Top 100 NBA players — 90. Harrison Barnes, Kings
Harrison Barnes is the unsung hero in Sacramento, where it’s generally difficult to work up excitement. The Kings are just perpetually in disarray and have no clear direction as a franchise, but Barnes shows up every night and plays his part well. He’s an excellent leader on and off the court, scoring efficiently in a tertiary role and providing versatile defense on the wing.
Top 100 NBA players — 89. Gary Trent Jr., Raptors
Gary Trent Jr. has come on strong in his first full season with Toronto, a team notoriously good at developing its players. Trent has trimmed some of the fat from his game. He’s hitting 3s at an absurd rate, playing elite defense at the guard positions, and not much else. And that’s more than enough when you consider his standing in the Raptors’ offense. Trent’s 3-and-D profile should make for a long and fruitful career.
Top 100 NBA players — 88. Collin Sexton, Cavaliers
A knee injury has cast a cloud over Collin Sexton’s future, but whether he’s in Cleveland long-term or moved elsewhere in the offseason, he should be able to recover and show out. Before the injury, Sexton has showing promise in a smaller role. Getting Sexton to play off teammates and impact winning was always the next step in his development, and there’s reason to believe the Cavs — or his next team — can bring that out of him. Regardless, Sexton has no problem putting the ball in the basket. That much is certain.
Top 100 NBA players — 87. Joe Harris, Nets
Joe Harris is another “star in his role” type of player. He has lost the season to injury, but when healthy, Harris is an important piece of Brooklyn’s championship puzzle. He’s one of the best off-movement shooters in the league, but at 6-foot-6, he also has the size to defend a couple positions and to offer versatility on defense. Assuming Harris doesn’t fall out of rhythm with his shot, it shouldn’t take long for him to resume his productive ways in 2022-23.
Top 100 NBA players — 86. Alex Caruso, Bulls
A wrist injury put a wedge in the middle of Alex Caruso’s regular season, but before the injury, he was a legitimate anchor for Chicago’s defense and an exceedingly strong Sixth Man of the Year candidate. Now, since his return, Caruso has quickly reasserted his value in Chicago’s rotation. He’s one of the best guard defenders in the NBA, with the instincts, communication skills, and effort level that can swing a playoff series. He’s also a productive 3-point shooter and secondary playmaker offensively.