poised to chase individual accolades like MVP and team goals like championships. Their potential to shape the season depends on health, roster support, and their ability to evolve further. This in-depth exploration will detail their paths, achievements, current form, and what lies ahead, offering a comprehensive view of why they stand above the rest in the 2025-26 NBA landscape.

1. Nikola Jokić - Denver Nuggets

Nikola Jokić enters the 2025-26 season as the consensus top player in the NBA, a position he’s held firmly in recent years. The Serbian center for the Denver Nuggets is renowned for his unparalleled basketball IQ, making him a walking triple-double threat who bends defenses to his will. At 30 years old, Jokić’s unique blend of size, skill, and vision allows him to control games from the post, the perimeter, or even as a point-center. His ability to elevate his teammates has kept the Nuggets competitive, even amid roster changes and injuries to key players. Jokić’s career highlights read like a hall-of-fame resume already. Drafted 41st overall in 2014, he quickly rose to stardom, winning three MVP awards in the last five seasons and leading Denver to a championship in 2023. His playoff performances are legendary, including a 2023 Finals run where he averaged 30 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 9.5 assists. Jokić has also earned multiple All-NBA First Team selections and is one of the most efficient scorers in league history, blending post moves, three-point shooting, and elite passing. In the 2024-25 season, Jokić posted gaudy stats of 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game while shooting 57.6% from the field and 41.7% from three, according to Bleacher Report. Despite the Nuggets falling short in the playoffs, Jokić’s individual brilliance shone through, solidifying his status as the league’s best. Early in 2025-26, he’s already making headlines with feats like a 66-foot buzzer-beater, showcasing his clutch gene and creativity. Looking ahead, Jokić’s outlook for 2025-26 is championship-or-bust. With a healthy supporting cast, he could chase a fourth MVP and another title. His durability and adaptability make him a perennial threat, and if Denver addresses perimeter defense, Jokić might lead them back to the Finals. At his peak, he’s not just the top player—he’s redefining what a big man can be in the modern NBA.

2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - Oklahoma City Thunder

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the dynamic guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, has ascended to superstar status and enters 2025-26 as one of the league’s most complete players. At 27, SGA’s silky smooth scoring, elite defense, and playmaking have made him the engine of a championship-contending team. His ability to score efficiently from all three levels while anchoring a top defense sets him apart in a guard-heavy league. SGA’s career trajectory is a story of rapid growth. Acquired by OKC in 2019, he evolved from a promising talent to an All-Star, culminating in MVP and Finals MVP honors in 2024-25. He’s a six-time All-Star with All-NBA First Team nods and has led the Thunder to deep playoff runs, including a championship victory last season. His scoring prowess, combined with steals and blocks, makes him a rare two-way guard in the mold of greats like Michael Jordan. Last season, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 32.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 1.7 steals on 51.9% shooting, per Bleacher Report. His Finals performance, including a 34-point Game 2 outburst against the Pacers, sealed OKC’s title. Entering 2025-26, the Thunder are favorites to repeat, with SGA’s leadership evident in preseason dominance. For the current season, SGA’s potential is sky-high. He could improve his three-point shooting further and aim for another MVP. With OKC’s young core intact, his all-around game positions the Thunder as Western Conference powerhouses. If he stays healthy, SGA might cement himself as the face of the NBA for the next decade.

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo - Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo, the “Greek Freak” for the Milwaukee Bucks, remains a force of nature at 30, blending athleticism, power, and skill to dominate games. Despite trade rumors swirling, his physical dominance and versatility keep him in the top tier. As a power forward who can guard 1-through-5, Giannis is a matchup nightmare for opponents. Antetokounmpo’s career is filled with accolades: two MVPs, a Defensive Player of the Year award, and a 2021 championship with the Bucks. Drafted 15th in 2013, he transformed from a raw prospect into an eight-time All-Star and multiple All-NBA selection. His Eurostep dunks and rim protection have become signature moves, and he’s finished top-four in MVP voting for seven straight years. In 2024-25, Giannis averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 0.9 steals on 60.1% shooting, as reported by Bleacher Report. His ability to dominate in the paint while improving his mid-range game has kept the Bucks competitive, even with roster inconsistencies. Preseason performances indicate he’s in top form, ready to carry Milwaukee deep into the playoffs. For 2025-26, Giannis faces pressure to deliver another title. With questions about Milwaukee’s supporting cast and coaching changes, his leadership will be crucial. If he refines his three-point shooting and stays healthy, Giannis could reclaim MVP honors and silence doubters. His relentless drive and physical tools make him a cornerstone for the Bucks’ championship aspirations.