50. PG LaMelo Ball, Hornets
Due to injuries, LaMelo Ball missed most of last season. However, once healthy, he’s one of the most dynamic playmakers in the NBA and he’s also a very good scorer. His problem is his effort on the defensive end. He has all the tools to be at least an average defender for the Charlotte Hornets, but he doesn’t put in the effort on that side of the ball.
49. PF Julius Randle, Knicks
Based on stats alone, the argument could be made that the New York Knicks All-Star Julius Randle should be much higher on this list. However, Randle is a limited ball handler and has become inefficient in the postseason. If he can overcome those two hurdles then he can be a top-30 or possibly top-20 player.
48. SF Khris Middleton, Bucks
After being injured for a good portion of last season, he returned to the Milwaukee Bucks lineup a shell of his former self. Hopefully, it was rust and not being 100.0 percent healthy, but if not then this ranking might be too high for the former All-Star. If he does come back to full former, then the Bucks should be the favorite to win the NBA Title.
47. PG James Harden, 76ers
Like with Randle, if stats were the sole determining factor to this list, he’d be a lot higher, but there are several reasons why the Philadelphia 76ers star isn’t higher on this list. The biggest is that he’s another year older and he shrinks in the playoffs more often than he shines. Fans know what Harden is during the regular season, but now it’s time for him to show it in the playoffs which he hasn’t done nearly enough.
46. PF Jaren Jackson Jr., Grizzlies
Despite winning Defensive Player of the Year this past season, Jaren Jackson Jr. isn’t a top-45 player in the NBA. While he can block plenty of shots he doesn’t rebound and struggles with foul trouble too often which limits his minutes. Offensively he’s a prototypical 3-an-D big man, but until he fixes his defensive issues, he can’t truly become an elite player for the Memphis Grizzlies.