Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 55. Mikal Bridges
Arguably the most viable Defensive Player of the Year candidate on the perimeter, Mikal Bridges has taken yet another step forward in his fourth NBA season. The list of players who can match Bridges’ stout on-ball presence and virtuoso off-ball instincts is slim. He’s also scoring with elite efficiency, fulfilling the archetypal 3-and-D role so many teams covet nowadays.
Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 54. Jerami Grant
The Pistons are looking to trade Jerami Grant and any number of contenders would be wise to oblige. Grant has proven he can give you 20+ points a night, but even more importantly, he is adaptable. In Denver, he thrived as a cutter and rim runner. In Detroit, he was the star of the show. On top of that, you won’t find many 6-foot-9 wing defenders more nimble than Grant.
Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 53. Clint Capela
Clint Capela remains one of the best at what he does. He’s limited almost exclusively to finishing at the rim, but he does so at the highest level. And, in Atlanta, he happens to complement the likes of Trae Young as well as any center could. He is also the backbone of that defense and one of the most dominant rebounders in the league.
Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 52. Jonas Valanciunas
Jonas Valanciunas was brilliant in Memphis last season, but flew under the radar. He has been given even more freedom in New Orleans, where injuries have cleared the runway for him to dominate offensive possessions — whether it’s using his brutal size in the post or stretching defenses out to the 3-point line. Frankly, you won’t find many bigs with more offensive equity than Valanciunas. He’s not a bad rim protector either.
Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 51. Malcolm Brogdon
The Pacers have a lot to figure out, but Malcolm Brogdon continues to produce admirably as the lead ball-handler and primary perimeter scorer. His efficiency has dipped noticeably in recent years, but such is the nature of increased responsibilities. He can defend multiple positions, and manipulates the game with a unique craft and intelligence.