Hes a quality lob threat, and more importantly, he can hold his own on an island with wings and guards. Its not blazing speed that fuels him, but rather an innate feel for the other nine players on the floor. 1 player in an exercise like this no longer feels or reads as an absolute truth. Robs 2020 list provided a particularly valuable starting point. He told SI he has something up his sleeve for next season. Brooklyns point guard remains one of the games top scorers, and, paired with Kevin Durant, its possible well see him hoisting the Larry OBrien Trophy in 2021. Griffin attempted 322 threes in 201718 and 522 the next season, shooting a respectable 35.5% from beyond the arc. Hayward also excels snaking in and out of the pick-and-roll, able to keep defenders on his hip before contorting his body around bigs around the rim. And his offensive game could use an extra flourish here and there, or at least one counter to teams who can doggedly chase him off the arc (as the Lakers did in the Finals.) Ingles shot 39.9% from three last season and was a steadying defensive presence for a Utah team that went 4428. Fans flocked to YouTube to track down clips of the dazzling Spanish star, who first appeared in Spains top professional league at 14 and held his own during the 2008 Olympics. Yet theres no denying his historic talent. With a new coach, new point guard and a clean bill of health, we should see the Gordon of old. Can he lead the team in scoring? Though his first year with the Clippers ultimately ended in massive disappointment, Leonard showed numerous times throughout 2020 why some had moved him ahead of LeBron before the season. Its a shame Griffin has largely faded from relevance as he toils away in Detroit. 2b scorer to Kemba Walkers 2a. Towns averaged a career-high 26.5 points last season, while shooting 50.8% from the field.

Jeremy Woo. His brilliance aside, the young Grizzlies were just the leagues 21st-ranked offense last season. Brown has always been a heady player, thriving within his means and not trying to take on the mantle of No. Joki doesnt necessarily look the part of a franchise anchor. Curry is one of the best off-ball shooters of all-time, wreaking havoc on defenses as he darts around screens and resets his position after a pass. In a contract year at age 35, Aldridge will look to continue meshing with San Antonios young guards and serving as a strong pick-and-roll partner with fellow veteran DeMar Derozan. Count out the Point God at your own risk. In the process, Butler outplayed two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo in the second round of the postseason, and then with his two best teammates (Adebayo and Dragic) injured, he frankly single-handedly took two games off the Lakers in the championship round. Smart doesnt always take care, but he always cares, sometimes more than he should, always for the right reasons. At this point, its a matter of preference, a testament to the speed and manner in which hes captured the attention and respect of his peers, and his savant-level capacity to control, and increasingly, take over the flow of a given game. 96. For a team now deep into its rebuild, Horford provides professionalism and competence. Well, CP was worth every penny in 2020. Atlantas point guard finished fourth in scoring at 29.6 points per game in 201920, and perhaps more importantly, he turned in a far more efficient season. Paul looked rejuvenated in OKC. While Damian Lillard provides most of the fireworks in the Blazers offense, McCollum remains an indispensable metronome. Clearly enough, the Nuggets magical postseason runwhich saw the franchise overcome two 31 series deficitswould not have happened without Murrays stellar play. Hes viewed by many as little more than a replacement-level wing, but a closer look provides a clearer picture. The addition of top free agent Gallinari will surely boost a Hawks team that went 2047 last season. He doesnt block a ton of shots. Without Robinson, lineups including Butler and Adebayo could manage an offensive rating of only 108.8, which would have ranked in the bottom third of the league. He can truly guard any position on the floor, banging with beefy centers or staying in front of speedy guards. Bogdanovi is a quality spacer, but perhaps more importantly, he sports the playmaking ability to take some share of the offense from Young. He averaged 18.2 points per game for the Clips in 2020, playing 28.7 minutes a night off the bench. Around the rim, he is a foul-drawing machine and additionally led the league in post-up points with 7.4 per game. At 23, he should already be a consistent candidate for Defensive Player of the Year. While Gasol averaged 19.5 points per game in the 201617 season, that number dropped to a career-low 7.5 points per game last year, in his first full season with the Raptors. His final season with the Lakers represented a step in the right direction. R.N, While Giannis Antetokounmpo has been at the center of the Bucks success in recent years, Khris Middleton has been an integral part of the franchises rise unto himself. All Rights Reserved. As Durant tries to get out of Brooklyn, Golden State general manager Bob Myers assesses his roster: I like our team.. PG is far from a scrub. His athleticism gives his offense a little bit of bounce as well. He does everything you want. Strip away the aesthetic debate and a simple truth emerges regarding James Harden. Porter is one of just five players to shoot over 42% from three in the last four seasons (min. Functionally ambidextrous as a passer and finisher, whenever he gets there, his devastating dunks and craft around the rim threaten equally. Consider for a second the fact that the tenets of Morants explosive style translated directly from the Ohio Valley conference, in transition and the halfcourt, without a fully reliable jump shot. Gordon is more athletic and ferocious at the tin than his reputation suggests. R.N. R.N. Access to this and all other statistics on 80,000 topics from, Show sources information What Butler proved during the Heats surprise run through the East is that he can be the No. Despite his flaws, Young is a legitimately thrilling offensive talent, and hell inherit the best roster hes had yet. Philadelphias point guard attempted just seven threes in 201920. The 2019 playoffs served as the greatest affirmation of Jokis brilliance. Perhaps its not his preference, but hes more than capable of running constant pick-and-rolls to exploit matchups. Hes not the warmest personality by most accounts. Yet another Raptor who stepped up in the wake of Kawhi's walking away, VanVleet posted career numbers practically across the board in 201920. So what should we make of Westbrook after 12 seasons, nine All-Star teams, one MVP and (roughly) a million hot takes? Stars like Kevin Durant and John Wall are making their returns from serious setbacks. With his playmaking and sheer size, Nurki has fashioned himself into one of the NBAs best screen-and roll threats, able to command an extra shred of attention while teammates create off him, punish switches, and elevate to the rim when given space. Hell take plays off defensively and weeks off mentally. How much longer James will hold the top spot is anyones guess, and going into this season, there are plenty of comers. Theres no team in the NBA that couldnt gainfully employ Jaylen Brown, one of the sharpest players in the league both on and off the floor. DAngelo Russell, Minnesota Timberwolves. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, Daily Cover: SI's Top 100 NBA Players of 2021, Bertnss value as one of the leagues most effective frontcourt shooters, scored 53 points in Indianas opening seeding-game victory, having signed a fresh four-year deal worth more than $70 million, signing a four-year, $85 million contract, he joins the Hornets as a still-impactful offensive force, He returns to the Top 100 as a member of the Rockets, his play had returned to his usual standard, the Pelicans are banking on the Adams effect, Klay Thompson will miss a second straight season after tearing his ACL, The Serbian center was the subject of fascination early in his career, Anthony Davis was the key to unlocking the teams success, Clippers ultimately ended in massive disappointment. Durant is one of maybe a handful of players who are true threats to score the ball no matter where they stand on the floor nor how you choose to defend them. The Lakers championship doesnt happen without that level of synergy. J.W. The list attempts to account for the entirety of a players impacton offense, on defense, structural and otherwiseand tends to favor those with the most malleable skill sets. The bruising center played eight games with the Cavaliers, who later picked up his $28 million player option. New Pacers head coach Nate Bjorkgren told reporters that Oladipo has looked like he has a lot of bounce to him this training camp, but it remains unclear whether Oladipo will appear in back-to-back games, something he didnt do last year in an abridged return. Barnes may not be a standout player in any single metric. You can only download this statistic as a Premium user. Antetokounmpo continues to improve each year, launching those threes more often than ever before, getting to the foul line more, rebounding better and making even more of his minutes, all while shouldering a league-high 37.5% usage rate in 201920. The current version is still close to the top of the league. His defense improved throughout the playoffs, though hell still be targeted on that end. All the players listed there have also had disappointing playoff losses, by the way. The move to Memphis has brought out the best in Valaninas. Upon being traded to Minnesota this offseason, he admitted he was a different player than when I came here, and when I left. While he wont be the star they once imagined, hell be a solid veteran presence for a Timberwolves team building around DAngelo Russell and top draft pick Anthony Edwards in the backcourt. Covington struggled mightily from three in the NBA bubble, and while that may be a small sample, hes never been a truly knockdown shooter.

Its possible Smarts career-best 201819 seasonwhen he appeared to take a step forward as a scorerwas something of a mirage in terms of shooting. You only have access to basic statistics. But as he hits the other side of 30, his checkered health history, volatile shooting splits, and limited versatility are inseparable from the value conversation. Utahs performance in the postseason has been a different storydraw the wrong opponent, and the 7' 1" Gobert can look out of his depth rather quicklybut were talking about a two-time Defensive Player of the Year whos made first-team All-Defense in four straight seasons. He is a versatile defender and pairs nicely with OG Anunoby on the wing. Youngs vision is truly elite in the half-court. I think communication builds trust and it solves problems. Originally a Lakers second-round pick, hell finally join the franchise that drafted him after signing a two-year veteran minimum contract. Gordon still flashes glimpses that remind people of Blake Griffin, Draymond Green and Pascal Siakam, but there are other times he looks like hed be better suited as a secondary or tertiary option. Hes not an elite jump shooter, but he commands respect on the catch. Of course, Wall is a terrific passer, but his ability to stretch defenses in transition has always played a role in his gaudy assist totals. The 29-year-old small forward started 58 games for the Nuggets last season and was among the teams most consistent contributors. Few rookie guards have ever shown up quite so ballsy and unafraid, and while hes still learning to curb turnovers and defend with intent, it matters that Morant cares less about showmanship and more about making the right play, rarely shooting just to shoot or passing for the sake of it. After mostly being a rim runner his first two seasons in the league, Adebayo morphed into an elbow traffic cop in 2020, ultimately averaging 15.9 ponts, 10.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. For all his past escapades, Butler was measured his first season in Miami, picking his spots offensively while playing his typical stellar defense on whoever was in front of him. His three-point rate has skyrocketed. Hell get the opportunity to try and mesh with All-Star forward Kevin Love in the Cavs frontcourt as the franchise looks to develop lottery picks Collin Sexton, Darius Garland and Isaac Okoro alongside them. Jokis offensive brilliance is infectious. Westbrook was downright dominant for a significant stretch in 201920. Despite his scoring output dropping to its lowest mark since 200910 and his rebounding total dropping to its lowest mark since 200708, Millsap remains a steady defender who is capable of playing a productive, limited role on a high-quality team. If not, hell remain a tantalizing, yet frustrating talent on the fringe of the All-NBA discussion. As the Wizards continue to bat away trade offers and build around Beal, the prospect of his game continuing to improve points to why Washington would hold. Only seven players hit more off-the-dribble threes in 201819, and Griffin retained his prowess in transition at 1.22 points per possession. Like an expert center back or rangy middle linebacker, Gobert forces an offense to simply maneuver its way around him, or avoid him entirely. Irvings sheer statistical resume in recent seasons shouldnt go unnoticed. Dragi will pull up against slower footed centers who sag off him, or hell find a way to snake around a smaller five who wants to dance on the perimeter. Vintage Westbrook was arguably the best athlete in NBA history. Jackson shined in his second NBA season, making a significant leap as a three-point shooter. The Oklahoma product shot a blistering 41.3% on catch-and-shoot triples last season. To see our 25 biggest snubs from this years list, click here. His jump shot oscillates between middling and broken depending on the week, and his stubbornness regarding said jumper can create plenty of frustration. If the Pacers want to remain among the conferences top teams, a lot will be riding on the shoulders of their budding star. At times, it still feels as though theres something missing despite Vuevis impressive point totals. Coming off the bench full-time for the first time since 2011, Dragi was still the Heats second-leading scorer in 2020. Kawhi is a steely assassin, an expert at getting to his spots when he needs a bucket. That manifested in a similarly effective, but more ground-bound play style, as well some pronounced defensive struggles as he played conceptual catch-up. 66. Barton left the bubble on Aug. 19 with a knee injury, after playing just a single half of an Orlando scrimmage. At his best, Gordon is a perfect third guard in Houstons offense. If the Bulls find their way in the playoff chase this spring, Porter could play a crucial role. Regardless, Dinwiddie is effective as the pick-and-roll initiator, excelling when he can drive downhill at opposing bigs. He said recently that his plan this offseason was always to come back to Cleveland. The two-time All-Star remains a high-quality player, but for better or worse, hes still a stat stuffer on a young team. Harrell is undersized as a 67 center, which can be an issue against skilled fives or on the glass. The mind-boggling amount of mileage on his body weighs on your mind, the half-step hes lost athletically crops up time and again, and James cant just flip the switch quite the way he used to. If theres a legitimate knock on him right now, its his 31.6% three-point clip, stemming from degree-of-difficulty attempts that defenses will often live with (conversely, he converted 57% of attempts inside the arc). Perhaps playing alongside Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum will generate more wide-open looks in 202021.

Further refinement from Young on both ends of the ball in his third year could launch him into the leagues elite. Still, speculate all you want about the longevity of his body type, but you cannot argue with the results. But heading into this season, those within the Nuggets organization continue to echo his importance. PG looked completely recovered from his shoulder troubles with the Clips, shooting a career-high 41.2% from beyond the arc. B.P. While still giving full credit to Anthony Davis, everyone knows that his on-court life has never been easier, with James on the floor to dictate where the ball should be, to draw defenses, and maximize the quality and ease of his shot attempts. He became the second player in NBA history to average 25 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists in a single playoffs, and his 64-minute triple-double against the Blazers served as a watershed moment in his career. As Gobert enters a contract year, Utah will lean on him as long as its feasible. While Beverleys on-ball tenacity, sneaky-good offensive rebounding, and capable shooting would be welcomed by any contender, his game also exists in a narrow scope. While pricey, Drummond would appear to be more of a short-term option for a rebuilding team. And he did so as the primary focus of nearly every defense he faced. And in a reserve role, his services are quite a luxury. Theres still growth to be had on the defensive end, but those problems should be solved with added experience. Hes evolving as a pick-and-roll ballhandler. Hes more of a stationary shooter than anything on the offensive end, and his jumper ebbs and flows more than one would like. Thats how a five-time All-Star ends up floating around the middle of this list. For now, Brown is perfectly cast as Bostons No.

A thorough understanding of Harriss value has always been best obtained by watching closely, not poring over his numbers. Still just 25 years old, Gordon averaged 14.4 points on just over 12 shots per game last season, down from the past two. ), While George may fall short of being the true No.1 on a championship contender, it would be asinine to cast him aside as some kind of punchline. There are few players in league history quite like Porzingis when hes healthy. LeBron led the NBA in assists for the first time as a 35-year-old, and it didnt happen by accident. Hardens offensive brilliance will earn him a bust in Springfield and potentially a statue in Houston when all is said and done. Toronto was a legitimate contender last year, and Lowry, with his wit, guile, and skill, was the biggest reason why. Charlotte would be smart to increase its pace with Hayward and Ball, capitalizing on each players vision and skill in the open court. Is $120 million too rich for Hayward? At 35, Gasol is no longer the same player he was back in the early to mid-2010s, when he anchored a Grizzlies team that was a perennial postseason threat. At 30 years old, George isnt an up-and-comer, but he still has time to rewrite the book on the kind of player he is in high-stakes moments. The pair of free-agent signings will be joined by frontcourt newcomers Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu, creating a short-term logjam. Youre behind them. But without the proper infrastructure around him (like playing with superstars), his talents wouldnt be as pronounced. The reigning Sixth Man of the Year, Harrell was the third-leading scorer on the 2020 Clippers. Jokic should be unafraid to let it fly. But forcing Harris to largely stand on the perimeter seems to be an underutilization of his skills. But if hes proved one thing over the years, its that theres a method behind his unique brand of chaotic good. J.W. ADs game is effortless on the surface, but the devil is in the details, particularly his footwork. Few players in the NBA sport better instincts on the floor. But perhaps were focusing too much on questions surrounding Irvings peculiar personality. 20 on this list, but hes really just getting started. Doing what hes done is not an easy task, and capable shot-creators with his size and explosiveness are few and far between. If anything, Redick was slightly underutilized on a young New Orleans team, playing his fewest minutes per game (26.4) since 2011. His constant movement generates open looks despite the undivided attention of his defender. Now, Durants time with the Netsthe third phase of his careermay prove to be the most complicated test hes faced. And Jacksons skill isnt solely tied to his value from three. Lets hope Harris earns a greater share of playmaking duties in 202021, allowing his impressive offensive arsenal to shine. J.W. (Fun fact: Lowrys free-throw rate last season was the fourth-best of his career and highest since 2009.) It is noteworthy that those shooting woes tend to manifest in the playoffs, when opponents wall off the paint and take their chances. So who will lead San Antonio forward? Still, you shudder at the thought of what might happen if he continues to meet them. We also compiled a watch list of 12 young players who could make the top 100 for years to come. August 25, 2021. 1 but can command the offense when necessary. He enters this season as a starter on a perennial playoff team, having signed a fresh four-year deal worth more than $70 million. Throughout his first six NBA seasons with the Nets, he took just seven total three-pointers.

He doesnt have to be a pure catch-and-shoot guy, though getting his three-point attempts up would be a welcome sight. But hes become more efficient thanks to an increase in three-point attempts, and with different pieces around him, you still wonder whether he might have more to offer. For someone with so much talent, the story is far from over. Curry remains one of the most electric players in the NBA, and his shooting ability endures as one of the most impactful forces in league history. Just three players have tallied more 40-point games. His presence dissuades all but the most daring drivers from approaching. How many point guards, let alone 20-year-old rookies, could have led the collection of parts on Memphiss roster to the cusp of playoff contention? B.P. J.W. Jerami Grant enters the season as one of the most interesting players to watch throughout the league. Its blasphemous. But with the emergence of Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet, the Raptors are hoping to lighten his burden. Ideally, the relative lack of stress of last season and the long layoff will give Green enough of an energy boost to look more like the 2016 vintage as the Warriors try to get back on track. Defensively, Tatum isnt a lockdown guy, but he doesnt cheat on that end of the floor, and hes a key part of Bostons elite unit. Hes often unwilling to make any impact without the ball in his hands, far too content to rest with his hands on his hips in the half-court. He has developed into a productive player, capable of playing both on- and off-ball, and he should elevate his close friend and franchise cornerstone Karl-Anthony Towns. Murray is likely the franchise headliner. If his breakout year doesnt prove to be a massive fluke, Robinson will be one of the best floor spacers in NBA history. His prime years may be defined by his capacity to adjust. Tatum has the talent to be a scoring leader one day. His decision to join the Warriors will always be controversial, but the results he got in Golden State should not be. James recently told SI the Lakers thought Davis was hardly breaking a sweat at times when putting up monster numbers. Defenses will consistently key on him for the first time, and hell be tested. Still, when the stakes were at their absolute highest, Butler delivered. All of that being said, if you are in desperate need of a bucket, you could do a lot worse than Williams. His jump shot is a valid issue.

Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans. His gravity alone on the offensive side of the ball completely changes the calculus of any defense. Williams can get hot at a moments notice, and many a coach has watched their lead slip away because of a Lou scoring barrage. He signed a five-year extension, reportedly worth at least $163 million, this offseason to solidify his future with the club. "Share of players in the NBA from 2010 to 2021, by ethnicity." 1 pick is an effective point-forward and a quality three-point shooter. If theres anything holding him back, its that Browns offensive repertoire lacks a little bit of flair. Hes an impactful cutter when he wants to be, and he quietly turned in the most efficient season of his career in 201920. There isnt much that the Timberwolves star cant do, especially on the offensive end of the floor. Warren has always been a prolific scorer. While durability remains a concern for the 26-year-old center, Embiid could very well be the best big in basketball. Simply knowing where to be at all times and never flinching is a skill unto itself. B.P. If anything, L.A. was too cautious with George, playing him only 29.6 minutes a night in the regular season, his fewest since his rookie year (excluding the 2015 season when he played in only six games off the bench after breaking his leg. Theres certainly room for improvement here, like finishing at the rim or bumping up his percentage on pull-up threes. The Tennessee State product can legitimately defend both guards and larger wings, excelling as a weak-side helper. The 32-year-old center also has evolved into a centerpiece of Milwaukees league-best defense, finishing fifth overall in ESPNs real plus-minus for centers last year and third in defensive real plus-minus. But despite being largely a known commodity, Aldridge showcased a new skill last year, shooting three three-pointers per game, the most of his career, and finishing the year with a 39.3% mark from behind the arc. A stylistic shift could boost both of Sacramentos backcourt pieces in 202021. Situationally, theres only so much value that can be ascribed. The two displayed an almost immediate chemistry in pick-and-roll situations last year, Brogdons first with the franchise. For a player who has yet to make an All-Star team, Nets guard LeVert has been one of the most talked about players in the league. Capela may in essence function as Atlantas most important addition. You can quibble with his defensive shortcomings, as well as his lack of a true position at 6' 9". Utah often faces clogged lanes due to the presence of Gobert. Show publisher information Nurkis sublime passing skills and crafty interior game was abetted by a little extra vertical oomph under the basket. His two-year deal with the Clippers was widely regarded as one of the most economical yet potentially impactful deals of the offseason. Brogdon also saw his three-point shooting slip from 42.6% in 201819, his last year with Milwaukee, to just 32.6% with the Pacers. The big unknowns are to what degree he can amplify his playmaking skills (in two seasons as more of a secondary handler, his assist-to-turnover ratio is a respectable 1.8), and just how dangerous hell become shooting from distance. But he enters this season still playing the role of an essential secondary creator who wont overstep his ability. Favors knows his strengths and requires minimal maintenance. Rubio entered the NBA as one of the most-hyped international players ever. The former Rockets center is a gifted athlete. Hes a terrific big-to-big passer in the lane, and his vision out of the pick-and-roll mirrors that of a quality point guard. Curry could score 15 points in a game and still be the reason for an elite offensive performance because of everything he does for his team. Porter doesnt exactly provide the most bang for your buck out of any player in our Top 100. Hes evolved into a punishing presence at the rim, averaging a healthy 1.06 points per possession on postups and 1.03 points per possession as a roll man in 201920. Whether his preferred style of playwhich has never involved much defensecan run conducive to team success is still the question hanging over his real value.