Stay tuned for Wednesday: Players ranked Nos. 1-15

LeBron James is nearing 40 years old. Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant are both 36. Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler is 35, Paul George will also turn 35 during the season, and Damian Lillard will be 35 within a year.

This year’s edition of YSL News Sports’ top 30 NBA players highlights an intriguing trend – seasoned players are setting new standards for maintaining star status later in their careers.

The players mentioned above, who have been significant figures in the NBA for nearly two decades, secured spots in our top 30, with James, Curry, and Durant landing in the top 10. If they choose to continue playing, they may remain on this list for more seasons. This is quite impressive and serves as an inspiration for younger athletes.

As the 2024-25 season kicks off with New York vs. Boston and Minnesota vs. Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night, we present the ranking of the top 30 players in the league, starting with Nos. 30 to 16. Make sure to return on Wednesday to find out who takes the top spot. The players on this list were voted on by writers from YSL News Sports and the YSL News Network:

30. New York Knicks forward-center Karl-Anthony Towns

2023-24 stats: 21.8 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 3.0 apg, 50.4% FG, 41.6% 3PT, 87.3% FT (62 games)

Reason for ranking: Karl-Anthony Towns made the All-Star team for the fourth time and played a key role in Minnesota’s journey to the Western Conference finals last season. He contributes effectively on both ends of the court, excelling as a scorer, shooter, passer, rebounder, and defender.

Previous ranking: Not ranked

29. New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson

2023-24 stats: 22.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 5.0 apg, 1.1 spg, 57% FG, 33.3% 3PT, 70.2% FT (70 games)

Reason for ranking: Zion Williamson participated in a career-high 70 games last season, showcasing numbers worthy of an All-Star and All-NBA player—even though he didn’t make either team. His impressive stats greatly contributed to the Pelicans’ 49-win season and playoff appearance. With continued improvement and health, Williamson is on track for his third All-Star selection and potentially his first All-NBA nod.

Previous ranking: Not ranked

28. Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero

2023-24 stats: 22.6 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 5.4 apg, 45.5% FG, 33.9% 3PT, 72.5% FT (80 games)

Reason for ranking: Paolo Banchero solidified his importance as the cornerstone of the Magic’s ascent in the Eastern Conference. Following his Rookie of the Year performance in 2022-23, he had an All-Star season with improvements in scoring, shooting percentages, and assists. Sustaining this progress will ensure his position among the league’s elite players.

Previous ranking: Not ranked

27. Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard

2023-24 stats: 24.3 ppg, 7.0 apg, 4.4 rpg, 1.0 spg, 42.4% FG, 35.4% 3PT, 92% FT (73 games)

Reason for ranking: In his first season with Milwaukee, Damian Lillard experienced minor declines in shooting percentages but still averaged over 24 points, seven assists, and four rebounds per game. He earned his eighth All-Star selection and still has the ability to make an All-NBA team.

Previous ranking: No. 12

26. Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant

2023-24 stats: 25.1 ppg, 8.1 apg, 5.6 rpg, 47.1% FG, 27.5% 3PT, 81.3% FT (nine games)

Reason for ranking: Ja Morant only played nine games due to a suspension and subsequent shoulder injury. However, when on the court, he showcased glimpses of his former All-Star self, as he had been an All-Star for the previous two seasons and won Most Improved Player in 2022.

Previous ranking: No. 19

25. Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler

2023-24 stats: 20.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 5.0 apg, 1.3 spg, 49.9% FG, 41.4% 3PT, 85.8% FT (60 games)

Reason for ranking: Although Jimmy Butler did not qualify for All-Star or All-NBA honors due to not playing the minimum 65 games, he still delivered impressive offensive and defensive performances, including a career-best 3-point shooting percentage, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top players.

Previous ranking: No. 11

24. Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving

2023-24 stats: 25.6 ppg, 5.2 apg, 5.0 rpg, 1.3 spg, 49.7% FG, 41.1% 3PT, 90.5% FT (58 games)

Reason for ranking: Kyrie Irving had a successful stint with Dallas this past season. Although he didn’t make the All-Star team or gain All-NBA eligibility, he was very close to achieving the 50-40-90 shooting criteria in field goals, 3-point range, and free throws. He was one of just nine players to average at least 25 points, five assists, and five rebounds and played a crucial role in the Mavericks’ playoff run.

Previous ranking: No. 17

23. Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey

2023-24 stats: 25.9 ppg, 6.2 apg, 3.7 rpg, 1.0 spg, 45% FG, 37.3% 3PT, 86.8% FT (70 games)

Reason for Ranking: Tyrese Maxey had a breakout season in 2023-24, earning an All-Star spot and being named the Most Improved Player. He achieved personal bests in points, assists, and rebounds per game while taking on increased responsibilities. Maxey is essential to the 76ers’ current and future success.

Previous season’s ranking: Not ranked

22. Philadelphia 76ers Forward Paul George

2023-24 Stats: 22.6 points per game, 5.2 rebounds per game, 3.5 assists per game, 1.5 steals per game, 47.1% field goal percentage, 41.3% three-point percentage, 90.7% free throw percentage (74 games)

Reason for Ranking: Paul George remains a valuable player in his mid-30s, performing at an All-Star level. He recorded career highs in shooting percentage from the field, three-point range, and free throw line in the 2023-24 season, marking his 14th year in the NBA and securing his position on the All-Star team for the ninth time.

Previous season’s ranking: No. 18

21. Miami Heat Center Bam Adebayo

2023-24 Stats: 19.3 points per game, 10.4 rebounds per game, 3.9 assists per game, 1.1 steals per game, 52.1% field goal percentage, 35.7% three-point percentage, 75.5% free throw percentage (71 games)

Reason for Ranking: Bam Adebayo is a top-tier defensive player, capable of guarding various positions throughout the game while excelling at rim protection. His offensive contributions include scoring, passing, and rebounding, along with a developing three-point shot, which enhances his versatility. Adebayo has been selected to the All-Defensive team five times and was named to the All-Star team for the third time in 2023-24.

Previous season’s ranking: No. 22

20. Sacramento Kings Forward-Center Domantas Sabonis

2023-24 Stats: 19.4 points per game, 13.7 rebounds per game, 8.2 assists per game, 59.4% field goal percentage, 37.9% three-point percentage, 70.4% free throw percentage (82 games)

Reason for Ranking: Domantas Sabonis consistently threatens triple-doubles and led the league with 26 triple-doubles and 77 double-doubles. As one of the most skilled big men, he excels in scoring, passing, and offensive rebounding, earning him a second All-NBA selection.

Previous season’s ranking: No. 28

19. Sacramento Kings Guard De’Aaron Fox

2023-24 Stats: 26.6 points per game, 5.6 assists per game, 4.6 rebounds per game, 2.0 steals per game, 46.5% field goal percentage, 36.9% three-point percentage, 73.8% free throw percentage (74 games)

Reason for Ranking: Although De’Aaron Fox did not make the All-Star or All-NBA teams this past season, he had a standout year. He reached career highs in points, rebounds, and steals while showing significant improvement in his three-point shooting.

Previous season’s ranking: No. 21

18. Cleveland Cavaliers Guard Donovan Mitchell

2023-24 Stats: 26.6 points per game, 6.1 assists per game, 5.1 rebounds per game, 1.8 steals per game, 46.2% field goal percentage, 36.8% three-point percentage, 86.5% free throw percentage (55 games)

Reason for Ranking: Donovan Mitchell made the All-Star team this season but didn’t have enough games played to qualify for All-NBA consideration. He experienced his second-best shooting season and was among the select few players averaging at least 25 points, six assists, and five rebounds.

Previous season’s ranking: No. 15

17. Indiana Pacers Guard Tyrese Haliburton

2023-24 Stats: 20.1 points per game, 10.9 assists per game, 3.9 rebounds per game, 1.2 steals per game, 47.7% field goal percentage, 36.4% three-point percentage, 85.5% free throw percentage (69 games)

Reason for Ranking: Tyrese Haliburton made his second consecutive All-Star appearance and achieved his first All-NBA selection, averaging over 20 points and 10 assists for the second straight season. His 10.9 assists per game were the highest in the league, showcasing his skills as one of the top point guards.

Previous season’s ranking: No. 30

16. San Antonio Spurs Forward-Center Victor Wembanyama

2023-24 Stats: 21.4 points per game, 10.6 rebounds per game, 3.9 assists per game, 3.6 blocks per game, 1.2 steals per game, 46.5% field goal percentage, 32.5% three-point percentage, 79.6% free throw percentage (71 games)

Reason for Ranking: Victor Wembanyama made a significant impact as a rookie, showcasing his potential as a 7-footer in the NBA. With excellent offensive skills and substantial room for development, he has already established himself as an elite defensive player. His trajectory indicates he is poised to dominate on both offense and defense.

Previous season’s ranking: Not ranked