The NBA world is buzzing with reaction after ESPN’s NBA Rank list revealed surprising positioning this week. A Celtics star has now been ranked ahead of Kawhi Leonard, while a former MVP also finds himself lower on the list. The revelations raise questions about value, legacy, and relevance in the modern NBA.

In the first part of ESPN’s “NBA Rank” released on Tuesday, Ayton Pritchard was the only Boston Celtics representative among players ranked Nos. 100 to 51. Among those names in that bracket were ex‑Celtics players Aaron Nesmith and Jrue Holiday as well. Then on Wednesday, ESPN unveiled Nos. 50 to 11, elevating the drama. Among those new rankings were two current Celtics standouts, one former Boston star, and, notably, Jaylen Brown just ahead of Kawhi Leonard.

The center Kristaps Porzingis appeared at No. 50 in the list, down from No. 46 the previous year. That ranking came with commentary about health and consistency, especially after his 2025 playoffs struggles due to an upper respiratory illness. The Celtics traded Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks in July 2025, and many analysts now see this ranking as an opportunity for a fresh start in Atlanta under new expectations.

But the most talked‑about developments involve Derrick White and Jaylen Brown. White shot up to No. 26, climbing from No. 39 in the prior ranking. ESPN writers praised his growth, defense, and clutch performances, especially in light of Jayson Tatum’s absence. As for Brown, he landed at No. 19, ahead of former MVP James Harden at No. 23 and Kawhi Leonard at No. 20. That ordering has drawn headlines: a Boston player outranking a perennial Finals contender.

With Tatum sidelined for the entire 2025‑26 season due to an Achilles tear, the season ahead promises to be Brown’s moment. Analysts posit that if he stays healthy—particularly after offseason knee surgery—he could surpass his career high scoring average (26.6 PPG in 2022‑23). But whether the Celtics can remain competitive in the Eastern Conference remains to be seen.

The Significance of Ranking Brown Above Leonard

Being listed ahead of Kawhi Leonard is not just symbolic—it signals a perceived shift in how the league values impact, consistency, and team role. Leonard has long been respected as a two‑way star, two-time NBA Finals MVP, and championship contributor. But ranking him at No. 20, below Jaylen Brown, suggests that voters regard Brown’s present contributions as more reliable or promising at this stage.

This ranking does not erase Leonard’s legacy or star power, but it introduces the narrative that he is no longer the automatic top‑tier pick given his injury history. Many analysts mentioned Leonard’s health and availability as recurring concerns. His placement contrasts sharply with Brown’s rise in statistical production and team leadership expectations.

Meanwhile, James Harden, once a dominant MVP, finds himself at No. 23, behind Brown but ahead of Leonard? That storyline feeds into the broader conversation: in this era, reputation alone no longer ensures top billing.

Derrick White’s Surge and What It Means for Boston

Derrick White’s ascension to No. 26 is noteworthy because just a year ago, many critics questioned his place in the rankings. Now, his defensive tenacity, improved shot creation, and consistency have earned him recognition. Some league insiders even floated the possibility of his making an All‑Star team this season.

With Tatum out, White and Brown will carry heavier loads offensively and defensively. There’s speculation that White, already respected for his two‑way game, may finally receive national respect commensurate with his role in Boston’s success.

Porzingis, Health, and a Fresh Start in Atlanta

Kristaps Porzingis, now with the Atlanta Hawks, must answer questions about durability and impact. Placing him at No. 50 sends the message that while he retains intrigue, there’s uncertainty about his ability to recapture peak performance. Analysts brought up his respiratory illness in 2025 that hampered his playoff showing, and questioned whether he can stay healthy in the long season ahead.

Atlanta’s ambition hinges partly on Porzingis proving he still belongs among high‑impact players. That ranking may offer both a reminder and a challenge: his career is still on a path of proving relevance.

Ranking Methodology and the Weight of Context

ESPN’s NBA Rank is not simply about past accolades. Voters—reporters, analysts, and league insiders—assess predicted contributions for the upcoming season, combining quality and quantity. That means age, health, supporting roster, and role all factor in. The rankings reflect how a player is viewed going forward, not just what they’ve done.

Thus, even legendary names like Kawhi Leonard or James Harden can be outranked by rising stars if voters believe those stars may deliver more across games. It also reflects how context—injuries, team changes, role shifts—can cool down previously firmer expectations.

The Implications for the Celtics, Clippers, and Beyond

For Boston, the ranking provides narrative fuel. Having multiple players (Pritchard, White, Brown) recognized gives the franchise depth in national conversation. It also underscores the burdens expected now that Tatum is out: the offense will run through Brown and White.

For Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers, this ranking drop is more than symbolic. Critics may point to health, age, and durability as reasons why a legend is slipping. Leonard, long regarded as a model of consistency, now faces fresh pressure to justify his ranking.

James Harden, too, faces similar scrutiny. Once an MVP known for shaping offenses, he now must contend with being outranked by emerging stars and established two‑way players like Brown.

What to Watch as Top 10 Unveils

With Top 10 players to be revealed on Thursday, the storylines now swirling include: will Jayson Tatum’s name return among the elite once healthy? Will Brown solidify a spot in the top 15 or beyond? Will Leonard rebound or maintain his spot? The list could consolidate perceptions or provoke surprise shifts.

Ranking lists such as this provoke debate, but they also frame narratives at the start of a season. ESPN’s NBA Rank is more than entertainment: it sets a bar for expectations and gives fans, media, and players a lens through which to view the season ahead.The Bigger Picture: Expectations, Rankings, and Legacy

Rankings like NBA Rank may spark debate, but they also serve a purpose. They force fans, analysts, and players to reconsider hierarchy, momentum, and legacy in real time. That a Celtics star now bests Kawhi Leonard, with a former MVP in the fray, reflects the league’s shifting balance.

Jaylen Brown’s climb speaks to the unpredictability of basketball careers. A player’s health, opportunity, and confidence all influence where they land. For Leonard, this ranking is not a verdict but a marker. Meanwhile, the Celtics roster is showing new layers—Pritchard, White, Porzingis—all contributing to Boston’s narrative of depth, resilience, and evolution.

As ESPN prepares to reveal the Top 10 players tomorrow, fans across cities are watching with anticipation. Will Jayson Tatum’s name surge post-recovery? Will Brown cement his elite status? How will Leonard respond?

In ranking the biggest names, ESPN has set the stage for storylines that will dominate headlines. The narrative of “Celtics Star Bests Kawhi Leonard” is only one chapter in a season that promises heightening drama, shifting power, and evolving legacies.