NBPA Releases Tier List for Scott Foster, Bill Kennedy, All NBA Referees

The National Basketball Players Association released this year's survey for how players judge referees around the NBA.

Twenty-six officials cracked Tier 1, which is reserved for "elite and top performers." The group includes Zach Zarba and Bill Kennedy, with Zarba claiming the No. 1 overall spot:

Scott Foster was described by the NBPA as "one of the league's most polarizing officials" based on the votes. He ultimately fell into Tier 2.

The union stated its case that only referees in the top two tiers should work playoff games, and those in Tier 1 getting Finals matchups specifically.

While listing off the names in Tier 3, the NBPA offered what can be viewed as a pointed remark:

Accuracy and consistency are obviously important when it comes to a referee's performance. Charlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams, who's a first vice president in the union, said the officials who stand out most are "great communicators."

"The ones who understand when they've made a mistake," he said. "As long as you're calling a game consistently, guys are willing to adapt. It's about having control of the game while also respecting the players and their different personalities."

Officiating is always a subplot during the NBA playoffs. With so much on the line, coaches and players are more likely to feel their team isn't getting enough calls while their opponent gets a favorable whistle.

The Associated Press' Tim Reynolds reported the number of personal fouls in the 2026 postseason is up 11% compared to the regular season. The figure is historically significant but reflects a wider trend.

Playoff basketball is more intense and more physical, which inevitably leads to more fouls. As much as fans don't want to see the biggest games get bogged down with trips to the free-throw line, the alternative is a scenario where the refs are accused of letting too much contact go.

Although the NBPA wants a seat at the table when picking the postseason officiating pool, that's left up to the NBA Referee Operations department, which does at least use team rankings as part of its overall formula.