The 2025-26 NBA season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. That is due to the immense talent that exists around the league, with nearly every team boasting a star player. But which players stand above the rest?
Ranking players into tiers, Superstars, Stars, All-Stars, and Rising Stars, offers a clear picture of where the league stands. As we approach the 2025-26 campaign, these categories will help narrow down the hierarchy of the world’s best players right now.
Superstars
Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, Anthony Edwards, Jayson Tatum, Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama
Nikola Jokic is still a one-of-a-kind center in today’s NBA. His ability to score at all three levels, dominate on the glass, and create opportunities as the league’s best passer makes him the most complete offensive force in the game. Simply put, he is the best player in the world until further notice.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is coming off one of the best seasons in NBA history, winning an NBA title, Finals MVP, MVP, and scoring title. His ability to control pace, get to his spots, and lock in defensively makes him the clear leader of a surging Oklahoma City team. No doubt, SGA is a bona fide superstar.
Giannis Antetokounmpo remains a generational physical presence who can dominate on both ends of the court. With a championship already under his belt, Giannis is still the league’s most feared two-way force, and if he were on a better team winning more games, he could be a multiple-time champ by now.
Luka Doncic has already established himself as one of the NBA’s premier offensive players at just 26. Whether scoring at will or setting up teammates, Luka dictates every possession he touches, and he already has a Finals berth on his resume. With the Lakers, Doncic has a chance to spearhead a new era with an iconic franchise.
Anthony Edwards leaped from budding star to full-fledged superstar last year. With explosive athleticism and fearless scoring instincts, he’s become the centerpiece of Minnesota’s future. Edwards is the next face of the NBA and has to be recognized as a top-five player in the world.
Jayson Tatum will likely miss the entire 2025-26 NBA season, but he provides Boston with the rare combination of elite scoring and defensive versatility. Tatum’s consistency keeps the Celtics in the championship hunt year after year, and the lack of recognition he gets is almost criminal.
Stephen Curry will be 38 at some point, but he is still a superstar player, with his shooting gravity reshaping how defenses are forced to play. Even in the later stages of his career, he can take over games with scoring bursts that few players in history can replicate. We can’t knock Steph out of superstar status just yet.
LeBron James, similarly, continues to defy age with his ongoing dominance, still producing like one of the league’s best at nearly 41 years old. His playmaking, scoring, and leadership remain the standard for superstars, showing little sign of decline. He’s a living legend and still a superstar.
Victor Wembanyama wasted no time proving that the hype was real. With his unprecedented size, shot-blocking instincts, and fluid skill set on offense, he’s already altering games at both ends of the floor. At just 21, Wembanyama looks poised to take the superstar torch for the next era if he can stay healthy.
Stars
Paolo Banchero, Tyrese Haliburton, Devin Booker, Jalen Brunson, Cade Cunningham, Karl-Anthony Towns, Kevin Durant, Donovan Mitchell, Anthony Davis, Jalen Williams, Jaylen Brown
Paolo Banchero has become Orlando’s franchise cornerstone, and he is approaching superstar status. His ability to create mismatches both inside and out makes him one of the most dangerous young forwards in the league, and we expect a major improvement from him next season.
Tyrese Haliburton is one of the best passers in basketball, and it’s a shame he suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. His shooting range and decision-making allow him to control tempo while elevating everyone around him, and he gets his spot because of how great he was at leading the Pacers to the 2024-25 NBA Finals.
Devin Booker is a lethal scorer who thrives in clutch moments and continues to expand his all-around game. With his shooting touch and improved playmaking, he remains the engine that keeps Phoenix competitive in the West, even if the roster around him is currently questionable.
Jalen Brunson is the heart of the Knicks, with his toughness and scoring ability powering their rise in the East. His leadership and relentless drive have turned him from a role player into one of the NBA’s most reliable guards since he left Dallas. Right now, Brunson is on the cusp of superstardom.
Cade Cunningham, finally healthy, has shown the poise and playmaking that made him a No. 1 pick. His ability to control the game at his own pace makes Detroit’s rebuild look far more promising, and we expect great things coming from the star, including possibly MVP consideration.
Karl-Anthony Towns is one of the most skilled big men in the league, capable of stretching the floor with elite shooting. When locked in, Towns can be a difference-maker for a Knicks team that will feel the East is theirs for the taking in 2025-26.
Kevin Durant, even at 37 years old, continues to deliver as one of the greatest scorers the NBA has ever seen. Even in the twilight of his career, where he is no longer a superstar player, he is still a bona fide star who will be the leader for the up-and-coming Houston Rockets.
Donovan Mitchell is one of the league’s most dynamic shot creators, with explosive athleticism and a very deep scoring range. He gives Cleveland the perimeter firepower needed to complement their young frontcourt and is only lacking distinct leadership skills to take him to that next tier.
Anthony Davis needs to be available because he can be of superstar status. When healthy, his two-way impact makes him one of the most valuable big men in the league, but we haven’t seen him enough on the court. That’s why he is demoted to star status for now.
Jalen Williams is a legitimate star, thriving as a versatile wing who can score, pass, and defend. His all-around game complements Shai Gilgeous-Alexander perfectly in the Thunder’s system, and we respect him in this position among the rankings.
Jaylen Brown has a chance to prove his worth in Tatum’s absence in 2025-26. His athleticism and effort make him an indispensable part of the Celtics’ core, and with the team handed over to him, he has a chance to show why he once signed the biggest contract in NBA history.
All-Stars
Pascal Siakam, Domantas Sabonis, Kyrie Irving, James Harden, Trae Young, Evan Mobley, Kawhi Leonard, Joel Embiid, Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., Bam Adebayo, Damian Lillard
Pascal Siakam continues to be a steady 20+ point scorer with the ability to guard multiple positions. His length and transition game make him an ideal secondary star on any contending roster, and he proved it during his Finals run in Indiana last season.
Domantas Sabonis thrives as one of the NBA’s best rebounders and playmaking big men. His physicality and vision are truly exceptional, and even if he gets underrated at times, we can’t deny that he is a true All-Star in this league.
Kyrie Irving is coming off a major injury last season, and we aren’t sure if he will return to star levels. However, if he is available, there is no doubt he will be an All-Star at least, and that’s what we expect. Irving’s scoring artistry still keeps him as one of the league’s most feared players.
James Harden has transitioned into more of a playmaker, but he still can take over offensively when needed. His passing and experience bring stability to whichever team he leads, and he has been steady and available for the Clippers since landing in Los Angeles after a couple of tough stints in Brooklyn and Philadelphia.
Trae Young is one of the NBA’s elite offensive engines, combining deep shooting range with high-volume playmaking. Though his defense is a weakness, his ability to create offense is undeniable, and we respect him among the other All-Stars on this list.
Evan Mobley was the NBA’s best defender last season, with elite shot-blocking instincts and versatility. As his offensive game develops, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year is becoming a cornerstone piece for Cleveland with a chance to elevate his ranking to a star.
Kawhi Leonard used to be a superstar, but he isn’t anymore. His body is breaking down, the lack of availability is concerning, and off-court issues aren’t helping. But we won’t knock him out of All-Star status since his two-way dominance can still be tapped into.
Similarly, Joel Embiid can dominate as a scoring center, with a blend of power, touch, and defensive presence. His health remains a concern, but at his best, he’s an MVP-level force. However, we don’t see him being at his best as he approaches 32 years old, which is why he is relegated to All-Star status.
Ja Morant, a two-time All-Star, brings unmatched explosiveness and highlight-reel plays every night. If he maintains focus and consistency, he’s one of the most dangerous guards in the league without question. If he wants to be, nothing is stopping Morant from being a superstar in the league.
Jaren Jackson Jr. has carved out a niche as a defensive anchor with elite rim protection. His ability to stretch the floor offensively adds significant value to Memphis, and he is a clear All-Star when looking at his impact behind Ja Morant.
Three-time All-Star Bam Adebayo is one of the most versatile defenders in basketball, capable of switching onto guards while protecting the rim. His playmaking and midrange scoring also keep Miami’s offense flowing, so he does a lot for a Heat franchise that desperately relies on him.
Damian Lillard will also miss the 2025-26 NBA season but still remains one of the most clutch scorers of his generation, with unlimited shooting range and fearless confidence. Even as he ages, the Portland Trail Blazers can’t wait to have him return for them in the 2026-27 season.
Rising Stars
Tyrese Maxey, LaMelo Ball, Chet Holmgren, Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Darius Garland, Franz Wagner, Scottie Barnes
Tyrese Maxey has blossomed into a scoring machine, thriving as a quick, aggressive guard. His shooting and relentless energy make him a dangerous backcourt threat, and his growth could see him jump a few spots in the rankings.
LaMelo Ball, former 2020-21 Rookie of the Year, brings flash and creativity, but he needs to improve his efficiency to be a true superstar in this league. Still, however, his ability to control tempo keeps Charlotte entertaining and competitive.
Chet Holmgren has established himself as a defensive anchor with shot-blocking instincts and mobility. The reigning NBA champion’s offensive skill set stretches the floor, making him a unique modern big, and hopefully, he can reach All-Star status next season.
Alperen Sengun, an All-Star last season, showcases an old-school post game mixed with modern playmaking. His creativity as a passer makes Houston’s offense unpredictable and fun to watch, and “mini Jokic” has a chance to build off a terrific EuroBasket run with Turkey.
Amen Thompson has already shown elite athleticism and defensive upside early in his career. As his offensive game continues to grow, his ceiling looks incredibly high, and there is nothing in the way of him becoming a superstar one day.
Darius Garland, a two-time All-Star, is one of the league’s best young playmakers, capable of orchestrating Cleveland’s offense with pace and precision. His shooting ability gives him a reliable scoring punch as well, which is why he earns a spot on these rankings.
Franz Wagner has become one of the NBA’s most well-rounded wings since his 2021-22 All-Rookie Team selection, combining size, defense, and efficient scoring. His versatility makes him a cornerstone of Orlando’s young core and a perfect complement to Paolo Banchero.
Scottie Barnes has embraced a leadership role in Toronto, showcasing improved scoring while continuing to defend at a high level. His all-around game makes him one of the NBA’s most promising young forwards, and there could be more to come from the one-time All-Star.
