Listing the Top 40 NBA Wing Players in Hierarchy

In the upcoming NBA season, a host of talented wings are poised to make their mark, with some returning from injury and others looking to build on promising performances. Here's a rundown of the key players to watch.

Elite Tier

LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Kawhi Leonard continue to dominate as the top-ranked wings in the league, each offering a formidable blend of offensive prowess and defensive acumen.

Tier 2

Jaylen Brown, a vital cog for Boston, finds himself in this tier as the Celtics rely heavily on him with Jayson Tatum recovering from an Achilles injury. His consistent performances have solidified his status as a key player.

Tier 3

Keegan Murray and Herb Jones are players capable of meaningful improvement, while Trey Murphy's untapped offensive potential could lead to a breakout season. Atlanta will look to Nickeil Alexander-Walker to provide an immediate impact, and Bilal Coulibaly's development in Washington will be crucial given the organization's instability.

Tier 4

Brandon Ingram and Jaden McDaniels, each bringing All-Star potential, could take on larger scoring roles under new head coaches. Michael Porter Jr. of Denver faces an important season, with observers curious about his production without Nikola Jokic creating most opportunities.

Lower Tiers

The Golden State Warriors (Stephen Curry, ranked 7th) and the Minnesota Timberwolves (Anthony Edwards) are among the teams with players in the lower tiers of The Athletic's ranking of the best wing players.

Returning Stars

Paul George's return from injury will be closely watched, after missing much of last season. His return could provide a significant boost to the Clippers' roster.

Young Talent

Brandon Miller could be a breakout player for Charlotte, while Ausar Thompson, a younger player, is entering the season healthy and aiming to match the leap his twin brother Amen made last season.

Improving Players

Franz Wagner's consistent jumper could push him into a higher tier, and Toumani Camara is another player capable of improvement. Klay Thompson's growth projects him upward after a strong sophomore season.

Controversial Omissions

Jimmy Butler narrowly missed joining the Elite Tier, despite a strong postseason résumé. Miami needs Andrew Wiggins to bounce back after a challenging season.

As the 2022-2023 NBA season gets underway, these wings will undoubtedly captivate fans with their skills, competitiveness, and potential for growth. Keep an eye on these players as they strive to make their mark and lead their teams to success.