Top 100 NBA players — 65. Desmond Bane, Grizzlies
The last pick of the first round in the 2020 NBA Draft, it hasn’t taken long for Desmond Bane to make several teams regret their decision. Memphis’ depth has been its main calling card en route to the No. 2 seed out West, but the Grizzlies are not absent top-end talent — even beyond Ja Morant. Bane still has room to grow, but he’s already one of the best shooters on the planet, a steadily improving creator off the dribble, and a sturdy defender at 6-foot-5.
Top 100 NBA players — 64. Jaren Jackson Jr., Grizzlies
Jaren Jackson Jr. has a strong case for Defensive Player of the Year. He’s easily overshadowed by Ja Morant and the “collective” in Memphis, but Jackson’s shot-blocking instincts and 3-point bombing make him one of a kind in the Grizzlies’ rotation. He’s the perfect modern big on paper, and he’s still getting better.
Top 100 NBA players — 63. Julius Randle, Knicks
It has been a long and arduous season for Julius Randle, who hasn’t found the same magic that landed him on second team All-NBA last season. The talent is still there — he’s physically imposing, with strong passing instincts for a big and the ability to hit difficult shots — but his drop in efficiency and erratic decision-making has drawn the ire of a great many New Yorkers. That, and he has a tendency to let poor body language get the best of him. He’s better than what he’s shown this season, but I wouldn’t bet on him earning his second All-NBA berth anytime soon.
Top 100 NBA players — 62. Jerami Grant, Pistons
After months of speculation, the Pistons simply held on to Jerami Grant at the trade deadline. There’s ample speculation about his future, but for now, he’s at the center of what Detroit is building — the team’s No. 1 scorer, best defender, and first big acquisition post-Blake Griffin trade. His positional versatility pairs nicely with that of Cade Cunningham, and Grant should only look better as Cade begins to fully take on the reigns, trimming some of the fat from Grant’s bloated role.
Top 100 NBA players — 60. Michael Porter Jr., Nuggets
Injuries have unfortunately plagued the basketball life of Michael Porter Jr., who when healthy is the kind of burgeoning All-Star talent Denver needs to make the leap to contention. Porter is an elite shooter at 6-foot-10. His shot-making talent indicates clear star potential. The next stage of his developmental has to start on the defensive end, where he has all the physical tools to succeed.