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

Ill-timed injuries have dampened an otherwise promising season for the Clippers. Paul George is at the tail end of his prime, but he’s still in his prime — the poster child for 3-and-D star wings. George has steadily diversified his offensive repertoire in the post-Indy years and he continues to supply elite, multi-positional defender when called upon.

The Raptors’ horrific season has cast doubt over Pascal Siakam’s future. If he becomes available for trade, a number of contenders should be feverishly blitzing the Toronto phone lines. A deadly straight-line driver who has become increasingly deadly as a jumbo-sized playmaker and pull-up shooter, Siakam is a one-of-a-kind offensive nightmare for opponents. And, he’s quite the versatile defensive weapon to boot.

Off-court drama aside, Ja Morant still does things on the basketball court that no one else can. His dazzling aerial acrobatics and dynamic at-rim finishing ability are only the tip of the iceberg. Morant compromises the defense at will; no defense can really keep him out of the paint. He’s an instant initiator for the Grizzlies’ elite transition offense and he is one of the great set-up men in the NBA right now.

James Harden has firmly transitioned into the post-superstardom phase of his career, but he remains absolutely elite. He led the NBA in assists, the perfect microcosm of his ability to place teammates in a position to succeed. He doesn’t have the same burst and scoring punch that he once did, but Harden is an elite manipulator who processes the game at supersonic speeds. He may take his time — he’s methodical and purposeful — but don’t let it fool you. He can read the game five seconds in advance.

Anthony Davis is an absolute world-beater on the defensive end and a prolific No. 2 option for the Lakers, who suddenly look like contenders now that the front office has put quality role players around its stars. Injuries and lapses in aggression still plague Davis, but very few players can match Davis’ two-way impact when he’s going full tilt.