As we dive into a new era in the league, placing a spotlight on positional excellence becomes more crucial than ever.
RANKED: The Best NBA Players by Position 2025 examines the finest athletes at each role—point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward and center—based on their recent form, advanced metrics and impact on the court.
From game-changing playmakers to dominant front-court forces, this list captures the elite.
Below are the top names at every position heading into the 2025-26 season:
Point Guard
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)
SGA’s ascendancy has been meteoric.
After securing the MVP and Finals MVP, he led his team with scoring, efficiency and gravity that opponents could not ignore.
His versatility and two-way presence make him the undisputed best at the position entering 2025.
2. Luka Dončić (Los Angeles Lakers)
Although technically a combo guard, Luka’s playmaking, triple-double threat and ability to dominate matchups place him firmly in the top tier at point guard despite occasional position ambiguity.
3. Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers)
With elite court vision and improved scoring over recent seasons, Haliburton has developed into a floor general whose pace and spacing amplify his team’s ceiling.
Shooting Guard
1. Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns)
Booker blends elite shooting, scoring volume and playmaking evolution in a way that sets him apart at the SG spot.
2. Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Edwards’ explosion, improved 3-point shot and two-way upgrade push him toward the very top of shooting guard lists in 2025.
3. Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Mitchell remains a one-on-one assassin and clutch performer.
Although his efficiency wobbles from time to time, his impact remains high.
Small Forward
1. LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)
Even in his 21st NBA season, LeBron’s basketball IQ, leadership and all-round skill set keep him atop the small forward discussion.
2. Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
Tatum combines size, scoring variety and improved defense; he is emerging as a standard-bearer for modern small forwards.
3. Mikal Bridges (Brooklyn Nets)
Bridges may not grab as much spotlight yet, but his two-way consistency and fit in high-level lineups give him strong value at SF.
Power Forward – The Best NBA Players by Position 2025
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
The Greek Freak remains the benchmark at power forward: dominant rim-attacker, elite rebounder and improving shotmaker.
2. Anthony Davis (Dallas Mavericks)
Though plagued by injuries, when healthy Davis’ blend of length, rim-protection and post scoring make him arguably the best multi-dimensional PF in the game.
3. Julius Randle (New York Knicks)
Randle’s resurgence as a play-driver and post-threat places him among the top forwards in 2025, propelled by a high usage rate and strong efficiency.
Center
1. Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets)
Jokić continues to redefine the center position thanks to his passing, scoring and court vision.
His place as the top center of his generation remains intact.
2. Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)
Still young but already impacting the game in multiple facets—shot-blocking, spacing, playmaking—Wembanyama is rising fast and closing the gap.
3. Karl-Anthony Towns (New York Knicks)
Known for his shooting and offensive versatility, KAT’s skill set fits the modern center mould and gives him a strong claim among the top three.
These selections reflect the latest consensus from major rankings heading into the 2025-26 season.
As the league evolves, so will positional definitions—and the stars listed here are already shaping basketball’s next chapter.
