The Athletic releases 2026 NBA player poll results
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 6
The Athletic releases 2026 NBA player poll results
6 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 6
Surveying a record 161 players, the poll named Derrick White and Jalen Johnson most underrated, Alperen Sengun most overrated, Joe Mazzulla most impressive coach and Victor Wembanyama top defender.
Boston's strong showing continued with White, Jaylen Brown and Payton Pritchard among underrated vote leaders after the Celtics went 56-26 without Jayson Tatum for most of the season.
Players were notably reluctant to answer the overrated question, with only 81 votes cast, while Brian Keefe topped least impressive coach voting after Washington finished an NBA-worst 17-65.
After a historic turnaround, why didn't Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff earn more respect from players?
Why do players favor the Celtics for the title over a Pistons team with a better record?
What makes an All-Star like Alperen Şengün 'overrated' to his peers despite his team's success?