ESPN also releases its top 100 current NBA players list

[Anerdyblackguy]

Our NBArank countdown is back for its 11th season.

Which rookies are making their debuts on our annual list? Which young stars are beginning their ascent up the league's hierarchy? Which players dropped after disappointing 2020-21 campaigns?


Here's who made the cut as we break down the league's top 100.

To get the final NBArank prediction, we asked our expert panel to vote on pairs of players: Kevin Durant vs. James Harden, Luka Doncic vs. Zion Williamson, Stephen Curry vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo ... and the list goes on.

We asked, "Which player will be better in 2021-22?" Voters had to predict what they expected from each player during the season.

Here are the first 50 players, from No. 100 down to No. 51:

Note: Due to knee injuries that will sideline both for most of the 2021-22 season, the LA Clippers' Kawhi Leonard and the Denver Nuggets' Jamal Murraywere excluded from this season's rankings.

Here's who made the cut as we break down the league's top 100.

To get the final NBArank prediction, we asked our expert panel to vote on pairs of players: Kevin Durant vs. James Harden, Luka Doncic vs. Zion Williamson, Stephen Curry vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo ... and the list goes on.

We asked, "Which player will be better in 2021-22?" Voters had to predict what they expected from each player during the season.

Here are the first 50 players, from No. 100 down to No. 51:

Note: Due to knee injuries that will sideline both for most of the 2021-22 season, the LA Clippers' Kawhi Leonard and the Denver Nuggets' Jamal Murraywere excluded from this season's rankings.

The top breakout candidates of NBArank 100-51

No. 100: Norman Powell
Portland Trail Blazers | SF
2020 NBArank: NR

One big question: Will Powell fit as well in Portland as after a midseason trade? Adding Powell helped the Blazers' starting five take off in the second half of the season, outscoring opponents by 15.5 points per 100 possessions -- second best in the league among lineups with at least 250 minutes played, per NBA Advanced Stats. The five-year, $90 million deal Powell signed this summer is a bet on that continuing. -- Kevin Pelton

No. 99: Danilo Gallinari
Atlanta Hawks | PF
2020 NBArank: No. 85

One thing to watch for: Gallinari's 3-point shooting has been one of his calling cards since he entered the NBA in 2008 with the Knicks. With 1,314 career 3-pointers, Gallinari sits just 12 behind Mitch Richmond for 50th on the NBA's all-time list. Once he passes Richmond, Gallinari will become just the fifth member of the top 50 listed at 6-foot-10 or taller (Dirk Nowitzki, Rashard Lewis, Peja Stojakovicand Kevin Durant). -- Andrew Lopez

No. 98: Steven Adams
Memphis Grizzlies | C
2020 NBArank: No. 70

Nos. 100-51 | Breakout picks

• Wed.: Players Nos. 50-26

• Thu.: Players Nos. 25-6

• Fri.: Players Nos. 5-1

Swing skill: Adams has never been an explosive leaper, but he developed into an efficient and prolific pick-and-roll finisher when paired with Russell Westbrook in Oklahoma City. He was rarely used in that role last season with the Pelicans, but perhaps that facet of Adams' game will be reignited by playing with Ja Morant, another dynamic point guard who is a terrific passer. -- Tim MacMahon

No. 97: Will Barton
Jalen Green[/paste:font]Houston Rockets | SG
2020 NBArank: NR

One thing to watch for: Given his immense talent and opportunity on a young Rockets team, expect Jalen Green to lead all rookies in scoring and make a strong case for Rookie of the Year, similarly to Anthony Edwards a season ago. Keep an eye on how quickly the explosive 6-foot-6 guard is able to impact winning on both ends, along with his efficiency. Circle Nov. 10th on your calendar, as Green and the Rockets will go head-to-head with No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham and the Pistons. Green has long considered himself the top prospect in his age group, and this matchup gives him another chance to make his case that he's the best rookie in the NBA. -- Mike Schmitz

No. 95: Kevin Huerter
Jonas Valanciunas[/paste:font]New Orleans Pelicans | C
2020 NBArank: NR

Swing skill: Rebounding. The Pelicans were already an elite rebounding team last season, finishing first in offensive rebounding percentage (30.2%) and third in defensive rebounding percentage (75.5%). Valanciunas finished fifth and third in those categories, respectively, while averaging a career-best 12.5 rebounds last season. -- Lopez

No. 93: Mitchell Robinson
New York Knicks | C
2020 NBArank: No. 92

One thing to watch for: Free agency looms. Robinson's talent, particularly his shot-blocking, is unquestioned. But after missing the final three months of last season with a hand fracture and the Knicks signing Nerlens Noel to a three-year deal this offseason, Robinson has a big year ahead of him to attempt to establish his value ahead of unrestricted free agency next summer. -- Tim Bontemps

No. 92: Duncan Robinson
Miami Heat | SG
2020 NBArank: No. 75

One big question: Will Robinson live up to his $90 million contract? The Heat sharpshooter has shown he can let it fly at the highest level -- but now he's got to prove he's worth the investment that Pat Riley, Erik Spoelstra and his staff believe he's worth after inking a big deal over the summer. Robinson's continued growth will be crucial for a Heat team trying to claw out of the East again. -- Nick Friedell

No. 91: Derrick Rose
Jordan Clarkson[/paste:font]Utah Jazz | PG
2020 NBArank: NR

One thing to watch for: Clarkson remains a classic gunner, but the reigning Sixth Man of the Year has refined his shot selection under head coach Quin Snyder, rarely firing from midrange. He attempted only 48 midrange shots last season and a career-high 599 3s. Don't be surprised to see Clarkson launch 700 3-point attempts this season, a total hit by six players in NBA history. -- MacMahon

No. 89: Robert Covington
Carmelo Anthony gone, Covington has the opportunity to slot into his more comfortable stretch-4 role on offense. -- André Snellings

No. 88: Seth Curry
Philadelphia 76ers | SG
2020 NBArank: No. 91

Swing skill: Philadelphia swapped Josh Richardson and a second round pick for Curry on draft night in 2020, and he provided everything the 76ers hoped for, and then some. He's now shot 45% from 3-point range each of the past three seasons, fully establishing himself as one of the league's best deep threats, and he gives Philadelphia the spacing it desperately needs around MVP candidate Joel Embiid. -- Bontemps

No. 87: Miles Bridges
Charlotte Hornets | SF
2020 NBArank: NR

One thing to watch for: Bridges shot 50.3% from the field last year and appears on the verge of a breakout season alongside a young core led by LaMelo Ball. At 23, Bridges still has plenty of room to grow. He shot 40% from beyond the arc last season for a Charlotte team that just missed the playoffs. -- Friedell

No. 86: Devonte' Graham
LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier. The Pelicans struggled in the clutch at times a year ago (17-22 in such games), so Graham's ability should help. -- Lopez

No. 85: John Wall
Kevin Porter Jr. and rookie Jalen Green. -- MacMahon

 

[Anerdyblackguy]

Spoiler

No. 84: Darius Garland
Cleveland Cavaliers | PG
2020 NBArank: NR

Swing skill: Garland is entering his third season and could be poised to take another step forward. He finished his second year strong, scoring 20 or more points in nine of his last 14 games. If Ricky Rubioremains with the Cavs, the point guard could get Garland better looks. Cleveland invested in big men this offseason by extending Jarrett Allen, drafting Evan Mobley and trading for Lauri Markkanen. They'll need Garland's shooting. The guard could break 40% from 3-point range. -- Ohm Youngmisuk

No. 83: Dejounte Murray
San Antonio Spurs | PG
2020 NBArank: No. 83

One thing to watch for: With DeMar DeRozangone, will Murray take on a bigger role in the Spurs' offense? Already a standout defender, Murray took a jump last season averaging career highs in points (15.7), rebounds (7.1) and assists (5.4) with four triple-doubles. -- Lopez

No. 82: Lauri Markkanen
Collin Sexton, shooter Darius Garland and rookie big man Evan Mobley. Markkanen will have to make the most of his opportunities, as a lot of players will be getting their touches in Cleveland. -- Youngmisuk

No. 81: Terry Rozier
Caris LeVert[/paste:font]Indiana Pacers | SG
2020 NBArank: No. 46

Swing skill: 3-point shooting. Whether as a reserve with the Nets or as a starter after being traded to Indiana and overcoming renal cell carcinoma of his left kidney, LeVert has shown he can get buckets. To move up this list, he must get them more efficiently. Getting back to the 36% 3-point shooting LeVert managed in 2019-20 would be helpful. He's shot just 32% on 3s after the trade. -- Pelton

No. 79: Tim Hardaway Jr.
Dallas Mavericks | SF
2020 NBArank: NR

Swing skill: Hardaway's range and quick trigger have been key to him emerging as an excellent complement to Luka Doncic. He's ranked among the most efficient high-volume spot up shooters over the last two seasons, averaging 1.18 points per possession, according to NBA.com/stats. That's in large part due to Hardaway cashing in on looks generated by Doncic. According to Synergy data, Hardaway has shot 40.1% on 3s off of Doncic passes in that span. -- MacMahon

No. 78: Dillon Brooks
Stephen Curryabout as well as possible during Memphis' play-in victories. It was too late -- ballots were already in -- but Brooks has certainly earned his way into that conversation. He takes great pride in always guarding the opponents best guard or wing scorer and is a physical, relentless defender reminiscent of Grizzlies great Tony Allen. -- MacMahon

No. 77: Andrew Wiggins
Golden State Warriors | SF
2020 NBArank: NR

One big question: Can Wiggins replicate his two-way effort again for the Warriors? One of the biggest knocks on Wiggins after being acquired by the Warriors was whether he would provide the consistent effort on both ends of the floor that wasn't always apparent during his time with the Timberwolves. "Two-Way Wiggs" answered that question in his first full season with the Warriors -- drawing praise from coaches and teammates for his ability to change the game on the defensive end. -- Friedell

No. 76: Cade Cunningham
Detroit Pistons | PG
2020 NBArank: NR

One big question: How will Detroit use him? Cunningham's versatility, on-court maturity and skill level make him a favorite for Rookie of the Year. Along with his ability to add value from beyond the arc (50% at summer league) and make the right reads offensively, it's worth watching just how long the Pistons will try to pair him with last year's top-10 pick Killian Hayes. Cunningham is far more effective when he's finishing the majority of possessions with a pick and roll or isolation, as opposed to standing in the corner like he was at times during the Las Vegas Summer League. -- Schmitz

No. 75: Joe Harris
Brooklyn Nets | SF
2020 NBArank: No. 100

One big question: Can he bounce back from playoff disappointment? It's hard enough to guard Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving in a vacuum. Add in Harris flying around the perimeter alongside them, forcing defenses to pay attention to him, and it makes the task all the more difficult. Harris had a rough series against the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round of the playoffs, but he remains one of the league's best 3-point shooters, and will help make the Nets the league's most complete offense this season. -- Bontemps

No. 74: Jusuf Nurkic
Tyrese Haliburton[/paste:font]Sacramento Kings | SG
2020 NBArank: NR

One big question: Haliburton showed why so many teams were high on him in the draft, averaging 13 points and 5.3 assists before a knee injury ended his rookie season. But now the Kings have a crowded backcourt with point guards De'Aaron Fox and first-round pick Davion Mitchell. How will head coach Luke Walton make it all work with three point guards? Will the Kings make a trade? There's more than one big question surrounding Haliburton. -- Youngmisuk

No. 72: OG Anunoby
Toronto Raptors | SF
2020 NBArank: No. 68

One thing to watch for: An expanding offensive game. Anunoby has slowly but steadily developed into one of the league's best wing defenders, while also growing his offensive game. Toronto has been captivated by his potential since the Raptors drafted him in 2017, and if he's able to take a leap this season offensively, it could be what allows Toronto to remain a true factor in the Eastern Conference even after losing Kyle Lowry to the Heat. -- Bontemps

No. 71: Jaren Jackson Jr.
Kemba Walker[/paste:font]
Greg M. Cooper/USA TODAY Sports
New York Knicks | PG
2020 NBArank: No. 48

One big question: What will Kemba bring to the Big Apple? Last season was a disappointment for Walker in Boston, including missing the final two games of the team's first-round loss to the Nets with a bone bruise in his left knee. He still finished the season averaging 19.3 points and 4.9 assists per game. After being traded to Oklahoma City in the offseason, he was waived and signed by his hometown Knicks. If he can replicate his Boston production -- let alone surpass it -- the New York City legend's return home will be an unqualified success. -- Bontemps

 

[Anerdyblackguy]

Spoiler

No. 70: Kemba Walker
Aaron Gordon[/paste:font]Spencer Dinwiddie[/paste:font]Washington Wizards | PG
2020 NBArank: No. 49

One big question: Is he ready for a full-time floor general role? Dinwiddie developed into an elite sixth man that ultimately ended up playing well as a starter for a good portion of the 2019-20 season as an injury replacement. Dinwiddie produced better volume (21.3 PPG, 7.3 APG) in 49 games as a starter, but his scoring efficiency dipped compared to the 15 games he came off the bench. This offseason he was brought in by the Wizards to be a full-time point guard for the first time in his professional career. -- Snellings

No. 67: Bojan Bogdanovic
Mikal Bridges[/paste:font]Phoenix Suns | SF
2020 NBArank: NR

Swing skill: The prototype 3-and-D player in the modern NBA. Good size, strength and versatility give him the tools, and his defense-first mentality make him a highly valuable role player who barely blinked under pressure in last year's playoff run. He has developed into a lethal 3-point shooter who stands in the corner poised to launch. -- Brian Windhorst

No. 65: Malcolm Brogdon
Bogdan Bogdanovic[/paste:font]Trae Young. -- Lopez

No. 63: D'Angelo Russell
Minnesota Timberwolves | PG
2020 NBArank: No. 69

One big question: Can he stay healthy for an entire season? Because of injuries, the former No. 2 overall pick has been in and out of the lineup since being traded to Minnesota in February 2020. But in his last 22 games, Russell showed promise alongside Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards. If the 25-year-old can stay healthy and return to All-Star form, he could prove to be one of the best young point guards in the game. -- Baxter Holmes

No. 62: Joe Ingles
Jarrett Allen[/paste:font]Christian Wood[/paste:font]Collin Sexton[/paste:font]Gordon Hayward[/paste:font]Lonzo Ball[/paste:font]Chicago Bulls | PG
2020 NBArank: No. 54

Swing skill: In the last two seasons in New Orleans, Ball improved his 3-point shooting, going from 31.5% on 5.3 attempts per game during his first two years with Los Angeles to 37.6% on 7.2 attempts per game. Ball's free-throw shooting also jumped to 78.1% last year with the Pelicans. -- Lopez

No. 56: Fred VanVleet
Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images
Toronto Raptors | PG
2020 NBArank: No. 40

One thing to watch for: For the past few years, VanVleet has served as Kyle Lowry's understudy and sidekick. Now that Lowry has gone to Miami, it will be surreal seeing the two of them face off against one another in Toronto when the Heat go north of the border on Feb. 3. In the meantime, it's on VanVleet to try and return the Raptors to the playoffs. -- Bontemps

 

[Anerdyblackguy]

Spoiler

No. 55: Clint Capela
John Collins[/paste:font]Jerami Grant[/paste:font]Anthony Edwards[/paste:font]Buddy Hield[/paste:font]
Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images
Sacramento Kings | SG
2020 NBArank: No. 87

One thing to watch for: When the Kings visit the Lakers for the first time on Nov. 26, Buddy Hield might think back to the trade rumors that had him linked to the Lakers prior to Los Angeles acquiring Russell Westbrook on draft day. Hield certainly would have been a good fit for the Lakers with his perimeter shooting. We'll have to see if Sacramento makes a move this season. -- Youngmisuk

 

[Anerdyblackguy]

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[Anerdyblackguy]

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[Anerdyblackguy]

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[Tim2520]

Let’s see how good of a troll job they do with this list

 

[Anerdyblackguy]

Kawhi Leonard and Jamal Murray won’t be in this list due to season long injuries