Photo illustration by Lorenzo Reyes, Mark Giannotto, Scooby Axson, Marcus D. Smith, Bryan Kalbrosky, Prince J. Grimes, Robert Zeglinski and Veronica Bravo, USA TODAY Tue, October 13, 2026 at 11:02 AM UTC · 24 min read About Our Ads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With another NBA season set to tip off , we asked our experts at USA TODAY Sports and For The Win to rank the top 100 players who will take the court in 2026-27 – regardless of position, regardless of experience and regardless of usage.
While we can't know yet how rookies will adapt to professional basketball, how veterans will integrate with new teammates and how coaches will choose to employ individual players for the betterment of their teams, we can judge talent and skill.
From former NBA champions like LeBron James , Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Giannis Antetokounmpo to current champs Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns , we considered them all. Seven NBA reporters submitted their individual rankings, and a points system was used to determine the final results.
Here, we present our top 50 players ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season, starting with No. 50 and concluding with our pick for the best in the league.
(For our rankings of No. 100 through No. 51, click here or visit usatoday.com/nba ).
2025-26 stats: 21.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 3.2 apg
His strength is overpowering defenders in the low block, and it's remarkable how comfortably he gets to the rim, despite being undersized at 6-foot-6. As always, the questions with Williamson are his weight, conditioning and his availability, though in recent seasons, Williamson has made it a priority to slim down a touch. The Pelicans were in a lost season, but a career-low scoring average was nonetheless a concern.
2025-26 stats: 10.9 ppg, 11.5 rpg, 1.6 bpg
2025 was a return to the All-Defensive First Team for Gobert, who jumped back into the top-four of Defensive Player of the Year voting after a "down" 2024 (he was still second team All-Defense). And now he has a real chance to increase his scoring output with LaMelo Ball there to create easy opportunities as the most dynamic point guard Gobert has ever played with.
2025-26 stats: 19.4 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 1.4 bpg
Jackson Jr. is a dynamic two-way center that can affect both sides of the ball. He can score from inside and out. He can guard the interior and the perimeter. Jackson is a two-time All-Star, two-time blocks leader and was the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year. He only appeared in 48 games last season though, so expect that number to go up.
2025-26 stats: 11.8 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 3.9 apg
According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst , even though he is only entering his sophomore season in the league, the Spurs internally believe Harper is already their second-best player behind Victor Wembanyama. Something that pops about Harper: He averaged 2.1 unassisted field goals at the rim per 36 minutes, via PBPStats . That ranked behind two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2.35) for the most among players who hit the 65-game threshold last season. Harper was just 19 years old until a month before the playoffs began.
2025-26 stats: 16.5 ppg, 5.4 apg, 4.4 rpg
By all metrics, White set career-highs in points, assists, steals, and blocks, but he also shot under 40% and all but disappeared in the Celtics' first-round playoff meltdown. His defense remains a strong part of his game, and with Jaylen Brown now in Philadelphia, he will be expected to be even more productive on offense to help Jayson Tatum.
2025-26 stats: 17.9 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 8.0 apg
Young was limited to just 15 games total during the 2025-26 campaign — 10 with the Atlanta Hawks and five with the Wizards, who by the time Young arrived, had entered tank mode for the No. 1 pick in the draft. However, don't sleep on Young; he's one of the best playmakers at the point guard position. He can pass and he can score, especially from long range. Young now has a chance to reestablish himself as one of the best perimeter threats in the league alongside Anthony Davis and No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa.
1. Shai Gilgeous Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder (Alonzo Adams, Imagn Images) 2. Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets (Jesse Johnson, Imagn Images) 3. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs (Wendell Cruz, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 4. Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers (Marc Lebryk, Imagn Images) 5. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Miami Heat (Sam Navarro, Imagn Images) 6. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks (Bill Streicher, Imagn Images) 7. Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers (Ronald Martinez, Getty Images) 8. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves (David Berding, Getty Images) 9. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics (Winslow Townson, Getty Images) 10. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons (Gregory Shamus, Getty Images) 11. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors (Ronald Martinez, Getty Images) 12. Kevin Durant, Houston Rockets (Alex Slitz, Getty Images) 13. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers (Gregory Shamus, Getty Images) 14. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers (Emilee Chinn, Getty Images) 15. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics (Luiza Moraes, Getty Images) 16. Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks (Elsa, Getty Images) 17. Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns (Tyler Kaufman, Getty Images) 18. Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers (Gregory Shamus, Getty Images) 19. LeBron James, Philadelphia 76ers (Emilee Chinn, Getty Images) 20. Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat (Megan Briggs, Getty Images) 21. Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets (Scott Taetsch, Getty Images) 22. Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder (Joshua Gateley, Getty Images) 23. Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder (JOSHUA R. GATELEY, Getty Images) 24. Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors (Cole Burston, Getty Images) 25. Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) 26. James Harden, Cleveland Cavaliers (Sarah Stier, Getty Images) 27. OG Anunoby, New York Knicks (Maddie Meyer, Getty Images) 28. Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs (Alex Slitz, Getty Images) 29. Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets (Kenneth Richmond, Getty Images) 30. Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers (Maddie Meyer, Getty Images) 31. Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks (Ron Jenkins, Getty Images) 32. Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers (Ezra Shaw, Getty Images) 33. Lamelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets (Joshua Gateley, Getty Images) 34. Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic (Rich Storry, Getty Images) 35. Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks (Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images) 36. Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers (Jason Miller, Getty Images) 37. Anthony Davis, Dallas Mavericks (Ronald Martinez, Getty Images) 38. Deni Avdija, Portland Trail Blazers (Christian Petersen, Getty Images) 39. Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons (Jason Miller, Getty Images) 40. Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets (Tim Warner, Getty Images) 41. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers (Mitchell Leff, Getty Images) 42. Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic (Rich Storry, Getty Images) 43. Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz (Patrick Smith, Getty Images) 44. De’Aaron Fox, San Antonio Spurs (Alex Slitz, Getty Images) 45. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks (Jason Miller, Getty Images) 46. Derrick White, Boston Celtics (Maddie Meyer, Getty Images) 47. Dylan Harper, San Antonio Spurs (Alex Slitz, Getty Images) 48. Jaren Jackson Jr., Utah Jazz (Chris Gardner, Getty Images) 49. Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves (David Berding, Getty Images) 50. Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans (Sean Gardner, Getty Images) 1 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 1. Shai Gilgeous Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder (Alonzo Adams, Imagn Images) 1 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 1. Shai Gilgeous Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder (Alonzo Adams, Imagn Images) 2 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 2. Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets (Jesse Johnson, Imagn Images) 3 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 3. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs (Wendell Cruz, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 4 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 4. Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers (Marc Lebryk, Imagn Images) 5 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 5. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Miami Heat (Sam Navarro, Imagn Images) 6 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 6. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks (Bill Streicher, Imagn Images) 7 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 7. Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers (Ronald Martinez, Getty Images) 8 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 8. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves (David Berding, Getty Images) 9 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 9. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics (Winslow Townson, Getty Images) 10 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 10. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons (Gregory Shamus, Getty Images) 11 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 11. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors (Ronald Martinez, Getty Images) 12 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 12. Kevin Durant, Houston Rockets (Alex Slitz, Getty Images) 13 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 13. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers (Gregory Shamus, Getty Images) 14 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 14. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers (Emilee Chinn, Getty Images) 15 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 15. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics (Luiza Moraes, Getty Images) 16 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 16. Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks (Elsa, Getty Images) 17 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 17. Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns (Tyler Kaufman, Getty Images) 18 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 18. Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers (Gregory Shamus, Getty Images) 19 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 19. LeBron James, Philadelphia 76ers (Emilee Chinn, Getty Images) 20 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 20. Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat (Megan Briggs, Getty Images) 21 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 21. Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets (Scott Taetsch, Getty Images) 22 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 22. Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder (Joshua Gateley, Getty Images) 23 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 23. Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder (JOSHUA R. GATELEY, Getty Images) 24 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 24. Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors (Cole Burston, Getty Images) 25 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 25. Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) 26 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 26. James Harden, Cleveland Cavaliers (Sarah Stier, Getty Images) 27 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 27. OG Anunoby, New York Knicks (Maddie Meyer, Getty Images) 28 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 28. Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs (Alex Slitz, Getty Images) 29 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 29. Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets (Kenneth Richmond, Getty Images) 30 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 30. Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers (Maddie Meyer, Getty Images) 31 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 31. Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks (Ron Jenkins, Getty Images) 32 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 32. Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers (Ezra Shaw, Getty Images) 33 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 33. Lamelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets (Joshua Gateley, Getty Images) 34 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 34. Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic (Rich Storry, Getty Images) 35 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 35. Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks (Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images) 36 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 36. Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers (Jason Miller, Getty Images) 37 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 37. Anthony Davis, Dallas Mavericks (Ronald Martinez, Getty Images) 38 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 38. Deni Avdija, Portland Trail Blazers (Christian Petersen, Getty Images) 39 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 39. Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons (Jason Miller, Getty Images) 40 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 40. Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets (Tim Warner, Getty Images) 41 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 41. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers (Mitchell Leff, Getty Images) 42 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 42. Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic (Rich Storry, Getty Images) 43 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 43. Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz (Patrick Smith, Getty Images) 44 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 44. De’Aaron Fox, San Antonio Spurs (Alex Slitz, Getty Images) 45 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 45. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks (Jason Miller, Getty Images) 46 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 46. Derrick White, Boston Celtics (Maddie Meyer, Getty Images) 47 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 47. Dylan Harper, San Antonio Spurs (Alex Slitz, Getty Images) 48 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 48. Jaren Jackson Jr., Utah Jazz (Chris Gardner, Getty Images) 49 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 49. Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves (David Berding, Getty Images) 50 / 50 Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA's 50 best players 50. Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans (Sean Gardner, Getty Images) No. 44 De'Aaron Fox Team: San Antonio Spurs
2025-26 stats: 18.6 ppg, 6.2 apg, 3.8 rpg
There will be nights when Fox is the fourth scoring option, and if that becomes the norm, he may be prime trade bait at the deadline. The Spurs are still on the hook for his four-year, $221 million deal until further notice. Having three ball handlers on a team is a luxury, but not getting enough shots while still trying to please Victor Wembanyama is another matter.
2025-26 stats: 26.7 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 2.1 apg
Utah's lack of competitiveness is hopefully in the past and should help one of the league's best scoring big men. Markkanen could again put up big numbers with the talent infusion that is on its way to Utah, which has missed the playoffs in each of the past five years.
2025-26 stats: 20.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 3.3 apg
The big question last season was whether Wagner and fellow Magic co-star Paolo Banchero could co-exist. Both can handle the ball, and both can create their own offense. The difference with Wagner is that his jumper is more consistent. Wagner also flies under the radar as a defender, but he's solid there. What new coach Sean Sweeney will want to see is availability; injuries have limited Wagner to just 94 games across the last two seasons, including just 34 last year.
2025-26 stats: 26.9 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 3.9 apg
Unlike some of the other injured players on this list, we saw enough of Embiid last year to know exactly how much his injuries have taken a toll on his mobility – and we also saw how effective he still was as a scorer. Expect that to continue with him apparently in better shape. The biggest knock today is his insistence to shoot so many threes despite his declining efficiency from deep.
2025-26 stats: 20.4 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 6.2 apg
OK, so maybe the (premature) "Baby Jokić" comparisons were inaccurate. That doesn't change the fact that Şengün is an All-Star-caliber big man with terrific passing chops at the center of a Rockets team with expectations. The question for Şengün and Houston moving forward is simple: Is he closer to the reliable regular-season version, or the playoff dropper that helped open the door to a troubling first-round upset last spring?
2025-26 stats: 19.5 ppg, 10.5 rpg, 65% FG
Duren may have overplayed his hand when he was named third-team All-NBA and demanded max dollars. While he did eventually sign for five years and $200 million, Duren's next move is to improve his relationship with the team and his offensive game – especially in the playoffs, which is why Detroit was hesitant to pay him big bucks in the first place.
2025-26 stats: 24.2 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 6.7 apg
Avdija has increased his scoring average in each of his six NBA seasons, and he'll have three dynamic guards to play off him if he's asked not to be the offense's focal point. Another season like 2025-26, when he also posted career highs in assists and free-throw percentage, would put him in line for a big payday in 2028.
2025-26 stats: 20.4 ppg, 11.1 rpg, 1.7 bpg
Davis' ability on the floor has never been a question. When he plays 60 games in a season, he's a lock to make the All-NBA and All-Defense teams. The only problem is he's played 60 games just twice in the last eight years. But, if we're assuming good health, Davis is one of the league's very best bigs and much better than this ranking.
Mobley, a former Defensive Player of the Year, is an enigma. He can easily dominate on any given night, but sometimes he seems overwhelmed, especially when his shooting is suspect and his rebounding is nonexistent. Mobley simply needs to elevate his Robin role to Donovan Mitchell's Batman if the Cavs ever want to make it out of the Eastern Conference finals.
It'll be interesting to see how Irving looks after a full year off, but if he's anything close to the player he was before the ACL injury, he'll still be one of the best guards in the game. As a former 50-40-90 guy whose year-to-year production is normally in that range, Irving has several ways he can beat a defense. Expect him to return to All-Star form.
2025-26 stats: 22.2 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 5.2 apg
Paolo Banchero is one of the young, bright stars of the NBA. He's led the Magic to three consecutive postseason appearances and continues to grow in the league. His 6-foot-10 stature makes him a matchup problem for opponents. The next step in his game is getting him to buy into playing bully ball.
2025-26 stats: 20.1 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 7.1 apg
While his identity on the court will shift after a blockbuster trade sent him from Charlotte to Minnesota, there is still plenty to celebrate about Ball. He is the only player in league history aside from Luka Dončić with at least 6,000 points 2,000 assists and 900 made 3-pointers before turning 25 years old. Pair his electric shooting and playmaking with Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves should make some noise on offense this season.
2025-26 stats: 23.3 ppg, 5.5 apg, 4.7 rpg
Reaves' ability to score at all three levels is an asset, and he will be expected to increase his production alongside Luka Dončić, now that LeBron James is no longer in L.A. to serve as a security blanket. Reaves just needs to stay healthy and prove that the team was right to give him a four-year, $180 million extension.
2025-26 stats: 21.0 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 4.5 apg
Flagg came on strong to win Rookie of the Year honors last season, emerging from an early shooting funk to deliver some historic scoring performances during his first campaign in the league. His combination of size, skill and versatility naturally translated to the NBA, and he should have more space to operate with the return of Kyrie Irving to the Mavericks' lineup. If his shooting improves in Year 2, Flagg could quickly ascend to the top of the league's pecking order.
Don't let a gap year without Tyrese Haliburton fool you. The Pacers' dark-horse 2025 NBA Finals run doesn't happen without Siakam's all-around versatility. Full stop. Indiana can basically insert Siakam into any lineup and expect to win those minutes. He is the ultimate gap-filler, a guy who almost always finds a way to make a play. Now firmly in his early 30s, pairing Siakam with a defensive big like Ivica Zubac might unlock his final form.
2025-26 stats: 18.3 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 5.3 apg
Along with his brother, Ausar, who plays for the Pistons, Amen Thompson might be the most athletic player in the entire league. He broke out last season when the Rockets deployed him as a point-forward, after starting point guard Fred VanVleet was lost to a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Thompson is a two-way demon; he uses his quickness and length to lock-up his assignments, and he can slash to the cup for high-percentage looks. The only thing keeping Thompson from becoming a Top-15 player is a jumper that can be unreliable, especially from deep (21.6% last season).
2025-26 stats: 16.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 7.4 apg
The 2025 NBA Rookie of the Year backed up that initial campaign by improving in nearly every statistical category during his second season, then elevated his game even further during the Spurs' run to the NBA Finals. Castle's shooting efficiency improved dramatically from his rookie year, while his playmaking and ability to lock down opposing teams' top perimeter scorers has quickly made him one of the league's most promising young guards.
2025-26 stats: 16.7 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2.2 apg
There are role players, and then there are the kind of indispensable winning players who do all the little things and hard things at the same time. Anunoby is the latter. Anunoby can nail corner 3-pointers in the clutch, dive for loose balls and snatch long rebounds, and lock down the other team's best player. He is the lovely rug that ties the room together for the reigning NBA champions.
2025-26 stats: 23.6 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 8.0 apg
At his age, it's amazing what James Harden has been able to do, especially adapting his game. We've seen the dynamic scorer version of Harden, and now we get more of a playmaking version of him. Is Harden still a top 30 player in the league? Yes, especially since this is a regular-season designation.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) controls the ball during a playoff game against the New York Knicks on May 21, 2026. No. 25 Jalen Johnson Team: Atlanta Hawks
2025-26 stats: 22.5 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 7.9 apg
He's more of a point-forward, and Atlanta's decision to turn the offense over to Johnson proved to be a sound one. Though he's versatile, Johnson is at his best when he's leading the Hawks in transition, where he deploys his size, handles and vision to find teammates or simply get to the rim. Coach Quinn Snyder deserves a lot of credit here, as Johnson also displays excellent patience and doesn't force many looks; he lets the game come to him.
2025-26 stats: 18.1 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 5.9 apg
Barnes emerged as a bonafide two-way force as the Raptors became one of the Eastern Conference's biggest surprises last season. The fourth-year forward shot better than 50% from the field for the first time in his career, pairing elite defensive versatility with a more polished offensive game. He then elevated his play in his postseason debut, helping push Toronto to the brink of an upset over Cleveland in the playoffs.
2025-26 stats: 17.1 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 1.7 apg
Holmgren's reported two-pound offseason weight gain certainly won't do him any favors if he doesn't use his other skills on offense. His defense is elite, and he has the capabilities to become a 25-point-a-night scorer. With the talent he has around him, including Shai Gilgeous Alexander, the MVP of the last two seasons, Holmgren should be an All-NBA mainstay for years to come.
2025-26 stats: 17.1 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 5.5 apg
Injuries (wrist surgery, hamstring) robbed huge chunks of his regular season and playoffs, which massively hurt the Thunder. But he remains a two-way forward who can slash to the rim, handle the ball and lace perimeter shots when required. Now that he's fully healthy, he should continue his production as one of the game's bright stars – one that was instrumental in closing out the Pacers at the 2025 NBA Finals.
2025-26 stats: 25.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 7.1 apg
Where Murray lacks high-end athleticism, he makes up for it by being arguably the craftiest offensive player in the league. The veteran has built his career on reaching into his bag of tricks. And when he's on, Murray's capacity for microwave scoring and shooting can be genuinely jaw-dropping. All of this context is why he fits with Nikola Jokić like a glove as his running mate.
2025-26 stats: 20.1 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 3.2 apg
Adebayo coming in at No. 20 still makes him a top-five center or big-man in the NBA. Don't let the 20.1 ppg fool you, he can fill it up with best of them – Remember, 83? The addition of Giannis Antetokounmpo should really open up Adebayo's game and his impact will be felt tremendously.
2025-26 stats: 20.9 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 7.2 apg
There will be times throughout the season when James coasts simply due to age and the mileage on his body. But he proved in carrying the Lakers to a first-round playoff win over the Rockets, when he needs to assert himself, he can still control a game better than most thanks to the best mind in basketball.
2025-26 stats: Did not play due to injury
The last time we saw Tyrese Haliburton play basketball, he led the Pacers to the 2025 NBA Finals, where he pushed the Oklahoma City Thunder to seven games before he devastatingly tore his right Achilles tendon. We don't know how Haliburton will look coming off the injury – which is why he finished this low on the list – but if he returns to form as the season progresses, while running pick-and-roll with Ivica Zubac, then he can easily outperform this spot in our rankings.
2025-26 stats: 26.1 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 6.0 apg
One of the smoothest and most consistent buckets in the NBA, Booker is a three-level scorer who has taken on even more responsibility since a June 2025 trade shipped Kevin Durant to the Rockets. Booker is the face of the franchise, and his silky jumper helped elevate the Suns to a surprise playoff run last season. He may not be the most vocal, but he has also embraced a leadership role, while trying to get the Suns back to legitimate competition out West – six seasons after they reached the Finals.
2025-26 stats: 20.1 ppg, 11.9 rpg, 3.0 apg
Towns' frustrations with his contract situation could be an interesting side note and distraction for the world-champion Knicks, but Towns' professionalism won't let that be the case. As long as he keeps up his stellar playoff play, with timely outside shooting and defense, the Knicks will be right back in contention.
2025-26 stats: 28.7 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 5.1 apg
Brown, the 2024 Finals MVP, has been heralded for his ability to play both sides of the ball, but his offensive output deserves more recognition after being among the top five scores in the league during the 2025-26 regular season. The scenery change to Philadelphia could shine an even bigger spotlight on him, playing alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and LeBron James.
Jaylen Brown skies for a rebound during a Philadelphia 76ers' preseason game on Oct. 5, 2026. No. 14 Tyrese Maxey Team: Philadelphia 76ers
2025-26 stats: 28.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 6.6 apg
Maxey's high-profile teammates will probably make most headlines this year, but make no mistake: The electric point guard is the straw that stirs the 76ers' drink. An explosive first step, an elite shooting stroke and underrated passing vision make Maxey one of the Association's most dynamic offensive players. If the new-look 76ers live up to the hype, Maxey will almost certainly drive their success.
2025-26 stats: 27.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 5.7 apg
Mitchell has earned all-NBA honors in back-to-back seasons for the first time in his career and inked a new $273 million contract extension this offseason that should keep him in Cleveland for the duration of his prime. Questions linger about his viability as a No. 1 option in the playoffs after the Cavaliers were swept in the Eastern Conference finals, but Mitchell remains one of the league's most explosive perimeter scorers and playmakers.
2025-26 stats: 26.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 4.8 apg
For all intents and purposes, this might be Durant's last hurrah, as he will move into fourth place on the all-time scoring list by season's end. The 38-year-old can rely on the young core to give the Rockets hope of making a dent in the West, but Durant's leadership and still-lethal scoring will ultimately decide Houston's fate.
2025-26 stats: 26.6 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 4.7 apg
Whatever decline we're supposed to be expecting from Curry hasn't taken place yet. In the 43 games he was on the court last year, he was still cheffing. His 46.8 shooting percentage was his second highest in the last five years, and he still knocked down 39 percent of his threes.
2025-26 stats: 27.9 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 3.6 apg
Now free of distractions after a year-long saga following an investigation and subsequent discipline involving cap circumvention for the Los Angeles Clippers, let's allow Leonard to reintroduce himself to us. The last time that Leonard played for the Raptors, he was crowned NBA Finals MVP for the second time in his career. Everyone knows what he can do on defense, but Leonard quietly played the second-most games in his career since 2017-18 while averaging a career-high 27.9 points per game at 34 years old.
2025-26 stats: 21.8 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 5.3 apg
Expect Tatum to return to his All-NBA, MVP-candidate form without Jaylen Brown, with one caveat: his health. Tatum was injured again at the worst possible time, as the Celtics were eliminated early in the playoffs. Expecting Paul George to match Brown's production might be a little too much to ask.
2025-2026 stats: 23.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 9.9 apg
Cunningham has put up gaudy numbers for years. Last year was when the young star finally came of age at the helm of a winning Pistons team. At his best, Cunningham is a big, physical and strong guard who leverages every bit of his listed 6-foot-5, 220-pound frame to punish smaller defenders while leaning on a silky-smooth jump-shooting bag. He is a metronome the Pistons can count on to deliver, and perhaps even rescue them, every single night.
2025-26 stats: 28.8 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 3.7 apg
Edwards set career highs for points, field goal percentage and 3-point percentage during the 2025-26 season before a knee injury slowed him in the Timberwolves' playoff run. The franchise is betting that the addition of LaMelo Ball will finally provide Edwards with the elite playmaking point guard he's lacked throughout his time in Minnesota. Already one of the league's most explosive scorers, Edwards enters 2026-27 with legitimate MVP and championship expectations.
2025-26 stats: 26.0 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 6.8 apg
Everybody is better than Brunson until it's time to be better than Brunson. There was no better example than his 45-point magnum opus in the NBA Finals. When the lights are brightest, the 2025 Clutch Player of the Year gets it done.
2025-26 stats: 27.6 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 5.4 apg
Antetokounmpo is still a top-5 player in the NBA, and he has been for nearly the last decade becoming a 10-time All-Star, two-time league MVP, an NBA champion and Finals MVP. He's about to remind everyone just how dominant he can be – even without a consistent jump shot – now rejuvinated and playing in South Beach.
2025-26 stats: 33.5 ppg, 8.3 apg, 7.7 rpg
Dončić has ranked among the top five in usage percentage in each of the last seven seasons, and without LeBron James, don't expect that to change much. With the Lakers on national television 34 times this season, Dončić is expected to take Los Angeles to championship heights. It's too bad the Lakers don't have five Luka's on the floor at once.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic reacts during a preseason game against the Sacramento Kings on Oct. 5, 2026. No. 3 Victor Wembanyama Team: San Antonio Spurs
2025-26 stats: 25.0 ppg, 11.5 rpg, 3.1 bpg
It was genuinely difficult not have Wembanyama at No. 1 overall, but after falling short to the Knicks in the 2026 NBA Finals, it became clear that there is still more room for growth for the Defensive Player of the Year. Expect we see that this season as the MVP favorite looks to make it evident to the rest of the world that he is the best player on the planet. And with a chip on his shoulder after winning the Western Conference Finals, he can do exactly that.
2025-26 stats: 27.7 ppg, 12.9 rpg, 10.7 apg
Though he has a legitimate claim as the top player in the world, Jokić was just edged out. Either way, he might be the best passer in all of basketball – not just among bigs. His footwork is singular, his touch around the rim makes him a nightmare to defend, and he's just the third player in NBA history to average a triple-double in a single season. Last year was the second-consecutive time he did it.
2025-26 stats: 31.1 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 6.6 apg
The two-time reigning MVP had the most efficient offensive season of his career in 2025-26, and his play remained elite in the playoffs with the Thunder battling injuries. SGA is also evolving as a playmaker after setting a career high for assists last season and dishing out nearly eight per game in the postseason. He's already a defining player of this era, but another title with OKC and a third-straight MVP trophy in 2026-27 would elevate him into the conversation with the league's greatest players of all-time.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who are the best NBA players? We ranked the top 100 for 2026-27 season
Source: Sports
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