Ranking the top 50 NBA players in 2021
77. . SG. Los Angeles Clippers. Paul George. 15. player
Top 50 NBA players: #15 — Paul George
The legend of Playoff P has poisoned the broader conversation, and it too often it overshadows just how good Paul George is. He’s a top-tier wing defender and just a couple seasons ago finished top-3 in MVP voting. He’s averaging 23.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists on 47.7 percent shooting. The Clippers look the part of a title contender, and George deserves almost as much credit as his co-star Kawhi Leonard.
Zion Williamson. 14. player. 69. . PF. New Orleans Pelicans
Top 50 NBA players: #14 — Zion Williamson
Zion Williamson’s ascent has been a quick one — he’s virtually untouchable offensively, and we’re only in his second NBA season. That’s after he spent most of his rookie year on the sidelines. Williamson is a truly generational talent. He knifes his way to the rim unlike any player in basketball. He’s 6-foot-6, 285 pounds, and lightning quick off his feet. He doesn’t even need a spaced floor to consistently hound the rim. He’s averaging 26.8 points and 7.1 rebounds on 62.0 percent shooting. Now that Point Zion has been unleashed, his numbers will only improve.
PG. Phoenix Suns. Chris Paul. 13. player. 66.
Top 50 NBA players: #13 — Chris Paul
Chris Paul has now taken the destitute Thunder and wayward Suns to playoff berths (well, the Suns haven’t technically clinched yet). Phoenix is one of the best teams in basketball, and their jump to relevance coinciding with Paul’s arrival is no coincidence. He’s still the Point God — a master manipulator and invaluable mentor. He’s averaging 16.0 points and 8.7 assists on 48.8 percent shooting, but the counting stats have never done full justice to CP3’s impact.
. SF. Miami Heat. Jimmy Butler. 12. player. 110
Top 50 NBA players: #12 — Jimmy Butler
Miami’s Finals run looks more and more like a fluke, but it still speaks to Jimmy Butler’s unmatched will to win. He’s a machine, and he’s the heart, soul, and competitive engine of a still-dangerous Heat team. On the season, he’s averaging 21.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and a career-high 7.1 assists on 49.7 percent shooting. He’s also leading the NBA with 2.1 steals per game. Butler has become not only a persistent scorer from the mid-range in, but a quietly elite facilitator.
Damian Lillard. 11. player. 34. . PG. Portland Trail Blazers
Top 50 NBA players: #11 — Damian Lillard
The Blazers continue to outperform expectations despite a mountain of obstacles in front of them. Damian Lillard is the one constant every year — a 3-point master with unthinkable range and plenty of ancillary skills to round out his production. Some would argue Damian Lillard is this season’s MVP. He’s averaging 28.7 points and 7.6 assists on 44.1 percent shooting. A worthy candidate, for sure.