Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 65. Gordon Hayward
Gordon Hayward has never reached the same pre-injury heights he did in Utah, but he’s still productive. The Hornets have been a competitive team for long stretches this season, and Hayward deserves ample credit. His efficient shooting, supplementary playmaking, and high basketball I.Q. make him an invaluable glue guy for a team that’s never short on perimeter talent.
Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 64. Evan Mobley
Evan Mobley is the running favorite for Rookie of the Year, and not just because he got a small head start on Cunningham. The 7-footer is already one of the most impressive defenders in the NBA, often anchoring the top of Cleveland’s long and lanky zone coverage. He can hang around the rim and block shots, or contain guards on the perimeter. Offensively, Mobley is already scoring fruitfully at multiple levels. He’s the centerpiece of what the 5-seed Cavs are building.
Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 63. John Collins
The Hawks have failed to deliver on preseason expectations up to this point, in large part due to injuries and COVID. John Collins has been steadfast in his production, however, shooting a career-high 42.7 percent from deep and adding more tricks to his bag. He’s still an elite rim runner too, with improved defensive instincts and his trademark spunk in abundant supply.
Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 62. Anthony Edwards
Anthony Edwards might be the best interview in basketball. He’s easy to root for, and already the clear-cut No. 2 in Minnesota’s offensive hierarchy. His explosive first step, strong frame, and slick handles make him difficult to credibly defend. Very few players can prevent Edwards from getting to his spot in one way or another. He has also improved drastically as a decision-maker since the start of last season, and is well on his way to perennial All-Star consideration.
Ranking the top 100 NBA players — 61. Lonzo Ball
The Bulls are contenders again, and while Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan deserve the bulk of the credit, one cannot overlook Lonzo Ball. The UCLA product continues to deliver on his pre-draft hype in the subtlest of ways. No, he is not a “lead playmaker” in the traditional sense, but he’s one of the NBA’s true passing visionaries. He is the connective tissue for one of the NBA’s most exciting offenses. He has also essentially anchored a top-10 defense despite Chicago’s lack of a traditional rim protector. Not many guards can accomplish what Lonzo has defensively.