Like an annual tradition, we have done our fair share of top-100 players articles in the past. And with the regular season just around the corner along with ESPN just coming out with their list, now seems like the perfect time to come out with our own preseason list to see where current and former Philadelphia 76ers land on the rankings.
These rankings will be based on two factors: how they performed last year and how they could fare this season. Before getting into this list, below are 12 honorable mentions in no particular order who just missed out on the Top-100.
Honorable mentions:
- Jeremy Sochan, SAS
- Steven Adams, MEM
- Anfernee Simons, POR
- Harrison Barnes, SAC
- Shadeon Sharpe, POR
- Scoot Henderson, POR
- Mitchell Robinson, NYK
- Immanuel Quickley, NYK
- Malcolm Brogdon, POR
- Collin Sexton, UTA
- Bennedict Mathurin, IND
- Herbert Jones, NOP
100. PG Ben Simmons, Nets
It’s hard to justify the former Philadelphia 76ers based on his last season, but he’s been looking very good this preseason. Let’s be clear it’s very unlikely Ben Simmons will return to his All-NBA former, but it’s possible for him to be an elite passer and defender. If the point guard can return to that level of play then the Brooklyn Nets will be a threat in the East.
99. PF, Jabari Smith Jr., Rockets
Jabari Smith Jr. was inconsistent for the Houston Rockets as a rookie. The power forward struggled on the offensive end but if this past Summer League is any indication of the growth he has experienced this offseason, then he can be a legit rotation player on a good team. The former second-overall pick might finally start fulfilling his full potential.
98. PF John Collins, Jazz
There were a lot of winners this offseason, but none might not be as big as power forward John Collins. Collins was stuck on a team that didn’t want him in the Atlanta Hawks for a few years and now, he’s on a Utah Jazz team where he should fit right in. Collins should be in line for a bounce-back year and could be higher on the next iteration of this list.
97. SG Jordan Poole, Wizards
After getting suckered punched before last season even began, Jordan Poole struggled with his shot for the rest of the season. Now, he gets a fresh start with the Washington Wizards after the Golden State Warriors traded him this summer. It will be interesting to see what type of production he will have on a rebuilding Wizards team.
96. PF Grant Williams, Mavericks
In a surprising move, the Boston Celtics agreed to a sign-and-trade that sent 3-and-D forward Grant Williams to the Dallas Mavericks. Williams enters this season as arguably the Mavericks’ best defender and a solid locker room stabilizer. He’s also set to be a full-time starting power forward for the first time in his career which should augment his numbers.