- Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo will fight it out at the top
- Some rising stars could be contending for the MVP in a couple of seasons
- 2025 could see a first-time MVP winning the award at the end of the season
As the NBA continues to evolve, projecting the top players for the year 2025 is a challenging yet exciting task. The league is currently home to some exceptional talents, and their growth over the next few seasons will be instrumental in determining who will be at the pinnacle of the game in 2025. Let’s delve into the potential top 10 NBA players for 2025, considering their impressive 2022-23 statistics and the expectations for the 2023-24 season.Â
10. De’Aaron Fox
2022-23 stats: 25.0 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 6.1 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG
In the 2022-23 season, De’Aaron Fox displayed his impressive scoring and playmaking abilities, solidifying his status as one of the league’s rising stars. A dynamic and explosive guard, Fox’s incredible speed makes him a constant threat in transition, putting tremendous pressure on opposing defenses.Â
His ability to create scoring opportunities for both himself and his teammates is a valuable asset for the Sacramento Kings. Notably, he played a pivotal role in leading the Kings to the third seed in the competitive Western Conference last season, marking a significant step forward for the franchise.
Looking ahead to the 2023-24 season, expectations are high for Fox to build on his success. He is expected to continue refining his game, particularly focusing on improving his efficiency and leadership skills. Fox’s development as a leader on and off the court could elevate him to elite status among NBA players.
With the Kings poised for further growth, Fox’s contributions could be instrumental in not only maintaining their position but potentially pushing for a higher seed in the Western Conference. As a result, De’Aaron Fox is certainly a player to watch as he vies for a place among the top 10 NBA players in 2025.
9. Anthony Edwards
2022-23 stats: 24.6 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Anthony Edwards emerged as a standout player during his sophomore season in the 2022-23 NBA campaign. His scoring ability was nothing short of remarkable, and his athleticism drew comparisons to some of the all-time greats in the league. Edwards showcased his potential as a scoring machine, capable of taking over games with his explosive drives to the basket and a developing perimeter shot.
Heading into the 2023-24 season, the expectations for Edwards are sky-high. Fans and analysts alike anticipate him continuing his development on both ends of the floor. One of the key areas of focus for Edwards will be refining his shot selection and enhancing his defensive skills, which would add another dimension to his game.
Additionally, as the Minnesota Timberwolves come to realize that Edwards is destined to be the face of the franchise, he may see an expanded role and more responsibility within the team’s offensive schemes. If he can translate his immense potential into on-court success and contribute to winning, there’s no doubt that Anthony Edwards has the tools to become a top-tier player by 2025.
8. Ja Morant
2022-23 stats: 26.2 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 8.4 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Ja Morant’s rapid ascent to stardom in the NBA reached new heights during the 2022-23 season. His incredible talent as a point guard was evident as he consistently broke down opposing defenses, creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.Â
Morant played a pivotal role in leading the Memphis Grizzlies to their best two regular-season finishes, securing the number 2 seed in both the 2021/22 and 2022-23 campaigns, showcasing his leadership and ability to elevate his team.
As we look forward to the 2023-24 season, Morant is expected to continue honing his skills, with particular emphasis on improving his three-point shooting and decision-making on the court. These developments would make him an even more formidable force in the NBA.
With Morant’s leadership and scoring prowess, he is undoubtedly on the path to becoming one of the top 10 NBA players by 2025. As the Grizzlies continue to improve and aim for a deeper playoff run, Morant’s role as their floor general will be vital to their success, solidifying his position among the league’s elite players.
7. Joel Embiid
2022-23 stats: 33.1 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.7 BPG
Joel Embiid’s dominant presence in the NBA continued to shine during the 2022-23 season. His impressive stats, including an MVP trophy, reaffirmed his status as one of the league’s premier big men. Embiid’s scoring abilities in the paint, coupled with his remarkable three-point shooting for a player of his size, make him a unique and unstoppable force.
His performances in the 2022-23 season were truly exceptional, and he delivered his first-ever MVP trophy, a testament to his greatness. As we look ahead to the 2023-24 season, the key factor in Embiid’s continued success will be his health. Staying injury-free will be crucial for him to maintain his elite level of production and impact on the court.
If he can achieve this and consistently perform at the level he did in the previous season, he is undoubtedly a strong contender to remain in the upper echelons of the league’s best players in 2025. Furthermore, Embiid’s quest to bring a championship to the city of Philadelphia continues, adding even more motivation to his game as he strives for greatness.
6. Devin Booker
2022-23 stats: 27.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Devin Booker’s scoring prowess was on full display throughout the 2022-23 season. His ability to put the ball in the basket consistently has made him one of the league’s most potent offensive weapons.Â
Booker’s offensive repertoire, highlighted by his exceptional shooting skills, has been instrumental in the Phoenix Suns‘ success. He proved his ability to lead a team in high-pressure situations, as demonstrated during the playoffs.
In the upcoming 2023-24 season, the expectations for Devin Booker are significant. He is anticipated to continue serving as the leader of the Suns, aiming to make them legitimate contenders for an NBA championship.
Booker’s scoring ability, coupled with his improved playmaking skills, could place him among the top players in the league. If he can consistently contribute to team success by scoring from all areas of the court and maintaining his impressive efficiency, Devin Booker is poised to solidify his position as one of the top players in the NBA by 2025.
5. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
2022-23 stats: 31.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.0 BPG
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise as a star in the NBA was evident during the 2022-23 season. His impressive stats showcased his versatility as both a scorer and playmaker, making him a valuable asset for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game was a bright spot for his team during a rebuilding phase.
As we project into the 2023-24 season, the continued development and leadership of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be crucial. The Thunder will rely on him to be their cornerstone player as they build for the future. If he can maintain his trajectory of improvement and make significant strides as an all-around guard, he has a promising future as one of the league’s best players by 2025.
Playing alongside other young and talented prospects like Josh Giddey and potentially Chet Holmgren, Gilgeous-Alexander’s growth could help shape the Thunder into a formidable force in the years to come.
4. Jayson Tatum
2022-23 stats: 30.1 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Jayson Tatum’s emergence as a franchise player for the Boston Celtics was evident during the 2022-23 season. His impressive scoring ability and versatility made him a formidable force on the court. Tatum’s skill set and basketball IQ have elevated him to the status of a true star in the league. His contributions were instrumental in leading the Celtics and competing at a high level.
Heading into the 2023-24 season, the expectations for Tatum remain high. He is anticipated to continue serving as the face of the Celtics, leading them to contention in the Eastern Conference. Tatum’s ability to elevate his team’s performance and maintain his individual excellence could position him as one of the top 5 players in the NBA by 2025.
As he competes for personal accolades, including potential MVP honors in the seasons to come, Jayson Tatum is poised to continue making significant strides toward delivering a championship to the city of Boston.
3. Luka Doncic
2022-23 stats: 32.4 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 8.0 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Luka Doncic has already established himself as one of the most promising young talents in the NBA, and his exceptional all-around skills were on full display during the 2022-23 season. Doncic’s scoring, playmaking, and basketball IQ set him apart as one of the most unique players in the history of the sport. His ability to impact the game on multiple levels makes him an invaluable asset to the Dallas Mavericks.
As we look ahead to the 2023-24 season, Doncic’s ascent to superstardom is expected to continue. He is anticipated to lead the Mavericks on deep playoff runs, hoping to overcome recent postseason disappointments after trading for Kyrie Irving in the last stretch of the regular season.
If he can guide his team to success while further improving his three-point shooting and defensive abilities, Luka Doncic is well-positioned to become a top-tier player in the NBA by 2025. Additionally, he is a strong candidate for MVP consideration, given his exceptional talents and the impact he has on the court.
2. Nikola Jokic
2022-23 stats: 24.5 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 9.8 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Nikola Jokic’s remarkable skill set as a center with exceptional passing and scoring ability has firmly established him as an MVP-caliber player. After capturing two MVP trophies and leading the Denver Nuggets to an NBA championship and earning Finals MVP honors, Jokic’s 2022-23 season was nothing short of spectacular. His versatility as a playmaking big man has revolutionized the game, earning him praise from fans and analysts alike.
In the 2023-24 season, the expectations for Jokic are undoubtedly high. He is expected to continue his dominant play for the Denver Nuggets as they aim to contend for another championship. Jokic’s incredible efficiency and leadership will be critical as he seeks to solidify his status as the best player in the league.
With his unique skill set and team success, Nikola Jokic remains a strong contender for being the best player in the NBA by 2025, where he could very well look to threepeat with the Nuggets if they end up defending their crown this upcoming season.
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo
2022-23 stats: 31.1 PPG, 12.2 RPG, 5.7 APG, 0.8 BPG, 0.8 SPG
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s incredible versatility, athleticism, and relentless work ethic were on full display during the 2022-23 season. His impressive stats, including a scoring average of 31.7 points per game, further emphasized his status as one of the league’s premier players. Giannis continued to dominate on both ends of the floor, and his contributions played a pivotal role in the Milwaukee Bucks’ success.
In the upcoming 2023-24 season, Giannis is expected to maintain his dominance and continue leading the Bucks in their quest for further success. The addition of Damian Lillard to the team could potentially unlock even greater heights for Antetokounmpo. Their partnership has the potential to be a lethal combination, creating immense challenges for opposing defenses.
With the possibility of achieving even more team success and personal accolades, Giannis Antetokounmpo is undoubtedly a frontrunner for the title of the best player in the NBA in 2025. His combination of scoring, rebounding, and defensive prowess makes him an undeniable force on the court, and fans can look forward to witnessing his continued journey toward greatness.
In conclusion, the NBA’s landscape is ever-changing, but these players have the potential to continue their growth and impact the league significantly by 2025. Their individual and team accomplishments in the coming seasons will determine their positions among the top players in the world. Basketball fans can look forward to witnessing the evolution of these stars and their journey towards greatness.
