The NBA Player Tiers project by Seth Partnow categorizes the top 125 players in the league into five distinct tiers based on their value to their teams. These tiers are not meant to be read as strict player rankings, but rather as a way to separate solid starters from the very best superstars, and everything in between. NBA front offices use these tiers to assess player value across the league when building their teams. The fifth annual NBA Player Tiers project highlights the changing landscape of the league, with new stars emerging and established players facing challenges.
Tier 1 features some of the league’s top players, including Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and Joel Embiid. Durant, despite a down year in true shooting percentage, maintained his Tier 1 status, but will need a strong performance in the upcoming season to remain there. Curry’s subtle signs of decline led to him being moved from Tier 1A to 1B, while Embiid’s various setbacks and untimely playoff exits have kept him from reaching the conference finals, impacting his Tier 1B status.
In Tier 1A, players like Luka Dončić and Giannis Antetokounmpo are recognized for their exceptional skills and impact on the court. Dončić’s improvements on both ends of the floor helped elevate the Mavericks during their playoff run, while Antetokounmpo’s dominance and MVP track record have earned him a spot in Tier 1A for every edition of the Tiers. However, there are concerns about how long Antetokounmpo’s peak performance will last as he approaches 30, raising questions about his future in Tier 1.
At the top of the heap is reigning MVP Nikola Jokić, who has consistently delivered impressive statistics and efficient scoring across multiple seasons. Jokić’s ability to impact the game as a center with his scoring, rebounding, and playmaking skills sets him apart from his peers. While these tiers are not to be viewed as rankings, Jokić’s consistent excellence on the court makes a strong case for him being the top player in the league. As the NBA landscape continues to evolve, new stars like Jokić are emerging as the future faces of the league.
The NBA player Tiers project provides a comprehensive look at the top players in the league and how they are categorized based on their value and impact. By separating players into distinct tiers, teams can better assess their strengths and weaknesses when building their rosters. As the league undergoes a changing of the guard, with new stars emerging and established players facing challenges, these tiers offer a valuable tool for evaluating player performance and value.
Overall, the NBA Player Tiers project by Seth Partnow highlights the evolving nature of the league and the players who are at the top of their game. From established superstars like Durant, Curry, and Embiid to emerging talents like Dončić and Jokić, the tiers showcase the diverse range of talent and skill present in the NBA. As teams navigate the complex landscape of the league, these tiers provide a valuable framework for evaluating player performance and value.
