Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 35. Ben Simmons
Ben Simmons’ offensive limitations are well documented (especially on this website), so there’s no reason to rehash them. He can’t shoot. He’s also the best perimeter defender in the NBA when locked in, and a gifted 6-foot-10 playmaker who elevates everyone around him when used properly. He’s miscast in Philadelphia, that’s true, but the Sixers have always been in contention with Simmons on the roster.
Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 34. Jamal Murray
Jamal Murray has been off the radar for a while dealing with his ACL tear. Knee injuries are tricky, and it’s anyone’s guess as to how swiftly Murray will return to form once he’s back. That said, before the injury, Murray was stamping his ticket as one of the NBA’s premier young guards. He can trade shots with just about anyone, and his defense took a major step forward last season.
Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 33. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
OKC relies rather significantly on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s nightly output, and most nights, he delivers. The 23-year-old would be a much bigger deal if he was still playing for a contender. He’s slippery and off-beat and weird, but he’s an absolute star. He has developed into a legitimate three-level scorer, and his playmaking polish continues to improve.
Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 32. Draymond Green
The basketball world’s opinion of Draymond Green has fluctuated aggressively over the past few years, but he’s back — and so are the Warriors. This year has been a strong reminder of just how dominant Green is on the defensive end. No one combines instincts, I.Q., and communication skills like Draymond, and he’s still pretty light on his feet. On offense, he’s averaging 7.5 assists as one of the NBA’s truly singular virtuosos.
Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 31. Jaylen Brown
The Celtics are approaching self-combustion, which has led many to lay blame on Jaylen Brown’s doorstep. That’s not entirely fair. Brown has missed a lot of time this season, and no, he does not “overlap” with Jayson Tatum in any harmful way. Brown is still an excellent two-way wing who can self-create, put pressure on the defense, and steer the ship when called upon. Having two excellent two-way wings who can self-create and steer the ship is a good thing. The Celtics need to put better pieces around them, not break them up.