Projecting the top 125 NBA players for 2022-23 season
. F. Golden State Warriors. Andrew Wiggins. 80. player. 41
Ranking NBA players — 80. Andrew Wiggins, Warriors
Andrew Wiggins has found the perfect home in Golden State. He trimmed the fat from his game and emerged as the NBA’s 3-and-D poster child. Last season’s All-Star berth was probably the result of fan voting more than actual accomplishment, but Wiggins showed up big in the playoffs and was essential to Golden State’s title run.
player. 89. . C. Milwaukee Bucks. Brook Lopez. 79
Ranking NBA players — 79. Brook Lopez, Bucks
Brook Lopez is an excellent rim protector who sprays a high volume of 3-pointers every night. It’s hard to understand why he’s so underrated. The Bucks will be right back near the top of the NBA next season, and Lopez’s rock-solid presence in the middle will be a contributing factor. He allows Giannis to freedom to take risks on defense, then spaces the floor for him on offense.
100. . C. Indiana Pacers. Myles Turner. 78. player
Ranking NBA players — 78. Myles Turner, Pacers
Myles Turner is a strong candidate to the lead the NBA in blocks in any given year. With the Pacers entering a rebuild, several contenders should be hammering the phone lines in hope of landing Turner. He can be the foundation of a playoff-level defense. There’s also some untapped potential offensively. For years he was stuck in a clunky partnership with Domantas Sabonis. Now, he could be free to explore the breadth of his scoring repertoire — in Indy or elsewhere.
player. 79. . F. Dallas Mavericks. Dorian Finney-Smith. 77
Ranking NBA players — 77. Dorian Finney-Smith, Mavericks
Dorian Finney-Smith was the second or third-best player on a conference finals team last season, and he doesn’t get the respect he deserves. A stout defender and reliable shooter, Finney-Smith has formed a terrific partnership with Luka Doncic. He spaces the floor and picks his spots wisely on offense. He also happened to be the centerpiece of one of the NBA’s top defenses. A defense that, again, propelled Dallas to the conference finals.
77. . G. Los Angeles Clippers. Norman Powell. 76. player
Ranking NBA players — 76. Norman Powell, Clippers
Norman Powell is a smart early bet for Sixth Man of the Year. He’s going to get plenty of minutes in an absolutely ideal setting. With Kawhi Leonard and Paul George sucking up so much attention, Powell is going to be free to torch weaker defenders on the perimeter. His three-level efficiency and positional versatility should make him a nightly staple for a team many consider the favorites to win the West.