Top 100 NBA players: Updated rankings for 2023
Zach LaVine has been far removed from his typical high standards of production to start the 2022 season. Will he return to form? Only time will tell, but his lingering knee maladies are worth monitoring. Even so, his blend of athleticism and shot-making comes along once in a lifetime. He’s a very special scorer who has worked admirably to round out the rest of his skill set. Hopefully the knee doesn’t stay in the way for too long.
Kyrie Irving is the most mesmerizing individual talent in the NBA. He’s a joy to watch, possessing unmatched skill as a ball-handler and finisher in the paint. He’s on the shortlist of truly elite iso scorers, but his tendency to play hero ball and the distractions he constantly casts over the Nets are hard to ignore.
A big explosive guard who can score at will from just about anywhere on the court, Anthony Edwards screams superstar potential. He can bully defenders at the rim or beat them with finesse on the perimeter. That said, his wavering effort on defense and limited passing skill have been problematic for a Minnesota team looking to take the next step.
Welcome to stardom, Lauri Markkanen. After elevating his game with Cleveland last season, the Finnish 7-footer has exploded into the stratosphere with Utah. He’s the best player on a surprise postseason contender, spraying shots from all over the floor, increasing his on-ball reps, and even improving defensively.
Desmond Bane is no longer just a shooting specialist. He’s beating defenders off the bounce, finding teammates on the move, and defending the wing at a high level. All that, and he’s still one of the best shooters in the NBA. He’s the ultimate complementary star for a slasher like Morant.