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 Berding/Getty Images)
(Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /

69. . F. New Orleans Pelicans. Zion Williamson. 15. player

A lot of people are overthinking their valuation of Zion Williamson. The injuries suck and sure, there’s credible evidence to suggest that Williamson and the Pelicans need to do a better job of maintaining his body and his work load. But when he’s on the court, Williamson is an absolute beast. He gets into the teeth of the defense at will, finishing at the rim with otherworldly efficiency and operating as the Pelicans’ primary ball-handler despite his 6-foot-6, 285-pound frame.

. G. Cleveland Cavaliers. Donovan Mitchell. 14. player. 156

Donovan Mitchell elevated his star status to another level in his first season with Cleveland. He has done a tremendous job of rounding out his skill set and eliminating weaknesses, especially on defense. He’s no longer simply an elite shot-maker; he’s an efficient three-level scorer who can run point and effectively orchestrate the offense around him.

13. player. 110. . F. Miami Heat. Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler continues to step up when the lights are brightest. He brings it on both ends of the floor and it’s just impossible to deny the résumé at this point. He might only give 70 percent effort in the regular season, but even that’s better than 95 percent of the NBA.

Portland Trail Blazers. Damian Lillard. 12. player. 34. . G

The Blazers missed the playoffs and it’s fair to wonder what exactly the plan is for Portland. The roster around Lillard can’t compete and at 32, he’s too old for another retool. So long as he’s healthy, Lillard deserves to be competing at the highest level. His singular shot-making talent was on full display this season. We’ll see if the Blazers can serve him better, either with significant roster upgrades or a trade.

149. . G. Oklahoma City Thunder. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. 11. player

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has announced OKC’s arrival. He’s arguably the most potent isolation guard in the NBA, a gangling mix of speed changes, misdirection, and subtle craft. He can get to his spots and hit tough shots as well as anyone. He also put himself in the conversation for All-Defense (alongside All-NBA) with his impressive stock numbers and high motor. He’s the real deal.