N.B.: Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Haliburton, Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard, DeJounte Murray and Fred VanVleet do not feature in this edition of the Top 100, due to serious injuries that cast a shadow over their seasons.
30 - Amen Thompson (Houston Rockets) - ENTRY
One of last season's revelations, Thompson was already expected to explode. But with VanVleet's injury, he's got the chance to become a star. In a Houston team with its sights set on the title, he will obviously come in behind Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun, but his season's form could well determine the fate of his team.
2024/2025 stats: 14.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.4 miscues
Target for 2025/2026: 20 points, 10 rebounds, Most Improved Player candidate
29 - Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans) -13 places
The artist is back. As he does every year, the top player in the 2019 NBA Draft arrived at his team's Media Day in form, as sharp as ever, and ready to break everything this season to reclaim his long-awaited superstar spot. The problem is, we're believing less and less. Playing 75 games at all-star level would no doubt be more than enough to keep the Pels happy, but we'll always expect more.
2024/2025 stats: 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists (30 games)
Target for 2025/2026: 27 points / 65 games minimum / All-Star candidate
28 - Paolo Banchero (Orlando Magic) +7 places
He got off to a roaring start last season, before suffering an injury that delayed his expected explosion, which should therefore take place this season. But obviously, his physical fragility is not good news, and he will have to make room for Franz Wagner and newcomer Desmond Bane. Nevertheless, he remains the leader of a team with big ambitions and should find his stride.
2024/2025 stats: 25.9 points, 7.5 rebounds (46 games)
Reasoned target for 2025/2026: 28 points, 10 rebounds
27 - James Harden (Los Angeles Clippers) +7 places
There are many Clippers in this ranking, but Harden is the best positioned. Still a valuable metronome, he is about to embark on his 17th NBA season, but his objective remains the same: the ring. It's probably now or never, given the make-up of his team, but he'll need to turn a corner in terms of scoring and avoid disappearing from the play-offs if the Clippers are to have any chance. Is it mission impossible then?
2024/2025 stats: 22.8 points, 8.7 assists
Target for 2025/2026: 25 points, 10 assists, All-NBA Team candidate
26 - Jalen Williams (Oklahoma City Thunder) +20 places
After just three seasons in the NBA, he has become Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's esteemed lieutenant and a champion to boot - a pretty incredible achievement. Already an All-Star, Williams still doesn't seem to have reached his full potential. But he will undoubtedly be fundamental in the quest for a double that the NBA has not seen since 2018. Is he capable of taking things to the next level?
2024/2025 stats: 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists
Reasoned goal for 2025/2026: 25 points, All-NBA Team candidate
25 - Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder) +15 places
After just three seasons in the NBA, he has become Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's esteemed lieutenant and a champion to boot, a performance that was eagerly awaited. While Holmgrem is not yet an All-Star, but that could come this season if he continues his upward trajectory. Now fully versed in the NBA game, will he be able to become the big star he has been waiting for? A season that will undoubtedly prove decisive for the great career he is destined to have.
2024/2025 stats: 15 points, 8 rebounds, 2.2 assists
Reasoned target for 2025/2026: 20 points, 10 rebounds, 3 counters, Defensive Player Of the Year candidate
24 - Julius Randle (Minnesota Timberwolves) +50 places
The Wolves got rid of Karl-Anthony Towns for financial reasons, and not much was expected of the former Most Improved Player. However, after a few problems adjusting, Randle put in an honest season before making a big impact in the play-offs. We're now expecting real consistency from the man who is Minnesota's official number two, because at this level, he's close to the elite.
2024/2025 stats: 18.7 points (21.7 in the playoffs), 7.1 rebounds
Reasoned objective for 2025/2026: 22 points minimum, All-Star candidate
23 - Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers) +9 places
Just as he was confirming that he belongs in the top flight, his team's dreadful season prompted the front office to put him on ice after around 50 games. Yet Maxey remains the future of his franchise, destined to take on the role of franchise player in the short term. With Joel Embiid on the decline and Paul George frankly on the wane, the way is clear.
2024/2025 stats: 26.3 points, 6.1 assists
Target 2025/2026: 28 points, 8 assists, All-NBA Team candidate
22 - Pascal Siakam (Indiana Pacers) +4 places
Everyone was sceptical when Indiana bet big on the Cameroonian. Now, a year and a half on, the Pacers are one game away from the title, and Spicy P has a lot to do with that. But now that Tyrese Haliburton has been sidelined, he faces a new challenge: carrying his team through what promises to be a complicated season. Will the number one jersey be too big for him?
2024/2025 stats: 20.2 points, 6.9 rebounds
Reasoned goal for 2025/2026: 24 points, 8 rebounds, All-NBA Team candidate
21 - Anthony Davis (Dallas Mavericks) -9 places
Davis was the most notable victim of Luka Doncic's departure to Los Angeles. Injured on his debut in Dallas, he now has to contribute to a supposedly ambitious team, but he's going to have to make room for Cooper Flagg. And above all, he will have to maintain the fitness that makes him a Top 10 player when he is in full possession - a complicated task as he gets older.
2024/2025 stats: 24.7 points, 11.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists (51 games)
Target for 2025/2026: 27 points, 12 rebounds, Defensive Player Of the Year candidate