The NBA is a star-driven league, and building a championship-caliber team starts with finding the perfect cornerstone. But not all stars are created equal—some dominate with size and skill, others with finesse and versatility. As the 2024-25 season unfolds, we look at the top 10 players who not only light up the stat sheet but also possess the intangibles to lead a franchise into the future. From MVP frontrunners to rising stars, here are the names that every GM dreams about.
1. Nikola Jokic
2024-25 Season Stats: 31.5 PPG, 13.0 RPG, 9.7 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Career Stats: 21.4 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 7.0 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.7 BPG
The current best player in the world and three-time MVP, Nikola Jokic is an entire offensive system on his own. Averaging a jaw-dropping 31.5 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 9.7 assists per game, Jokic has redefined what it means to be a center. His ability to control the game from the post, the perimeter, or in transition makes him a generational talent. Jokic can score, rebound, pass, and show leadership on and off the court, meaning he is the ultimate franchise player.
Jokic’s impact transcends stats—he’s a culture-setter who raises the play of everyone around him. At just 29 years old, his basketball IQ, durability, and unselfish style make him the most dependable foundation for any team aiming for sustainable success. With Jokic, you’re not just building a franchise; you’re building a contender and that has been the case since he became an All-Star player.
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo
2024-25 Season Stats: 32.3 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 5.9 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.5 BPG
Career Stats: 23.7 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 4.9 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.3 BPG
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a pure force of nature. The two-time MVP continues to dominate the league, blending his freakish athleticism with an ever-improving skill set. This season, Giannis is averaging 32.3 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists, proving once again that he’s one of the most unstoppable forces in basketball. His ability to dominate both ends of the floor makes him a cheat code for any franchise.
What sets Giannis apart is his relentlessness. He plays every possession like it’s Game 7 of the Finals, setting a tone that permeates through the team. At 30 years old, Giannis is still in his prime, and his commitment to improving his game each year ensures he’ll remain a cornerstone for years to come. He’s the blueprint for winning in today’s NBA, and he has already delivered an NBA title for the Bucks so there isn’t anything left for him to prove.
3. Luka Doncic
2024-25 Season Stats: 28.1 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 7.8 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Career Stats: 28.6 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 8.3 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Luka Doncic is the embodiment of offensive brilliance. Averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists, Luka controls the game at his own pace, orchestrating the offense with his elite vision and scoring ability. His knack for creating something out of nothing makes him one of the most dangerous players in the league, and at just 25 years old, his best years are still ahead of him.
What makes Luka the perfect franchise cornerstone is his clutch gene. Time and time again, he’s shown he can deliver in the biggest moments, making him a nightmare for opposing teams in tight games. With Luka, you’re building around one of the most uniquely gifted offensive talents the league has ever seen and the Phoenix Suns and Atlanta Hawks have to still be kicking themselves for not taking him in the 2018 Draft.
4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
2024-25 Season Stats: 31.3 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 6.1 APG, 2.0 SPG, 1.1 BPG
Career Stats: 23.5 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 5.0 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.8 BPG
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has arrived as a superstar over the last two seasons, and this season he’s making his case as the league’s best guard. With 31.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 2.0 steals per game, Shai is as complete a player as they come. His ability to dominate offensively while locking down defensively makes him a dream franchise piece.
At just 26, Shai’s ceiling feels limitless. He’s efficient, poised, and thrives under pressure, all while making his teammates better. His leadership is a big reason the Thunder are thriving this season, and any team would be lucky to build around a player this versatile and composed. What is crazy is that nobody expected SGA to be this good and his team is benefitting that tremendously.
5. Jayson Tatum
2024-25 Season Stats: 28.1 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Career Stats: 23.4 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Jayson Tatum is the quintessential modern wing—versatile, athletic, and capable of taking over on both ends of the court. This season, Tatum is posting 28.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 5.5 assists, solidifying his status as one of the league’s elite. His ability to score at all three levels and defend multiple positions makes him an invaluable piece for any team looking to contend.
What makes Tatum even more enticing is his maturity. At 26 years old, he’s already led his team to deep playoff runs and continues to elevate his game. Tatum is the kind of player who can lead a franchise for the next decade while consistently competing for titles, and his raw experience with seven postseason appearances means he is ready for success every season going forward.
6. Anthony Edwards
2024-25 Season Stats: 25.3 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Career Stats: 23.2 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Anthony Edwards is quickly becoming the face of the Timberwolves—and perhaps the league. Averaging 25.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, Edwards is a dynamic scorer who plays with unmatched confidence and swagger. His ability to take over games at just 23 years old makes him one of the league’s brightest young stars.
Edwards has the charisma and toughness to be a leader, and his growth as a defender has added another dimension to his game. With his infectious energy and unshakable confidence, Edwards is the perfect player to build around if you’re aiming for long-term success and excitement. It will also be refreshing to have a young player with an “old-school” mentality built on saying it like it is in an era where that isn’t the case.
7. Victor Wembanyama
2024-25 Season Stats: 25.7 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.0 SPG, 3.9 BPG
Career Stats: 22.7 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.2 SPG, 3.7 BPG
The NBA has never seen anything quite like Victor Wembanyama. At 7’4”, with guard-like skills and an elite defensive presence, Wembanyama is rewriting the rulebook for big men. This season, he’s averaging 25.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, and a staggering 3.9 blocks per game, showcasing his ability to dominate on both ends.
Wembanyama’s potential is as high as his wingspan. At just 21 years old, he’s already a franchise centerpiece, and his combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ ensures he’ll be a generational talent. If you’re building for the future, Victor is the ultimate building block and there is no debate about that.
8. Paolo Banchero
2024-25 Season Stats: 29.0 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 5.6 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.8 BPG
Career Stats: 21.6 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 4.6 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Paolo Banchero made the leap from Rookie of the Year to bona fide star after just one season and it has been a joy to watch. Averaging 29.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game before his injury this season, Banchero is proving to be one of the league’s most versatile forwards. His ability to score, rebound, and facilitate makes him an offensive hub any team would love to have.
What makes Banchero special is his composure. At just 22 years old, he plays with the poise of a veteran and continues to expand his game and he already has a “grown man’s” build in terms of muscularity and power. Paolo is the kind of player you can build around for years, with the potential to lead a team to the promised land.
9. Donovan Mitchell
2024-25 Season Stats: 23.3 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Career Stats: 24.7 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Donovan Mitchell is a proven star with a track record of success. This season, he’s averaging 23.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists, maintaining his reputation as one of the league’s most dangerous scorers. His ability to step up in big moments makes him a valuable cornerstone for any franchise, and he has proven that with the Utah Jazz and Cleveland Cavaliers.
While Mitchell may not have the size of other franchise players, his explosiveness and scoring prowess make him a perennial All-Star. Similar to a young Dwyane Wade, Mitchell combines skill with explosiveness along with pure box office attraction. At 28 years old, he’s in his prime and capable of leading a team deep into the playoffs with the right supporting cast.
10. Ja Morant
2024-25 Season Stats: 21.2 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 7.9 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Career Stats: 22.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 7.4 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Few players electrify a fan base quite like Ja Morant. Averaging 21.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 7.9 assists, Morant is a highlight reel waiting to happen. His explosiveness and creativity make him one of the league’s most exciting players and a perfect choice to build around. When a franchise has Ja Morant, nearly every seat in the building will be consistently filled every night.
It also helps that Ja’s fearlessness in big moments sets him apart. Obviously, Morant has had to endure some growing pains in terms of off-court lifestyle because it isn’t easy to be a bonafide superstar at a young age, but that shouldn’t drop his status out of the top 10 in terms of being a franchise star. At 25, he’s still maturing, but his ability to take over games and energize his team makes him a foundational piece for any franchise aiming for both wins and entertainment.
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