Grading EVERY NBA Team's Franchise Player (2026)

Joel Piton
Jan 25
20 min read

Updated: Jan 27

-A Sportz Nation Special Report 🏁

Rebuilding—it has to start somewhere. Some franchises are set up like they cheated the system: one pick in the draft, and suddenly the next decade looks wide open. Other teams haven't been so lucky and are still searching, clinging to a “maybe” prospect and hoping their timeline finally reaches the promised land. And then there’s the middle: teams with a real threat in place, but he doesn't have enough help or hasn't developed yet to be the stamp on a real contender. Health, coaching and roster direction factor in too.

Let's grade every NBA team’s franchise player—not just by how good they are today, but by what Father Time is gearing up to do to them, and how important they are to their organization. Is this a true cornerstone you'd want to build a title plan around? A rising prospect who could turn into that? A stud trapped in a shaky situation? Or a placeholder until the real answer arrives? Some of these were easy to grade. Some will feel like educated guesses. Either way, the goal is simple: identify the team's future, and see just how strong that foundation is.

Atlanta Hawks — Jalen Johnson = B

2025-26 Stats:

23.0 PPG - 10.4 RPG - 7.9 APG

50.5 FG%

Johnson has the potential to grow into something so much greater than what was expected. Cracking the Top 5 in Most Improved Player voting, he's emerged as a legitimate triple-double threat and a two-way star in the Eastern Conference star who can impact the game in every category. With Trae Young gone, the timing couldn’t be better for Johnson to take hold of the Hawks’ identity and become the engine of what comes next. Atlanta still isn’t where it wants to be in the standings, but Johnson has turned them into a team that’s actually worth tuning in for. The next step is building a roster around him competitive enough for playoff basketball.

Boston Celtics — Jaylen Brown = A

2025-26 Stats:

29.6 PPG - 6.8 RPG - 4.9 APG

48.3 FG%

Jalen Brown deserves a round of applause. Leading a Celtics team that lost Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and Al Horford and still rising to become the second-best team in the Eastern Conference—without Tatum, mind you—sounds unreal even typing it. Everyone expected Boston to slip, but instead they’ve stayed a problem, and it’s been Brown at the center of it. He’s playing like an MVP, putting up 30 points a night on tough shot creation, and with a two-way edge that sets the tone for the entire roster. And with Tatum on the backburner, it forces the bigger question: does this Celtics team have the firepower to claim a legitimate title berth? The playoffs are where reputations get forged—and right now, Brown has Boston looking like a team nobody wants to play.

Brooklyn Nets — Michael Porter Jr. = C+

2025-26 Stats:

24.9 PPG - 7.2 RPG - 3.2 APG

47.7 FG%

MPJ is a bucket, and that isn’t breaking news to anyone. He’s been one of the league’s steadiest pure scorers, and on a Nets team starving for offense, a career-best 25 a night instantly gives Brooklyn a reliable release valve. Porter Jr. brings championship experience to a roster still trying to figure out what it wants to be. But here’s the catch: if scoring alone was enough, the Nets would be trending up already. Porter’s impact still lives and dies with his jumper—he isn't a passer, he isn’t the type to organize an offense late in games, and his overall influence doesn’t stretch much beyond “get me the ball and watch me work.” It’s fun to watch and it keeps Brooklyn competitive on random regular-season nights, but it doesn’t fix a team that’s structurally incomplete.

Charlotte Hornets — LaMelo Ball = B-

2025-26 Stats:

19.1 PPG - 4.9 RPG - 7.6 APG

40.6 FG%

Dubbed by some as the most unserious star in the NBA, LaMelo has had both All-Star caliber highs and head-scratching lows. At 6’7”, he’s a phenomenal passer who can see over the defense, thread windows most guards can’t even attempt, and he’s still producing at a high level—top-six in assists while also being capable of forcing his way to twenty points. But something feels off. Charlotte isn’t winning, LaMelo’s efficiency has dipped to one of the worst marks of his career, and his shot selection resembles pick up run energy. The Hornets are 18–28, and it doesn’t always feel like his presence helps their direction enough. For a guy who’s been labeled the franchise, you want to see him dictate the games outcome, not just fill the box score. If this trajectory holds, it’s not crazy to think a blue chipper like Brandon Miller or Knueppel could take the label.

Chicago Bulls — Josh Giddey = B

2025-26 Stats:

18.8 PPG - 8.7 RPG - 8.8 APG

46.3 FG%

Chicago came out blazing early with Josh Giddey at the helm while Coby White was sidelined, and for a minute it looked like the Bulls had found a real new identity. Since then, reality has kicked in—over an 82-game season, you can’t hide weaknesses forever, and it’s started to feel like the team’s depth (and overall ceiling) has been exposed with time. Still, give Giddey credit: he’s been determined to keep the Bulls from getting completely figured out. With the green light to run the offense, he’s posting career highs in points, rebounds, and assists, controlling tempo, creating looks for others, and doing the stuff that keeps an offense functional even when the roster isn’t stacked. Chicago sitting at 22–22 is meaningful, but the next step is pretty clear: the Bulls need to send Giddey some serious help.

Cleveland Cavaliers — Donovan Mitchell = A

2025-26 Stats:

29.5 PPG - 4.8 RPG - 5.8 APG

48.5 FG%

Spida is coming off one of the best seasons in Cleveland Cavaliers history, and even if the Cavs have hit a few speed bumps this year, Mitchell himself has been playing the best basketball of his life. He’s top-six in scoring at 29 a night, and he’s doing it on 48.2% from the field—deadly in every spot he wants to get to. Scoring has always been his calling card, but this version of Mitchell feels different, playing with a level of confidence that makes every possession feel like it’s on his terms. Cleveland might not be headed for the promised land this season, but Mitchell’s night-to-night effort has been undeniable. Whatever questions exist about the roster or the ceiling, he’s answered the only one that matters for a franchise player: can you give your team a real chance every single night? With Mitchell, the answer is yes.

Dallas Mavericks — Cooper Flagg = B+

2025-26 Stats:

18.8 PPG - 6.4 RPG - 4.1 APG

47.3 FG%

Barring injury, Flagg’s future is going to be ridiculous—and the scary part is he’s doing this as a kid. Just turning 19 and immediately being asked to drag a post-Luka Dallas team toward relevance is a massive assignment for anyone, let alone a teenager who’s still learning the league on the fly. And with Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis sidelined indefinitely, the burden has felt even heavier: the Mavs have needed Flagg to be the engine, the stabilizer, and the spark—sometimes all in the same quarter. Dallas sitting at 19–26 doesn’t scream contender, but context matters: they’re sticking it close and competing way more than they should, and a lot of that comes straight from Flagg’s effort. That’s why the B+ feels fair—and honestly, it’s tempting to go even higher.

Because after Luka’s departure, Dallas landing the No. 1 pick wasn’t just good fortune: it was a lifeline.

Denver Nuggets — Nikola Jokić = A+

2025-26 Stats:

29.6 PPG - 12.2 RPG - 11.0 APG

60.5 FG%

Not much needs to be said here. Jokić is still doing Jokić things, thiry-point triple double on absurd efficiency and rewriting what we thought was possible at the center position. The only thing slowing him down right now is health. Since hyperextending his left knee, he’s been sidelined and the MVP race has tightened up fast: he's still at the top of the conversation, but missing games puts real pressure on the 65-game minimum for award eligibility. And if he does get back in time and wins a fourth MVP, it’s historic territory—he’d join the small club of players with four (LeBron and Wilt), with enough horsepower to chasing the all-time tiers above that. Also: shoutout to Denver for holding the line. The Nuggets are 31–15, and are staying competitive even while missing Jokić—which might mean they're a deadlier contender than we all thought.

Detroit Pistons — Cade Cunningham = A+

2025-26 Stats:

25.4 PPG - 5.8 RPG - 9.7 APG

45.5 FG%

Going from rock bottom to the top of the Eastern Conference in under two years doesn’t happen by accident—and it doesn’t happen without a true engine. Cade has delivered on every promise, putting up 25.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 9.7 assists as Detroit’s frontman and primary problem-solver every single night. The scariest part is how complete this team looks around him. Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson have taken real strides, while veterans like Tobias Harris and Duncan Robinson give Detroit the spacing and stability that young cores usually don’t have this early. And with the Pistons sitting at 32–11, this is a contender’s pace, the kind that starts making people whisper about a Finals run. From No. 1 overall pick to true leader, Cade has turned Detroit into a real threat—and if this is what the early version of his prime looks like, the Pistons’ future is downright bright.

Golden State Warriors — Stephen Curry = A

2025-26 Stats:

27.3 PPG - 3.7 RPG - 5.0 APG

46.8 FG%

Hear me out: four rings and two MVPs with one franchise makes it tempting to slap an A+ on Steph by default. But I have to grade in the wake of this season, and Curry has been doing what we're used to—but it still shouldn’t be normal. At 37, he’s an All-Star starter and still dropping 27.4 a night on 47% from the field, while drilling threes and warping defenses the second he crosses half court. The problem is what’s happening around him. Golden State is sitting 25–21 in the 8-seed, and now the path forward just got murkier with Jimmy Butler’s season-ending torn ACL. And it matters even more because the Warriors don't have an Andrew Wiggins to rely on either since they cashed him in for Butler. And their blue chip prospect in Kuminga? On the trade block.

So yeah, Steph is still making Father Time look foolish—but this is exactly why the rating stops at A. The burden is heavier than ever, and the question isn’t whether Curry is great. It’s whether he can drag a thinner, older roster to the promised land with far less help than any contender should need. Only time will tell.

Houston Rockets — Kevin Durant = A

2025-26 Stats:

26.3 PPG - 5.5 RPG - 4.5 APG

51.4 FG%

Kevin Durant is having a quietly efficient season in his first tenure with Houston—and it’s quiet mostly because we’ve been conditioned to expect this level of play from him. No headliners this season, no 40-point games, no triple-doubles. Just KD doing what KD does: showing up, getting to his spots, and giving the Rockets a dependable superstar baseline every single game. And it’s working. Houston has thrived as the fourth seed in a brutal Western Conference, slowly forcing its way into the conversation as one of the league’s most dangerous offenses. With Alperen Şengün and Amen Thompson rising fast, the Rockets have become one of the more fun teams to watch—even if they’ve flown under the radar compared to the flashier contenders. Catching the top three out West won’t be easy, but don’t mistake “not first” for “not great.” Durant’s steadiness has been the stabilizer behind Houston’s surge, and if this ends up being KD’s final destination, you can feel the urgency to win more than ever.

Indiana Pacers — Pascal Siakam = C+

2025-26 Stats:

23.8 PPG - 7.0 RPG - 4.0 APG

48.0 FG%

I know this feels harsh. But with Tyrese Haliburton ruled out for the entire 2025–26 season, the expectation was simple: Siakam is a champion, a proven No. 2 option, and now he has to carry enough to keep Indiana competitive. Instead, the Pacers have been swallowed up this season—sitting at 11–35, buried near the bottom of the league. Individually, Siakam isn’t mailing it in. He’s putting up 23.8 points per game on solid efficiency, and he’s had moments that remind you why he’s an All-Star, the best example being the Pacers shocking the world by dismantling the Thunder on January 23rd. But that’s the issue: “rare win” is the bar. This collapse isn’t all on Siakam, and if Siakam is going to play meaningful, winning basketball in Indiana again, this team needs serious reinforcements…and probably some draft lottery luck to change the direction fast.

Los Angeles Clippers — Kawhi Leonard = A-

2025-26 Stats:

28.1 PPG - 6.2 RPG - 3.4 APG

49.8 FG%

Kawhi is finally healthy again, and even if the Clippers aren’t a contender right now, it’s legitimately good for the league to have him back on the floor. At 34, he’s been flat-out ridiculous: a career best 28 points per game on 49.7% from the field, looking as unbothered and unguardable as he’s ever looked. What makes the grade stingy is everything happening around him. The Chris Paul situation turned messy fast, and the roster’s been in constant flux. Still, you can’t pin the team’s inconsistency on Kawhi, because when he’s been out there, he’s carried. The Clippers are 10-3 over their last 13 games, and Kawhi's on his 23rd straight game with 20+ points. He’s been on a tear and while the Clippers’ record (20–24) tells you the overall season hasn’t been clean, Kawhi’s individual season absolutely has been.

Los Angeles Lakers — Luka Doncic = A

2025-26 Stats:

33.8 PPG - 7.8 RPG - 8.8 APG

47.1 FG%

Leading the NBA in scoring, Luka has been a straight-up godsend for L.A., keeping the Lakers afloat during the stretches where LeBron missed time, and firmly keeping them in the 5-seed at 26–17. A nasty, franchise-shifting trade last year left fans stunned, but Luka has thrived as the Lakers’ frontman and looks poised to claim another scoring title, sitting at 33.4 points per game. And it’s not just points. He’s still controlling the game with his passing—8.7 assists per night (3rd in the league)—while also rebounding at a top-30 clip (7.8 boards) as a jumbo point-forward. Named an All-Star starter, this is simply Luka doing Luka things—bending defenses, dictating tempo, and making the Lakers feel dangerous even when the roster around him isn’t perfect. With LeBron getting up there in age, it's hard not to root for this squad.

Memphis Grizzlies — Ja Morant = C+

2025-26 Stats:

19.5 PPG - 3.2 RPG - 8.1 APG

41.0 FG%

Ja Morant’s future in Memphis feels less like a long-term marriage and more like a week to week question mark. Between the constant interruptions, on and off the court issues, and now another injury (sprained UCL in his left elbow, out at least three weeks), the Grizzlies can’t build any real momentum around him. And even when he’s been on the floor, the production has been poor. Morant is averaging 19.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 8.1 assists while shooting 41.0% from the field—his lowest scoring output since his rookie year, with efficiency dipping hard. Memphis is 18–25, sitting 12th in the West, and that’s a brutal for a player who was dubbed the future of Memphis basketball in 2022. None of this means Ja isn’t talented—but it's time to hit the reset button. Right now, it’s fair to wonder if Memphis needs to start looking more at Jaren Jackson Jr. to build around before this era drifts any further off course.

Miami Heat — Bam Adebayo = B

2025-26 Stats:

17.9 PPG - 9.7 RPG - 2.7 APG

45.0 FG%

As much as I’d love to grade Bam higher, this season he hasn’t quite looked like himself. He’s scoring at his lowest rate since 2019 and hasn’t looked like the 5x All-Defensive monster we’re used to seeing. But here’s the thing: Bam has still been a real positive for Miami. Even with Terry Rozier and Tyler Herro missing time, the Heat have stayed afloat in the standings—and Bam’s steady two-way output is a big reason why. The scoring load has leaned more on guys like Norman Powell and Jaime Jaquez Jr., but Bam has quietly been a double-double threat all season. The biggest shift is stylistic: Bam is taking more threes than ever, which has dragged his overall field-goal percentage down, but it’s also made him more annoying to guard. You can’t just camp in the paint and wait on him anymore, now you’ve got to respect him beyond the arc, which opens up space and keeps Miami’s offense functional even when it’s short-handed. So yeah, it’s not a peak Bam season. But even a “down” year from him still comes with value, and Miami doesn’t stay competitive without the stability he brings.

Milwaukee Bucks — Giannis Antetokounmpo = A

2025-26 Stats:

28.0 PPG - 10.0 RPG - 5.6 APG

64.5 FG%

Milwaukee would be in a dark place without Giannis. For the first time in his career, there really were credible reports last offseason that he was open-minded about exploring life beyond the Bucks—and even though he stayed, the vibes this season have screamed how heavy the load has been. Giannis is putting up 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 5–6 assists a night, and even that hasn’t been enough to stabilize this team. Every win requires him to generate 30 points just to keep Milwaukee within striking distance, and now with a new injury rising right after he was named an All-Star starter, things get tougher. He’s giving everything, night after night, but being a franchise player doesn’t always mean your enough to save said franchise by yourself.

If this keeps trending the same way, you wonder how much longer Giannis can take this burden.

Minnesota Timberwolves — Anthony Edwards = A

2025-26 Stats:

29.7 PPG - 5.2 RPG - 3.6 APG

49.9 FG%

Quite possibly the most exciting player in basketball right now, Anthony Edwards has been downright otherworldly this season. Flirting with 30 points per game while piloting one of the league’s most dangerous offenses, Edwards has cemented himself as a do-it-all scorer who can torch you from anywhere on the floor. Multiple 40-point explosions, capped by a 55-point outburst against the Spurs, Ant-Man is putting up performances that stamp superstardom. What separates Ant isn’t just the scoring, it’s the force. The physicality, the confidence, the willingness to take the toughest shots against the toughest defenders. He looks like the league’s most ferocious shooting guard on a nightly basis, and Minnesota feeds off that edge. The only thing keeping this from an A+ is the standings. Sitting 7th in the West, the Wolves haven’t quite matched Edwards’ individual play, though that says more about how brutal the conference is than any real flaw.

New Orleans Pelicans — Zion Williamson = C-

2025-26 Stats:

22.0 PPG - 6.0 RPG - 3.4 APG

58.0 FG%

This one hurts. We waited years for Zion to finally shake the injury cloud, and even now, with him available—New Orleans hasn’t taken the leap anyone hoped for. At 11–36, the Pelicans own the worst record in the West and are tied with Indiana for the second-fewest wins in the entire league. Zion is still talented enough to remind you why the belief hasn’t fully died. Even at 22.0 points per game—a career low, which honestly says a lot—he can score in bursts that few players in the league can replicate. But the impact hasn’t translated to wins. Despite streaky offense from Jordan Poole and Trey Murphy, and hitting the draft jackpot with two rookies who look like All-Rookie candidates, the chemistry just isn’t there, and that’s where the grade lands. Nearly seven years into his career, Zion still hasn’t played a single playoff game. Right now, New Orleans feels directionless, and Zion hasn’t been able to change that yet.

New York Knicks — Jalen Brunson = A

2025-26 Stats:

28.0 PPG - 3.2 RPG - 6.1 APG

47.7 FG%

This one should go without saying. Brunson has become the centerpiece of New York basketball, and he’s done it efficiently. 28 points per night on 48% shooting, constant pressure on defenses, and complete command of late-game situations—this is a franchise point guard, full stop. He’s elevated the Knicks to the 3rd seed in the Eastern Conference, and it finally feels like New York has an identity it can rely on. Even with a few injury hiccups along the way, his impact hasn’t dipped. And credit the front office too: they’ve gone all-in surrounding Brunson with pieces that actually make sense, and he’s rewarded them by trusting his teammates, moving the ball, and forcing winning basketball instead of hero ball. He’s one of the most feared point guards in the league right now. If Brunson keeps playing like this, New York is going to be a problem when the postseason lights come on.

Oklahoma City Thunder — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — A+

2025-26 Stats:

32.1 PPG - 4.4 RPG - 6.2 APG

55.9 FG%

If anything were to happen to Jokic, the MVP race would already be over. Shai has been that dominant. Oklahoma City opened the season with one of the most terrifying starts in NBA history at 24–1, and even now at 37–9, they remain the clear standard. Shai is somehow outdoing himself from last season—32 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists on near 50–40–90 efficiency. What makes this season special isn’t just the numbers—it’s the inevitability. Shai scores without forcing, lives in the midrange without stagnating the offense, and closes games well before the fourth quarter. If not for one historic big man in Denver, this would already feel like his award. With the Thunder looking locked in and hungry to defend their status this postseason, OKC has a real chance to go back to back this season if Shai stays healthy.

Orlando Magic — Paolo Banchero = A-

2025-26 Stats:

21.6 PPG - 8.7 RPG - 4.9 APG

46.1 FG%

It’s been a tougher road for Paolo this year, coming off an injury plagued season that took a real physical toll. However, Banchero has actually become more versatile, sharing the ball more, reading defenses better, and doing a stronger job of getting teammates involved. Still, Orlando has only barely held onto a playoff spot, and with Franz Wagner in and out of the lineup, the responsibility has fallen squarely back into Paolo’s hands. Last season, he gave you 26 a night, and that's kind of the version of Paolo the Magic need right now. The playmaking growth is good, but there are moments where he feels too willing to defer. If Banchero flips that switch, one with more aggressive scoring and downhill pressure, Orlando’s ceiling rises fast. One more aggressive leap, and the Magic could absolutely push into the East’s top five.

Philadelphia 76ers — Tyrese Maxey = A

2025-26 Stats:

29.4 PPG - 4.2 RPG - 6.8 APG

46.9 FG%

A firecracker, Tyrese Maxey is capable of erupting for 30+ on any given night, and this season he’s taken that reputation to another level. Sitting third in the NBA in scoring at 29.9 points per game, Maxey might be the hardest guard in basketball right now. His speed is overwhelming, his handle keeps defenders off balance, and his range stretches well beyond the three-point line. He's been named an All-Star starter, and more importantly, the lifeline of this Sixers team. Without Maxey, Philadelphia likely caves—he’s been the source of energy, offense, and momentum for Philly. The questions come later. It’s fair to wonder how this group holds up in the postseason against heavy hitters like the Pistons or Celtics, and whether Maxey alone can carry them deep. But that doesn’t diminish what he’s dpne this year: he's a matchup nightmare and one of the most electric watches in the league.

Phoenix Suns — Devin Booker = A

2025-26 Stats:

25.4 PPG - 4.0 RPG - 6.2 APG

45.6 FG%

A walking bucket in every sense, Devin Booker has officially etched his name into Suns history as the franchise’s all-time leading scorer, and he’s on pace to become one of the youngest players ever to reach 20,000 career points. For nearly a decade now, Phoenix basketball has revolved around Booker. What makes this season impressive is the context. Booker lost Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal in the offseason, and Jalen Green—expected to be his backcourt running mate—has played just four games for 11 points. And yet, somehow, Phoenix is winning more than it did last season. That shouldn’t be possible on paper, but Booker has made it possible. He’s carried the offense with consistency, expanded his playmaking, and shown a willingness to trust teammates rather than force hero ball. This is Booker at his most complete—an 'A' feels more than earned.

Portland Trail Blazers — Deni Avdija = B

2025-26 Stats:

26.0 PPG - 7.1 RPG - 6.9 APG

47.1 FG%

Avdija’s evolution genuinely deserves study. He's added another layer to his game this year and now he’s firmly in the Most Improved Player conversation for the second straight season. With 26 points a night, he’s stepped into the frontman role for Portland with Lillard out— and the scary part is that the scoring is only part of the story. At 6’9”, Avdija impacts games everywhere. He’s active on the glass, capable of initiating offense, and sits just outside the top 10 in assists league-wide at 7 per game, which is rare territory for a forward. Portland is right on the edge of playoff contention, and even if they fall short, Avdija has already done something important: he’s made the Blazers genuinely fun to watch again without Dame Time. His future in Portland looks brighter than anyone expected.

Sacramento Kings — Zach LaVine = C

2025-26 Stats:

19.5 PPG - 2.8 RPG - 2.3 APG

48.6 FG%

At 30 years old and more than a decade into his NBA career, we've likely seen the best from Zach LaVine already. He has firmly transitioned from high-flyer to stationary scorer. And the uncomfortable question is simple: what happens when the buckets don’t move the needle? LaVine leads Sacramento in scoring at 19 points per night, but the trio of LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Domantas Sabonis has been shockingly ineffective. Watching three former All-Stars produce one of the worst records in the conference is hard to explain—and even harder to defend. The Kings sitting second to last in the Western Conference tells the story. This isn’t a bad-luck season or a “needs more time” situation—it’s been uncompetitive basketball. LaVine scores, but he doesn’t elevate the offense, doesn’t defend at a high level, and doesn’t organize winning possessions. Initially, it felt obvious that Sabonis was the franchise, but even his impact has dipped, leaving Sacramento without a clear identity.

San Antonio Spurs — Victor Wembanyama — A+

2025-26 Stats:

24.2 PPG - 11.1 RPG - 2.8 APG

50.6 FG%

The Spurs sitting 2nd in the Western Conference says it all: the pieces are finally clicking, and the league is getting a real look at what a Victor-led team can be when things are aligned. About a year ago, it felt like San Antonio was on track to sneak into the playoffs and give us Wemby’s first taste of postseason basketball—then injuries slammed the brakes on that timeline. Fast forward to now, and while health has still been a concern at times, Wembanyama has come out on the right side of it—and when he’s on the floor, he looks like a complete cheat code. The league’s premier shot blocker, a 24-point double-double machine, and an All-Star starter, Wemby warps the game defensively and stretches it offensively in ways that shouldn’t be possible at 7’5”. Barring injury, he looks ready to do serious damage in the postseason. The Spurs are in outstanding hands—and the grade speaks for itself.

Toronto Raptors — Scottie Barnes = B+

2025-26 Stats:

19.5 PPG - 8.3 RPG - 5.6 APG

50.1 FG%

A legitimate two-way star, Scottie Barnes checks a lot of boxes. He can score when needed, facilitate offense, and defensively he’s a menace—quick hands, strong instincts, and one of the better shot-blocking forwards in the league. When he’s locked in, he impacts games on both ends in ways that don’t always show up in the box score.

That said, his game has lived in roughly the same space for the past couple of seasons. The leap from “really good” to clear franchise player still feels like it’s waiting to happen. The Raptors are winning—and that matters most—but there are stretches where it feels like Barnes could assert himself more as the guy rather than one of several contributors. None of this is a knock on his future. Scottie’s feel, versatility, and defensive motor give him a high floor and a promising ceiling. If that next offensive gear clicks, Toronto could be looking at something special. For now, the Raptors are steady, competitive, and in good hands with him at the core.

Utah Jazz — Lauri Markkanen — C+

2025-26 Stats:

27.9 PPG - 7.2 RPG - 2.2 APG

48.3 FG%

A potent scorer and one of the cleanest shot-makers at his size, Lauri Markkanen was building a strong case for a second All-Star appearance, averaging 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists before the injury bug hit. When healthy, he’s producing at the highest scoring rate of his career, stretching defenses and punishing mismatches in a way few seven-footers can. But this is where the conversation gets complicated. It’s easy to point to Keyonte George as the future especially after trade chatter swirled around Lauri—but for now, this is still Markkanen’s team. And while he’s elite at what he does, his impact has limits. He’s a solid rebounder (as he should be at 7’1”), but he doesn’t facilitate offense and his defense isn't a difference-maker. As gifted as Lauri is as a scorer, building a franchise through him has resulted in a 15–30 record and life outside the playoff picture.

Washington Wizards — Alex Sarr = C-

2025-26 Stats:

17.4 PPG - 7.3 RPG - 2.7 APG

50.5 FG%

With Trae Young sidelined indefinitely and reports suggesting that a full shutdown may be the smartest long-term move, Washington has been forced into survival mode, and that’s left Alex Sarr as the guy by default. Add in the loss of CJ McCollum, and suddenly a team that already struggled to score is completely starved for offense.

That’s the problem. Sarr’s strengths are defensive. Asking a sophomore big whose value lies in rim protection to carry an NBA offense was never realistic. The results reflect that: the Wizards have lost nine straight games, every single one coming after McCollum’s departure, and the frustration is compounded by the fact that Young isn’t even able to suit up. This is rock bottom basketball. But it’s not hopeless basketball.

Sarr still looks like a player who, long term, could absolutely reward the Wizards down the line.

Franchise-players are supposed to feel permanent, but the NBA doesn’t work like that. One good playoff run can turn a “good stats, bad team” guy into a certified cornerstone—look at Tyrese Haliburton. One ugly series can plant doubts that don’t go away for years. A single injury can rewrite a timeline. A single matchup can expose a flaw. And one unexpected leap can flip everything we thought we knew.

So now I’m throwing it to you: what grade did I get wrong? Which franchise player deserves a bump up, and which one is living off reputation more than results? If you’re a fan of a team I graded harshly, tell us what we're missing—the development arc, the context, the roster fit, whatever it is. After these playoffs, how many of these grades stay the same? How many of these franchise players will become "the guy" for real?

Guess we'll have to wait and see.