The 2024/25 NBA season has given us amazing basketball from both old favorites and new stars. With the playoffs now happening, fans are trying to figure out who’s been the best this season. Looking at the latest stats, here’s a breakdown of the top players who’ve made their mark this season.
Nikola Jokić
No one touches him right now. The Denver Nuggets center has become basketball’s most complete player, carrying his MVP form into the 2025 playoffs. He’s putting up 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game. No one else in the league is averaging a triple-double.
But Jokić means more to Denver than just stats. He runs their offense with a calmness rare for a big man. He’s made the Nuggets a real title threat year after year, thanks to how he leads and shows up every night. The Serbian is a clear front-runner for another MVP trophy.
As Aaron Gordon put it, “He’s a basketball genius. He’s playing it like it’s chess, seeing it three steps ahead.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo
In the East, Giannis Antetokounmpo remains Milwaukee’s driving force. The Greek star is averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists. He’s easily among the league’s most productive players with such numbers. His energy on both ends keeps the Bucks in the championship hunt, even as the East gets tougher.
Giannis built his game on strength and quickness, but he keeps adding new skills. His passing gets better every year, and few can match his defense.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is unarguably the most improved player in the division. When he’s not sharing quotes on Instagram, SGA leads the NBA in scoring with 32.7 points per game. He’s turned the Oklahoma City Thunder from rebuilders into playoff contenders. He creates his own shots, sets up teammates, and plays tough defense. The man’s a real MVP candidate whether you clown him for his free throws or not.
Luka Dončić
Everyone remembers the moment they saw the trade that brought Luka Dončić to the Lakers. It shook up the season. Dončić fit right in, though, averaging 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists since joining. His arrival gave the Lakers new life, pushing them into the playoffs.
Dončić controls the game’s speed, hits big shots when needed, and makes everyone around him better. Lakers fans love him for it.
Although, his team recently lost the Round 1 series to Minnesota, he had some positive words: “I’m really glad I am here, I had a great couple of months. I am still trying to learn about everything, about the city, about the team. I am just trying to process everything.”
Victor Wembanyama
Few rookies have entered the NBA with as much hype as Victor Wembanyama. Safe to say the French giant has lived up to it all. The Spurs center is already averaging 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. When we talk about blocks, he also leads the pack. No player his age has ever combined his size with such skill.
Wembanyama changes games at both ends. He blocks shots, spreads the floor with his shooting, and already leads San Antonio’s rebuild. If he keeps growing as a player, MVP talks will start very soon.
Jayson Tatum
Jayson Tatum has pushed the Celtics to the top of the East. He’s averaging 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game. He plays both ends of the floor well and steps up in big moments. That’s quickly made him the face of Celtics basketball.
LeBron James and Kevin Durant
We’re putting the vets together for this one. LeBron James and Kevin Durant have found a way to remain in the discussion while new stars come and go. LeBron, now 40, still puts up 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game.
He’s beating time itself while leading the Lakers with Dončić. Durant remains one of the league’s most efficient scorers, averaging 26.6 points for the Suns. Their staying power really makes you question what it means to be a pro.
Other Stars Making Noise
This season has also seen players like Tyrese Maxey, Cade Cunningham, and Anthony Edwards step into the spotlight. Maxey has taken over as the Sixers’ main guard, scoring 27.8 points per game. Cunningham has become Detroit’s centerpiece. Edwards keeps thrilling Minnesota fans with his dunking ability, scoring, and everlasting confidence.
Why Does This Matter for Fans and Bettors in the Philippines?
As someone who follows the NBA in the Philippines, knowing who’s hot in the NBA is fun for trash talking with friends. However, asides banter, it also tells on how you can view the season, the teams, and the players, especially when placing bets. The knowledge helps punters make the right calls.
NBA betting expert Evelyn Balyton advises that bettors keep up with these details. This is because how players perform directly affects team odds, prop bets, and playoff picks. Staying up to date gives you an edge whether you’re placing bets or just talking hoops.
Another thing to keep an eye on is the betting sites you use. As a bettor in the Philippines, you want betting operators with bonuses and modern features like in-play betting. To discover top NBA betting sites with live odds and bonuses in the Philippines, read review sites and follow experts.
Wrapping Up
The 2024/25 NBA season has served fans a lot to cheer about so far. There’s so much talent and competition making both conferences exciting for fans. As the playoffs continue, some of these stars will still create highlights to be remembered. Hopefully, your team is on the winning side of history.
The article was provided by Evelyn Balyton