Last Updated on August 8, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
The Star-Level Role Tier is the highest Role Tier within the HeatingUp Impact Index framework. Players assigned to this tier receive a Role Factor of 1.10.
To see how the Star Player Role Tier fits into the HeatingUp Impact Index formula, read the Impact Index calculation page.
This tier is reserved for players who carry primary responsibility for a team’s offense, defense, or overall identity. While the specific role may vary, players in this category are typically the focal points around which teams build game plans, lineups, and strategic decisions.
The Star-Level Role Tier does not represent a single basketball role. Instead, it serves as a weighting category that contains multiple role descriptions sharing a similar level of responsibility and influence.
Examples of Star-Level Roles include:
- Franchise Floor General
- Primary Offensive Engine
- Lead Shot Creator
- Pick-and-Roll Engine
- Two-Way Superstar Wing
- Primary Wing Creator
- Offensive Focal Point
- Offensive Hub
- Defensive Anchor
- Rim-Protecting Centerpiece
- Alpha Scorer
- Interior Offensive Hub
- Championship-Level Lead Creator
- Transition Offensive Catalyst
- Primary Shot Creator
- Primary Playmaking Engine
- Superstar Two-Way Forward
- Elite Offensive Centerpiece
- Go-To Scoring Option
- Franchise Cornerstone
Role assignments are based on a player’s actual responsibilities during a specific season or playoff run rather than reputation, accolades, or career achievements.
A player may qualify for the Star-Level Role Tier because of offensive creation, defensive leadership, playmaking responsibility, scoring burden, or a combination of multiple responsibilities.
Within the HeatingUp Impact Index, the Role Factor works alongside the Usage Tier system to provide additional context beyond traditional box-score production.
Role Factor: 1.10
For more Role Tier guides and methodology articles, visit the Impact Index archives.