Top 50 NBA players: Where do Sixers’ stars rank?
. SG. Phoenix Suns. Devin Booker. 20. player. 66
Top NBA player #20 — Devin Booker
The Suns came alive in the Bubble, as did Devin Booker. He seems primed for a leap — the kind of leap that could propel the newly dangerous Suns into playoff contention. Last season, Booker averaged 26.6 points and 6.5 assists. Now he gets to share the floor with and learn from Chris Paul. Phoenix’s immediate future is bright.
PG. Denver Nuggets. Jamal Murray. 19. player. 73.
Top NBA player #19 — Jamal Murray
No player erupted in the Bubble quite like Jamal Murray. He elevated his game to a new level, and in the process helped Denver to the conference finals. Murray is already an elite shooter who can get his own at every level. He has also grown tremendously as a facilitator, averaging 6.6 assists in the playoffs. If his leap was real, the NBA has a new perennial All-Star.
147. . PG. Brooklyn Nets. Kyrie Irving. 18. player
Top NBA player #18 — Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving’s media persona is the object of criticism, but on the court, he’s still one of the NBA’s most electric players when healthy. Irving puts the ball on a string and torches defenders of every size and shape. He needs only a sliver of daylight to shoot, while his finishing package at the rim is unmatched for a 6-foot-3 guard. He also has championship experience — and Brooklyn is primed to make a real run.
Ben Simmons. 17. player. 93. . PG. Philadelphia 76ers
Top NBA player #17 — Ben Simmons
Ben Simmons has unfortunately become the object of trade rumors involving a perennial MVP candidate. There aren’t too many players who are of comparable value to Simmons. The 24-year-old is already one of the best defenders in basketball, with the rare ability to guard all four positions. He is also an elite facilitator, generating more 3-point attempts for teammates than anyone not named Luka Doncic. Don’t get it twisted — he is a winning player in the modern NBA.
player. 110. . C. Miami Heat. Bam Adebayo. 16
Top NBA player #16 — Bam Adebayo
The Heat surprised many with their run to the Finals last season. Bam Adebayo deserves credit as the defensive anchor and offensive linchpin he was — a brilliant facilitator and face-up scorer from the elbow who guarded all over the floor and gave the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis real trouble. Adebayo is on track to be a perennial Defensive Player of the Year consideration, and last season’s All-Star appearance was the first of many.