Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 15. Jayson Tatum
Jayson Tatum continues to elevate his game season-to-season, and he’s the undisputed future of basketball in Boston. How the team will function around him is uncertain, but the 6-foot-8 Tatum is seldom outclassed when it comes to isolation scoring. He can shoot over the top, finish with craft at the rim, curl around screens — just about any way you want it. He also doesn’t get half enough recognition for his perimeter defense.
Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 14. Paul George
The Clippers are without an MVP candidate, but let us not forget that Paul George was a top-3 MVP candidate only a few years ago. He has improved his shot-making profile even further since arriving in LA, with new playmaking chops and his perennially elite defense to boot. The Clippers are hanging around in large part because George can will them to victories.
Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 13. Damian Lillard
It has been a difficult season for Damian Lillard. His efficiency has bottomed out and the lingering abdomen issue appears like a long-term ailment. He’s “only” averaging 23.9 points and 7.4 assists as a result. The production will surely kick back up with time, but as Portland flounders in mediocrity, it’s fair to express some doubt over the 31-year-old’s future.
Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 12. Anthony Davis
It has been a similarly difficult campaign for Anthony Davis, who doesn’t look quite right offensively. His jumper isn’t there, and the Lakers have struggled to establish rhythm all season — Davis being a primary victim (or culprit, depending on how you view things). It’s hard to deny his two-way talent, but the consistency of Davis’ world-class dominance has seemingly diminished.
Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 11. Chris Paul
The Suns made the Finals last season and are right back on track to compete this season. Chris Paul’s sustained brilliance at age 36 is borderline unheard of, and special to behold. Very few players can exercise control over every aspect of a game like CP3, even if his stat lines aren’t always the flashiest. He’s the engine that makes Phoenix’s offense tick as well as any offense in the league.