The NBA season is entering its most pivotal stretch, where the battle for playoff seeding will intensify. With the playoffs just around the corner, every game carries weight, and the league’s best players are stepping up when it matters most. As we continue our monthly rankings series, it’s time to reassess the landscape in March.
At the top, the MVP conversation remains razor-thin, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic battling for supremacy. But beyond them, there’s a deep pool of stars proving their worth—Giannis Antetokounmpo remains a force of nature, Jayson Tatum is leading the charge for the Celtics, and rising phenoms like Anthony Edwards are making their presence felt. Let’s get into the top 25 players in the NBA in March 2025.
Previous rankings: February 2025
Tier 1
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t just knocking on the MVP door, he might be breaking it down as the best player on the best team in the Western Conference and we have him slightly ahead of Nikola Jokic in the MVP race. The Thunder’s leap to the top of the West has been powered by his 32.8 points, 6.2 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game, along with suffocating defense (1.8 steals per game). His efficiency remains unreal (52.5% FG, 37.1% 3PT, 90.0% FT), and his ability to close out games makes the Thunder a nightmare for opponents.
Nikola Jokic is basketball’s great maestro and easily a top-two MVP candidate this season. The reigning three-time MVP is casually averaging 29.0 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.4 assists on an absurd 57.7% shooting from the field and 42.8% from three, making triple-doubles look like a warm-up drill. Averaging a triple-double as a center is unheard of but do we expect anything less from the all-time great talent?
Giannis Antetokounmpo remains an unstoppable force, bulldozing his way to 30.5 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game while shooting 60.3% from the field. The Bucks have struggled at times, but Giannis is still doing Giannis things—dominating in transition, protecting the rim, and making life miserable for defenders. The only question? Can Milwaukee find the right formula around him before the playoffs?
Tier 2
Karl-Anthony Towns, Jayson Tatum, Anthony Edwards, LeBron James, Luka Doncic
A change of scenery is seemingly what KAT needed to realize his potential as a true superstar. Since arriving in New York, he’s been a perfect fit all season long, averaging 24.2 points and 13.2 rebounds while stretching the floor with his 42.2% three-point shooting. His chemistry with Jalen Brunson has turned the Knicks into a legit Eastern Conference powerhouse.
Jayson Tatum doesn’t need MVP numbers to prove he’s Boston’s franchise guy. He’s been a two-way force all season, putting up 27.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.9 assists while maintaining elite perimeter defense. His efficiency has dipped slightly (45.6% FG, 35.4% 3PT), but his ability to take over games when it matters most keeps the Celtics at the top. The Celtics are title favorites again this season and Tatum is their best player, meaning he is automatically in Tier 2 at a minimum.
If you weren’t convinced before, you should be now—Anthony Edwards is HIM. Minnesota’s franchise cornerstone is pouring in 27.2 points per game while shooting a career-high 40.6% from deep. He’s embraced his defensive responsibilities, and his leadership is shining through in clutch moments. Edwards isn’t just an All-Star anymore; he’s knocking on the superstar door and we need him to take a step to become the face of the league
At 40 years old, LeBron James is still putting up 25.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 8.5 assists like it’s 2013. His 38.4% three-point shooting is a game-changer, and he remains one of the smartest floor generals in the NBA. The Los Angeles Lakers have their ups and downs, but with LeBron leading the charge, they’ll always have a chance. We can’t deny The King a spot in Tier 2 because his impact has been simply incredible as a top 10 player in the world.
Another year, another season of Luka Doncic making the impressive look routine. Since getting back on the court with the Lakers, he’s stuffing the stat sheet with 27.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 7.7 assists while still managing to control the pace of every game. What was Dallas thinking to send him to Los Angeles alongside LeBron James? So far, Luka has been a top-10 player in the world again.
Tier 3
Donovan Mitchell, Kevin Durant, Jalen Brunson, Stephen Curry, Cade Cunningham
Donovan Mitchell has been the offensive engine of a Cleveland team that boasts the best record in the NBA. Averaging 24.2 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.3 rebounds while shooting 38.4% from three, he’s been a force on both ends of the floor. The Cavs have depth, defense, and balance, but Spida’s ability to take over when needed makes them true contenders.
Even at 36 years old and despite the Suns’ poor record, Kevin Durant remains one of the league’s most feared scorers. Averaging 26.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists on an effortless 52.9% shooting, he continues to score from every spot on the floor with ruthless efficiency. The Suns have had their ups and downs, but KD’s consistency is the only thing keeping them from spiraling completely out of control.
Jalen Brunson has been the superstar floor general in New York all season long. Averaging 26.3 points, 7.4 assists, and 3.0 rebounds on 38.4% shooting from three, he’s taken the Knicks to a legitimate Eastern Conference contender alongside Karl-Anthony Towns. His footwork, shot creation, and big-game mentality have made him the heart of the team, and there isn’t a guard in the league who relishes crunch time more.
The Warriors have been increasingly stronger with Jimmy Butler on board, but Stephen Curry is still the most electrifying shooter on the planet and the difference-maker. At 24.3 points per game on 39.8% shooting from three, he remains the ultimate floor-spacer. At 37, Curry has yet to slow down and we have to place him in Tier 3 because his improved play has been amazing to watch.
Cade Cunningham‘s numbers—25.9 points, 9.3 assists, and 6.0 rebounds—don’t tell the full story of his growth as a leader. The Pistons are still quite far from contention, but Cade has been their guiding light, showing poise beyond his years while carrying an offense that lacks consistent talent around him. His efficiency (46.2% FG, 35.2% 3PT) has improved, and if Detroit can surround him with a real supporting cast, he could make the leap to the next tier.
Tier 4
Devin Booker, Tyrese Maxey, Jaren Jackson Jr., Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, Tyler Herro
Devin Booker season has been riddled with inconsistencies around him, but he’s still one of the most polished scorers in the game. Averaging 25.9 points, 6.8 assists, and 4.1 rebounds on 45.7% shooting, he remains the Suns’ offensive catalyst. The problem? Phoenix has yet to find consistent chemistry with its Big Three, and Booker’s impact has been somewhat muted as a result.
With Joel Embiid and Paul George missing significant time, Tyrese Maxey has stepped up as Philly’s go-to scorer. He’s posting career-best numbers—26.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 3.3 rebounds—while shooting 33.7% from deep. His speed, craftiness, and fearlessness make him a nightmare for defenses, and he’s proving that the Sixers have a legitimate second star to build around.
Jaren Jackson Jr. has been the best player on the Grizzlies all year long. He’s averaging 22.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game, anchoring the Grizzlies’ defense while taking on a larger offensive role. His ability to stretch the floor (36.5% 3PT) makes him a rare two-way threat and he has Memphis in a strong spot to contend this year.
Evan Mobley’s defensive instincts remain elite, but his offensive game has finally caught up which is why he made the All-Star Team earlier this year. He’s averaging 18.6 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists while continuing to be a nightmare matchup on defense with 1.6 blocks and 0.8 steals per game. His efficiency (56.8% FG, 36.5% 3PT) has improved, and his growth is a major reason why the Cavs sit atop the standings.
Darius Garland remains one of the smoothest playmakers in the league, dishing out 6.7 assists per game while still contributing 21.0 points on 41.1% shooting from three. He’s taken a bit of a step back in scoring with Mitchell dominating the ball, but his ability to orchestrate Cleveland’s offense is invaluable to their success.
Tyler Herro has been Miami’s most consistent scorer this season, averaging 23.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.7 assists. His ability to create shots off the dribble and knock down tough looks (36.9% 3PT) has kept the Heat’s offense afloat, especially with Jimmy Butler causing a mess within the team before his pre-trade deadline departure.
Tier 5
Damian Lillard, James Harden, Jalen Williams, Alperen Sengun, Jarrett Allen, Trae Young
Damian Lillard’s season in Milwaukee has had many ups and some downs, but he’s still putting up 25.2 points and 7.2 assists. His shooting (45.1% FG, 37.5% 3PT) has been streaky, and his chemistry with Giannis has steadily improved. The Bucks need the best version of Dame if they want to make a title run, and we can’t deny the point guard a spot in the top 25.
James Harden has fully embraced his role in Los Angeles, averaging 22.3 points and 8.7 assists, but his scoring aggression has dipped. The Clippers are rolling, but come playoff time, they’ll need him to tap into that vintage scoring bag. Regardless, The Beard has improved the play of Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac so he deserved credit for that.
Jalen Williams has been the ideal No. 2 next to SGA, averaging 21.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. He plays with poise beyond his years, and his 36.2% three-point shooting has made OKC even more dangerous. Williams has been consistent all year long, especially on defense, and he doesn’t lose his spot in Tier 5.
Alperen Sengun has been Houston’s best player and returns to Tier 5, averaging 19.2 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game while leading the Rockets’ five-game winning streak. His footwork and playmaking as a big man are special, and his continued development when it comes to his passing and awareness earns him a nod among the top 25.
Jarrett Allen remains the backbone of Cleveland’s defense, averaging 13.6 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game. He’s one of the best rim protectors in the league and a perfect complement to Mobley in the frontcourt. Allen has had a great season for the Cavs and keeps his spot in Tier 5 in terms of pure impact.
Trae Young remains one of the league’s top offensive engines, averaging 24.0 points and a league-leading 11.5 assists, but his inefficiency (40.3% FG, 32.2% 3PT) and defensive shortcomings keep him out of the top tiers. Atlanta has been stuck in mediocrity, and questions about his long-term fit remain, but he is the NBA’s assist leader without another star next to him and that has to count for something.
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