Last week we published our annual Top 100 NBA player rankings, and seven of the top 10 players, as voted on by our panel of 10 analysts, hail from the Western Conference — which, top to bottom, has long been the more talent-rich half of the league.
But from that point forward on the list, the discrepancy isn’t what you might assume given the perceived West-East imbalance. In fact, 10 of the 21 teams that landed at least four players on the top 100 are from the East, and after the top 10, the next 50 players on the list are split dead even (25 West, 25 East).
All told, the top 100 comprises 54 West players and 46 East players. It feels about right. The West is, again, from both an individual and team standpoint, the stronger conference as a whole. But interestingly enough, more top-end talent has actually shifted East over the last three years.
To be exact, eight of the top 30 players on this year’s top 100 have switched conferences via trade or free agency at some point since 2022, and five of them (Paul George, Damian Lillard, Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell and Tyrese Haliburton) have gone West to East. Conversely, only Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Domantas Sabonis have gone East to West.
It’s all to say, the East is no slouch. The Celtics are the champs. The Knicks arguably jumped into the title conversation with the acquisition of Mikal Bridges. Same for the Sixers with Paul George. There are legit stars, from the Super to the All variety, all over the conference, as evidence below — where you will find CBS Sports’ 2024-25 top 25 Eastern Conference players.
As a result of a shoulder injury suffered in late January, Randle wasn’t a part of the Knicks’ playoff run. Given how well they played without him, it is easy to forget how well they played with him leading up to his injury. New York went 12-2 in the 14 games he played in the 2024 calendar year, including two 39-point performances, four more 30-plus-point games and a triple-double. His absence forced the Knicks to expand their menu on offense, but by the end of the season, they missed his scoring and ability to draw double teams. How he’ll fit on the next iteration of the team is unclear, but he should at least create some easy spot-up opportunities for Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo and Mikal Bridges. — James Herbert
Wagner used a breakout performance at the FIBA World Cup in 2023 to fuel a career year last season. He averaged career highs, though his 3-point shooting was at its lowest, and together with Paolo Banchero, helped lead the Magic to a playoff appearance. He’s a 6-foot-10 forward who can guard multiple positions, and while he struggled to find his 3-point shot last season, his finishing rate around the rim makes him difficult to pin down. He earned a max rookie extension this offseason, and rightly so, as the Magic view him as one of their franchise cornerstones of the future. — Jasmyn Wimbish
Cunningham’s already come a long way from his rookie season where, despite high averages, he struggled heavily with efficiency. He’s coming off a career year, but his performance went largely unnoticed because he played on a 14-win Pistons team. That’s a shame, too, because Cunningham displayed all the tools of a franchise player. He shot the ball incredibly well from everywhere, including 35% from 3-point range, which was an important breakthrough in his development. He also ranked ninth in the league among guards in potential assists, showing that he’s making the right passes and reads; his teammates just aren’t making the shots. With a new coach, Cunningham can build upon last season and gain more attention as he’s one of the most promising young players in the league. — Jasmyn Wimbish
Evan Mobley is a center cosplaying as a power forward. The take cycle is the same every year. The mere fact that Mobley shares a roster with Jarrett Allen means he’ll have to keep hearing about the importance of developing a jump shot, but the playoffs just proved why he doesn’t really need one. Let him play center with appropriate spacing and every other element of his offense flourishes. Mobley is a smooth pick-and-roll operator who can clean things up near the rim and even create shots facing the basket.
Defensively, Mobley comes from the Bam Adebayo school of centers that don’t really need to guard other centers, and having a seven-footer that can step out onto the perimeter with elite opposing wings is an enormous weapon. The moment Mobley is freed him the two-big constraint Cleveland has foisted upon him is the moment he jumps 20 spots on this list. He can’t be optimized next to a center so long as he can’t shoot 3s. But take the other center away and the world will see just how good he is at everything else. — Sam Quinn
21. OG Anunoby, New York Knicks
OG Anunoby is the 3-and-D archetype incarnate. He consistently makes between 36-40% of his 3-pointers on relatively high volume and he can capably defend all five positions. That is what OG Anunoby does, and it’s really all he does. Despite reported interest in expanding his floor game in Toronto, Anunoby has seemingly accepted a role in New York in which he’s mostly a spot-up threat who attacks closeouts. You’re not getting a 20-point scorer here, and durability is a question mark, but 3-and-D is the one type of player literally every team needs.
1 option and didn’t shoot the ball as efficiently as he has in the past. The glass-half-full view: He’s still one of the best scorers in the league, averaged over 30 points per game for the first time in his career, and was the reason Milwaukee was able to survive a flurry of injuries and make the playoffs. The Bucks are confident Lillard will adapt and fit better next season, and for now, they’re just happy to have him leading the charge. — Jack Maloney
Lillard’s efficiency declined as he adjusted to a new team, new city, new role, and new coaches, which is not surprising for a 33-year-old point guard. However, despite these challenges, he still put up numbers close to his career averages during the regular season and had some standout performances in the playoffs before being sidelined by injuries. With a more normal offseason ahead of him, Lillard has the potential to bounce back and prove his critics wrong.
Maxey stepped up in Philadelphia last season after Harden’s departure and earned an All-Star nod, showcasing his versatility and skill set. His ability to adapt to different roles and situations makes him a valuable asset for the Sixers, especially with the arrival of Paul George. With his impressive catch-and-shoot numbers, Maxey has the potential to excel as a top-tier option on the team.
Adebayo has established himself as a top-25 player with his consistent performance and defensive prowess. His willingness to expand his shooting range could elevate his game even further, making him a top-15 player or higher. With his leadership and all-around skills, Adebayo is a key player for the Miami Heat.
Butler is known for his ability to elevate his game in the postseason, making him a valuable asset for the Heat. His impact on both ends of the floor is evident, and his leadership is crucial for the team’s success. However, the Heat’s future plans with Butler remain uncertain, as they may consider trading him before his next significant contract.
George’s move to Philadelphia brings a talented two-way wing to the team, providing a strong complement to Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Despite concerns about injuries and his peak performance, George remains a valuable addition to the Sixers lineup.
Mitchell’s scoring prowess and all-around game make him a top player in the league, with career highs in various statistical categories. His ability to take control of the offense and make plays for his team is unmatched, although his shooting percentages dipped last season.
Haliburton’s offensive capabilities were on full display before his injury, showcasing his scoring and playmaking abilities. Despite a challenging second half of the season, Haliburton’s potential as a game-changer for the Pacers is evident. His unique style of play empowers the team to succeed in high-stakes situations.
Brown’s rise from a controversial draft pick to a franchise icon in Boston is a testament to his talent and work ethic. His clutch performances in the playoffs solidified his status as a key player for the Celtics, earning him MVP honors. Brown’s growth and contributions to the team have silenced any doubts about his abilities. Jalen Brunson, the former Dallas Mavericks player, has made a significant impact since joining the New York Knicks. In a remarkable feat, he became only the fourth player in NBA history to score 40 points or more in four consecutive playoff games, a record previously held by Michael Jordan. Throughout the 2023-24 season, including the postseason, Brunson tallied an impressive 16 40-point games, with his former teammate Luka Doncic being the only player to surpass 10 such games. Despite going undrafted six years ago and initially struggling to secure a lucrative contract extension, Brunson has emerged as a bona fide superstar in the league.
This summer, Brunson signed a four-year, $156.5 million extension with the Knicks, a move that was seen as a significant sacrifice on his part. The deal paves the way for the Knicks to continue building a competitive team around Brunson, with three of his college teammates joining him for the long term. With the addition of Mikal Bridges and the return of Julius Randle, the Knicks aim to reduce their reliance on Brunson’s scoring prowess in the upcoming season. Last season, the team’s offensive efficiency fluctuated drastically depending on Brunson’s presence on the court, highlighting his indispensable role in their success.
On a different note, Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics achieved a career milestone by leading his team to an NBA championship. He surpassed his idol Kobe Bryant in playoff points scored before turning 27 and joined a prestigious group of players who won a title while leading their team in points, rebounds, and assists during the postseason. Tatum’s well-rounded skill set and consistent performance have earned him a spot on the All-NBA First Team for three consecutive seasons.
In the Eastern Conference, Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers continues to establish himself as one of the most dominant scorers in the league. His versatility in Nick Nurse’s offensive system, coupled with his improved passing and defensive abilities, make him a formidable force on both ends of the court. Despite facing occasional injury setbacks, Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks remains a dominant presence in the NBA, showcasing his scoring, rebounding, and playmaking prowess.
Overall, the Eastern Conference boasts a talented roster of players, with the Celtics leading the pack with five representatives, followed by the Knicks with four, and a few other teams with multiple standout performers. As the new season approaches, fans can expect intense competition and thrilling performances from these top players in the East. manuscript in a more formal tone.
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