UPDATE: The highly anticipated NBA Rank countdown is officially underway, revealing the league’s best players for the 2025-26 season. Experts have painstakingly ranked players from No. 100 to No. 51, showcasing both rising stars and established veterans who have proven their worth.
As of today, the rankings kick off with notable inclusions like RJ Barrett of the Toronto Raptors, who averaged a career-high 21.1 points last season. Barrett’s performance has solidified his place at No. 100, highlighting his potential to excel alongside new teammates Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes. This season marks Barrett’s first full year with his hometown team, after being acquired midway through the 2023-24 campaign.
In a surprising twist, Stephon Castle, a rookie from the San Antonio Spurs, debuts at No. 99 after winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award. The No. 4 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft led his class in various statistical categories, including total points and steals. Castle’s dynamic play has set high expectations for his second season.
The Boston Celtics see reigning Sixth Man of the Year Payton Pritchard at No. 97. With superstar Jayson Tatum sidelined due to an Achilles injury, Pritchard’s role could expand significantly, offering him a chance to shine as a starter alongside Derrick White and Jaylen Brown.
Among the other players making waves in this first segment of the countdown are Nickeil Alexander-Walker (No. 96), who joined the Atlanta Hawks to bolster their bench, and P.J. Washington (No. 95), who solidified his position with the Dallas Mavericks by signing a $89 million contract extension.
The countdown will continue, with the next batch of rankings featuring players from No. 50 to No. 11 announced on Wednesday, followed by the unveiling of the top 10 players on Thursday. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly awaiting who will take the coveted top spots.
This year’s NBA Rank was determined through a rigorous voting process involving more than 150 reporters, editors, producers, and analysts, who assessed players based on their expected contributions for the upcoming season. With over 20,000 possible player matchups analyzed, the results promise to spark debates and discussions among basketball fans worldwide.
Stay tuned for more updates as the NBA Rank countdown unfolds, showcasing the talent and potential of players ready to make an impact in the 2025-26 season.
