Top 50 NBA players: #20 — Rudy Gobert
A one-man defensive system who is the best player on the NBA’s best team, there’s not much room to debate Rudy Gobert’s standing among the NBA’s elite. Sure, he has a rocky postseason record, but on the whole, Gobert continues to penetrate Defensive Player of the Year conversations while contributing more than he gets credit for offensively. On the season, he’s averaging 14.5 points and 13.4 rebounds on 66.4 percent shooting, along with 2.8 blocks.
Top 50 NBA players: #19 — Karl-Anthony Towns
The Timberwolves are a steaming pile of nothing, but it’s no fault of Karl-Anthony Towns. After enduring a lengthy injury, the 25-year-old is averaging 25.0 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists on 49.3 percent shooting. He’s perhaps the best shooting 7-footer in basketball, as well as a more involved playmaker than ever before. Not many players — not to mention traditional centers — share Towns’ scoring versatility. He’s a true unicorn.
Top 50 NBA players: #18 — Bradley Beal
Bradley Beal has come into his own as a yearly candidate to lead the NBA in scoring. The Wizards have failed him time and time again personnel-wise, but Beal is as good as they come scoring the ball. He’s averaging 31.0 points and 4.8 assists on 48.5 percent shooting. Beal is proficient from any distance, with a deep bag of dribble moves, pull-ups, and step-backs at his disposal. He has also proven himself in a facilitating role when the circumstances require it.
Top 50 NBA players: #17 — Jayson Tatum
The Celtics have struggled all season, but Jayson Tatum remains one of the most promising young players in the league. He’s averaging 25.7 points and 7.1 rebounds on 45.6 percent shooting while providing elite defense on the wing. Not many 23-year-olds have Tatum’s level of polish and comfort scoring off the dribble. His pull-up game is poetry, and he continues to improve the ancillary aspects of his game.
Top 50 NBA players: #16 — Kyrie Irving
This may seem a touch high, but this season has provided an unexpectedly large opportunity for Kyrie Irving to reassert his value. The Nets have looked unbeatable offensively despite the extended absence of Kevin Durant, and Irving deserves major credit. He’s one of the most gifted individual scorers of his generation — an unrivaled ball-handler with feathery touch and unshakable confidence. He’s averaging 27.6 points and 6.0 assists on 51.4 percent shooting. I mean, come on.