Overview
- ESPN released its 2025 top‑100, and scouts, coaches and executives broadly supported the ordering with expectations that Nikola Jokic stays atop for a couple more seasons.
- A firm top four emerged in Jokic, Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic, with the fifth spot drawing votes for Victor Wembanyama, Stephen Curry, Anthony Edwards, Kevin Durant and Donovan Mitchell.
- LeBron James, Curry and Durant were affirmed as top‑10 players but described as no longer top‑five, with health flagged as a variable.
- Injuries and projected games played heavily influence placements, with Jayson Tatum expected to miss most of the season after an Achilles tear and Joel Embiid downgraded despite top‑tier talent.
- Rising talent is expected to climb quickly, as Cooper Flagg was commonly projected in the top 25–30 next year with some Dallas fit concerns, and Jalen Williams, Cade Cunningham, Donovan Mitchell and Paolo Banchero were cited as potential top‑10 movers if team success follows.