Projecting the top 125 NBA players for 2022-23 season
147. . F. Brooklyn Nets. Joe Harris. 110. player
Ranking NBA players — 110. Joe Harris, Nets
Simply one of the best role players in the NBA. It shouldn’t take long for Joe Harris to remind NBA fans of his impressive shooting acumen. The Nets are a deep (and offense-heavy) team, and Harris will have to earn his minutes back, but players that prolific from 3-point range tend to thrive. He’s big and strong enough to compete defensively, and his particular set of skills should allow him to recover from a major knee injury more swiftly than most players.
86. . G. Minnesota Timberwolves. D'Angelo Russell. 109. player
Ranking NBA players — 109. D’Angelo Russell, Timberwolves
A fluid and naturally gifted playmaker, D’Angelo Russell can make it look easy. He made the All-Star team once in Brooklyn, and he’s no stranger to big scoring outbursts. His pick-and-roll partnership with the newly acquired Rudy Gobert will be one to watch. That said, his porous defense and proclivity for tunnel vision hold him back.
29. . F. San Antonio Spurs. Keldon Johnson. 108. player
Ranking NBA players — 108. Keldon Johnson, Spurs
The Spurs will need someone to fill the scoring void left by Dejounte Murray. One of several candidates to contribute is Keldon Johnson, who many will consider the cornerstone of San Antonio’s forthcoming rebuild (until a top-five pick joins the mix). Johnson has gradually diversified his scoring repertoire over time, and he’s already a versatile defender with a particular penchant for grabbing rebounds.
player. 81. . G. Toronto Raptors. Gary Trent Jr.. 107
Ranking NBA players — 107. Gary Trent Jr., Raptors
Gary Trent Jr. elevated his profile from intriguing spark plug/shot-chucker to starting-caliber wing in the span of one season — another prime example of Toronto’s excellent player development system. His improved shot selection and, more importantly, his commitment to high-level perimeter defense has made Trent the kind of role player every contender yearns for.
118. . G. Utah Jazz. Collin Sexton. 106. player
Ranking NBA players — 106. Collin Sexton, Jazz
Collin Sexton will be returning from a lower leg injury and extended absence, which is never ideal. He’s young, however, and the Jazz are primed to give him carte blanche offensively. It will be Sexton’s team for better or worse next season. We know he can score prolifically and with impressive efficiency, but how well does Sexton get others involved, and how much does he contribute when the ball isn’t in his hands?