Who Are the Best NBA Players Right Now? A Definitive 2024 Ranking

As I sit here watching the night's NBA highlights, I can't help but marvel at the incredible talent spread across the league right now. We're truly witnessing one of the most competitive eras in basketball history, which makes ranking today's best players both thrilling and incredibly difficult. Just last week, I was discussing with fellow analysts how the league's landscape has shifted dramatically in just the past two seasons, with established superstars facing fierce challenges from an emerging generation of phenomenal athletes.

When Commissioner Silver recently emphasized that "the PSL is a professional league, and we expect all participants to conduct themselves with the utmost respect and sportsmanship," it reminded me that greatness isn't just about statistics and highlight reels. The best players combine extraordinary skill with professional integrity, something that separates true legends from mere stat compilers. This perspective heavily influences my current rankings, where I weigh both on-court dominance and off-court leadership. Let me walk you through my definitive 2024 rankings, drawing from countless hours of game footage analysis, advanced metrics deep dives, and conversations with league insiders.

Nikola Jokić sits comfortably at number one for me, and honestly, I don't think it's particularly close right now. The Denver Nuggets center is redefining what's possible for a big man, averaging 26.8 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 9.1 assists while maintaining remarkable efficiency. What blows my mind isn't just the numbers—it's how he makes everyone around him better. I've watched him transform role players into crucial contributors through his visionary passing and basketball IQ. His playoff performance last season, where he recorded 10 triple-doubles in 20 games, cemented his status as the league's most impactful player. Giannis Antetokounmpo claims the second spot, though I'll admit his inconsistent jumper sometimes gives me pause. Still, his combination of physical dominance and relentless motor is simply unmatched. The Milwaukee Bucks star puts up 31.5 points and 11.9 rebounds nightly while anchoring one of the league's best defenses. I've had the privilege of watching him live several times, and television doesn't do justice to how physically imposing he is in transition.

Luka Dončić rounds out my top three, and if we're being honest, he might have the highest ceiling of anyone on this list. The Dallas Mavericks guard is a offensive system unto himself, averaging 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists despite facing constant double teams. His step-back three-pointer has become one of the league's most unguardable moves, and his basketball vision reminds me of a young Larry Bird. Stephen Curry continues to defy Father Time at number four, still revolutionizing the game with his limitless range. At 35 years old, he's putting up 28.4 points while shooting 42.7% from deep on 11.9 attempts per game—numbers that would be career highs for most players. I've never seen anyone change defensive schemes quite like Curry does; teams will literally game plan entirely around stopping him, often to no avail.

Joel Embiid occupies the fifth spot despite recent injury concerns. When healthy, the Philadelphia 76ers center is virtually unstoppable, averaging 34.6 points in the games he played this season. His footwork for a man of his size is absolutely breathtaking—I've studied his post moves frame by frame, and the technical precision is something young big men should be required to watch. Kevin Durant at number six continues to be the most pure scorer I've ever witnessed. The Phoenix Suns forward is putting up 29.8 points on historic efficiency at age 35, shooting 52.3% from the field, 41.9% from three, and 87.2% from the line. His mid-range game is literally perfect; I've charted his shots and found he makes contested twos at a higher rate than most players make open ones.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander cracks my top seven as the leader of the surprising Oklahoma City Thunder. His transformation from solid starter to MVP candidate has been incredible to track, and his 31.2 points per game come with elite defense that often goes underappreciated. Jayson Tatum at eight does everything for the Boston Celtics, averaging 27.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 4.7 assists while playing excellent defense. I'll confess I sometimes underrate Tatum because his game isn't flashy, but his consistency and two-way impact are undeniable. LeBron James at nine continues to amaze in his 21st season, still putting up 25.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 7.9 assists at age 39. I've been covering the league since 2005, and what LeBron is doing at his age is simply unprecedented. Devin Booker closes out my top ten with his sublime scoring touch and improved playmaking, averaging 27.5 points and 6.8 assists for the Suns.

Looking beyond my top ten, several players barely missed the cut but deserve mention. Anthony Edwards brings an explosive athleticism that gets me out of my seat every time I watch him play. Damian Lillard's clutch gene remains among the best in the business, while Domantas Sabonis's rebounding and passing make him one of the league's most unique big men. What strikes me about today's elite players is how they embody Commissioner Silver's emphasis on professionalism while pushing basketball to new heights. The respect these players show for the game while competing at the highest level makes this golden era of talent particularly special to cover. As the season progresses, I'll be watching closely to see how these rankings shift, because in today's NBA, greatness emerges when you least expect it.