Top 50 players in the NBA: Philadelphia 76ers have 5 players featured
35. player. 118. . Guard. Utah Jazz. Donovan Mitchell
As Utah’s primary scorer last season, Donovan Mitchell struggled to maintain efficiency. He shot 43.2 percent from the field and was prone to cold spells, similar to most young volume scorers. But his growth as a playmaker deserves credit, as do the circumstances of his struggles. He carried a massive burden as the Jazz’s only reliable perimeter scorer. He won’t need to carry that burden moving forward.
Khris Middleton. 34. player. 89. . Wing. Milwaukee Bucks
Fresh off his first All-Star appearance and a five-year extension, Khris Middleton is cemented as a long-term cornerstone in Milwaukee. He thrived in Mike Budenholzer’s revamped system, eventually adjusting to the uptick in 3-point attempts. His shooting, in addition to a strong in-between game, is a necessary complement to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s freakish forays inside.
Nikola Vucevic. 33. player. 38. . Big. Orlando Magic
Nikola Vucevic broke out last season, his production overshadowed by market size more than anything else. He was the go-to scorer and prime offensive cog for an upstart Magic team, averaging 20.8 points and 12.0 rebounds while shooting 36.4 percent on 3-point attempts. His ability to space the floor, score inside and defend the post warranted a $100 million extension this summer.
29. . Big. San Antonio Spurs. LaMarcus Aldridge. 32. player
The Spurs are floundering in mediocrity, but LaMarcus Aldridge is the driving force. He’s the glue that holds San Antonio together on both ends — averaging a career-high 1.3 blocks per game last season and offering Gregg Popovich an offensive fulcrum inside. He’s a silky post-up threat and a dangerous mid-range scorer, playing the throwback style San Antonio appreciates. His 51.9 percent from the field was another career-high mark.
Devin Booker. 31. player. 66. . Guard. Phoenix Suns
Devin Booker is a bucket — one of the better pure scorers in the NBA. There’s value there. He can create looks at every level, whether it’s burying deep 3s or carving out space in the mid-range. He averaged 26.6 points and 6.8 assists as the primary source of light in an otherwise dim Phoenix season. His improvement as a playmaker were also stark. He succeeded as the Suns’ top point guard. Considering his role, .467/.326/.866 shooting splits are respectable.