The 20 NBA Stars Everyone's Talking About Right Now
The 20 NBA Stars Everyone's Talking About Right Now
From reigning MVPs to the league's most electric young scorers — here's who's actually driving jersey demand across the NBA this season.
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Quick Answer: Who's at the Top Right Now
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander enters the season as back-to-back MVP, with Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama right behind him after historic statistical seasons. Below, we walk through all 20 names worth knowing — and whose jersey is worth adding to your collection.
Who Tops the List This Year?
We'll be honest — ranking basketball players is never an exact science, and by the time you read this, someone on this list may have already had a signature game that shakes things up. But a few names are simply undeniable right now.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder, PG) is the reigning back-to-back MVP, becoming just the 14th player in league history to pull off that feat, and he did it while leading Oklahoma City to the 2025 championship. Right behind him, Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets, C) continues to redefine what a center can do, leading the league in rebounds and setting the all-time assist record for his position. Then there's Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs, C), who won Defensive Player of the Year unanimously while still being an MVP finalist — a rare two-way dominance we haven't seen in years.
Rounding out the top tier: Luka Doncic (LA Lakers, PG) led the league in scoring at 33.5 points per game, and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Miami Heat, PF) brings his two-time MVP resume to a new team after a blockbuster trade to Miami this summer.
The Full Top 20, Ranked
| # | Player | Team | Why They're Here |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | OKC Thunder | Back-to-back MVP, 2025 champion |
| 2 | Nikola Jokic | Denver Nuggets | Led NBA in rebounds & assists at center |
| 3 | Victor Wembanyama | San Antonio Spurs | Unanimous Defensive Player of the Year |
| 4 | Luka Doncic | LA Lakers | League scoring leader, 33.5 PPG |
| 5 | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Miami Heat | Two-time MVP, traded to Miami in 2026 |
| 6 | Cade Cunningham | Detroit Pistons | First All-NBA First Team nod |
| 7 | Anthony Edwards | Minnesota Timberwolves | 28.8 PPG, career-best shooting |
| 8 | Jayson Tatum | Boston Celtics | Returned from Achilles surgery in Tier 1 form |
| 9 | Jaylen Brown | Philadelphia 76ers | 2024 Finals MVP, traded to Philly in 2026 |
| 10 | Tyrese Maxey | Philadelphia 76ers | 28.3 PPG, top-6 league rating |
| 11 | Donovan Mitchell | Cleveland Cavaliers | 27.9 PPG, elite playoff scorer |
| 12 | Jalen Brunson | New York Knicks | 26 PPG, 6.8 APG, iron man season |
| 13 | Kawhi Leonard | LA Clippers | 27.9 PPG on 50.5% shooting |
| 14 | Kevin Durant | Houston Rockets | 26 PPG on 52% shooting |
| 15 | Stephen Curry | Golden State Warriors | 26.6 PPG, 4.4 threes a night |
| 16 | LeBron James | Philadelphia 76ers | 24th NBA season, signed with Philly at 41 |
| 17 | Joel Embiid | Philadelphia 76ers | 26.9 PPG in an injury-limited season |
| 18 | Devin Booker | Phoenix Suns | 26.1 PPG |
| 19 | Jalen Williams | OKC Thunder | 2026 All-Star, 40-point Finals Game 5 |
| 20 | Paolo Banchero | Orlando Magic | 22.2 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 5.2 APG |
Which Jersey Should You Actually Buy?
If you're buying for name recognition and resale value, the top five on this list are the safest bets — especially Gilgeous-Alexander and Wembanyama, whose jerseys have climbed fastest in demand this year. If you're buying for a specific city or team loyalty, guys like Brunson (Knicks), Edwards (Timberwolves), or Booker (Suns) are the face of their franchise right now. And if you want a jersey with a great story behind it, Giannis in Miami or LeBron in Philadelphia are two of the most talked-about jerseys in the league this season simply because of how unexpected those moves were.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the best NBA player right now?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander enters this season as the reigning back-to-back MVP and 2025 champion, making him the most commonly cited top player, with Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama close behind.
Which NBA jersey sells the fastest?
Jerseys tied to recent trades and MVP seasons tend to move quickest — think Giannis in Miami, LeBron in Philadelphia, and anything from the reigning MVP.
What size should I get for an NBA jersey?
NBA jerseys run true to size with a tapered, athletic cut. Check our Sizing & Technology Guide for the full breakdown.
How do I know if my jersey is authentic?
Check the stitching, tags, and fabric feel against our Authenticity Guide before you buy.
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Shop NBA Jerseys →By Pro Kit Vault Editorial Team · Last Updated: August 2026 · Rankings compiled from The Athletic, NBA.com and CBS Sports
