NBA Players Weigh In on League Issues in 2025 Poll

NEW YORK, NY — This week, The Athletic released its comprehensive player poll during the 2025 NBA playoffs season, featuring input from 158 players representing all 30 teams. The poll, conducted anonymously from early March to mid-April, aims to reveal players’ opinions on various pressing issues in the league.

While no Houston Rockets players topped the categories, the team still received attention in several responses. Notably, players shared their perspectives on the MVP race, the league’s gambling partnerships, and organizational quality.

Reflecting on the MVP race, most players favored Oklahoma City‘s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander over Denver‘s Nikola Jokić. Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 32.6 points per game this season, leading the Thunder to a historic 68-win season. One player emphasized, “You’ve got to go with Shai. It’s the No. 1 team in the West, and the way he’s been doing it has been impressive.”

Jokić, however, continues to receive commendations for his outstanding triple-double average and importance to the Nuggets. “He’s averaging a 30-point triple-double. It’s stupid. There’s no way you don’t give it to him,” one player argued, illustrating the ongoing debate between players’ and media’s perceptions.

Team assessments also showcased the Celtics as the favorites to repeat as champions, following their impressive performance last season. Players noted their consistency and depth, making them difficult to match up against.

Conversations surrounding the NBA’s image also took center stage, particularly about the negative attention on young prospects like San Antonio‘s Victor Wembanyama. LeBron James commented earlier this season on the pressure young players face, indicating a shift in how players perceive the burden of becoming the league’s face.

Among various responses, the poll highlighted the players’ concerns on analytics and its role in the game. Nearly 38.3 percent stated that analytics have adversely affected gameplay creativity. “The game is art. It’s like telling a painter you have to include the numbers with your imagination,” one player argued.

The findings indicate a crucial perspective shift within the league as players navigate increasing scrutiny and changing dynamics. Full results of the player poll will continue to provide insights into the evolving landscape of the NBA.