Ranking the top 50 NBA players in 2021
89. . SF. Milwaukee Bucks. Khris Middleton. 25. player
Top 50 NBA players: #25 — Khris Middleton
Forever underrated, Khris Middleton continues to chug along as Giannis’ invaluable sidekick on a dominant Bucks team. He’s averaging 20.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and a career-high 5.4 assists on 48.3 percent shooting — remarkable, All-Star worthy numbers that have flown too far under the radar this season. Middleton is automatic from 3-point range and even more automatic from mid-range. He also supplies great, versatile defense on the wing.
. SG. Utah Jazz. Donovan Mitchell. 24. player. 118
Top 50 NBA players: #24 — Donovan Mitchell
Donovan Mitchell and the Jazz have proven their mettle this season. The 24-year-old is averaging 26.6 points and 5.3 assists on 43.8 percent shooting. He has taken major steps forward as a facilitator, while continuing to polish his dynamic scoring arsenal. Mitchell plays both ends of the floor hard, and his standing as the offensive fulcrum of the NBA’s best team (record-wise, at least) cannot go overlooked.
110. . C. Miami Heat. Bam Adebayo. 23. player
Top 50 NBA players: #23 — Bam Adebayo
Last season’s championship pursuit cemented Bam Adebayo as one of the NBA’s elite two-way bigs. His versatility at the five (or four) is invaluable to Miami’s defense. On offense, he continues to expand his scoring arsenal while providing immense value as a facilitator from the elbow. He’s averaging 19.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 5.3 assists on 56.5 percent shooting. Not to mention roughly a block and steal per game.
22. player. 93. . PG. Philadelphia 76ers. Ben Simmons
Top 50 NBA players: #22 — Ben Simmons
Ben Simmons has tumbled a few spots this season, but even so, Ben Simmons’ status as a positive-impact, championship-caliber star is undisputed. Many would argue he’s the best defender in the NBA. He can guard all five positions and his track record of stifling All-NBA wings is a long one. On offense, Simmons continues to generate countless 3-point opportunities for teammates. He would do well to play more aggressively, but he’s a wizard in the open court and an elite finisher, averaging 14.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists on 54.5 percent shooting.
Devin Booker. 21. player. 66. . SG. Phoenix Suns
Top 50 NBA players: #21 — Devin Booker
It took a minute for Devin Booker to find his footing this season, but he’s averaging 26.0 points and 4.6 assists on a career-best 49.4 percent from the field. The Suns are running roughshod through the West, and while CP3 gets much of the credit, Booker continues to elevate his status as an all-world scorer. He’s one of the NBA’s best high-volume shooters and a better playmaker than his numbers would suggest.