10. Anthony Edwards
Anthony Edwards is a highly popular and rising NBA star in 2025, playing as a guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
In the 2024-25 season, he averaged an impressive 27.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists over 79 games and was selected to play in his third NBA All-Star game.
Edwards is known for his explosive scoring ability, athleticism, and highlight-reel plays, making him one of the most exciting young players in the league.
He has received multiple accolades early in his career, including NBA Rookie of the Month awards, NBA Player of the Week honors, and has a growing fan base worldwide.
Edwards consistently delivers high-scoring games, including a 41-point performance in the 2025 season. His dynamic playing style and charismatic persona have boosted his popularity, establishing him as one of the key faces of the new generation of NBA stars.
9. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) is one of the most popular and elite NBA players in 2025. He won the NBA Most Valuable Player award for the 2024-25 season after leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to the best record in franchise history at 68-14.
Gilgeous-Alexander also secured the NBA Finals MVP, guiding the Thunder to their first championship since moving from Seattle in 2008.
During that season, he led the league in scoring with 32.7 points per game and set multiple records, including the most 20-point games (75) and 30-point games (49) in a single season.
SGA is highly regarded for his all-around skills, averaging 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.0 rebounds in 76 games during the 2024-25 season.
His scoring streak of 72 consecutive games with at least 20 points ranks as one of the longest since the 1960s.
He also became the first Canadian to win the NBA Finals MVP and only the fourth player in NBA history to win the MVP, Finals MVP, and scoring title all in the same season.
His rising popularity transcends basketball as he also led Canada to a bronze medal at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
8. Victor Wembanyama
Victor Wembanyama is one of the most promising and popular NBA players in 2025, playing for the San Antonio Spurs.
At 21 years old, he has already made a significant impact with his rare combination of size (7’3″), skill, and athleticism.
In the 2024-25 season, Wembanyama averaged 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 3.8 blocks per game across 46 games before a season-ending illness. He was selected for his first NBA All-Star game in 2025.
Known for his shot-blocking, scoring ability, and versatility (including making multiple three-pointers), Wembanyama achieved several historic feats, such as multiple games with at least 20 points, 15 rebounds, 5 three-pointers, and 5 blocks.
In the 2025-26 season, he has continued to perform at an elite level, posting stat lines like 40 points and 15 rebounds, demonstrating he is a future face of the league and a fan favorite with global appeal.
7. Luka Dončić
Luka Dončić had a standout 2024-25 NBA season, splitting time between the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers.
He averaged an impressive 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game over 50 games, showcasing his elite all-around game.
Notably, in the 2025-26 preseason, Dončić has already had performances with 43, 44, and 49 points, demonstrating his scoring ability and leadership.
Dončić’s ability to rack up big numbers in points, rebounds, and assists underscores his value as arguably the league’s most versatile superstar.
His shooting percentages also remain strong, with around 46%-48% field goal accuracy and 35%-40% from three-point range.
His popularity continues to surge globally as a highlight-reel player with elite passing and scoring skills, making him one of the faces of the NBA in 2025.
6. Jayson Tatum
Jayson Tatum is one of the most popular and highly regarded NBA players in 2025. He won the NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in 2024 and has been a six-time NBA All-Star from 2020 to 2025, including being an All-Star Game MVP in 2023.
In the 2024-25 season, Tatum averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and a career-high 6.0 assists per game, demonstrating his all-around excellence.
He became the first Celtics player since Larry Bird to make four consecutive All-NBA First Teams and finished fourth in MVP voting, tying his career-best finish.
Tatum’s popularity is boosted by his iconic playoff performances, including scoring 50 points in key games and becoming the first Celtics player to achieve multiple 50+ point playoff games.
He signed a record-breaking $314 million contract extension in 2024, making him the NBA’s highest-paid player.
Despite suffering a season-ending Achilles injury in early 2025, he remains a fan favorite and one of the faces of the league, known for his scoring ability, leadership, and clutch performances.
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo remains an immensely popular and highly respected NBA player in 2025.
Known as “The Greek Freak,” he is ranked No. 3 among the league’s top players for the 2025-26 season and continues to leave a significant mark with his exceptional performances.
In the 2024-25 season, Giannis averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game, showcasing his versatility and dominance.
Giannis is admired globally for his elite two-way skills, work ethic, and leadership of the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite the Bucks’ struggles in recent playoff runs, his individual excellence and historical statistical achievements maintain him as one of the most popular figures in basketball.
Fans and analysts view him as one of the best players of his generation, with ongoing conversations about further championships and MVP accolades solidifying his legacy.
4. Nikola Jokić
Nikola Jokić, the Denver Nuggets superstar, remains the most popular and highly regarded NBA player in 2025.
He is widely considered the best player in the league, ranking No. 1 on major NBA player rankings for the 2025-26 season.
Jokić is a three-time MVP and is known for his exceptional all-around game, including scoring, rebounding, passing, and defensive contributions.
In the 2024-25 season, he averaged an extraordinary triple-double with 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game, joining an elite group of players in NBA history to do so.
Jokić’s basketball IQ and unique skill set as a center make him a focal point of both fan admiration and expert analysis.
His popularity extends globally, and he is seen as the face of the NBA, continuing to push the Denver Nuggets as title contenders.
Jokić’s influence on the game and consistent excellence make him a top NBA player and fan favorite in 2025.
3. Ja Morant
Ja Morant is a highly popular NBA player in 2025, regarded as one of the brightest young stars in the league.
Despite injuries in recent seasons, Morant’s explosive playing style and ability to dominate games have earned him a loyal fanbase and respect across the NBA community.
In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 23.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game, showcasing his all-around skills as a dynamic point guard.
Morant is ranked around 25th among NBA players by several expert panels, reflecting his impact and potential for future success.
Fans value his athleticism, highlight reel dunks, and leadership on the Memphis Grizzlies. His popularity extends globally as he continues to inspire young players with his tenacity and flair.
2. Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry remains one of the most popular and influential NBA players in 2025. Entering his 17th season at age 37, he is still viewed as one of the league’s best point guards and holds a top ranking, which is around No. 5 to No. 7 on major NBA player lists for the 2025-26 season.
Despite facing tighter defenses, Curry made 311 three-pointers in the previous season, marking his sixth career season with over 300 threes, a record unmatched in NBA history.
Curry’s impact extends beyond stats; his shooting ability fundamentally changes how opponents defend, making him the focal point of many game plans.
His disciplined workout routine helps maintain his performance, though age and injury management remain concerns.
Fans revere him as an offensive engine, a leader, and one of the greatest shooters ever. His popularity is global, and he remains a key figure as the Golden State Warriors’ star.
1. LeBron James
LeBron James remains one of the most popular and influential NBA players in 2025, despite being in the twilight of his career.
At nearly 40 years old and entering his 23rd NBA season, LeBron still ranks in the top 10 players worldwide, currently placed at No. 8 in ESPN’s 2025 NBA Rank.
He continues to perform at a high level, averaging around 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game in his latest season, earning All-NBA Second Team honors.
LeBron’s popularity is unparalleled, with a 92% recognition rate among basketball fans in a global survey, making him the second most popular contemporary basketball player after Stephen Curry.
His longevity, consistency, and off-court impact, including philanthropy and media ventures, contribute to his widespread appeal.
Financially, he remains one of the highest-paid athletes worldwide, earning an estimated $133.8 million in the past year.
His presence continues to shape the NBA’s global brand, and fans eagerly follow his quest for further milestones and records.