Ranking NBA Stars Into 20 Different Categories Ahead Of The 2024-25 Season

The NBA is home to some of the most exceptional talents in sports, each player bringing a unique skill set that sets them apart from the rest. Whether it’s LeBron James’ legendary leadership, Nikola Jokic’s unmatched presence, or Kevin Durant’s ice-cold scoring, the league is filled with specialists who dominate their craft. As we dive into the best of the best in key categories, familiar names like Stephen Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and others will certainly pop up—but who truly excels above all? Let’s break it down, starting with the very best in 20 categories.

Best Player – Nikola Jokic

Nikola Jokic is redefining what it means to be an NBA superstar. The Serbian sensation, a three-time MVP and Finals MVP, is perhaps the most versatile big man the league has ever seen. Jokic blends elite scoring with exceptional court vision, transforming the Denver Nuggets into a juggernaut. His unique style—marked by no-look passes, crafty post moves, and an unshakable calm under pressure—makes him a matchup nightmare.

Jokic averaged 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game in the 2023-24 season, a season after leading the Nuggets to their first championship. His basketball IQ is off the charts, as he often makes plays only he can see. Coming off the 2024 Olympics performances where he averaged 18.8 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game proves there isn’t a better player alive right now. 

Worst Starter – Grant Williams

Grant Williams is a starter who’s more known for his grit and defensive tenacity than his ability to put up big numbers. Starting 33 games out of 48 appearances for the Dallas Mavericks, Williams hardly moved the needle as he posted 8.1 points and 3.6 rebounds per game with them, before getting moved to the Hornets. 

While Williams provides value as a 3-and-D player, his offensive limitations and inconsistent shooting make him the weakest starter on the rebuilding Charlotte Hornets, where he plays a less glamorous role. In 2023-24, he started 10 games for them and looks to be the starter going forward. His role as a defender and hustle-first player may be important, but in a league full of star power, Williams stands out as the most underwhelming starter.

Most Underrated – Tyus Jones

Tyus Jones has quietly been one of the most efficient and reliable point guards in the NBA. As the new starting point guard for the Phoenix Suns, he’s often overshadowed by bigger names (and will be behind Devin Booker and Bradley Beal), but his impact is undeniable. Jones boasts the league’s best assist-to-turnover ratio, a testament to his basketball IQ and careful playmaking.

He doesn’t light up the scoreboard, averaging 12.0 points and 7.3 assists per game, but he runs the offense with precision (1.0 turnovers per game) and poise. His ability to control the game’s tempo and make smart decisions under pressure makes him invaluable. Tyus Jones may not get the headlines, but he’s the type of player every coach dreams of—steady, reliable, and criminally underrated.

Most Overrated – Tobias Harris

Tobias Harris has long been considered a solid NBA player, but the hype surrounding him far exceeds his actual impact on the court. A capable scorer, Harris is often praised for his versatility, but he struggles to consistently deliver at a level that justifies his hefty contract. Earning over $25 million next season with the Detroit Pistons, Harris is certainly a good player but that kind of salary demands more impact.

His career averages of 16.3 points and 6.2 rebounds per game are respectable, but they don’t match the expectations or salary of a max-level player. For someone in a prime position to shine, Harris’s performances have been underwhelming, making him one of the most overrated players in the league.

Most Potential – Victor Wembanyama

Victor Wembanyama is the NBA’s most talked-about prospect in years, and for good reason. Standing at 7’4″ with guard-like skills, Wembanyama is a generational talent who has the potential to change the game after winning the 2023-24 Rookie of the Year and finishing second in the Defensive Player of the Year ranking. The French phenom possesses a unique combination of size, skill, and athleticism that allows him to score from anywhere on the floor, protect the rim, and even handle the ball like a guard.

His shot-blocking ability and defensive instincts are already elite, while his offensive game continues to develop. In his rookie season with the San Antonio Spurs, Wembanyama has already shown flashes of brilliance, averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and a league-leading 3.6 blocks per game. The sky is truly the limit for Wembanyama, who could very well be the face of the NBA for the next decade.

Most Wasted Potential – Ben Simmons

Ben Simmons is the ultimate “what could have been” story in today’s NBA. Once hailed as the next big thing, Simmons’s career has been derailed by a combination of injuries, mental blocks, and an unwillingness to develop his offensive game. The 6’10” point guard has all the tools—size, speed, vision, and defensive prowess—to be a superstar, yet his refusal to shoot and his regression in confidence has made him a shell of the player he was expected to become.

After being traded from Philadelphia to Brooklyn, Simmons’s struggles only deepened, culminating in a season where he averaged fewer than 7 points per game (6.7 points). His defensive skills remain elite, but his inability to expand his offensive repertoire has made him the poster child for wasted potential in the NBA.

Best Passer – Nikola Jokic

Nikola Jokic isn’t just the best big-man passer in the NBA; he’s arguably the best passer in the league, period. Jokic’s ability to deliver pinpoint passes from anywhere on the court is the stuff of legend. Whether he’s threading the needle with a no-look pass or tossing a full-court dime, Jokic consistently turns routine plays into jaw-dropping highlights.

He led all centers in assists for the 2023-24 season, averaging 9.0 per game, which is unheard of for a player his size. His vision, timing, and understanding of his teammates’ movements are unparalleled, making him the hub of Denver’s offense. Jokic’s passing is so impactful that it forces defenses to stay on their toes, opening up opportunities for everyone on the floor.

Best Perimeter Defender – Jrue Holiday

When it comes to locking down opposing guards, nobody does it better than Jrue Holiday. The Boston Celtics’ defensive anchor on the perimeter, Holiday combines size, strength, quickness, and elite defensive instincts to smother even the most dynamic scorers. He has been named to six All-Defensive Teams, and his ability to guard positions 1 through 3 makes him invaluable in today’s switch-heavy NBA.

Holiday’s impact goes beyond just stats; his defensive presence is a game-changer, as he regularly takes on the toughest assignments, from Stephen Curry to Damian Lillard. In clutch moments, it’s Holiday who steps up, using his physicality and anticipation to disrupt opponents’ rhythm. The All-Defensive Second Team member finished sixth in the Defensive Player of the Year ranking and was the missing piece behind the Celtics’ championship run last season.

Best Paint Defense – Rudy Gobert

Rudy Gobert has long been the NBA’s premier paint protector, and his dominance in this area remains unmatched. The four-time Defensive Player of the Year has made a career out of turning the paint into a no-fly zone, using his 7’1″ frame, incredible wingspan, and impeccable timing to block or alter shots at the rim.

Opponents are forced to rethink their strategy when Gobert is on the court, as driving to the basket often results in a rejection or a hurried, contested shot. During the 2023-24 season, Gobert averaged 2.1 blocks per game, continuing his reign as the league’s most feared shot-blocker. Victor Wembanyama is hot on Gobert’s heels but we can’t deny the four-time DPOY winner considering his incredible resume.

Most Athletic – Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo is a physical marvel, blending size, speed, strength, and agility in a way the NBA has rarely seen. Standing at 6’11” with a 7’3″ wingspan, Giannis moves like a guard while possessing the power of a center. His ability to cover the length of the court in just a few dribbles, combined with his explosive leaping ability, makes him a nightly highlight reel.

Whether he’s finishing a fast break with a thunderous dunk or swatting away shots at the rim, Giannis’s athleticism is unmatched. His relentless energy and sheer force of will enable him to dominate both ends of the floor, making him one of the most unstoppable forces in the game today.

Best Handles – Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving is the NBA’s resident magician with the basketball, renowned for having the best handles in the league. Watching Irving dribble is like witnessing a master at work; his ball control, footwork, and creativity are simply unmatched. He effortlessly weaves through defenders, using a mix of crossovers, spins, and hesitation moves that leave opponents grasping at air.

Irving’s handles aren’t just for show—they’re his primary weapon for creating scoring opportunities, both for himself and his teammates. His ability to change direction and pace on a dime makes him nearly impossible to guard one-on-one. With the ball on a string, Kyrie is poetry in motion, and this part of his game helped push the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals in 2023-24.

Best Shooter – Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry has revolutionized the game of basketball with his shooting ability, and he remains the undisputed king of the three-pointer. Curry’s range is limitless, as he regularly pulls up from 30 feet or more with the same ease that others shoot free throws. His quick release, impeccable mechanics, and unshakeable confidence make him the most feared shooter in NBA history.

Curry has led the league in three-pointers made multiple times and holds the record for most threes in a season. His mere presence on the court forces defenses to extend well beyond the arc, opening up lanes and creating space for his teammates. The point guard is still the best in the world at his position, posting 26.4 points per game on 40.8% from three in 2023-24.

Best Post Player – Nikola Jokic

Nikola Jokic’s post-game is a masterclass in footwork, finesse, and basketball IQ. Unlike traditional big men who rely on brute force, Jokic uses his mind as much as his body to dominate the paint. Whether he’s backing down opponents, spinning into a soft touch hook shot, or using a crafty up-and-under move, Jokic’s post-play is as effective as it is varied.

His ability to score with either hand, combined with his uncanny passing ability from the block, makes him a dual threat every time he touches the ball. Jokic’s patience and vision allow him to exploit even the smallest defensive mistake, which is why he averaged 58.3% from the field and posted 9.0 assists per game despite being a center who likes to be around the rim. 

Best Role Player – Derrick White

Derrick White epitomizes what it means to be a perfect role player in today’s NBA. Playing for the Boston Celtics, White excels at doing all the little things that help teams win as he posted 15.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game for the team. He was a critical part of the Celtics’ championship run last year, even earning some All-Star Team votes.

Offensively, White is a reliable shooter, especially from three-point range (39.6%), and has shown the ability to make plays for others when needed. His basketball IQ and unselfishness allow him to fit seamlessly alongside stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. White’s versatility, defensive prowess, and knack for hitting timely shots make him an invaluable asset on any contending team and the Celtics love him for that. 

Best Clutch Scorer – Kevin Durant

When the game is on the line, there’s no player more feared than Kevin Durant. The 7-foot sniper is a nightmare in clutch situations, combining size, skill, and an unshakable confidence to deliver when it matters most. Whether he’s hitting a dagger three (41.3%), pulling up from mid-range, or finishing at the rim, Durant thrives in high-pressure moments. 

He’s hit countless game-winners throughout his career, often rising to the occasion on the biggest stages. As we saw in the semifinal game against Serbia in the 2024 Olympics, Durant can wave off help from teammates and kill a game with one jumper – contested or not. Expect the Phoenix Suns to go to Durant whenever they need a bucket in tight games in the 2024-25 season. 

Best Leader – LeBron James

LeBron James has long been heralded as one of the best leaders in sports, not just in the NBA. His leadership extends beyond his on-court brilliance; it’s in his ability to galvanize his teammates, elevate their play, and navigate the complexities of a locker room. LeBron leads by example, setting the tone with his work ethic, basketball IQ, and unyielding drive for greatness.

There was no better leader in the 2024 Olympics than The King, because he unites teammates and also strikes fear into the opposition. His voice carries weight both in huddles and in the broader NBA community. No doubt, the current Lakers superstar is the best in the world when it comes to leadership on the basketball court which is why the expectations will be high for him to win his fifth NBA championship. 

Most Efficient – Nikola Jokic

Nikola Jokic is the definition of efficiency in basketball. The reigning MVP has an uncanny ability to maximize every possession, whether it’s through his scoring, passing, or decision-making. Jokic’s shot selection is impeccable, as he consistently converts high-percentage looks, particularly in the paint, from mid-range, and the free-throw line (81.7%).

He’s also an elite passer, turning potential turnovers into assists with regularity. Jokic finished the 2023-24 season with a shooting percentage of 58.3% from the field, including a solid 35.9% from beyond the arc. His efficiency isn’t just about numbers; it’s about the way he makes the game easier for everyone around him.

Best Finisher – LeBron James

LeBron James is a freight train at the rim, and even at age 39, he remains one of the best finishers in the NBA. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism allows him to overpower defenders and finish through contact with ease. LeBron’s ability to adjust in mid-air and finish with either hand makes him lethal in transition or half-court sets.

Even at nearly 40 years old, LeBron’s touch around the rim, along with his ability to absorb contact and still convert, has been a hallmark of his game. Whether it’s a fast-break slam or a crafty reverse layup, LeBron’s finishing ability is legendary and the best in the world right now.

Funniest Player – Josh Hart

Josh Hart has carved out a niche as one of the NBA’s most entertaining personalities. Known for his quick wit and infectious humor, Hart is a beloved figure both on and off the court. His social media presence is a constant source of amusement, whether he’s cracking jokes, sharing memes, or playfully roasting his teammates.

But it’s not just online where Hart shines—his light-hearted nature and comedic timing make him a favorite in the locker room. NBA players will be the first to admit that Hart is always willing to goof on others on the court or social media, and he is the funniest player right now.

Most Annoying Player – Dillon Brooks

Dillon Brooks of the Houston Rockets has embraced his role as the NBA’s top agitator, a player who thrives on getting under his opponents’ skin. The forward’s brash demeanor, constant trash-talking, and physical style of play make him a nightmare to play against. Brooks isn’t afraid to stir the pot, often targeting some of the league’s biggest stars with his antics.

While his defensive skills are solid, it’s his penchant for pushing the boundaries—both verbally and physically—that earns him the title of the most annoying player. Whether he’s in your face on defense or chirping from the bench, Brooks’ presence is impossible to ignore, making him a polarizing figure in the NBA.

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