Top 100 NBA players — 95. Jakob Poeltl, Spurs
The Spurs’ defense starts with Jakob Poeltl, who has developed into one of the NBA’s best rim protectors. His broad-shouldered frame, nimble feet, and excellent instincts make him supremely effective out of drop coverage. He’s also a constant presence on the glass and an efficient pick-and-roll partner for the Spurs’ guards. San Antonio isn’t the flashiest group, but Poeltl deserves immense praise.
Top 100 NBA players — 94. D’Angelo Russell, Timberwolves
D’Angelo Russell is a well-documented getter of buckets. The dude can score with the best of them when he’s tuned in. The defense is a lingering problem, and he can sometimes be a little too tuned in to scoring, but the natural talent is undeniable. Russell is poet running the pick-and-roll and he has settled nicely into his niche with Minnesota.
Top 100 NBA players — 93. Andrew Wiggins, Warriors
Andrew Wiggins made his first All-Star appearance (and start) this season, and it was not merely an inexplicable whim of the fan voting body. Wiggins has been an integral part of a top-4 seed in the high-octane Western Conference, blending efficient 3-point shooting and high-level, versatile wing defense. He still has his shortcomings, but Wiggins has settled nicely into his well-defined role with Golden State.
Top 100 NBA players — 92. Spencer Dinwiddie, Mavericks
Spencer Dinwiddie looked washed for two-thirds of the season before getting shipped to Dallas at the trade deadline. Now, he’s playing the best basketball of his career. Fresh off a serious knee injury, Dinwiddie was never going to get right back into shape. He’s a dynamic shot-maker and driver at the point guard spot, who’s now well-positioned to attack off the catch next to Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson. We should expect sustained productivity from the former Sixth Man of the Year candidate.
Top 100 NBA players — 91. Tobias Harris, Sixers
Tobias Harris’ shortcomings are well-documented in Philadelphia. He’s a sluggish decision-maker on both sides of the ball, too often falling victim to unforced errors in judgement. Even so, after his early-season shooting slump, Harris has relocated his touch from 3-point range, and he’s starting to make more definitive choices offensively. He is still more talented than a lot of fourth options, even if he’s not perfectly engineered to a role player’s workload.