Top 50 NBA players: Where do Sixers’ stars rank?
18. . SF. Boston Celtics. Jaylen Brown. 35. player
Best NBA player #35 — Jaylen Brown
A talented wing too often buried in Boston’s loaded starting five, Jaylen Brown deserves credit for his development as both a scorer and defender. He came into the league as a raw project out of Cal, but has quickly transformed himself into a future All-Star and a reliable secondary option on a competitive team. Brown will take on even bigger duties in the absence of Gordon Hayward.
34. player. 211. . PG. Memphis Grizzlies. Ja Morant
Best NBA player #34 — Ja Morant
Ja Morant’s rookie season exceeded even the most optimistic expectations. He’s already an elite facilitator, with plenty of finishing skills to round out his repertoire. A better 3-point spot would help, but Morant can get pretty much wherever he wants on the floor. He averaged 17.8 points and 7.3 assists and almost got Memphis to the playoffs in the West — as a rookie.
SG. Portland Trail Blazers. CJ McCollum. 33. player. 34.
Best NBA player #33 — CJ McCollum
The Blazers continue to show dedication to the Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum duo. While the latter is by no means a perfect sidekick, McCollum does too much as a scorer and secondary playmaker to give up on for nothing. Guards who can create from scratch, torch defenses at every level, and still make life easier for teammates are not a dime a dozen.
player. 69. . SF. New Orleans Pelicans. Brandon Ingram. 32
Best NBA player #32 — Brandon Ingram
After getting out of the development hell known as Lakerland, Brandon Ingram realized his All-Star potential last season in New Orleans. At 6-foot-9, Ingram’s pterodactyl arms make him a difficult cover for opposing defenders. He can shoot over the top, glide to the rim, or facilitate out of the pick-and-roll. Ingram averaged 23.8 points last season and is a bonafide number two to Zion Williamson.
. PG. Washington Wizards. Russell Westbrook. 31. player. 142
Best NBA player #31 — Russell Westbrook
Look, who knows where Russell Westbrook belongs on this list? He was truly special for stretches in Houston last season, but that was with a roster built around his unique limitations. The Wizards can accommodate Westbrook’s vanishing jump shot, but he’s still an erratic decision-maker and aloof defender who too often counterbalances the good with the bad. He’s a nightly triple-double threat, but also a threat to shoot his team out of the game.