Top 100 NBA players — 15. Anthony Davis, Lakers
The 2021-22 Lakers have baffled and amazed us all. Who knows how good Anthony Davis actually is at this point. He could be a top-10 player tanking his way through the season from hell, or he’s actually more like the 30th best player. It’s impossible to know for sure. That said, when Davis is healthy and he’s clicking, we know what he’s capable of. He’s probably the best No. 2 option in basketball, and he’s Defensive Player of the Year-worthy when he wants to be. This placement would suggest faith in his return to form next season.
Top 100 NBA players — 14. Damian Lillard, Trail Blazers
Damian Lillard continues to struggle through his core injury, which sapped him of strength all season before he was ultimately shut down. This is another case of “when healthy, he’s probably better than this ranking would suggest.” Still the league’s most dynamic shooter not named Stephen Curry, Lillard has the range, confidence, and reputation to torture defenses. The Blazers have to rebuild the team around him (or trade him), but we should expect Lillard to reassert his talent at some point. We know he’s not one to roll over and quit.
Top 100 NBA players — 13. Trae Young, Hawks
Trae Young is a fan of big moments, as you may have noticed. And he keeps showing up to them, time and time again, without fail, without hiccup. His rise to superstardom is pretty much complete — he’s there, one of the most unstoppable offensive engines in the NBA. The Hawks have faltered slightly around him, but Young’s blend of pull-up shooting, quick-twitch handles, and elite court vision makes him the ultimate floor general. He can dump 40 on you, or he can dish out 15 assists and elevate his teammates with a purpose. The defense is not great, but the offense is irrefutable at this point.
Top 100 NBA players — 12. Paul George, Clippers
The Clippers have been floundering under a deluge of injuries all season, but with Paul George back in the mix and Kawhi Leonard’s return not completely ruled out, LA might be the scariest potential eight-seed since the 2021-22 Brooklyn Nets. George is still a superstar, the same one who finished top-3 in MVP voting with the Thunder. The some one who, despite no shortage of “Pandemic P” jokes, has time and time again proven his immense talent on both sides of the ball. George can defend all over the floor, he can score all over the floor, and he’s making better passing reads than he ever has in LA.
Top 100 NBA players — 11. Devin Booker, Suns
Devin Booker has been the best player on the NBA’s best team for considerable stretches this season. He’s another young superstar who has simply arrived. The toughness and competitive fire you want in a star leader, Booker has it. He thinks he’s the best player on the court every night, and more often than not, he delivers. He plays within Phoenix’s airtight system, but can go outside the playbook to score whenever called upon. Booker has rounded out the wrinkles in his offensive repertoire and he’s an underrated defender at this point. Eventually, you have to acknowledge that the Suns are more than Chris Paul and Monty Williams. There’s some real star power in Phoenix.