Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 65. Mikal Bridges
Mikal Bridges put together one heck of a third season, shooting 54.3 percent from the field and 42.5 percent from deep, while emerging as one of the NBA’s premier wing defenders. With pterodactyl arms and a confident 3-point stroke, Bridges is a true star in his role. He did all the little things en route to Phoenix’s Finals appearance.
The next step for Bridges, if there is one, is his ability to hit jumpers off the dribble. He can spot-up, cut to the rim, and even beat closeouts attacking downhill, but he’s not much of a pull-up shooter. If Bridges can add that dynamic to his game, then he goes from “star in his role” to “star,” period.
Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 64. Joe Harris
Joe Harris averaged a career-high 6.4 attempts per game from 3-point range last aeason, and converted on 47.5 percent of them. That is absurd, even when he’s the beneficiary of the most talented offensive trio in modern NBA history. Harris is arguably the best shooter in the NBA, and he’s the epitome of “star in his role.”
For the Nets, Harris is the ultimate cheat code. A Get Out of Jail Free Card. He demands almost as much defensive attention as the core trio, gunning around screens, running pin downs, making sharp cuts to the rim. He opens up so much for Steve Nash’s offense, while the offense opens up a lot for him in return. He’s more than just a shooter, and deserving of his place on this list.
Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 63. OG Anunoby
OG Anunoby is already one of the top wing defenders in basketball at 24 years old. He can stonewall bigger wings, or use his wingspan to swallow guards at the point of attack. His versatility, instincts, and motor all go without question. He will make several All-Defense teams before his career in over.
On top of the defense, Anunoby took big strides as an offensive player last season, too. He averaged 15.9 points and shot 39.8 percent from deep. He has developed into a legitimate third or fourth option in the starting five, and could take on expanded duties next season in the event of a Toronto rebuild.
Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 62. Brook Lopez
Brook Lopez was an integral part of the NBA’s best defense last season. Once considered a liability on the end, Lopez has revolutionized his reputation and his game, using his towering 7-foot frame to full effect as a rim protector and interior stopper. Lopez is one of the best drop defenders in the NBA.
On offense, Lopez’s penchant for long 3s opens up a lot of room for Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks’ gifted slashers. He is the Platonic ideal of a stretch five — deep range, a nifty interior game when called upon, and great defense.
Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 61. Kemba Walker
Injuries have derailed the past couple seasons for Kemba Walker, but he’s still dynamic lead ball-handler and potential lead scorer. The Knicks desperately needed more juice on the perimeter, and Walker should fruitfully supply it. He can create space on a dime, with killer footwork, quick-twitch athleticism, and elite stop-start ability. Add in Walker’s quick pull-up trigger, and he’s a great modern point guard.
Defense is an issue, and Walker will need to prove he can stay on the floor. At this stage in his career, it’s also worth monitoring Walker’s efficiency. Small guards don’t always age well. That said, if he’s even 80-90 percent of what we’ve come to expect of a healthy Walker, he will drastically improve New York’s postseason outlook.