Victor Wembanyama desperately wants to win an NBA championship, while LeBron James is trying to complete the process with the Philadelphia 76ers. But who is the best basketball player in the world as the 2026-27 season begins?Many NBA fans are adamant that Nikola Jokic is the best player in the leaguegettyTo rank among the best of the best in The Association is to truly be on top of the basketball mountain.Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, along with The King, dominate the conversation for the greatest NBA players of all-time.But three of those four legendary names have recorded their final minutes on the hardwood.“Michael Jordan, for sure,” Dallas Mavericks star and reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg exclusively told talkSPORT, when asked to pick between Air Jordan and James.“That’s the GOAT to me. I don’t know if it was how I was raised by my parents or not, but that’s just my answer.”Big men used to be everything in basketball, while some of the league’s greatest players have never won a ring.Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant are still making modern history.But Wemby is changing the future of the league, while reigning champion Jalen Brunson is the new king of New York.Here is talkSPORT’s inside look at the best players in the NBA heading into a fascinating 2026-27 campaign. Victor Wembanyama, Jalen Brunson and LeBron James rank among the 20 best NBA players in 2026-27.getty20. Scottie Barnes, Toronto RaptorsBarnes bumped Tyrese Haliburton and Jamal Murray from this best-of-the-best list.After bouncing around in high school, he only spent one year at Florida State and started just seven games.But Barnes was the No. 4 overall pick of the 2021 NBA Draft for a reason, and the dynamic guard has continued to blossom in The Association.He’s won Rookie of the Year, made two All-Star teams, was named to the 2025-26 All-Defensive Team and now has The Klaw as a teammate.19. LeBron James, Philadelphia 76ersThe NBA’s all-time leading scorer reminded the world that he’s still a top-20 player by carrying the Los Angeles Lakers past the Houston Rockets in the first round of last year’s playoffs.Then LA was swept by a superior Oklahoma City squad and The King knew his time in purple and gold was done.The 41-year-old James has made 22 All-Star teams and already cemented his name in NBA history.Now, the Chosen One will try to complete The Process by being a great teammate in Philly. LeBron James has come a long way since the 2003 NBA DraftGetty18. Karl-Anthony Towns, New York KnicksKAT paired with Jalen Brunson to put the Knicks on top of the basketball world.Towns spent years putting up big but hollow numbers with Minnesota, then a huge trade changed his life and basketball history in New York.Eleven years after being the No. 1 pick of the 2015 draft, the big man from Kentucky is looking down at the rest of the league from the top of the NBA mountain.17. Devin Booker, Phoenix SunsA few years ago, Booker was on the verge of becoming one of the best players in the league.He’s still near the top, despite a series of playoff letdowns for Phoenix and the departure of key stars.Booker has a big-shot, big-game mentality and is one of the premier closers in the NBA.But his biggest problem is playing for a Suns squad that keeps getting knocked out of the postseason.Booker has five All-Star selections, has averaged 24.6 points since entering the league in 2015 and could retire as a lifetime Sun.Devin Booker has been forced to watch too many playoff rounds in recent yearsgetty16. Kevin Durant, Houston RocketsDurant would be higher on this list if he had carried the Rockets in the playoffs.For all the time that Durant spends defending himself and his basketball legacy, no one doubts how talented he is.He surpassed 32,000 points in his career and earned a fourth gold medal with Team USA in the 2024 Summer Olympics.Even at 38, few players in the world are as skilled offensively as the Slim Reaper.A historic seven-team trade sent Durant to Houston and he signed a two-year, $90 million contract extension.But injuries limited Durant vs the Lakers, and his first year in Houston ended with disappointment after the Rockets fell in the first round to a beat-up Los Angeles squad.15. Cooper Flagg, Dallas MavericksFlagg’s late surge handed last year’s No. 1 overall pick the Rookie of the Year award.Consistently winning big with the Mavericks could be a struggle during the next couple years, though, especially with Anthony Davis traded to Washington.But there’s no doubt that the 19-year-old former Duke phenom is already one of the NBA’s big new faces.“It’s such a surreal feeling to see where I came from and what I’ve been able to do,” Flagg told talkSPORT before he was drafted.With Victor Wembanyama leading the revived Spurs, The Association has a sparkling new collection of young names to guide the league once King James retires.Flagg can already do it all on the hardwood and he should be battling Wemby for years to come in the Western Conference.He just needs some hardwood help in Dallas and will now look to former Michigan head coach Dusty May for second-year guidance.14. Cade Cunningham, Detroit PistonsCunningham is a former No. 1 pick coming into his own.He was a legit MVP candidate last season, before a collapsed lung halted his rise.His top-seeded Pistons then fell to the Cavaliers in seven games in the second round of the playoffs.With career averages of 22.5 points and 8 assists, it’s time for Cunningham to take the next step in the NBA.13. Stephen Curry, Golden State WarriorsThe greatest shooter of all-time is still playing at a very high level – when he’s healthy.But whether Golden State can make another Finals run with No. 30 is a serious question.The Warriors have lost Klay Thompson, while Draymond Green can be unreliable even when he’s not calling out his teammates.Curry has spent years carrying Golden State, but he’s now 38 as the Warriors enter a questionable transition period.The biggest question for the NBA’s all-time record holder in made 3-pointers (4,248) is whether Golden State will make the playoffs this season.Curry is trying to get back to the top of the Western ConferenceGetty12. Jaylen Brown, Philadelphia 76ersBrown proved his worth in Boston by winning a world championship. Now, the former New England tough guy is a critical new addition for the super-loaded 76ers.LeBron James has made it clear that Brown joining Philly pushed The King’s desire level to the next stage.With career averages of 20 points and 5.5 rebounds, JB can turn the 76ers into the most dominant team in the NBA.11. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ersMaxey ranks above James and Brown on this list, and has become the 76ers’ most dependable star.He ranked fifth in the NBA in nightly scoring (28.3 points) during the regular season and guided Philly past the Boston Celtics in Game 7.A 4-0 second-round knockout by the Knicks was a setback for Maxey.Now, he’s backed by the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and Joel Embiid, who once ranked No. 1 on talkSPORT’s top 20 NBA players list.The 76ers have three players on this list and a strong season for Embiid could give Philly four.Ranking Michael Jordan’s greatest games 5. 61 points - Bulls 125, Pistons 120 in OT on March 4, 1987The final full month of the 1986-87 season produced some of Jordan’s best scoring outbursts.He began March by scoring 30 points, then dropped 61 two games later.Nights featuring 49, 44, 40, 40, 46, 56 and 40 points followed, as MJ announced to the basketball world that a new name was taking over.On March 4 inside the Pistons’ home, Jordan was almost unstoppable.He played a team-high 43 minutes while producing 61 points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals and three blocks.Shooting 17-of-18 from the free-throw line, MJ outscored every other Chicago starter by at least 50 points.The Bulls needed overtime — and all 61 of Jordan’s points — to hold off Detroit.10. Kawhi Leonard, Toronto RaptorsThe Klaw is still a force in his 15th season.After James Harden forced a midseason trade to Cleveland, Leonard put Los Angeles’ other NBA team on his shoulders.But an extended NBA investigation shadowed the Clippers, and a delayed trade to the Raptors has The Klaw full circle in 2026. 9. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland CavaliersMitchell bet on himself by bouncing out of Utah.He’s been even better with the Cavaliers, taking the next step in a career that has already featured seven All-Star selections and two All-NBA honors.Mitchell averaged 27.9 points last season and finished seventh in MVP voting, while adjusting to new teammate James Harden.The next big step for Mitchell is leading the best team in a recharged East and reaching the NBA Finals.NBA's GreatestGreatest NBA players in the world right now – from Luka Doncic to Spurs phenom Victor WembanyamaBest players in NBA history to never win a championship – James Harden and Carmelo Anthony to Allen Iverson and Karl Malone10 richest owners in the NBA – family empires, media moguls and investment gurusMichael Jordan’s top 10 scoring games – counting down MJ’s most extraordinary totals8. Jayson Tatum, Boston CelticsTatum’s speedy recovery from an Achilles injury was one of the best stories of the 2025-26 season.The No. 3 overall pick of the 2017 NBA Draft has made six All-Star teams, earned five All-NBA honors, been named All-Star Game MVP and won the 2023-24 NBA Finals.Tatum averaged 23.3 points and 10.7 rebounds as Boston fought to keep its season alive in the first round vs the 76ers.But the Celtics suffered a painful Game 7 defeat to Philadelphia, and will now move forward after trading away Jaylen Brown and failing to land the Greek Freak in a trade.7. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota TimberwolvesAnt-Man is a speedy and athletic guard who has taken over the Timberwolves.Edwards’ leaping ability and aggressive offensive style are perfect for the contemporary NBA.Back-to-back Western Conference finals appearances for the Timberwolves were followed by falling to Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs in the second round last year.Can the four-time All-Star find his way to the NBA’s biggest stage with new backcourt teammate LaMelo Ball?Anthony Edwards has a new backcourt teammate in MinnesotaGetty6. Jalen Brunson, New York KnicksBrunson evolved from a second-round pick into the contemporary king of New York.Once a backup for the Dallas Mavericks, Brunson’s attacking style has been perfect for the Knicks.Following Brunson’s gutsy lead, New York won its first NBA title in 53 years and was rewarded with a joyous parade in midtown Manhattan.Brunson has three All-Star selections and three All-NBA honors.The fiery 6ft 2in guard might never top his 2025-26 NBA Finals MVP and the championship ring that came with it.But he’s clearly one of the best players in the league and is at his best when he’s being doubted.5. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Miami HeatIn most worlds, the Greek Freak would be the best basketball player on the planet.Antetokounmpo has already done it all, winning the NBA Finals and twice being named the league’s MVP.But the Bucks moving on from Damian Lillard and Doc Rivers was a sign of things to come in Milwaukee. Antetokounmpo was traded to the Miami Heat on the verge of the 2026 NBA Draft, setting up a fascinating power play in the Eastern Conference.The Greek Freak is ready for his new life in MiamiGetty4. Luka Doncic, Los Angeles LakersA healthy and fit Doncic is a basketball cheat code.But the Lakers haven’t made it past the Western Conference semifinals since pulling off one of the biggest trades in recent NBA history.Doncic is one of the most talented basketball players in the world and has drawn better-than-Dirk-Nowitzki comparisons.The Slovenia native can be unstoppable on offense and is still only 27-years-old.Now, the LeBron-less Lakers belong to Luka Magic.3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City ThunderSGA is a scoring machine, and his talent is matched by his confidence.After spending years rebuilding and losing, OKC is annually near the top of the NBA with Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge.No one is surprised by SGA anymore, especially not OKC supporters.He won the Finals in 2024-25, received a $285 million supermax extension, and will be representing the small-market Thunder for years to come.“What Shai has done is, he has gotten better through every experience,” Thunder sideline reporter Nick Gallo exclusively told talkSPORT.“Every time he comes back from a summer, every time you turn the calendar month, he’s better at something than he was the month before.”After falling to Wembanyama’s Spurs in Game 7 of the Western Conference finals, SGA will spend the 2026-27 season trying to avenge a frustrating playoff defeat.SGA is due for a bounceback year after a frustrating playoff exit in 2025-26getty2. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets ‘The Joker’ is an unbelievable shooter and passer, and plays basketball so smoothly it’s easy to miss how dominant he is — until he scores 55 points while shooting 18 of 23 from the field in just 34 minutes.Jokic also has one of the best backstories in the NBA.A young kid from Serbia evolved from a second-round draft pick into the greatest basketball player in the world.He’s already won three MVPs and pulled off the first 30-20-20 in NBA history.But the Nuggets’ disappointing finish last season is a reminder of how difficult it is to remain on top of a star-driven league.“We just lost in the first round so I think we are far away,” Jokic said. “Definitely, if we were in Serbia, we would all get fired.”1. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio SpursWemby took a huge leap last season, winning Defensive Player of the Year and reaching the NBA Finals.While the Spurs spent Wemby’s rookie year as one of the worst teams in the NBA, the 7ft 4in center exceeded his draft hype to wow everyone from Kevin Durant to LeBron James.The 22-year-old from France is already a unanimous Rookie of the Year winner and has scored 50 points in a game.Through three seasons, Wembanyama is averaging 23.4 points, 11 rebounds and 3.5 blocks.After being humbled by Jalen Brunson’s Knicks and getting trolled by New York fans, Wemby will enter a new year running the court with nightly passion.Join talkSPORT’s dedicated US Sports YouTube channel The S* Word every Tuesday and Thursday for our brand new NFL shows.On Tuesdays, Will Gavin and US senior reporter Brian T. Smith will debate the biggest talking points from the NFL weekend, while on Thursdays Efe Obada joins the crew to talk to players past and present and break down what to look for across the league.