Building the NBA's All-Overpaid Team

Creating the NBA's All-Overpaid Team is an uncomfortable venture, one that evokes divisive opinions and often leads to painful discussions. However, this exercise is crucial, providing insights into which franchises risk getting poor value for their substantial investments in player salaries. Unlike previous examinations regarding hefty contracts, this analysis focuses specifically on the upcoming 2025-26 season.

Selection Criteria and Methodology

Players have been selected based on their expected role, availability, and potential impact on winning, while also leaning on past performance and injuries to inform decisions. To maintain relevance, individuals currently sidelined by significant injuries or those earning first-contract money have been excluded. For this compilation, we use the players' cap hits as detailed by Spotrac, applying an All-Star roster format that features two backcourt players and three from the frontcourt.

The All-Overpaid Roster

Terry Rozier (Cap Hit: $26,643,031; Percentage of Salary Cap: 17.23)The Miami Heat acquired Terry Rozier in a significant trade but have been disappointed by his recent performance. Last season marked a career low for Rozier, with diminished minutes and scoring averages. The emergence of other players in the rotation further complicates his future with the team.

Jalen Green (Cap Hit: $33,584,499; Percentage of Salary Cap: 21.72)Jalen Green edges out more established backcourt players for this list despite his promising skills not translating to consistently productive performances. His efficiency on shots has fluctuated, and his playmaking abilities have not evolved as hoped, raising concerns about his value as a top player.

Jerami Grant (Cap Hit: $32,000,001; Percentage of Salary Cap: 20.69)Jerami Grant's contract worries arise as he enters a new phase in his career at age 30, especially with the arrival of teammates whose playstyles could push him out of the spotlight. Grant's performance has been suboptimal lately, showcasing declines in key metrics that impact his overall effectiveness on the court.

Patrick Williams (Cap Hit: $18,000,000; Percentage of Salary Cap: 11.64)Williams has not made a significant impact since entering the league, despite having a decent three-point shooting percentage. He struggles to increase his contributions across various aspects of the game, leaving him vulnerable to scrutiny regarding his true value compared to his salary.

Joel Embiid (Cap Hit: $55,224,526; Percentage of Salary Cap: 35.71)While Embiid's talent is undeniable, the hefty investment Philadelphia has made raises questions about his on-court availability, particularly concerning his history with injuries. Availability issues could jeopardize the Sixers' return on such a significant expenditure, with the stakes of his performance higher than ever.

Conclusion

This All-Overpaid Team highlights the inherent risks organizations take when locking in contracts of this magnitude. While talent is critical for success, the balance of value remains essential for sustained competitiveness in the league.