Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 85. Andrew Wiggins
Andrew Wiggins is finally delivering on the promise of his No. 1 draft slot. That’s mildly hyperbolic — he’s never going to be the next coming of LeBron, as some no doubt posited at the time — but he’s no longer an abject disappointment. He’s hitting 42.2 percent of his 3s and supplying the Warriors with elite wing defense. He was never a No. 1 option, or even a No. 2 option, but Wiggins looks more than fine as a tertiary threat who puts in real effort.
Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 84. Aaron Gordon
Aaron Gordon is an elite defender whose offensive limitations too often get in the way of his reputation. The Nuggets have struggled to field a healthy team this season, but Gordon produces when afforded the opportunity. He’s the ideal fit next to Nikola Jokic, with switchability on defense and excellent rim-running skills that make him a favorite target of the 7-foot point center.
Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 83. Harrison Barnes
Harrison Barnes continues to chug along as the quintessential 3-and-D wing. He has been one of the few bright spots for a mesmerically terrible Kings team. He has been, for long stretches, their best player. It’s hard to complain about 17.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and a 40 percent success rate from 3-point range.
Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 82. Jonathan Isaac
It’s been a while since we saw Jonathan Isaac in action, and there’s no telling how swiftly he’ll return to form once he’s back. That said, at his peak, the young Isaac was already one of the NBA’s most impactful defenders. His elite help-side instincts and switchable 6-foot-11 frame make him the cornerstone of a potentially elite Magic defense long term.
Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 81. Jaren Jackson Jr.
He’s still the pinnacle of young, modern bigs. Jaren Jackson is 6-foot-11 with elite shot-blocking talent and deep 3-point range. Now, he’s starting to put the other pieces together, fouling less and becoming more stable as the No. 2 or 3 scorer in Memphis’ burgeoning offense.