In today’s NBA, efficiency is king. While counting stats tell one part of the story, advanced metrics like Player Efficiency Rating (PER) reveal which players maximize their time on the floor with elite production. Developed by John Hollinger, PER is a catch-all stat that measures a player’s overall per-minute performance.
As we approach the 2025 All-Star break, it’s time to break down the most efficient players at each position based on PER. Including dominant big men putting up monster numbers and dynamic guards leading their teams with pinpoint precision, these are the players who are making every possession count.
What is PER?
Player Efficiency Rating (PER) is an advanced stat created by John Hollinger to measure a player’s overall impact on the game in a single number. It takes into account everything a player does—scoring, rebounding, assists, steals, blocks—while also factoring in efficiency by penalizing missed shots and turnovers.
The league average PER is projected at around 15-15.5, so anything above that means a player is performing at an above-average level. Superstars typically have a PER above 25, while MVP-level players and generational talents often push beyond 30. In simple terms, PER helps us see which players are making the most of their minutes by producing at an elite rate across all areas of the game.
Let’s check the most efficient players per position so far in 2024-25.
Point Guards
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – 31.37 PER
2. Luka Doncic – 24.06 PER
3. Jalen Brunson – 22.34 PER
4. Damian Lillard – 21.96 PER
5. Darius Garland – 21.74 PER
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been nothing short of spectacular this season, leading all point guards in PER with an elite 31.37. His efficiency is off the charts, posting a true shooting percentage of 63.9% while maintaining elite scoring and playmaking. SGA’s ability to break down defenses, get to his spots, and still distribute at a high level has made him an MVP frontrunner and the driving force behind OKC’s rise to the top of the Western Conference.
Luka Doncic, now a Laker, remains one of the most dominant offensive players in the NBA, registering a PER of 24.06. His blend of size, vision, and scoring makes him a nightmare for defenses, and his 21.9% assist rate shows just how much he orchestrates his team’s offense. While his true shooting percentage (57.9%) is slightly lower than some of his peers, Luka’s impact on winning remains undeniable, especially with his ability to take over games in crunch time.
Jalen Brunson continues to prove he belongs among the NBA’s elite, boasting a 22.34 PER while leading the Knicks as their primary shot creator. His footwork in the mid-range is elite, and his 60.9% true shooting percentage highlights just how efficient he’s become. Brunson’s ability to run the offense while maintaining an incredibly low turnover rate has made him a cornerstone in New York’s presence as a serious playoff threat.
Damian Lillard has had an up-and-down year with the Bucks, but his 21.96 PER proves he’s still one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the league. His 24.1% assist rate and 62.3% true shooting percentage show that even with Giannis as the focal point, Lillard is thriving as a secondary scorer and playmaker. While his defensive issues persist, Dame’s ability to hit deep threes and create off the dribble makes him invaluable in Milwaukee’s title chase.
All-Star Darius Garland rounds out the top five with a 21.74 PER, quietly putting together another stellar campaign in Cleveland. His 63.1% true shooting percentage ranks among the best at his position, and his 25.3% assist rate highlights his ability to set up teammates while still being an efficient scorer himself. While Donovan Mitchell often gets the headlines, Garland’s steady play and ability to run the offense are crucial to the Cavaliers’ success.
Shooting Guards
1. Donovan Mitchell – 21.27 PER
2. Ty Jerome – 20.78 PER
3. Devin Booker – 20.34 PER
4. Norman Powell – 19.68 PER
5. Anthony Edwards – 19.59 PER
Donovan Mitchell has been a two-way powerhouse for the Cavaliers, leading all shooting guards with a 21.27 PER. His explosiveness and ability to create his own shot make him one of the league’s toughest covers, and his 17.6% assist rate shows he’s embraced more playmaking duties this season. While his efficiency (58.6% true shooting) isn’t elite, his ability to take over games has kept Cleveland in the thick of the East’s top-tier teams.
Ty Jerome might be the biggest surprise on this list, posting an impressive 20.78 PER despite playing just 19.1 minutes per game. His absurd 64.3% true shooting percentage highlights just how well he’s maximized his role, and his 25.3% assist rate is shockingly high for someone in his position. While he’s not a high-usage star, Jerome’s efficiency and smart decision-making make him an underrated contributor in Cleveland’s rotation.
Devin Booker remains one of the best pure scorers in the league, registering a 20.34 PER while shouldering a massive offensive load for Phoenix. His 59.3% true shooting percentage is solid, but his 21.2% assist rate shows how much he’s evolved as a playmaker. Even with the Suns struggling to find consistency, Booker continues to be their most reliable offensive weapon, putting up big numbers night after night.
Norman Powell has quietly had an incredibly efficient season for the Clippers, posting a 19.68 PER while shooting a scorching 63.3% true shooting percentage. His ability to space the floor and score in bunches off the bench has been crucial for L.A., and he’s even taken on more ball-handling duties with a respectable 9.5% assist rate. No doubt, Powell was an All-Star snub considering his impact.
Anthony Edwards rounds out the top five with a 19.59 PER, continuing his rise as one of the league’s premier young stars. His ability to score at all three levels, combined with his growing defensive presence, makes him invaluable to Minnesota’s success. His 14.3% assist rate shows he’s improving as a playmaker, but turnovers (11.0%) remain an area for growth.
Small Forwards
1. Jimmy Butler III – 23.32 PER
2. LeBron James – 23.19 PER
3. Franz Wagner – 22.32 PER
4. Jayson Tatum – 22.15 PER
5. Cameron Johnson – 18.58 PER
Jimmy Butler III may not always dominate the box score, but his impact is undeniable, and his 23.32 PER leads all small forwards. Efficiency has been the name of the game for Butler, with a stellar 62.7% true shooting percentage and an elite 24.2% assist rate for his position. Even with limited games played due to a season filled with drama, he remains a two-way force who thrives in crunch time, making him one of the most valuable players in the league.
LeBron James is still defying time and logic, ranking second among small forwards with a 23.19 PER in his 21st season. His 27.3% assist rate continues to be elite, proving he’s still one of the best playmakers in basketball. While his usage and minutes are slightly lower than in past years, his efficiency remains top-tier with a 60.6% true shooting percentage.
Franz Wagner’s steady rise has been one of Orlando’s best stories, and his 22.32 PER is proof of his well-rounded game. His 57.0% true shooting percentage and 16.9% assist rate showcase his versatility, as he’s comfortable both creating for himself and making plays for others. Wagner has quietly become one of the most polished young wings in the NBA, helping the Magic remain competitive in the East.
Jayson Tatum might not lead this list in PER, but he continues to be one of the most complete players in the NBA. His 22.15 PER reflects his balanced production, combining 58.9% true shooting with a solid 17.8% assist rate. While he doesn’t have the gaudy efficiency numbers of some others, Tatum’s ability to dominate in multiple areas makes him the undisputed leader of the championship-contending Celtics.
Cameron Johnson might be the biggest surprise in the top five, but his efficiency numbers don’t lie. His 65.2% true shooting percentage is elite, and his 15.2% assist rate shows he’s more than just a shooter. Even in a turbulent season for Brooklyn, Johnson’s ability to stretch the floor and contribute efficiently has been a bright spot for the Nets.
Power Forwards
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo – 29.97 PER
2. Anthony Davis – 27.51 PER
3. Zion Williamson – 27.26 PER
4. Domantas Sabonis – 23.62 PER
5. Evan Mobley – 22.85 PER
Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to be a dominant force, leading all power forwards with a staggering 29.97 PER. His absurd combination of size, speed, and skill makes him virtually unstoppable, as evidenced by his 62.0% true shooting percentage. Despite Milwaukee’s ups and downs this season, Giannis’ production remains elite—he’s scoring at will, rebounding at a high level, and anchoring the defense.
Anthony Davis has been a two-way monster, ranking second with a 27.51 PER. His 19.8% rebounding rate leads this group, showing his dominance on the glass, and his defensive presence remains elite. With most of his games with the Lakers with only one appearance with the Mavericks this season, Davis’ ability to anchor the paint, protect the rim, and be a reliable offensive weapon has kept them competitive.
Zion Williamson hasn’t played as many games as others on this list, but when he’s on the floor, he’s a wrecking ball. His 27.26 PER is a testament to his efficiency and physical dominance—he bulldozes his way to the rim with a 58.6% true shooting percentage while also flashing improved playmaking with a 17.3% assist rate. The biggest question, as always, is health. But if Zion can stay on the court, he remains one of the most uniquely dominant forces in the NBA.
Domantas Sabonis remains the hub of the Kings’ offense, and his 23.62 PER reflects his elite playmaking and finishing ability. His 66.8% true shooting percentage is the best among all power forwards, proving just how efficient he’s been as a scorer. On top of that, his 25.4% assist rate is elite for a big man, showing how much Sacramento runs through him.
All-Star Evan Mobley has taken another step forward in Cleveland, posting a strong 22.85 PER while becoming a key two-way contributor. His 64.2% true shooting percentage highlights his improved efficiency, and his defensive versatility remains elite. Mobley doesn’t put up flashy numbers, but his impact is undeniable—his length, mobility, and ability to defend multiple positions make him one of the most valuable big men in the league and a DPOY candidate.
Centers
1. Nikola Jokic – 33.52 PER
2. Mark Williams – 26.61 PER
3. Karl-Anthony Towns – 25.09 PER
4. Daniel Gafford – 25.00 PER
5. Joel Embiid – 24.97 PER
Nikola Jokic is once again proving why he’s the most efficient player in the NBA, leading all centers—and the entire league—with a ridiculous 33.52 PER. His 66.6% true shooting percentage highlights his elite scoring ability, but what truly separates him is his playmaking. Averaging an absurd 28.7% assist rate for a center, Jokic orchestrates Denver’s offense like a point guard while dominating the boards and scoring at will.
Mark Williams has quietly been one of the most efficient big men in the league, posting a strong 26.61 PER in limited action. Is it now clear why the Lakers (headlined by the analytical JJ Redick) wanted to acquire Williams before the trade deadline? His 63.3% true shooting percentage is elite, and his presence as a lob threat and interior defender makes him an underrated weapon for Charlotte.
Karl-Anthony Towns has reinvented himself in New York, playing with more balance while maintaining elite efficiency with a 25.09 PER. His 64.4% true shooting percentage shows how well he’s blending his inside-out scoring ability, and while he doesn’t put up traditional center numbers in rebounding, his offensive versatility makes him a crucial part of the Knicks’ success.
Daniel Gafford is the definition of high-efficiency play, boasting an eye-popping 71.6% true shooting percentage—one of the best among centers. He’s not a star, but his ability to finish around the rim, protect the paint, and clean up offensive rebounds makes him a highly valuable big man for Dallas.
Joel Embiid might have only played 17 games, but his 24.97 PER proves he remains one of the most dominant forces in basketball when healthy. His 58.6% true shooting percentage is lower than his usual efficiency, but he’s still a scoring machine, an elite defender, and a matchup nightmare for any opponent. The biggest concern for Embiid is availability—if he were on the floor more, he’d likely be at the top of this list or at least close to Jokic.
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