Top 100 NBA players — 55. R.J. Barrett, Knicks
R.J. Barrett has taken a rather large leap since calendar flipped to 2022. A physical downhill driver, Barrett has always been able to muscle his way to points at the rim. Now, he’s starting to strike the proper balance — pull-up 3s, drive-and-kicks, points at the rim. He’s doing it all, transforming from the flawed No. 2 option of last season to the do-it-all top dog New York needs him to be.
Top 100 NBA players — 54. Cade Cunningham, Pistons
It took Cade Cunningham a minute to find his footing in the NBA, but once he did, there was no looking back. He has certainly reached heights no other rookie has reached this season, even if the holistic resumé might end up favoring Evan Mobley for Rookie of the Year. The Pistons are surely confident in Cunningham as the best rookie long-term, and for good reason. He’s already a master manipulator, with clever handles, elite change-of-pace ability, and the size to bury shots over the top of most defenders. He’s the next “jumbo point guard” set to take the league by storm.
Top 100 NBA players — 53. John Collins, Hawks
For all the noise surrounding John Collins’ place in the Hawks’ offense and the Hawks’ future earlier this season, it’s hard to believe just how much the two sides need each other. Atlanta is the perfect fit for Collins, and vice versa. He and Trae Young have formed elaborate and effusive chemistry out of the pick-and-roll. Collins’ gradually growing offensive profile means there is upside left untapped. He’s already one of the more well-rounded offensive bigs outside the superstar tier.
Top 100 NBA players — 52. Jonas Valanciunas, Pelicans
Jonas Valanciunas is a beast. When talking about the league’s most physically imposing bigs, there aren’t too many names in line in front of Valanciunas, who can straight-up manhandle most defenders on the block. He can plow through his man, or stretch out to the perimeter, hit 3s, and do some crafty stuff facing up. His passing instincts are advanced for a big, and he’s an effective — if limited — interior defender. He has been the Pelicans’ best player for long stretches this season, and next to Zion Williamson, he should only look better. Defenses will have their hands full at the rim.
Top 100 NBA players — 51. Robert Williams III, Celtics
Robert Williams could win Defensive Player of the Year. He has emerged not only as the Celtics’ best center, but perhaps the centerpiece of the NBA’s best defense. His shot-blocking instincts and perimeter mobility make for an exceedingly rare blend. He’s just all over the place on that side of the ball. On offense, he’s an extremely efficient lob threat who has made his presence quite useful working off of Boston’s perimeter stars.