ESPN unveiled its NBA Rank 2026 top 10, featuring a razor-thin race for No. 1. Just three voting points separated Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Victor Wembanyama, with each placing first on at least one panelist's ballot. The voting panel was overhauled to seven experts: Ben Golliver, Vincent Goodwill, Zach Kram, Bobby Marks, Dave Mc Menamin, André Snellings, and Matt "Stats" Williams.

At No. 10, Donovan Mitchell rises after leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Eastern Conference finals. Paired with James Harden, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, Mitchell's playoff performance dipped to 26.0 points and 18.6 PER last season.

Jayson Tatum debuts at No. 9 following his Achilles tendon tear recovery. The Boston Celtics traded Jaylen Brown to the 76ers, increasing Tatum's burden. Tyrese Haliburton and Damian Lillard missed the entire 2025-26 season with similar injuries.

Rankings reflect predicted 2026-27 regular-season contributions only. Signature stats and fantasy projections accompany each profile.