Reporting note: this article draws on sports.yahoo.com; LodiScore provides the summary and editorial framing.
The NBA best player rankings from USA TODAY, which identified the top player on each of the league's 30 teams, produced several notable takeaways. Among them, the selection of Tyrese Maxey as the Philadelphia 76ers' best player stood out as a surprise. The ranking covered all 30 teams, from contenders to rebuilding franchises.
USA TODAY's Mark Giannotto conducted the ranking, published on October 20, 2026. The exercise was a team-by-team ranking, not a statistical projection. It aimed to spark discussion about team hierarchies across the league.
NBA best player rankings: Tyrese Maxey and the 76ers
The ranking's choice of Maxey as Philadelphia's top player raised eyebrows. The 76ers roster includes multiple candidates, making the selection less predictable. The surprise factor stems from the expectation that a different star might occupy that spot.
Maxey's selection suggests a shift in how the 76ers' hierarchy is perceived. The ranking did not provide detailed reasoning in the summary, but the choice alone generated conversation. It places Maxey at the forefront of the team's identity.
Steph Curry and the Grizzlies
The rankings also drew attention for their treatment of Steph Curry and the Memphis Grizzlies. Curry was part of the ranking's revelations for the Golden State Warriors. The Grizzlies' top player selection was also noted as a surprise.
Curry's status as the Warriors' best player is unsurprising, but the ranking's context around him was highlighted. The Grizzlies' choice added another layer to the exercise. These selections reflect the ranking's subjective nature.
What the Rankings Mean
Such rankings are inherently subjective, but they offer a framework for evaluating team construction. The Maxey selection suggests a shift in how the 76ers' hierarchy is perceived. The rankings serve as a conversation starter rather than a definitive verdict.
The selections will be debated as the season progresses. Players' performances will either reinforce or challenge the rankings. For now, the exercise provides a snapshot of how USA TODAY views each team's top talent.
The original report is from sports.yahoo.com.
