60: Paul George (Boston Celtics) -20 places
Although he produced a few quality performances, George's previous season was defined above all by a 25-game suspension for violating the anti-doping protocol. That made it all the more surprising when he was the main piece sent to the Philadelphia 76ers in the trade for Jaylen Brown. He is now the Celtics' second-best player... in theory. In reality, he appears to be slowly sliding towards decline.
Stats 2025/26: 17.3 points on 43.9% shooting, including 39.2% from three-point range (37 games).
Reasonable target for 2026/27: At least 20 points
59: Mikal Bridges (New York Knicks) +4 places
The Knicks are champions, so Mikal Bridges is too. But where does he fit in this roster? At least he showed intelligence by sacrificing his personal ambitions to become a deluxe role player. That is what it takes to win titles. We are probably in for more of the same next season: defence, corner threes and timely scoring bursts, plus an extension of his record for consecutive games played. If only some others would follow his example...
Stats 2025/26: 14.4 points on 49% shooting, including 37.1% from three-point range (82 games).
Reasonable target for 2026/27: 16 points, 50% shooting, 40% from three-point range, 82 games.
58: Julius Randle (Brooklyn Nets) -34 places
Julius Randle's 2024/25 season was a high-level one, as the understated lieutenant to Anthony Edwards. However, he wanted more shots, which drove up his scoring average... but put his team's balance at risk. That led to a business-class ticket to Brooklyn, where his only objective will be to score. It sums up his career rather well: talent and ability, but when he does not put himself at the service of the team, he disappoints, regardless of how many points he scores.
Stats 2025/26: 21.1 points on 48.1% shooting, including 31.5% from three-point range (79 games).
Reasonable target for 2026/27: 25 points.
57: Jimmy Butler (Golden State Warriors) -25 places
Jimmy Butler will be back. But when? After the serious knee injury that cut short his last season, we still do not know when Jimmy Buckets will return to the court. The answer to that question will probably determine the shape of the Warriors' season. At 37, he will not have much left in the tank anyway. But probably enough for a deep playoff run. If Golden State qualifies...
Stats 2025/26: 20 points on 51.9% shooting, including 37.6% from three-point range (38 games).
Reasonable target for 2026/27: Return before the start of 2027, at least 23 points.
56: Ivica Zubac (Indiana Pacers) -22 places
Ivica Zubac looked set for what could have been the best season of his career in California. That prompted the Pacers to break the bank for him. But the move was made with this season in mind, because as soon as he arrived in Indianapolis, he was put on ice. In theory, he will be the ideal pick-and-roll partner for Tyrese Haliburton's big return. But after being promised a breakout for so long, we are finding it increasingly difficult to believe...
Stats 2025/26: 14.1 points on 59.8% shooting, 10.6 rebounds (48 games).
Reasonable target for 2026/27: 18 points, 12 rebounds.
55: Josh Giddey (Chicago Bulls) +22 places
Leaving the Thunder was necessary. For the past two seasons, Josh Giddey has flourished in Chicago, improving not only statistically but also as a basketball player. Defence is still a clear weakness, but on a franchise that finally seems ready to take the bull by the horns, he will be the chief architect of the offence. He has improved individually; now he needs to do the same as part of a team.
Stats 2025/26: 17 points, 9.1 assists, 8.3 rebounds (54 games).
Reasonable target for 2026/27: 20 points, 10 assists, 8 rebounds.
54: Desmond Bane (Orlando Magic) +13 places
We were curious to see what Desmond Bane could do outside Memphis. He quickly overshadowed Franz Wagner and claimed the No. 2 spot, or even the No. 1 role on some nights. Collectively, though, Orlando did not really move forward. That could change with a new coach. Amid all this, the sharpshooter still has room to reach his best level. That could happen this season, provided he remains in the lieutenant role that seems tailor-made for him.
Stats 2025/26: 20.1 points on 48.4% shooting, including 39.1% from three-point range (82 games).
Reasonable target for 2026/27: 24 points, 50% shooting, 40% from three-point range
53: Brandon Ingram (Los Angeles Clippers) +7 places
It is always the same story with Brandon Ingram: talented and widely recognised as an excellent player, but nobody manages to build around him. Toronto had invested in him, yet did not hesitate when it was time to send him away to bring back Kawhi Leonard. He is back where it all began for him: Los Angeles. And although an Achilles injury has slowed him down, he should form a formidable duo with Darius Garland. Could this be his return to the spotlight?
Stats 2025/26: 21.5 points on 47.7% shooting, including 38.2% from three-point range (77 games).
Reasonable target for 2026/27: At least 25 points.
52: Lauri Markkanen (Utah Jazz) -13 places
When fully fit, Lauri Markkanen remains a formidable scorer, unquestionably one of the league's best. But his body has slowed him down for two seasons now, as has his team's ambition. The Jazz need to take flight this season, but will they need their Finnisher? He has long been mentioned in trade rumours, and with plenty of young talent already on the roster, he could be useful to a contender - if that team is willing to take on his hefty contract.
Stats 2025/26: 26.7 points on 47.7% shooting, including 35.5% from three-point range (42 games).
Reasonable target for 2026/27: At least 28 points.
51: De'Aaron Fox (San Antonio Spurs) -16 places
Warning: complicated case. He came to Texas to be Wemby's chief lieutenant. But the Spurs' young players are developing at remarkable speed, and he failed to live up to expectations in the playoffs, particularly in the Finals. With four years left on a massive contract, however, trading him would come at a steep cost. The Spurs will have to make do with him - and, of course, he still has more than enough ability to turn things around.
Stats 2025/26: 18.6 points on 48.6% shooting, including 33.2% from three-point range, 6.2 assists (72 games).
Reasonable target for 2026/27: 22 points, 8 assists.