50: Ja Morant (Portland Trail Blazers) -9 places
The love-hate affair with Memphis is now over. The former All-Star is heading to Oregon, where people have been waiting a long time for him to return to the top. He has played just 79 games over the past three seasons and has no credit left, but Portland still decided to take the gamble. On paper, a backcourt featuring Damian Lillard is exciting. On the court, the defence is a concern. But he can set a team alight on his own, if he returns to the level we know he can play.
2025/26 stats: 19.5 points on 41% shooting, including 23.5% from three-point range (20 games)
Reasonable 2026/27 target: 25 points, minimum 65 games
49: Derrick White (Boston Celtics) -5 places
The Celtics have taken a step back since winning the title in 2024. But their guard has remained a constant force. Still excellent defensively, he remains understated on offence, regarded as one of the most underrated players in the league. However, we have not given up on the idea of seeing him become far more impactful offensively, given his talent. Will the departure of Jaylen Brown give him the room he needs?
2025/26 stats: 16.5 points on 39.4% shooting, including 32.7% from three-point range, 5.4 assists (77 games)
Reasonable 2026/27 target: 20 points, 8 assists, NBA All-Defensive Team candidate
48: Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans) -19 places
Two places above the No. 2 pick in the 2019 draft sits the No. 1 pick. Zion has been in the NBA for seven years, putting up respectable numbers, but his impact remains elusive. There is still a sense that, with a little more effort, he could become completely unstoppable. He is a good player, that is certain, but that is not enough for someone who was one of the most anticipated prospects of the 21st century. Trade rumours surrounding him are multiplying. Perennial inhabitants of the middle of the pack, will the Pels finally take the plunge?
2025/26 stats: 21 points on 60% shooting, 5.7 rebounds (62 games).
Reasonable 2026/27 target: 25 points, All-NBA Team candidate
47: Stephon Castle (San Antonio Spurs) +48 places
After two NBA seasons, he is already being viewed as the No. 2 player on a team that reached the Finals. Without a doubt, and with no real debate, he is the best player in his draft class. And since he raised his production in the playoffs, the future is bright if he definitively fends off De'Aaron Fox and teams up with Dylan Harper. His rapid development is far from over: the third season is often when a player truly breaks out.
2025/26 stats: 16.7 points on 47.1% shooting, including 33.2% from three-point range, 7.4 assists (68 games)
Reasonable 2026/27 target: 20 points, 10 assists
46: Jalen Duren (Detroit Pistons) +18 places
This is not as disappointing as the seasons of the two players mentioned above. But losing nine points from his average between the regular season and the playoffs is bound to be on everyone's mind. Add in the drama surrounding his new contract with the Pistons, and it has not been the smoothest offseason. He should deliver during the regular season, when he played a major role in Detroit's resurgence last season as Cade Cunningham's lieutenant. But that is not where expectations will be highest.
2025/26 stats: 19.5 points on 65% shooting, 10.5 rebounds (70 games)
Reasonable 2026/27 target: 22 points, 12 rebounds
45: Keyonte George (Utah Jazz) NEW ENTRY
As mentioned above, the third season is often when a player breaks out. That was the case for the Jazz point guard, who went from a potential good player to one of the NBA's top 25 scorers. That was enough to secure an extension, but the hard part starts now. With Darryn Peterson arriving, he will have to share the spotlight with a player who is far more highly touted, while ensuring that it does not affect his production and impact. Easier said than done.
2025/26 stats: 23.6 points on 45.6% shooting, including 37.1% from three-point range, 6.1 assists (54 games)
Reasonable 2026/27 target: 25 points, 9 assists
44: Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento Kings) -26 places
The Lithuanian centre had a disappointing start to his 30s. His season was cut short by injuries, although it was already shaping up to be another disappointing campaign for the Kings, who are still directionless. You have to wonder whether he might be better off elsewhere, but his defensive limitations would probably complicate a potential trade more than his contract would. He continues to put up productive numbers, but he is doing it in a vacuum. While a good individual season is within reach, the same cannot be said for his team.
2025/26 stats: 15.8 points on 54.3% shooting, 11.4 rebounds (19 games)
Reasonable 2026/27 target: 20 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists
43: Darius Garland (Los Angeles Clippers) +14 places
He was eventually sacrificed by the Cavs, who chose the past in James Harden over their future. At 26, Garland has yet to reach his prime. Will this be the year? Still an efficient, no-frills point guard and an excellent passer, we are waiting to see him finally break out, even if it comes on a team that is likely to endure a difficult season. He has the ball in his hands; now is the time to take advantage and become the leader. He may not get many more chances.
2025/26 stats: 18.8 points on 48% shooting, including 39.6% from three-point range, 6.7 assists (45 games)
Reasonable 2026/27 target: 22 points, 10 assists
42: Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder) -17 places
It was a curious season for the centre: he increased his production, but his impact declined, even though it should have increased with Jalen Williams sidelined by injury. The Thunder badly needed that impact in the playoffs to avoid relinquishing their crown. Hence the drop in the rankings and the questions surrounding him as he prepares to begin a massive contract. Panicking is not how OKC operates. But with such a polarising player, it is difficult to know what to expect. He will therefore have to produce his very best this season.
2025/26 stats: 17.1 points on 55.7% shooting, 8.9 rebounds (69 games)
Reasonable 2026/27 target: 22 points, 11 rebounds
41: Kyrie Irving (Dallas Mavericks) NEW ENTRY
It is time for the long-awaited return of Uncle Drew. Eighteen months after wrecking his knee, he is coming back. But what for? To serve as lieutenant to future star Cooper Flagg, certainly, although he is still the Mavericks' best player on talent alone. In the midst of a rebuild, Dallas could put him back on the court, trade him in February and continue reshaping the post-Luka Doncic era. But at 34, who knows what level he will reach? We expect him to be very good.
Reasonable 2026/27 target: 22 points, 7 assists