As an NBA fan, it hits different when a team's best player is a guy the franchise nurtured from the very start. There's a greater attachment to stars who have been there since the start, who have bled the team's colors since the start of their careers.

If Shai Gilgeous-Alexander doesn't lead the Thunder to a second-straight title, then one of Victor Wembanyama, Donovan Mitchell or Jalen Brunson will earn their first ring. While each of those four players have remained elite in the playoffs,

Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the best of U.S. men's basketball make up USA TODAY's '250 for 250' list of greats.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the MVP of the NBA. But Victor Wembanyama is the best basketball player in the galaxy.

Despite any shortcomings, this tier has very good players, including Paul George, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Dylan Harper. Illustration: Demetrius Robinson / The Athletic; photos: Sarah Stier, Maddie Meyer, Kenneth Richmond / Getty Images 2026 NBA Player ...

Darius Acuff, Meleek Thomas, Billy Richmond and Trevon Brazile — go through the combine and receive feedback as they look toward the future.

The NBA trade market feels like it never really closes, but it definitely has its peak business hours. And with most of the hoops world operating in offseason mode, we're barreling toward one as we speak.

There is a number that tells you everything about where the NBA stands in 2026: four. That is how many of the top five candidates to win this season’s MVP award were born outside the United States.

NBA players don't agree on much. But they seemingly agree that one city and team is where no one wants to play.

OKC Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wins his second straight NBA MVP award, joining a list of legendary players.