Who Is the Best Basketball Player in the World Right Now? (Updated for 2025)

Oscar Collins

Jan 26, 2025

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Basketball has significantly grown worldwide, making the debates about elite players stronger. While it’s hard to compare positions, you can still argue who the top NBA and WNBA players are. So, who is the best basketball player in the world right now?

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What Top Basketball Players Can Stake Their Claim?

Since the NBA’s founding, people have pitted the most famous basketball players against each other. Was Magic Johnson better than Larry Bird? Plenty of people think Bill Russell was better than Wilt Chamberlain. In 2025, only a handful of players can claim they are the best. The immense talent is only growing in the NBA and WNBA.

Basketball on an outdoor basketball court

The Top NBA Players

With a new season underway, it’s time to rank the elite players in The Association. Who can claim they’re the best basketball player in the world? Only these five guys have a valid claim.

1. Nikola Jokić

The Denver Nuggets haven’t gotten off to their desired start in the 2024-2025 season. However, it’s not Nikola Jokić’s fault. The three-time MVP is putting up insane numbers, such as a 56 point-performance in a loss. After the game, he suggested some team members deserve pay cuts if they don’t perform well.

Despite the underperformance, Jokić is the best player in the NBA. Offensively, he can score on all three levels and dish assists in his sleep. While he won’t make the all-defensive teams, the Joker is far from a cone. You could argue he’s already among the best players in NBA history so far.

2. Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Milwaukee Bucks have struggled since their 2021 championship. With zero playoff series wins since that summer, the pressure is starting to mount. However, Giannis Antetokounmpo has put the city on his back. Some analysts thought he fell off, but the Greek Freak is putting on a clinic in the 2024 season.

Giannis deserves the second spot because of his well-rounded and efficient game. Last season, he shot 61% from the field, which is nearly unheard of. His primary weaknesses are free throws and 3-point shooting. If he can ever correct them, he’d be on top.

3. Shae Gilgeous-Alexander

Do you think the Clippers regret giving up this perennial all-star? Shae Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) is the undisputed leader of the young Oklahoma City Thunder. With his offensive and defensive prowess, he sets the tone for his teammates and puts up incredible numbers. If the Thunder reach the top seed again, SGA could win MVP.

SGA’s claim to be the best basketball player in the world lies in his efficiency. Guards typically shoot under 50% because their shot selection is from farther out. However, SGA shot a career-best 53.5% last season to make his mark. He’s tough to stay in front of because his offensive arsenal is so vast.

4. Luka Dončić

Debating who is the best basketball player in the world right now can be divisive because of Luka Dončić. How much do you value offensive and defensive abilities? With Dončić, it looks like he’s playing NBA 2k and turning the sliders way up. However, his defense has to discount him.

Your defense is much more critical in the playoffs, considering a single possession could change the outcome of a series. Last June, Dončić could only watch as the Boston Celtics took advantage of his defensive deficiencies. On the bright side, the Slovenian star is an offensive juggernaut and can do whatever he wants with the ball.

5. Jayson Tatum

Another divisive player in NBA debates is Jayson Tatum. Can you be one of the top basketball players in the world if you didn’t win Finals MVP? The answer is a resounding yes. Last postseason, Tatum led his team in points, rebounds and assists en route to the title. Only five other players have done that!

Tatum can give you 30 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists on any given night. Defensively, he’s sound and can guard the other team’s best forward. While he has occasional bad shooting nights, he can get rolling anytime. You don’t want to be on the wrong end of his hot streak!

The Top WNBA Players

Thanks to its young talent, the WNBA is starting to come into its own. However, the veterans still rule the roost and win championships. These five famous basketball players can claim the crown today.

1. A’ja Wilson

While the NBA rankings are up for debate, the WNBA arguments are closed. A’ja Wilson is the best basketball player in the WNBA world, and her recent accomplishments have demonstrated it. The South Carolina product has won two WNBA championships, three MVPs and two Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) awards.

So, what makes her one of the WNBA’s best? She has nearly everything you’d want for a franchise player. Wilson is as quick as a guard but has excellent size to play forward. While she’s not great from beyond the arc, her mid-range game is on point. Some fans say she’s already in GOAT territory for the WNBA.

2. Breanna Stewart

Breanna Stewart has been in the WNBA since 2016, following her prolific college career. Since she stepped onto the court, she’s been one of the top basketball players in any league. Most recently, she and Jonquel Jones led the New York Liberty to their first WNBA championship.

The New York native has nearly 5,500 career points — the seventh-most among active players. Plus, she’s stepped up her defensive game since joining the Liberty. Stewart might not fill the stat sheet as much as she did with the Seattle Storm, but she’s still among the WNBA elite.

3. Napheesa Collier

The third-best player happens to be Stewart’s business partner in Unrivaled. Napheesia Collier is a relative newcomer to the league, starting her first season in 2019. However, Phee has excelled in the past few years by earning her spot on the All-WNBA First Team. Can she win the title for the Lynx?

Collier’s rise in the WNBA originates with her balanced play. With her offensive and defensive capabilities, she’ll be among the W’s top players for the next decade. After finishing fourth in MVP voting last season, 2025 could be the year that Collier climbs to the top.

4. Kahleah Copper

Kahleah Copper’s 2021 Finals MVP feels like it was a long time ago. However, the Phoenix Mercury wing has played excellent since being traded. Last season, Copper averaged a career-high in points with 21.1 points per game and 81% from the free-throw line. She also added a gold medal after defeating France in the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Copper is the best player on an average-at-best squad, so how do you rank her among the WNBA’s upper echelon? She’s the best scorer on the team, so that gets consideration. Copper’s late-game clutch shooting also boosts her profile.

5. Alyssa Thomas

If there is a Jokić of the WNBA, it’s likely Alyssa Thomas. The Connecticut Suns forward is consistently near the top of the assists and rebounding leaders, which is impressive for a post player. While she’s not among the most famous basketball players today, Thomas is an athlete you must see in person.

Thomas excels because of her court vision and physicality. As a point forward, she can distribute the ball and score if necessary. This type of player is valuable in the NBA, WNBA and any sports league you play in. If she can improve her shooting, Thomas could take the Sun to new heights.

What Young Stars Are Coming for the Throne?

The top players in each league can only hold their spot for so long. Who is fighting to be the best basketball player in the world right now? The future is bright for the NBA and WNBA.

The NBA’s Future

Top NBA players like LeBron James and Steph Curry are getting closer to retirement. Who’s ready to take their place? Here are five guys racing to the mountaintop.

1. Victor Wembanyama

Where do we begin with this kid? The 7’4” rookie out of France has the most unique frame and skill set in NBA history. His height immediately makes him one of the best defenders and rebounders in the league. While the center typically handles rebounding and shot-blocking, Wembanyama does it all.

Need a 3-pointer? Wembanyama has got it. Is the opponent driving to the rim? He can block it. The San Antonio Spur is a Swiss army knife and will be a dominant force for over a decade. Considering the NBA’s history with extremely tall players, his extraordinary height could be a factor. Yao Ming and Manute Bol had shorter careers due to injuries.

2. Anthony Edwards

If you ask Anthony Edwards, he’d say he is the best basketball player in the world. This confidence has led Ant-Man and the Minnesota Timberwolves to more success than they’ve seen since the days of Kevin Garnett. Edwards’ demeanor and aggressiveness put him among the NBA’s elite.

Edwards’ stats have slightly dipped since last season, though the Timberwolves are still figuring out how to play with their new crew. Trading Karl Anthony-Towns and gaining Julius Randle could affect Ant-Man’s forward trajectory, though he’s too good to stumble. With his antics and huge dunks, he’s also among the most famous young basketball players.

3. Paolo Banchero

The Orlando Magic don’t get many primetime games. Therefore, many basketball fans don’t regularly see Paolo Banchero and the terrific basketball he plays. Since the 2022 NBA Draft, Banchero has been nothing short of spectacular. He became an All-Star in year two and helped the Magic make the playoffs.

It only took Banchero four games to cement his place as one of the best young basketball players. Against the Pacers, Banchero scored a career-high 50 points in a terrific win. Unfortunately, an oblique injury has sidelined him for the foreseeable future. Regardless, he’s the future of the franchise.

4. Tyrese Maxey

Tyrese Maxey has the luxury of playing alongside Joel Embiid, who demands significant attention on the offensive end. With the former MVP on his side, Maxey still shines in his own right through excellent guard play. Embiid often misses games, so the former Kentucky Wildcat has had to command the team.

Maxey’s road to NBA stardom nearly came out of nowhere. Ben Simmons was supposed to be the star but demanded a trade in 2022, leaving the spot open for Maxey. Since the 2022 season, he’s been an all-star-caliber player every season. How far can he take the Sixers with an inconsistent Embiid?

5. Cade Cunningham

The Detroit Pistons had the worst season ever in 2024, winning just 14 of 82 games. While it’s easy to laugh at the franchise, they have one of the top young basketball players in Cade Cunningham. The former No. 1 pick may be the best young talent with the least help around him.

Cunningham could be an all-star in February due to his stellar play. This season, the point guard has averaged 24 points and nearly 10 assists per game. These stellar numbers typically earn an all-NBA appearance, though the Pistons’ record could inhibit this accolade. Will Cunningham elevate Detroit to playoff status?

The WNBA’s Future

The WNBA saw a 155% increase in viewership from 2023, cementing its place among professional sports. Why are people suddenly interested in the W? It’s because of these five players.

1. Caitlin Clark

The future of the WNBA centers around Caitlin Clark. Since her days at Iowa, the point guard has drawn eyeballs to the TV because of her stellar performances. Even in the WNBA, she’s maintained her high level of play and draw ratings. In Clark’s rookie season, her meteoric rise caused teams to move arenas for larger crowds.

Clark’s greatness has already been scrutinized by fans, players and media. Should she have been on the 2024 Olympic team? Despite the debate, the Indiana Fever star rolled on to an excellent rookie season. How many first-year players make the All-Star team and All-WNBA First Team?

2. Aliyah Boston

In 2023, Aliyah Boston wrapped up one of the best college basketball careers by leading South Carolina to three SEC championships and a national title. Since arriving in Indiana, she’s been an excellent tag-team partner with Clark. Boston has two all-star appearances while excelling as an elite rebounder.

The modern game of fastbreak points and 3-point shots hasn’t slowed Boston. Forcing other teams to play her low-post game has been integral to Boston’s success. In two seasons, the center has averaged about 14 points per game on 55% shooting. While the post is her forte, she’s among the W’s best young players.

3. Rhyne Howard

Two years ago, Rhyne Howard won Rookie of the Year and made the All-Star team. While she missed out on the accolade in 2024, she’s still one of the best young players. The Atlanta Dream has plenty of work to do to reach the upper echelon of WNBA teams, but Howard could get them there.

If you want scoring, Howard is the shooting guard you want. The Kentucky product is among the most versatile players in the WNBA and can shoot the long ball. The primary knock on Howard is her inefficiency, as she can shoot under 40% on any night. Still, she has a bright future.

4. Diamond Miller

Positionless basketball is here to stay, as seen in the NBA and the WNBA. With more coaches embracing versatile weapons, it’s hard to distinguish the forwards from the guards. Diamond Miller is an excellent example, as she’s the Swiss army knife of the Minnesota Lynx.

Miller is smaller than some of the WNBA’s tallest forwards and centers, though she can score with the best paint players. Another feather in her cap is her ability to get to the free-throw line. While this aspect of the game has fallen, Miller exploits defenses that play too physical and give her foul shots.

5. Angel Reese

The Chicago Sky missed the playoffs in 2024, though rookie Angel Reese wasn’t to blame. She had one of the best rookie seasons at the power forward position, setting the rookie record for rebounds in a season with 446. At 13.1 per game, she holds the record among all WNBA players.

Defensive rebounds come naturally for forwards and centers, though offensive rebounds demonstrate effort and tenacity. Reese excels on the offensive glass, thus creating opportunities for herself and her teammates. While her offensive game leaves room for improvement, she has a high ceiling in the WNBA.