NBA Player Tiers 2026: Tier 5 - The Best of the Rest
As we delve into the final tier of The Athletic's NBA Player Tiers, we find ourselves in a realm where the line between good and great is blurred. Tier 5 is a testament to the depth of talent in the league, where players like Draymond Green and Lu Dort find themselves alongside those who are still searching for their place in the sun. It's a tier that showcases the league's versatility, where players with unique skill sets and intriguing stories vie for recognition.
The Exclusion Tier: A Place for Inclusion
This tier, as the author calls it, is a place for those who didn't quite make the cut for the top 100 but still deserve recognition. It's a tier of inclusion, where players like Coby White and Collin Gillespie find themselves alongside those who are still finding their footing in the league. White, a point guard with a penchant for inconsistency, is a player who could be a key second-unit weapon for the right team. Gillespie, a small forward with a nose for the ball, is a player who earned himself a multi-year deal with his performance in Phoenix.
The Versatile Forwards: Green, Collins, and Harris
The power forward group in Tier 5 is a fascinating one, with players like Draymond Green, John Collins, and Tobias Harris all entering at least their 10th seasons next year. Green, a defensive stalwart, is a player who can reach his peak defensively but struggles offensively when he has no one to pass to. Collins, a play finisher, is a player who theoretically fits any team but struggles as a passer and defender. Harris, Detroit's second option outside of the paint, is a player who has used the post more as he gets deeper into his 30s.
The Centers: Porziņģis and Queta
The centers in Tier 5 are a mixed bag, with Kristaps Porziņģis and Neemias Queta both having their strengths and weaknesses. Porziņģis, a former Celtics champion, is a player who is too frail to get through seasons, while Queta, a replacement-level player offensively, was very good as a 75-game starter for a top-five defense.
The Shooting Guards: Allen, Dort, and Eason
The shooting guards in Tier 5 are a group of players who have their strengths and weaknesses. Grayson Allen, a second-unit on-ball option, had his worst season as a shooter since his rookie year. Lu Dort, a champion and All-NBA defender, is a player who could be looking at a new situation next season. Tari Eason, an excellent defender, is a player who needs to be in a situation where he can drive more often and play fast.
The Small Forwards: Johnson, Sharpe, and Wallace
The small forwards in Tier 5 are a group of players who have their unique skill sets. Keldon Johnson, a high-floor play finisher, is a player who is more of a high-floor play finisher and not a particularly imposing one. Shaedon Sharpe, a young and explosive player, needs to become more reliable when it comes to durability and awareness on both ends of the floor. Cason Wallace, a player who plays with a plethora of other players who are more likely to create shots, is a player who uses his energy to be one of the best havoc creators in the league.
The Centers: Claxton, Clingan, and Okongwu
The centers in Tier 5 are a group of players who have their strengths and weaknesses. Nic Claxton, a player who has added some strong passing to go with his finishing and rim protection, is a player who is thin at 215 pounds. Donovan Clingan, a player who anchored the league's best defense over the last quarter of the regular season, is a player who is ill-suited to consistently take advantage of his size offensively. Onyeka Okongwu, a player who has improved his shooting, is a player who is a tad undersized and hasn't been a strong defender as a starter.
The Final Cut: DiVincenzo, Mitchell, Dosunmu, Smart, and Champagnie
The final cut for Tier 5 includes players like Donte DiVincenzo, Ajay Mitchell, Ayo Dosunmu, Marcus Smart, and Julian Champagnie. DiVincenzo, a player who complemented his teammates extremely well in a 30-minute role, is a player who is going to turn 30 while rehabbing a torn Achilles tendon. Mitchell, a player who has gone from second-round pick out of Santa Barbara to one of a few players capable of compiling 10 field goals and 10 assists in a playoff game, needs to become a more comfortable shooter. Dosunmu, a player who has had a major postseason moment, is a player who isn't physically overwhelming but has sublime percentages and is a strong decision-maker.
The Takeaway
Tier 5 is a tier of players who are still finding their place in the league, where the line between good and great is blurred. It's a tier that showcases the league's versatility, where players with unique skill sets and intriguing stories vie for recognition. As we move forward, these players will be looking to prove themselves and make a name for themselves in the league. In my opinion, the players in Tier 5 are a testament to the depth of talent in the NBA, and they will be players to watch in the coming years.
