The new NBA season is a few weeks away. Teams and players are preparing for training camp, which starts on Sept. 29.
The offseason’s major moves have fueled predictions about which stars could emerge as standout performers. With numerous players changing teams, the league is set for a wave of highly anticipated debuts, while returning stars look to build on previous campaigns.
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With everything that happened in the offseason, here’s a look at the top 10 NBA players.
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#1 Victor Wembanyama
Victor Wembanyama is one of the best players in the league despite being just 22. In his third season, he earned his first Defensive Player of the Year award and finished third in the NBA’s MVP race.
Wembanyama is coming off a strong season, having led the Spurs to their first Finals appearance since 2014.
The towering Frenchman is the favorite to win the MVP award next season.
#2 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won his second MVP award last season. He came close to leading the OKC Thunder to a second straight Finals appearance, but lost to San Antonio in the conference finals in seven games.
With his co-star, Jalen Williams, healthy once again, Gilgeous-Alexander will hope to go all the way again. The guard recently teased his fans on Instagram about the offseason work he has put in.
“idk why they call it the offseason bc I still haven’t taken a season off,” he posted.
SGA is projected to average 30 points for the fifth straight NBA season.
#3 Nikola Jokic
Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic came up short in the NBA MVP voting the past two seasons. He has also failed to lead the Nuggets past the second round for three straight years.
Last season was arguably the worst for the Nuggets, as they were eliminated in the first round. The last time the Nuggets lost in the first round, Jokic rebounded by leading them to the championship the following year. Denver is still in the playoff mix even though it made no significant roster changes.
Additionally, Jokic has shown no signs of slowing down, having averaged a triple-double for the second straight campaign.
#4 Luka Doncic
For Luka Doncic and the LA Lakers, health is the biggest concern. Doncic’s 2025-26 NBA season was cut short because of a Grade 2 left hamstring strain. He missed the final five games of the regular season, and he did not play in the postseason.
This summer, he has prioritized his fitness and addressed his conditioning.
This will be Doncic’s first Lakers season without LeBron James.
#5 Giannis Antetokounmpo
After spending more than a decade with the Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo finally asked to be traded this offseason. He was dealt to the Miami Heat, where he will form a dynamic frontcourt duo with Bam Adebayo.
Adebayo and Antetokounmpo’s partnership could transform the Heat into NBA title contenders.
#6 Jalen Brunson
Jalen Brunson and the Knicks head into the 2026-27 season as defending NBA champions. After a historic playoff run last year, the franchise will look to repeat its success and add another title.
On the “Road Trippin’ Show” earlier this month, Brunson expressed his desire to guide the Knicks on yet another successful postseason run.
“I’m ready to turn the page. We’re getting to that point, and we’re saying the right things, but now it’s time; once we get there, can we do the right things? It’s all about our actions, but it ain’t going to be easy. It 100% ain’t going to be easy,” he said.
Brunson is also healthy after suffering a wrist injury during the playoffs.
#7 Jaylen Brown
Jaylen Brown was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers this offseason, and he will be keen to establish his legacy with his new team.
“My mind is so focused on what’s in front of me. To be honest, I’m moving on,” Brown said about his trade from Boston.
Brown will be a part of a formidable starting lineup in Philly, which includes LeBron James, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and Joel Embiid.
#8 Kevin Durant
Last season was Kevin Durant’s first with the Houston Rockets, and it did not go to plan, as they were eliminated by the Lakers in the first round.
Heading into the 2026-27 NBA season, Houston has a healthier team. Fred VanVleet is expected to return after missing all of last season due to a knee injury.
Durant faces immense pressure to lead the Rockets to a deeper postseason run this year.
#9 Steph Curry
The Golden State Warriors did not have the best offseason, failing to sign a big-name player in free agency. However, they still hope to contend for a title with Steph Curry.
The Warriors have an aging core of Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler, who are all over 35. However, their experience could make a difference for Golden State in the playoffs.
Curry missed 27 straight games due to runner’s knee last season, but if he can stay healthy, the Warriors will have an outside shot.
#10 LeBron James
LeBron James left the Lakers after eight seasons and joined the 76ers this summer. James, Brown, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey form one of the most formidable starting lineups in the NBA. The 76ers are among the favorites to win the NBA championship next year.
James will enter his 24th season, but over the past four years he’s shown he isn’t slowing down. His playoff experience could be the difference for the 76ers.
Edited by Arvind Sriram
