Projecting the top 125 NBA players for 2022-23 season
93. . F. Philadelphia 76ers. P.J. Tucker. 120. player
Ranking NBA players — 120. P.J. Tucker, Sixers
P.J. Tucker is a singular defensive force who always seems to find another gear in the playoffs. That, combined with his reliable 3-point shot and ineffable spunk, make him one of the NBA’s top complementary talents. He knows his role and frequently excels within it.
. G. Cleveland Cavaliers. Caris LeVert. 119. player. 156
Ranking NBA players — 119. Caris LeVert, Cavaliers
Caris LeVert has no trouble creating off the dribble. He’s a slinky and endlessly crafty ball-handler, weaving in and out of defenders before torching them with a deadly pull-up jumper. He’s an impressive athlete and a constant eye-popper on the screen. That said, he has a tendency to settle for low-efficiency shots, and he could do more to help the team when he’s not searching for his own points.
142. . F. Washington Wizards. Kyle Kuzma. 118. player
Ranking NBA players — 118. Kyle Kuzma, Wizards
Kyle Kuzma came into his own with Washington last season. He emerged as a genuine No. 2 or 3 scorer with rebounding and defensive chops we seldom saw in his Laker days. His improvement as a passer (and more broadly speaking, as a team player) make him a player to watch as the Wizards strive for the postseason.
Utah Jazz. Lauri Markkanen. 117. player. 118. . F
Ranking NBA players — 117. Lauri Markkanen, Jazz
Lauri Markkanen looked great in Eurobasket over the summer and should be afforded ample opportunities to shine with the rebuilding Jazz. His particular blend of size and 3-point shooting remains preciously rare. He can do some stuff on defense too, and he’s not afraid to attack closeouts and use his athleticism to drive the lane.
G. Los Angeles Clippers. Reggie Jackson. 116. player. 77.
Ranking NBA players — 116. Reggie Jackson, Clippers
Reggie Jackson has been steadfast and reliable for a Clippers team beset by injuries. He could stand to do his scoring with a tad more efficiency, but his confidence, clutch-time performances, and playmaking chops pervade the offense. He has been thrust into roles that exceed his skill set because of LA’s constant stream of absences, but he always steps up and proves worthy of respect.