For the fifth season in a row, Def Pen Sports presents its collaborative ranking of the top 50 NBA players. A couple of quick things notes about the list:

• This is a list of who our staff members think the top 50 NBA players are for this season. The definition of “top” or “best” is subjective and open-ended; each voter has their own view and opinion on that.
• No rookies are included in our top 50 NBA players list because we haven’t seen them in NBA action yet (preseason and Summer League don’t count).

The 2021-22 top 50 NBA players list was voted on by eight of our staff members — David Morrow, Lance Roberson, Oti Agbeyegbe, Dylan Hargis, Xavier Santos, David Loaiza, Cameron Dunlap and Jalen Sherman  — plus guest voter Kas Facts. Each voter created their own list, and we averaged the rankings of each individual list to create the final product below.

For each player, you’ll see the overall ranking, where we had them ranked on our 2020-21 Top 50 NBA players list, the highest and lowest ranks any of our voters ranked them on their individual lists, and a brief writeup about that player.

Honorable mentions (players who received at least one vote but didn’t make the list), listed in order of how close they were to cracking the top 50): Tobias Harris, Philadelphia 76ers; Jerami Grant, Detroit Pistons; Mike Conley, Utah Jazz; Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies; Terry Rozier, Charlotte Hornets; Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets; Collin Sexton, Cleveland Cavaliers; OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors; Kristaps Porzingis, Dallas Mavericks; Lonzo Ball, Chicago Bulls; Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves; Marcus Smart, Boston Celtics; Malcolm Brogdon, Indiana Pacers; John Collins, Atlanta Hawks; Jonas Valanciunas, New Orleans Pelicans

50. Michael Porter Jr., Denver Nuggets

Last Year’s Ranking: Unranked

Highest Vote: 43

Lowest Vote: Unranked

This last spot could have gone to anyone between Michael Porter Jr., Jaren Jackson Jr., John Collins or others. Porter gets the nod for what this season could be for him. With Murray out, the Nuggets need a go-to scorer, and Porter is the first option to fill it and be second to Nikola Jokic on a championship-caliber team.

– David Loaiza

49. Christian Wood, Houston Rockets

Last Year’s Ranking: Unranked

Highest Vote: 43

Lowest Vote: Unranked

Christian Wood deserves a ton of respect for turning himself into one of the better big men in the league after bouncing around as a journeyman. After being waived by the Pelicans and joining the Pistons, Wood was able to shine in Blake Griffin’s injury-caused absence. Few fans outside of Detroit watched Wood play, and with good reason. That Pistons team stunk out loud, and Wood was the team’s lone bright spot on many nights. Some wondered if his gaudy stat lines were inflated due to the lack of talent around him or if his numbers would translate on a better team. Well, in 41 games with the Rockets, Wood was a 20-and-10 guy on a nightly basis. His length on defense and ability to knock down perimeter shots makes him that much more valuable. You can get away with playing him at the 5 but can also shift him over to the 4 and play him alongside a more traditional center.

The one knock against Wood is his age. At 26, he is still in his prime and he is by no means old. The issue has to do with his timeline and that of the Houston Rockets. The Rockets are several years away from being able to field a playoff-caliber team. By the time the next good Houston team is in a position to contend, Wood may be close to 30 or past it. At that point, he may not be the player he is today. For that reason, he probably does more for the Rockets as a trade asset than he will as a player. Wood signed an extremely team-friendly contract, and any number of contenders would be lucky to have him. He will be a name to watch as the trade deadline approaches.

– Xavier S.

48. Clint Capela, Atlanta Hawks

Last Year’s Ranking: Unranked

Highest Vote: 35

Lowest Vote: Unranked

The anchor of the Hawks’ defense helped them reach the Eastern Conference Finals last season. Clint Capela is one of the best defenders and rebounders in the NBA. Last season, Capela was the NBA rebounding leader. He is a more traditional type of big man but is still valuable all the same. Last season, he averaged 15.2 points, 14.3 rebounds and two blocks per game.

The Hawks run a system that needs a top defensive center like Capela on the roster. Atlanta is full of shooters, and someone needs to play defense down low and snag rebounds. Teams that play this style of basketball need an anchor, and there are few better in the league than Capela. His rebounding is important, but his protection of the paint is what puts him on the top 50 list. Trae Young gets most of the attention on the team, but mess with him and you have to deal with Capela.

– Dylan Hargis

47. Fred VanVleet, Toronto Raptors

Last Year’s Ranking: Honorable mention

Highest Vote: 39

Lowest Vote: Unranked

For at least two years, it has been clear that Fred VanVleet is ready to take over as the lead guard on the Toronto Raptors. He has quietly been a borderline All-Star the past couple of seasons. The reason it’s been so quiet was because of the presence of Kyle Lowry, the face of the franchise. With Lowry off in Miami, VanVleet’s time is here.

The undrafted guard is similar to Lowry in many ways; short but strong, a stout defender and capable of attacking the rim or pulling up from deep. He is masterful in leading pick and rolls. VanVleet averaged 19.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 6.3 assists last season, plus 1.7 steals a game, good for third in the league. Those are stellar numbers, although the guard does need to work on his efficiency. A lifetime 40.5% field-goal shooter, VanVleet was down to 38.9% from the field and 36.6% from 3 last season. If he can get back up to around 39% from 3 (which is what he shot in 2019-20) and figure out how to up his 2-point-shooting efficiency by several percentage points, VanVleet could be an All-Star. To give him all credit he’s due, it’s worth pointing out that he is one of the league’s steadiest free-throw shooters (88.5% last season).

– David Morrow

46. LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets

Last Year’s Ranking: Ineligible; incoming rookie

Highest Vote: 34

Lowest Vote: Unranked

The reigning Rookie of the Year took the NBA by storm and had the Charlotte
Hornets as a top-four seed before he and others got hurt. A year of experience and a full offseason should help the young guard continue to capture wins for a franchise that is starved for them. He started his first year on the bench, but that won’t happen this year. Ball has a chance to become the face of the Hornets this year, and a Ball never shies away from the spotlight.

Sophomore seasons can be tough for some players, but Ball looks like a unique talent. As a rookie, he averaged 15.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game. Each of those categories is likely to go up this season with a more seasoned Ball on the court. It feels like Ball will get closer and closer to averaging a triple-double until one day he does just that. Ball could be a future face of the NBA and right now finds himself as the only second-year player on this list.

– Dylan H.

45. DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls

Last Year’s Ranking: Honorable mention

Highest Vote: 38

Lowest Vote: Unranked

DeMar DeRozan was one of the more intriguing free agents in this year’s class. Some people wondered if he would prioritize winning and sign for the mid-level exemption on a team with title hopes. Instead, DeRozan shocked everyone by agreeing to a three-year, $85 million contract with the Chicago Bulls. On the surface, you can understand what the Bulls were thinking. DeRozan is still a capable isolation scorer and possesses a level of playmaking that Chicago has sorely missed. It’s every other facet of his game that should concern Bulls fans.

First, Derozan is 32. He is toward the tail end of his prime and is likely to see his athleticism wane in the years to come. Secondly, Derozan is only effective when he is the primary ball-handler for your team. He doesn’t need to be heavily guarded off-ball, and his lack of perimeter shooting will cramp the space around any Zach LaVine-Nikola Vucevic pick and rolls. Lastly, and most importantly, he is an absolute turnstile on defense. He lacks the foot speed to defend guards and gets overpowered by wings. For a team with Vucevic at center and LaVine on the perimeter, the addition of DeRozan gives opposing offenses a number of places to attack every single possession. The Bulls’ second unit will thrive with Derozan at the helm, but it will be interesting to see how his fit affects the team’s ability to execute on both ends down the stretch of games.

– Xavier S.

44. Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors

Last Year’s Ranking: 42

Highest Vote: 39

Lowest Vote: Unranked

As you can tell from this ranking, gone are the days of Draymond Green as a top-15 player in the NBA. He is now three years removed from being an All-Star, and seems to become less willing to take shots as the years go by. Green averaged his lowest points (seven) and shot attempts (six) per game since 2013-14 last season.

Still, Draymond is a damn good player, and on his best days (or in a playoff series) you absolutely can argue that he’s better than a lot of players ranked ahead of him on this list. He may have averaged fewer points last season, but the elite playmaker also posted his best assists-per-game average, 8.9, the fourth-best mark in the league and easily the highest of his career.

Green is also still a strong rebounder for his size (7.1 per game last season) and still is an absolutely elite defender when he’s engaged. Green ranked fourth in the league in steals per game last season with 1.7 and was a major reason for the Warriors being a top-five defense.

– David M.

43. Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors

Last Year’s Ranking: Ineligible; injured for the season

Highest Vote: 28

Lowest Vote: Unranked

It’s been more than two years since we last saw Klay Thompson on a court. First, he suffered an ACL injury during the NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors and then an Achilles injury before last season started. He is still recovering and will return to full practice in November. We still don’t know in which form we’ll see him back, but as one of the best shooters in NBA history, he deserves to be on the list. It’ll be fun to see the Warriors return to the Steph and Klay show again.

– David L.

42. CJ McCollum, Portland Trail Blazers

Last Year’s Ranking: 37

Highest Vote: 26

Lowest Vote: 49

If basketball was all about style, if it were about who’s the smoothest, with the best dribble package (the Kyrie Irving award, if you will), CJ McCollum would be a top-five player. McCollum is a great scorer. His skill set is redundant with Damian Lillard’s, which is why McCollum remains the best centerpiece for a Ben Simmons trade. Simmons is also a great player who happens to play next to a better player who’s an awkward fit with him. Daryl Morey is too damn stubborn, though, so it probably won’t happen.

McCollum is the new captain of the Mike Conley All-Star team (guys who absolutely would be All-Stars were they in the Eastern Conference, but miss out every year because the West is so stacked), which Conley had to step down from last season when he finally made an actual All-Star team. McCollum averaged 23.1 points and 4.7 assists per game last season, both career-highs. Lillard and McCollum powered Portland to the second-best offensive rating in the league — and of all time.

McCollum also shot 45.8% from the field and cracked the 40% mark from 3-point range for the first time since 2016-17 — and did so while shooting 8.9 3s a game, by far the most of his career. McCollum is a bit one-dimensional but great, he just gets a bit overshadowed by Lillard. It’d be cool to see him as a primary ball-handler one day (Do it, Daryl).

– David M.

41. Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls

Last Year’s Ranking: 39

Highest Vote: 31

Lowest Vote: 48

Nikola Vucevic remains one of the most underrated stars in the league. The two-time All-Star transitioned to the Windy City mid-season after the Magic dealt him to the Bulls. The double-double machine averaged 23.4 points and 11.7 rebounds on a proficient 40% shooting from three. The big man has consistently proven he’s one of the best centers in the league.

Vucevic has been a staple of consistency in Orlando. Now paired with Zach LaVine and DeMar Derozan, the 31-year-old will receive ample opportunities down low. Media and fans will finally recognize the expertise of Vucevic this upcoming season as he continues to be one of the best bigs in the league.

– Jalen Sherman

40. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

Last Year’s Ranking: 45

Highest Vote: 27

Lowest Vote: Unranked

Shai made a jump last season with a career-high in points (23.7) and assists (5.9), making a name for himself as the franchise player of the Thunder. However, the stats come from a small sample size, as he only played half the season because of an injury or the Thunder trying to lose so they could get a high draft pick. With SGA on the court, Oklahoma City had a 16-19 record. Without him, they only won five of the 37 games they played. Shai made the Thunder better and could be the one leading them to a championship in the near future once they decide to compete.

– David L.

39. Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans

Last Year’s Ranking: 29

Highest Vote: 24

Lowest Vote: Unranked

Brandon Ingram has been largely overlooked because he is standing in a giant shadow cast by Zion Williamson. Ingram’s first year with the Pelicans saw him reach NBA All-Star status, and last year, his numbers didn’t change much from that All-Star campaign. He did not make the All-Star team a season ago, but he was still incredibly effective on the Pelicans. It seems pretty clear this is Zion’s team moving forward, but Ingram is more than capable of helping him win games.

Last year with the Pelicans, Ingram averaged 23.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game. The talented forward is capable of scoring at all three levels and seems like the closer for the team. He has been asked to take big shots, and we know he is capable of hitting them. Ingram is only 24 years old and should only get better from here. The biggest question is whether he will produce on a chaotic Pelicans roster.

-Dylan H.

38. Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns

Last Year’s Ranking: 46

Highest Vote: 31

Lowest Vote: 44

The Suns and Deandre Ayton were unable to come to an agreement on a rookie extension. That should be a great motivator for the young big man to earn his max contract extension. Granted, he is already a top defensive big man in the league, but his offense still needs some polish. Ayton averaged 14.4 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game. The offensive side of his game is coming along, and luckily, he doesn’t have to score in bunches with Chris Paul and Devin Booker on the team.

Ayton is a defensive anchor and a vital member of the Phoenix Suns. The offensive scheme the Suns run with multiple shooters requires a defensive and rebounding machine like Ayton down low. The brilliance of Luka Doncic and Trae Young often distract people from the fact that their draft class is only entering its fourth season. With a contract on his mind, it feels like a great year to predict a breakout season for the Phoenix big man.

– Dylan H.

37. De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings

Last Year’s Ranking: 38

Highest Vote: 27

Lowest Vote: Unranked

Fox has steadily improved with each season. Last season, he averaged a career-high 25.2 points and returned to his best 7.2 assists per game. Sadly, the same cannot be said of the Kings, although they are an interesting team this season, with a strong trio of guards in Fox, Haliburton and Davion Mitchell. That rotation will likely hurt Fox’s stats but make him a more efficient player.

– David L.

36. Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors

Last Year’s Ranking: 24

Highest Vote: 25

Lowest Vote: Unranked

Siakam had a big-time breakout season in 2019-20 on the heels of the Raptors’ championship run, in which he played a major role. Last season, Siakam took a small step back. His counting stats weren’t much different than they were in his 2019-20 All-Star campaign (he averaged 1.5 fewer points last season but an extra assist a game), but his 3-point shooting, which took a huge leap forward in 2019-20 (35.9% on 6.1 attempts per game) took a dip down to 29.7% on 4.4 attempts per game.

Siakam recently mentioned that he never felt like he was “the guy” in Toronto between Kawhi Leonard being one of the best players in the league and then Kyle Lowry being an All-Star and the greatest Raptor ever. There will be no excuses to be made this season. Leonard and Lowry are gone. If Siakam wants this to be his team, it’s time to truly assert himself as the top option. If he’s simply more comfortable being a second or third option, that’s fine, but if that’s the case, he will have no right to bemoan what he claims to have seen as a murky role. It’s not hard to envision Siakam stepping up as the go-to guy in Toronto, but it’s also easy to see Fred VanVleet doing that, or OG Anunoby, who appears poised for a breakout season.

If Siakam does step forward and feels comfortable in a clearly defined role, we might be looking at a borderline All-NBA player. Siakam is coming off back-to-back 20-plus-point-per-game seasons. What would he look like as a No. 1 option?

– David M.

35. Domantas Sabonis, Indiana Pacers

Last Year’s Ranking: 40

Highest Vote: 23

Lowest Vote: 48

Domantas Sabonis is an absolute stud and the face of the Indiana Pacers. He broke the 20-point-per-game barrier as a scorer for the first time in 2020-21 while being named to his second consecutive All-Star team. Sabonis is a dominant force with his back to the basket and can space the floor just well enough to keep defenses honest (32.1% from 3-point range on a career-high 2.6 attempts last season). He’s one of the better passing big men in the league and averaged a career-high 6.7 assists per game last season. Sabonis ranked fourth in rebounds per game (12) and 13th in assists a year ago, one of three players (Russell Westbrook, Nikola Jokic) to rank in the top 15 in both categories.

The Pacers’ fit of Sabonis and Myles Turner is slightly awkward at times but mostly works; both players are nimble enough and good enough shooters to not get in one another’s way, and the Pacers run some fun double drag with their twin towers.

– David M.

34. Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies

Last Year’s Ranking: 34

Highest Vote: 24

Lowest Vote: Unranked

The 2020 NBA Rookie of The Year, Ja Morant has already proven himself one of the best young players in the league and one of the best point guards heading into the new season. His regular-season numbers took a modest jump in his sophomore season. However, instead of impacting his personal numbers a staggering amount, his play impacted winning and pushed the Grizzlies into the playoffs.

In his first playoff series, the 22-year-old averaged 30.2 points and 8.2 assists against the Utah Jazz, holders of the league’s best defense. Morant’s nuclear athleticism coupled with his supreme IQ at a young age makes him one of the deadliest players in the NBA.

– Jalen S.

33. Kyle Lowry, Miami Heat

Last Year’s Ranking: 30

Highest Vote: 22

Lowest Vote: 44

In one of the biggest free agency moves in the offseason, the Miami Heat acquired Kyle Lowry in hopes of building a championship contender. In a way, Lowry integrates perfectly in the culture that Miami is famous for. A hard worker, defensive-minded player and is not afraid to put his body on the line to draw offensive fouls. He also brings a lot of playmaking for the team and relieves Jimmy Butler from that part of the game so the latter can focus on scoring.

Heat fans should hope that Lowry will have an impact similar to Chris Paul on the Suns last season.

– David L.

32. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics

Last Year’s Ranking: 33

Highest Vote: 20

Lowest Vote: Unranked

Jaylen Brown is proof that hard work and a commitment to excellence pay off. The Celtics were mocked after selecting Brown third overall in the 2016 draft. All he’s done since that day is get better with each passing season. He’s made improvements as a shooter, ball-handler and playmaker. He’s one of the better perimeter defenders in the league and alongside Jayson Tatum gives the Celtics a fantastic duo on the wings.

In years prior, the Celtics were armed with an abundance of draft picks and young talent. Brown was consistently mentioned as the centerpiece of any deal that would yield the Celtics a star in return. Those rumors have since stopped. Would Bradley Beal be that much of an upgrade over Brown? In fact, how many players would you feel comfortable trading Brown for today? Given his age and position, Brown is arguably one of the more valuable players in the league. Not bad for a player many people said would be a bust.

– Xavier S.

31. Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets

Last Year’s Ranking: 23

Highest Vote: 27

Lowest Vote: 43

Not a lot of information about Murray’s eventual return after suffering a torn ACL in April is available, but he is still an important player for the Nuggets’ aspirations. When he is cleared to go back to the court, Denver will rise to be again one of the top teams in the West and keep building on the work of these past two seasons.

– David L.

30. Julius Randle, New York Knicks

Last Year’s Ranking: Unranked

Highest Vote: 26

Lowest Vote: 46

Julius Randle and the Knicks were the perfect marriage. The Knicks and their fans were desperate for someone who could shoulder the offensive burden and appreciate what it meant to be a star in New York City. After stops in Los Angeles and New Orleans, Randle was looking for a team that was willing to run its offense through him and allow him to shine as an isolation scorer. Randle is coming off his best season in terms of numbers and on-court impact. He carried the Knicks and was nearly single-handedly responsible for their return to the playoffs.

The question about Randle is how high your team’s ceiling can be with him as your best player. In the postseason against the Hawks, he struggled to create offense, and his assortment of stepbacks and long, contested 2s simply weren’t falling. In the post, he struggled to score against the height and athleticism of Atlanta’s frontcourt. For an organization and city desperate to merely field a competent team, last year was a success. Randle is likely to see some level of regression, and one has to wonder if he is versatile enough to impact winning if last year’s shooting splits appear to be unsustainable. For the time being, Randle is a demigod in the city of New York. But if last season was as good as it’s ever going to get, how long will the honeymoon phase last?

– Xavier S.

29. Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers

Last Year’s Ranking: 19

Highest Vote: 20

Lowest Vote: 40

Coming in at 29 is arguably the most polarizing player in today’s game, Ben Simmons. We will get to his shortcomings as a player in a moment, but for now, let’s focus on why Simmons is considered a top-30 player. First and foremost, Simmons has a case for being the best on-ball defender in the league. With his size and agility, we’ve seen Simmons frustrate some of the league’s best perimeter scorers. Few, if any, players outside of Kawhi Leonard were able to contain superstar Luka Doncic the way Simmons did in his two games against the Dallas Mavericks. Offensively, he is a blur in transition that is borderline unstoppable with a full head of steam. It’s his play in the half court, however, that prevents him from climbing higher on the list.

It’s no longer a matter of if but when Simmons will ultimately be traded. His talent and skill set are probably best suited for a young team looking to find a star to build around. Simmons is talented enough to have his own team, and it would be intriguing to see how a team built to accentuate his strengths and cover up his weaknesses would fare on the court. If he can land in an ideal situation, he could end up a lot higher on next year’s list. If his next situation produces similar results to what we’ve seen thus far, it might be hard to justify having him this high again.

– Xavier S.

28. Jrue Holiday, Milwaukee Bucks

Last Year’s Ranking: 35

Highest Vote: 21

Lowest Vote: 37

The championship season helped Holiday move up the ranks on our list. He was crucial for his team’s success in the postseason, defending Chris Paul and Devin Booker in the finals, and especially his steal and ensuing lob to Giannis Antetounmpo to seal the win in Game 5. He was a huge upgrade from Eric Bledsoe and will continue to play his role for the Bucks to look for another championship.

– David L.

27. Russell Westbrook, Los Angeles Lakers

Last Year’s Ranking: 26

Highest Vote: 15

Lowest Vote: 38

The Los Angeles Lakers are all in on the man known for being a walking triple-double. Russell Westbrook’s passion for the game and the intensity he brings to every game will provide the Lakers with a safety net during the regular season. If LeBron James is out, a Westbrook-Anthony Davis pick-and-roll will shred opposing defenses. If AD is out, Westbrook and LeBron will be too much for most teams to handle on a nightly basis. The real test for Westbrook and the Lakers will come in the second round of the playoffs. Prior to this season, the formula for the Lakers was clear — surround Lebron-AD pick and rolls with shooting. Westbrook’s presence is counterintuitive to that game plan.

In the regular season, Westbrook’s lack of shooting will be offset by his insane ability to be a one-man fast break. The playoffs, however, are a much different game. Teams put an emphasis on getting back in transition as a way of eliminating easy baskets for the opposition. Westbrook is a good and sometimes great player. No one can deny that. He does, however, require a certain type of team to thrive. Lebron and AD require the same type of team around them in order to maximize their effectiveness. Westbrook has never altered his game and shown a willingness to defer to a better player. We will see if that trend continues in LA. If it does, his tenure on the Lakers may be shorter than some anticipate.

– Xavier S.

26. Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz

Last Year’s Ranking: 25

Highest Vote: 12

Lowest Vote: 41

Three times the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year, NBA fans all know who Rudy Gobert is and what he brings at this point. On both ends, he is who he is. Offensively, he’s a great lob target. He won’t give you much in the way of post moves, which is fine for the Jazz, who have a bevy of scoring options and don’t need postups from Gobert.

Defensively, he’s the scariest guy in the league to face down while you’re driving to the rim. He has a rare blend of monster strength, ridiculous wingspan and good leaping ability and is an elite rebounder on both ends.

Gobert averaged 14.3 points, 13.5 rebounds and 2.7 blocks a game last season. Those 2.7 were a career-high blocks for the best shot-blocker in the league, by the way.

– David M.

25. Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat

Last Year’s Ranking: 22

Highest Vote: 23

Lowest Vote: 32

It would be very hard to overstate how important Bam Adebayo is to the Miami Heat. The sort of defensive versatility he brings is incredibly rare. It enables head coach Erik Spoelstra to scheme his defense in a variety of ways few other coaches can. Adebayo is nimble enough to stick with guards well — not just well for a big man, but well, period — and his sturdiness and leaping ability make him no slouch in the post despite his 6-foot-9 frame.

While it is his defense that makes him truly special, he’s far from a one-way player. Adebayo is a tremendous lob target and a superb passer, and his speed and athleticism make him great in transition. Adebayo averaged 18.7 points per game last season to go with nine rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.2 steals and a block. He shot a career-high 57% from the field.

Adebayo is one of the absolute best big men in the league. Jimmy Butler is probably the Heat’s best player, but Bam is their most important. With Kyle Lowry in tow, this is a team capable of contending for a Finals berth and potentially a championship.

– David M.

24. Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls

Last Year’s Ranking: 41

Highest Vote: 22

Lowest Vote: 41

Everyone’s opinion of Zach LaVine should have changed last season. His counting numbers were similar to those of his previous seasons, but how he arrived at those numbers was drastically different. LaVine became a much more efficient player who started to get his points in the flow of the offense while improving as a playmaker. Years prior, he was a black hole who looked to get his points at the expense of his teammates. His shot selection was poor, and he was statistically one of the worst crunch-time player in the league. Last year proved Lavine’s talent could translate to wins. Had he stayed healthy, the Bulls were on track to make the play-in tournament.

With Bradley Beal and Damian Lillard set on playing the season out on their respective teams, LaVine will be the player to watch early in the season. If the Bulls struggle out the gate, LaVine’s future will be a topic of conversation. He will become an unrestricted free agent at season’s end and could decide to expedite an exit out of Chicago if he senses there is a better opportunity out there. While some believe DeMar DeRozan was signed to play alongside Lavine for the next few years, it’s possible the Bulls view DeRozan as insurance should LaVine and Klutch decide to pursue an in-season trade.

– Xavier S.

23. Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves

Last Year’s Ranking: 15

Highest Vote: 15

Lowest Vote: 30

In a vacuum, Towns has the talent to be a top 25 player in the league. At 6-foot-1, he is not just a great shooter for his size; a career 39.4% 3-point shooter, KAT has a case for being one of the best shooters in the league. He hits 3s on the move, off of step-backs and is deadly when spotting up. Down low, his footwork and physicality have turned him into a lethal post threat, as well. He is a gifted scorer with no tangible weaknesses in his offensive game. It’s his defense, however, that leaves a lot to be desired.

It’s difficult to comprehend how a player with his creativity and ingenuity on the offensive end can be so clueless on the other. He doesn’t understand how to rotate, is late even when he makes the right read and seems to play defense with a general air of malaise. He’s been accused of being a selfish player only interested in his own stat line, and KAT has done little to dispel that notion thus far in his career. The upcoming season will be a huge litmus test for the talented big man. Can the Wolves field a league-average defense with him as the anchor? If not, does the team pack the type of offensive firepower needed to consistently outscore its opponents? If the answer is yes, the Wolves may find themselves in position to contend for a spot in the play-in tournament. If the answer is no, the Wolves will once again find themselves in the lottery.

– Xavier S.

22. Khris Middleton, Milwaukee Bucks

Last Year’s Ranking: 27

Highest Vote: 19

Lowest Vote: 30

NBA champion Khris Middleton didn’t always have such a cache. Before the 2021 postseason, the former 39th draft pick caught grief from his playoff inconsistencies; the 2019 Eastern Conference Finals come to mind.

During that series, Antetokounmpo’s running mate mustered a measly 13 points per contest. Although his numbers were efficient, the attempts mirrored that of a player who either couldn’t get the shots or didn’t want them.

Fast forward to the 2021 playoffs to see quite the turn of events as it’s clear Middleton figured things out. Registering four 30-plus-point games and dropping 40 in the NBA Finals, the championship authentication of Middleton happened in marvelous fashion.

– Lance R.

21. Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans

Last Year’s Ranking: 31

Highest Vote: 16

Lowest Vote: 32

Zion Williamson was one of the most hyped basketball prospects in recent years for good reason. His athleticism to dunk and block shots and the force he plays with in the paint is always exciting. Sadly, we lost the Lonzo Ball-Zion alley-oops, but that will put the 6-foot-7 forward in a position as one of the primary ball-handlers and offense-creators of the team coming from pick and rolls and assists from the post.

Although his health is already in question as the Pelicans won’t have him available for at least the first two weeks of the season due to a foot injury, in his third season, the expectations for him to perform will be there. The team surrounding him isn’t the greatest, however, so it likely will be another All-Star season without a playoff appearance for Zion.

– David L.

20. Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz

Last Year’s Ranking: 20

Highest Vote: 15

Lowest Vote: 23

Donovan Mitchell and the Utah Jazz proved to be a formidable foe a season ago and will be contenders for the foreseeable future. Mitchell’s ascension into superstar status and leader of his team happened nearly overnight. The 25-year-old averaged 26 points and five assists in his fourth season out of Louisville.

The Jazz compiled a season worthy of 52 wins in a 72-game season. Their success was largely predicated on Mitchell’s ability to be an enforcer in scoring the ball, breaking down defenses, serving as a playmaker, and displaying impressive leadership for his youth. The sky’s the limit for this elite talent.

– Jalen S.

19. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks

Last Year’s Ranking: 28

Highest Vote: 12

Lowest Vote: 36

“He’s too small.”

The constant criticism of Trae Young stemming from his college days, although not as potent, carries weight in certain NBA circles. However, after a heroic and shocking postseason run, the former Oklahoma Sooner shed the scouting label with a rebellious scowl.

Following a coaching change that saw Lloyd Pierce exit the franchise after a 14-20 start, the Hawks finished the 2020-21 season strong under Nate McMillan. Either from inspiration or by a preordained fate, the Hawks responded to their new coach with a 27-11 run. As Atlanta earned its first playoff berth since 2017, Young had his eyes set on the big apple with the New York Knicks in the 4-5 seed matchup.

Young embraced the villain role as he hushed the Madison Square Garden crowd, Thanos-snapped the Philadelphia 76ers locker room and scared the Bucks until an ankle sprain hindered his performance. Young valiantly earned his top-20 spot on our list.

– Lance R.

18. Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns

Last Year’s Ranking: 21

Highest Vote: 14

Lowest Vote: 33

Chris Paul is a top-five point guard of all time. Going by the numbers, it’s not a debate. Now, where you place him in that list is where the discussion invokes heated discussions.

Although the 11-time All-Star never appeared in an NBA Finals, his reputation of improving franchises kept him afloat in the league filled with athletic point guards bursting with speed. At the wisdom-rich age of 35, Paul again took a team favored for lottery status to the postseason.

Not only did Paul lead the Phoenix Suns to the playoffs, he played through a hurt shoulder and a COVID-19 scare to reach his first NBA Finals as well as the Suns’ first trip since 1993.

En route to the NBA Finals, the Suns defeated the defending NBA champions, swept the 2021 MVP-led Denver Nuggets and beat the Los Angeles Clippers with Paul missing two games. Despite Paul being out of action due to catching COVID, the star point guard averaged 24 points to clinch the NBA Finals berth.

– Lance R.

17. Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards

Last Year’s Ranking: 16

Highest Vote: 12

Lowest Vote: 24

Bradley Beal recorded his best season yet in 2020-2021. His 31.3 points per game were a career-high and ranked second in the league in scoring behind Stephen Curry. Beal showcased his exceptional three-level scoring throughout the entirety of the season.

He was a one-on-one matchup nightmare for any defender that dared to take him on. His staggering play on the offensive end allowed the Washington Wizards to make the playoffs. Beal ranks at No. 17 on this list as a result of his scoring prowess. Beal has been a bucket-getter for quite some time now, and don’t expect that to change as he’s entered his prime years.

– Jalen S.

16. Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns

Last Year’s Ranking: 17

Highest Vote: 13

Lowest Vote: 28

The emergence of Devin Booker as an NBA superstar was a beautiful thing to watch. He led the Suns to the 2021 NBA Finals and fell just two games short of being crowned the NBA Champions. Early on in this season, Booker will turn just 25 years old. It is hard to believe he will be in his seventh NBA season already, with his entire career ahead of him. Booker has only just started playing in his NBA prime.

Booker has quickly become a top shooting guard and the emotional leader of his team. Last season with the Suns, he averaged 25.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. He could very well end up in the MVP race this year after last year’s playoff performance. As Chris Paul gets older, it will be up to Booker to handle more and more responsibility.

– Dylan H.

15. Kyrie Irving, Brooklyn Nets

Last Year’s Ranking: 18

Highest Vote: 11

Lowest Vote: 24

The problem with Kyrie Irving has never been on the court. Right now, the only issue is how often he will be allowed to play. Without a COVID-19 vaccination, he will not be allowed to play in the Brooklyn Nets’ home games. The team sacrificed some depth to pull in its Big 3, and for good reason. Irving is easily the best third option you’ll find on an NBA roster right now. He is great with the ball in his hands and more than capable off the ball, as well.

Last season, the All-Star point guard averaged 26.9 points, six assists and 4.8 rebounds per game. It is absolutely clear that when he’s on the court, he’s one of the best point guards in the NBA. He is a great playmaker and adds an extra level to the Nets’ roster. This team might still be a title contender without him, but with him, it is the clear odds-on favorite to win the NBA Championship this year.

– Dylan H.

14. Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat

Last Year’s Ranking: 11

Highest Vote: 13

Lowest Vote: 22

In his second season with the Miami Heat, Jimmy Butler continued his dominance as their best player. His point-forward role has worked wonders in Miami, as he averaged a career-high 7.1 assists last season. The 11-year pro also averaged 21.5 points per game along with 6.9 rebounds on 49% shooting.

Butler’s role may be lessened as a result of the addition of Kyle Lowry, but at the end of the day, we all know when the game’s on the line, the ball will be in “Jimmy G. Buckets'” hands. With lesser usage, Butler’s efficiency will rise, and he’ll be provided more scoring opportunities. Last year was a remarkable year for the veteran forward, and he may be in store for an even greater one.

– Jalen S.

13. Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers

Last Year’s Ranking: 14

Highest Vote: 11

Lowest Vote: 20

A playoffs after the Los Angeles Clippers folded in their trademark fashion, the stepbrother franchise of Staples Center saw itself in an 0-2 hole vs. its playoff irritant, the Dallas Mavericks.

Despite Luka Doncic’s all-on-me postseason performance, the Clippers finished the series on top in seven games. Afterward, the Clippers faced the league’s best Utah Jazz. During the series, Kawhi Leonard suffered a leg injury, leaving Paul George to lead the team.

Despite Leonard’s absence, George ensued on a fiery blaze, defeating the Jazz in six games. The man who once clanked a shot off the side of the backboard in a Game 7 averaged 29 points on 40% shooting from the arc in the series.

Astonishingly, George led the Clippers to their first Western Conference Finals in franchise history before falling to the Chris Paul-led Phoenix Suns. Even in a series loss, George exorcised his playoff demons to earn the 13th spot on our list.

– Lance R.

12. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

Last Year’s Ranking: 13

Highest Vote: 11

Lowest Vote: 17

Jayson Tatum took an enormous step as an individual player in the 2020-21 season. Last year, he displayed a talent worthy of a superstar and perhaps a future MVP. He improved his numbers in a number of statistical categories, averaging 26.4 points and 7.4 rebounds while showcasing his newfound playmaking prowess with 4.3 assists per game.

Tatum is undoubtedly the Boston Celtics’ best player and future of the franchise. He’s ranked No. 12 on this list after his improvement a season ago pushed him into the upper echelon of talent in the league. His steady improvement year to year gives me no reason to believe that he won’t be able to creep into the top five on next season’s list.

– Jalen S.

11. Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers

Last Year’s Ranking: 10

Highest Vote: 9

Lowest Vote: 12

Damian Lillard had another stellar Damian Lillard season in 2020-21. His per-game numbers were a hair down from his career-best season in 2019-20, but not much more than would be expected considering he played slightly fewer minutes. His shooting dipped slightly as well from that 2019-20 year, but last season was still the second-best of his career. Lillard and CJ McCollum make a deadly backcourt that consistently leads this Portland team into the playoffs but not past the first round or two. That pattern isn’t likely to change unless something about the Trail Blazers’ core makeup changes. Nevertheless, Dame is incredible and one of the true superstar talents in the NBA.

– David M.

10. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers

Last Year’s Ranking: 12

Highest Vote: 7

Lowest Vote: 15

Joel Embiid is one of the most unstoppable forces in the NBA. He absolutely demolishes dudes in the paint, and he’s a terrifying defender. He can shoot just well enough to keep defenses honest — and better than “just well enough” if last season’s improvement was real. The career 32.9% perimeter shooter went 37.7% from deep a season ago. His three 3-point attempts per game were a career-low, which — perhaps counterintuitively — is an improvement. An increased percentage on fewer attempts is a sign that Embiid is doing a better job of picking his spots. Embiid taking any sort of 3 that isn’t wide open or late in the shot clock is a massive win for defenses; the 7-foot, 280-pound behemoth is one of the most dominant post scorers in the league, so any time he settles for a long jumper, the defense is getting off easy. Embiid shot 51.3% from the field last season, the first time he’s broken the 50% mark.

The Ben Simmons situation remains murky. It sounds like things might be getting better, but take that with a grain of salt, since it would be very Daryl Morey to try to increase his leverage by making everyone think Simmons might stay in Philadelphia and is no longer actively demanding a trade. If Simmons is dealt, however, that could open a huge window for Embiid to make a statistical leap — and his stats already are among the gaudiest in the league. Knowing Morey, if Simmons is dealt, the players brought in for him will be better floor-spacers (which, talk about a low bar). Embiid with more space is a scary thought, as is the idea of some sort of pick-and-roll maestro to get the Cameroonian giant easy buckets.

– David M.

9. Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers

Last Year’s Ranking: 5

Highest Vote: 8

Lowest Vote: 13

In the Bubble, Anthony Davis was a terror, lighting it up from 3 and a constant mismatch, able and very willing to bully smaller players and use his speed to evade larger ones. He was red-hot, knocking down stepback 3s at the buzzer. It’s fair to say that as an opposing fan, there wasn’t a player you were more afraid to face than Anthony Davis during that time.

He appeared to have taken the leap onto that upper-echelon, top-five summit, right up there with the best players in the league. He averaged 27.7 points and 9.7 rebounds in those playoffs while shooting a monster .571/.383/.832 line. He was legitimately the best player on the court in a fair number of those playoff games during the Lakers’ title run, and LeBron James is on his team.

He followed that performance up with an uninspiring 2020-21 campaign. He dealt with calf and ankle injuries, missing half of the Lakers’ games in the season. He put up 21.8 points per game, his lowest average since 2013-14, to go with a career-low 7.9 rebounds. His shooting regressed, as that consistent 3-point stroke he displayed in the Bubble didn’t continue. His mark of 26% from deep last season is the lowest he’s put up in a season where he’s made more than one 3. Furthermore, he shot only 49.1% from the field. The playoffs weren’t any better for Davis as his injuries mounted and he averaged only 17.4 points per game and shot an abysmal .403/.182/.833 line.

With all that said, he’s still a monster. He’s a premier defender and capable of punishing opponents in myriad ways as a scorer. Expect a bounce-back season from The Brow. There was some fool’s gold to his Bubble performance, but he’s still a dominant player.

– David M.

8. James Harden, Brooklyn Nets

Last Year’s Ranking: 7

Highest Vote: 5

Lowest Vote: 11

It almost feels like forever ago when James Harden was a top-five MVP candidate every year with Houston. Harden is in a rare position where he is kind of being overlooked because of Kevin Durant on the court and Kyrie Irving off the court. It also didn’t help that he got hurt at the worst possible time last year. That being said, he is still the best shooting guard in the NBA.

Guarding James Harden with the ball in his hands just doesn’t look like fun. He is an electric scorer and an amazing playmaker. A team that has James Harden as its second option is a nightmare for opposing NBA teams. Last season after being traded to the Nets, he averaged 24.6 points, 10.9 assists and 8.5 rebounds per game. The great thing about Harden is his ability to play as the point guard when Kyrie Irving is out. Right now, it looks like Irving will be out a lot of games, so Harden will be asked to do a lot more on the court.

– Dylan H.

7. Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers

Last Year’s Ranking: 3

Highest Vote: 5

Lowest Vote: 8

Regarded as perhaps the best perimeter defender in the league, Kawhi Leonard has expanded his game over these past few seasons to become one of the deadliest offensive threats in the NBA. The two-way superstar averaged 24.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and a career-high 5.2 assists per game last season, shooting 51% from the field and 39% from 3.

The Los Angeles Clippers will miss their future Hall-of-Famer for a majority of the season, but when he plays, they’ll be certified contenders for the Larry O’ Brien Trophy. Leonard helped lead the Clips to their first Western Conference Finals appearance last season and will look to complete his goal when he returns this season.

– Jalen S.

6. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks

Last Year’s Ranking: 8

Highest Vote: 3

Lowest Vote: 10

At first glance, much of the talk surrounding Luka Doncic appears to be hyperbolic and over the top. Watching him play, however, will reveal how truly special he is. He will never be confused for Usain Bolt, but his basketball IQ and handle allow him to get anywhere he wants on the court. He uses pace to toy with defenders and is automatic around the rim. Last season, he added a reliable midrange jumper to his arsenal and has broken out a Dirk-like fadeaway on more than one occasion. His step-back 3-point shots are a thing of beauty and really are the icing on the cake for Luka. So, what’s next?

Any notion that Luka hurts his team by hogging the ball is flat-out false. The roster construction and lack of secondary playmaking are responsible for his usage rate, not selfishness on Luka’s part. That being said, if we are going to see how good Luka is off the ball, it won’t be this year. As unlikely as it seems, there is room for improvement. First, Luka will have to get into better shape. He entered last season visibly heavy and wore down in the fourth quarter of games. Second, fatigue often led Luka to over-rely on his step-back 3-ball in crucial situations. He is unstoppable in the paint and bails out opponents whenever he settles for an outside shot. Third, he has to be better at the line. Those three things can help take Luka to the next level. If that happens, he may be able to overcome a flawed roster and help lead his team to an unlikely Finals berth.

– Xavier S.