Updated Grades For Every NBA Team’s 3 Highest-Paid Players | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

(L-R) Kyrie Irving, Ben Simmons and Kevin DurantMitchell Leff/Getty Images

Financial management is one of the most important parts of running a successful NBA franchise, with a team’s return on investment in its players an accurate predictor of how well the season is going.

With that being said, it’s time to take an updated look at how every NBA team’s highest-paid players are performing into the new year.

Since our last check-in, we’ve seen some strong risers (Julius Randle, Zach LaVine, Kawhi Leonard, etc.) while others’ grades have taken a tumble.

Like last time, grades will be based on players’ production vs. their salary, so someone averaging 15 points per game and making $15 million will naturally be scored higher than someone chipping in the same amount of points yet making far more, for example.

Also, players who are on the team’s top-three highest-paid list but have yet to play this season because of injury or are expected to miss the entire season (Jonathan Isaac, Chet Holmgren etc.) were not included here. Players who are still on a team’s payroll following a buyout but are now with another franchise (John Wall with the Houston Rockets, Kemba Walker with the Oklahoma City Thunder, etc.) will not be counted as well.

(L-R) Trae Young and John CollinsJoe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images

2022-2023 Top Salaries: Trae Young ($37.1 million), John Collins ($31.6 million), Clint Capela ($18.7 million)

Young has been far better since our last check-in, shooting the ball at a more efficient clip while averaging a double-double over 13 games.

While he carried a 28.7 shooting mark from three into the middle of December, Young is up to 40.4 percent on his triples while averaging 28.2 points and 10.2 assists in the process. While he’s still turning the ball over at a high rate (3.8 per game, second-highest in the NBA). Young still powers this offense, although Atlanta continues to be better defensively (2.3 points per 100 possessions, per Cleaning the Glass) when he’s on the bench.

Collins has fallen even further down the food chain with Bogdan Bogdanović now back from injury, as his 14.4 points per game over the last month rank fifth on the team. He’s still struggling mightily from deep (25.0 percent over the last 13 games) and is clearly frustrated with his name consistently being in trade rumors.

“I’m in a sort of familiar place, right, with the cloud (of trade uncertainty overhead) and all that,” Collins told The Athletic’s Sam Amick. “Obviously, that stuff is draining and not something you necessarily have to deal with. But it’s part of the business, so I try to just not really think about it, honestly.”

Capela has played just twice since our last grades because of a calf strain, yet he is having a strong season (12.0 points, 11.9 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, 63.6 percent shooting) when healthy.

Grades: Young (A-), Collins (C-), Capela (A-)

Jaylen Brown and Jayson TatumOmar Rawlings/Getty Images

2022-2023 Top Salaries: Jayson Tatum ($30.4 million), Jaylen Brown ($28.7 million), Al Horford ($26.5 million)

Tatum’s scoring has only increased over the last month, up to 31.6 points per game since the middle of December to go along with 8.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists per night. He’s topped 40 points multiple times over this stretch, with the Celtics going 10-3 when Tatum suits up.

If we’re finding something to nitpick at, it’s that Tatum can fall in love with the three ball a little too much. He’s up to a career-high 9.3 attempts per game, yet a 34.5 percent success rate (and 32.2 percent since our last grades) is the lowest mark of his six years. Still, the 24-year-old is having an MVP-caliber season.

Brown might be the best No. 2 option in the NBA, putting up 27.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 steals per game over the last month. Like Tatum, Brown’s struggled with his three-point shot, making just 30.6 percent of 8.3 attempts over the past 15 games. With so many ball-handlers and playmakers on this roster with the addition of Malcolm Brogdon, Brown’s been able to focus on his scoring more this season.

Horford’s gotten a slight break in his minutes lately with the return of Robert Williams III, down to 28.9 since the last grades were handed out. He’s still producing quite well in his role, chipping in 8.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.9 blocks and shooting 41.1 percent from three over his last 14 games. He’s no longer playing at the level of his contract, however, meaning a slight drop in grade here.

Grades: Tatum (A), Brown (A), Horford (B)

Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Ben SimmonsMitchell Leff/Getty Images

2022-23 Top Salaries: Kevin Durant ($44.1 million), Kyrie Irving ($36.9 million), Ben Simmons ($35.4 million)

Before being sidelined with a sprained MCL, Durant was still playing at an elite level.

The 34-year-old was putting up 29.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks over his last 12 games, doing so on 56.4/45.2/96.5 percent shooting splits. Brooklyn is 17-2 over its last 19 games when Durant is healthy, yet it has dropped to 0-2 since the 12-time All-Star has been out.

Irving has somehow become a staple of stability within the Nets over the last month, and he will be called upon to do even more with Durant sidelined.

Irving has shaken off a slow shooting start to the season and is averaging 26.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.2 assists and is making 39.0 percent of his threes since we last checked in. Ever since an early season suspension by the team, Irving has been brilliant in the Nets’ run towards the top of the East.

Simmons’ averages of 6.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.5 steals over the last four weeks look more Draymond Green-esque than that of someone playing on a max contract, but Brooklyn is still better on both ends of the ball when the 26-year-old is on the floor (plus-4.7 swing rating, per Cleaning the Glass).

He’s settled into a nice role of a distributor and three-point creator while guarding multiple positions, but if that’s all Simmons is going to be in Brooklyn, his contract has become a massive overpay.

Grades: Durant (A+), Irving (A), Simmons (C+)

Gordon HaywardKent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images

2022-2023 Top Salaries: Gordon Hayward ($30.1 million), Terry Rozier ($21.5 million), Kelly Oubre Jr. ($12.9 million)

Hayward made his way back from a fractured shoulder the last time we handed out grades, only to land on the sidelines once again with a hamstring injury.

He managed 10 games in between, yet he clearly struggled with averages of 10.8 points on 39.3 percent shooting overall and 21.1 percent from three. In what’s become a lost season for the Hornets, don’t be surprised if Hayward is shut down altogether if more injuries continue to pop up. The only positive news for Charlotte is that the veteran wing is heading into the final season of his four-year, $120 million deal.

One of the most inconsistent shooters in the league, Rozier looks brilliant on some nights (39 points on 15-of-29 shooting in a win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Jan. 6) while unable to get anything going on others (seven points on 2-of-17 in a loss to Portland Trail Blazers on Dec. 26).

He’s putting up 19.5 points over the last month, albeit on just 42.3 percent shooting overall. One of the only healthy offensive threats remaining on this team, however, the Hornets have still been better with Rozier in the game (plus-3.9 swing rating, per Cleaning the Glass).

Oubre is sidelined following hand surgery and will likely be out past the trade deadline.

Even with LaMelo Ball back to set up his shots, Oubre was shooting just 37.1 percent overall and 27.4 percent from three in eight games since we last handed out grades. A free-agent-to-be, we’ll see if Oubre survives the deadline in Charlotte.

Grades: Hayward (D+), Rozier (B), Oubre (C+)

Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozanMichael Reaves/Getty Images

2022-2023 Top Salaries: Zach LaVine ($37.1 million), DeMar DeRozan ($27.3 million), Nikola Vučević ($22.0 million)

LaVine is one of the biggest risers on this list, as his early-season performance earned just a C+ overall given his new max contract.

Now, the 27-year-old looks more like his All-Star self of last year, and is up to 26.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.5 assists and is shooting 41.8 percent from three on a healthy 7.8 attempts per game. The Bulls have to be thrilled that LaVine’s offseason knee surgery looks like it was successful.

DeRozan has been consistent all season with his mid-range attack and playmaking, giving Chicago 26.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.3 steals and just 1.8 turnovers over the past month. He’s become one of the better values in the NBA, giving the Bulls $35.6 million worth of production this season according to ProFitX.com.

Vučević put up a career-high 43 points in a win over the Golden State Warriors, and he is perhaps doing his best to audition for a new team (or at least a new contract) with averages of 19.4 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.1 blocks on 40.2 percent shooting from three over the past month.

He’s not a rim protector by any means and struggles to defend the pick-and-roll, but Vučević can still be one of the better offensive hubs at the center position that the league has to offer.

Grades: LaVine (B+), DeRozan (A), Vučević (B+)

Donovan Mitchell Jason Miller/Getty Images

2022-2023 Top Salaries: Donovan Mitchell ($30.4 million), Kevin Love ($28.9 million), Jarrett Allen ($20 million)

One might think a 71-point performance would improve a player’s overall scoring average over a month’s time, but Mitchell has actually endured a slight drop in his offensive productivity and efficiency even with one of the greatest individual performances in NBA history.

The 26-year-old was averaging 29.0 points and shooting 41.9 percent from three the last time we checked in, numbers that have dipped to 28.5 points on 36.0 percent from deep, even with his 71 points in a win over the Chicago Bulls.

Still, Mitchell is having yet another All-Star season and should be in line to start in the exhibition game for the first time in his career.

Love is still rebounding at a high level and is an important voice on this young team, but his play has slipped mightily from last season. The 34-year-old is putting up just 7.6 points on 36.4 percent shooting overall over his last 17 games and needs a rim protector next to him at all times. Playing on an expiring $28.9 million deal, the Cavs need to at least consider using his contract as a trade chip.

Allen likely won’t make the All-Star team like last year, but he is still having a really strong season overall. He’s up to 13.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.1 blocks and is shooting 65.2 percent from the field over the past 17 games while playing excellent defense.

Grades: Mitchell (A), Love (D+), Allen (A-)

Luka Dončić and Tim Hardaway Jr.Sarah Stier/Getty Images

2022-2023 Top Salaries: Luka Dončić ($37.1 million), Spencer Dinwiddie ($20.2 million), Tim Hardaway Jr. ($19.6 million)

After a monstrous start to the season, Dončić’s scoring and assist numbers have somehow increased since we last checked in.

The 23-year-old still leads the NBA in scoring (33.8 points per game) and is up to 35.1 points, 9.7 rebounds, 8.9 assists and 1.4 steals on 49.3 percent shooting overall over his last 16 games. Dallas is 11-5 in these contests and has climbed up to fifth in the West despite a questionable supporting cast.

With no disrespect to any of the other candidates, Dončić has been the league’s most valuable player thus far.

Dinwiddie’s numbers have remained solid even with Christian Wood and Tim Hardaway Jr.’s insertion into the starting lineup. The veteran guard is still the team’s most reliable playmaker outside of Dončić, and ending the Kemba Walker experiment means the Mavs need another ball-handler.

Dinwiddie’s 16.5 points and 5.4 assists on 39.8 percent from three in his last 18 outings are about on par for his current contract.

Hardaway has cooled off lately following a hot start as a starter, but he still put up 15.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and is making 36.2 percent of his threes over the past month. His name has popped up as a trade target for the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Mavericks may want to dump Hardaway’s remaining two years and $34.1 million with Wood hitting unrestricted free agency this summer.

Grades: Doncic (A+), Dinwiddie (B+), Hardaway (B)

Nikola JokićAAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images

2022-2023 Top Salaries: Nikola Jokić ($33.1 million), Jamal Murray ($31.6 million), Michael Porter Jr. ($30.9 million)

Jokić is just the 30th highest-paid player this season, as his new supermax deal won’t kick in until next year. This means that even at $33.1 million, the Nuggets are getting a bargain from their two-time MVP.

Jokić is putting up a triple-double over the last month with averages of 26.0 points, 12.2 rebounds, 10.8 assists and 1.8 steals on 61.9/45.7/82.8 percent shooting splits. The Nuggets are 23.9 points per 100 possessions better with Jokić on the floor, a mark that ranks in the 100th percentile for the second straight year (per Cleaning the Glass).

Murray keeps getting better as the season goes along in his return from ACL surgery, looking more and more like his pre-injury self. The 25-year-old is up to 19.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.8 assists and is shooting 42.4 percent from three over his last 14 games. His role as a No. 2 offensive option next to Jokić will continue to be crucial to the Nuggets’ title hopes.

Porter has been fine as a starting forward and complementary scorer, although his outside shooting has dipped recently (37.2 percent over his last 13 games). For someone who’s on a max (even a fun max), Denver should rightfully be expecting more.

Grades: Jokić (A+), Murray (A-), Porter (C+)

Bojan BogdanovićNic Antaya/Getty Images

2022-2023 Top Salaries: Bojan Bogdanović ($33.1 million), Marvin Bagley III ($12.5 million), Cade Cunningham ($10.5 million)

Bogdanović has used a big season in Detroit to become one of the most sought-after names on the trade market and is one of the few bright spots in the Pistons’ miserable season thus far.

While his three-point shooting has slipped a bit over the last month (37.4 percent), Bogdanović has still been Detroit’s leading scorer at 21.6 points per game. He’s been forced to do more playmaking on an injury-riddled team, with 3.4 assists to go along with his 3.6 rebounds and 0.7 steals over 16 games.

Bagley is sidelined with a right hand fracture and has played in just nine games since our last check-in. Given the amount of young, frontcourt talent on this roster, Bagley has been limited to just 17.2 minutes a night, chipping in 9.1 points and 5.2 rebounds in the process.

There’s not a single high-level skill that the 23-year-old has developed at this point, as Bagley looks like nothing more than a career backup.

Cunningham hasn’t played since the last time grades were handed out and will miss the remainder of the 2022-23 season following shin surgery. He finished with averages of 19.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 6.0 assists on 41.5 percent shooting.

Grades: Bogdanovic (A-), Bagley (C-), Cunningham (B)

Stephen Curry and Andrew WigginsAlex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images

2022-2023 Top Salaries: Stephen Curry ($48.1 million), Klay Thompson ($40.6 million), Andrew Wiggins ($33.6 million)

Curry is the NBA’s highest-paid player, as this is the last year the league will see its top earner making less than $50 million. Both Curry ($51.9 million) and LeBron James ($53.3 million) will be the NBA’s first to cross the line next year.

A shoulder injury has limited Curry to just five games since the last time we handed out grades, and he’s clearly not back to form just yet with averages of 23.4 points on 34.6 percent shooting from three. His overall production is still All-Star worthy, however.

Thompson, on the other hand, has been brilliant as of late.

He’s up to 24.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists on 40.5 percent shooting from three over his last 12 games, and the Warriors are 10.8 points per 100 possessions better with Thompson in the game (93rd percentile, per Cleaning the Glass). This is a huge improvement from his minus-2.8 swing rating a season ago and the highest mark Thompson has posted since the 2015-16 season.

Like with Curry, we haven’t seen much from Wiggins over the past month. The veteran forward recently returned from an adductor strain and illness and is still making a full recovery. He’s averaging just 12.3 points on 34.5 percent shooting overall and 22.2 from three in four games since his return, but he is still having a strong season overall.

Grades: Curry (A), Thompson (A-), Wiggins (B+)

Eric GordonBrian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

2022-2023 Top Salaries: Eric Gordon ($19.6 million), Jalen Green ($9.4 million), Jabari Smith Jr. ($8.9 million)

The Rockets possess one of the most interesting cap sheets, as John Wall ($40.9 million) and Derrick Favors ($10.2 million) are two of the team’s top-three earners despite receiving buyouts before the year began.

Gordon likely has his bags packed and is waiting by the phone as the trade deadline draws near, hoping for a move off the NBA-worst 10-win Rockets and to a team with real championship hopes.

The 34-year-old is putting up 11.7 points, 2.3 assists and shooting 36.8 percent from three over his last 15 contests. Gordon’s starting days may be over, but he can still help a contender as a scorer and facilitator off the bench.

Green, like so many of his talented draft classmates, hasn’t made the leap we would have hoped for yet. He’s shooting just 38.8 percent overall and 32.0 percent from three over the last month en route to 21.2 points, and he nearly has as many turnovers (2.6 per game) as assists (3.1).

While we saw Green get more comfortable as the season went along last year, that simply hasn’t been the case yet during his sophomore campaign.

Following a brief stretch where his shot looked NBA-ready, Smith has once again fallen into a minor rut. His 12.2 points are coming on just 40.8 percent efficiency, including a woeful 25.3 percent mark on 5.4 three-point attempts per game over the last month. He’s still rebounding at a solid level and doing nice things defensively for a rookie, however.

Playing on a rookie contract is saving Green’s and Smith’s grades here.

Grades: Gordon (C-), Green (B+), Smith (B)

Buddy HieldDylan Buell/Getty Images

2022-2023 Top Salaries: Buddy Hield ($21.2 million), Myles Turner ($18.0 million), T.J. McConnell ($8.1 million)

While much of the focus on Indiana has fallen on young stars like Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin, Hield’s strong play (especially as of late) has been overlooked.

The veteran guard has gone red-hot from deep, nailing 49.7 percent of his threes over the last month while taking 8.5 per game. He’s averaging 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 0.9 steals over this stretch as well. The Pacers should receive some intriguing offers for Hield at the deadline, ones they should absolutely consider.

Turner’s hot shooting from deep has come back down to Earth, however, as the center is making 32.0 percent of his attempts over the past 14 games after starting the season at a 42.4 percent clip. He’s still played well overall as his future gets sorted out with the trade deadline drawing near, and he has “rebuffed” any extension talks with the Pacers for now, according to Marc Stein on The Stein Line substack.

McConnell continues to be one of the sturdiest backup point guards in the NBA, with his 4.5 assists per game this season ranking fourth among reserve floor generals. For a player whose salary is now below the mid-level exception, he’s a rock-solid value for Indiana.

Grades: Hield (A-), Turner (A-), McConnell (B)

Paul George and Kawhi LeonardHarry How

2022-2023 Top Salaries: Kawhi Leonard ($42.5 million), Paul George ($42.5 million), Norman Powell ($16.8 million)

Leonard had played just nine games the last time we ran grades, yet he is now up to 21 on the season as he continues to return to his pre-ACL injury form.

The 31-year-old is up to 23.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.5 steals over his last 13 games, shooting 51.4 percent overall and 38.5 percent from three. While Leonard hasn’t played in back-to-backs yet, his recent stretch of appearing in four straight contests are his most since the 2021 playoffs.

George continues to play solid basketball whenever he’s actually on the floor, giving L.A. 23.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.6 steals over his last 10 games. With the point guard position a revolving door for the Clippers right now, George has been called on to do more facilitating than usual. Bringing in another veteran point guard at the trade deadline (Mike Conley Jr.?) could do wonders for George and the rest of this group.

Powell is giving the Clippers a reliable third scorer behind their two superstars, dropping 17.0 points a night over the last month while making 40.7 percent of his threes. Head coach Tyronn Lue has kept his veteran wing on the bench to help balance lineups, as L.A. has a net rating of plus-13.9 (per Cleaning the Glass) with Leonard and George in the game and Powell on the bench.

Grades: Leonard (B), George (A-), Powell (B)

(L-R) LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell WestbrookAdam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images

2022-2023 Top Salaries: Russell Westbrook ($47.1 million), LeBron James ($44.5 million), Anthony Davis ($37.9 million)

Only Stephen Curry is paid more to play basketball than Russell Westbrook this season, although the latter has been better in his new sixth-man role this year.

Westbrook is up to 17.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, 8.4 assists and 1.0 steals over the past month, all while playing less than 30 minutes a game off the bench. While he’s still only shooting 43.5 percent overall and turning the ball over 3.7 times a game during this stretch, the Lakers have been better with Westbrook on the floor (plus-2.3 swing rating per Cleaning the Glass) this season.

James is now 38 and shattering any expectations of what we thought someone in their 20th season could do.

He’s had to go above and beyond with Anthony Davis sidelined, averaging 33.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 7.7 assists and shooting 55.5 percent overall over his last 14 games. This is other-worldly stuff from James, even for him.

Davis has played just two games since we last handed out grades, choosing to rest a stress injury in his foot rather than elect for surgery. He’s been incredible when on the floor this season and could be back before the All-Star break, according to Shams Charania on FanDuel TV.

Grades: Westbrook (B-), James (A), Davis (A)

Steven Adams Justin Ford/Getty Images

2022-2023 Top Salaries: Jaren Jackson Jr. ($28.9 million), Steven Adams ($17.9 million), Tyus Jones ($15.0 million)

The play of Jackson ever since returning from foot surgery has not been recognized enough, as the 23-year-old could end up as the Defensive Player of the Year and has carried Memphis up to No. 1 in the rankings.

Over the past 16 games he’s blocking 3.2 shots a night while putting up 15.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and hitting 37.7 percent of his three-pointers, improving the Grizzlies by 10.4 points per 100 possessions when on the floor this season (92nd percentile, per Cleaning the Glass).

Adams ranks first in both offensive (19.5 percent) and total rebound percentage (22.0 percent) this season and is pulling down 12.9 boards over his last 14 games despite playing just over 27 minutes a night. While he’s not much of a scoring threat and has been one of the NBA’s worst free-throw shooters (34.2 percent), Adams knows his role and continues to play it well.

Jones, while a pricey backup point guard at $15 million, is still an important piece to Memphis’ success. He’s up to 12.1 points, 5.0 assists and 1.5 steals over the last month, turning the ball over just 11 total times in 16 games while shooting 43.3 percent from three.

Grades: Jackson (A+), Adams (B+), Jones (B+)

Kyle Lowry and Jimmy ButlerRon Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images

2022-2023 Salaries: Jimmy Butler ($37.7 million), Bam Adebayo ($30.4 million), Kyle Lowry ($28.3 million)

Miami has improved to 11-5 over the last month following a 13-15 start, fueled by a roster that’s slowly getting healthier.

While his shooting efficiency has dipped, Butler is still posting averages of 21.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 2.5 steals over his last 13 games. His 2.1 swipes a night would rank second overall in the season if Butler had enough games to qualify, a number he’ll soon reach.

Adebayo has passed Butler in scoring recently, up to 22.6 points per game over the last month. He’s double-doubling with 11.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.0 block on 54.6 percent shooting overall. A defensive force, Adebayo is improving the Heat by 9.8 points per 100 possessions, according to Cleaning the Glass.

Miami has been able to reduce Lowry’s workload recently, but the 36-year-old is still playing 31.2 minutes a game over the past few weeks. He’s averaging just 10.0 points and 4.4 assists over this span while shooting 29.0 percent from three.

The veteran guard will be a player to watch at the trade deadline, as the Heat are 7-1 this season when Lowry doesn’t play.

Grades: Butler (A-), Adebayo (A), Lowry (C-)

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue HolidayNathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

2022-2023 Salaries: Giannis Antetokounmpo ($42.5 million), Khris Middleton ($37.9 million), Jrue Holiday ($33.7 million)

Antetokounmpo is tied for the sixth-highest paid player in the NBA, yet he continues to be worth every penny for the Bucks.

The 28-year-old is up to 30.8 points, 13.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 0.8 blocks over his last 13 games, needing to keep up his impressive scoring figure with Middleton sidelined once again. His 4.0 turnovers per game lead the NBA, however, and shooting marks of 24.5 percent from three and 65.3 percent from the free-throw line have left him at least somewhat vulnerable.

In a normal year, Antetokounmpo would be a front-runner for MVP. This season, he’s just one of many names who could ultimately come away with the award.

Middleton hasn’t played in a game since Dec. 15 because of knee soreness, and he has suited up just seven times all season. Even when on the court, Middleton has struggled to return to his All-Star form, putting up a mere 11.1 points on 32.5 percent shooting overall and 26.8 percent from three.

While we won’t hold his injuries against him here, Middleton has been (understandably) bad when active. The Bucks, owners of the NBA’s 26th-ranked offense, desperately need him back.

Holiday is doing a nice job as a secondary scorer, putting up 16.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 7.1 assists and 1.1 steals a night over the last month while hitting 40.0 percent of his threes. Even at age 32, he remains one of the league’s best perimeter stoppers.

Grades: Antetokounmpo (A), Middleton (D+), Holiday (A-)

Rudy Gobert and D’Angelo RussellDavid Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images

2022-2023 Top Salaries: Rudy Gobert ($38.2 million), Karl-Anthony Towns ($33.8 million), D’Angelo Russell ($31.7 million)

While Gobert was never going to be a big piece of the offense in Minnesota, seeing him being outscored by backup center Naz Reid over the past month is still surprising, especially with Towns being out.

Gobert gave the Wolves 12.6 points (compared to Reid’s 13.4), 11.7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in his 31.4 minutes per game in the last month, yet Minnesota’s offense crumbles (11.4 points per 100 possessions worse, 2nd percentile per Cleaning the Glass) when he’s in the game.

Towns hasn’t played since Nov. 28 following a calf strain. He’s averaging 20.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists and shooting 50.5 percent this season.

Russell doesn’t look long for Minnesota, whether it be his upcoming free agency or recent comments about his usage. He’s having a solid individual season and is averaging 18.0 points, 6.0 assists and shooting 45.6 percent over his last 15 games, but he should probably be doing even more with Towns out.

Grades: Gobert (C+), Towns (B+), Russell (B-)

CJ McCollum and Jonas ValančiūnaJesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

2022-2023 Top Salaries: CJ McCollum ($33.3 million), Brandon Ingram ($31.7 million), Jonas Valančiūnas ($14.7 million)

McCollum has had to do far more lately given the injuries to both Zion Williamson and Ingram. He’s stepped up to the challenge, however, giving the Pelicans 26.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 5.8 assists on 48.9 percent shooting from three since we last graded players in mid-December.

His trade to New Orleans has been a lifesaver for the franchise, especially with so many high-scoring stars in and out of the lineup the past two years.

Ingram hasn’t played Nov. 25 with a toe injury, totalling just 15 games all season to this point. He’s currently averaging 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.7 assists and shooting 46.7 percent from three.

Valančiūnas has also been called upon more because of the injuries to Williamson and Ingram. Over the past 17 games, the veteran center is up to 16.6 points and 10.4 rebounds on 54.1 percent shooting. While he’s not a great defender, New Orleans has needed his scoring and rebounding, especially as of late.

Grades: McCollum (A-), Ingram (A-), Valanciunas (B+)

Jalen Brunson and Julius RandleJim McIsaac/Getty Images

2022-2023 Top Salaries: Jalen Brunson ($27.7 million), Julius Randle ($23.8 million), Evan Fournier ($18.0 million)

The only knock on Brunson’s play the last time we looked at high-paid players was his three-point shooting, which stood at 32.4 percent at the time.

Since then, Brunson is scorching the nets at a 50.0 percent clip from three on 5.3 attempts per game, raising his overall mark to 39.6 percent.

He’s also up to 26.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 6.6 assists over the last 14 games, with the Knicks going 10-4 over that stretch. He’s on the bubble of being named an All-Star, and he probably should be given the turnaround New York has experienced this season.

Randle has been excellent over the last month, with his contract looking like an overpay a year ago to a bargain now. He’s putting up 28.1 points, 13.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists over the last 17 games while shooting 45.8 percent overall. If the Knicks can get this version of Randle for the rest of the season, they’ve got a real shot at landing a top-six playoff seed.

Fournier briefly returned to the rotation after being benched entirely for about six weeks, although his play didn’t warrant any further promotions. The veteran wing shot just 6-of-23 from three (26.1 percent) over his six games, averaging 6.2 points in 14.8 minutes.

He doesn’t appear to be in the Knicks’ future plans and could well be moved at the deadline.

Grades: Brunson (A+), Randle (A), Fournier (F)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images

2022-2023 Salaries: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($30.9 million), Lu Dort ($15.3 million), Josh Giddey ($6.3 million)

Someone forgot to tell this young Thunder team that they’re supposed to be tanking, as a net rating of plus-10.8 since the calendar turned to 2023 ranks second overall in the NBA.

Gilgeous-Alexander has continued to torment defenses with his driving while also adding in a suddenly reliable three-point shot as well.

The 24-year-old is averaging 30.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.1 blocks over the last 16 games, now shooting 41.0 percent from three as well. If the Thunder can actually get into the playoffs, Gilgeous-Alexander could get some real MVP love.

Dort is in the first year of his new deal, one that already looks like good value for the Thunder. A strong, talented wing defender, Dort is putting up 14.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and shooting 39.6 percent from three over the last month.

If Gilgeous-Alexander is the Thunder’s MVP, we’d be remiss in not mentioning shooting coach Chip Engelland as one of the most valuable pieces to this team as well. His work with second-year guard Josh Giddey has been outstanding, with the 20-year-old now connecting on 39.2 percent of his threes over his last 16 games, a rise from 26.3 percent over his rookie season.

Giddey is also giving OKC 17.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists over this time, looking like one of the most talented players overall in a loaded 2021 draft class.

Grades: Gilgeous-Alexander (A+), Dort (B+), Giddey (A)

Gary Harris and Wendell Carter Jr.Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images

2022-2023 Top Salaries: Markelle Fultz ($16.5 million), Wendell Carter Jr. ($14.2 million), Gary Harris ($13.0 million)

Fultz has remained the Magic’s starting point guard, showing off his interior scoring and passing chops while playing solid defense.

Still just 24, Fultz is averaging 13.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 2.1 steals over his last 16 games, all while playing less than 30 minutes a night. His outside shot still isn’t falling (25.0 percent), but like DeMar DeRozan, Fultz knows his strengths and relies on his inside attack instead.

Carter returned to the court just before Christmas and has since won back his job as the team’s starting center.

The 23-year-old has shown off his overall game, putting up 14.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 0.8 blocks while shooting 37.1 percent from deep over 10 contests.

Harris hasn’t been used much by the rebuilding Magic and is a prime candidate to be moved before the deadline. His 7.2 points, 2.1 rebounds and 35.5 percent mark from three would be better used off a contender’s bench.

Grades: Fultz (B), Carter (A-), Harris (C)

Joel Embiid and Tobias HarrisMitchell Leff/Getty Images

2022-2023 Top Salaries: Tobias Harris ($37.6 million), Joel Embiid ($33.6 million), James Harden ($33.0 million)

As the Sixers get healthier, Harris’ role gets smaller as the fourth offensive option on the roster.

The veteran forward is putting up 15.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 0.8 blocks in 33.5 minutes over the last month, yet he is shooting just 30.4 percent from three. As he’s used more and more as a floor-spacer around the other stars, Philly needs a more efficient version of Harris moving forward.

Embiid is second in the NBA in scoring (33.4 points per game), as he and Luka Dončić are starting to separate themselves from the rest of the field.

Embiid has maintained his incredible scoring load over the last month, averaging 33.4 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.7 blocks on 53.7/38.5/86.2 percent shooting splits. If the Sixers can finish with the No. 1 seed (or close to it) in the East, Embiid could become the MVP favorite.

Harden has bounced back from an early-season foot injury and would be leading the NBA in assists per game (11.2) had he played enough games to qualify.

He’s double-doubled over the last month, giving Philly 22.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 11.8 assists and 1.4 steals while shooting 42.1 percent from three.

Grades: Harris (C-), Embiid (A+), Harden (A)

Deandre AytonMitchell Leff/Getty Images

2022-2023 Salaries: Devin Booker ($33.8 million), Deandre Ayton ($30.9 million), Chris Paul ($28.4 million)

Injuries have wrecked the Suns’ season, especially affecting those near the top of the salary sheet.

Booker hasn’t played since Christmas Day with a groin injury, with the Suns falling to just 2-8 overall since. The last time he made it through a game healthy, Booker dropped 58 points in a win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Dec. 17.

The 26-year-old is averaging a career-high 27.1 points to go along with 4.6 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 0.9 steals a game this season. Phoenix desperately needs him back, especially since it’s now fallen all of the way out of the play-in tournament.

With Booker out, this looked like a golden opportunity for Ayton to step up, likely getting all the touches he can handle with players like Cam Johnson and Jae Crowder sidelined or away from the team as well.

Instead, Ayton’s 17.0 points per game over the last month are actually down slightly from his overall average (17.3 points). He’s still pulling down 10.1 boards a game and shooting 50.0 percent over this time, but this still seems like a disappointing stretch overall for the 2018 No. 1 overall pick

Paul looked cooked as he battled a heel injury towards the beginning of the season but has proved we shouldn’t be drawing the retirement papers up for him just yet. The 37-year-old is up to 16.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, 7.8 assists and 1.5 steals while knocking down 45.9 percent of his threes.

Grades: Booker (A), Ayton (B), Paul (B+)

(L-R) Jerami Grant, Damian Lillard and Anfernee SimonsAP Photo/Craig Mitchelldyer

2022-2023 Salaries: Damian Lillard ($42.5 million), Anfernee Simons ($22.3 million), Jerami Grant ($20.9 million)

Lillard is tied with Giannis Antetokounmpo for the sixth-highest paid player in the NBA, and it’s hard to argue that he hasn’t been worth it thus far.

The veteran guard is putting up 29.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 6.8 assists and shooting 46.3 percent overall over his last 17 games and is posting the second-highest swing rating (plus-12.6, 97th percentile, per Cleaning the Glass) of his career.

A healthy, productive Lillard is critical to Portland having any chance at making the playoffs this season.

Simons’ four-year, $100 million deal is going to look like one of the NBA’s best contracts in a few seasons if he keeps up his current trajectory. The 23-year-old is that talented.

His scoring has dipped slightly as of late (18.7 points), although Simons is still capable of dropping 30-plus on nights when Lillard is out or the stars’ shot isn’t falling.

Grant has been Portland’s second-leading scorer over the past month, averaging 20.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.8 blocks while shooting 52.9 percent overall. He’s been a strong defender and locker room presence for a team that’s blended both young and veteran talents.

Grades: Lillard (A), Simons (A-), Grant (A-)

Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron FoxEzra Shaw/Getty Images

2022-2023 Top Salaries: De’Aaron Fox ($30.4 million), Domantas Sabonis ($18.5 million), Harrison Barnes ($18.4 million)

Fox is the leading scorer for a Kings’ team now in position to host a playoff series, something that seemed out of reach before the season began.

The star point guard is up to 25.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, 6.5 assists and is shooting 50.3 percent overall over the last month. The only complaint about his play comes from the three-point line, where Fox is down to just 29.1 percent over this time. As long as he’s attacking and continuing to get into the paint, Fox is one of the best (and still most underrated) floor generals in the game.

As good as Fox has been, Sabonis is arguably the team’s MVP this season.

One of the best values in the NBA, Sabonis is leading the NBA in rebounding (12.6 per game) while Nikola Jokic is the only non-point guard to top his 7.1 assists.

Over his last 16 games, Sabonis is averaging 21.5 points, 14.6 rebounds and 8.1 assists while shooting 61.7 percent overall and 38.1 percent from three. While he’s not a great rim protector, there’s nothing the 26-year-old can’t do offensively.

Barnes has been much better since we last checked in, looking like a reliable third scorer and floor-spacer next to his star teammates. The veteran forward is chipping in 17.2 points on 41.7 percent from three over his last 17 contests.

Grades: Fox (A), Sabonis (A+), Barnes (B)

Josh Richardson and Doug McDermottAP Photo/Darren Abate

2022-2023 Top Salaries: Doug McDermott ($13.8 million), Josh Richardson ($12.2 million), Jakob Poeltl ($9.4 million)

San Antonio’s highest-paid players are also it’s most likely to change teams at the trade deadline, with McDermott, Richardson and Poeltl all serving as easy salary matches for teams in search of shooting, wing play or defense.

McDermott continues to make the most of his limited minutes off the bench, chipping in 10.6 points per game over the last month while shooting 50.0 percent overall and 41.5 percent from three. He’s not a great defender, but he can still play a valuable role as a floor-spacer off the bench.

Richardson has been the better defender and playmaker of the two, giving the Spurs 12.9 points, 3.5 assists, 1.1 steals and connecting on 37.5 percent of his threes over the last 15 games. He’d be a positive addition to any contender’s rotation.

Poeltl is the best of the group, a starting-caliber center who defends at a high level, rebounds and moves the ball. He can only extend his contract for four years and a max of $61.5 million per ESPN’s Bobby Marks, a deal he’d played himself out of with averages of 11.5 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.5 blocks and a 61.9 percent shooting mark from deep over the last month.

At less than $10 million this season, Poeltl is one of the very best bargains in the NBA.

Grades: McDermott (B-), Richardson (B), Poeltl (A+)

Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleetJoe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images

2022-2023 Top Salaries: Pascal Siakam ($35.5 million), Fred VanVleet ($21.3 million), Gary Trent Jr. ($17.5 million)

The Raptors are riding Siakam hard this season, as his 37.2 minutes per game are second only to Luka Doncic in the NBA.

The last month has been even more taxing, as Siakam is up to 39.9 minutes per night while giving Toronto 26.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 5.9 assists. At 20-24 overall, the Raptors need every second of Siakam’s play to help them stay in the play-in picture in the East.

VanVleet ranks sixth in minutes at 36.5 ticks a night, although his play has been nowhere near the level of Siakam’s.

An All-Star last year, the veteran guard is shooting just 39.6 percent overall over the last month and 37.3 percent on the season as a whole.

His raw numbers since the middle of December are still good (19.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.5 turnovers), but the Raptors need a more efficient version of VanVleet to help raise their overall team shooting percentage of 44.7 percent, a figure that ranks 29th overall in the NBA.

Trent, on the other hand, has been quite productive and efficient over the last month, giving Toronto 20.3 points on 39.5 percent shooting from three. He’s also collecting 1.8 steals a game over this stretch and ranks fifth in the NBA with 1.7 overall swipes a contest.

Grades: Siakam (A), VanVleet (C+), Trent (B+)

Mike Conley Jr. and Lauri MarkkanenJesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

2022-2023 Top Salaries: Mike Conley Jr. ($22.7 million), Collin Sexton ($16.5 million), Lauri Markkanen ($16.5 million)

Even at age 35, Conley’s 7.5 assists per game are good for eighth overall in the NBA, a number that’s remained steady over the last month (7.2 over 16 games).

Asking Conley to do much else on offense is tall order, however, as the veteran point guard is averaging just 9.7 points on 35.5 percent shooting over the same stretch. He’s probably best suited for a reserve role at this stage in his career, or at least on a contender that doesn’t need his scoring.

Sexton has been limited to just six games over the last month because of a hamstring injury, but he has played well when healthy. In just 22.3 minutes off the bench, Sexton is putting up 13.8 points, 2.5 assists and shooting 52.9 percent from three. He looks ready to take on a bigger role if Malik Beasley, Jordan Clarkson, or both are moved at the trade deadline.

Markkanen’s hot start was no fluke, as the 25-year-old has posted averages of 28.5 points and 8.7 rebounds since Dec. 12, doing so on 50.7/41.2/90.1 percent shooting splits. He deserves to be an All-Star given the Jazz’s surprisingly good 23-24 start. At less than $17 million this season, he’s easily one of the best values in the league.

Grades: Conley (B-), Sexton (B), Markkanen (A+)

Kristaps Porziņģis and Bradley BealScott Taetsch/Getty Images

2022-2023 Top Salaries: Bradley Beal ($43.3 million), Kristaps Porziņģis ($33.8 million), Will Barton ($14.4 million)

Injuries have limited Beal to just six games over the last month, although the veteran guard has put up 22.8 points and 4.5 assists on 53.7 percent shooting when on the floor. He’s converting a whopping 81.5 percent of his looks from within three feet this season, well above Beal’s career mark of 66.5 percent coming into the year.

This has led to a career-high 52.5 field goal percentage overall this season for Beal, who’s improving the Wizards’ offense by 7.5 points per 100 possessions when he’s on the floor (91st percentile, per Cleaning the Glass). As the league’s fifth-highest-paid player, however, Washington should be expecting all of this and more.

Porziņģis isn’t going to be an All-Star, but the veteran center looks like a really good starter for Washington and is averaging 20.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks on 45.8 percent shooting over his last 12 games. He’s a good rim-protecting big man who looks like he may have found a home with the Wizards.

Barton has been in and out of the rotation recently, and he has only played more than nine minutes once since Dec. 22. His acquisition has been a mistake for the Wizards, who should be shopping the veteran before the deadline.

Grades: Beal (B+), Porzingis (B+), Barton (F)

All stats and salary figures are via Basketball-Reference.com and NBA.com unless otherwise noted and are accurate as of January 15.