NBA Big-Three Rankings Discover the Top Core Trios for All 30 Teams

The NBA continues to showcase its star power, with a select group of players working as the backbone of each franchise. In the current landscape of professional basketball, teams are increasingly reliant on their top three players to achieve success. To evaluate the potential and direction of all 30 NBA teams, we present the latest NBA Big-Three Rankings, capturing both current dynamics and future prospects.
NBA Big-Three Rankings: Overview of All 30 Teams
These rankings categorize the core trios of each franchise into several tiers based on their present contributions and future outlook. This season marks a period of thrilling transitions, with franchises looking to develop or rebuild their core teams.
Tier 1: A League of Their Own
- Oklahoma City Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams
The Thunder topped this list after winning 68 games and their first championship last season. Their young core is locked in for the long term, making them favorites for future titles.
Tier 2: Knocking on the Door
- Denver Nuggets: Aaron Gordon, Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray
Close to winning multiple championships, the Nuggets boast Nikola Jokic as the top player, with valuable assets in Gordon and Murray.
Tier 3: Best of the East
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley
- New York Knicks: OG Anunoby, Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns
The Cavaliers won 64 games last season but struggled in the playoffs. The Knicks are aiming to break a lengthy title drought after a successful playoff run.
Tier 4: Ascendant Young Teams
- Atlanta Hawks: Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson, Zaccharie Risacher
- Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham, Ron Holland, Ausar Thompson
- Houston Rockets: Alperen Sengun, Reed Sheppard, Amen Thompson
The Hawks maintain consistency with their three young stars, while the Pistons are on an upward trajectory thanks to Cunningham’s All-Star performance.
Tier 5: Gap Years
- Boston Celtics: Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Derrick White
- Indiana Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Pascal Siakam
In Boston, uncertainty surrounds Tatum’s recovery from injury, while Indy faces challenges with Haliburton’s recent Achilles tear.
Tier 6: Old Stars with Big Questions
- Dallas Mavericks: Anthony Davis, Cooper Flagg, Kyrie Irving
- Golden State Warriors: Jimmy Butler, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green
The Mavericks transformed their roster significantly while concerns loom over the Warriors’ aging core’s health.
Tier 7: Changing the Course
- Memphis Grizzlies: Cedric Coward, Jaren Jackson Jr., Ja Morant
- Philadelphia 76ers: VJ Edgecombe, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey
With injuries stalling their progress, the Grizzlies must focus on Morant and Jackson’s future, while Philly hopes for Embiid’s stability.
Tier 8: Stuck in the Middle
- Chicago Bulls: Matas Buzelis, Noa Essengue, Josh Giddey
- Miami Heat: Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware
Both teams face dilemmas regarding their core’s continuity and potential for success in the current season.
Tier 9: Starting a Rebuild
- Charlotte Hornets: LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel, Brandon Miller
- New Orleans Pelicans: Jeremiah Fears, Derik Queen, Zion Williamson
The Hornets are hoping for health among their young talents, while the Pelicans look to maximize Williamson’s on-court contributions.
Tier 10: Rebuilding
- Brooklyn Nets: Nic Claxton, Egor Demin, Nolan Traore
- Portland Trail Blazers: Toumani Camara, Donovan Clingan, Shaedon Sharpe
- Utah Jazz: Ace Bailey, Walter Clayton, Lauri Markkanen
- Washington Wizards: Bilal Coulibaly, Tre Johnson, Alex Sarr
With a focus on development, these teams aim to reshape their fundamental structures for a brighter future.
The NBA Big-Three Rankings reflect both the challenges and opportunities facing each franchise. For fans and observers alike, the performances of these core trios will dictate the narratives of the ongoing season. The competition remains fierce, promising exciting basketball ahead.