The Sixer Sense
Fansided

NBA player rankings: Top 100 NBA players as of 2023 playoffs

By Christopher Kline

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 25: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers in action against Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics at the Wells Fargo Center on February 25, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Celtics defeated the 76ers 110-107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 25: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers in action against Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics at the Wells Fargo Center on February 25, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Celtics defeated the 76ers 110-107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
(Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images) /

Minnesota Timberwolves. Karl-Anthony Towns. 35. player. 86. . C

Karl-Anthony Towns still gets punked defensively in certain matchups and his scoring fluctuates with his mood way too often. That said, few bigs can match his skill level on the offensive end. Towns is, on paper, maybe the best shooting big we’ve ever seen, and he’s equally adept at punishing mismatches in the post. His passing improvement in recent years is the cherry on top.

Memphis Grizzlies. Desmond Bane. 34. player. 211. . G

Desmond Bane continues to set nets aflame for Memphis, but he’s much more than the shooting specialist he was billed as coming out of TCU. Bane is excellent working out of DHOs or attacking off the catch, making swift decisions with the ball and possessing the strength to plow through defenders en route to finishes at the rim.

player. 211. . F. Memphis Grizzlies. Jaren Jackson Jr.. 33

Jaren Jackson Jr. is the current favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year (and he should win, in this writer’s humble opinion). The Grizzlies’ defense is miles better with Jackson on versus off. He’s an elite rim protector with preternatural instincts and the ability to comfortably switch onto the perimeter or roam in passing lanes. He’s everything, everywhere, all at once for the Grizzlies’ defense and he’s also one heck of a complementary scorer in the frontcourt.

G. Charlotte Hornets. LaMelo Ball. 32. player. 170.

LaMelo Ball has the misfortune of toiling in obscurity for the NBA’s most directionless franchise, but he’s still a wonder to behold on the basketball court. He has to smooth the rough edges of his approach still, but Ball’s freewheeling playmaking and dynamic pull-up shooting make him a premier offensive engine.

G. Milwaukee Bucks. Jrue Holiday. 31. player. 89.

Jrue Holiday, maybe the best perimeter defender in the NBA. His strength and maneuverability at the point of attack is wondrous to behold. Few 6-foot-3 guards can exert such a massive influence over the game on the defensive end. And Holiday backs it up with consistent scoring numbers and a real penchant for setting up teammates on the offensive end.