In its latest Top 10 NBA player rankings, The Ringer once again places Nikola Jokic firmly atop the list, reinforcing his dominance as the league’s best. Ranked at No. 1, the Denver Nuggets center continues to set the standard for elite on-court performance and all-around impact. Just a few spots shy of the top, Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, Victor Wembanyama, Anthony Edwards, and Anthony Davis round out the rest of the top tier—but it’s Jokic who remains unchallenged at the summit .
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the list:
No. 1 – Nikola Jokic (Center, Denver Nuggets): Topping the hierarchy once again, Jokic’s MVP-level consistency—blending scoring, rebounding, playmaking—solidifies his position as the league’s premier player.
No. 2 – Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander (Point Guard, OKC Thunder): SGA’s rise has been meteoric; his ability to carry the Thunder as a franchise cornerstone has earned him a firm second place.
No. 3 – Luka Doncic (Guard, Dallas Mavericks): Luka’s elite scoring and passing numbers continue to put him among the elite players in the association.
No. 4 – Jayson Tatum (Forward, Boston Celtics): Just ahead of Giannis, Tatum’s all-around excellence on both ends of the floor has made him worthy of a high ranking.
No. 5 – Giannis Antetokounmpo (Forward, Milwaukee Bucks): Despite some ups and downs, Giannis remains among the league’s most dominant forces.
No. 6 – Jalen Brunson: The Knicks’ leader has secured his place with efficient and impactful play.
No. 7 – Donovan Mitchell: A dynamic and explosive guard, Mitchell continues to shine with his scoring outputs.
No. 8 – Victor Wembanyama: The rookie’s once-in-a-generation talent and defensive versatility have earned him a spot on the list from day one.
No. 9 – Anthony Edwards: Blooming into an All-Star caliber player, Edwards rounds out the top ten with his high-scoring ability and athleticism.
No. 10 – Anthony Davis: Rounding out the top ten is Davis, whose two-way impact when healthy keeps him in the conversation .
Tatum’s placement at the No. 4 spot (or slightly lower if other lists position him at No. 10) highlights his status as a focal point in Boston’s success, balancing scoring, rebounding, and defense. Meanwhile, emerging players like SGA, Luka, Wemby, and Edwards exemplify the changing of the guard in the NBA, with youth and talent reshaping the top tier.
Overall, The Ringer’s rankings reflect both the dominance of perennial MVP candidates like Jokic, and the emergence of a new generation of stars redefining what it means to be an elite NBA player in 2025.
