Post national NBA writer Tim Bontemps surveyed the NBA and ranked his top 100 players according to their overall talent level heading into the new season. Though it’s a new season, players aren’t starting from scratch. We’ve included a trend line to denote whether a player is on the upswing of his career, having jumped five or more spots from last season, starting to decline, having dropped five or more spots from last season, or expected to stay relatively consistent to previous performance by remaining within five spots of where they were last season. See how they stack up.
LeBron
James
1 LeBron James
Small forward, Los Angeles Lakers
This is the third edition of the top 100, and the third straight time James tops the list. But as arguably the greatest player in the history of the sport moves into a new stage of his career – not only joining the Los Angeles Lakers but not having a legit shot at a title for the first time in more than a decade – his season could go in many directions.
Kevin
Durant
2 Kevin Durant
Small forward, Golden State Warriors
Two years in the Bay Area have led to a pair of titles and a corresponding pair of NBA Finals MVP awards for Durant, who remains second only to James in the league. Can he make it 3 for 3 on both counts this season?
Anthony
Davis
3 Anthony Davis
Power forward, New Orleans Pelicans
“The Brow” has come into his own as a dominant two-way force. With only two years left on his contract before he can become an unrestricted free agent, the Pelicans will be spending the next several months doing everything they can to convince him his long-term future rests in the Big Easy.
James
Harden
4 James Harden
Shooting guard, Houston Rockets
For Harden, fresh off winning the NBA’s MVP award and coming within a half of reaching the NBA Finals, nothing short of a title this season will be a success.
Stephen
Curry
5 Stephen Curry
Point guard, Golden State Warriors
When Curry played last season, the Warriors were virtually unstoppable. But now that he is entering his 30s, Curry’s health will become a recurring theme. Another fully healthy season like 2017-18, though, could see him jump back into the top three on this list.
Giannis
Antetokounmpo
6 Giannis Antetokounmpo
Small forward, Milwaukee Bucks
It feels like only a matter of time before Antetokounmpo officially takes over the league. Even if he never develops a consistent three-point shot, his combination of length, skill and athleticism is terrifying to game-plan against. He also is well-positioned to make a run at this season’s MVP award.
Joel
Embiid
7 Joel Embiid
Center, Philadelphia 76ers
Embiid is the evolutionary version of Shaquille O’Neal – a larger-than-life player on and off the court. Last year, he stayed healthy outside of a freak collision with Markelle Fultz’s shoulder, allaying the one outstanding fear around his game. Given how much he is still learning, his ceiling remains as massive as his frame.
Russell
Westbrook
8 Russell Westbrook
Point guard, Oklahoma City Thunder
Westbrook followed up averaging a triple-double for the first time in more than a half-century by doing it a second straight season. While that may have taken a bit of the steam out of the argument for his 2017 MVP award, it was a sign that Westbrook’s singular will doesn’t appear to be in danger of slowing down.
Paul
George
9 Paul George
Small forward, Oklahoma City Thunder
After George was traded to Oklahoma City last summer, few expected him to stick around long-term. But after putting in an all-NBA season for the Thunder, George did just that – and now he and Westbrook are set to lead the franchise for the next few seasons, hopefully officially returning it to the West’s elite.
Kawhi
Leonard
10 Kawhi Leonard
Small forward, Toronto Raptors
For the first seven years of his career, Leonard was jokingly referred to as a robot. That came to a swift end over the past 12 months, as Leonard spent all but nine games of last season sidelined with tendinopathy in his right quad and then demanded a trade out of San Antonio. Now in Toronto for at least this season, Leonard will have to prove he is once again healthy – and, assuming he is, still the game’s best two-way wing.
Damian
Lillard
11 Damian Lillard
Point guard, Portland Trail Blazers
If he wasn’t playing in the same era as Stephen Curry, we may have been talking about the way Lillard’s long-range shooting has changed the paradigm. Instead, Lillard has simply become a nuclear offensive player – though one playing on a Portland team that seems stuck in neutral.
Chris
Paul
12 Chris Paul
Point guard, Houston Rockets
It was heartbreaking to see Paul go down with a hamstring injury in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals – an injury that doomed Houston’s chances of advancing. But it also serves as a reminder of Paul’s lengthy injury history – which isn’t getting any better now that he’s 33.
Jimmy
Butler
13 Jimmy Butler
Small forward, Minnesota Timberwolves
Butler led the Timberwolves to the playoffs for the first time in 14 years and for the first time in the franchise’s 30-year history without Kevin Garnett on the roster. Yet in the wake of his trade request on the eve of training camp, and declaring he won’t re-sign as a free agent, Minnesota remains in chaos.
Draymond
Green
14 Draymond Green
Power forward, Golden State Warriors
Green remains a do-it-all force, but last season began to show a shift in focus – and perhaps a realization that, after winning defensive player of the year and now three titles, that the goal should be making it to June healthy, rather than burning out along the way.
Rudy
Gobert
15 Rudy Gobert
Center, Utah Jazz
The Frenchman has become the anchor of arguably the NBA’s best defense, and helped Utah not only survive Gordon Hayward’s departure, but thrive. After he missed more than 20 games in two of the last three seasons, though, Utah will be hoping to keep Gobert on the court.
Ben
Simmons
16 Ben Simmons
Point guard, Philadelphia 76ers
After missing his first NBA season because of a broken foot, Simmons made up for lost time with a brilliant campaign, winning the rookie of the year award and getting Philadelphia into the second round of the playoffs. If Simmons ever learns how to shoot, he’ll win at least one MVP award. Even if he doesn’t, he will be a perennial all-star for years to come.
Klay
Thompson
17 Klay Thompson
Shooting guard, Golden State Warriors
Often the forgotten half of the Splash Brothers, Thompson may be one of the NBA’s most underrated players. Both a brilliant shooter and excellent defender, Thompson is truly the perfect partner to pair with Curry in Golden State’s back court.
Victor
Oladipo
18 Victor Oladipo
Point guard, Indiana Pacers
Few seasons in recent memory have been more surprising than Oladipo’s 2017-18 campaign, as he burst into stardom after four middling seasons to begin his NBA career. The question is whether Oladipo can take his game to yet another level – particularly now that all know what is coming after his breakout.
Al
Horford
19 Al Horford
Center, Boston Celtics
Horford will never stand out by doing anything flashy, but there might not be a more well-rounded player in the league (at least besides LeBron James, who is in his own category). It is his versatility at both ends that, for all of the credit deservedly tossed Coach Brad Stevens’s way, allows the Celtics to play the way they do.
Karl-Anthony
Towns
20 Karl-Anthony Towns
Center, Minnesota Timberwolves
This is a drop from where Towns has been the past two seasons, and is recognition of the fact his career hasn’t progressed in the way that was expected. Now entering his fourth NBA season, Towns needs to make the improvements defensively he should be capable of to get back to this list’s top 10 spots.
Clint
Capela
21 Clint Capela
Center, Houston Rockets
Plenty of attention was paid to the pairing of Harden and Paul, but it was Capela’s anchoring of the defense that helped transform Houston into a 65-win juggernaut. Yes, he plays a limited role offensively, and benefits greatly from catching lobs from his two star guards. But he outplayed Towns and Gobert in the playoffs, and is precisely the athletic, rolling big man that virtually all NBA teams covet.
Nikola
Jokic
22 Nikola Jokic
Center, Denver Nuggets
Jokic is a wonderfully gifted offensive player and was thus bestowed a massive contract as a restricted free agent by the Nuggets. But while he’s a great player, the question remains: Can an elite team in today’s NBA be built around a bad defensive big man? Denver is clearly betting it can be.
LaMarcus
Aldridge
23 LaMarcus Aldridge
Power forward, San Antonio Spurs
It’s remarkable to think back to where San Antonio was a year ago, with Aldridge unhappy and seemingly itching for a trade. Instead, he kept the Spurs afloat last season, playing some of the best basketball of his career, while Leonard spent most of the year sidelined.
Kyrie
Irving
24 Kyrie Irving
Point guard, Boston Celtics
Irving’s stunning trade to Boston last summer ended with an anticlimactic thud after he missed the end of the regular season and playoffs after undergoing multiple knee surgeries. Now a year away from unrestricted free agency, he needs to show he can stay healthy after missing 15 or more games in four of his first seven NBA seasons.
John
Wall
25 John Wall
Point guard, Washington Wizards
Knee injuries derailed Wall’s season last year, and with it sent the Wizards spiraling to a disappointing eighth seed in the East, as well as a first-round exit. A healthy Wall can get the Wizards back into the top half of the East. If he gets injured again? Well, that massive designated veteran extension that kicks in next season will start looking pretty scary.
Kemba
Walker
26 Kemba Walker
Point guard, Charlotte Hornets
The past few years have seen Walker become a perennial star in one of the league’s least glamorous markets. With Charlotte going nowhere, this season could be defined by incessant trade rumors surrounding Walker until February’s deadline.
Bradley
Beal
27 Bradley Beal
Shooting guard, Washington Wizards
Beal broke through and made his first all-star team last year, in what was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise dismal season in Washington. For the Wizards to take a step, they’ll need Beal to make another leap.
DeMar
DeRozan
28 DeMar DeRozan
Shooting guard, San Antonio Spurs
Despite his many accomplishments, DeRozan has become a divisive player because of his playoff failures, and the weaknesses in his game they’ve revealed. Now in San Antonio, he’ll have a chance to write a new chapter of his career – or show that the very good player he’s been the past several years in Toronto is what he will remain.
C.J.
McCollum
29 C.J. McCollum
Shooting guard, Portland Trail Blazers
McCollum has moved into the conversation for the best player in the league who has yet to make an All-Star Game. Given the depth of competition in the West, though, it seems unlikely that is going to change soon.
Jrue
Holiday
30 Jrue Holiday
Point guard, New Orleans Pelicans
A brilliant stretch of play in the closing weeks of the regular season and the playoffs – including locking up Lillard in the first round – reminded the world just how good Holiday can be. The Pelicans need him to stay at that level as they attempt to convince Anthony Davis to remain in New Orleans.
Donovan
Mitchell
31 Donovan Mitchell
Shooting guard, Utah Jazz
The remarkable ascension of Mitchell, the 13th pick in last year’s draft, turned Utah from what seemed like a lost franchise after Gordon Hayward’s departure into one with a bright future. Now the pressure is on Mitchell to follow up his stunning rookie season with another leap.
Devin
Booker
32 Devin Booker
Shooting guard, Phoenix Suns
To this point in his career, the thing Booker is best known for is scoring 70 points in a loss. But with a coach in Igor Kokoskov, lottery picks Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges and veteran swingman Trevor Ariza all new to Phoenix, the stage is set for Booker to both be the Suns’ primary ballhandler and take a massive step forward in his fourth season. Whether that happens will depend on how Booker recovers from recent surgery on his finger.
Kyle
Lowry
33 Kyle Lowry
Point guard, Toronto Raptors
Now well into his early 30s and playing without his best friend for the first time in several seasons following the DeRozan trade, questions abound over how Lowry will fit with new-look Toronto. The biggest: Will Lowry be willing to take on DeRozan’s duties as the face of the franchise – something his new co-star, Leonard, has shown even less of an inclination to do?
Blake
Griffin
34 Blake Griffin
Power forward, Detroit Pistons
Griffin went from “Clipper For Life” to Detroit Piston in the span of about seven months. Then, a few months later, the man responsible for bringing Griffin to Detroit – Stan Van Gundy – was dismissed and replaced by Dwane Casey. The partnership with Andre Drummond will be interesting to watch, but Griffin – who will turn 30 in March – is trending in the wrong direction.
Jayson
Tatum
35 Jayson Tatum
Small forward, Boston Celtics
The Celtics got the first overall pick in last year’s draft and then traded back two spots. That now looks like a brilliant decision, as Tatum blossomed into a star as a rookie, and was Boston’s go-to scorer in the playoffs. There could be some awkwardness this season as Gordon Hayward and Irving work their way back into the mix, but there’s no doubt that, long-term, Tatum will be the sun around which the Celtics’ universe revolves.
Khris
Middleton
36 Khris Middleton
Shooting guard, Milwaukee Bucks
Middleton will never be looked at as a star, but in a league in which two-way wing players are at a premium, he becomes more valuable every year. he’s formed an effective one-two punch with Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee, and could be a big beneficiary of Coach Mike Budenholzer’s arrival if it leads to more ball movement – and better shots.
Kevin
Love
37 Kevin Love
Power forward, Cleveland Cavaliers
With James in Los Angeles and Love having signed a contract extension in Cleveland, in the space of 12 months Love has gone from the third option for the Cavaliers to their undisputed lead dog. If he can stay healthy, Love will be poised to have a massive season on a roster without many alternatives.
Paul
Millsap
38 Paul Millsap
Power forward, Denver Nuggets
Millsap spent more than half the season sidelined with a wrist injury, and when he did play he saw a more limited role than in Atlanta. This ranking, therefore, is a bit of a hedge. Millsap could bounce back up this list if he shows he’s still the same player. But now 33, and turning 34 in February, it wouldn’t be surprising if Millsap continues to regress, and tumbles again a year from now.
Gary
Harris
39 Gary Harris
Shooting guard, Denver Nuggets
Harris is the forgotten player on a team with Jokic, Millsap and the next name on this list, Jamal Murray. But not only is he a strong defender on the wing, he’s a high field goal percentage shooter who also takes a lot of shots from deep – a valuable skill-set in today’s NBA. If the Nuggets continue to improve, Harris will go from one of the league’s most underrated players to one casual fans begin to discover.
Jamal
Murray
40 Jamal Murray
Point guard, Denver Nuggets
This is definitely an aggressive ranking of Murray, but I’m bullish on his future. He should fully have the reins in Mike Malone’s offense, and while next year will be his third season in the NBA, he still doesn’t turn 22 until February – a reminder of just how young he was when he entered the league. Murray significantly increased his volume and efficiency last season, which is a rare skill. If he does that again this season, we could be looking at yet another emerging star point guard in a league full of them.
Jaylen
Brown
41 Jaylen Brown
Shooting guard, Boston Celtics
Much of the attention went to Tatum for the way Boston performed in the playoffs without Irving and Hayward. But Brown’s development in his second season cannot be overlooked. A big, physical wing who can also shoot from deep, he’s exactly what every NBA team is searching for these days. The combination with Tatum on the wing should be the foundation of a contender in Boston for years to come.
Andre
Drummond
42 Andre Drummond
Center, Detroit Pistons
Drummond put up better numbers last season, showing improved passing vision and also dramatically increasing his free throw percentage. But this ranking is indicative of two things: Detroit getting worse, and Drummond continuing to be less than what he was anticipated to be defensively early in his NBA career. Perhaps Dwane Casey will be able to unlock his potential in ways Stan Van Gundy could not. Or maybe Drummond is what he is.
Gordon
Hayward
43 Gordon Hayward
Small forward, Boston Celtics
Hayward was supposed to change the paradigm in Boston. Instead, he got hurt five minutes into the season opener and didn’t play again. After a long recovery process, Hayward is said to be healthy, but he’ll have to prove it to move back up this list. There could also be fit issues with Brown and Tatum on the wings.
Kristaps
Porzingis
44 Kristaps Porzingis
Power forward, New York Knicks
Porzingis will miss at least a chunk of this season – possibly a large chunk – after tearing his ACL in February. he’s also faded after strong starts to each of his three NBA seasons. But his potential as both a floor spacer and rim protector in today’s NBA is about as high as anyone on this list, and if he can return to prior form this season, he could shoot up this list.
Mike
Conley
45 Mike Conley
Point guard, Memphis Grizzlies
Like all of the players in this grouping, Conley is an injury risk. When healthy, he’s one of the smoothest point guards in the league and a credible two-way threat. But he’s also coming off a season where he played only 12 games because of Achilles’ soreness – an injury that, all too often, is a precursor to a torn Achilles’ tendon.
DeMarcus
Cousins
46 DeMarcus Cousins
Center, Golden State Warriors
Cousins was just starting to find a groove with Anthony Davis in New Orleans before tearing his Achilles’ in January. Then, after getting little interest from around the league as a free agent, he agreed to a one-year deal with the two-time defending champion Warriors for $5.3 million. Cousins has made noises about coming back at the start of the season, but it’s more likely he’ll return after Jan. 1 – and it remains to be seen what he’ll look like.
Eric
Gordon
47 Eric Gordon
Shooting guard, Houston Rockets
When Gordon arrived in Houston two summers ago, he was seen as a talented, yet injury-plagued player whose best days were behind him. But Gordon has been revitalized as a Rocket, becoming a crucial part of Mike D’Antoni’s team as a three-point bomber capable of putting the ball on the floor and getting to the rim, while also being stout enough to be a solid defensive player.
Lou
Williams
48 Lou Williams
Shooting guard, Los Angeles Clippers
Williams is an old-school pure scorer. Teams know exactly what he’s going to do, yet he’s able to do it anyway. After just missing the all-star team last year and earning another sixth man of the year trophy, he enters this season as the unquestioned go-to scorer for the Clippers.
Otto
Porter Jr.
49 Otto Porter Jr.
Small forward, Washington Wizards
Porter remains a conundrum in Washington. He’s a solid two-way player who has become one of the NBA’s best shooters. Despite that, there is an annual debate in Washington over why Porter isn’t more involved in the Wizards offense. He simply needs to get more shots this season than the 11.5 per game he took last year.
Joe
Ingles
50 Joe Ingles
Small forward, Utah Jazz
The rare player who has improved into his 30s, Ingles has become a crucial part of what makes Utah successful. He’s the type of player who doesn’t put up eye-popping statistics but does all of the things that prove the difference between wins and losses. The only question about Ingles at this point is if he somehow, at 31, can find a way to improve again.
Steven
Adams
51 Steven Adams
Center, Oklahoma City Thunder
A durable cinder block of a human, Adams has become Oklahoma City’s backbone, particularly defensively. It would be intriguing to see what he could do with some more touches, but playing on a team with Russell Westbrook and Paul George will probably prevent that. Regardless, Adams is a terrific player who also happens to be one of the league’s more entertaining personalities.
Marc
Gasol
52 Marc Gasol
Center, Memphis Grizzlies
Gasol, who will turn 34 this season, may find himself sliding into the back end of what has been an excellent career in Memphis. Some of his slippage could undoubtedly be attributed to both Conley sitting out and Memphis being out of the mix for the first time in several seasons, but Gasol will need to prove that is the case with a bounce-back campaign.
DeAndre
Jordan
53 DeAndre Jordan
Center, Dallas Mavericks
There were times last season when Jordan looked checked out in Los Angeles, where he was the lone remaining member of the Lob City Clippers. That excuse should be gone, though, now that Jordan has gone to the Mavericks three years after infamously leaving Dallas at the altar to remain in Los Angeles. In theory, he should be a perfect fit with the Mavericks’ young backcourt of Dennis Smith Jr. and Luka Doncic.
Aaron
Gordon
54 Aaron Gordon
Power forward, Orlando Magic
It’s difficult to decipher exactly what Gordon is four years into his career. The Magic has changed coaches twice since he was drafted, and the front office that selected him is gone. An athletic freak who has spent much of the time playing out of position and without a strong presence at point guard, Gordon has a lot of untapped potential. It will be up to new Coach Steve Clifford to unlock it.
Tobias
Harris
55 Tobias Harris
Small forward, Los Angeles Clippers
Harris has steadily developed into a solid, versatile offensive threat at either forward spot. Hailed as a terrific locker room guy and worker, he’s precisely the kind of player who will spend a long time in the NBA by being a good player who shows up and does his work every day. With free agency looming next summer – when the league will again be flush with cap space – this is a big season for Harris.
Myles
Turner
56 Myles Turner
Center, Indiana Pacers
Turner is a player who is more potential than production at this point. He has the skill-set to be exactly what the NBA is looking for in a big – one that can both space the floor and protect the rim. But in practice, he’s a guy who has averaged 12 points and six rebounds for the first three years of his career. Indiana will be hoping that his physical transformation will provide similar results to that of his teammate, Victor Oladipo.
Thaddeus
Young
57 Thaddeus Young
Power forward, Indiana Pacers
Because he’s played in several off-the-radar places – Philadelphia, Brooklyn, Minnesota and now Indiana – Young has never quite gotten his due. He’s also benefited from the way the league has shifted, allowing him to settle in as a quality starting power forward in a league where the position has gotten smaller and quicker over the past decade. Another solid season should validate his decision to opt into the final year of his contract and let him get one more big deal next summer.
Nikola
Mirotic
58 Nikola Mirotic
Power forward, New Orleans Pelicans
For maybe the first time in his career, Mirotic was fully valued last season. It showed first by being productive in Chicago after he recovered from injuries suffered by being punched in the face by teammate Bobby Portis in practice, helping grease the skids for a trade to the New Orleans Pelicans, where he was excellent playing next to Anthony Davis. He is now part of a three-headed monster inside with Davis and Julius Randle that should be quite effective.
Dario
Saric
59 Dario Saric
Power forward, Philadelphia 76ers
With Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons at the center of Philadelphia’s universe, Saric’s improvement in his second season flew under the radar. But it shouldn’t be overlooked, as he became a credible three-point shooter (39.3 percent on more than five attempts per game) and can be effective playing either at power forward or as a small-ball center.
Ricky
Rubio
60 Ricky Rubio
Point guard, Utah Jazz
Rubio’s assist numbers dropped playing in Quin Snyder’s heavy ball movement system in Utah, but the Spaniard’s well-rounded game was perfectly suited to the culture the Jazz is building in Salt Lake City. If Rubio can again shoot 35 percent or better from three, he’ll continue to be an ideal fit next to emerging star Mitchell in Utah’s back court.
Goran
Dragic
61 Goran Dragic
Point guard, Miami Heat
Dragic could be beginning to drop off as he enters his mid-30s, but he remains a quality attacking point guard who has shown needed improvement in three-point shooting as his athleticism has started to wane. Balancing that as he goes forward will be a priority if he’s to maintain this level for the Heat.
Marcus
Smart
62 Marcus Smart
Point guard, Boston Celtics
There may not be a more difficult player to rank in the entire league. On one hand, he’s a ferocious defensive player who seems to make every necessary play to help the Celtics win games. On the other, he’s a horrendous shooter, with career averages of 36 percent overall and 29.3 percent from three-point range. The positives undoubtedly outweigh the negatives, but that doesn’t make it easy to determine his precise value.
Tyreke
Evans
63 Tyreke Evans
Shooting guard, Indiana Pacers
Finally healthy again in Memphis last season, Evans showed he’s still capable of being a dynamic creator offensively, averaging over 19 points, five rebounds and five assists while shooting 39.9 percent from three on more than five attempts per game. Whether Evans works out in Indiana will come down to a pair of things: his health remaining intact, and his three-point shooting being sustainable. If it is, he’ll fit quite nicely next to Oladipo in Indiana’s back court.
Jusuf
Nurkic
64 Jusuf Nurkic
Center, Portland Trail Blazers
Nurkic’s summer was emblematic of where the center position stands in today’s NBA. Despite being a young, solid starting center, in restricted free agency he could just find a four-year deal for $48 million, with the final year only partially guaranteed. A dependable starter, the trends within the league have limited Nurkic to a lesser role than he would have had a decade ago. Second-year center Zach Collins, a better fit for the modern game (at least in theory), could begin to push him for minutes, as well.
P.J.
Tucker
65 P.J. Tucker
Power forward, Houston Rockets
Tucker was a vital part of Houston’s team last season, proving to be the Rockets’ version of Draymond Green as a floor-spacing, defensive-minded small-ball center. With his manageable contract for the next three years, Houston is going to need more of that from Tucker if it wants to remain in the hunt to emerge from the West this season and beyond.
Andre
Iguodala
66 Andre Iguodala
Small forward, Golden State Warriors
When Iguodala is healthy and engaged, he’s still a vital part of what Golden State does. But last season showed Iguodala, now 34, is going to have a harder time both staying healthy and putting out the necessary energy on a nightly basis. Instead, he will save those efforts for when they matter – the playoffs. Then again, Iguodala missed the final four games of the Western Conference finals – which was almost enough to derail Golden State’s hopes of repeating.
Luka
Doncic
67 Luka Doncic
Shooting guard, Dallas Mavericks
This is the highest a rookie has placed in the first three editions of this list. That is how highly I think of Doncic’s game, and of his landing spot with the Mavericks. Not only is he playing for one of the league’s best coaches in Rick Carlisle, but he also should be a great fit playing in Carlisle’s system, which prizes having multiple attackers on the court, next to Dennis Smith Jr. in the back court.
Harrison
Barnes
68 Harrison Barnes
Small forward, Dallas Mavericks
Barnes is never going to become the superstar many expected he could be as a top recruit arriving at North Carolina, but he has become a very dependable wing player capable of playing solid defense and being a reliable scorer. That might not seem to be especially valuable, but in today’s NBA there aren’t nearly enough of those players.
Will
Barton
69 Will Barton
Shooting guard, Denver Nuggets
Since arriving in Denver three-and-a-half years ago via trade, Barton has found a home with the Nuggets. That became more permanent when he agreed to a long-term contract as a free agent this summer, and he could even find himself sliding into a starting role. One of several capable shot creators (both for himself and others) in the Mile High City, Barton – still only 27 – could have his best days ahead of him.
Julius
Randle
70 Julius Randle
Power forward, New Orleans Pelicans
The arrival of LeBron James in Los Angeles led to Randle’s departure, as he instead found himself agreeing to a one-year deal with a player option for a second with New Orleans. While it didn’t land Randle the kind of immediate payday he was likely hoping for, it is a situation that should allow him to thrive, as he’s a perfect complement to the team’s other two bigs, Anthony Davis and Nikola Mirotic. On a team with questionable point guard play, Randle’s ability to handle the ball should also come as a benefit to Coach Alvin Gentry.
Jeff
Teague
71 Jeff Teague
Point guard, Minnesota Timberwolves
Teague is the definition of a league-average point guard. Solid in several areas, but outstanding in none, he isn’t a player who is going to lift a team to new heights. But he also isn’t going to hold a squad back. On a team with a couple of high-usage offensive players in Jimmy Butler and Karl-Anthony Towns, though, he is a good fit.
J.J.
Redick
72 J.J. Redick
Shooting guard, Philadelphia 76ers
It’s no coincidence that Philadelphia’s rise last year coincided with the arrival of Redick, one of the NBA’s true professionals – not to mention an outstanding shooter. When the hopes of landing a star this summer quickly faded, re-upping Redick on another one-year deal made plenty of sense.
Dwight
Howard
73 Dwight Howard
Center, Washington Wizards
Now 32 and entering his 15th NBA season, Howard finds himself at a crossroads. If he chooses to focus on the things he is good at – rebounding, rolling to the rim offensively and protecting it defensively – he can be a huge upgrade over Marcin Gortat in Washington, and really help the Wizards bounce back from a disappointing season. If he chooses to do what he’s done in the past, though – think he’s a guy who needs to get one post up after another, and be an issue in the locker room – this situation could get ugly in a hurry.
Lauri
Markkanen
74 Lauri Markkanen
Power forward, Chicago Bulls
While Markkanen’s selection was panned by many on draft night, he was a pleasant surprise for the Bulls last season, looking like a potential franchise cornerstone as a rookie. Between him and Wendell Carter Jr., the Bulls are excited about their long-term future in the paint – and rightfully so.
Taurean
Waller-Prince
75 Taurean Waller-Prince
Small forward, Atlanta Hawks
Prince took off last season, nearly tripling his points per game while also developing into a credible threat from three-point range. Under new Coach Lloyd Pierce, it isn’t likely the green light will be going away – and it might actually get brighter. What will determine his future place on this list will be whether he can build on that success, or if what he did last year becomes his new normal.
Josh
Richardson
76 Josh Richardson
Shooting guard, Miami Heat
After a down shooting season two years ago, Richardson returned to roughly the same numbers he had during his rookie season – while significantly increasing his usage. He is a perfect fit in Miami’s defensive-minded culture and should continue to improve.
Robert
Covington
77 Robert Covington
Small forward, Philadelphia 76ers
A rough shooting performance in the second round against the Celtics – he went 11 for 41 overall and 6 for 24 from three – overshadowed another strong season from the “3-and-D” wing. Assuming he gets back to being the player he was during the regular season, and there’s no reason to think he won’t, those struggles should be quickly forgotten
Terry
Rozier
78 Terry Rozier
Point guard, Boston Celtics
While Boston’s ceiling was lowered by Kyrie Irving’s season-ending knee surgery, it gave Rozier a chance to show what he could do on a big stage – and he didn’t disappoint. Averaging 16.5 points and 5.7 assists – while also turning it over just a little over once per game – showed he is capable of being a starting point guard. And, as he prepares for restricted free agency a year from now, he could be paid like one and lured away from Boston – if he isn’t traded before then.
Derrick
Favors
79 Derrick Favors
Power forward, Utah Jazz
After two injury-plagued seasons, Favors returned to health last year and again formed a devastating defensive partnership with Rudy Gobert in the paint. While it is unclear whether that pairing can work at the highest levels in today’s NBA, which is so heavily predicated on pace and space, Utah re-signed Favors and will hope he can prove his injury issues are behind him.
Eric
Bledsoe
80 Eric Bledsoe
Point guard, Milwaukee Bucks
Bledsoe was dreadful in the playoffs for Milwaukee, with his ankles being broken by Rozier becoming the defining image of the Bucks’ loss in seven games. He could be a real beneficiary of the arrival of Coach Mike Budenholzer, who should turn Milwaukee into a much more organized outfit. With Bledsoe facing free agency next summer, he’ll need to show something different if he wants to get another lucrative contract.
George
Hill
81 George Hill
Point guard, Cleveland Cavaliers
It was a strange season for Hill, who went from a high-priced signing in Sacramento to being acquired by the Cleveland Cavaliers for the stretch run, then helped LeBron James return to the NBA Finals for an eighth straight year. Now Hill finds himself as one of several solid veterans surrounding Kevin Love on a Cavaliers team that isn’t expected to do much. But if he plays the way he did on his good days last year, he could help Cleveland surprise.
John
Collins
82 John Collins
Center, Atlanta Hawks
Not only did Collins flash impressive athleticism as a rookie, he also showed the ability to knock down the occasional three-pointer – a skill put on further display during a brief cameo in the Las Vegas Summer League in July. He should be a nice fit as a pick-and-roll partner for Trae Young in Atlanta this season and could be a long-term option at center for the Hawks.
OG
Anunoby
83 OG Anunoby
Small forward, Toronto Raptors
As the talk of Kawhi Leonard landing in Toronto heated up, it was assumed Anunoby would have to be in the deal for San Antonio to sign off. The fact he wasn’t proved to be a major coup for the Raptors, as they were able to keep a young, dynamic athlete on the wing who credibly held up while guarding LeBron James during the playoffs. If the Raptors are to challenge Boston and Philadelphia atop the East, they’ll need a healthy Leonard and for Anunoby to take a step now more than a year removed from tearing his ACL.
Evan
Fournier
84 Evan Fournier
Shooting guard, Orlando Magic
Fournier has settled into a comfortable role as Orlando's primary scorer and creator on the perimeter. He would probably be better suited playing in a slightly smaller role on a better team, but until Orlando is able to get another creator to play alongside him, his production and role isn’t likely to change.
Trevor
Ariza
85 Trevor Ariza
Small forward, Phoenix Suns
Although shooting 20 percent from three-point range in the West finals, including going 0 for 9 from deep in Game 7, will be how Ariza’s tenure in Houston is remembered, his departure was a real loss for the Rockets.
Al-Farouq
Aminu
86 Al-Farouq Aminu
Small forward, Portland Trail Blazers
Aminu’s three-point shooting bounced back to where it was two years ago, making him the kind of player Portland needs if it wants to take a legitimate step forward in the West. With Aminu in the final year of his contract, whether he maintains that shooting will determine what he can command next summer in free agency.
Nicolas
Batum
87 Nicolas Batum
Shooting guard, Charlotte Hornets
An elbow injury hampered Batum much of last season, causing him to miss 18 games – more than he had in all but one of his prior nine seasons – while his scoring average dropped by close to four points per game. If Charlotte wants to get back into the playoff mix in the East, it will need the Batum from the prior two seasons to return.
Brandon
Ingram
88 Brandon Ingram
Small forward, Los Angeles Lakers
Yes, Ingram made strides last season, improving his field goal and three-point percentages (though on fewer than two attempts per game in the latter’s case) and upping his numbers across the board. With James arriving in Los Angeles, however, Ingram will no longer have the ball in his hands. How he adjusts to that will determine his ceiling, but if the Lakers are going to make the playoffs – as many expect them to – they’ll need Ingram to take a big step.
Taj
Gibson
89 Taj Gibson
Power forward, Minnesota Timberwolves
Gibson remains a dependable veteran, one Tom Thibodeau will again lean on heavily this season. But his lack of three-point shooting, as well as his advancing age, make for a real argument that he should be playing as a backup center, like David West the past few seasons, instead of a starting power forward.
Serge
Ibaka
90 Serge Ibaka
Power forward, Toronto Raptors
It wasn’t long ago that Ibaka was seen as the definition of a two-way power forward, from his ability to space the floor offensively while being switchable and protecting the rim defensively. Now Ibaka plays heavy minutes at center, though he should still be useful in today’s modern game.
Kentavious
Caldwell-Pope
91 Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Shooting guard, Los Angeles Lakers
The recipient of a second straight one-year deal from the Lakers this summer, Caldwell-Pope should settle in as the team’s starting shooting guard again this season. But with only one season – last year – as an above-average three-point shooter under his belt, it will be up to him to prove that is the norm, as opposed to his previous four at 35 percent or worse.
Lonzo
Ball
92 Lonzo Ball
Point guard, Los Angeles Lakers
Yes, his father is a loud mouth. Yes, his shot is ugly. Yes, he underwent offseason knee surgery. But Ball was useful in a variety of ways last season. If he can go from being a 30 percent three-point shooter to something around or over 35 percent, Ball could take a meaningful step. Even if he doesn’t, though, his play last season merits his inclusion.
Danny
Green
93 Danny Green
Shooting guard, Toronto Raptors
It came out after the season that Green was playing with an injured groin, which explained why he didn’t look like himself last year in San Antonio. After being sent to Toronto as part of the Leonard trade, Green will have a chance to rehab his value before hitting free agency next summer for a chance at one final payday.
Dennis
Smith Jr.
94 Dennis Smith Jr.
Point guard, Dallas Mavericks
Smith showed predictable flashes of inconsistency as a rookie, but also displayed more than enough potential. He will need to improve his three-point shooting – 31 percent doesn’t cut it in today’s NBA – but he should benefit from playing alongside another young, dynamic ballhandler in Doncic. Point guard is perhaps the toughest position to play in the NBA as a rookie; Smith should benefit from that experience in his sophomore season.
Danilo
Gallinari
95 Danilo Gallinari
Small forward, Los Angeles Clippers
If health wasn’t part of the equation, Gallinari would easily be much higher on this list. But after playing 21 games last season, the 30-year-old Italian has missed a combined 132 games over the past four seasons. He’s looked great in the preseason, and could form a deadly partnership with Tobias Harris on the wing for Doc Rivers – if he can stay on the court.
Jae
Crowder
96 Jae Crowder
Small forward, Utah Jazz
It was a tale of two seasons for Crowder, who went from looking lost in Cleveland to being back to what he was in Boston when he landed in Utah at the trade deadline. While Crowder may need to be in a system to be most effective, luckily for him he will be in Utah.
Markieff
Morris
97 Markieff Morris
Power forward, Washington Wizards
Morris will remain Washington’s starting power forward and should also spend some time as a small-ball center. He should benefit from entering this season both healthy and without the distractions that came with the assault trial he and his brother spent most of last year’s training camp going through.
Marcus
Morris
98 Marcus Morris
Power forward, Boston Celtics
A dependable option at power forward for Boston last year, the other Morris twin could be the odd man out in a minutes crunch in the Celtics front court this year. Assuming Hayward is able to stay healthy, Coach Brad Stevens will have to find minutes for him, Morris, Brown and Tatum at shooting guard/small forward/power forward, and that doesn’t include the times he deploys Al Horford at power forward next to Aron Baynes.
Andrew
Wiggins
99 Andrew Wiggins
Shooting guard, Minnesota Timberwolves
Jimmy Butler’s arrival meant a reduced role offensively for Wiggins, and it was a rough adjustment. While his per game numbers predictably dropped across the board, Wiggins also saw his efficiency decline. There have also been rumblings about him wanting out of Minnesota altogether after signing a max contract extension last fall. If last year is any indication, it will be difficult for Wiggins to live up to that contract.
Wendell
Carter Jr.
100 Wendell Carter Jr.
Center, Chicago Bulls
Carter was the star of the Las Vegas Summer League, showing an ability to do everything at both ends that a big man needs to in today’s game. With Robin Lopez entrenched as Chicago’s starter for at least this coming season, though, Carter will likely have to wait for Lopez to either be traded or possibly bought out to get the kind of minutes his talent deserves.
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