NBA player rankings change: Steph Curry and LeBron James fall, SGA and Cade Cunningham rise

Steph Curry dropped to 50th in new NBA player rankings, a big change from previous years. LeBron James also fell out of the top 20.
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

New rankings drop NBA titans like LeBron James and Steph Curry outside previously assumed top-tier positions, sparking debate among observers. This season's assessment by ESPN analyst Zach Kram places Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Cade Cunningham among the most impactful players for the 2026 NBA Playoffs.

LeBron outside the top 20?! Steph at 50?! How we ranked this postseason's stars - 1

The perceived influence of veteran stars is being re-evaluated against a backdrop of evolving league dynamics and the emergence of new talent. This recalibration sees players like James, previously a perennial fixture at the pinnacle of such lists, relegated to ranks below the top 20. Similarly, Curry, despite reaching a scoring milestone of 50,000 career points, finds himself placed at a surprising 50th in one assessment.

LeBron outside the top 20?! Steph at 50?! How we ranked this postseason's stars - 2

Veterans Reassessed Amidst Rising Stars

The discourse surrounding the rankings highlights a generational shift. While Steph Curry, at 37, remains a dominant offensive force, celebrated for revolutionizing the game with his three-point shooting and recently achieving a historic scoring mark, his positional standing reflects a broader re-evaluation. His inclusion alongside his son Bronny in playing for the same team marked a unique familial moment, but does not seem to have swayed certain evaluators.

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LeBron outside the top 20?! Steph at 50?! How we ranked this postseason's stars - 3

LeBron James, now in his 22nd season and having celebrated his 40th birthday in December, is noted for his significant playoff statistics from recent campaigns, including 25.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. However, his team's elimination in the past postseason and his lowest usage rate since his rookie year appear to be factors in his lowered ranking.

LeBron outside the top 20?! Steph at 50?! How we ranked this postseason's stars - 4

Emergent Talent and Statistical Fluctuations

The 2026 NBA Playoffs are poised to showcase a new guard of influential players. Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves, with a playoff resume of 26.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists over 42 games, is featured prominently. Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder also earns recognition for his playoff contributions, averaging 20.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.0 assists across 33 games. Even players with more modest statistical outputs, such as Nickeil Alexander-Walker of the Atlanta Hawks (7.8 PTS | 1.8 REB | 2.2 AST in 37 playoff games) and Neemias Queta of the Boston Celtics (2.0 PTS | 0.7 REB | 0.3 AST in seven games), are categorized within these broader impact assessments.

Read More: NBA 2026 Playoffs: LeBron James ranked outside top 20, Stephen Curry at 50

The rankings themselves are split into tiers, indicating a nuanced approach to evaluating player contributions. One analysis mentions a player who, while not having ideal support, has reached a level of play that could sustain a championship team, representing a "pleasant surprise." This suggests that raw statistics are not the sole determinant, but rather the potential for transformative impact.

Context of the Rankings

These evaluations emerge amidst broader discussions about the NBA. Reports touch upon the league's push for faster play and its potential consequences, as well as regular-season report cards for all 30 teams. The NBA Play-In Tournament and specific team narratives, such as the Clippers' home-court advantage and dramatic wins by teams like the Hornets, provide a richer tapestry against which these individual player rankings are viewed.

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The various lists, published by outlets like ESPN, The Ringer, USA Today, Sporting News, and CBS Sports, collectively paint a picture of an NBA landscape in flux. While some outlets published these rankings around April 2025, the most recent assessments discussed were released approximately 7 hours ago and 1 day ago, indicating a continuous re-evaluation of player impact as the current season progresses towards its postseason.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are LeBron James and Steph Curry ranked lower in the new NBA lists?
Recent NBA player rankings, released around April 2025 and updated recently, show veteran stars like LeBron James and Steph Curry falling in impact. This is due to a mix of factors including their age, team performance, and the rise of new talent.
Q: Who is ranked higher now instead of LeBron James and Steph Curry?
Players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Cade Cunningham are now seen as more impactful in the new NBA rankings. This reflects a generational shift in the league as younger players show strong performances.
Q: When were these new NBA player rankings released?
Some of these NBA player rankings were published around April 2025, but the most recent ones discussed were released very recently, within the last day and even just 7 hours ago, showing ongoing evaluation.
Q: What does this change in rankings mean for the NBA?
The shifting NBA player rankings suggest a changing landscape in professional basketball. It highlights the emergence of new stars and a re-evaluation of how player impact is measured, moving beyond just past achievements to current and future potential.
Q: Which players are highlighted as rising stars in the new rankings?
Besides Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Cade Cunningham, players like Anthony Edwards and Jalen Williams are also noted for their significant impact in recent NBA discussions and playoff performances.