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 Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
(Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

18. . C. Boston Celtics. Robert Williams III. 60. player

Robert Williams’ season has been decimated by injuries and inconsistency, but he’s still on the shortlist of truly elite defensive centers when right. His ability to protect the rim or play switch-everything defense is matched by only a select few. His elite athleticism and unmatched recovery speed makes seemingly grave disadvantages feel infinitesimal. Blink, and a shooter goes from wide open to emphatically rejected

. G. Boston Celtics. Malcolm Brogdon. 59. player. 18

The best sixth man in the league because he’s way overqualified to be a sixth man. Malcolm Brogdon has the ideal complementary skill set offensively. We have seen him thrive as a spot-up shooter and hyper-efficient connective playmaker. We have also seen him take over games and lead the charge offensively. He can do both depending on what’s needed of him.

F. Denver Nuggets. Aaron Gordon. 58. player. 73.

Aaron Gordon is one of the best wing defenders in the NBA and he’s experiencing his most efficient offensive season to date. With Denver’s supporting cast back to full strength, Gordon has fully flourished as a floor-spacer and cutter who regularly makes himself available for Nikola Jokic assists. He arguably should have been Denver’s second All-Star, but alas, it was not meant to be.

. F. Orlando Magic. Paolo Banchero. 57. player. 38

The reigning No. 1 pick has delivered on the hype for Orlando. At 6-foot-10, he’s already scoring effortlessly at all three levels. Banchero’s blend of skill and strength makes him a singularly challenging cover on the offensive end. As the jumper becomes more consistent and he taps furthering into his upside as a passer, Banchero could swiftly join the ranks of perennial NBA All-Stars

F. Orlando Magic. Franz Wagner. 56. player. 38.

Not many 6-foot-9 players offer a skill set as diverse as that of Franz Wagner. He’s comfortable handling the ball in pick-and-rolls, pushing the tempo in transition, driving hard to the rim, or operating without the basketball. He’s already a deadly three-level scorer and secondary star for one of the league’s most promising rebuilds. Add in his remarkable defensive profile, and it gets harder and harder to keep Wagner out of the top-50 discussion