The NBA's Big Three landscape has undergone significant changes, not only in terms of their prevalence but also due to structural alterations within the league. The introduction of the second apron, along with various penalties for high payrolls, has made traditional three-star models more challenging to maintain. This shift inherently limits the pool from which trios can be ranked, leading to a more restrictive environment as teams adjust to these realities. While options still exist, the enthusiasm surrounding free agency is waning, and the impact of recent games—whether played or postponed—has introduced numerous caveats and notable exclusions into the conversation about what qualifies as a Big Three.
In assessing the Big Three trios, they will be evaluated based on their performance thus far, with collective outputs influencing their rankings. Metrics such as net rating will play a pivotal role in determining the top five combinations. However, individual performances from each player will also be factored in to create a more nuanced hierarchy. Tiebreakers will be resolved by considering which trio would be preferred for the remainder of the season. To be eligible for Big Three consideration, trios must either meet a threshold of at least 150 minutes played together or be clearly defined in terms of impact on their respective teams.
As the season progresses, various teams’ Big Threes present intriguing cases. For instance, the Dallas Mavericks featuring Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, alongside either Dereck Lively II or Klay Thompson, prompts discussions about their effectiveness as a trio. Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies find themselves plagued by injuries, limiting the minutes of Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Ja Morant to just 18 in two games together. The Miami Heat, consisting of Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler, and Tyler Herro, have shown potential, but their performance when all three are on the court has not yielded positive results. Additionally, the Milwaukee Bucks, with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, do not yet qualify as Middleton has not played this season due to recovery, while their minutes together fall short of sufficient impact.
Other notable trios include the New Orleans Pelicans, whose injury issues have limited Brandon Ingram, Dejounte Murray, and Zion Williamson’s collective abilities; the Philadelphia 76ers, who have yet to see Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey play together; and the Phoenix Suns, who have only recorded 149 minutes for Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant. Conversely, the Minnesota Timberwolves boast Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and Julius Randle, whose synergy, while at times awkward, has produced a net rating of 8.9 over 273 minutes played. Their effectiveness highlights Edwards’ three-point shooting, which has complemented Gobert's and Randle's contributions, though reducing turnovers is a targeted area for improvement.
The Sacramento Kings' Big Three of DeMar DeRozan, De'Aaron Fox, and Domantas Sabonis exemplifies offensive efficiency, achieving a remarkable offensive rating since their inception. Despite DeRozan’s recent injury, the trio has effectively maintained their scoring and defensive capabilities, illustrating their potential sustainability in the long run. Similarly, the Oklahoma City Thunder, featuring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams, have maximized their thematic strength, although Holmgren's anticipated injury may soon reduce their effectiveness.
Lastly, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ trio of Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, and Evan Mobley showcases impressive individual talents contributing to overall team dominance despite fluctuating collective returns. Their ability to adapt roles and maintain offensive fluidity positions them as serious contenders for the season's accolades, while the Boston Celtics’ Big Three of Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Derrick White further solidifies their leading status. White's integration into the offensive scheme, along with the elevated play of Tatum and Brown, places the Celtics at the forefront of the league, with the potential for multiple All-Star selections as they navigate the season.
