Get ready for a thrilling debate as we crown the NBA's top star of 2025! It's a battle between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic, two players who dominated the league and left fans in awe. But here's the twist: injuries to key contenders like Luka Doncic and Jayson Tatum opened the door for these two to shine.
Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic played like legends in 2025. Gilgeous-Alexander's scoring for the Thunder was nothing short of remarkable, and Jokic combined triple-double averages with mind-blowing efficiency. It's a head-to-head battle for the ages!
Since 2014, I've been awarding the Golden Basketball, an NBA version of soccer's Ballon d'Or, to recognize the best player across the regular season and playoffs. Let's review the nominees and honorable mentions before crowning our champion.
Honorable Mentions:
Giannis Antetokounmpo: Dominant as ever, but injuries kept him from the top spot.
Cade Cunningham: A breakout year with All-Star and All-NBA appearances, leading the Pistons to the top of the Eastern Conference.
Anthony Edwards: His game soared in 2025, leading the Timberwolves to the conference finals.
Donovan Mitchell: Kept the Cavaliers afloat despite injuries to his teammates, ranking fifth in total WARP.
The Finalists:
Jalen Brunson: NBA Cup MVP and All-NBA second team, leading the Knicks to their first Eastern Conference finals in decades.
Tyrese Haliburton: Led the Pacers to their first NBA Finals since 2000, ranking second to Gilgeous-Alexander in playoff WARP.
And the winner is...
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander! His performance in Game 4 of the NBA Finals was legendary, leading the Thunder to victory with a 15-point fourth quarter. But it's his consistency that sets him apart. His streak of 20-point games during the regular season is second only to Wilt Chamberlain in NBA history.
Jokic, the runner-up, had an incredible year too, but Gilgeous-Alexander's new heights made the difference.
So, who do you think deserves the Golden Basketball? Join the discussion and let us know your thoughts! It's time to celebrate the best of the best in the NBA!
