Top 100 NBA players for 2021-22 season
85. player. 170. . PF. Charlotte Hornets. P.J. Washington
Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 85. P.J. Washington
P.J. Washington is the perfect frontcourt complement to LaMelo Ball in Charlotte’s up-tempo scheme. On offense, he’s a diverse and capable scorer, with a 38.6 percent 3-point stroke, face-up ability, and deft touch in the paint. At 6-foot-7, he can roast slower defenders as a small-ball five, or exploit lighter competition in bigger lineups.
On defense, Washington has become Charlotte’s backbone. He can guard every frontcourt position at a high level, and he will only get better. At 22 years old, Washington is just scraping the surface of his ceiling as a versatile, do-it-all modern big.
. PG. San Antonio Spurs. Dejounte Murray. 84. player. 29
Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 84. Dejounte Murray
Dejounte Murray should get the spotlight in San Antonio following DeMar DeRozan’s departure. While the 3-point shot still needs improvement, Murray checks just about every box for San Antonio. He’s a tantalizing slasher, using his long arms and slithery athleticism to attack the rim and score amongst the trees.
On defense, of course, is where Murray earns his reputation. He has the length at 6-foot-5 to guard up a position or two, and his active hards yield very few rivals league-wide. He gets in his opponents’ grill and is a stop sign at the point of attack. The Spurs will need him to show up on both sides of the ball in order to win games next season.
SG. Cleveland Cavaliers. Collin Sexton. 83. player. 156.
Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 83. Collin Sexton
Despite his many, many flaws, it is tough to argue with Collin Sexton’s production. He averaged 24.3 points on .475/.371/.815 shooting splits last season. He’s an electric athlete bundled into a dynamic 6-foot-1 frame, using his quick first step and non-stop aggression to punish defenses at every level.
Sexton can shoot the rock, and he has no shortage of natural talent for hitting difficult shots. That is what you want in a go-to scorer. Unfortunately, he’s still a rudimentary decision-maker who too often plays with blinders on. He needs to become a more willing and more aware passer to take the next step.
C. Cleveland Cavaliers. Jarrett Allen. 82. player. 156.
Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 82. Jarrett Allen
The Cavs invested $100 million in Jarrett Allen despite drafting Evan Mobley, showing extreme confidence in the 23-year-old Texan. It’s mostly warranted. You can’t let Allen walk for nothing, and while it’s not perfect, Mobley and Allen are capable of sharing the floor.
In Allen, Cleveland now has one of the NBA’s premier young rim protectors. Allen’s length, anticipation, and vertical explosiveness at the rim are hard to match. Offensively, he’s already an excellent roll man, finishing with elite efficiency around the rim. His skill set doesn’t expand far outside the paint, but he excels in his niche.
player. 86. . SG. Minnesota Timberwolves. Anthony Edwards. 81
Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 81. Anthony Edwards
Anthony Edwards is due for a big second-year leap. He struggled for long stretches last season, but found his groove after the All-Star break and finished second in Rookie of the Year voting. The former No. 1 pick is primed to become a dynamic on-ball scorer, with an explosive first step, elite footwork, and a shooter’s touch.
Improved efficiency is the next step for Edwards, who shot 41.7 percent from the field and 32.9 percent from deep as a rookie. He could emerge as the Wolves’ undisputed No. 2 scorer next year, with Minnesota’s sights set firmly on the first playoff push since Jimmy Butler’s infamous departure.