Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 50. Russell Westbrook
The Lakers’ issues stretch far beyond Russell Westbrook and his questionable on-paper fit. In fact, Westbrook has been quite good this season and is far from the main culprit for LA’s subpar start. That does not mean, of course, that Westbrook is without fault. He does have deep-seeded flaws that have become more egregious with age. He rarely defends, and his lack of a perimeter shot — combined with occasionally problematic confidence in his own scoring ability — does lead to some doomed possessions for the offense.
Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 49. Fred VanVleet
The Raptors have struggled all season despite a slew of promising individual campaigns. Fred VanVleet has stepped up admirably in the wake of Kyle Lowry’s departure, averaging 20.1 points and hitting 39.7 percent of his copious 3-point attempts. His deep pull-up range makes him uniquely dangerous in the halfcourt, while his stout on-ball defense helps make up for his lack of natural size — even if he’s only defending one, maybe two positions on a given night.
Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 48. Jarrett Allen
Jarrett Allen has arrived, and he might be in the All-Star conversation. The 23-year-old anchors the middle of an elite defense, and is averaging career highs in points (16.8), rebounds (10.8), steals (0.9), and field goal percentage (70.2). His efficient scoring at the rim, divine pick-and-roll chemistry with Darius Garland, and gaping 7-foot-6 wingspan have made him a rather large part of Cleveland’s success.
Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 47. De’Aaron Fox
The 2021-22 season has not been kind to De’Aaron Fox (take it from someone who drafted him top 20 in fantasy basketball…). The Kings are still terrible, the roster around him has not meaningfully improved, and his hopelessly incompetent coach has already been canned. The Kings aren’t doing him any favors, but now the onus is on Fox to prove his mettle before he ends up on the chopping block. The efficiency has to improve.
Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 46. Darius Garland
Darius Garland has been absolutely sensational as the third-season breakout star everyone saw coming. The Cavs are really good, in large part because Garland has taken the “leap” as the offense’s lead initiator and top scorer. He’s taking (and making) more 3s than ever, and supplying 7.8 assists on the side. It feels like Cleveland is here to stay.