As NBA playoffs tip off, these are the 10 best players ready to define the postseason

As NBA playoffs tip off, these are the 10 best players ready to define the postseason

The 2026 NBA playoffs have officially tipped off.

The best NBA players showcase their skills and talent through an 82-game regular season, but the playoffs are where legacies are made – or tainted. The postseason is where performance determines who is the star of stars; who will rise to the occasion and who shrinks when the lights are brightest.

With 16 teams left competing for the coveted Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy to be crowned NBA champion, someone will ascend themselves above the rest during the biggest moments with everything on the line.

Here's a ranking of the 10 best available players in these NBA playoffs. The list does not include players who have been considered out for the first round, including Los Angeles Lakers guards Luka Doncic or Austin Reaves.

NBA PLAYOFF PICKS: USA TODAY predictions for every first-round series

As the NBA Play‑In Tournament unfolds, every possession carries extra weight with postseason spots on the line.

See the action and emotion from across the tournament as teams battle through high‑stakes games.

Above, LaMelo Ball #1 celebrates with Coby White #3 of the Charlotte Hornets in overtime against the Miami Heat during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Deni Avdija #8 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts after scoring and drawing a foul against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona.

Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets blocks a shot from Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat in the first half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Shaedon Sharpe #17 of the Portland Trail Blazers slam dunks the ball against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona.

LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets drives to the basket while guarded by Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Miami Heat in the first half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Jrue Holiday #5 of the Portland Trail Blazers attempts a three-point shot over Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona.

Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after defeating the Miami Heat during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Jerami Grant #9 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts to a three-point shot against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona. The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Suns 114-110.

Coby White #3 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after making a basket late in the second half against the Miami Heat during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Deni Avdija #8 of the Portland Trail Blazers handles the ball ahead of Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona.

Kon Knueppel #7 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots the ball while guarded by Pelle Larsson #9 of the Miami Heat in the first half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns and Scoot Henderson #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers battle for a loose ball during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona.

Brandon Miller #24 of the Charlotte Hornets guards Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Miami Heat in the first half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts in overtime against the Miami Heat during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Coby White #3 of the Charlotte Hornets brings the ball up court while guarded by Simone Fontecchio #0 of the Miami Heat in the first half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Jrue Holiday #5 of the Portland Trail Blazers attempts a shot under pressure from Mark Williams #15 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona. The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Suns 114-110.

Coby White #3 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots the ball over Pelle Larsson #9 of the Miami Heat late in the second half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Interim head coach Tiago Splitter of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona.

LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets dunks the ball in the first half while guarded by Simone Fontecchio #0 of the Miami Heat during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Deni Avdija #8 of the Portland Trail Blazers lays up a shot ahead of Oso Ighodaro #11 and Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona. The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Suns 114-110.

Norman Powell #24 of the Miami Heat drives to the basket while guarded by Brandon Miller #24 of the Charlotte Hornets in the second half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason

As the NBA Play‑In Tournament unfolds, every possession carries extra weight with postseason spots on the line.

See the action and emotion from across the tournament as teams battle through high‑stakes games.

Above, LaMelo Ball #1 celebrates with Coby White #3 of the Charlotte Hornets in overtime against the Miami Heat during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

1 / 21

NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason

As the NBA Play‑In Tournament unfolds, every possession carries extra weight with postseason spots on the line.

See the action and emotion from across the tournament as teams battle through high‑stakes games.

Above, LaMelo Ball #1 celebrates with Coby White #3 of the Charlotte Hornets in overtime against the Miami Heat during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

2 / 21

NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason

Deni Avdija #8 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts after scoring and drawing a foul against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona.

3 / 21

NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason

Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets blocks a shot from Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat in the first half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

4 / 21

NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason

Shaedon Sharpe #17 of the Portland Trail Blazers slam dunks the ball against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona.

5 / 21

NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason

LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets drives to the basket while guarded by Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Miami Heat in the first half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

6 / 21

NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason

Jrue Holiday #5 of the Portland Trail Blazers attempts a three-point shot over Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona.

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NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason

Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after defeating the Miami Heat during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason

Jerami Grant #9 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts to a three-point shot against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona. The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Suns 114-110.

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NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason

Coby White #3 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after making a basket late in the second half against the Miami Heat during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason

Deni Avdija #8 of the Portland Trail Blazers handles the ball ahead of Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona.

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NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason

Kon Knueppel #7 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots the ball while guarded by Pelle Larsson #9 of the Miami Heat in the first half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

12 / 21

NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason

Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns and Scoot Henderson #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers battle for a loose ball during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona.

13 / 21

NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason

Brandon Miller #24 of the Charlotte Hornets guards Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Miami Heat in the first half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason

Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts in overtime against the Miami Heat during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

15 / 21

NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason

Coby White #3 of the Charlotte Hornets brings the ball up court while guarded by Simone Fontecchio #0 of the Miami Heat in the first half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

16 / 21

NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason

Jrue Holiday #5 of the Portland Trail Blazers attempts a shot under pressure from Mark Williams #15 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona. The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Suns 114-110.

17 / 21

NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason

Coby White #3 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots the ball over Pelle Larsson #9 of the Miami Heat late in the second half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

18 / 21

NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason

Interim head coach Tiago Splitter of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona.

19 / 21

NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason

LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets dunks the ball in the first half while guarded by Simone Fontecchio #0 of the Miami Heat during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

20 / 21

NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason

Deni Avdija #8 of the Portland Trail Blazers lays up a shot ahead of Oso Ighodaro #11 and Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona. The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Suns 114-110.

21 / 21

NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason

Norman Powell #24 of the Miami Heat drives to the basket while guarded by Brandon Miller #24 of the Charlotte Hornets in the second half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Best players in 2026 NBA playoffs

Here are the top 10 best players competing during the NBA Playoffs.

10. Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns

The Suns guard plays both sides of the ball, can score with the best of them, and don't sleep on his playmaking ability and willing to defer to the hot hand. You saw that in the Suns' play-in game for the No. 8 seed against the Golden State Warriors.

Booker averaged 26.1 points on 45.6% field-goal shooting, 33% from 3-point distance and 87% free throw shooting. He pulled in 3.9 rebounds and 6 assists per game.

9. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks

Brunson has been the franchise leader the Knicks have been searching for. Brunson averaged 26 points on 46.7%/36.9%/84.1% shooting splits during the 2025-26 regular season.

He's deadly in the midrange and crafty at getting to the basket, but he will torch defenses with a step-back 3. Brunson led the Knicks to the No. 3 seed in the NBA playoffs as New York aims for its first NBA championship since 1973.

8. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers

Donovan Mitchell hasn't been past the second round during his career, but after the addition of James Harden there's hope that could change this season.

Mitchell is a dynamic scorer that score at three levels: inside, midrange and from deep. He's a slasher that will finish an acrobatic layup but also he might punch one on your big man's head. Mitchell scored 32 points in a Game 1 win against the Toronto Raptors, and the Cavs will go as far as he leads them.

Mitchell averaged 27.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.5 steals. His shooting splits are 48.3% field goals, 36.4 3-point shooting and 86.5% from the charity stripe.

7. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics

Brown has carried the Celtics for much of the regular season, leading them to the No. 2 seed in the playoffs with co-star Jayson Tatum sidelined for most of the year due to an Achilles injury he suffered in the 2025 NBA playoffs.

Brown led Boston to a 56-26 record, which is one of the reasons he's been considered a 2026 MVP candidate. He averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists, while shooting 47.7% on field goals. He also added a steal per game.

6. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves

Edwards is one of the best players in the league, and his star-like aura is reminiscent of the greatest the game's seen. But it's his game that backs up that nostalgia.

During the 2025-26 season, Edwards posted 28.8 points, five rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.8 blocks per game. His efficiency wasn't too shabby either, connecting on 48.9% field goals including 39.9% 3-pointers and 79.6% free throws. Edwards will look to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves against the Denver Nuggets. Edwards led the Wolves to defeat the Nuggets in seven games during the 2024 playoffs. They hope to emulate that outcome.

5. Kevin Durant, Houston Rockets

Kevin Durant, although listed questionable for Game 1 against the Los Angeles Lakers, is expected to have a major impact in the Rockets first-round matchup. After 17 seasons, Durant is still one of the premier players in the postseason and his team will depend on him to be the player he's been since 2007.

Durant has averaged an efficient 26 points on 52% field goals, 41% 3-pointers and 87% free throws. He's added 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists. Defensively, he's just under a block and steal per game, at 0.9 and 0.8, respectively.

4. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers

Yes, LeBron at 41 years old, and now the focal point of the offense with injuries to Doncic and Reaves keeping them out of the first round indefinitely, is still one of the best players in the NBA postseason. We have never seen a player be this good for this long. You have to honor and respect that aspect when making these lists. Not only that, James' numbers have showcased that when he's locked in, he remains one of the best players.

James averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.6 blocks. Shooting-wise, he was 51.5% from the field, 31.7% from 3-point and 73.7% free throws. But don't focus so much on the 2025-26 season stats, as he had to share the floor, and ball, with Doncic and Reaves. James was relegated to the third scoring option to preserve these latter years of his career. Now he's back to the No. 1 option, it can be assumed the James of old – dominating the playoffs – is here again.

3. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets

Jokic averaged a triple-double during the 2025-26 season, posting 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.7 assists per game. Not only did he stuff that stat sheet, he did it in an efficient manner. Jokic's shooting splits were 56.9%/38%/83.1% during the regular season.

The reality is Jokic's supporting cast will have to show up in order for him to truly be a threat. The Joker is at his best when his passing is a threat, leaving players to forget that he can score with the best of them.

2. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

Wemby being so high is based on his dominant regular season. He controls the game on both sides of the ball, which makes him one of the best players in this postseason.

The Alien averaged 25 points, 11.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists. Defensively, he averaged a steal and three blocks per game. He gave a taste of his inside game and shooting capability by making 51.2% of his field goals, 34.9% of his 3-pointer and 82.7% of his free throws.

This is Wembanyama's first taste of the playoff experience in the NBA, but he will be just fine if plays anything like he did during the regular season, which garnered MVP whispers.

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

Giving respect where its due is why SGA is the top player coming into the playoffs. The reigning league MVP, NBA champion and Finals MVP has led OKC to the best record in the league for a second consecutive season.

During the 2025-26 season, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 6.6 assists on 55.3% field goal shooting, 38.6% 3-pointers and 87.9% free throws. Although not recognized as a lockdown defender, Gilgeous-Alexander grabbed 1.4 steals and 0.8 blocks per game.

Honorable mentions

There's so much talent in the postseason, it wasn't easy to choose only 10 players. Some player rankings can be mixed-and-swapped for other players, while others are more concrete belonging in the top 10 recognition.

Here are honorable mentioned players that could be considered a top-10 player in the postseason:

• James Harden, Cleveland Cavaliers
• Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic
• Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
• Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks
• Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
• Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets
• De'Aaron Fox, San Antonio Spurs
• Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers

X-factors

In most cases, these players are one of the top three on their team, or just a huge spark and difference maker for their club. Don't sleep on these dudes. They can fill it up with the best of them and contend with any of the best players in the league. Consistency can be questioned, but the talent is a no-brainer. These players are the X-factors for their teams during the postseason.

• Alperen Şengün, Houston Rockets
• Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets
• Julius Randle, Minnesota Timberwolves
• Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons
• Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic
• Desmond Bane, Orlando Magic
• Deni Avdija, Portland Trail Blazers
• Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder
• Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder
• Jalen Green, Phoenix Suns
• Brandon Ingram, Toronto Raptors
• RJ Barrett, Toronto Raptors
• Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs
• Derrick White, Boston Celtics
• Payton Pritchard, Boston Celtics

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ranking the 10 best players heading into 2026 NBA playoffs