NLL Insider - Power Rank: Each Team's "Big 3"by Keith, updated on Sunday, August 29 2021, 06:01 pm EST Power
Rankings: Each Team's “Big 3” Before the Trade Storm The
playoffs are still underway but if rumors are to be believed, this is going to
be an off-season like none other, with top-5 picks and franchise-level players
on the move. It's going to be a major shake up, so let's take a look at which
teams' top talents are at the top of the league before it even begins. When the
roster moves are over, we will revisit and see how far each time climbed or
fell with their off-season moves. #1. Milwaukee Bucks Their Current “Big 3”: Giannis
Antetokounmpo, Trae Young, and Zach LaVine Analysis: The Bucks have three solid
players to lead them to victory for the next several years, but rumors are
swirling about the organization trying to make a change. Specifically, Zach
LaVine is rumored to potentially be out the door and it makes a lot of sense
since Zach and Trae Young both need the ball in their hands a lot to be
effective, not to mention Giannis needing to get up his shots as well. If they
move Zach, can they get enough return to move up in these “Big 3” rankings? If
not, does Shai Gilgeous-Alexander jump into their “Big 3?” This team is deep,
but the pieces didn't fit well enough this season to win the franchise a
back-to-back championship. #2. Philadelphia 76ers Their Current “Big 3”: James Harden, Damian
Lillard, and Rudy Gobert Analysis: One has to wonder how the team
manages to get enough shots for Damian Lillard, James Harden, and Derrick Rose
all on the same team, but they seem to manage just fine as they find themselves
on the way to the NBA Finals. Zion Williamson could make a case to jump into
this “Big 3” within the year, but for now it's Rudy Gobert who is the better
player in terms of what they bring to the overall landscape of the game. With a
developing 21-year-old star that has just scratched the surface thus far, this
team could easily jump to number one without even lifting a finger. Nice setup! #3. Phoenix Suns Their Current “Big 3”: Kevin Durant, Jimmy
Butler, and Kyle Lowry Analysis: This is a case where the two
players at the top of the “Big 3” are far better than the best player on most
teams in the NLL. Kevin Durant is as silky smooth on the offensive side of the
ball as he is tenacious on the defensive side. Jimmy Butler is an equally adept
two-way player who excels more on the defensive side of the ball. Kyle Lowry
had a down year, but at his best he is absolutely worthy of being the third
best player on a team. They compliment each other nicely and it's no wonder the
team is in a game 7 for the chance to get into the NBA Finals. #4. Oklahoma City Thunder Their Current “Big 3”: LeBron James, Kawhi
Leonard, and Draymond Green Analysis: The inclusion of Draymond Green
in the “Big 3” for this team doesn't make it look impressive on paper, but the
fact that they're in a dog fight with the team above them in this list to
advance to the NBA Finals speaks volumes. It doesn't really matter who the
third “star” is at all though as the top two players on this team are almost
assuredly better than the best player on nearly every other team in the league.
With two of the top three or four players on the same squad for the foreseeable
future, their spot at the top should be safe. Kawhi and LeBron are getting
older though, and when they eventually retire or star to decline, who will lead
this team? #5. Brooklyn Nets Their Current “Big 3”: Stephen Curry,
Domantas Sabonis, and Khris Middleton Analysis: This is a top heavy team and
Stephen Curry is always going to be in the MVP conversation year after year.
Domantas Sabonis is one of the league's best centers that can also play power
forward and fit next to any other player. Khris Middleton is as consistent as
they come in putting up the points and draining shots from deep. The way this
core fits together is insane with Curry's ability as one of the best players in
the league at moving without the basketball and in Sabonis's ability to
facilitate from the high post. Middleton spots up in the corner for jumpers.
Need we say more? This squad should be set for several more years, and they
also have DeAaron Fox who is up and coming! #6. Charlotte Hornets Their Current “Big 3”: Joel Embiid, Brandon Ingram, and Kristaps Porzingis Analysis: Joel Embiid was in the mix to be
named the Most Valuable Player last year, and it's no surprise. He's an
unstoppable force on the offensive side of the ball and it's refreshing to see
in a modern NBA game that has largely abandoned the big man. Brandon Ingram and
Kristaps Porzingis may not be seen as strong players for a “Big 3” by some, but
looking at their advanced statistics is eye opening and both have some
potential to take it up a notch as well. Rumors are swirling around KP finally
getting moved though, so will Jamal Murray or Jrue Holiday jump into their “Big
3?” Or will they get back someone who is even better than those two? #7. Los Angeles Clippers Their Current “Big 3”: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen
Brown, and Clint Capela Analysis: The truth is that the Los Angeles
Clippers aren't super top-heavy, though they have five players that all could
be included in this “Big 3.” Kemba Walker could make a case, when healthy, as
could Victor Oladipo, when healthy. If health were not a factor, it would be
interesting to see where they ended up in these rankings, but Jayson Tatum is only
23 years old and Jaylen Brown is only 24. If either of them can take that
fabled “next step,” it's game over for the teams above them in this list. Tatum
is the most likely and he was a bit inconsistent last season, but if he can
take care of his efficiency issues and decision making deficiencies, he can
become the next dominant wing player in the NBA. #8. Indiana Pacers Their Current “Big 3”: Luka Doncic, C.J.
McCollum, and Gordon Hayward Analysis: The Pacers had some injury
concerns last season with C.J. McCollum missing extended time with a fractured
foot and Gordon Hayward missing time with a severe ankle sprain on top of a
pretty long injury history. On paper though, the “Big 3” on this team are
legit, with a transcendent talent/bro in Luka Doncic to go alongside a top tier
scoring guard in McCollum and a versatile forward in Gordon Hayward.
Defensively there are some big question marks here, but on offense they should
be a lot of fun to watch. #9. Washington Wizards Their Current “Big 3”: Kyrie Irving, Ben
Simmons, and Evan Fournier Analysis: The Washington Wizard have an
interesting “Big 3” here as they have Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons who both
play the point guard position. As much as fans may want Ben Simmons to shift to
power forward, or even center, the ball has been in his hands the entire time
he has been in the league and that doesn't look to be changing anytime soon.
Norman Powell could easily be in the top three over Evan Fournier, but both of
those guys are free agents. Will the Wizards be able to retain either of them?
Do they want to retain them? There's been some rumors out of The District that
they are shopping Kyrie and Simmons as well, so what if either of those guys
moves? A lot of moving pieces for a middling team, so it will be interesting to
see where they end up after trade season. #10. San Antonio Spurs Their Current “Big 3”: Anthony Davis, Fred
VanVleet, and LaMelo Ball Analysis: Some may say that Dejounte Murray
is deserving of the third spot in this “Big 3” and no one could blame them, but
LaMelo Ball may very well be the better player already and most likely will be
the better player in the next few seasons and beyond. He came out and showed
everyone that he has what it takes to score at the NBA level with his jump shot,
which he struggled with overseas, so many of his doubters were swayed. Anthony
Davis is arguably the best player in the entire league, but he has constant
injury concerns. It will be exciting to see how high Ball can rise, but on
paper they wind up near the bottom of the top third in our power rankings for
their “Big 3.” #11. Boston Celtics Their Current “Big 3”: Russell Westbrook,
Paul George, and Jonas Valanciunas Analysis: If only this league were a 3v3
league, right? The rest of the roster is pretty lackluster, but at the top of
the roster there is a boatload of talent. Russell Westbrook can be a net
negative, at times, but when a guy has the potential to average a
triple-double, he obviously has a lot of talent. PG is also one of the top wing
players in the game, and an offensive dynamo until it comes playoff time. Jonas
Valanciunas is a fantastic player when it comes to crashing the boards and
scoring in the mid to low post. These guys fit well together, but the previous
owner was trying to move PG or JV. Will the new owner do the same? It's
possible that WB is on the move also, so what will this squad look like in the
future? They are one team that is sure to move as they've been engaged in trade
talks early and often. #12. Dallas Mavericks Their Current “Big 3”: DeMar DeRozan, Chris
Paul, and Marvin Bagley III Analysis: DeMar DeRozan and Chris Paul are
absolute studs, but the fact that Marvin Bagley even makes it into their top
three players is rather underwhelming. Bagley is only 22, so the potential is
absolutely there and he has shown in flashes that he can be a scorer on the NBA
level, but he has to stay healthy. DeMar DeRozan is a free agent this
off-season, so will he stick with the Mavs or will he walk? If they keep him,
can this old team truly keep up with the younger NBA talent on the rise? A lot
of question marks here for a team that is on the precipice of maintaining their
identity or searching for a new one. Go Team Old. #13. Detroit Pistons Their Current “Big 3”: Nikola Vucevic,
Tobias Harris, and Ja Morant Analysis: The Pistons are a bit of a
top-heavy team, but the three names at the top are pretty darn good. Nikola
Vucevic is perennially underrated, as is Tobias Harris. Vooch can score at will
from all three levels with a devastating post game and a much improved outside
jumper. Tobias Harris is a two-way player who has a lot of success when he gets
downhill. Ja Morant has a very bright future in this league as well. Between
the Houston Rockets and the Detroit Pistons, it was neck and neck, but the
Pistons' “Big 3” just eked out in our metrics to win the number 13th spot in
the league. It's rumored that Vooch may be on the move though as the team looks
to find a decent power forward. How will that effect their “Big 3?” Detroit
still sucks as a city, either way. ;) #14. Houston Rockets Their Current “Big 3”: Nikola Jokic, Jerami
Grant, and Tyler Herro Analysis: Nikola Jokic is potentially the
best big in the game, unless you're a Joel Embiid stan. Either guy can make a
case. The other two players that comprise this “Big 3” are solid role players,
but it's hard to see them as true stars. Jerami Grant proved a lot of haters
wrong last season by continuing his strong play from The Bubble while Tyler
Herro had a season to forget. Herro has a lot of potential, but will he realize
it this season? Will Jerami Grant continue to put up numbers? Time will tell. #15. New York Knicks Their Current “Big 3”: Julius Randle,
Donovan Mitchell, and D'Angelo Russell Analysis: None of these three guys stands
out as a real “top dog” but all three are very, very good. D'Angelo Russell
could easily be replaced by Andrew Wiggins as well, but he just eked out the
young wing in our metrics and snagged the spot. Russell could be due for a
bounce back year if he can stay healthy all season. Julius Randle feels a bit
overrated, though he definitely proved last year that he is more than a poor
man's Zach Randolph. Donovan Mitchell has the best skill-set of all three, but
can he pick his game up a notch to truly become elite? New York is rumored to
be involved in several trades, so we'll have to see how this all shakes out to
see if they jump or fall in our rankings. #16. Utah Jazz Their Current “Big 3”: Devin Booker, John
Wall, and Mitchell Robinson Analysis: The Dillon Brooks disrespect is
real here, but honestly Mitchell Robinson probably has more impact on the game
and a higher ceiling. If this was a game of 3v3, this team would actually be
very, very solid, but the rest of the roster needs some considerable work. John
Wall might return to form this season, somewhat, but it's been rumored he is on
the move. What will they be getting back and will it be someone to replace
Wall? This team could be moving up the rankings in the near future and the are
rumored to have cut a deal for a high draft pick that could slot into this “Big
3” as well. #17. Portland Trail Blazers Their Current “Big 3”: Deandre Ayton, Andre
Drummond, and Tyrese Haliburton Analysis: Pairing Deandre Ayton and Andre
Drummond is... an interesting choice... to say the least. Both of those guys
must clog up the lane, which makes Tyrese Haliburton super important here. Eric
Gordon could slot into the “Big 3” as well, but rumors are he's being shopped
and not really in the plans for the future of the franchise. Drummond's massive
contract has also expired and his career has taken a nose dive in recent years.
Are they on their way to a rebuild? What will their top three look like after
the dust settles? Ayton and Haliburton definitely have room to grow, so hanging
onto those two seems like common sense, but the rest of the roster may be due
for a shake up. #18. Memphis Grizzlies Their Current “Big 3”: Jaren Jackson Jr.,
Buddy Hield, and Aaron Gordon Analysis: There's not a ton to like here
with this team's “Big 3,” but Jaren Jackson Jr. has sky-high potential. Will he
ever realize that potential? It's tough to say, and obviously he has to stay
healthy. Buddy Hield has actually been playing better year after year, but most
view him as a volume shooter who takes too many shots from beyond the arc.
Aaron Gordon never developed into the star many projected he would be by now,
but he's a solid role player. The Grizzlies don't have a pick in the lottery,
but JJJ has been rumored to be on the move. Will that change things? What are
they getting back? They'll for sure be moving up or down our big board. It's
just a matter of which way. #19. Toronto Raptors Their Current “Big 3”: Bradley Beal, Dennis
Schroder, and Chris Boucher Analysis: Bradley Beal really makes this
“Big 3” pop more than other teams that missed the playoffs because he is
perhaps the best scorer from the shooting guard position in the entire NBA. The
Raptors will hope to build a true contender around him, but Dennis Schroder and
Chris Boucher aren't exactly the type of players that are going to make
opponents squeamish. Boucher has a ton of potential, if he can find the floor
for enough playing time. Dennis Schroder may be on the move, and if he is then
Bojan Bogdanovic could slide into the “Big 3.” The biggest thing that will move
the needle for them will be whoever they choose at number three in the upcoming
draft. They have the potential to draft a future all-star there. #20. Cleveland Cavaliers Their Current “Big 3”: Karl-Anthony Towns,
Collin Sexton, and Marcus Smart Analysis: Karl-Anthony Towns is 25 years
old now, and it's do or die time as far as becoming an elite player is
concerned. He's always had potential, but he has never come close to realizing
that potential and he had health issues last season that surely made the Cavs
frustrated. Collin Sexton is a nice scoring guard, but most view his potential
as rather limited. Of course, we could all be wrong and he could develop into a
stud at some point. Marcus Smart is a piece that the Cavs surely must have
thought about moving in the past. He's a decent player who has really improved
on the offensive side of the ball in recent years, but his recent massive
extension must be weighing heavily on the minds of Cavs fans. He seems locked
into the Cavs lineup for the next season. The Cavs have lucked into the 4th
overall pick this season as well and will likely improve in this list. #21. Chicago Bulls Their Current “Big 3”: Lonzo Ball, PJ
Washington, Will Barton Analysis: Not super impressive, but not bad
and the Bulls have a bevy of nice, young talent that could all develop into
something nicer than Will Barton or PJ Washington. Lonzo Ball is primed for
another step, but we shall see if he takes it, or if the Bulls are even able to
retain him in free agency. If they don't, what will their team become? The
Bulls are rumored to be involved in quite a few different trades but should
have the second pick in this year's draft as well. Jalen Green or Cade
Cunningham would look nice on this squad and likely bump them up the rankings. #22. New Orleans Pelicans Their Current “Big 3”: Pascal Siakam, Coby
White, and Rui Hachimura Analysis: This actually isn't too bad of a
core of young and developing talent. Pascal Siakam took a step backwards last
year, but he has the ability to be a fantastic two-way wing player just a step
below that elite level. Coby White will start the next season injured, but he
has proven that when his shot is dropping he can be a great scorer. Rui
Hachimura looks primed for a breakout season and can really score. The Pelicans
don't have a lottery pick, so they'll have to bank on the development of their
young guys, unless they have a part in the upcoming trade storm. #23. Miami Heat Their Current “Big 3”: Harrison Barnes,
Malik Beasley, and Jarrett Allen Analysis: The Heat had a little bit of bad
luck with the absence of Malik Beasley last season, but now that he's served
his time and is back with the team, he can continue to try to build on his
strong play of late. Jarrett Allen is only 23 and if he can develop any kind of
offensive game beyond dunking the basketball he could be a very good player.
Harrison Barnes is what he is, and that is a good average wing that is being
paid too much. If nothing else, the Heat have two lottery picks this season and
will look to add players that are going to be rotational players as their
floor. Things are looking up. #24. Atlanta Hawks Their Current “Big 3”: Myles Turner, Joe
Harris, and Eric Bledsoe Analysis: Oof. Individually, each of these guys
is pretty decent and they each have their worth for an NBA team. Myles Turner
is a premiere shot blocker and he had an underwhelming season last season, so
he is due to bounce back. Joe Harris is one of the best three-point shooters in
the league. Eric Bledsoe has been a solid two-way combo guard for some time,
even if a bit undersized. However, none of these guys jumps off the page as a
guy you'd want to go to for a bucket in crunch time. Perhaps the Hawks are
engaged with other teams in order to move these pieces for pieces that have
more potential, but no rumors have surfaced as of yet. #25. Denver Nuggets Their Current “Big 3”: Malcolm Brogdon,
Mike Conley, and Mason Plumlee Analysis: It's never a good sign when two
of your “Big 3” play the same position. Malcolm Brogdon is more of a
facilitator while Mike Conley is more of a shooter, but it's less than ideal to
have both. Mason Plumlee is okay, but he's not even in the top half of starting
centers in the league. With no lottery picks in the upcoming draft, it's
unclear if the Nuggets will be able to improve unless there are trades they are
keeping sealed up from the rest of the league. #26. Golden State Warriors Their Current “Big 3”: Bam Adebayo, Bogdan
Bogdanovic, and Cole Anthony Analysis: These are all solid players, but
the Warriors are missing that truly transcendent talent. The Warriors are due
to have pick number 9 this year where they could add that guy, but it will
likely be a few years for that talent to develop. Bam Adebayo probably still
has some unrealized potential if he can figure out how to be a consistent
contributor on the offensive end. It's hard to see them moving in this list
without a trade though. #27. Los Angeles Lakers Their Current “Big 3”: Christian Wood,
Terry Rozier, and Darius Garland Analysis: A pretty underwhelming trio from
the fans in La La Land, but Christian Wood struggled with injuries all season
and there is potential with Darius Garland. Terry Rozier had his best
statistical season by far last season, but can he do it again. Terry Rozier and
Darius Garland perform much the same function on the court, so can they
continue to coexist on the same squad? Rumors are that Rozier may be headed out
of town and a lot of people are wondering what James Wiseman's ceiling really
is. Will he ever reach it? They'll look to add another solid piece with a ton
of potential at pick 7 in this year's draft as well, so this team could be on
the up and up. #28. Orlando Magic Their Current “Big 3”: Derrick White,
De'Andre Hunter, and Moses Brown Analysis: These are all nice, young pieces,
but where are the stars? The Orlando Magic also have Thomas Bryant who is
returning from an ACL injury, Blake Griffin who had a bit of a revitalization
at the end of last season, and Royce O'Neale who is a solid contributor on both
sides of the floor. The Orlando Magic have the 5th pick in the
upcoming draft, but they are rumored to be involved with a number of trades.
Either way, they'll surely have a different “Big 3” when all is said and done. #29. Minnesota Timberwolves Their Current “Big 3”: Devonte Graham,
Kevin Love, and Jakob Poeltl Analysis: This is a pretty underwhelming
“Big 3” to say the least, but the T'Wolves were likely counting on Kevin Love
being pretty decent for a while. No one could have predicted he would fall off
the face of the Earth the last handful of seasons. Devonte Graham likewise
hasn't really panned out as of yet and he becomes a free agent in this upcoming
off season. It will be interesting to see if they are interested in retaining
him, but even if they don't there is some young talent on this roster that
could pan out and they have the number 6 pick in this year's draft. #30. Sacramento Kings Their Current “Big 3”: Cory Joseph, Tony
Bradley, and Cameron Johnson Analysis: There isn't much to say other
than this sucks if these are the best three players on your team. These should
be the last guys on your bench, probably. The bright side is that the Kings
have the number 1 pick in this draft and will get either Cade Cunningham or
Jalen Green. Will that be enough to lift them from the absolute bottom of the
league? |
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