Another NBA regular season is set to begin, and the preseason player rankings have already been rolled out. While debates over the league's top stars never end, the exercise also offers a revealing snapshot of where each franchise stands entering the 2026-27 season.
USA TODAY's top 100 player rankings highlight the biggest names expected to lead championship contenders, excel for rebuilding teams and shape the league's future. There is widespread agreement that two-time reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic and San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama sit atop the NBA entering the season, with only their order up for debate.
But a team-by-team breakdown of each franchise's highest-ranked player revealed several surprises, including Tyrese Maxey's standing among his new, more accomplished 76ers' teammates and the one team that didn't have a player ranked among the top 100 heading into the season.
Here's what stood out while determining the highest-ranked player on each of the NBA's 30 teams entering the 2026-27 season:
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Tyrese Maxey is top Sixers player over LeBron, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid
Tyrese Maxey might not be the most well-known player on the Philadelphia 76ers, surrounded by two former MVPs and an NBA Finals MVP this season. But he is the highest-ranked Sixers' player in USA TODAY's rankings, checking in at No. 14 and above Jaylen Brown (15), LeBron James (19) and Joel Embiid (41). Maxey had a tremendous sixth season in the NBA last year, setting career highs in nearly every statistical category and emerging as a bona fide franchise player Philadelphia can build around for years to come. But his current ranking also reinforces just how important Maxey's shot creation and durability will be if the Sixers are to win a championship with the veteran core around him.
Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant are NBA anomalies
Of the 30 players identified as the best on their respective teams in USA TODAY's rankings, 10 are 25 or younger and the median age is 27. The Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry and the Houston Rockets' Kevin Durant, meanwhile, are both 38. In fact, only one other player considered the top player on his team entering the season is older than 31.
Their continued excellence is a rarity in today's NBA. While most of their contemporaries have either seen their production decline significantly or left the league altogether, Curry and Durant remain franchise centerpieces and among the sport's elite talents. More than a decade after establishing themselves as superstars, Durant is still carrying championship expectations for the Rockets, and Curry remains the Warriors' standard-bearer.
Memphis Grizzlies are only NBA team without top 100 player
The ommission of any Grizzlies players in USA TODAY's top 100 rankings is a reflection of both the youth of their roster and the uncertainty surrounding the franchise's long-term outlook. Rookie Cameron Boozer received consideration on some ballots but ultimately fell short of making the final list. Based on the early returns, he could move up the rankings quickly. But this designation demonstrates how much change the Grizzlies have gone through while offloading top 100 players like Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. in recent years.
Best player on each NBA team for 2026-27 season
Teams listed in alphabetical order; number in parentheses is where each player landed in our Top 100 player rankings ahead of this season:
- Atlanta Hawks: Jalen Johnson (25)
- Boston Celtics: Jayson Tatum (9)
- Brooklyn Nets: Julius Randle (55)
- Charlotte Hornets: Kon Knueppel (51)
- Chicago Bulls: Josh Giddey (66)
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Donovan Mitchell (13)
- Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg (31)
- Denver Nuggets: Nikola Jokić (2)
- Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham (8)
- Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry (11)
- Houston Rockets: Kevin Durant (12)
- Indiana Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton (18)
- Los Angeles Clippers: Darius Garland (53)
- Los Angeles Lakers: Luka Dončić (4)
- Memphis Grizzlies: None
- Miami Heat: Giannis Antetokounmpo (5)
- Milwaukee Bucks: Tyler Herro (70)
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards (7)
- New Orleans Pelicans: Zion Williamson (50)
- New York Knicks: Jalen Brunson (6)
- Oklahoma City Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (1)
- Orlando Magic: Paolo Banchero (34)
- Philadelphia 76ers: Tyrese Maxey (14)
- Phoenix Suns: Devin Booker (17)
- Portland Trail Blazers: Deni Avdija (38)
- Sacramento Kings: Domantas Sabonis (59)
- San Antonio Spurs: Victor Wembanyama (3)
- Toronto Raptors: Kawhi Leonard (10)
- Utah Jazz: Lauri Markkanen (43)
- Washington Wizards: Trae Young (45)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: We ranked the best player on every NBA team. 76ers among biggest surprise