The NBA offseason is always a time of reflection, speculation, and recalibration—and nowhere is that more evident than in the release of player rankings. This week, NBA.com dropped its much-anticipated list of the Top 10 Eastern Conference players heading into the 2025-26 season, sparking debate, excitement, and, in some cases, controversy. The headline-grabber? Giannis Antetokounmpo once again holds onto the top spot, solidifying his place as the East’s most dominant force. But behind him, the winds of change are blowing strong. Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, and several young stars are rising fast, reshaping the power dynamics in a conference that’s becoming increasingly unpredictable.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s presence at No. 1 is hardly surprising. The two-time MVP and 2021 NBA champion continues to be a model of consistency and excellence. Despite the Milwaukee Bucks falling short in the postseason again last year, Giannis was a statistical juggernaut. He averaged 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game while shooting 61% from the field. His unmatched ability to control the paint on both ends, combined with his ever-improving offensive skillset, leaves little room to argue against his top billing. Even with an aging supporting cast and coaching changes, Giannis remains the most fearsome two-way player in the Eastern Conference.
What has stirred more conversation is the surge of Jalen Brunson to the No. 2 spot. After his sensational playoff performance where he averaged 31.2 points and nearly led the New York Knicks to the Eastern Conference Finals, Brunson has vaulted from fringe All-Star to bona fide superstar. No player in the East made a bigger leap in public and analytical perception than the Knicks’ point guard. Brunson’s ability to control tempo, score in isolation, and perform in crunch time has drawn comparisons to some of the league’s elite guards, and now NBA.com has officially recognized him as such. For a player who wasn’t even considered a top-40 player two years ago, his rise is nothing short of meteoric.
Donovan Mitchell, clocking in at No. 3, is another name whose stock continues to climb despite an underwhelming playoff exit for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Mitchell was consistently brilliant throughout the regular season, averaging 26.9 points and 5.4 assists while improving his defensive intensity. There’s also an off-court angle to Mitchell’s ranking—his uncertain future in Cleveland adds intrigue to his position. Should he remain with the Cavs or find a new home via trade or free agency next summer, his presence as a top-three Eastern Conference player is undisputed. Mitchell’s combination of athleticism, scoring touch, and playoff experience keeps him firmly entrenched among the elite.
Jayson Tatum finds himself at No. 4 on this year’s list—a slight drop from his usual top-two presence. While the Boston Celtics fell just short of winning the NBA title last year, Tatum’s performance was scrutinized more harshly than most. He posted elite numbers—26.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists—but inconsistency in key moments and the emergence of Jaylen Brown as a co-equal star have slightly tempered the enthusiasm around him. That said, Tatum’s ceiling remains incredibly high. With a new contract extension and a roster built for contention, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him reclaim the top spot next year.
Right behind Tatum is his teammate Jaylen Brown, who breaks into the top five for the first time. Brown’s Finals MVP performance and career-best season propelled him to national recognition beyond Boston. Averaging 24.9 points per game and playing elite perimeter defense, Brown showed he could be more than a No. 2 option. His physicality, leadership, and playoff toughness have finally earned him the respect he long deserved. This top-five placement is as much a reward for his growth as it is for his sheer talent.
Jimmy Butler, usually a top-three staple, falls to No. 6 on this list. It’s not so much a knock on Butler’s talent as it is a reflection of his injuries and age. He remains the heart and soul of the Miami Heat and is still a playoff killer, but the lack of regular-season availability and inconsistent offensive nights have taken a toll on his ranking. Still, when healthy, few players can take over a game the way Butler can. His ability to lock down opponents while creating shots out of nothing keeps him firmly in the top 10, even if Father Time is beginning to tap his shoulder.
Tyrese Haliburton lands at No. 7, a remarkable achievement for a player who was traded away by Sacramento just three seasons ago. Now the face of the Indiana Pacers, Haliburton has blossomed into one of the most exciting point guards in the league. He averaged 21.7 points and led the East in assists with 10.3 per game. But it’s not just stats—it’s the flair, the vision, and the feel for the game that make Haliburton so special. With a young, energetic Pacers team built around him, he is poised to be a fixture on this list for years to come.
Bam Adebayo checks in at No. 8, and it’s easy to see why. A defensive anchor for the Miami Heat, Bam’s versatility is unmatched among big men in the conference. He can guard one through five, pass from the high post, and consistently produce double-doubles. While his offensive game may not be flashy, it is efficient and impactful. The Heat rely heavily on his two-way presence, and his development as a more confident scorer over the past two seasons has added layers to his game. His defensive contributions alone would justify a top-10 ranking, but his improved offense solidifies it.
At No. 9, Paolo Banchero makes his debut. The 2022 No. 1 overall pick has quickly lived up to the hype, becoming the centerpiece of the Orlando Magic’s rebuilding efforts. Last season, Banchero averaged 22.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while showing flashes of All-NBA potential. His ability to handle the ball, score from all three levels, and create mismatches at his size (6’10”) make him one of the most unique young players in the league. His ranking is less about what he is today and more about what he’s quickly becoming—a franchise-changing force.
Rounding out the top 10 is Trae Young, whose polarizing style of play continues to divide opinion. The Atlanta Hawks point guard remains one of the best offensive weapons in basketball, averaging 25.5 points and 10.1 assists. But concerns about his defense and leadership persist. Despite his flaws, Young’s ability to dictate the tempo of a game and hit shots from 30 feet out keeps him among the East’s elite. His team may be struggling to find consistency, but Young’s talent is unquestionable.
Notably absent from the top 10 are names like Pascal Siakam, Julius Randle, and Kristaps Porzingis, all of whom have been mainstays in previous rankings. Siakam’s uncertain fit with the Indiana Pacers and Randle’s inconsistency likely contributed to their omissions. Porzingis, though dominant when healthy, has been plagued by injuries, especially in key moments, which ultimately limited his standing.
Another intriguing takeaway from this year’s list is the balance between proven veterans and rising stars. Five years ago, the list was dominated by familiar faces like Joel Embiid, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden. Now, with the torch being passed, the new generation is making its presence known. Players like Haliburton, Banchero, and Brunson are proving that the future of the East is bright—and it’s coming fast.
