NBA player tiers 2026: LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant slide to Tier 2

Key Points:

• The 2026 NBA Player Tiers highlight the importance of stacking talent, noting that championship contenders typically have multiple Tier 1 or Tier 2 players, with teams like the Cavaliers, Knicks, and Thunder exemplifying this.
• Tier 2A features notable players such as Stephen Curry, Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, Kevin Durant, and Kawhi Leonard, who are all highly skilled but face challenges like age, injuries, or team support that keep them just below the top tier.
• Tier 2B includes All-Stars like LeBron James, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, Scottie Barnes, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Johnson, and Karl-Anthony Towns, who contribute significantly to playoff teams but often share the spotlight or have some limitations.
• Tier 2C highlights Jamal Murray and Evan Mobley, who are talented stars with potential but have inconsistencies or areas to improve, such as shooting efficiency or playoff performance.
• Tier 2D and 2E contain players like James Harden, Devin Booker, De’Aaron Fox, Deni Avdija, Jalen Williams, Pascal Siakam, Kyrie Irving, and Tyrese Haliburton, who bring valuable skills but face concerns such as injuries, age, or team fit that affect their tier placement.