While the modern NBA often emphasizes team depth, the concentration of star talent remains the most direct path to building a championship-caliber roster. With only five players on the court at any given time, a dominant trio can define a team`s potential.
Even for teams without established superstar trios, examining the top three players provides crucial insights into an organization`s immediate prospects and long-term trajectory. This analysis considers both their current performance and future value, along with the likelihood of these players remaining with their respective teams for the foreseeable future.
To provide a clear overview, we`ve categorized all 30 NBA teams into distinct tiers based on their core trios. These tiers reflect their present standing and future outlook, helping to understand where each franchise is headed.
Tier 1: A League of Their Own
Oklahoma City Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams
The Thunder stands unparalleled at the top. Last season, they not only clinched 68 wins and their inaugural championship but did so with one of the youngest title-winning rosters in NBA history. General Manager Sam Presti further solidified their future by securing long-term contract extensions for all three young cornerstones over the summer. This move unequivocally establishes the Thunder as perennial favorites for the Larry O`Brien Trophy for years to come.
Last year`s core: Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, Williams
Tier 2: Knocking on the Door
Denver Nuggets: Aaron Gordon, Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray
The Denver Nuggets are tantalizingly close to achieving a three-peat, having been derailed by a couple of challenging Western Conference semifinal Game 7s. These included squandering a 20-point home lead against the Minnesota Timberwolves two seasons ago, and then playing with an injured Aaron Gordon against the Thunder last season. Despite these setbacks, Denver still possesses the league`s preeminent player in Nikola Jokic, complemented by co-stars Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon, who consistently deliver in high-pressure playoff situations and perfectly complement Jokic`s game.
Last year`s core: Gordon, Jokic, Murray
Tier 3: Best of the East
Cleveland Cavaliers: Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley
Similar to the Thunder, the Cavaliers boast a core of prime-age or younger stars, all secured with long-term contracts. They achieved an impressive 64 wins last season. However, their playoff journey ended prematurely with a five-game loss to the Indiana Pacers in the second round, which is why they are positioned here rather than a higher tier. A successful deep playoff run next spring could quickly elevate their standing.
Last year`s core: Garland, Mitchell, Mobley
New York Knicks: OG Anunoby, Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns
The New York Knicks are entering the season after parting ways with coach Tom Thibodeau, despite reaching the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years. This significant change signals the Knicks` confidence that their current roster is capable of finally ending a half-century championship drought. Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns are recognized as elite offensive talents at point guard and center, respectively. OG Anunoby provides exceptional perimeter defense and has developed into a highly efficient three-point shooter, rounding out a formidable trio.
Last year`s core: Anunoby, Brunson, Towns
Tier 4: Ascendant Young Teams
Atlanta Hawks: Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson, Zaccharie Risacher
For the second consecutive season, the Hawks feature the same leading trio, amidst a fascinating and rapid roster reimagining led by newly appointed general manager Onsi Saleh. While Trae Young remains the team`s top player and Kristaps Porzingis could be its second, both players are set to become unrestricted free agents next summer. Meanwhile, Dyson Daniels earned Most Improved Player honors last season, Jalen Johnson is a popular breakout candidate if he can maintain health, and Zaccharie Risacher, though not a Cooper Flagg or Victor Wembanyama, had a solid rookie season after being selected first overall in the 2024 draft by Atlanta.
Last year`s core: Daniels, Johnson, Risacher
Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham, Ron Holland, Ausar Thompson
A year ago, considerable doubts loomed over the Pistons` roster, especially concerning Cade Cunningham`s ability to be a star leader for a playoff-contending franchise. Cunningham responded with an outstanding campaign, earning his first All-Star and All-NBA honors while guiding Detroit back to the playoffs for the first time since 2019. While questions persist about the depth of the roster, several promising young talents like Ron Holland, Ausar Thompson, Jaden Ivey, and Jalen Duren could fill the remaining core spots around Cunningham, offering a bright future.
Last year`s core: Cunningham, Holland, Ivey
Houston Rockets: Alperen Sengun, Reed Sheppard, Amen Thompson
Much has evolved in Houston over the past year. Amen Thompson, a near miss for this group a year ago, has undeniably blossomed into a star, poised for another significant leap this season, partly due to Fred VanVleet`s unfortunate torn ACL during preseason workouts last month. Despite questions about a potential Kevin Durant acquisition, it`s essential to remember the focus of this list. Durant currently lacks a contract extension, while Reed Sheppard could step in as the starting point guard this season and represents a key long-term asset for Houston.
Last year`s core: Sengun, Sheppard, VanVleet
Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle
After reaching the first round of the playoffs only once in their initial 34 years, Minnesota has now achieved consecutive first-round advancements, reaching the Western Conference Finals before falling to the Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder, respectively. The current challenge for Minnesota is to progress further, especially with the Thunder emerging as a dominant force in the West. This progression will largely depend on the continued development of Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels. Julius Randle joins the core after signing a long-term extension with the franchise this offseason, adding significant talent to the lineup.
Last year`s core: Edwards, McDaniels, Rudy Gobert
Orlando Magic: Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane, Franz Wagner
Orlando`s season took a downturn last year following Jalen Suggs` knee injury, highlighting his importance despite not being on a max contract like Banchero and Wagner. However, Orlando made a significant move this summer, acquiring Desmond Bane for a substantial price. Bane is seen as a perfect complement to their three young homegrown players. With Suggs still recovering from his injury, Bane steps into the core. The Magic`s success this season will largely depend on whether Banchero and Wagner can enhance their efficiency, which could lead to considerable achievements in the wide-open Eastern Conference.
Last year`s core: Banchero, Suggs, Wagner
San Antonio Spurs: De`Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, Victor Wembanyama
It`s unusual for a player to be picked fourth, win Rookie of the Year (as Stephon Castle did last season), and then fall out of a team`s core. However, this is precisely what happened when the Spurs traded for an All-Star point guard, De`Aaron Fox, and then drafted another promising point guard, Dylan Harper, with the second overall pick after a lottery jump. A major narrative of the upcoming NBA season will be how these diverse talents integrate and perform alongside Victor Wembanyama, who is unequivocally the long-term cornerstone of San Antonio`s future.
Last year`s core: Wembanyama, Castle, Devin Vassell
Tier 5: Gap Years
Boston Celtics: Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Derrick White
A year ago, Boston, fresh off raising its 18th championship banner, seemed poised for a legitimate shot at a 19th title. However, Jayson Tatum`s unfortunate torn Achilles in May during the conference semifinals altered their trajectory. The Celtics are now likely to spend this season in a holding pattern, awaiting Tatum`s return, which could allow them to rejoin the title contention in the 2026-27 season. Until then, Jaylen Brown and Derrick White will continue to be formidable wing players, envied by most of their opponents this season.
Last year`s core: Brown, Tatum, White
Indiana Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Pascal Siakam
Heading into Game 7 of the NBA Finals, Indiana was poised to rank near the top of this list, following an impressive playoff run characterized by historic comebacks, a testament to the fast-paced style implemented by coach Rick Carlisle and Tyrese Haliburton. However, Haliburton`s Achilles tear in that final game of the 2024-25 season means the Pacers face a challenging 12 months until his anticipated return next season. A silver lining is that Haliburton`s absence might provide an opportunity for Bennedict Mathurin, who fell out of the core due to Andrew Nembhard`s brilliant playoff performance, to reestablish himself with the Pacers.
Last year`s core: Haliburton, Siakam, Mathurin
Tier 6: Old Stars with Big Questions
Dallas Mavericks: Anthony Davis, Cooper Flagg, Kyrie Irving
The situation in Dallas has dramatically shifted from a year ago, when Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving formed a formidable backcourt fresh off an NBA Finals appearance. Now, Irving is recovering from a torn ACL, Doncic has moved to Los Angeles, and thanks to a surprising stroke of lottery luck, Cooper Flagg is the new star, playing alongside Anthony Davis in the Mavericks` frontcourt. The rapid changes are almost unbelievable. Despite this, Dallas still has a chance to be competitive this season, but it hinges on Flagg making an immediate impact, Davis staying healthy, and Irving returning fully recovered from his knee injury by playoff time.
Last year`s core: Irving, Doncic, Dereck Lively
Golden State Warriors: Jimmy Butler, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green
Last season, the Warriors demonstrated their potential by going 22-5 with both Jimmy Butler and Stephen Curry available after Butler`s acquisition from the Miami Heat at the trade deadline. They believe they would have advanced to the Western Conference Finals had Curry not suffered a hamstring injury against the Minnesota Timberwolves. This team undoubtedly possesses a very high ceiling, provided they stay healthy. However, with their core players all aged 35 or older, the persistent question of “if healthy” will shadow them throughout the season.
Last year`s core: Curry, Green, Brandin Podziemski
LA Clippers: James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Ivica Zubac
The Clippers had a highly productive offseason, acquiring John Collins, Brook Lopez, Bradley Beal, and Chris Paul, and anticipate strong performances from James Harden and Ivica Zubac. However, significant questions surrounding Kawhi Leonard, both his on-court availability and off-court issues, cast a long shadow over the team. Leonard has missed over 40% of potential games in the last six seasons, playing only 37 last season. The ongoing investigation into potential cap circumvention could also pose challenges for him and the Clippers. Only time will reveal the answers to these critical uncertainties.
Last year`s core: Harden, Leonard, Zubac
Los Angeles Lakers: Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Austin Reaves
The Lakers, justifiably, believe a team spearheaded by Luka Doncic and LeBron James can challenge any opponent. However, this aspiration is entirely dependent on both players maintaining their health. With James already grappling with a sciatica problem that threatens the start of his season—a first in his illustrious career—and his status as the league`s oldest player approaching his 41st birthday, health will be a constant concern. Furthermore, potential shooting inconsistencies and defensive vulnerabilities on both the perimeter and in the interior add to the team`s challenges.
Last year`s core: James, Reaves, Anthony Davis
Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis, Myles Turner
As reported by ESPN`s Shams Charania, Giannis Antetokounmpo`s future in Milwaukee is a widely discussed and anticipated topic around the NBA. Nevertheless, as the season approaches, he remains a Buck and is expected to be an MVP candidate if he stays healthy, given the increased ball-handling responsibilities he will assume. While Myles Turner replaces Brook Lopez as the floor-spacing center in the core, the significant downgrade from Damian Lillard—who has returned to Portland—to Bobby Portis (or whoever fills the third spot) highlights the potential challenges for Milwaukee this year, even with a healthy Antetokounmpo dominating opponents.
Last year`s core: Antetokounmpo, Lillard, Lopez
Tier 7: Changing the Course
Memphis Grizzlies: Cedric Coward, Jaren Jackson Jr., Ja Morant
The current state of the Grizzlies is telling: Jaren Jackson Jr. is recovering from offseason surgery; Ja Morant is likely to miss the start of the season with an ankle sprain; Zach Edey is also recovering from offseason surgery; and both Jaylen Wells (third in last season`s Rookie of the Year voting) and Cedric Coward (Memphis` No. 11 pick this past June) ended last season injured. The Desmond Bane trade reshaped the roster, with Memphis investing heavily in Coward. However, this team`s ultimate success still hinges on Morant and Jackson. This situation is a stark reminder of how quickly dynamics can shift in the NBA, as it wasn`t long ago that the Morant-Jackson-Bane trio was considered one of the league`s elite young foundations.
Last year`s core: Morant, Jackson, Bane
Philadelphia 76ers: VJ Edgecombe, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey
Questions in Philadelphia? Always! Setting jokes aside, the glaring concern is Joel Embiid`s health, compounded by that of Paul George. If both can stay on the court this season, Philadelphia could become a significant contender in the Eastern Conference. However, there`s no certainty regarding when or how often these two 76ers stars will be available. Meanwhile, George, in the second year of a max extension signed last summer, falls out of the core this season, replaced by VJ Edgecombe, the third pick in June`s draft, signaling a shift in the team`s long-term focus.
Last year`s core: Embiid, Maxey, George
Tier 8: Stuck in the Middle
Chicago Bulls: Matas Buzelis, Noa Essengue, Josh Giddey
This franchise consistently finds itself in a state of limbo. One could argue the Bulls belong in a lower tier, but that would imply a definitive commitment to a full rebuild and bottoming out. History suggests they are more likely to win 38 or 39 games and contend for a play-in spot, a scenario quite plausible in this season`s Eastern Conference. Josh Giddey, having signed a long-term deal this offseason, is a core player. Coby White, despite being the team`s best player, is not part of the long-term core as he enters the season on an expiring contract. Instead, Noa Essengue, this year`s 12th overall pick, and Matas Buzelis, last year`s 11th pick, are recognized as core members, representing the team`s future focus.
Last year`s core: Giddey, White, Patrick Williams
Miami Heat: Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, Kel`el Ware
The Heat are unaccustomed to being stuck, yet that appears to be their current predicament after another play-in finish last season. With Jimmy Butler now having moved to Golden State, the Heat are actively searching for their next long-term star to complement Bam Adebayo. Tyler Herro might be that player if he can build on his excellent season that earned him his first All-Star selection. Kel`el Ware also shows significant promise as an active, long defensive big man. However, this team needs more talent to elevate itself out of mediocrity, even within the competitive Eastern Conference.
Last year`s core: Adebayo, Herro, Jimmy Butler
Sacramento Kings: Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray, Domantas Sabonis
The thrilling seven-game series against the Warriors in the first round of the 2023 playoffs now feels like a distant memory. De`Aaron Fox has departed for San Antonio, and Mike Brown has moved to New York. The Kings have transformed into an unusual version of the Chicago Bulls, with Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan reunited. Keegan Murray is expected to sign a long-term extension with Sacramento soon, marking him as the sole enduring bright spot on this roster, despite missing the initial weeks of the upcoming season with a thumb injury. The rest of the core consists of players either in their prime or nearing the end of it, leaving the team`s future direction uncertain.
Last year`s core: Murray, Sabonis, Fox
Toronto Raptors: Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, Collin Murray-Boyles
Scottie Barnes` place in the core was cemented after he agreed to a massive max contract extension. The question was who would join him. It turns out to be Brandon Ingram, last season`s significant trade deadline acquisition, and Collin Murray-Boyles, Toronto`s key offseason addition and the ninth overall pick in June`s NBA draft. Despite these additions, it`s challenging to envision this group achieving anything more than what the previous Raptors playoff teams did at their peak: being competitive enough to make the playoffs but often losing in a tough first-round series.
Last year`s core: Barnes, Gradey Dick, Immanuel Quickley
Tier 9: Starting a Rebuild
Charlotte Hornets: LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel, Brandon Miller
The Hornets, now in their second full season under General Manager Jeff Peterson and Coach Charles Lee, hope to see their interesting collection of young talent on the court more consistently this season, following a string of injuries last year, including to LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. However, these injury woes did allow the Hornets to select Kon Knueppel with the fourth pick in June`s draft, who is expected to be a perfect complement alongside Ball and Miller on the wings. Questions remain in the interior, where Charlotte is back to square one after trading Mark Williams, a core member last season, to Phoenix in June, following a failed trade to the Lakers in February.
Last year`s core: Ball, Miller, Williams
New Orleans Pelicans: Jeremiah Fears, Derik Queen, Zion Williamson
Zion Williamson arrived at training camp in excellent physical condition, and the Pelicans are optimistic this will finally translate into sustained health and high-level performance this season. While Dejounte Murray and Trey Murphy remain in New Orleans, the executive who traded for Murray and drafted and extended Murphy, David Griffin, is no longer with the team. Consequently, the two lottery picks from the new front office, Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen, are now considered core members for the Pelicans moving forward. Queen`s development will be particularly scrutinized given the attention surrounding the trade to acquire him, which involved surrendering an unprotected pick in next year`s highly anticipated draft to Atlanta.
Last year`s core: Williamson, Murray, Murphy
Phoenix Suns: Devin Booker, Ryan Dunn, Khaman Maluach
What a difference a year makes. Last year, the Suns boasted an incredibly expensive roster built around three major stars: Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal. Now, Durant and Beal are gone, only Booker remains, and the Suns are initiating a rebuild. This process comes with significant financial constraints, including dead money on their books for the rest of the decade and no control over their own draft picks during the same period. Despite some intriguing young players like Ryan Dunn and Khaman Maluach, Phoenix will require considerable time and far more patience than they`ve shown since Mat Ishbia purchased the team over two years ago to turn their fortunes around.
Last year`s core: Booker, Beal, Durant
Tier 10: Rebuilding
Brooklyn Nets: Nic Claxton, Egor Demin, Nolan Traore
The direction of the Nets is evident from June`s NBA draft, where Brooklyn utilized all five of its first-round picks, selecting Egor Demin, Nolan Traore, guards Drake Powell and Ben Saraf, and big man Danny Wolf. These players, alongside Noah Clowney (a first-round pick from two years ago), represent the future of the franchise, complemented by future picks in the 2026 draft. Nic Claxton remains a core member due to his long-term contract and his potential, in his mid-20s, to regain his previous form. Cam Thomas, however, is not considered part of the long-term core after signing a one-year qualifying offer this offseason, signaling a different path for the team.
Last year`s core: Claxton, Clowney, Thomas
Portland Trail Blazers: Toumani Camara, Donovan Clingan, Shaedon Sharpe
Few teams are as difficult to decipher in terms of their strategic direction as Portland. The Blazers possess a roster brimming with intriguing young talents like Donovan Clingan, Shaedon Sharpe, Scoot Henderson, and Yang Hansen. Yet, this offseason, they acquired Jrue Holiday and re-signed Damian Lillard, who is not expected to play all season. Questions abound: Will Jerami Grant start? Will Henderson start upon his return from a hamstring injury? Where does Deni Advija, arguably the team`s best player last year, fit into the starting five, if at all? The sheer volume of uncertainties makes discerning Portland`s true goals challenging, promising a highly intriguing season.
Last year`s core: Clingan, Henderson, Sharpe
Utah Jazz: Ace Bailey, Walter Clayton, Lauri Markkanen
The Utah Jazz once again maintained their dubious record of never advancing in the NBA`s draft lottery, consequently landing the fifth pick despite having the league`s worst record. Nevertheless, they managed to draft Ace Bailey, a consensus top-three selection throughout the season, marking the first major move of Austin Ainge`s tenure as the team`s president of basketball operations. Ainge swiftly followed this by securing Walter Clayton, the national championship-winning point guard, with the 18th pick, establishing him as a core player. Walker Kessler, without a contract extension, is not considered part of the core, while Lauri Markkanen aims to recapture the stellar form he displayed two years ago.
Last year`s core: Markkanen, Keyonte George, Kessler
Washington Wizards: Bilal Coulibaly, Tre Johnson, Alex Sarr
Another team whose high lottery aspirations were dashed, the Wizards remain committed to developing their young talent. Consequently, Bilal Coulibaly, Alex Sarr, and Tre Johnson—their top picks from each of the past three drafts, respectively—continue to form the core of Washington`s roster. This season will focus on identifying which players among their many young assembled talents can emerge as key contributors, as the Wizards now boast 10 players on first-round rookie contracts, signaling a long-term developmental approach.
Last year`s core: Coulibaly, Sarr, Bub Carrington
