Identifying the NBA player tier list takes a few categories into consideration; skill, impact on winning, ability to take over games, making your teammates better, are some of the key areas to focus on. The internet is saturated with misleading tier lists which are often a product of fans who watch more highlights than actual games. We’ll explore the NBA player tier list, provide details as to why certain players rank where they do, and allocate them appropriately.
Here is the 2022 NBA player tier list.
NBA player tier list: S-Rank
S-Rank is an extension of A-Rank, but it is reserved for the very few superstars who have proven their impact on winning without a question of a doubt. These are all time great players who have proven their ability to lead their teams to an NBA championship. Guys like Embiid, Jokic, Harden, and Chris Paul may be on the cusp of achieving this rank, but aren’t there just yet.
- LeBron James
- Kevin Durant
- Kawhi Leonard
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Steph Curry
Honorable mention goes out to Klay Thompson.
NBA player tier list: A-Rank
A-Rank players are players with the potential to carry teams into the playoffs, have proven the ability to improve any team they are on, and its realistic to think that they could potentially lead their teams to an NBA championship. On the higher end, we have Jokic and Harden. On the lower end, we have guys like Lillard & Paul George.
- Nikola Jokic
- Chris Paul
- Joel Embiid
- James Harden
- Jimmy Butler
- Paul George
- Anthony Davis
We can almost make the argument for young players like Luka Doncic and Trae Young.
Honorable mentions: Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, & Kyrie Irving
You can join the debate in our NBA discord server here!
NBA player tier list: B-Rank
Players that fall into the B-Rank are the all-stars. These are a combination of team leaders or complimentary 2nd options around the association. These players either have elite potential, or have been filling up our highlight reels for the past several seasons. Some of these players include:
- Damian Lillard
- Russell Westbrook
- Kyrie Irving
- Ben Simmons
- Khris Middleton
- Jayson Tatum
- Jaylen Brown
- DeMar DeRozan
- Bradley Beal
- Luka Doncic
- Trae Young
- Klay Thompson
- Rudy Gobert
- Donovan Mitchell
- Devin Booker
- Ja Morant
- Draymond Green
- Klay Thompson
Fans will make the argument that Damian Lillard belongs on the A-tier. Ever since the Trail Blazers were swept by Golden State who were missing Kevin Durant, I just cannot agree with that.
Honorable mentions: Deandre Ayton, Jamal Murray, Bam Adebayo & Miles Bridges.
NBA player tier list: C-Rank
C-Rank for most lists is a bit lower because they do not have the S-Rank criteria that I have. C-Rank players are formidable players. They’re either proven veterans who are making sacrifices to fit in a system, or players that hover right around potentially making an all-star selection. Some of these players are:
- Domantas Sabonis
- CJ McCollum
- Zach LaVine
- Lonzo Ball
- LaMelo Ball
- De’Aaron Fox
- Nikola Vucevic
- Jrue Holiday
- Kyle Lowry
- Bam Adebayo
- Julius Randle
- DeJounte Murray
- Deandre Ayton
- Jamal Murray
- Derrick Rose
- Karl Anthony Towns
- D’Angelo Russell
- Anthony Edwards
- Zion Williamson
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- Darius Garland
- Clint Capela
- Jarrett Allen
- Miles Bridges
- Pascal Siakam
Honorable mentions: OG Anunoby, Fred VanVleet, & Kristaps Porzingis.
NBA player tier list: D-Rank
These are role players who make strong impacts on games. Whether they are starters or coming off the bench, you want these guys on your team. This tier also includes guys who could be higher, if they were available more often. Some veterans who continue to make sacrifices are also on this list. There are also a select few names which I consider overrated.
- Alex Caruso
- Marcus Smart
- Mikal Bridges
- Kristaps Porzingis
- OG Anunoby
- Fred VanVleet
- Dillon Brooks
- Aaron Gordon
- Goran Dragic
- Kyle Lowry
- Mike Conley Jr
- Christian Wood
- Buddy Hield
- Kyle Kuzma
- Myles Turner
- Malcom Brogdon
- Collin Sexton
- Jalen Brunson
- Tim Hardaway Jr.
- Blake Griffin
NBA player tier list: F-Rank
These are players that no coach wants but GMs continue to sign.
- Eric Bledsoe
- Hassan Whiteside
Rookies were kept off this tier list, as there will be time to figure out where they rank on this list.
Care to debate me on some of these selections? Tweet me @TPRx11