The Biggest Risers and Droppers of the 2026 NBA Playoffs

These players either showed up in the 2026 NBA Playoffs or let the brightest lights get the best of them.

Another NBA season has wrapped up and saw another team lift the Larry O’Brien trophy. The New York Knicks became the eighth different team in eight seasons to be crowned champions. It was a magical playoff run from start to finish and would not have been possible without their heroes.

Throughout the postseason, several players across the league either raised their stock or saw their value take a hit. Playoff basketball is a different beast. It is where stars are made, legacies are shaped, legends are immortalized, and weaknesses are exposed. As the season comes to a close, here are the players who either elevated their game on the biggest stage or struggled when the lights shone the brightest.

Dropper: De’Aaron Fox

There is no more obvious player on this list who faced criticism during the postseason than De’Aaron Fox. Acquired by the Spurs to bring veteran leadership and guide a young core, the former All-Star was expected to step up when his team needed him the most.

The clearest example came in the NBA Finals. The Spurs had Game 4 within reach and were on the verge of tying the series, but Fox made several questionable decisions in the closing moments that contributed to the collapse. Of course, it would be unfair to put the entire blame on him, but as a veteran and former Clutch Player of the Year, the expectations are understandably higher.

It also did not help that Fox struggled with his efficiency throughout the playoffs. Had he found his rhythm, there is a strong chance the Spurs’ postseason story could have ended differently and they may have been the team lifting the Larry O’Brien trophy.

Riser: OG Anunoby

The Knicks would not have captured the championship without the heroics of their do-it-all forward, OG Anunoby.

Anunoby did everything New York asked of him. He guarded the opponent’s toughest assignments, chased down loose balls, won 50-50 possessions, crashed the glass, and at times carried the scoring load.

There has never been a question about OG’s versatility, but this postseason showed just how impactful he can be at the highest level. He is the definition of a Swiss Army knife, who’s capable of changing a game on both ends of the floor.

Every general manager dreams of having a player like Anunoby next to their superstar. The scary part is that he is a star in his own right, and the Knicks are fortunate to have a player who can seamlessly fit any role needed to win a championship.

Riser: Jaden McDaniels

Speaking of players who impact every aspect of the game, Jaden McDaniels belongs to that conversation.

Already considered one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders, McDaniels had multiple moments during the postseason where he looked nearly unstoppable. He willingly took on the toughest defensive assignments, defended with incredible physicality, lifted the team’s spirit, and provided timely scoring whenever his team needed it.

A lengthy, athletic wing who can defend multiple positions and knock down shots is one of the most valuable archetypes in today’s NBA, and McDaniels has proven himself to be one of the best at that role. The Nuggets were great offensively and slowing them down is no easy task, yet McDaniels made life difficult for them most of the series while still contributing offensively. 

It is easy to understand why Anthony Edwards remains confident whenever he has McDaniels alongside him.

Dropper: James Harden

When the Cavaliers acquired James Harden, there were immediate questions about how he would fit alongside another ball-dominant guard in Donovan Mitchell. For stretches, the experiment worked as both stars willingly shared playmaking responsibilities and helped lead Cleveland to its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2018.

However, once they reached that stage, the concerns became much more apparent.

Defensively, Harden became a target as Jalen Brunson repeatedly hunted him in isolation. While defensive issues have never been a secret in his game, the inability to hide him became a major problem for Cleveland.

Offensively, the struggles were even more concerning. Harden shot poorly throughout the series and once again failed to shake the long-standing narrative surrounding his postseason performances. He is no longer the MVP-level player he once was, and the Cavaliers did not expect him to be. But even in a smaller role, they needed more from him in their biggest games.

Dropper: Jalen Duren

Jalen Duren’s regular season was a major success. The Pistons secured the first seed, and Duren earned his first All-Star selection and an All-NBA Third Team nod thanks to his dominance inside the paint. He gave Detroit exactly what it needed during its breakout year. He is an elite rebounder and a physical presence around the rim.

The playoffs, however, were a completely different story.

Duren struggled to maintain his regular-season production, getting outworked on the boards and becoming less impactful offensively. While he showed flashes of his regular season self, the postseason highlighted areas of his game that still require development.

It may be unfair to judge a young, non-scoring center too harshly, especially when he was not designed to be a second option. He will likely still receive a massive contract extension and remain a cornerstone of Detroit’s future.

However, the playoffs served as a reminder that athleticism alone is not enough at the highest level. Duren must continue expanding his game and avoid following the path of players like Deandre Ayton, whose limitations became more apparent once the postseason exposed them.

Banner Images from OG Anunoby on Instagram.