ESPN’s much-anticipated NBA Rank: 2025 Playoffs Edition has dropped, featuring the top 50 players expected to make the biggest impact this postseason. Among the elite names like Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and LeBron James, three players of Jamaican descent stand out: Norman Powell, Jamal Murray, and Amen Thompson.
Each of these players brings a different style and energy to their teams—but they share more than just athletic talent. They represent a growing wave of Caribbean influence in the league, especially from Jamaica, an island better known globally for track and field. Now, basketball is becoming part of that global Jamaican story.
Norman Powell – Committed to Jamaica’s Future
Ranked 47th, Powell is a seasoned postseason player with 84 playoff games under his belt. This season, he stepped up big for the LA Clippers, especially early on when Kawhi Leonard was recovering. Known for his ability to catch fire off the bench, Powell is a key scorer who can shift momentum in a series.
Born in California to Jamaican parents, Powell has made it clear where his heart lies.
“I’m committed to being available for the Jamaican national team,” Powell said earlier this year. “It’s part of who I am. If I can help put Jamaican basketball on the map, I’m all in.”
His dedication offers a major boost to the Jamaica Basketball Association (JaBA), which is working to build a more competitive team for future FIBA and Olympic tournaments.
Jamal Murray – Steady and Reliable
At number 41 on the list, Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets is a proven playoff performer. He’s already played 65 career playoff games, averaging 24.2 points and 6.2 assists.
Murray, whose father is Jamaican, is best known for his clutch play alongside Nikola Jokic. Despite dealing with injuries this season, his return to form is crucial for the Nuggets’ chances at another title run.
“We’ve been through a lot as a team, and the playoffs are where we lock in,” Murray shared with media ahead of Game 1. “This is where it counts.”
Though Murray hasn’t played internationally for Jamaica, fans and JaBA officials continue to watch his career with pride.
Amen Thompson – A Rising Star with Island Ties
Coming in at No. 32, Amen Thompson of the Houston Rockets is the youngest of the three but could have the biggest long-term impact.
While he hasn’t yet appeared in a playoff game, Thompson’s defensive presence and athleticism are drawing attention. In a regular-season matchup against the Warriors, he held Steph Curry to just 1-of-10 shooting—an eye-opening performance.
Born in Oakland to a family with Jamaican heritage, Thompson hasn’t declared any international team preference. However, sources close to JaBA suggest there is real hope that he could be recruited to represent Jamaica in the future.
“Representing Jamaica would be an honor,” Thompson said in a recent interview. “But right now, I’m focused on helping the Rockets go deep in the playoffs.”
Full List: ESPN’s 2025 NBA Playoff Top 50 Impact Players
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – OKC Thunder
Jayson Tatum – Boston Celtics
Nikola Jokic – Denver Nuggets
Luka Dončić – Dallas Mavericks
Donovan Mitchell – Cleveland Cavaliers
Giannis Antetokounmpo – Milwaukee Bucks
Stephen Curry – Golden State Warriors
Anthony Edwards – Minnesota Timberwolves
LeBron James – LA Lakers
Jalen Brunson – New York Knicks
Jaylen Brown – Boston Celtics
Karl-Anthony Towns – Minnesota Timberwolves
Jalen Williams – OKC Thunder
Kawhi Leonard – LA Clippers
Cade Cunningham – Detroit Pistons
Jimmy Butler – Miami Heat
Evan Mobley – Cleveland Cavaliers
Kristaps Porzingis – Boston Celtics
Tyrese Haliburton – Indiana Pacers
James Harden – LA Clippers
Chet Holmgren – OKC Thunder
Austin Reaves – LA Lakers
Jarrett Allen – Cleveland Cavaliers
Alperen Sengun – Houston Rockets
OG Anunoby – New York Knicks
Derrick White – Boston Celtics
Darius Garland – Cleveland Cavaliers
Aaron Gordon – Denver Nuggets
Draymond Green – Golden State Warriors
Ivica Zubac – LA Clippers
Jrue Holiday – Boston Celtics
Amen Thompson – Houston Rockets
Paolo Banchero – Orlando Magic
Bam Adebayo – Miami Heat
Pascal Siakam – Indiana Pacers
Ja Morant – Memphis Grizzlies
Rudy Gobert – Minnesota Timberwolves
Julius Randle – Minnesota Timberwolves
Mikal Bridges – New York Knicks
Jaren Jackson Jr. – Memphis Grizzlies
Jamal Murray – Denver Nuggets
Josh Hart – New York Knicks
Tyler Herro – Miami Heat
Luguentz Dort – OKC Thunder
Al Horford – Boston Celtics
Dillon Brooks – Houston Rockets
Norman Powell – LA Clippers
Isaiah Hartenstein – OKC Thunder
Myles Turner – Indiana Pacers
Franz Wagner – Orlando Magic
As the NBA playoffs begin, it’s exciting to see players of Jamaican descent recognized not just for their talent, but for their potential to inspire the next generation. With Powell ready to suit up for Jamaica and hopes rising around Amen Thompson, the island’s basketball future is looking brighter than ever.
