Ranking the top 100 players of NBA is honestly a fool's errand. Every single year, we sit down, look at the stats, and try to pretend there's a objective science to it. There isn't. It’s mostly vibes, recency bias, and a healthy dose of "what have you done for me lately?"
Right now, the league feels different.
The old guard is finally, actually, starting to look human. LeBron James is entering his 23rd season. Think about that. Most of the rookies he’s playing against weren’t even born when he was drafted. While he’s still a top-15 talent on his best nights, the consistency isn't what it used to be. Meanwhile, the middle-aged superstars like Steph Curry and Kevin Durant are still "The Guys," but they aren't the undisputed kings of the mountain anymore.
The mountain belongs to the unicorns now.
The New World Order at the Top
If you’re looking for the best player on the planet in 2026, you basically have three choices. It’s Nikola Jokić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, or Victor Wembanyama.
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Jokić is still the standard. He’s a walking triple-double who plays the game like he’s seeing it from a drone. Despite a recent knee scare that sidelined him for a few games in early January, the "Joker" remains the most efficient offensive engine we've ever seen. He doesn't jump. He doesn't run fast. He just wins.
Then you have SGA. Coming off a 2025 where he basically won everything—regular season MVP, Finals MVP, and a ring—he has solidified himself as the ultimate "tough bucket" getter. He’s averaging nearly 32 points per game this season. You can't guard him. You can only hope he misses, and he usually doesn't.
But the real story is Wemby.
Victor Wembanyama is already the most terrifying defensive force in basketball history. He’s leading the league in blocks by a margin that feels like a glitch in a video game. His offensive game is catching up, too. He’s shooting more comfortably from deep and using that 7'4" frame to finish over anyone. Some experts, like those over at The Ringer and Action Network, are already arguing he’s the third-best player in the world. He’s only 22.
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The Middle Class and the Risers
What really makes the top 100 players of NBA interesting isn't the top five; it's the guys ranked 20 through 50. This is where the league's depth is truly insane.
Take a look at Cade Cunningham. For a while, people were ready to label him a "good stats, bad team" guy. Not anymore. He’s transformed the Pistons into a legitimate playoff threat, averaging nearly 10 assists per game. He’s a jumbo playmaker who has finally found his rhythm.
Players Making the Biggest Leaps
- Jalen Johnson (Atlanta Hawks): He’s moved from a fringe starter to a borderline All-Star. His versatility as a 6'8" wing who can pass and rebound is why the Hawks are actually watchable again.
- Trey Murphy III (New Orleans Pelicans): This guy is a flamethrower. In January 2026, he’s been averaging over 30 points a game during a hot stretch. He’s the prototypical modern wing.
- Austin Reaves (LA Lakers): People love to hate on the Lakers, but Reaves is the real deal. He’s moved into the top 50 because he’s a secondary creator who never makes the wrong play.
The Trade That Shook the Rankings
You can't talk about this season's rankings without mentioning the Luka Dončić trade. Seeing Luka in a Lakers jersey still feels weird. He’s still Luka—averaging a league-high 33.6 points per game—but the move from Dallas changed the chemistry of the entire Western Conference. It also bumped Anthony Davis over to the Mavericks, where he’s trying to prove he can be the alpha on a contender without LeBron.
The Grind of the 51-100 Range
This is where things get messy. This section of the list is filled with elite role players and aging stars. You’ve got Rudy Gobert, who is still a defensive anchor but is clearly losing a step. You’ve got Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, who are fighting to stay relevant in a league that is getting faster and more athletic every night.
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A lot of people get upset when they see guys like Herb Jones or Alex Sarr ranked above former All-Stars. But defense matters. Winning basketball matters. Herb Jones might only score 12 points a game, but he shuts down the opponent's best player every single night. In a list of the top 100 players of NBA, that kind of impact is often more valuable than a guy scoring 20 points on a losing team.
What Actually Matters When Ranking Players?
Most people focus on PPG (points per game). It’s easy. It’s flashy. But if you talk to scouts or front-office executives, they’re looking at different things in 2026:
- Gravity: How much does the defense have to shift just because a player is on the floor? Steph Curry still has the most gravity in the league, even at 37.
- Switchability: If you’re a big man who can’t guard a point guard on the perimeter, you’re a liability in the playoffs. This is why guys like Evan Mobley are ranked so high.
- Efficiency: It’s not about how many points you score; it’s about how many possessions you use to get them.
The 2025-26 season has shown us that the gap between the #10 player and the #40 player is smaller than it has ever been. On any given night, Tyrese Maxey can look like the best guard in the league. Jalen Brunson can go for 50. Donovan Mitchell can carry a team to 60 wins.
How to Use These Rankings
Don't treat any "Top 100" list as gospel. They are snapshots in time. If you’re a fan, use them to track who is actually contributing to winning. If you’re a fantasy basketball player, use them to find the "movers" like Wembanyama or Trey Murphy who are seeing their roles expand.
Next Steps for NBA Fans:
- Watch the "Pterodactyls": Focus on the defensive impact of Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren. They are changing how the game is played visually.
- Track the Sophomores: Keep an eye on the 2025 draft class. Guys like Cooper Flagg (now with Dallas) are already knocking on the door of the top 50.
- Look Beyond the Box Score: Next time you watch a game, ignore the points. Watch how a player like Derrick White or OG Anunoby influences the game without touching the ball. That’s what makes a top 100 player.