USA Today Ranks Maxey Above Veteran Stars for 2026-27

Philadelphia's changing player hierarchy and Memphis' roster turnover stand out in USA Today's preseason assessment of the NBA's 30 teams entering the 2026-27 season. Published October 20, 2026, the rankings place Tyrese Maxey ahead of several accomplished teammates and leave the Grizzlies without a player in the publication's top 100, while a separate Bleacher Report analysis examines the league's leading playmakers.

According to USA Today, Maxey ranks No. 14 overall, making him Philadelphia's highest-rated player. Jaylen Brown sits at No. 15, LeBron James at No. 19 and Joel Embiid at No. 41. Maxey's position follows a sixth NBA season in which he established career highs in nearly every statistical category, strengthening his standing as a central figure in the franchise's future.

The rankings also highlight the age gap between established superstars and the league's younger leading players. Of the 30 players identified as the best on their respective teams, 10 are 25 or younger, and the median age is 27. Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry and Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant are both 38, making them the oldest players in that group alongside a league increasingly shaped by younger talent.

Memphis is the only franchise without a representative in USA Today's top 100. Rookie Cameron Boozer received consideration on some ballots but did not make the final ranking. The publication linked the omission to the roster's youth and uncertainty surrounding the franchise's long-term direction, following the departures of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. in recent years.

The broader player rankings place Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander first, Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic second and San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama third. USA Today identified the three as leading candidates among the NBA's top players, although their order differs from some preseason assessments.

Other prominent placements include Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum at No. 9, Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard at No. 10, Curry at No. 11 and Durant at No. 12. Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell ranks No. 13, while Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards is No. 7 and New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson is No. 6.

In its October 16, 2026, analysis of the NBA's top 30 creators, Bleacher Report evaluated playmaking ability rather than overall player value. The publication's list considered players expected to begin the season active and under contract, distinguishing the category from general rankings of the league's best players.

Among the players discussed, Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo ranked 30th, Toronto's Scottie Barnes 29th and Orlando's Jalen Suggs 28th. Bleacher Report cited Antetokounmpo's ability to draw multiple defenders and create opportunities for teammates, while Barnes' size and ability to exploit collapsing defenses supported his standing as a versatile facilitator.

Barnes recorded 474 assists and averaged 5.9 assists per game during the 2025-26 season, according to Bleacher Report. The analysis also noted that he averaged 8.6 assists across seven postseason games against the Cleveland Cavaliers, highlighting his passing output when Toronto needed additional offensive creation.

Suggs averaged 5.5 assists per game in 2025-26, totaling 312 assists. Bleacher Report cited his playmaking efficiency and his ability to create opportunities despite occupying a third-option role when Orlando's roster was healthy.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves ranked 27th among creators, while Clippers guard Darius Garland placed 26th. Garland averaged 6.7 assists per game in 2025-26, and Bleacher Report identified his expanded role with the Clippers as a factor that could increase his opportunities to direct the offense.

Curry ranked 25th on the creator list despite finishing the 2025-26 season with 203 assists and averaging 4.7 per game. Bleacher Report attributed his playmaking influence partly to the defensive attention his shooting attracts, which can open passing lanes for teammates. Draymond Green ranked 24th, with 376 assists and a 5.5-per-game average during the same season.