The Athletic’s NBA Reliability Tiers analyzes the availability and performance of All-NBA stars over the past three seasons. Tier 4 includes players who are highly available but may not be able to carry a team as the best player. Kawhi Leonard, known for load management, faced criticism over the Player Participation Policy. Despite pushing back, Leonard struggled with injuries and missed opportunities, raising questions about his availability. Other players in Tier 4, such as Fred VanVleet, Rudy Gobert, and Jrue Holiday, have shown consistency and durability, making them valuable assets to their teams. Dejounte Murray, Kyrie Irving, and Chris Paul have experienced challenges due to injuries and age, affecting their availability on the court. While players like Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. have shown potential, injuries have hindered their ability to stay on the floor. Maxey emerged as a star last season, proving his durability and scoring ability. Ultimately, Tier 4 highlights the delicate balance between performance and availability that all NBA stars strive to maintain.
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Ranking NBA Players by Reliability: Assessing Tyrese Maxey, Lauri Markkanen, and the Kawhi Leonard Situation
