Sat Jan 03 05:10:00 UTC 2026: NBA Year in Review: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Crowned Top Player of 2025

NEW YORK – As 2025 draws to a close, NBA.com’s Shaun Powell has released his annual Player of the Year rankings, recognizing the top performers from the past 12 months, spanning portions of the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons. Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander claims the number one spot after a dominant year that saw him win an NBA Championship, Finals MVP, and lead the league in scoring.

“Shai had one of those dream years that cannot happen unless everything falls right and in place,” Powell wrote.

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić takes the second spot, with Powell acknowledging that Jokić’s individual brilliance rivaled Gilgeous-Alexander’s, especially in the early part of the 2025-26 season.

The rest of the top 10 includes:

  1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)
  2. Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets)
  3. Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves) – Edwards has elevated himself among the game’s elites by hauling the Timberwolves to their second straight Western Conference Finals appearance
  4. Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks) – Brunson, who had the city triggered in a good way, has returned hope to Gotham
  5. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks) – Dealt with injuries that affected his team’s playoff performance.
  6. Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers) – Despite leading the Cavs to the top seed in the East, the team underachieved in the playoffs.
  7. Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons) – His growth as a player coincided with the Pistons’ elevation in the East
  8. Luka Dončić (Los Angeles Lakers) – Dončić remains among the game’s greats and a select few who can impact games with his scoring, passing and rebounding
  9. Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers) – A savior for the Pacers throughout last season and especially the playoffs.
  10. Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics) – Tatum was an MVP candidate who suffered the same injury in the spring and has yet to return to the court since.

Powell’s list sparks debate, particularly regarding the placement of players impacted by injuries, such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Tyrese Haliburton and Jayson Tatum. The rankings are based on a player’s performance throughout the calendar year, rewarding consistent excellence and impact on team success.

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