USA Today Sports has revisited its preseason ranking of the top 25 NBA players for the 2025-26 season following the All-Star break. Nikola Jokić remains at No. 1, leading the league with a triple-double average, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander holds the No. 2 spot amid a scoring streak nearing a record. The list excludes injured stars like Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Haliburton, and Kyrie Irving.
The 2026 NBA All-Star break provided an opportunity to reassess player performances midway through the 2025-26 season, with playoffs two months away. USA Today Sports' updated rankings highlight shifts based on stats, impact, and team success, omitting players likely to miss most of the remaining games due to injury.
At No. 1, Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić averages 28.7 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 10.7 assists per game, the only triple-double in the league. His vision and footwork give Denver a significant edge, though some note his apparent disinterest in the All-Star Game. Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ranks No. 2 with 31.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.4 assists, maintaining a 121-game streak of at least 20 points, six shy of Wilt Chamberlain's record.
Milwaukee Bucks forward-center Giannis Antetokounmpo is No. 3, averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists, excelling in transition despite calf injuries and a jump shot weakness. San Antonio Spurs forward-center Victor Wembanyama, No. 4, posts 24.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, leading the NBA with 2.7 blocks per game and showing evolving offensive skills. Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards rounds out the top five at No. 5 with 29.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, converting 40.2% from three as the 2026 All-Star MVP.
Notable risers include Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (No. 10 from 20th), leading his team to a 35-19 record and No. 2 East seed despite Tatum's Achilles injury. Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (No. 15, unranked preseason) ranks sixth in scoring at 28.9 points. Preseason top-25 players like Ja Morant, James Harden, and Anthony Davis fell off the list.
Storylines post-break include Tatum's potential return after G League practice, the Spurs' push for the West's No. 1 seed three games behind Oklahoma City, and an MVP race featuring Jokić, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Wembanyama. Tanking efforts by teams like the Sacramento Kings and Utah Jazz have drawn fines from the league.
