While the modern NBA is often characterized by its depth, the enduring truth remains: championship teams are built on concentrated star power. With only five players on the court at any given time, the synergy and individual brilliance of a few elite talents can define a team`s destiny.
Beyond identifying established superstars, a thorough examination of each team`s top three players offers a vital snapshot of an organization`s immediate strength and future trajectory. This analysis considers both their current impact and long-term potential, along with the likelihood that these key players will remain with their respective teams for the foreseeable future.
A league of their own
Knocking on the door
Best of the East
Ascendant young teams
Gap Years
Old stars with big questions
Changing the course
Stuck in the middle
Starting a rebuild
Rebuilding
Tier 1: A League of Their Own
Oklahoma City Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams
The Thunder unequivocally lead this list. Following a dominant 68-win season and an NBA championship, achieved with one of the youngest title-winning rosters ever, GM Sam Presti further solidified their position by securing long-term extensions for all three young cornerstones. This commitment firmly establishes Oklahoma City as perpetual favorites for the Larry O`Brien Trophy.
Last year: Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, Williams
Tier 2: Knocking on the Door
Denver Nuggets: Aaron Gordon, Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray
Denver has been incredibly close to achieving a three-peat, with Nikola Jokic remaining the league`s premier player. Supported by Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon, who consistently perform in high-stakes playoff games, this trio is exceptionally well-suited. Despite past playoff setbacks, their core strength is undeniable.
Last year: Gordon, Jokic, Murray
Tier 3: Best of the East
Cleveland Cavaliers: Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley
Similar to the Thunder, the Cavaliers boast a core of prime-age or younger stars on long-term deals, coming off a 64-win season. Their playoff performance, however, saw them fall in five games to the Indiana Pacers, which places them slightly lower. A strong playoff run next season could quickly elevate their standing.
Last year: Garland, Mitchell, Mobley
New York Knicks: OG Anunoby, Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns
The Knicks are entering the season after an Eastern Conference Finals appearance, signifying their belief in this group`s potential to end a half-century championship drought. Brunson and Towns are elite offensive talents at guard and center, respectively, complemented by Anunoby`s exceptional wing defense and improved 3-point shooting.
Last year: Anunoby, Brunson, Towns
Tier 4: Ascendant Young Teams
Atlanta Hawks: Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson, Zaccharie Risacher
Atlanta`s roster has seen a significant re-imagining under GM Onsi Saleh. While Trae Young and Kristaps Porzingis are key, their contract situations create uncertainty. Daniels, last season`s Most Improved Player, Johnson (a breakout candidate if healthy), and Risacher, a promising rookie, form a young, intriguing core for the franchise`s new direction.
Last year: Daniels, Johnson, Risacher
Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham, Ron Holland, Ausar Thompson
Cade Cunningham`s brilliant All-Star and All-NBA campaign last season, leading Detroit to the playoffs for the first time since 2019, has solidified his star status. Alongside intriguing young talents like Ron Holland and Ausar Thompson, and other promising players such as Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren, the Pistons have a developing core around Cunningham.
Last year: Cunningham, Holland, Ivey
Houston Rockets: Alperen Sengun, Reed Sheppard, Amen Thompson
Houston`s core has evolved. Amen Thompson, a top-5 pick in 2023, is blossoming into a star, set for a larger role due to Fred VanVleet`s injury. While Kevin Durant`s long-term contract status is pending, Reed Sheppard, a potential starting point guard, is a key long-term piece, joining Sengun as the franchise builds for the future.
Last year: Sengun, Sheppard, VanVleet
Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle
After reaching the Western Conference Finals in consecutive seasons, Minnesota aims to advance further despite the looming challenge of the Oklahoma City Thunder. The continued development of Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels is crucial. Julius Randle`s recent long-term extension cements his role as a core player, strengthening their pursuit of a deeper playoff run.
Last year: Edwards, McDaniels, Rudy Gobert
Orlando Magic: Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane, Franz Wagner
The Magic`s core now includes Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Desmond Bane, acquired this summer as a perfect complement to their young talents. Jalen Suggs` injury last season highlighted his importance, but Bane`s addition fills a crucial role. Their season hinges on Banchero and Wagner`s efficiency improvements, which could propel them to significant success in a competitive East.
Last year: Banchero, Suggs, Wagner
San Antonio Spurs: De`Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, Victor Wembanyama
The Spurs have drastically reshaped their core around Victor Wembanyama, trading for All-Star point guard De`Aaron Fox and drafting another promising guard in Dylan Harper. How these new talents integrate with the generational big man will be a major storyline. Last season`s Rookie of the Year, Stephon Castle, shifts roles due to these significant roster additions.
Last year: Wembanyama, Castle, Devin Vassell
Tier 5: Gap Years
Boston Celtics: Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Derrick White
After raising their 18th banner, the Celtics` championship aspirations were derailed by Jayson Tatum`s Achilles injury. This season is likely a transitional one as they await his return for the 2026-27 campaign. Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, however, remain elite wing players, ensuring Boston stays competitive despite Tatum`s absence.
Last year: Brown, Tatum, White
Indiana Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Pascal Siakam
Indiana`s impressive playoff run, fueled by their unique style of play, nearly put them at the top of this list. However, Tyrese Haliburton`s Achilles tear in the NBA Finals means a long recovery period. While Bennedict Mathurin`s role has shifted, Andrew Nembhard`s brilliant playoff emergence secures his core spot alongside Haliburton and Siakam.
Last year: Haliburton, Siakam, Mathurin
Tier 6: Old Stars with Big Questions
Dallas Mavericks: Anthony Davis, Cooper Flagg, Kyrie Irving
Dallas has undergone a dramatic transformation. With Luka Doncic in Los Angeles and Kyrie Irving recovering from an ACL tear, Cooper Flagg, a stunning lottery acquisition, takes center stage alongside Anthony Davis. Their season hinges on Flagg`s immediate impact, Davis`s health, and Irving`s full recovery to contend for the playoffs.
Last year: Irving, Doncic, Dereck Lively
Golden State Warriors: Jimmy Butler, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green
The Warriors showed high potential last season with Jimmy Butler and Stephen Curry healthy, but injuries, especially to Curry, derailed their playoff run. This veteran core, all 35 or older, possesses a high ceiling but is consistently shadowed by “if healthy” questions, which will dictate their season`s success.
Last year: Curry, Green, Brandin Podziemski
LA Clippers: James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Ivica Zubac
Despite a productive offseason adding depth, the Clippers` fate rests heavily on Kawhi Leonard`s availability and health, having missed over 40% of games in his Clippers tenure. The team also faces an ongoing investigation into potential cap circumvention, adding further uncertainty to a roster aiming for contention with Harden and Zubac as key contributors.
Last year: Harden, Leonard, Zubac
Los Angeles Lakers: Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Austin Reaves
The Lakers believe a core of Luka Doncic and LeBron James can contend, but both players` health is paramount. James, nearing 41 and facing a sciatica problem, presents a constant health concern. Combined with potential shooting and defensive issues, the Lakers face significant questions despite their star power.
Last year: James, Reaves, Anthony Davis
Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis, Myles Turner
Giannis Antetokounmpo`s future is a widely discussed topic, but for now, he remains a Buck and an MVP candidate. Myles Turner replaces Brook Lopez as a floor-spacing center. However, the significant drop-off from Damian Lillard (now in Portland) to Bobby Portis as the third core piece highlights potential challenges for Milwaukee, even with a healthy Antetokounmpo.
Last year: Antetokounmpo, Lillard, Lopez
Tier 7: Changing the Course
Memphis Grizzlies: Cedric Coward, Jaren Jackson Jr., Ja Morant
The Grizzlies face a period of significant change. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant are both recovering from injuries. The trade involving Desmond Bane has reshaped the roster, with Cedric Coward emerging as a key piece. Ultimately, the team`s success hinges on Morant and Jackson`s health and performance, reminding us how quickly a promising young core can shift.
Last year: Morant, Jackson, Bane
Philadelphia 76ers: VJ Edgecombe, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey
Health remains the primary concern for the 76ers, particularly for Joel Embiid and Paul George. If they can stay on the court, Philadelphia can be a formidable East contender. However, George, despite his max extension, falls out of the core this season in favor of rookie VJ Edgecombe, reflecting a shift in long-term priorities.
Last year: Embiid, Maxey, George
Tier 8: Stuck in the Middle
Chicago Bulls: Matas Buzelis, Noa Essengue, Josh Giddey
The Bulls frequently find themselves in a middling position, likely contending for a play-in spot rather than committing to a full rebuild. Josh Giddey, on a long-term deal, is a core player. Coby White, while a strong performer, is on an expiring contract. Matas Buzelis and rookie Noa Essengue represent the team`s younger, developing core.
Last year: Giddey, White, Patrick Williams
Miami Heat: Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, Kel`el Ware
After Jimmy Butler`s departure, the Heat are searching for their next long-term star to pair with Bam Adebayo. Tyler Herro, coming off an All-Star season, could be that player. Kel`el Ware adds promise as an active, defensive big. However, the team needs more offensive firepower to escape their current middling status, even in the East.
Last year: Adebayo, Herro, Jimmy Butler
Sacramento Kings: Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray, Domantas Sabonis
The Kings have dramatically changed since their 2023 playoff run. With De`Aaron Fox and Mike Brown gone, Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan are reunited. Keegan Murray is a long-term bright spot despite an early season injury, but the rest of the core is either in their prime or aging, leaving Sacramento`s future direction uncertain.
Last year: Murray, Sabonis, Fox
Toronto Raptors: Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, Collin Murray-Boyles
Scottie Barnes is locked into a max extension, joined by Brandon Ingram and rookie Collin Murray-Boyles. Despite these additions, the long-term upside of this core appears limited, potentially leading to another competitive but ultimately early playoff exit, similar to the Raptors` previous playoff teams.
Last year: Barnes, Gradey Dick, Immanuel Quickley
Tier 9: Starting a Rebuild
Charlotte Hornets: LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel, Brandon Miller
Under new leadership, the Hornets hope to see their young talents like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller stay healthy. Kon Knueppel, a high draft pick, perfectly complements Ball and Miller on the wings. However, the frontcourt remains a question mark after Mark Williams` departure, forcing Charlotte to restart efforts in that area.
Last year: Ball, Miller, Williams
New Orleans Pelicans: Jeremiah Fears, Derik Queen, Zion Williamson
Zion Williamson`s commitment to health offers hope for New Orleans. Despite the presence of veterans like Dejounte Murray and Trey Murphy, the new front office`s lottery picks, Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen, are now core members. The Pelicans` future hinges on Williamson`s sustained play and the development of these new young talents.
Last year: Williamson, Murray, Murphy
Phoenix Suns: Devin Booker, Ryan Dunn, Khaman Maluach
The Suns have dramatically shifted from a “big three” roster. With Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal gone, Devin Booker remains as the cornerstone amidst a rebuilding phase. Hampered by dead money and limited draft picks, Phoenix will rely on developing young players like Ryan Dunn and Khaman Maluach, requiring more patience than shown in recent years.
Last year: Booker, Beal, Durant
Tier 10: Rebuilding
Brooklyn Nets: Nic Claxton, Egor Demin, Nolan Traore
The Nets are fully committed to a rebuild, exemplified by their five first-round picks in the recent draft. Nic Claxton, on a long-term deal, remains a core player, expected to regain his form. Egor Demin and Nolan Traore, along with other young prospects, represent the future, as the team focuses on developing talent for years to come.
Last year: Claxton, Clowney, Thomas
Portland Trail Blazers: Toumani Camara, Donovan Clingan, Shaedon Sharpe
Portland`s direction is less clear. They possess intriguing young talents like Donovan Clingan, Shaedon Sharpe, and Scoot Henderson, but recent veteran additions like Jrue Holiday and the re-signing of Damian Lillard (who won`t play) create a complex roster. With many questions about roles and player development, their upcoming season will be fascinating to watch.
Last year: Clingan, Henderson, Sharpe
Utah Jazz: Ace Bailey, Walter Clayton, Lauri Markkanen
Despite lottery disappointment, the Jazz, under new leadership, drafted Ace Bailey and Walter Clayton, making them core players. Lauri Markkanen seeks to return to his previous All-Star form, but with Walker Kessler not securing an extension, the team is clearly focused on developing their new young talent and charting a long-term rebuilding path.
Last year: Markkanen, Keyonte George, Kessler
Washington Wizards: Bilal Coulibaly, Tre Johnson, Alex Sarr
The Wizards remain committed to developing their young talent after another lottery setback. Bilal Coulibaly, Alex Sarr, and Tre Johnson, their top picks from recent drafts, form the core. This season will focus on identifying which of their many young players, now up to ten on rookie contracts, can emerge as foundational pieces for their ongoing rebuild.
Last year: Coulibaly, Sarr, Bub Carrington
