Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
The powerful athlete out of Georgia is blossoming into a star as a sophomore. Aside from being immensely explosive when driving the ball to the rim, Edwards has showcased a far more nuanced game than previously thought. He wasn’t nearly as raw as many billed him to be.
After struggling from three as a rookie, Edwards has vastly improved as a shooter in Year 2 (36-percent). Good luck slowing down the 6-foot-4 dynamo in the open floor. There aren’t a whole lot of defenders in the world who can stay in front of Edwards in transition. He attacks the basket with ferocity and can finish over any kind of defense. Edwards is a budding All-Star who could have warranted a spot on the team this season.
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Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns
The 2021 NBA Playoffs was the breakout party for DeAndre Ayton. Overshadowed by a pair of ball handling dynamos – Trae Young and Luka Doncic – from the ’19 Draft Class, Ayton showed that a skilled big man can still provide plenty of utility. Ayton’s size and athleticism overwhelmed some of the best teams in the Western Conference. Starting with the defending champs, Ayton didn’t back down from the challenge as he shot just under 80-percent (not a typo) from the field in the series versus the Los Angeles Lakers.
In 22 playoff games, Ayton averaged 15.8 PPG and 11.8 RPG while providing excellent rim protection. He also managed to stay out of foul trouble – a major key for a Suns team that featured virtually zero depth in the front court. While the Suns may have not gotten the best player from the 2019 NBA Draft, Ayton fits the current team perfectly and is an indispensable asset moving forward.
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Dejounte Murray, San Antonio Spurs
2022 has been Murray’s best season to date. The former late first-round pick is proving to be a budding star. While the Spurs remain one of the weaker teams in the Western Conference, it hasn’t been due to Murray’s play. The lanky guard is putting up career-high totals across the board and has become one of the league leader’s in triple-doubles.
There’s a lot to like about Murray’s game. People have become mesmerized by Murray’s build — as his length coupled with agility should make him a premier defender. He’s beginning to become more comfortable as a scorer, averaging just a hair under 20 a game in ’22. Murray is one of the best rebounding (8.5 RPG) guards in the league and is also one of the top steal producers (2.0 SPG). As a passer, Murray’s 9.1 APG in ’22 is nearly double his previous career high.
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Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers
Cavalier fans are downright giddy about their first-time All-Star. And, rightfully so. Darius Garland was scooped up with the fifth overall pick in 2019 NBA Draft. While he played in just five games for Vanderbilt, Garland showcased the ideal skillset of a modern NBA guard. He’s proven to be that type of player – and then some – for the Cavs. Garland excels in the pick-and-roll where he can read defenses and make the appropriate play. He threads the needle with pinpoint passes but also has plenty of one-on-one scoring ability.
Garland has just begun to scratch the surface of his talents. Alongside rookie Evan Mobley, the Cavaliers are set up to be a force in the Eastern Conference for years to come. Watching Garland’s development over the period of time should be fascinating.
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De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings
Speed kills in the NBA, and there might not be a faster player in the entire league than De’Aaron Fox. Fox is a blur with the ball in his hands. He’s able to accelerate through small cracks in defensive coverages with relative ease. Once he gets to the rim, Fox has an elite floater and can also elevate over defenders with authority. His two-point percentage has increased in each of his five seasons in the league, signaling that Fox is becoming more and more confident at efficiently scoring near the basket.
Fox’s outside shot remains a work in progress. It seems that his numbers from a sharpshooting 2018 campaign (37.1-percent from three) were an anomaly. It’s cratering in ’22 after back-to-back pedestrian seasons. Fox is shooting fewer threes and making them at a worse rate (25-percent from three this season). Still, you can’t teach speed and Fox has that in droves. Perhaps a change of scenery is in order.
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Mike Conley Jr., Utah Jazz
Mike Conley Jr. made his first All-Star team last year, but he’s one of the steadiest guards in the league for a decade. He has been nicked up over the last few years. It’s definitely resulted in a lessening of his quickness and on-ball prowess as a defender. However, not all is lost for Conley. Virtually all the other aspects of his game have improved as Conley has gotten older.
His ability to read the game is superb. Conley is a veteran, and his experience has allowed for him to function as a terrific facilitator for the likes of Donovan Mitchell and Bojan Bogdanovic. It’s no surprise Utah finished with the best record in the league last year. Without Conley operating the ship, we’d see it sputter in a rudderless manner.
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LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets
For the first time since seemingly Larry Johnson, Charlotte appears to have a real superstar on its hands. Ball has brought a ton of juice to a franchise in desperate need of it. While Kemba Walker’s impact on the franchise was undeniable, LaMelo is doing it in a slightly different way.
More so than Walker, Ball loves sharing the ball with teammates. His unique skill-set is punctuated even further by the fact he stands approximately 6’8″. As he continues to get stronger, cut down on turnovers, and improve his shooting percentages, he’ll be even better. Without question, the Hornets have a truly special talent on their hands.
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Malcolm Brogdon, Indiana Pacers
Malcolm Brogdon’s talent has never come into question. Since joining the Pacers, Brogdon has averaged just under 19 points per game while posting 6.5 APG and 5.1 RPG. Even early on in his career, Brogdon performed well in big moments as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks. He boasts the type of skillset you’re looking for in a guard who can excel in the playoffs.
It’s always been about health. Brogdon’s injury history is reportedly the reason why the Bucks didn’t retain him after three strong years in Milwaukee. He’s missed at least 16 games in each of the last four seasons, and hasn’t been fully healthy since his rookie year. Way down in the Eastern Conference standings, the Pacers could potentially be sellers at the trade deadline. Could we see Brogdon in a new situation in short order?
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
On the cusp of stardom, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looks primed to be a future multi-time All-Star. The 23-year-old has already proven to be the major bounty for the Thunder in the deal that sent Paul George to the Los Angeles Clippers. SGA’s progression since joining the league has been on a steady incline. As a Year 1 starter, Gilgeous-Alexander helped guide the Clippers to a playoff berth en route to Second-team All-Rookie honors.
Following the trade, the young guard joined a Thunder team with low expectations. Playing alongside two explosive ball handlers in Chris Paul and Dennis Schroder, Gilgeous-Alexander carved himself a niche as a combo guard who put up 19.0 PPG. After a surprise trip to the playoffs, the Thunder entered 2021 in a clear rebuild after dealing Paul and Schroder. As the team’s No. 1 option, SGA has shown progression as the offense’s fulcrum and has the ability to torch opposing defenses any given night.
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Domantas Sabonis, Indiana Pacers
Malcolm Brogdon is a borderline All-Star, Myles Turner morphed into one of the great defensive centers in the league, and Caris LeVert is immensely talented. However, the best member of the Pacers bunch is Domantas Sabonis. With all the talk surrounding Indiana’s clunky roster construction, Sabonis has shown the ability to play alongside virtually anyone.
Sabonis proved his breakout 2020 campaign (his first year as a full-time starter in Indiana) was no fluke. He made a second consecutive All-Star game in ’21. Indiana’s big man has increased his scoring and assist totals each year of his career while maintaining elite efficiency and adding a passable three-point shot. Sabonis can dominate the game from the low-block as well as any front court player in the league not named Nikola Jokic or Joel Embiid.
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Fred VanVleet, Toronto Raptors
With Kyle Lowry in Miami, the keys to the Toronto offense were handed to Fred VanVleet. He’s exceeded all expectations. The former undrafted guard was named to his first All-Star team in ’22 after an extraordinary first half of the season. VanVleet has proven that even with a larger offensive role that he can flourish on a nightly basis.
VanVleet has the two-way ability to thrive moving forward. While he isn’t terribly efficient from the floor, he’s a great shooter who can create for himself and others (7.1 APG). He’s ranked in the top-5 in steals in each of the last two years and averaged over 4 rebounds per game last year – an impressive mark at an undersized 6-foot-1.
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Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors
2019’s Most Improved Player somehow took his game to an even higher level in 2020. Asked to fill a bigger offensive role with the departure of Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard, Siakam took it upon himself to be the No. 1 option on the Raptors. As a focal point, Siakam proved to be more than capable — averaging career-highs in points, minutes, assists, rebounds, steals, and blocks.
A rough postseason run and a shaky start to the year had some cooling on Siakam’s future outlook. It’s easy to forget Siakam just turned 27 years old and is coming off just his third year as a full-time starter. He still managed to put up similar numbers from his 2020 All-Star campaign, and did so while nursing a handful of injuries. While some were down on Siakam after a down ’21, he’s come on strong for a resurgent Raptors squad. This year might be Siakam’s best season yet – 21.1 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 5.2 APG on 47-percent shooting.
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Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets
Murray is one of the more polarizing young stars in today’s game. His numbers don’t pop off the screen, and he sometimes disappears for stretches of games. However, he has turned into an offensive dynamo in the playoffs two seasons in a row now, and seems to be developing the sort of consistency we expect out of a future star.
When he’s going offensively, Murray is a flame-thrower who can completely shift the tide of a game. Murray carved up three elite defenses in the Jazz, Clippers and Lakers during his emphatic postseason run in ’20. The Nuggets sorely missed his shot-making abilities and wizardry around the basket during their second-round exit in ’21. Once Murray is fully healed, the Nuggets will be one of the teams to beat out West.
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Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans
Ingram has largely lived up to the hype as a No. 2 pick. He’s not Kevin Durant — as some scouts compared him to — but he remains an effective offensive player. The fit in Los Angeles was never going to work alongside LeBron James. With New Orleans, Ingram has been able to operate as the team’s primary ball handler. He flourished in 2020, being named an All-Star for the first time in his career.
Since joining the Pelicans, Ingram is a 38.6-percent three-point shooter and 86.3-percent free throw shooter. These numbers are up from his marks of 32.9-percent and 66.2-percent during his time with the Lakers. Given his natural abilities as a slasher, Ingram’s improved outside shot makes him one of the more well-rounded scorers in the game.
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Kyle Lowry, Miami Heat
The best parts of Lowry’s game don’t show up in the box score. He always makes the extra pass, he fights for boards despite his diminutive frame, and he’s arguably the best charge-taker in league history. Perhaps his most impressive skills is his ability to toggle between both guard spots. Lowry can orchestrate an offense from the top of the key with the best of them, but he also has no trouble switching to an off-guard role and becoming a spot-up shooter or baseline cutter.
With the acquisition of Lowry, the Heat are instantly vaulted into contender status. That’s how good he is. Lowry is a ceiling-raiser and the perfect type of lead guard to pair with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. If the Heat are to make a deep playoff run, they’ll need the former NBA Champion at his best.
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Julius Randle, New York Knicks
In one of the most stunning developments of this past NBA season, Julius Randle asserted himself as a go-to scorer for a Knicks team that finished fourth in the Eastern Conference. Most pundits were picking the Knicks to finish among the bottom of the East, but Randle’s ascension helped guide New York to its first playoff berth since 2013. Randle took each part of his game up a notch, and was deservingly awarded Most Improved Player by season’s end. He was named to the All-NBA Second Team, essentially stating that Randle was one of the 10 best players in the league last year. It’s hard to argue otherwise.
Given his level of production in the regular season, Randel’s mediocre playoff run left a lot to be desired. The Knicks were taken out in five games by the Hawks despite holding home court advantage in the series. Randle shot below 30-percent from the field in the series, and looked all out of sorts. Randle will have to continuously prove that his stellar campaign was no fluke.
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Zach Lavine, Chicago Bulls
Lavine was on the cusp of making his first All-Star team in 2020, but narrowly missed the cut. He gave the voters no options with a dominant ’21 campaign. Heading into the break, Lavine was posting gaudy averages of 28.6 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 5.1 APG on insane 53.6/44.2/83.2 shooting splits. He slowed down a bit in the latter-half of the year, but Lavine remained one of the league’s best shooters. Lavine was one of just four players who attempted over eight threes per game while shooting over 40-percent from three (Stephen Curry, C.J. McCollum, Duncan Robinson).
The only thing left for Lavine to conquer is the postseason. The 26-year-old has yet to make his playoff debut through seven NBA seasons. Lavine has played on some putrid teams during his career. Chicago’s mediocre .431 winning percentage this year — good for 22nd in the league — is the best mark of any Lavine-led teams. That changes in ’22. With the Bulls sitting atop the Eastern Conference, Lavine will finally get his first taste of the postseason this year. Will he rise to the occasion?
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Russell Westbrook, Los Angeles Lakers
Many are quick to criticize Westbrook for questionable decision making and shot selection. However, he plays as hard as anyone in the NBA today. Duly, how many other players can average a triple-double? Westbrook has done so four times now in his career. After a shaky start in ’21, Westbrook turned it on over Washington’s last 40 games. He put up averages of 23.0 PPG, 12.5 APG, 12.2 RPG and 1.5 SPG on 44.6-percent from the field. He narrowly missed making an All-NBA team, though he certainly could have been afforded a spot on the Third Team.
The former league MVP has struggled early on in Los Angeles. Westbrook’s play for the Lakers has been uneven. He hasn’t found a way to be the best version of himself alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. As such, the first-year Lakers hasn’t been an overly-productive player in ’22. He still has time to turn it around, but Westbrook’s decline in play might indicate the 33-year-old is (rapidly) approaching the end of his career.
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Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers
The last time we saw Ben Simmons, he was refusing to shoot the ball as the No. 1 seed 76ers fell to the heavy underdog Atlanta Hawks in a stunning seven-game series. Simmons and the 76ers’ relationship has disintegrated in the months that have passed. It looks unlikely that we will ever see Simmons donning a 76ers uniform ever gain.
Despite his obvious flaw, 6-foot-10 point guards with the ability to rebound and defend don’t grow on trees. He’s made the All-Star team three times, and will always be a major factor on the defensive end. Teams obviously have interest in the former No. 1 overall draft pick, but the 76ers haven’t shown a willingness to deal for Simmons for anything less than a superstar. It’s a disappointing position for one of the more talented players in the league to be in.
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Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans
Zion Williamson has lived up to the hype, when he’s on the floor. Lauded as a no-brainer selection with the first overall pick, Williamson’s NBA debut was delayed until midway through his rookie campaign. The wait was worth it. Williamson exploded out of the gates and has been on a tear ever since. In 85 career games, Williamson is averaging 25.7 PPG on 60-percent shooting from the field. He’s a lob threat from everywhere on the court (especially when Pelicans PG Lonzo Ball is on the floor) and has the ability to put the ball on the floor and blow by defenders.
There are several questions surrounding Williamson currently. Can he stay healthy over an entire season? Can the Pelicans build a strong roster around him? Are his days in New Orleans numbered? The Pelicans have already gone through this song-and-dance with a superstar before, but Williamson hasn’t even signed his first extension yet. Zion’s status with the Pelicans will be a situation to monitor this offseason.
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Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
One-half of one of the top young wing duos in the league, Jaylen Brown has developed into an all-around stud for the Boston Celtics. His gradual development from his rookie season to now has been majorly impressive. Brown entered the league as a raw athlete, and is now a polished scorer who can make plays on both ends of the floor. Brown was named an All-Star for the first time in his career in ’20. His refined shooting stroke — coupled with his size, speed, and leadership skills — make him a superstar-in-the-making.
For a young player (24 years old), Brown has already gone through the rigors of postseason basketball a handful of times. Brown has 61 career playoff games under his belt, and has played well when called upon. He’s already gone to three Eastern Conference Finals in his career, and has not shied away from the bright lights. An injury kept him out of Boston’s most recent playoff run, but we have no doubt he would have been one of the club’s top postseason performers once again.
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Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat
Teammates Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry have the pedigree and accolades, but the Miami’s versatile big man is the team’s ultimate x-factor. Adebayo competes on every possession, and is more than capable of guarding all positions with ease on any given play. He’s a hulkish athlete who can stand his ground against players who boast a considerable size advantage over him.
His development as an offensive player has been key for the Heat’s future outlook. Adebayo ‘s ascension has been miraculous for a player selected at the end of the lottery. Miami can run their offense through Bam, and his 5.4 APG average is only bested by Nikola Jokić at the center position. Adebayo made his first All-Star appearance in 2020, and many more accolades are coming his way.
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DeMar DeRozan
The Los Angeles native has had a very nice career from top to bottom. Though he couldn’t get over the proverbial hump in Toronto, he’s still regarded as one of the very best to ever play for the Raptors. When he got to San Antonio, DeRozan evolved from an isolation scorer into more of a playmaker. This has resulted in a gigantic uptick in efficiency.
After some questioned the decision for the Bulls to splash the cash at DeRozan in the offseason, it’s turned out to be one of the great signings of the Summer. DeRozan has flourished as the fulcrum of Chicago’s offensive attack. Sitting atop the Eastern Conference standings, the Bulls have a chance to make some noise with DeRozan at the helm. He’s currently playing at an All-NBA level, and has been crucial to the team’s success.
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Khris Middleton, Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks don’t win the NBA Championship without Khris Middleton. It’s as simple as that. Giannis is the team’s best player, Jrue Holiday is an incredibly versatile asset, but Middleton played an invaluable role during Milwaukee’s stretch run. Middleton was the primary decision-maker in crunch time, and made countless big baskets to keep the Bucks alive late in games.
It’s difficult to envision a more optimal complementary player to put alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. Middleton is willing to play the second-fiddle role, and is able to put up big scoring totals as the second option. In 67 career playoff games, Middleton is averaging 20.2 PPG. At 28 years old, Middleton is already a two-time NBA All-Star and NBA Champion.
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Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards
It might be a shock to hear that Bradley Beal was named to his first All-NBA team this past season. Beal earned All-NBA Third Team honors after finishing second in the league in scoring with career-high efficiency marks. Washington’s three-time All-Star is one of the best pure scorers in the league. Beal was lauded for his outside shooting as a young player, but his improved ability to get to the basket has set him apart from the other top 2-guards. Beal has finished in the top-7 in free throw attempts per game in each of the last two seasons.
Interest in acquiring Beal is at an all-time high. The lifelong Wizard has played in Washington for the entirety of his nine-year career. There could be a change of scenery on the horizon. With the Wizards looking like a potential lottery team, it could behoove the franchise to see what they could get in exchange for their star player.
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Jrue Holiday, Milwaukee Bucks
Jrue Holiday is routinely among the league’s most underrated/underappreciated players. The former UCLA standout has been one of the best two-way guards for quite some time. Defensively, there isn’t a player more equipped to stifle opposing ball handlers better than Holiday. He is ruthless at the point of attack, and can make even the best point guards feel uncomfortable.
Holiday finally began receiving the credit he’s deserved during the Bucks’ title-winning campaign in ’21. On the defensive end, Holiday worked tirelessly to deter opposing ball handlers from the paint. He hounded the likes of Chris Paul, James Harden, Devin Booker, and Trae Young as soon as they crossed half court. Though he struggled with his shot, Holiday made some plays on the offensive end as well including the memorable lob pass to Giannis in a crucial Game 5 win over Phoenix.
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Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
Green’s resume speaks for itself. A three-time NBA Champion, multi-time All-Star, and six-time All-Defensive team selection. Despite his history of playing winning basketball, critics still dismiss Green as a top player due to his lack of scoring ability. Even at his peak, Green was never a volume scorer (14.0 PPG in ’16). His outside shooting numbers have been especially dreadful since Golden State’s magical 73-9 season. Green has connected on just 29-percent of his three-point attempts since ’17.
With all that being said, Green’s ability to set up his teammates and defend virtually any position is invaluable to the Warriors’ success. Green hasn’t won the Defensive Player of the Year award since 2017. However, given that Kawhi Leonard has taken a step back defensively (to conserve energy for offense), and Rudy Gobert can be exposed (as we saw in the postseason), Green is arguably the league’s most valuable defender currently.
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Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz
There aren’t too many centers in the league with a more impressive list of accolades than Rudy Gobert. A four-time All-NBA selection and three-time Defensive Player of the Year winner, Gobert has led a Jazz defense that routinely ranks among the league’s stingiest groups. While his offensive skillset is limited, Gobert is highly efficient around the rim and has shot over 60-percent from the field for the last five seasons.
That being said, we cannot overlook his playoff woes. The Jazz failed to get past the Houston Rockets for several years. James Harden continuously picked on Gobert’s lack of foot quickness on the perimeter. Last season, the Jazz entered the playoffs as the No. 1 overall seed, but were unceremoniously ousted by a Clippers team that didn’t even have Kawhi Leonard for the second-half of the series. Gobert was exposed versus a 5-out Clippers lineup as LA took advantage of his lack of foot speed. Teams now have the blueprint on the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. It will be up to him to adjust moving forward.
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Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves
In terms of pure skill, KAT is one of the most talented big men in the entire league. He’s an exceptional shooter — not just for a big — and has the ability to score from the low block as well. Over his career, Towns is a 20-point, 10-rebound threat every night. For Towns to take the next step in his career, he must become more of a leader on both ends.
Minnesota went out and traded for Towns’ friend D’Angelo Russell. Neither player is particularly inclined to compete on the defensive end. This is a major reason as to why they have each played in just five playoff games over their respective careers. Anthony Edwards is a rising star, and the T’Wolves have a handful of other former lottery picks littered through the roster. The Western Conference is stacked, but Towns, Russell, and Edwards are offensively gifted enough to compete. Ultimately, this group needs to give the same type of effort on the other end of the floor.
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Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns
Booker can fill it up as well as any young player in the league. He resembles a young Klay Thompson from the standpoint that Booker needs little to no space in order to get his shot off. He’s capable of creating separation from elite defenders, shown on his game-winning shot over the out-stretched arms of both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
Booker improved his stock as much as any single player during the 2021 playoffs. In his first taste of postseason action, Booker rose to the occasion and emerged as one of the brightest stars in the league today. His scoring ability was always revered, but Booker’s improvements as a playmaker and defender cannot be overlooked. He’s held his own on the defensive end for Phoenix, and still has the gas tank to post multiple 40-point performances.
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Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors
Following back-to-back season-ending injuries, Klay Thompson has returned for the Golden State Warriors. The three-time NBA Champion returns for a Golden State team near the top of the Western Conference standings. From what we’ve seen thus far, Thompson has picked up where he left off. Aside from a bit of rust, the 31-year-old Thompson appears ready to contribute for one of the best teams in the league.
Adding a player of Thompson’s caliber is atypical at this point in the season. The Warriors essentially added an All-NBA player to a team that was already among the league’s best. Thompson brings elite shooting and defense to the table, and is also a beloved teammate. Bringing him into the mix will only make the Warriors a tougher out in the postseason.
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Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers
George is a silky-smooth basketball player. Everything he does appears effortless, whether it’s shaking a defender for a step-back three or stripping an offensive player and going coast-to-coast. At 30 years old, George is just now beginning to peak as an offensive player. He knocked down 40-percent of his threes for a second consecutive season, and set a career-high in field goal percentage in ’21 (46.7). He’s a complete player and is considered a top-5 two-way wing in today’s league.
His consistent short-comings in the playoffs have to be considered, though. George’s play has slipped in the playoffs since his final season in Indiana. He calmed some concerns over his ability to perform in crunch time with a stellar showing in the ’21 playoffs. With Kawhi Leonard on the mend, George took it upon himself to take control of the Clippers offense. Though they came up short against Phoenix, George’s standout stretch proved that he can still get it done on the biggest stage.
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Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies
A star is being born before our very eyes. The Grizzlies have found their point guard of the future in Ja Morant. The Murray State product stormed out of the gates as a rookie, leading the freshman class in both points and assists. Even as a young player, Morant’s style of play translates to winning basketball. The athletic dynamo led Memphis to a postseason berth in ’21 — defeating San Antonio and Golden State in the NBA’s play-in tournament to secure the spot. Morant scored 35 in a do-or-die matchup against Stephen Curry and the Warriors, and proceeded to average 30.2 PPG and 8.2 APG in a first-round matchup against the No. 1 seeded Utah Jazz.
Morant’s infectious style of play has been infused within the Grizzlies culture. Since joining the team, it’s clear the Grizzlies play with a high level of energy and tenacity every given night. Morant has gotten better each year, and looks to be a potential All-NBA first-team guard given his current form. He’s already one of the best point guards in the league, and will only rise from here.
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Kyrie Irving, Brooklyn Nets
There’s no doubting Kyrie Irving’s talent level. His offensive game presents no weaknesses. Irving has the best handle in the league and is a supreme shooter from everywhere on the floor. Unlike other “small” guards, Irving is highly efficient — joining the 50/40/90-club in ’21. The one concern for Irving continues to be his ability to stay on the floor. After playing in just 20 games in Year 1 with the Nets, Irving missed another 18 regular season games this year and was forced to miss the final three games of Brooklyn’s semifinal series versus Milwaukee.
It’s even harder to stay on the floor when you’re literally not allowed on it. Given Irving’s unvaccinated status, the star guard is barred from playing any games in states with COVID mandates – which includes Brooklyn’s Barclay Center. Irving has played well in the games he’s suited up for, but it will be interesting to see how the team adapts in the postseason.
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Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns
Chris Paul was coming off his worst season as a professional in 2019. While still a productive player, the Rockets opted to flip Paul to the Thunder for Russell Westbrook — James Harden’s close, personal friend. Paul seemed to take the trade personally as 2020 wound up being one of the better overall years in his career. Asked to carry a lessened offensive load, Paul found new life in his legs as he has continuously dissected opponents late in games.
After proving he could lead a rebuilding team to a playoff spot, Paul took it one step further by transforming a borderline playoff hopeful into a bonafide contender. Paul was magnificent for the Phoenix Suns in ’21, as the young team seemed to rally around their veteran leader. While the Suns came up short in a historic NBA Finals matchup, Phoenix has proven to be no one-year wonder as they sit atop the Western Conference standings again. Another chance for Paul to capture that elusive title.
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Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat
Jimmy Butler blossomed into a superstar in the 2020 postseason. Leading his Miami Heat on an improbable run to the NBA Finals, Butler was a force on both ends who could be counted on during crunch time. He went toe-to-toe with the game’s best and looked like he belonged.
Though he isn’t as prolific of a scorer as other top players, Butler can influence the game in a number of ways. When his number is called upon, the relentless Butler is capable of getting to the rim with regularity. The hobbled Heat were unceremoniously swept by the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round of the 2021 playoffs. The embarrassing defeat will likely only drive Butler to improve his game even further.
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Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
Aside from hitting clutch shot after clutch shot, Lillard is an exceptional leader. He willed Portland to the Conference Finals after a monster postseason in 2019. The former Weber State star has as many memorable clutch moments as any current player in the league. Lillard upped his level of play in 2020. His performance during Portland’s seeding games were so impressive that some pundits believed his wounded Blazers could give the eventual NBA Champion Lakers a run for their money in the first round. He once again willed a flawed Blazers team to a playoff spot in ’21.
However, 2022 might be the final year of Lillard’s Portland tenure. With Lillard on the mend, the team hoisted the proverbial white flag when it traded a pair of starters (Norman Powell and Robert Covington) in what amounted to a salary dump. Lillard has been loyal to the franchise which drafted him, but it looks to be time for the two parties to go their separate ways.
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Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz
Mitchell has been sensational in each of the last two postseasons. Utah’s No. 1 option led all playoff scorers with 36.3 PPG, and chipped in with 4.9 APG and 5.0 RPG as well in a epic seven-game series versus the Denver Nuggets. While the Jazz came up just a bit short, Mitchell flashed the skill of a superstar. He was just as good in ’21 before the top-seed Jazz were knocked out by the Los Angeles Clippers. Utah’s star guard made 41 threes in the team’s final seven playoff games.
Mitchell flourishes with the ball in his hands, and has played extraordinarily well when Mike Conley has been forced to sit due to injury. It would be a coup for the Jazz if their backcourt can start gelling together, but Mitchell might need a different running mate in order to unlock the best version of himself.
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Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Tatum has blossomed into one of the top offensive players in the game. His work in isolation is elite. There aren’t too many defenders in the league who can match Tatum’s length and skill level. Additionally, he has the defensive chops to guard a multitude of positions. He moves his feet well, and can contest shots with his 6-foot-8 frame. The 23-year-old has also already had plenty of playoff experience in a short amount of time. Tatum is averaging 21.6 PPG over 50 career playoff appearances.
His most recent playoff series was the most impressive to date. Going up against the title-favorite Brooklyn Nets, Tatum took it upon himself to fill it up on the offensive end. Over the final three games of the series, Tatum averaged 40.7 PPG — which included a 50-point clinic in Boston’s only win of the series. He can create looks against the league’s top defenders at any point in the game. This crunch time skill will pay dividends, and is also the reason as to why he’s one of the brightest young stars in the game today.
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Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks
Trae Young has already silenced a ton of doubters. The 6-foot-1 point guard is a dual-threat offensive player with the perfect skillset for today’s up-tempo style. Young is a gifted scorer with limitless range from beyond the arc, but where he really shines is as a passer.
Young sees passing lanes open up a step before everyone on the floor, and is able to hit his teammates in their shooting pockets with regularity. The best comparison for Young’s game is a modern-day Steve Nash — not bad to be compared to a former two-time MVP. He’s led the young Hawks all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals, and is looking to go even further in the near future.
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Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers
The pressure surrounding Davis has been ramped up exponentially from where it once was. Not only is Davis underneath the Los Angeles microscope, but he’s also playing in a city featuring Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James. Davis answered the call — and then some. For the title-winning Lakers, Davis was dominant on both ends hitting clutch jumpers and playing exceptional defense.
He’s always been a great playoff performer, but showing his ability round-by-round against tough competition was impressive even by his standards. His two-way ability is as great as any player in the league. Though his health has always been an area of concern. Davis played in just 36 games this last year, and his injury during LA’s first round series versus Phoenix led to an early exit for the defending champions. The 28-year-old is too valuable to be on the injured list year-round.
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James Harden, Brooklyn Nets
It’s impossible to dismiss Harden and what he’s done in the last several seasons. There’s not a more potent one-on-one player in the game. He led the league in scoring each year from ’18-’20, and finds new and inventive ways to keep defenders off-balance with each passing year. Harden’s pump fakes, head fakes, dribbles, craftiness, and physical strength makes him nearly impossible to defend.
Joining Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in Brooklyn, Harden looked to be adapting well to his new star teammates. While things looked promising heading into ’22, the relationship between Harden and the Nets seems to have unraveled. His play has dipped and he’s often looked uninterested on both ends of the floor. With the trade deadline approaching, reports have surfaced of Brooklyn’s willingness to trade the former league MVP. Could the Nets’ star-studded trio be disbanded before even reaching an Eastern Conference Final?
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Luka Dončić, Dallas Mavericks
The fourth-year player out of Slovenia is certainly not your normal 23-year-old. Dončić made Dallas his team as a rookie, and has solidified his place among the league’s top players ever since. He’s never shied away from the big shot. Duly, Dončić demonstrated many of the skills (orchestrating, involving teammates) that had many excited about his initial arrival to the league. He’s improved steadily since then, and is now one of the game’s most unstoppable offensive forces.
In Year 3, everything went up a notch for Dončić. His per-game averages are on par with any of LeBron’s best seasons. He’s shown the willingness to take, and make, big shots in front of raucous crowds and is willing to create for others when appropriate. Without question, Dallas has found a bonafide superstar in Dončić.
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Kawhi Leonard
When healthy, Leonard is the league’s top two-way star. He’s a nightmare to defend. Leonard uses his strong frame to get to any spot on the floor, and his enormous hands allows him to control the ball in a unique manner. On the other end of the floor, Leonard is one of the game’s all-time great defenders. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year hounds ball handlers and can make life miserable for even the game’s best scorers.
A two-time Finals MVP, Leonard has shown the ability to come up clutch when it matters most — except for his current team, the Los Angeles Clippers. LA was ousted from the Bubble by the Denver Nuggets after holding a 3-1 series lead. In ’21, Leonard sustained a knee injury that kept him out of the Clippers’ run to the Western Conference Finals. The clock is ticking on Leonard making a major postseason impact for the championship-starved franchise.
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Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
Embiid is an anomaly. Built like David Robinson with the grace of Hakeem Olajuwon, the three-time All-Star is an extremely gifted athlete. When operating near the basket, Embiid demands a double-team. If facing a one-on-one matchup, Embiid has a plethora of post moves, spins, and fakes to score at will versus virtually any single defender.
In ’22, Embiid has taken his game to an entirely new level. Sans his co-star Ben Simmons, Embiid is putting up an MVP-caliber season while leading a undermanned 76ers team. With his outside shot becoming more and more consistent, there aren’t any clear holes in Embiid’s offensive repertoire. When he gets going, there isn’t a single player that can slow Embiid down.
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Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets
The reigning MVP has made it difficult to leave him out of the top-5. Jokić’s MVP award was well deserved. Among all the worthy candidates, Jokić was the most indispensable to his team. With Jamal Murray on the mend, Jokić elevated his play and had the Nuggets playing pristine basketball. If Murray were healthy, Jokić may have led this team to an NBA title this year.
Whether it be scoring, shooting, or passing the basketball, Jokić is elite. He’s already arguably the best passing big man the game has ever seen. His size and shooting ability makes him a nightmare matchup for any team, evidenced by his large impact he’s made in the playoffs during his short time in the league. He completely flipped the series versus the Clippers two seasons ago, fueling Denver’s comeback from being down 3-1. Even without Jamal Murray this past playoff run, Jokić was an unstoppable force who averaged just under 30 PPG.
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Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Now in his 30s, Curry seems to be aging like a fine wine. The unquestioned greatest shooter of all-time is now perceived as an underdog with the departure of Kevin Durant and the emergence of the powerhouse teams in Los Angeles. Given his career trajectory to this point, it should have been easy to predict that Curry would answer the bell.
With no other offensive stars in sight, Curry took the reins of Golden State’s offense in ’21 and produced another MVP-caliber season — finishing third in voting. Curry took home his second career scoring title as he just edged out Washington’s Bradley Beal in the final week of the season. While he hasn’t been quite as efficient this year, the Warriors are playing some of the best basketball of any team in the league with Curry at the helm. We cannot wait to see what Curry has in store for his return to the postseason.
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LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
We are all witnesses to one of the most incredible careers in sports history. Year after year, LeBron James continues to defy logic and play at an elite level. At 35 years old, James put yet another feather in his cap with a magnificent postseason run capped off with his fourth NBA Finals MVP. In 2020, James lead the league in assists — for the first time in his career — in Year 17. The Lakers were 47-13 in the regular season when he played, and ripped off a 16-5 postseason run for good measure.
His spot at No. 2 is purely an age-related ranking. While James has sustained his All-NBA level, he simply cannot defeat Father Time. We’ve seen him go down with significant injuries in two of the last three seasons, and he will be entering his 19th year in the league. However, barring good health, James remains one of the most dominant players in the game today.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis continues to improve at a rapid rate. His numbers continue to rise each and every year as he has emerged as the closest thing to Shaquille O’Neal in this era. Antetokounmpo is highly aggressive when attacking the paint. He’s probably the only player capable of guarding all five spots on the floor. He gives great effort on the defensive end despite sporting one of the highest usage rates in the league.
In just eight years in the league, Antetokounmpo has accomplished everything there is to do. He’s a five-time All-Star, two-time MVP, and was named Finals MVP after a historically dominant performance in a Game 6 closeout. At this point, Antetokounmpo is simply adding to his Hall of Fame resume.
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Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets
We have never before seen a talent quite like Durant. His all-around potent game coupled with his near 7-foot frame combine to make one of the most unguardable players in NBA history. He can score in more ways than any player in the league. A deadly outside shot combined with a devastating handle make him nearly impossible to defend in one-on-one situations.
He put his full array of offensive moves on display in a herculean effort versus the Bucks in the postseason. Though the Nets ultimately came up short, Durant solidified himself as the top player in the league as Brooklyn battled a myriad of injuries. Additionally, he’s shown no signs of slowing down after sustaining a debilitating Achilles injury. In fact, he seemingly took his game to another level following his recovery. At 32 years old, this may be the best version of Kevin Durant we’ve ever seen.
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