Top 50 NBA players: Where do Sixers’ stars rank?
142. . SG. Washington Wizards. Bradley Beal. 30. player
Best NBA player #30 — Bradley Beal
Bradley Beal was the second-leading scorer in basketball last season, a fact overshadowed by Washington’s inability to win games. The Wizards were special offensively and historically bad defensively. Beal deserves partial credit for both. He needs to become a better defender, but his ability to put the ball in the basket is without question.
. C. Utah Jazz. Rudy Gobert. 29. player. 118
Best NBA player #29 — Rudy Gobert
This may be too low for Rudy Gobert. He’s a tricky bet in the modern NBA — a big who doesn’t space the floor and who often meets his match in bigs who can. That said, Gobert single-handedly guarantees a competent defense. He’s a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate, and a more than capable complementary star on offense.
89. . SG. Milwaukee Bucks. Jrue Holiday. 28. player
Best NBA player #28 — Jrue Holiday
The Bucks moved mountains to get Jrue Holiday because, frankly, he’s worth it. Holiday is one of the NBA’s best defenders — period — and one heck of a point guard. Holiday positions Milwaukee atop the Eastern Conference. He will help anchor a league-best defense next to Giannis and Brook Lopez, while his contributions offensively will far outstrip his predecessor, Eric Bledsoe.
86. . C. Minnesota Timberwolves. Karl-Anthony Towns. 27. player
Best NBA player #27 — Karl-Anthony Towns
The Wolves are a beautiful mess, with the latest No. 1 overall pick, a boatload of self-confident scorers, and Ricky Rubio to tie the pieces together. It probably won’t work, but it should be fun to watch. Karl-Anthony Towns is the Wolves’ key to contending. He’s arguably the best offensive big in basketball, with a deadeye 3-point stroke and an equally proficient post game. If he can elevate his performance to the next level, Minnesota could make noise.
125. . PG. Atlanta Hawks. Trae Young. 26. player
Best NBA player #26 — Trae Young
It hasn’t taken long for Trae Young to capture the imagination of NBA fans. He’s one of the league’s most formidable shooters, with endless range and impressive shot versatility. That alone makes him a headache for any defense. Add his wide-aperture passing lens, his sharp handles, and his willingness to finish among the trees inside, and Young becomes one of the league’s most potent offensive engines. He averaged 29.6 points and 9.3 assists as a sophomore. The future is bright.