Top 100 NBA players: End-of-season rankings

Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Sixers(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Sixers(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

29. . C. San Antonio Spurs. Jakob Poeltl. 95. player

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.

player. 86. . PG. Minnesota Timberwolves. D'Angelo Russell. 94

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.

SF. Golden State Warriors. Andrew Wiggins. 93. player. 41.

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.

Dallas Mavericks. Spencer Dinwiddie. 92. player. 79. . PG

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.

93. . PF. Philadelphia 76ers. Tobias Harris. 91. player

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.