ESPN 2022 Top 100 NBA players

[KGdaBom]

Today they released from 100-76 in order with D'Lo at #93. They gave the top 100 in alphabetical order and Rudy, KAT and Ant all made the top 25. The Timberwolves have 3 players in the top 25. How many teams have 3 top 25 players. Answer: 1 The Minnesota Timberwolves.

Here's a link for 100-26
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34552302/nbarank-2022-ranking-best-players-2022-23-100-26
Here's a link to the top 25.

Watch on YouTube

[winforlose]

Today they released from 100-76 in order with D'Lo at #93. They gave the top 100 in alphabetical order and Rudy, KAT and Ant all made the top 25. The Timberwolves have 3 players in the top 25. How many teams have 3 top 25 players. Answer: 1 The Minnesota Timberwolves.

Here's a link for 100-26
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34552302/nbarank-2022-ranking-best-players-2022-23-100-26
Here's a link to the top 25.

Watch on YouTube

I did a quick skim and I have to say this list doesn’t account for injury history or lack of availability. Easy example Dlo has played 424 games. KP has played 337. How in gods name can KP be more valuable than Dlo when he played 87 less games. That doesn’t even factor the bubble which gave Dlo fewer available games.

[Zonarosa]

because it’s a list based on talent, not value.

[TimberKat]

Russell seems way too low at 93. I can see him rank ahead of: Christian Wood, Buddy Hield, Jusuf Nurkic, Jordan Clarkson, Caris LeVert, OG Anunoby, Harrison Barnes, Spencer Dinwiddie, Jalen Brunson, Russell Westbrook, Jerami Grant, Kyle Lowry, Tobias Harris, Jordan Poole, Mikal Bridges, Fred VanVleet, etc. Would you trade any of those players for Russell in a 1 for 1, all-in for next year situation?

Andrew Wiggins at 32 seems too high. I would do an all-in next year 1-1 trade for Even Mobley, Klay Thompson, Dejounte Murray, Domantas Sabonis, etc.

[Calinks]

25 seems too high for Ant. Don't think he has earned that yet.

[winforlose]

25 seems too high for Ant. Don't think he has earned that yet.

Ant and Mitchell were almost identical statistically last year. If Mitchell is top 25 Ant should be too.

[80HD]

25 seems too high for Ant. Don't think he has earned that yet.

I thought the same thing. This must be a projected/anticipated top 100 (top 25) list?

I am, however, sticking with my prediction of him being regarded as the best SG in the league AFTER the season is over. He had an amazing playoff debut and I think he will continue to build off of that and start the season strong.

One of the biggest improvements I can see from Ant is on the defensive end this season. I think his defensive abilities will really be showcased this upcoming season and that’s what will separate him from the rest of the top SGs (aside from the gaudy offensive #s I project him to have).

I think Ant will be considered a top 12 player after this season is over.

Giannis
Jokic
Luka
Embiid
Curry
Kawhi
Durant
Tatum
Lebron
Morant
Butler
Edwards (top SG)

Booker, Lavine, Beal, Mitchell all have their flaws, I think Edwards shows them that he’s the top SG after this season while putting up equally impressive offensive #s but far superior defense.

[Battletrigger]

I like the spicy that these list bring to the table.

I thought that Gobert would be ahead of Towns, it's time to give him some credit around the league it seems.

[KGdaBom]

because it’s a list based on talent, not value.

It's a list based on expectations for this season. If it was talent Kyrie Irving would be higher than 33.

[mplsfonz23]

I like the spicy that these list bring to the table.

I thought that Gobert would be ahead of Towns, it's time to give him some credit around the league it seems.

It's listed in alphabetical order. I wish they would rank in order. I have ESPN+ but still don't see it.

Edit: Found it...25-11

Spoiler:

No. 25: Anthony Edwards

Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images
Minnesota Timberwolves | SF

2021 NBArank: No. 52

Swing skill: Pull-up 3-point shooting. Much of Edwards' development will be tied to his 3-point shot. As a rookie, Edwards attempted 7.2 per game -- most ever by a qualified first-year player -- but made just 33% of them. That improved to 36% in Year 2 as Edwards ranked 14th in made 3s. Edwards was strong on catch-and-shoot attempts (41% accuracy, per NBA Advanced Stats) but must still improve off-the-dribble 3s, which he hit at a 32.5% clip.

One huge question for 2022-23: How quickly will Edwards develop? Clearly, expectations are running high. Edwards ranks ahead of players who were All-Stars and even All-NBA picks a year ago. Edwards wasn't that good as a sophomore, but his rapid development from low-efficiency scorer to one whose true shooting percentage (.560) was nearly league average was promising. If Edwards takes the leap we're anticipating, an All-Star nod and Most Improved Player honors are within reach at age 21.

-- Kevin Pelton

No. 24: Donovan Mitchell

Getty Images
Cleveland Cavaliers | SG

2021 NBArank: No. 18

New face in a new place: The Cavs paid a steep price to acquire Mitchell, a three-time All-Star, to add him as part of their four-man core of players 26 and under. Now Mitchell will be out to prove that he can be a difference-maker and help the Cavs take the next step.

One game to watch: Dec. 4 at New York. Knicks fans believed they were the team to land Mitchell before the Cavs swooped in this summer. The New York native visits MSG for the first time since the deal.

-- Jamal Collier

No. 23: Bam Adebayo

Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
Miami Heat | C

2021 NBArank: No. 21

Why he could exceed his ranking in 2022-23: One of the biggest knocks on Adebayo's game is a sometimes inconsistent offense, especially on a team that lacks a true second star alongside Jimmy Butler. Adebayo averaged a career-high 19.1 points per game in the regular season but 14.8 points per game over 18 postseason contests. Miami could get over the hump in the East if Adebayo adds to a game that has been defined more by defense and rebounding through the first five seasons of his career.

One huge question for 2022-23: Adebayo is a max player, an Olympic gold medalist and has helped carry the Heat to the Eastern Conference finals in two of the past three seasons -- but can he develop his offensive presence more to not only take more pressure off of Butler, but the rest of a Heat offense that stalled out at times in the postseason? If he does, the Heat should be near the top of the East again.

-- Nick Friedell

No. 22: Jaylen Brown

Elsa/Getty Images
Boston Celtics | SG

2021 NBArank: No. 27

Why he could exceed his ranking in 2022-23: Brown has yet to make an All-NBA team in his career. But if the Celtics can follow through on preseason expectations and finish the season with the best record in the East, Brown will all but certainly get the credit of both being in the All-NBA conversation and moving up these rankings.

One huge question for 2022-23: Can Brown improve as a playmaker and ball handler? That's been something coach Ime Udoka has stressed both he and Jayson Tatum need to do since Udoka arrived last summer. But over the final three rounds of the playoffs, Brown averaged more than three turnovers per game against the Milwaukee Bucks, Heat and Golden State Warriors. For Boston to take that final step toward a championship, Brown needs to have to improve in those moments.

-- Tim Bontemps

No. 21: Chris Paul

Glenn James/NBA/Getty Images
Phoenix Suns | PG

2021 NBArank: No. 13

One huge question for 2022-23: Did the Mavericks series signal the end of Paul's dominant days? The "Point God" was diminished against Dallas, averaging just 8.8 points, 6.3 assists, 2.8 turnovers and 4.0 fouls in Games 4 through 7, as the Suns' playoff run ended in the second round. At 37 and entering his 18th season, the clock is running against him.

Why he could exceed his ranking in 2022-23: Count out CP3 at your own risk. Remember when ESPN BPI gave the Oklahoma City Thunder just a 0.2% chance of making the playoffs in Paul's lone season with the franchise and he led them to a 44-38 record and Game 7 in the first round against the Houston Rockets?

-- Dave McMenamin

No. 20: Anthony Davis

Andrew D. Bernstein/NBA/Getty Images
Los Angeles Lakers | PF

2021 NBArank: No. 9

One game to watch: Oct. 18 at Golden State. The Lakers go north to play the defending champs on ring night, and it will be the first chance for Laker Nation to see how Davis' course corrects after a disappointing stretch following the 2020 title. One game does not a season make, but the Dubs game is as good of a time as ever for Davis to reintroduce himself as one of the game's most dominant two-way talents.

Why he could exceed his ranking in 2022-23: Davis missed 78 of the Lakers' 154 games the past two seasons because of various injuries. Just by virtue of some good health and some good luck, Davis can and should impact winning the way he did in his first season in L.A. when the Lakers won it all.

-- McMenamin

No. 19: Bradley Beal

Brian Babineau/NBAE/Getty Images
Washington Wizards | SG

2021 NBArank: No. 11

Why he could exceed his ranking in 2022-23: Beal had a season to forget, averaging 23.2 points per game in 40 games before undergoing season-ending surgery on his left wrist. But that doesn't mean people should forget what Beal can do. He averaged 30.5 points and 31.3 points per game in the previous two seasons and will have more talent and depth around him, including new point guard Monte Morris.

One huge question for 2022-23: How will Beal and Kristaps Porzingis fit together? Now that Beal is staying in D.C. to the tune of $251 million, the Wizards are hoping that he and Porzingis will get them back to the postseason. Beal has no problem with playmaking, dishing a career-high 6.6 assists last season before his wrist injury. If Beal and Porzingis can stay healthy -- it's a big if -- Washington could be in the playoff hunt again.

-- Ohm Youngmisuk

No. 18: Rudy Gobert

David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images
Minnesota Timberwolves | C

2021 NBArank: No. 25

New face in a new place: After spending the first nine years of his career in Utah, Gobert moved to Minnesota in a blockbuster trade that pairs him with Karl-Anthony Towns, a fellow All-Star big man with a completely different skill set. It will be fascinating to see how coach Chris Finch utilizes Gobert, a premier screener and finisher, and enhances the scoring ability of Towns and Anthony Edwards instead of clogging the Timberwolves' spacing.

Swing skill: "The Stifle Tower" is a defensive system unto himself. Gobert's arrival directly addresses two of the Timberwolves' biggest weaknesses: rim protection and defensive rebounding. Opponents made 64.2% of defended field goals within six feet against the Timberwolves last season, which tied for seventh worst in the league. Gobert (50.7% last season) is annually among the stingiest rim protectors. Only the Nets had a lower defensive rebounding rate than the Timberwolves (70.6), while Gobert had the league's highest individual defensive rebounding rate (36.3).

-- Tim MacMahon

No. 17: Jimmy Butler

Paul Rutherford/USA TODAY Sports
Miami Heat | SF

2021 NBArank: No. 16

Swing skill: Toughness. Butler's career has been defined in part by his ability to perform at a high level no matter what lingering injury he is dealing with but at age 33 it remains to be seen if all the minutes he has logged since coming into the league in the 2011-12 season have taken a toll. Butler has played in just 109 out of a possible 154 games over the past two seasons.

One huge question for 2022-23: Can Butler come close to the postseason run he produced last season? If one more 3-pointer had gone down late in Game 7 of the 2021 Eastern Conference finals, Butler likely would have carried the Heat to the Finals for the second time in three seasons. Butler polished off one of the strongest postseason runs in Heat history, averaging 27.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists in 17 postseason games, including an unbelievable run in the ECF which featured a memorable 47-point, nine-rebound, eight-assist, four-steal performance in Game 6.

-- Friedell

No. 16: Trae Young

Adam Hagy/NBA/Getty Images
Atlanta Hawks | PG

2021 NBArank: No. 17

One game to watch: Dec. 7 at New York. Trae loves the Garden. The Garden? Well, the fans there feel a certain way about Trae. Any time Young plays at MSG, it's going to be must-see TV. Young only played there once last season, missing a Christmas Day game because of health and safety protocols, but he dropped 45 in a 117-111 Atlanta victory.

One huge question for 2022-23: How much will Dejounte Murray's presence help Young? Murray gives the Hawks one of the best secondary ball handlers in the league and will ease some of the burden on Young for a team that is looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2021-22 season. Young's efficiency took a jump last season and could take another one this season alongside Murray.

-- Andrew Lopez

No. 15: Paul George

Andrew D. Bernstein/NBA/Getty Images
LA Clippers | SF

2021 NBArank: No. 12

Why he could exceed his ranking in 2022-23: It was a rough season for George, who tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow last December, came back in late March for six games but missed the second play-in game due to COVID-19. Prior to the elbow injury, George averaged 25.4 points, 7.1 rebounds and 5.6 assists in the month of November, carrying the Clippers without Kawhi Leonard. When Leonard returns, George won't have to face as much defensive attention on what will be the deepest roster the Clippers have had since the two teamed up in the summer of 2019.

One huge question for 2022-23: Is this the year the Clippers finally win the West? This is Year 4 for the George-Leonard partnership, and it has yet to play one full uninterrupted season and postseason together. Coach Tyronn Lue hopes he will have both of his stars healthy and clicking come playoff time.

-- Youngmisuk

No. 14: Damian Lillard

AP Photo/Jeff Chiu
Portland Trail Blazers | PG

2021 NBArank: No. 8

Why he could exceed his ranking in 2022-23: Lillard was six spots higher a year ago before being limited to 29 underwhelming games by a core muscle injury that ultimately required season-ending surgery. Lillard's numbers dropped across the board in 2021-22, most notably his 32% accuracy from 3-point range after hitting better than 39% the previous two seasons. Lillard had been playing through pain for years until the injury worsened after the Tokyo Olympics. But he should be healthy now.

One huge question for 2022-23: How will Anfernee Simons fit with Lillard? During his absence, Lillard saw a changing of the guard next to him. Portland traded longtime backcourt mate CJ McCollum and re-signed Simons to a four-year, $100 million deal that confirms him as McCollum's replacement. Lillard and Simons played together just 377 minutes last season, per NBA Advanced Stats, and Simons was more deferential in those pairings. The Blazers need Simons to be the scoring and playmaking complement to Lillard that McCollum long was.

-- Pelton

No. 13: Karl-Anthony Towns

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota Timberwolves | C

2021 NBArank: No. 24

Swing skill: Whether Towns is really the greatest shooting big man of all time, as he declared ahead of last year's 3-point contest win to the dismay of Dirk Nowitzki fans, depends on the definition. Although Nowitzki was more versatile, in terms of 3-point shooting, the answer is yes. Last season was Towns' fourth with at least 100 3s on 40% shooting or better, twice as many as Nowitzki or anyone else taller than 6-foot-10.

One huge question for 2022-23: Can Towns defend power forwards? Offensively, Towns' shooting ability should make the addition of Gobert a relatively seamless one. The questions are more at the defensive end, where Towns had settled in at center after toggling between the two frontcourt spots. Per Second Spectrum tracking data, 71% of Towns' half-court matchups last season were against a player who primarily played center. Now he'll have little choice but to chase smaller, quicker forwards around the perimeter.

-- Pelton

No. 12: Kawhi Leonard

Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images
LA Clippers | SF

2021 NBArank: NR

Why he could exceed his ranking in 2022-23: Leonard hasn't played since suffering a partial ACL tear in the second round of the 2020-21 playoffs. But when healthy, the two-time Finals MVP is a top-five player. If he can regain his form and stay healthy, Leonard can return to being one of the best in the game.

One huge question for 2022-23: How will Leonard look once he returns? The Clippers have given no timetable for his return and little intel on Leonard. With 11 of their 15 back-to-backs taking place before February, the Clippers will have to keep an eye on Leonard's workload. Leonard plays with power and strength, and the Clippers have to make sure their star is healthy and at his strongest for the postseason.

-- Youngmisuk

No. 11: James Harden

Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBA/Getty Images
Philadelphia 76ers | PG

2021 NBArank: No. 10

One game to watch: Nov. 22 at Philadelphia. After Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving came to Philadelphia and demolished Harden and the 76ers while Ben Simmons watched in street clothes, the first game between the two teams in Philadelphia will get just as much attention to see how Harden plays this time around.

One huge question for 2022-23: Will the real Harden please stand up? After a summer full of videos of Harden's dedication of working out and preparing for the upcoming campaign, all eyes will be on The Beard in order to see if his MVP form can return, or if the version who wasn't given serious All-NBA consideration is here to stay.

-- Bontemps


NBArank 2022: Players Nos. 100-26 | Nos. 25-11 | Nos. 10-6 (coming Thursday) | Nos. 5-1 (coming Friday).

[mplsfonz23]

because it’s a list based on talent, not value.

It's a list based on expectations for this season. If it was talent Kyrie Irving would be higher than 33.

They have Towns above Butler, Davis, Young, and PG? IDK, seems like a lot of pressure.

Sure would be fun to see Jimmy's face when this came out.

[KGdaBom]

I like the spicy that these list bring to the table.

I thought that Gobert would be ahead of Towns, it's time to give him some credit around the league it seems.

It's listed in alphabetical order. I wish they would rank in order. I have ESPN+ but still don't see it.

Thanks for sharing. I had to delete the spoilers in replying to this or they showed up.

[KGdaBom]

because it’s a list based on talent, not value.

It's a list based on expectations for this season. If it was talent Kyrie Irving would be higher than 33.

They have Towns above Butler, Davis, Young, and PG? IDK, seems like a lot of pressure.

Sure would be fun to see Jimmy's face when this came out.

If Jimmy didn't sit out every game when he has a toenail injury I would maybe rate him above KAT, but Jimmy's a wimp.

[MN7725]

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-top-100-player-rankings-giannis-stephen-curry-kevin-durant-vie-for-no-1-lebron-james-slips/

I agree with the CBS list more

KAT #20

Rudy #29

ANT #32

Russell not in top 100

[TimberKat]

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-top-100-player-rankings-giannis-stephen-curry-kevin-durant-vie-for-no-1-lebron-james-slips/

I agree with the CBS list more

KAT #20

Rudy #29

ANT #32

Russell not in top 100

Consider there is 30 teams in NBA and each team has 7 key players that is 210 total. I would think Russell is better than 1/2 of the starters or key reserves. I think he should rank somewhere in the 70s or 80s. I hope he gets back to his near all-star form and lands somewhere between 40-60.

[andyhop]

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-top-100-player-rankings-giannis-stephen-curry-kevin-durant-vie-for-no-1-lebron-james-slips/

I agree with the CBS list more

KAT #20

Rudy #29

ANT #32

Russell not in top 100

I can't see anyway Gobert isn't the most impactful player this year ,KAT and ANT are just too far behind him currently to catch up in one season

[MN7725]

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-top-100-player-rankings-giannis-stephen-curry-kevin-durant-vie-for-no-1-lebron-james-slips/

I agree with the CBS list more

KAT #20

Rudy #29

ANT #32

Russell not in top 100

I can't see anyway Gobert isn't the most impactful player this year ,KAT and ANT are just too far behind him currently to catch up in one season

Rudy is the top ranked player that isn't a legit offensive hub, these lists tend to be weighted more towards guys that can get a bucket when it matters

But yeah, "impact", on/off stats Rudy likely will be top Wolf and would be higher than quite a few guys ranked ahead of him

[KGdaBom]

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-top-100-player-rankings-giannis-stephen-curry-kevin-durant-vie-for-no-1-lebron-james-slips/

I agree with the CBS list more

KAT #20

Rudy #29

ANT #32

Russell not in top 100

You horribly underrate the Wolves players.

[KGdaBom]

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-top-100-player-rankings-giannis-stephen-curry-kevin-durant-vie-for-no-1-lebron-james-slips/

I agree with the CBS list more

KAT #20

Rudy #29

ANT #32

Russell not in top 100

I can't see anyway Gobert isn't the most impactful player this year ,KAT and ANT are just too far behind him currently to catch up in one season

Based on the metrics Rudy should be top 10 and easily the Wolves best player. KAT is reasonable at 13 and if Ant makes the expected jump this year he will also be in the top 20.

[KGdaBom]

They've now revealed 10-6. Honestly I'm shocked to see Ja Morant in the top 10. I very much question if he's even top 20 worthy.
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34632096/nbarank-2022-ranking-best-players-2022-23-10-6