NBA player rankings: Top 25 players in West, from Grizzlies’ Desmond Bane to Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic

Last week, our annual CBS Sports Top 100 NBA player rankings were released, and we have now focused on the top 25 Eastern Conference players. Next, we will do the same for the Western Conference.

The West has long been recognized as the superior conference, with many top players hailing from this region. While some talent has shifted from West to East in recent years, the top players still predominantly come from the West.

In our Top 100 rankings, 54 players were from the West, compared to 46 from the East. Some notable players who have moved from East to West in the past three years include Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Domantas Sabonis.

The top player in the league is from the Western Conference, but we will begin the list starting with a Memphis Grizzlies guard known for his impressive scoring.

Now, here are the top 25 Western Conference players, based on projected 2024-25 performances, as determined by our panel of 10 analysts:

25. Desmond Bane, Memphis Grizzlies

Bane is known for his exceptional shooting abilities, and he continued to improve as a creator in the last season. Despite some injuries, his performance was noteworthy, especially in the absence of Ja Morant. Bane is expected to continue making an impact for the Grizzlies in the upcoming season.

24. James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers

After joining the Clippers last season, Harden will need to step up his scoring game following Paul George’s departure. The team will rely on him to stay competitive in the tough Western Conference.

23. Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies

Despite a challenging season for Memphis, Jackson had the opportunity to work on creating his own shots. His defensive abilities and willingness to take on tough responsibilities make him a valuable asset for the team.

22. Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves

Gobert proved his worth last season and played a key role in the Timberwolves’ success, especially in reaching the Western Conference finals. His defensive prowess and partnership with Karl-Anthony Towns were crucial for the team.

21. Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves

Towns remains a top player in the league, adapting his game to support his team’s needs. Finding the right balance between offense and defense will be essential for him to reach new heights this season.