The best players in the short history of the NBA Cup

The NBA Cup, initially known as the In-Season Tournament, has been in existence for three years, proving to be an entertaining and high-caliber competition that injects higher stakes into the early-season lull. Several of the greatest players in NBA history have clinched NBA Cup MVP awards, elevating the accolade's prestige, and the competition has even influenced how the NBA playoffs would unfold, particularly last year when the NBA Cup championship mirrored the 2026 Finals.

Here are the top 10 players ever in NBA Cup history:

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA Cup championship, securing the first NBA Cup title and MVP award. He averaged 30.2 points, 10.1 rebounds, 7.7 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game, shooting 64.6% from the field and 31.9% from three.

2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, despite not winning an NBA Cup, ranks second in points per game in the competition's history. The Canadian superstar also leads in steals per contest during his NBA Cup appearances.

3. Luka Doncic, who never advanced past the quarterfinals, ranks third in points per game. Doncic consistently outperforms his competition with his shooting, rebounding, playmaking, and three-point accuracy, particularly in high-stakes games.

4. Jalen Brunson led the New York Knicks to their first NBA Cup title, earning MVP honors. He averaged 33.2 points, 5.8 assists, and shot 53.1% from the field and 46.2% from three in the final against the Spurs.

5. Nikola Jokic, ranked fifth all-time in NBA Cup points per game, second in rebounds, and third in assists. His statistical dominance has translated well in the NBA Cup, but he has yet to lead Denver past the group stage in the competition.

6. LeBron James, despite leading the Lakers to the championship and earning NBA Cup MVP, was never able to advance past the group stage in the competition after its inception.