Another fan vote is in, and this time, basketball fans from across the globe have had their say on whom the greatest NBA players in the world are right now. The list is packed with big names, current and former MVPs, rising stars, and championship pedigree, all ranked entirely by public opinion.
Arguments will rage on about who deserves to be where, but there's no doubt such a list reflects a combination of recent form, star power, and impact on the game. From elite scorers to defensive anchors, flashy playmakers to proven winners, every player in this list has made their mark on the league in a big way.
20 greatest NBA players in the world right now ranked by fans (20-11)
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10 Anthony Davis
Current team: Dallas Mavericks
Team USA
Anthony Davis has a combination of size, skill, and defensive ability that continues to make him one of the most impactful big men in the game. Known for his elite shot-blocking and rim protection, Davis can anchor a defence while also stretching the floor and scoring in a variety of ways.
What makes this entry particularly interesting is the timing. Davis is now a member of the Dallas Mavericks, having been traded in a blockbuster deal that saw Luka Doncic move to the Lakers. The trade stunned the NBA world and immediately reshaped the landscape of the Western Conference. For Davis, this is a fresh start and a huge opportunity to lead a contending team in a new environment. With the pressure on and expectations high, fans clearly still believe in what he can deliver. If he can stay healthy and consistent, he may rise even further through future rankings.
9 Jayson Tatum
Current team: Boston Celtics
Team USA Jayson Tatum
Jayson Tatum has firmly established himself as one of the most polished offensive weapons in the NBA. A silky scorer with a deep bag of tricks, he has the ability to drop 30+ points on any given night and make it look effortless. But it's not just about the buckets; Tatum’s playmaking and defensive commitment have come on leaps and bounds over the last two seasons, and he is a certified two-way star.
Leading a Boston Celtics side that regularly competes at the top of the Eastern Conference, Tatum has grown into a true franchise cornerstone. He has already racked up multiple All-Star selections and continues to sharpen his all-round game. His mix of scoring, athletic ability, and leadership make him one of the most complete forwards in the league today.
8 Joel Embiid
Current team: Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid is one of the most unstoppable forces in the NBA when he’s active. His combination of size, technique, and footwork is rare for a player of his stature. Embiid can punish you in the post, hit from mid-range, and even step out for the occasional three-pointer.
Defensively, he remains a major presence in the paint, consistently altering shots and providing elite rim protection. The main concern, as ever, has been fitness. Embiid was deactivated by the 76ers for the remainder of the season back in February after reaching the play-offs became impossible. There can’t be any doubting his ability when healthy. Embiid is a top-tier talent who demands constant double teams, and a fully fit season of Philly’s star player could thrust them into title contention in an instant.
7 Anthony Edwards
Current team: Minnesota Timberwolves
Team USA Anthony Edwards
Anthony Edwards has taken the leap from exciting young talent to genuine superstar. His explosive athleticism, fearless scoring, and infectious swagger have made him one of the league’s must-watch players. At just 23 years old, he is already the face of the Minnesota Timberwolves and a nightmare for defenders in isolation.
What sets Edwards apart is his mentality. He relishes the big moments, thrives under pressure, and is never afraid to put the team on his back. His defensive potential is just as exciting as his offence, and he is steadily improving across the board. Fans have clearly seen enough to believe he belongs in the top 10, with many drawing comparisons to the great Michael Jordan. Based on his current trajectory, we could be seeing a future MVP and face of the NBA.
6 Kawhi Leonard
Current team: LA Clippers
Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard’s career has been a rollercoaster of elite performances and frustrating injuries, but when he’s on the court, his impact is undeniable. A two-time Finals MVP and one of the most complete two-way players of his generation, Leonard combines lockdown defence with clinical scoring.
His quiet demeanour masks a ruthless competitive streak. He can take over games in the clutch and is one of the best isolation scorers in the league. The main issue remains availability. Injuries and load management have limited his time on court, but his talent keeps him in fan favour. When fit, Leonard still looks like one of the most effective and efficient players in basketball and is still looked at by Clippers fans as the man to hopefully lead them to their first-ever championship.
5 LeBron James
Current team: LA Lakers
At 40 years old, LeBron James is in a competition of his own against Father Time, and he’s currently winning. The all-time leading scorer in NBA history continues to put up elite numbers and lead his team into the play-offs. His basketball IQ remains unmatched, and his ability to dictate the flow of a game is as sharp as ever.
Fans have placed him fifth in the world, which is remarkable considering how long he has been at the top. LeBron’s longevity, versatility, and leadership are part of what makes him so special. He can score, pass, rebound, and defend, all while setting the tone for those around him. He may not be the best player in the league anymore, but he’s still very much in the conversation, and to many fans, he’s their GOAT.
4 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Current team: Oklahoma City Thunder
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Thunder
The newly crowned 2025 MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, has exploded into superstardom over the last three seasons. Leading the charge for an exciting young Thunder team on the cusp of a championship, SGA combines smooth scoring with patience, control, and elite footwork. He’s not the loudest personality, but his game does all the talking.
After being a starting rookie for the Clippers in the 2018-19 season, he was part of a huge trade package that saw Paul George head to LA. Little did the Thunder know they’d just hit the jackpot. SGA has improved year-on-year; this season saw him average 32.7 points per game while improving his efficiency and defensive work rate. He plays the game at his own tempo, gliding past defenders and getting to his spots with ease. Fans have responded to his rise, placing him inside the top five, and based on his progression, this may just be the beginning of a long run among the league’s elite.
3 Luka Doncic
Current team: LA Lakers
Luka Doncic pointing
Luka Doncic is a one-man highlight reel. His step-back threes, vision, and fearless approach makes him one of the most entertaining players on the planet. Still just 26, Doncic already plays like a seasoned veteran, and he’s carried the Dallas Mavericks since his rookie year.
Now wearing the purple and gold of the LA Lakers, after a headline-grabbing trade, all eyes are on how he adapts to the spotlight of one of the NBA’s most storied franchises. He arrives in LA with the expectation of not just continuing his brilliance, but leading the next chapter for a team that always demands titles. The pressure will be immense, but if there’s one player built for the moment, it’s Luka, and being teammates with LeBron James certainly helps. Luka’s creativity, scoring ability, and sheer confidence have made him a fan-favourite, and his place in the top three proves he’s seen as one of the very best in the world right now.
2 Nikola Jokić
Current team: Denver Nuggets
Nikola Jokić Denver Nuggets
Nikola Jokic might just be the most unique player the NBA has ever seen. A seven-footer who can pass like a point guard, shoot like a wing, and rebound like a centre, Jokic does it all. His basketball IQ is through the roof, and his calm, methodical style stands out in a league full of explosiveness.
He led the Denver Nuggets to their first-ever championship and continues to put up historic numbers without breaking a sweat. Despite averaging a triple-double in the regular season, he missed out on last season’s MVP award, but many still consider him the best overall player in the league, and for a good reason. Few players in history have blended circus shots and elite production with a frame and demeanour like his, and it could be a long time before we see it again.
1 Giannis Antetokounmpo
Current team: Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo Milwaukee Bucks
Topping the list is Giannis Antetokounmpo, “The Greek Freak,” a physical force of nature who has transformed himself into one of the most dominant players in NBA history. His combination of size, speed, strength, and relentless drive makes him almost impossible to stop. Whether he’s powering through defenders or chasing them down on the break, Giannis plays with unmatched intensity.
He’s already an NBA champion, two-time MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year, and yet he continues to evolve. Giannis leads by example, bringing maximum effort every night and doing whatever it takes to win. He hasn’t just developed into a powerhouse at both ends of the floor, though; he’s also a vocal leader and the emotional heartbeat of the Milwaukee Bucks. His commitment to loyalty, development, and winning culture has resonated with fans around the world. They see that hunger and heart, and it's why they’ve voted him as the best basketball player in the world right now.
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