Giannis Antetokounmpo Drops Surprising Top-5 NBA Players List—You Won’t Believe Who Made the Cut!

When Giannis Antetokounmpo steps onto the court, you’d better believe he’s not just playing the game—he’s redefining it. Now, imagine asking the Greek Freak to name the top five players in the NBA—no easy feat, right? Well, he did just that, and his list reads like a who’s who of the league’s fiercest competitors: Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jayson Tatum, and himself. But here’s the kicker—Giannis throws it back to that classic, “It depends on the year” scenario, reminding us all that greatness in the NBA is a moving target. Who’s the best? Well, according to him, it hinges on who conquers the playoffs. It’s a high-stakes chess match out there, and with championship aspirations heating up, these stars aren’t just contenders—they’re potential kings waiting to claim their thrones. So, who will rise? The suspense isn’t just thrilling—it’s electric.

Milwaukee Bucks v Detroit Pistons — (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)

Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks is considered one of the best players in the NBA, and he has strong opinions about who the greatest in the league is.

He recently revealed his view of the five best players in the association, and, understandably, they are all stars attempting to get in the way of another Antetokounmpo championship.

“The top five players I think are Luka, Jokic, SGA, Tatum and me. And it depends on the year you’re having. So if I, let’s say, this year go back and I’m improved and I help my team win the East and we go to the Finals and we play against whatever team is there, I automatically become the best player in the world. But if Luka does it, he becomes the best player in the world. If Jokic does it, he’s the best player in the world,” Antetokounmpo said.

Giannis names the top 5 players in the NBA:

Luka Doncic
Nikola Jokic
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Jayson Tatum
Giannis Antetokounmpo

“The top five players I think are Luka, Jokic, SGA, Tatum and me. And it depends on the year you're having. So if I, let's say, this year go back… pic.twitter.com/zBlD85VGuE

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 23, 2025

Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Jayson Tatum are definitely in every conversation for the league’s best players.

Aside from Doncic, they are all champions and favorites to compete for a title again in 2025-26.

Antetokounmpo noted that if his team is able to go all the way to a championship in the new season, he will be viewed as the league’s greatest player.

Meanwhile, if any of these men do the same, they will earn that title in the eyes of many.

All of these players pose a big risk to Antetokounmpo and his plans.

Of course, Tatum probably won’t be playing in 2025-26, but everyone else will be competing for a title and could lead their teams out of their conferences.

This is going to be a huge year for Antetokounmpo, and his goal is clear: another championship ring.

These are the men who could prevent that from happening, which is one of the reasons why he respects – but fears – them so much.

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