NBA Roster Rankings: Evaluating the Big Three for All 30 Teams

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The modern NBA may be dominated by depth, but in the end, star power still defines championships. In a league where only five players take the court at a time, having three elite players can make all the difference between being a playoff hopeful and a true title contender.

Even for teams without household superstars, examining the top three players on each roster provides insight into a franchise’s direction—both its present stability and its future potential. With that in mind, here’s a comprehensive ranking of the NBA’s 30 “Big Threes,” categorized by tier to reflect their balance of talent, youth, and long-term outlook.

Tier 1: A League of Their Own

Oklahoma City Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Jalen WilliamsThe reigning champions stand alone atop the league. The Thunder’s youthful core led Oklahoma City to a historic 68-win season and an NBA title. With all three stars locked into long-term deals, general manager Sam Presti has built a dynasty in the making. Their chemistry, versatility, and age make them the standard every franchise hopes to replicate.

Tier 2: Knocking on the Door

Denver Nuggets: Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron GordonDenver remains one of the league’s most formidable teams. Jokic continues to prove he’s the best player in the world, and both Murray and Gordon have repeatedly stepped up when it matters most. If not for injuries and a few missed opportunities, the Nuggets could easily be chasing a third straight title right now.

Tier 3: Best of the East

Cleveland Cavaliers: Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan MobleyCleveland’s trio is young, locked in, and talented. After a strong 64-win season, the Cavs fell short in the playoffs, but their long-term outlook remains bright. A deep postseason run could elevate this group into the league’s elite.

New York Knicks: Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG AnunobyThe Knicks believe this is the roster that can finally end their 50-year title drought. Brunson is a proven floor general, Towns brings elite scoring versatility, and Anunoby adds defensive toughness. After reaching the conference finals last year, New York looks ready to take the next step.

Tier 4: Ascending Young Teams

Atlanta Hawks: Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson, Zaccharie RisacherAtlanta’s rebuild has taken shape under new management. Daniels emerged as the Most Improved Player, while Johnson and Risacher give the Hawks size and potential on both ends. The future is promising—if the front office remains patient.

Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham, Ron Holland, Ausar ThompsonCunningham’s All-NBA breakout season brought Detroit back to playoff relevance. Holland and Thompson give the Pistons wings full of energy and upside. With continued growth, Detroit could soon become an Eastern Conference contender.

Houston Rockets: Alperen Sengun, Reed Sheppard, Amen ThompsonThe Rockets’ rebuild is accelerating quickly. Sengun’s playmaking at center, combined with Thompson’s athleticism and Sheppard’s poised backcourt play, gives Houston a strong foundation. Despite losing Fred VanVleet, this team’s long-term trajectory remains on the rise.

Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Julius RandleMinnesota’s back-to-back playoff runs have legitimized their core. Edwards is blossoming into a superstar, McDaniels continues to develop as a two-way threat, and Randle adds physicality and scoring inside. The Timberwolves are no longer underdogs—they’re contenders.

Orlando Magic: Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Desmond BaneOrlando’s youth movement is beginning to bear fruit. Banchero and Wagner headline a dynamic duo, while the addition of Bane adds much-needed perimeter shooting. If their efficiency improves, the Magic could be a surprise force in the East.

San Antonio Spurs: Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, Dylan HarperThe Spurs are building fast around their generational talent. After acquiring Fox and drafting Harper second overall, San Antonio’s blend of star power and youth makes them one of the league’s most intriguing up-and-coming squads.

Tier 5: Gap Years

Boston Celtics: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick WhiteA year removed from banner No. 18, Boston now faces a wait-and-see season after Tatum’s Achilles injury. Brown and White remain elite two-way wings, but the Celtics’ title hopes rest on Tatum’s eventual return to full health.

Indiana Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, Andrew NembhardThe Pacers’ run to the NBA Finals proved they belong among the best. However, Haliburton’s Achilles injury has them entering a holding pattern. Nembhard’s emergence keeps Indiana competitive while they await their star’s recovery.

Tier 6: Old Stars with Big Questions

Dallas Mavericks: Anthony Davis, Cooper Flagg, Kyrie IrvingIn the post-Luka era, Dallas looks drastically different. With rookie sensation Flagg joining Davis and a recovering Irving, the Mavericks are betting on a mix of youth and experience. Their success hinges on health and chemistry.

Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Draymond GreenThe veteran trio remains dangerous but fragile. When healthy, Golden State can beat anyone, but age and durability are major concerns. Butler’s arrival adds grit and playoff pedigree, though this window won’t stay open for long.

Los Angeles Clippers: Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Ivica ZubacTalent has never been the Clippers’ issue—availability has. Leonard’s health remains uncertain, while Harden continues to provide scoring and playmaking. If this group stays intact and healthy, they can still make noise in the West.

Los Angeles Lakers: Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Austin ReavesThe new-look Lakers are star-studded but face major durability concerns. Doncic and James make for an elite duo on paper, but LeBron’s age and ongoing back issues cast uncertainty on their ceiling. Reaves’ growth will be crucial.

Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis, Myles TurnerWith Damian Lillard gone, Milwaukee’s supporting cast around Giannis looks thinner. Turner replaces Brook Lopez as the stretch big, while Portis adds grit and energy. Giannis alone keeps the Bucks relevant, but the roster’s ceiling feels limited.

Tier 7: Changing the Course

Memphis Grizzlies: Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., Cedric CowardInjuries and off-court issues have reshaped Memphis’ once-promising core. Morant’s return and Jackson’s health will determine their fate. Rookie Coward, taken 11th overall, is the wild card who could redefine the team’s identity.

Philadelphia 76ers: Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, VJ EdgecombePhiladelphia’s success depends heavily on Embiid’s health. Maxey continues to rise as a star guard, while rookie Edgecombe adds youthful energy. If everyone stays healthy, this team can still compete in the East.

Tier 8: Stuck in the Middle

Chicago Bulls: Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Noa EssengueThe Bulls remain caught between contention and rebuilding. Giddey brings playmaking stability, while Buzelis and rookie Essengue represent the team’s youth movement. Still, without a clear direction, Chicago’s future remains uncertain.

Miami Heat: Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, Kel’el WarePost-Butler, the Heat are in transition. Adebayo anchors the defense, Herro’s offense continues to improve, and rookie Ware adds size and athleticism. Miami remains competitive but no longer elite.

Sacramento Kings: Domantas Sabonis, Keegan Murray, Zach LaVineSacramento’s core has changed dramatically. With Fox gone and LaVine in, the Kings’ future feels murky. Murray’s development could determine whether this team fights for a playoff spot or restarts the rebuild.

Toronto Raptors: Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, Collin Murray-BoylesToronto’s revamped trio offers promise but limited ceiling. Barnes is the cornerstone, Ingram adds scoring, and rookie Murray-Boyles provides intrigue. However, the Raptors appear destined for mediocrity unless one takes a major leap.

Tier 9: Starting a Rebuild

Charlotte Hornets: LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Kon KnueppelCharlotte’s young trio brings excitement and creativity. Ball and Miller are proven scorers, while Knueppel’s shooting complements their skill sets. If they stay healthy, this group could be the start of something special.

New Orleans Pelicans: Zion Williamson, Jeremiah Fears, Derik QueenThe Pelicans have reshaped their future with two lottery picks. Williamson looks motivated and healthy, while rookies Fears and Queen will get every chance to grow. The rebuild is underway, but progress will take time.

Phoenix Suns: Devin Booker, Ryan Dunn, Khaman MaluachThe Suns’ superteam experiment is over. With Durant and Beal gone, Booker is the lone veteran star. Dunn and Maluach represent the future, but the franchise faces a long road back to contention.

Tier 10: Rebuilding

Brooklyn Nets: Nic Claxton, Egor Demin, Nolan TraoreThe Nets are fully committed to their youth movement, holding five first-round picks from the 2025 draft alone. Claxton provides leadership, while Demin and Traore headline the team’s next generation.

Portland Trail Blazers: Donovan Clingan, Shaedon Sharpe, Toumani CamaraPortland’s direction is uncertain, but the talent is undeniable. Sharpe and Clingan are exciting young pieces, while the roster remains in flux. The Blazers are rebuilding—but how fast they progress depends on player development.

Utah Jazz: Lauri Markkanen, Ace Bailey, Walter ClaytonUtah continues its patient rebuild. Bailey’s arrival as a top-five pick gives the franchise a new face of the future, while Clayton adds championship experience. Markkanen remains the bridge between eras.

Washington Wizards: Bilal Coulibaly, Alex Sarr, Tre JohnsonWashington’s young trio represents hope for a franchise long stuck in neutral. With three recent lottery picks headlining the core, the Wizards are embracing a full rebuild and betting on player growth.

Final Thoughts

From Oklahoma City’s dominance to San Antonio’s rapid rise and Boston’s injury hurdles, every franchise’s path tells a story. The NBA may be deeper than ever, but one truth still stands: teams with a strong Big Three will always have the inside track to greatness.