Unveiling the NBA’s Most Game-Changing Third Stars: Who’s Quietly Dominating the Hardwood?

Advertisement

In this series, we rank each team’s starters for a broader look across the league. Ideally, a lineup has its superstar, a deferential co-star, a third star who owns his role, a fourth option and a fifth starter to tie it all together — clear Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. How close does your team come to an ideal lineup?

No. 3 options: The Third Stars Who Own Their Roles

What is a No. 3? Here is how we described him last year:

He is still a star, at least on a good team, but he is sacrificing some faction of his game for the greater good of the team. He usually leans into his greatest skill, whether that is flame-throwing 3s or defending like crazy. Ideally, it is both, and if you ask more from your third star, he answers the call.

CHECK OUT THE HOTTEST DEALS ON AMAZON!

2025 Panini SCORE Football EXCLUSIVE HUGE Factory Sealed MEGA Foil Pack with 15 Brand New Cards Including ROOKIES & PARALLEL! Look for Travis Hunter,Jaxson Dart, Ashton Jeanty,Cam Ward & Many More!

(44581)

(as of June 22, 2026 03:10 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

FIFA World Cup 2026 Adrenalyn XL x50 Packs

(345347)

(as of June 22, 2026 03:10 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Topps 2025/26 Basketball Trading Card Bundle, 3 Factory Sealed Packs with 42 Cards Total, Includes 10 Penny Sleeves and 1 Top Loader

(4156)

(as of June 22, 2026 03:10 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

2025-26 Panini Donruss Road to FIFA World Cup Soccer Hobby Blaster Box

(5052)

$56.99 (as of June 22, 2026 03:16 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

2025 Topps Signature Class Football - Factory Sealed - Mega Box

(45518)

(as of June 22, 2026 03:10 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

2026 TOPPS Series 2 Baseball Blaster Box - 75TH Anniversary - 72 Cards - Exclusive PARALELLS - Chance for Autographs - Factory Sealed

$49.99 (as of June 22, 2026 03:16 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Licensed Collectible Display with White LED Glow, Soccer Memorabilia Gift for Father's Day Men Dad Kids Fans – Man Cave Bar Desk Decor – USA CAN MEX Trophy Replica

(46524)

(as of June 22, 2026 03:10 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

2023 Topps Series Two Baseball Trading Cards, 3 Packs, 16 Cards per Pack, 48 Cards Total

(48529)

(as of June 22, 2026 03:10 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

100 Vintage Football Cards in Old Sealed Wax Packs - Perfect for New Collectors

(4455650)

(as of June 22, 2026 03:10 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

2026 Panini Donruss Baseball Mega Box

$59.99 (as of June 22, 2026 03:16 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18