This piece is part of our Rankings & Tiers series, which assesses key players, front offices, teams, and franchises across various sports.
Player Tiers 2025: Tier 5 | Tier 4 | Tier 3 | Tier 2
We have now reached the pinnacle of our tier rankings, with the most impactful players highlighted, akin to the All-NBA First Team. Unlike previous tiers, this Tier 1 consists of 10 players deemed first-team caliber, even if they aren’t all on the official All-NBA roster. These players, while well-known, still have areas for improvement and face challenges that could affect their standing.
For this tier, I aimed to identify who should be foundational players for championship contenders. The combination of size, skill, consistency, and impact defines this group. To build anticipation, players will be ranked from the lower end of the tier to the top.
To illustrate, players like Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama might be viewed as Tier 2, but there are valid reasons for considering them higher based on their potential. Edwards, with his impressive size and athleticism, has demonstrated durability and scoring prowess since entering the league. Wembanyama, despite a challenging debut season, showcases extraordinary skills and has immense room for growth. Both show promise but still need to prove themselves consistently at critical moments.
Looking at other established stars, this is a moment marked by transition. Players like Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James are all in need of robust support in what appears to be a dip in their teams’ successes. Curry has excelled as a shooter, but age and injuries have made it tough for him defensively. Durant, although still prolific, is part of a struggling Suns team, while James faces roster challenges that have hindered his effectiveness this season.
Despite challenges, the performance of other players in Tier 1 remains noteworthy. Luka Dončić continues to be an offensive force, while Jayson Tatum has developed playmaking capabilities essential to Boston’s success. Each of these players has areas of strength, and while they may face scrutiny regarding their weaknesses, their presence undeniably influences their teams positively.
In conclusion, the landscape of the NBA is ever-evolving, with players continually working to enhance their game and their teams. The playoffs will serve as a significant platform for demonstrating value and potential, ensuring that some will rise to the occasion while others may fall short. The narrative unfolds as they shape the direction of their respective franchises.
The Rankings and Tiers series is sponsored by E*Trade from Morgan Stanley. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence, with sponsors having no influence over reporting or editing.
(Illustration: Demetrius Robinson / The Athletic; photos: Patrick Smith, Dustin Bradford, Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images)
