The NBA is brimming with talent, but not all stars shine the same way. With the Thanksgiving holiday around the corner, we will break down the top 25 players in the league right now, dividing them into five distinct tiers that separate the elite from the rest. Who made the cut as the very best, and who has fallen off? Injuries to stars such as Joel Embiid, Kawhi Leonard, Ja Morant, and Paul George mean they will not appear in the current rankings. Dive in to see where the NBA’s biggest names stand in November 2024.
Tier 1: The Best
Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Nikola Jokic continues to be the most influential player in the NBA, orchestrating Denver’s offense and carrying a heavy burden. Averaging a triple-double with 29.7 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 11.7 assists per game, Jokic’s efficiency and basketball IQ remain unparalleled. With the Nuggets dealing with some roster issues in terms of depth and injuries, Jokic is doing his part as the best player in the world.
Luka Doncic’s combination of scoring, playmaking, and rebounding makes him an undeniable force. Averaging 28.5 points per game with 8.1 rebounds and 8.0 assists, he consistently carries Dallas with his all-around game. Though the Mavericks’ record remains just under .500, Luka’s transcendent talent and unique impact solidify his standing among the very best.
A two-way monster, Giannis Antetokounmpo remains one of the NBA’s most unstoppable forces despite the team’s struggles this season. A top-three player in the world by far, Giannis is anchoring Milwaukee’s defensive and offensive schemes with averages 33.3 points and 12.1 rebounds per game. If Giannis can drag the Bucks to a strong seeding despite their awful start, expect The Greek Freak to compete for his third MVP trophy.
Shai’s rise to superstardom has been swift and undeniable and we cannot deny him a spot among the far elite after finishing runner-up for MVP last year. Leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a strong start, he’s averaging 27.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and contributing across all facets of the game. Since Chet Holmgren will be out for a while, Gilgeous-Alexander will show why he is the best backcourt player in the NBA alongside Luka Doncic.
Tier 2: Bonafide Superstars
Jayson Tatum, Anthony Edwards, Donovan Mitchell, Anthony Davis, Victor Wembanyama
As a dynamic scorer and now an all-around star, Jayson Tatum has led the Celtics to one of the league’s best records (10-3) yet again. With averages of 30.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, he’s emerged as one of the most consistent players in the NBA across the board. Tatum’s versatility and impact on both ends justify his presence in the Bonafide Superstars category because his all-around play has massively improved.
Anthony Edwards has embraced his role as Minnesota’s franchise cornerstone after Karl-Anthony Towns was traded, posting 27.8 points and delivering strong defensive contributions. His athleticism and clutch performances have propelled the Timberwolves into playoff contention despite the pedestrian 6-6 start. We will continue to monitor Edwards’ rise as a possible face of the NBA.
Donovan Mitchell has transformed the Cleveland Cavaliers into an unbeatable team right now with a 13-0 record, averaging 23.6 points per game while playing solid defense. His explosive scoring and leadership have been key to Cleveland’s rise in the Eastern Conference. Mitchell’s all-around contributions make him a standout among superstars and he is showing exceptional leadership skills as well.
When healthy, Anthony Davis is one of the most impactful two-way players, averaging 30.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game. His presence has been essential for the Lakers’ defense and rebounding, although durability concerns remain. Nevertheless, his elite rim protection and scoring place him firmly in Tier 2.
Victor Wembanyama’s season has been nothing short of spectacular, showing elite shot-blocking, scoring versatility, and poise. Averaging 22.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 3.8 blocks per game, he’s already established himself as a franchise player. Wemby’s unique skill set and immediate impact make him an undeniable Tier 2 talent.
Tier 3: Living Legends
Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, LeBron James
Kevin Durant remains an offensive juggernaut with 27.6 points per game and impressive shooting splits. His role as a leader for the Suns and his ability to score efficiently from all areas of the court reinforces his status as a superstar. Durant is back to his best in terms of impact with the Suns and has the team in a strong spot with a 9-2 record. Even at 36, Durant is the best pure scorer in the league and it is great to see him playing at his best after an up-and-down season last year.
At 36, Stephen Curry shows no signs of decline, averaging 23.9 points with a 43.2% three-point percentage. His ability to stretch defenses remains unrivaled, and he’s essential to Golden State’s offensive success. With the Warriors’ impressive start to the year (9-2), Curry’s game-changing talent and veteran leadership are invaluable assets and there aren’t many better scorers in a big game right now.
Even at 39, LeBron James remains highly productive, averaging 24.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 9.4 assists. His leadership and versatility continue to keep the Lakers in the playoff hunt. Though his role has shifted, LeBron’s impact remains superstar-caliber, justifying his place in Tier 2 alongside co-star Anthony Davis.
Tier 4: Franchise Stars
Kyrie Irving, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Haliburton, Devin Booker, Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Maxey, LaMelo Ball
Kyrie Irving continues to be a top scorer, with 25.2 points per game and elite playmaking (4.9 APG) for Dallas. His offensive firepower, especially in tight situations, has helped elevate the Mavericks’ playoff aspirations. Although Luka remains the top star, Kyrie’s franchise-level scoring ability earns him a solid place here.
Tyrese Haliburton is the engine of Indiana’s offense, averaging 16.5 points and 8.5 assists per game. Even if his numbers are not to his usual standard, the point guard is still doing fantastic things with the ball in his hands. Haliburton’s combination of skills and poise makes him an emerging star and well-placed in Tier 3.
Jaylen Brown’s blend of athleticism and scoring (averaging 22 points and 7 rebounds) has solidified his role as Boston’s secondary star. Though Tatum leads, Brown’s contributions on both ends make him a cornerstone. His consistency warrants his Tier 3 status, where he continues to develop as a leader.
Devin Booker isn’t scoring the ball as well as he usually does, but he is playing some great basketball right now as the co-star to Kevin Durant. Averaging 23.3 points and 6.8 assists per game while showing more defensive effort, he remains a franchise-level star. While Durant is the marquee name, Booker’s consistency places him comfortably in this tier.
Jalen Brunson’s leadership and scoring are the backbone of the Knicks’ championship aspirations. Averaging 24.3 points and 6 assists, he has proven to be a reliable closer and floor general. Brunson’s impact on New York’s identity has been undeniable, securing him a deserved place as a franchise star even if he hasn’t hit playoff form yet.
With increased responsibilities in Philadelphia due to injuries to Joel Embiid and Paul George, Tyrese Maxey has emerged as a primary scorer, posting 27.6 points per game. His speed and ability to finish at the rim add a new dimension to the Sixers’ offense. Maxey’s consistency and adaptability make him an exciting franchise piece in Tier 3.
LaMelo Ball’s versatility and creative playmaking, with averages of 29.9 points and 6.3 assists, make him Charlotte’s key piece. His vision and smooth handles have brought a much-needed spark to the Hornets’ rebuild. Ball’s evolving game is promising, and he rightly belongs in this tier because his scoring has been out of this world.
Tier 5: All-Stars
Damian Lillard, Karl-Anthony Towns, De’Aaron Fox, Trae Young, Domantas Sabonis, Evan Mobley
In his second season with Milwaukee, Damian Lillard has continued his elite scoring with 26.0 points per game, despite playing alongside another dominant scorer like Giannis. Despite the atrocious start to the season by the Bucks (4-8), Lillard’s All-Star status is undeniable because the numbers clearly say so.
Karl-Anthony Towns provides the Knicks with valuable floor spacing and rebounding, averaging 26.5 points and 12.2 rebounds. His ability to stretch the floor makes him a unique asset among big men. While Edwards has emerged as the primary star, Towns’ steady play ensures his place as a respected All-Star.
De’Aaron Fox’s blazing speed and scoring efficiency (24.6 points per game) have been vital for Sacramento’s rise in the West. His consistent improvements in shooting and playmaking have cemented him as an All-Star-caliber player, anchoring the Kings’ 7-5 record so far.
Trae Young’s elite playmaking and scoring abilities (averaging 23.9 points and 11.5 assists) remain central to Atlanta’s offense. Although consistency is an issue, his high assist numbers and leadership skills validate his place as an All-Star talent and one of the 25 best talents in the NBA right now.
Domantas Sabonis beats out players such as Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo in this tier because his presence as a double-double threat cannot be understated. He is posting 19.9 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game for the Kings and will always be a threat for an All-Star selection.
Evan Mobley deserves the nod for being a top-25 player in the NBA right now, posting 17.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game for the 13-0 Cleveland Cavaliers. Mobley has been a force defensively and his improvement across the board as an impact player alongside Donovan Mitchell is the main reason for his team’s success.
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