NBA Player Tiers 2026: LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant Slide to Tier 2
The 2026 NBA Player Tiers are here, and it's a fascinating look at the league's top talent. As an expert analyst, I've broken down the tiers, with a focus on Tier 2, which features a mix of established stars and rising talents. This tier is all about balance and versatility, with players who can contribute in multiple facets of the game.
Tier 2A: Point Guard Excellence
- Jalen Brunson: A master of the pick-and-roll, Brunson averages 5.7 free-throw attempts per game and is a relatively low-turnover playmaker. His defensive prowess, including leading the NBA in charge draws, makes him a complete package.
- Stephen Curry: Despite his age, Curry remains a top-tier scorer and defender. His ability to bend defenses and get to the free-throw line consistently is remarkable. However, his 3.6 rebounds per game were a 14-year low.
- Donovan Mitchell: Cleveland's starting shooting guard, Mitchell is a powerful scorer with a better than 2:1 assist-to-turnover ratio. He's a threat on both ends of the court, with a great nose for the ball.
Tier 2B: Versatile All-Stars
- Kevin Durant: A scoring machine, Durant averages at least 25 points per game since the Supersonics era. His efficiency and versatility make him a force to be reckoned with.
- Kawhi Leonard: Leonard's defensive prowess and scoring ability are unmatched. He's one of the best players in the NBA, with an eight-year high in steals and a three-year high in rebounds.
- Luka Dončić: Dončić's playmaking and scoring make him a Tier 1 contender. His ability to share the spotlight with teammates is impressive, but his injuries have impacted his consistency.
Tier 2C: Rising Stars
- Jamal Murray: A big point guard with exceptional 3-point shooting and free-throw volume. Murray's playmaking and efficiency make him a valuable asset.
- Evan Mobley: Mobley's versatility and shot-creating ability make him a comparison to Holmgren. However, his free-throw percentage has been a concern.
Tier 2D: Playmaking Excellence
- James Harden: Harden's on-ball dominance and playmaking skills are unmatched. Despite his age, he continues to impact the game with his assists and efficiency.
- Devin Booker: Booker's scoring ability and defensive competitiveness make him a key player. However, his playoff success is limited without a consistent point guard.
Tier 2E: Red Flags and Concerns
- Tyrese Haliburton: Haliburton's success won't be measured in scoring, but his playmaking and shot creation are exceptional. However, his recovery from injury may take time.
- Joel Embiid: Embiid's knee concerns are a red flag, but his recent performance has been encouraging. His ability to play the majority of a regular season and stay healthy is a positive sign.
