Projecting the top 125 NBA players for 2022-23 season
118. . G. Utah Jazz. Mike Conley. 95. player
Ranking NBA players — 95. Mike Conley, Jazz
Mike Conley is probably underrated at this point. Even with his pricey contract, plenty of contenders should be making trade calls before the season. His steady hand as a facilitator and bankable 3-point shot allow Conley to complement other stars quite well. He has a veteran savvy to offset his depleted athleticism, but he’s not the great defender he once was.
. F. Detroit Pistons. Bojan Bogdanovic. 94. player. 64
Ranking NBA players — 94. Bojan Bogdanovic, Pistons
The Pistons surprised many by trading for Bojan Bogdanovic. It could prove fruitful: he’s an excellent fit next to Cade Cunningham, who will serve him up plenty of quality looks from 3-point range. Bogey could be the No. 2 scorer in Detroit next season, with the Pistons looking to slowly but surely move back toward the postseason picture with the Cunningham-Ivey backcourt in place.
125. . F. Atlanta Hawks. De'Andre Hunter. 93. player
Ranking NBA players — 93. De’Andre Hunter, Hawks
Injuries have deprived De’Andre Hunter of his big breakthrough. The talent is evident whenever he’s on the court. Hunter can use his strength to bully smaller wings in the paint, or he can stretch slower defenders out to the 3-point line. His pull-up jumper and nifty in-between game suggest star upside. Not to mention his defense, which is next level. He just has to stay on the court long enough to put all the pieces together.
92. player. 110. . G. Miami Heat. Tyler Herro
Ranking NBA players — 92. Tyler Herro, Heat
Tyler Herro deservingly won Sixth Man of the Year for the one-seed Heat last season. There’s a chance Herro is finally promoted to the starting five this season, but it frankly won’t change much either way. He’s going to play 30+ minutes and average 20+ points a night. His speed and shiftiness with the ball is unique. He’s one of the NBA’s best tough shot makers. If only he could defend.
84. . F. Sacramento Kings. Harrison Barnes. 91. player
Ranking NBA players — 91. Harrison Barnes, Kings
Harrison Barnes has been a steadfast and unwavering presence for the Kings, an organization famed for its disorganization and rampant unreliability. He’s a leader in the locker room and a rock solid 3-and-D wing. The common complaint with Barnes is that he’s not aggressive enough, but he doesn’t hog the ball and he knows the limits of his game. There’s value in that.