N.B.: Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Haliburton, Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard, DeJounte Murray and Fred VanVleet are not included in this edition of the Top 100 due to serious injuries that cast a shadow over their seasons.
40 - Paul George (Philadelphia 76ers) - Down 13 places
He came here to help Philadelphia win the title. But between injuries and not finding a place, he only played half the games and had no impact on his team, who sacrificed their season anyway.
Whispered about in trade rumours, he will have to show that he is still an elite two-way player and get back on track in the quest for the ring he is missing.
Because at 34, he's running out of time.
2024/2025 stats: 16.2 points per game, 1.8 steals per game (41 games)
Projection for 2025/2026: 20.0 points per game, 2.0 steals per game, 40% three-point percentage
39 - Lauri Markkanen (Utah Jazz) - Up 5 places
Two years removed from a season when he earned an All-Star nod, the Finn has not fully shown his role.
He remains a reliable scorer, but he's still part of a bottom-of-the-table team in the West, which he has not been able to improve.
It's time for the youngsters at Utah, but he remains his team's No. 1 scorer. Nevertheless, with all the trade rumours, we wonder what's next for the Finnisher, who is coming off a sensational Euro.
2024/2025 stats: 19.0 points per game, 34.6% three-point percentage
Projection for 2025/2026: 24.0 points per game, 40% three-point percentage
38 - OG Anunoby (New York Knicks) - Up 37 places
He was the role player everyone wanted on their team. It was New York who snapped him up, albeit at a high price, but the Knicks should not be disappointed with their investment.
The Brit had the best season of his career, blending in perfectly with the rest of the team. And at 28 years of age, there is no more doubt surrounding him.
He will be fundamental in New York's endeavor for a title this season.
2024/2025 stats: 18.0 points per game, 1.5 steals per game
Projection for 2025/2026: 20.0 points per game, 2.0 steals per game, NBA All-Defensive First Team candidate
37 - Josh Hart (New York Knicks) - Up 21 places
Like Anunoby, Hart has become the role player that everyone absolutely wants on their team.
Hart was one of the Knicks' mainstays and the second most-used player in the NBA (after teammate Mikal Bridges). New York brought in Mike Brown as their new head coach to take the final steps towards the title.
But that won't change Hart's importance, and we can expect to see him all over the floor again.
2024/2025 stats: 13.6 points per game, 9.6 rebounds per game, 5.9 assists per game, 1.5 steals per game
Projection for 2025/2026: 17.0 points per game, 10.0 rebounds per game, 2.0 steals per game
36 - Kawhi Leonard (Los Angeles Clippers) - Down 6 places
Kawhi is one of the stars of today's NBA with a huge list of achievements. But if he's been in the news at all, it's for off-court reasons - a murky money story, as is often the case, following another injury-ridden season.
At 34, his career is all but over. However, the Clippers have huge ambitions for the coming season, and they won't achieve them without a great The Klaw.
Swan song?
2024/2025 stats: 21.5 points per game, 1.6 steals per game (37 games)
Projection for 2025/2026: 25.0 points per game, All-NBA Team candidate
35 - De'Aaron Fox (San Antonio Spurs) - Down 10 places
Fox is going to start his season a little later due to injury, and that mechanically sets him back, as does his shortened last season.
Is being a lieutenant to Wemby a role that could suit him? Perhaps, but San Antonio are looking to move up a gear this season.
This is the time for the dragster to play his part and prove that he is a player who makes a team move forward, not just himself.
2024/2025 stats: 23.5 points per game, 6.3 assists per game
Projection for 2025/2026: 25.0 points per game / 8.0 assists per game
34 - Ivica Zubac (Los Angeles Clippers) - ENTRY
We weren't really expecting the explosion of the Croatian pivot.
But in his ninth season in the NBA, he was impeccable in his role, without asking too much, and finished the year as a Most Improved Player award finalist.
A real threat on the inside, as we've always expected him to be, the hardest part will be confirming that with a Clippers squad full of ball-eaters.
But he doesn't need much to shine, and should still be a handful in the paint.
2024/2025 stats: 16.8 points per game, 12.6 rebounds per game
Projection for 2025/2026: 20.0 points per game, 13.0 rebounds per game
33 - Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat) - Up 13 places
This is a legitimate disappointment.
Just when you thought Jimmy Butler's departure would free him up, it never happened. Now, Miami have sunk in an Eastern Conference with a reputation for weakness.
And yet, on paper, he is indisputably the Heat's best player. But after all, maybe he was made to be a lieutenant. It's up to him to prove us wrong.
2024/2025 stats: 18.1 points per game, 9.6 rebounds per game
Projection for 2025/2026: 22.0 points, 12.0 rebounds per game, All-Defensive Team candidate
32 - Jimmy Butler III (Golden State Warriors) - Down 3 places
He won his case and was tarded to Golden State.
From the leader who took his team to the NBA Finals, he has become Stephen Curry's luxury lieutenant. You could call that a 'downfall', especially at 36 with his best years behind him. But he still showed in the playoffs what he could bring to the table, and this is probably his last chance to shine.
2024/2025 stats: 17.5 points per game, 5.4 rebounds per game, 5.4 assists per game
Projection for 2025/2026: 20.0 points per game, All-Defensive Team candidate
31 - Jaren Jackson Jr (Memphis Grizzlies) - Up 11 places
His start to the season will be slightly delayed. Nonetheless, he has shown that in the storms - and there have been some - he is the true captain of the Grizzlies' ship.
A status that has earned him two All-Star selections and a Defensive Player of the Year award. But to really become a superstar, he has to take his team to the playoffs.
Otherwise, he will remain a good player who has failed to achieve superstar status.
2024/2025 stats: 22.2 points per game, 5.6 rebounds per game, 1.5 assists per game
Projection for 2025/2026: 25.0 points per game, 2.0 assists per game, Defensive Player of the Year candidate