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 4^th 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 5^th 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?