Ranking the NBA's best players: Top 25, revisited

The2026 NBA All-Star breakoffered the chance for the entire league to catch its breath, reset and look ahead to the playoffs, which – seemingly suddenly – start in two months.

The break is also giving us the chance to revisit theUSA TODAY SportsTop 25 NBA player rankingsfor the 2025-26 season, which we published in early October.

Where did we get it right? Where did we get it wrong?

Rankings and perceived value, of course, are subjective, so we welcome the debate. But for the purposes of this list, we're omitting star players who are likely to miss at least most of the remainder of the season due to injury – players like Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum,Indiana Pacersguard Tyrese Haliburton andDallas Mavericksguard Kyrie Irving.

Oct. 26: The Brooklyn Nets' Michael Porter Jr. dunks in front of the San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama at Frost Bank Center.

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Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents

More:NBA All-Star Game winners and losers: US vs World format is an upgrade

USA TODAY Sports' Top 25 NBA players, ranked

25.Paolo Banchero, forward,Orlando Magic

2025-26 stats:21.3 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 4.8 apg

His scoring numbers and efficiency have lagged significantly, and the Magic – before Franz Wagner got hurt – often played better when he was off the floor.

Pre-season ranking:16th

24.Jalen Duren, center,Detroit Pistons

2025-26 stats:17.7 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 1.8 apg

With a steadily-improving mid-range jumper, his offensive game has developed. And, with his size and defensive presence down low, Duren is becoming a force for the Pistons.

Pre-season ranking:unranked

23.Lauri Markkanen, forward, Utah Jazz

2025-26 stats:26.7 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 2.1 apg

The Jazz may not want him to play fourth quarters, but Markkanen is averaging career highs in points per game and is quickly becoming a premier inside-out threat who can stretch the floor.

Pre-season ranking:unranked

22.Jalen Johnson, forward, Atlanta Hawks

2025-26 stats:23.3 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 8.2 apg

He's quickly becoming one of the more versatile players in the entire NBA and is a player who impacts the game in several ways. He also often puts up monster stat lines.

Pre-season ranking:unranked

21.Karl-Anthony Towns, forward-center, New York Knicks

2025-26 stats:19.8 ppg, 11.9 rpg, 2.9 apg

His defensive effort and propensity to fall into foul trouble often compromise his ability to be a consistent, game-changing force, but his shooting range and rebounding still make him a unique talent.

Pre-season ranking:18th

20.Scottie Barnes, forward,Toronto Raptors

2025-26 stats:19.3 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 5.6 apg

Now in his fifth season, Barnes is quietly becoming a consistent force on both ends. His scoring isn't eye-popping, but he's a play-making presence on a Raptors team that has been the biggest surprise in the East.

Pre-season ranking:unranked

19.Joel Embiid, center, Philadelphia 76ers

2025-26 stats:26.6 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 3.9 apg

Both Embiid and the 76ers have been calculated and cautious when it comes to the soon-to-be 32-year-old's knee issues. And while Embiid has missed his share of games, he has been very productive when on the floor. He's not quite at his MVP levels from 2022-23, but he nonetheless remains a dominant force.

Pre-season ranking:19th

18.Pascal Siakam, forward-center,Indiana Pacers

2025-26 stats:26.7 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 3.9 apg

To look at the impact Siakam has had on the Pacers, all you need to do is take a quick peek at the team's injury reports from this season. Yet, despite being the focus of opposing defenses, Siakam has been the team's lone bright spot.

Pre-season ranking:24th

17.Jamal Murray, guard, Denver Nuggets

2025-26 stats:25.7 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 7.6 apg

During the stretches when Nikola Jokić has had to miss time, Murray has carried the Nuggets. And, after Denver lost some of its perimeter shooting with the trade of Michael Porter Jr., Murray has filled in that void, tying his career-best 3-point shooting percentage (42.5%) on a career-high 7.4 attempts per game.

Pre-season ranking:unranked

16.LeBron James, forward, Los Angeles Lakers

2025-26 stats:22.0 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 7.1 apg

What James is doing at 41 years old does not have a precedent. He remains an impact player who can drive, make the right pass and rebound. He has lost a step, however, and isn't as efficient with his shot and needs to manage back-to-backs. But at his age, that's only natural.

Pre-season ranking:8th

15.Tyrese Maxey, guard, Philadelphia 76ers

2025-26 stats:28.9 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 6.8 apg

Perhaps the most glaring oversight of the unranked players, Maxey ranks sixth in the NBA in scoring and is proving that he's an elite shot maker. He's also showing that he can drag the Sixers to victories, even if Embiid is unavailable.

Pre-season ranking:unranked

14.Devin Booker, guard, Phoenix Suns

2025-26 stats:25.2 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 6.3 apg

Although the Suns were seemingly entering an apparent rebuild, Booker's play has helped Phoenix (32-23) become one of the surprises out West. His silky jumper and ability to orchestrate an offense has been on display following the departures of Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal.

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Pre-season ranking:15th

13.Jalen Brunson, guard, New York Knicks

2025-26 stats:27.0 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 6.1 apg

Although the ball sometimes stagnates in his hands, it's for a good reason; Brunson is effective in the clutch, can get to the line and has excellent understanding of body positioning and leverage. He's also a tireless worker.

Pre-season ranking:11th

12.Kevin Durant, forward,Houston Rockets

2025-26 stats:25.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 4.4 apg

His assimilation into the Rocketshasn't been without its hiccups, but Durant remains one of the elite scorers in the game, even at 37 years old. He's more reliant than ever on his jumper, but it's still lethal.

Pre-season ranking:9th

11.Donovan Mitchell, guard, Cleveland Cavaliers

2025-26 stats:29.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 5.9 apg

He still needs to dispel the notion that he cannot perform well in the postseason, and the acquisition of James Harden will only intensify that pressure. But Mitchell is a strong guard who can score at all three levels, take over games and distribute when needed.

Pre-season ranking:10th

10.Jaylen Brown, guard, Boston Celtics

2025-26 stats:29.3 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 4.7 apg

This season has shown what Brown can do when he's the No. 1 threat on a team. He ranks fourth in the league in scoring, has become a nightmare matchup on defense and has willed the Celtics (35-19) all the way to the current No. 2 seed in the East, even without Jayson Tatum (Achilles) and the departures of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis.

Pre-season ranking:20th

9.Kawhi Leonard, forward, Los Angeles Clippers

2025-26 stats:27.9 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 3.7 apg

He was the main reason why the Clippers came back from the dead, after an abysmal start to the season. Yet, with James Harden and Ivica Zubac now gone, Leonard becomes even more important. His absolute clinic in the 2026 All-Star Game showed that he's among the best in the world when he's on.

Pre-season ranking:14th

8.Stephen Curry, guard, Golden State Warriors

2025-26 stats:27.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 4.8 apg

The greatest shooter of all-time and the player who fights hardest to get separation and space, Curry is a singular talent. He's also the Warriors' only hope to make a run, and Golden State's window to win is quickly closing.

Pre-season ranking:6th

7.Cade Cunningham, guard, Detroit Pistons

2025-26 stats:25.3 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 9.6 apg

Somehow, Cunningham still flies under the radar relative to other stars in the NBA. Yet he is the main reason the Pistons (40-13) have had their remarkable turnaround over the last two seasons, and his command of Detroit's offense makes him a legitimate MVP candidate.

Pre-season ranking:12th

6.Luka Dončić, guard, Los Angeles Lakers

2025-26 stats:32.8 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 8.6 apg

He leads the league in scoring, and he's arguably the premier offensive player in the NBA, but he has become such a defensive liability, it's hard to justify him being in the Top 5. Opposing teams constantly seek him out and attack him on the other end. Still, with the game on the line, or when L.A. needs a big shot, you know who's going to take it.

Pre-season ranking:4th

5.Anthony Edwards, guard, Minnesota Timberwolves

2025-26 stats:29.3 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 3.7 apg

The2026 NBA All-Star Most Valuable Player, Edwards is a threat to score from anywhere. Though it may appear as though he's too reliant on his 3, he's converting those at a career-high 40.2%.

Pre-season ranking:5th

4.Victor Wembanyama, forward-center, San Antonio Spurs

2025-26 stats:24.4 ppg, 11.1 rpg, 2.8 apg

Arguably no player impacts the game on both ends of the floor more than Wembanyama. He leads the NBA with 2.7 blocks per game and his offensive portfolio continues to evolve. His greatest asset, however,might be his competitiveness.

Pre-season ranking:7th

3.Giannis Antetokounmpo, forward-center, Milwaukee Bucks

2025-26 stats:28.0 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 5.6 apg

His future in Milwaukee seems secure – for now – but Antetokounmpo needs to shake off nagging calf injuries that have robbed him of time on the court. He's the best transition scorer in the world and his size, power, length and athleticism make him a nightmare to defend. His jump shot, though, is still a weakness.

Pre-season ranking:3rd

2.Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, guard, Oklahoma City Thunder

2025-26 stats:31.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 6.4 apg

Though he was banged up headed into the All-Star break, Gilgeous-Alexander is the preeminent model of consistency in the NBA. His scoring streak of at least 20 points stands at 121 games, which is just six away from Wilt Chamberlain's all-time record.

Pre-season ranking:2nd

1.Nikola Jokić, center, Denver Nuggets

2025-26 stats:28.7 ppg, 12.3 rpg, 10.7 apg

The only player this season to average a triple-double, Jokić is the most dominant presence in the entire NBA. His vision is unparalleled. His footwork and finesse under the basket is flawless. His knowledge and expertise of the game gives Denver such a massive advantage. For a lot of fans, the most frustrating part about Jokić is his apparent apathy when it comes to things like the All-Star Game. Don't fall into that trap; he's one of the all-time great players in history.

Pre-season ranking:1st

Players who were ranked in the preseason Top 25, but fell off the list: Ja Morant, Grizzlies (25th); James Harden, Cavaliers (23rd); Jimmy Butler, Warriors (22nd); Evan Mobley, Cavaliers (21st); Jalen Williams, Thunder (17th); Anthony Davis, Wizards (13th).

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Ranking NBA's best players, new top 25 after All-Star break

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February 19, 2026

Ranking the NBA's best players: Top 25, revisited

The2026 NBA All-Star breakoffered the chance for the entire league to catch its breath, reset and look ahead to the play...

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2026 WNBA mock draft: Could Flau'jae Johnson reunite with Angel Reese?

The2026 WNBA draftis scheduled for April 13 and the biggest the question is pretty obvious:Who will the Dallas Wingspick at No. 1?

Ongoing CBA negotiationshave impacted WNBA free agency and expansion drafts for the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo. With no new CBA in place, many variables are at play in trying to predict what teams will do when the draft arrives.

There's plenty of talent to evaluate and keep tabs on, including whoseWNBA draft stock is rising. From Spain center Awa Fam toLSU's Flau'jae Johnson, let's take a look at where prospects could land.

Here's USA TODAY's latest 2026 WNBA mock draft*:

*The order in which the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire will pick has yet to be determined due to ongoingcollective bargaining agreement negotiations. It is expected to be decided by a coin flip at a later date.

1. Dallas Wings: Awa Fam, C, Spain

During Unrivaled this offseason, Wings guard Paige Bueckers and Storm center Dominque Malonga have provided blueprint Dallas could replicate. Bueckers and Malonga's one-two punch has worked well, particularly with post-entry passing and scoring opportunities. At 6-foot-6, Fam could has the potential to duplicate that same setup. Fam is light on her feet and practically floats down the court, moving well in traffic. She also brings three-level scoring Dallas could use to compete with the league's most dynamic post players.

2. Minnesota Lynx: Azzi Fudd, G, UConn

Fudd has been hovering around 50-40-90 (making 50% of her field goals, 40% from 3 and 90% from the free throw line) this season. Her efficient scoring ability from all over the court could entice Minnesota. While the Lynx could use a post player, the franchise also needs shooting behind guard Kayla McBride, if she returns in free agency. Fudd is an immediate plug-and-play guard who not only brings offense, but is a willing defender that head coach Cheryl Reeve could mold.

3. Seattle Storm: Olivia Miles, G, TCU

There's no doubt Miles is the best passer in this year's draft class, but she has also become a scoring machine this season. The 5-foot-10 guard is averaging 20.2 points a game, the most in her career, on 50.5% shooting. During a Feb. 12 game against Baylor, Miles made 10 3-point shots and finished with 40 points. The Horned Frogs guard also leads the nation in triple-doubles with four.

4. Washington Mystics: Lauren Betts, C, UCLA

While Betts is known for her dominant scoring and prowess on the glass, it's her playmaking skills that have improved this season. Her assists have climbed to a career-high 3.1 per game, and she's seeing the floor much better out of the post. Betts often draws double or even triple teams, and she's smartly discovering ways to still get points out of possessions by quickly finding open teammates.

5. Chicago Sky: Flau'jae Johnson, G, LSU

As the leading scorer for LSU and the team's top defender, Johnson does it all. As a two-player, her skills could be coveted by a franchise like Chicago that needs additional shooting and perimeter defenders. Johnson's energy on the court is unmatched and comes to life in late-game situations. It's possible the Sky could take a look at reuniting Johnson with her former LSU teammates, Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith, and seeing if their on-court chemistry can be developed further at the pro level.

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6. Toronto Tempo/Portland Fire: Gabriela Jaquez, G, UCLA

Jacquez continues to be a glue player for UCLA, and it's helped her climb up the draft board. The Bruins guard is a connector in every sense of the word, often helping UCLA's offense flow seamlessly with timely cuts, shots and passing. She improved her shot and footwork over the offseason. Jacquez is shooting a career high 55.5% from the field and 42% from the 3-point line. Portland or Toronto could thrive with Jaquez in the lineup.

7. Portland Fire/Toronto Tempo: Gianna Kneepkens, G, UCLA

Kneepkens shoots 45% from distance and Portland or Toronto could lean on that skill in early days. The Bruins guard is always ready to make a play, and her catch-and-shoot skills are some of the best in the country. Kneepkens has a quick release that often catches opposing defenders off guard, making her a prime candidate for a breakout game at any time. Additionally, her passing is very crisp when, and it's not talked about nearly enough. It's an additional skill set she could lean into at the next level.

8. Golden State Valkyries: Ta'Niya Latson, G, South Carolina

The Florida State transfer has missed five games this season with various injuries, including a knee issue. Still, with Latson in the lineup, South Carolina is a different team. She has a quick burst and gets downhill fast, proving an extra spark offensively while 15.1 points a game. Her defensive pressure allows her to cause disruption, especially in transition. She's a very patient defender, who rarely gambles, and that's something Golden State, which had a top-three defensive rating (99.8) last season, should love.

9. Washington Mystics: Kiki Rice, G, UCLA

Rice has elevated her stock by becoming a top scoring option for the Bruins, averaging 15.5 points a game. She's hitting shots in a variety of ways ― whether it's driving to the basket, off the dribble or in the rhythm of a catch-and shoot. The 5-foot-11 guard could fill in for Georgia Amoore or provide additional depth for a young Washington squad. Rice is shooting nearly 42% this season from 3-point range, and that can only help the Mystics, who love to punish opponents from the perimeter.

10. Indiana Fever: Madina Okot, C, South Carolina

It's still unclear if Okot will actually declare for the WNBA draft this season. If she does, she could find a landing spot behind fellow South Carolina product, Fever center Aliyah Boston. The 6-foot-6 center is a walking double-double and her ability to clean up the glass could help an Indiana team that ranked ninth in the WNBA in rebounds per game (33.4). If the Fever can help Okot finish faster at the rim, she could be a gem in Indiana's system.

11. Washington Mystics: Ashlon Jackson, G, Duke

Jackson is a known 3-point specialist, but her catch-all skills put a nice bow around her game. The senior guard isn't afraid to crash the glass in crunch time, send an assist a teammate's way or unleash sweltering defense when Duke needs it most. During the Blue Devils current 16-game win streak, Jackson has scored in double-digits 10 times and had seven games with six or more assists. She could be a nice depth piece for the Mystics, who ranked 11th in points a game (77.1) last season and last in the league in made 3-pointers (5.6).

12. Connecticut Sun: Cotie McMahon, F, Ole Miss

McMahon does it all for Ole Miss and has leaned into playing multiple positions this season. She is an absolute terror when going downhill, and few teams can stop her once her feet touch the paint. The 6-foot senior is excellent at quickly reading the floor and attacking weaknesses in opposing defenses, something that could help her at the next level. As a defender, she may need time to develop once she reaches the WNBA, but her offense could be what helps her get early minutes.

13. Atlanta Dream: Raven Johnson, G, South Carolina

Johnson is having a career year under head coach Dawn Staley, and it just might be enough to get first-round consideration. Staley has trusted Johnson to not only run the offense, but has leaned on her in late-game situations, signaling the guard's growth. At 10.2 points per game, she's not a prolific scorer, but she's efficient from the field (48.8%) and a solid facilitator (5.4 assists per game). Additionally, Johnson's lockdown defense, her best asset, could be what helps her earn minutes her first year as a pro.

14. Seattle Storm: Marta Suarez, F, TCU

Whether it's in games or practice, Suarez wants to score. This season, she's averaging career highs in points per game (16.2) and shooting percentage (48%). The Cal transfer, who has thrived off catch-and-shoot 3-pointers, is also draining a career high 36% of shots from behind the line. Suarez is a versatile player who can pass, defend and score in clutch situations.

15. Connecticut Sun: Tonie Morgan, G, Kentucky

This season, Morgan's production and leadership have helped elevate the Wildcats into the top 10. The Kentucky guard has terrific body control and sound footwork, not to mention impeccable patience and vision. She's a willing passer, whose 8.4 assists per game lead the nation. Morgan is also shooting a career high 40% from beyond the arc, which could help her stock as a WNBA draft prospect, elevating her into the first round.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:2026 WNBA mock draft: Could Flau'jae Johnson reunite with Angel Reese?

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February 19, 2026

2026 WNBA mock draft: Could Flau'jae Johnson reunite with Angel Reese?

The2026 WNBA draftis scheduled for April 13 and the biggest the question is pretty obvious:Who will the Dallas Wingspick...

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Charlotte's LaMelo Ball not injured after 2-car crash in downtown Charlotte, AP source says

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball was not injured after being involved in a two-car crash in downtown Charlotte on Wednesday, according to a person familiar with the situation.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the details of the accident.

A police report was not immediately made available.

Ball appeared to be driving through an intersection when his camoflauge-colored, custom-made Hummer collided with another vehicle shortly before 5 p.m., accordingvideo obtained by WSOC-TVin Charlotte. The station later posted video of Ball, wearing anaqua-colored Hornets hoodie, getting out his truck and into another car before being driven away. Police were on the scene at the time.

There was no information available on the person in the other car involved in the collision, although video showed that driver calmly get out of his car and begin walking toward Ball's truck. Video showed the left front tire of Ball's truck was missing.

The Hornets held practice earlier in the day.

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Charlotte, which has won 10 of its last 11 games, is scheduled to host the Houston Rockets on Thursday night as teams return from the All-Star break.

Ball is just the latest to professional sports athlete to be involved in a car accident in Charlotte.

Former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newtonfractured his backfollowing a 2014 crash in which he flipped his black pickup truck near Bank of America Stadium — less than a mile from where Ball's accident occurred.

And in 2024, Panthers current backup quarterback Andy Daltoninjured his thumbwhen he was involved in a two-car accident in Charlotte.

AP NBA:https://apnews.com/hub/NBA

byAdministrator

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February 19, 2026

Charlotte's LaMelo Ball not injured after 2-car crash in downtown Charlotte, AP source says

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball was not injured after being involved in a two-car crash...

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No. 5 UConn stumbles at home in loss to Creighton as hopes for No. 1 seed in NCAA tournament dwindle

Dan Hurley and the Huskies suffered a rare, bad loss at Gampel Pavilion on Wednesday night.

No. 5 UConn fell apart down the stretch and allowed Creighton, which has struggled all season in a down year in Omaha, to pick up a very solid 91-84 upset win. That was by far the biggest victory of the season for the Bluejays, who sit at just 14-13 and need some help in order to even make the NCAA tournament.

The loss for UConn was just the team's third all season, but it both put their hopes at claiming a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament in serious risk and opened the door for Rick Pitino and St. John's to take the Big East title. The Red Storm survived a scare of their own later on Wednesday night and beat Marquette 76-70 in Milwaukee to take the lead in the conference standings.

Creighton had no issue keeping up with UConn all night. The Bluejays entered the locker room tied with the Huskies, and then mounted a huge 14-5 run in the second half while shutting down UConn's offense almost completely. They forced a stretch in which the Huskies missed 10 of 11 shots, too, and briefly pushed their lead to 12 points before cruising to the seven-point win.

Blake Harper likely sealed the deal after he drilled a huge corner 3-pointer just seconds after a Silas Demary layup on the other end. Harper's bucket pushed Creighton's lead to 10 points with just 90 seconds left.

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Josh Dix led Creighton with 21 points and eight rebounds, and Nik Graves added 18 points. Harper finished with 12 points off the bench.

The win seemingly came out of nowhere for the Bluejays. They entered Wednesday night's game having lost six of their last eight. The only wins during that stretch came by a combined two points. They were just 1-8 against Quad I teams up until this point, too.

An NCAA tournament bid is likely out of the question for Creighton, however, unless it manages to knock off No. 17 St. John's on Saturday in New York and goes on a run in the Big East tournament. Wednesday's win, however, was a big step to getting that done.

Braylon Mullins led UConn with 25 points and six rebounds, and Demary added 17 points and nine assists. Star Alex Karaban was held to just two points after he shot 1-of-6 from the field, marking his worst output of the season.

UConn, after starting the season winning 22 of its first 23 games, has now lost twice in its last four after falling at St. John's last week. And if they aren't perfect, or close to it, the rest of the way, securing a top seed in the NCAA tournament could be out of reach.

The rematch between the two teams leading the Big East next week is suddenly that much more important heading into the conference tournament.

byAdministrator

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February 19, 2026

No. 5 UConn stumbles at home in loss to Creighton as hopes for No. 1 seed in NCAA tournament dwindle

Dan Hurley and the Huskies suffered a rare, bad loss at Gampel Pavilion on Wednesday night. No. 5 UConn fell...

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“Pathological Liar”: Hailey Bieber’s Claim About Toddler Son Met With Skepticism

Hailey Bieberrevealed that her baby boy can now sing the chorus of what is arguablyhis father's catchiest song.

The model and Justin Bieber tied the knot in 2018 after several years of an on-and-off relationship. In August 2024, the couple welcomed their first child,Jack Blues.

"They're both overjoyed. The baby is such a miracle," a source toldPeopleat the time. "He's adorable and doing well. Hailey's doing well, too."

Hailey Bieber has shared her son's first words and his favorite song by his famous father, Justin

Image credits:haileybieber

The pregnancy was "something that they very much wished and prayed for," the source added.

While the parents protect Jack Blues' privacy and never show his face on social media, Hailey shared a sweet milestone about her little one's first words on Jake Shane'sTherapusspodcast.

"Does he ever listen to Justin's music?" the host asked.

"Yes, he does. He's been saying, 'Baby oh, Baby oh, Baby oh,'"the 29-year-old momrevealed. "Literally in the last two days. That is so crazy."

Image credits:haileybieber

Justin Bieber, now 31 years old, released his chart-topping singleBabyin 2010, when he was 15.

The previous year, he had met his future wife after being introduced backstage at theTodayshow by Hailey's dad, actor Stephen Baldwin.

"That's so precious! Can't wait to see the lil' Biebs in action," one fan gushed.

"The way Hailey's face lights up talking about Jack singingBabyis everything," commented another.

Hailey and Justin welcomed their first child, a son named Jack Blues, in 2024

Image credits:haileybieber

"Starting them young — sounds like Bieber Jr. is already a mini pop star in the making," a separate viewer wrote, while a fourth simply said, "Time flies."

Others questioned Hailey's story thatJack Blueswas singing his father's hit. "Such a miracle for a 1.5 year old child to sing songs. Giiirrrlll he barely speaks," one critic said.

"There's no way he's singing a song already. She is such a pathological liar," echoed another.

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Many others explained that the little one was just repeating the same word over and over, not singing the full song. "My nephew is younger than him and he loves this one song and whenever we play it keeps repeating a word obviously not the whole song."

"Same age as my nephew and he really does mimic songs," another fan shared.

First words occur at different times for each child, and each will progress at their own pace. As a general guideline, a baby might say their first few words close to their first birthday. They will then expand their vocabulary in their second year.

Hailey revealed that, like many people in the 2010s, Jack also can't getBabyout of his head

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Another topic of conversation that seems to attract Jack Blues' attention is basketball.

"He says 'basketball' all the time," Hailey said. "I went to get him up from his nap today, and he was like 'basketball'. It's insane. So funny."

The baby has also learned one of the core magic words, both in verbal language and sign language.

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"He also just started saying 'Please.' He knew how to sign 'Please' for a really long time. So if I would say, 'Hey, say please,' he would go this, as 'Please.'" Hailey explained, acting out the sign language gesture.

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In addition to singing Justin's song, Jack Blues channeled hisfamous fatherwhen he dressed up as him for Halloween.

Last October, Haileyposted a photo of her son with his back facing the camera, wearing Justin's white and purple outfit from hisMy Worldtour, which he did as a teenager.

Hailey said her son is showing an interest in sports and has learned sign language

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The Rhode founder revealed that she would like to have more children in the future, though she's in "no rush" to become pregnant again.

"Maybe I'll have four more. Maybe I'll have three. I don't know, I really don't know. I'm just taking it one day at a time," she said on the podcast.

The Rhode founder doesn't rule out the possibility of having four more children

Image credits:haileybieber

Asked what surprised her about motherhood, the first-time mom said she's more relaxed than she thought she would be.

"It is so fun. I always knew I wanted kids, I always wanted to be a mom. And then when it happens, you never know what to expect and you don't know what it's going to be like. And it honestly it's so much fun."

In an interview withVoguepublished last year, thebeauty mogulopened up about the constant speculation surrounding her marriage to the Canadian singer.

She recalled being affected by reports claiming that she and Justin were going through a marital crisis shortly after welcoming Jack Blues.

"Being postpartum is the most sensitive time I've ever gone through in my life, and learning a new version of myself is very difficult," she told the magazine at the time.

"And to be doing that all the while going on the internet every day and people being like, 'They're getting divorced' and 'They're this' and 'They're not happy,' it is such a mindf**k. I cannot even begin to explain it. It's a crazy life to live."

"I promise you a 1.5-year-old can say, 'Baby, oh.' He's not rapping Kendrick Lamar," one person quipped

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February 19, 2026

“Pathological Liar”: Hailey Bieber’s Claim About Toddler Son Met With Skepticism

Hailey Bieberrevealed that her baby boy can now sing the chorus of what is arguablyhis father's catchiest song. ...

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