When making a first-round draft selection last summer for the first time since 2018, there were a lot of directions the Milwaukee Bucks could have headed in. A floor general point guard, a backup big man, and a movement shooter would have all patched holes in their depth chart. Most importantly, though, whoever they selected needed to be capable of cracking the rotation and contributing right away. Jon Horst opted to add 21-year-old wing MarJon Beauchamp, who played his pre-league ball for the G-League Ignite, with the 24th pick.
At first, it seemed as though Beauchamp could play real minutes right away. He was a rotational regular from November through January and even started nine contests when the usual openers were injured. However, as everyone has gotten healthy, he has almost disappeared from the lineup as of late. His playing time has been scarcer than hairs on the top of Tom Thiboedeau’s head (might be time to give it up, Thibs).
Coach Bud has received heavy criticism from fans for rarely letting Beauchamp see the court, which begs the question: should MarJon Beauchamp really be a full-time member of Milwaukee’s rotation?
Well, in order to get meaningful burn for a contender, a rookie absolutely has to be able to do one thing at an NBA level. Offensively, that isn’t the case for Beauchamp at this point.
While he projects as a three-level scorer, MarJon has spent the majority of his time behind the arc in his freshman campaign. Almost 60% of his shots come from that range, and while he’s had some hot shooting nights, he isn’t reliable at all. He’s been inefficient on every shot type despite ranking in the 84th percentile of shot quality (via BBall Index) and that would make him a liability in the playoffs.
Overall3PT%
31.7%
Corner3PT%
32.0%
C&S 3PT%
32.2%
Pull Up 3PT%
30.0%
The other notable struggle for MarJon on O is ball security. He ranks twelfth on the Bucks in total minutes this season but has a turnover percentage that exceeds the rate of every night-in, night-out guy for the squad besides Joe Ingles and Jrue Holiday (in case you were curious, Thansasis paces the team). He gets too sped up at times and is prone to traveling and bad passes. It’s perfectly normal for a rookie to have to adjust to the quick pace of the big league but there’s less room for error on a team trying to compete.
While his offense is a work in progress, it’s the other side of the ball where Beauchamp makes a case for minutes. He’s long, athletic, and has put on some rock-solid displays of individual defense this year. Weaker defenders get relentlessly picked on by smart offenses but he does not fall into that category.
Unfortunately for MarJon, the players he’s competing with for minutes (mainly Jae Crowder, Pat Connaughton, Joe Ingles, and Wesley Matthews) are all more battle-tested and proven on D than him. He’s also more susceptible to blow-bys and off-ball lapses than his veteran peers.
Simply put, the current version of MarJon Beauchamp is not good enough to warrant significant playing time in important contests for Milwaukee down the stretch of the regular season. That said, throwing a youngster into the fire and letting them play through and learn from their mistakes is far and away the most effective method of player development. Beauchamp has all the tools to be a legitimate contributor as soon as next year and as this season winds down it would benefit the team to allow him to spread his wings as a pro while letting some of the older guys save their legs for the big dance in April.
So, to answer the original question, yes, Beauchamp should be part of the lineup for the Bucks. He has the potential to be a key part of the second leg of Giannis’ career and playing him now is the first step in him reaching that position.
The 2023 NBA All-Star participants have been announced, meaning all the biggest names in the game are dominating both the headlines and social media discussion. Today, I’m here to turn the spotlight on guys who, while they won’t be playing in Salt Lake City, are All-Stars in their roles.
If you’ve been following the Bench Mob Blog, you know I prefer to show love to under-the-radar players over their more popular peers. For the past two seasons, I’ve handed out a Bench Mob Player of the Day award to a hooper who stood out in a supporting role the previous night. More than twenty players have already won that title multiple times this year, and for the second time, I’ve chosen a dozen to represent the Bench Mob on an All-Star team.
This squad is compiled of guys ranging from middle-of-the-rotation contributors to end-of-the-bench ballers. Whether they play thirty minutes in a game or three, they bring it every time they’re on the court and step up whenever their name is called.
It’s time to meet the 2022-23 Bench Mob All-Stars.
Isaiah Joe (Captain, 6x BM POTD)
Leading the roster is Oklahoma City Thunder wing, Isaiah Joe. The third-year man was cut by Philadelphia in the off-season after receiving limited minutes and scooped up by OKC, where he’s found a home. He’s an absolute gunslinger from beyond the arc and has fit next to All-Star and elite creator Shai Gilgeous-Alexander perfectly because of it. Ball-knowers across the league were clamoring for him to appear in the three-point contest, and while that ended up being a pipe dream, he’s getting his flowers here. 76ers GM Daryl Morey undoubtedly regrets letting Joe go.
Before Kyrie Irving requested a trade out of the blue, the Nets were playing arguably their best basketball of the Durant era and were firmly in championship contention. Their superstar duo predictably assumed most of the credit, but Brooklyn has one of the deepest benches in the association doing the dirty work it takes to win. A key member of that crew is Yuta Watanabe. Just like Isaiah Joe, Yuta is shooting the ball excellently and was leading the league in three-point percentage for a large chunk of the year. He’s also endlessly active and flies everywhere on the court to snag rebounds or block shots. His numbers don’t do justice to how much he does to impact success.
Josh Green (6x BM POTD)
The Mavericks have a gaping hole to fill at the defensive point of attack with Dorian Finney-Smith on his way to Brooklyn and young wing Josh Green is ready to fill it. He’s a jump-outta-the-gym athlete who is quick laterally and boasts a near seven-foot wingspan which he uses to collect oodles of steals. On the other end, he’s a low-volume, high-efficiency scorer who gets easy looks by cutting hard, sprinting the floor in transition, and knocking down threes. He’s also a sneaky good connective passer. Dallas is gunning for a ring and Green’s two-way play will make him a crucial piece for them in the postseason.
Jose Alvarado (5x BM POTD)
Zion Williamson. Brandon Ingram. C.J. McCollum. Jonas Valanciunas. Trey Murphy. The list of talent on the Pelicans feels virtually endless and that’s caused 2022 All-Bench-Mob First-Teamer Jose Alvarado’s season to fall through the cracks. The second he checks into a game the energy on the court shifts. He’s a pace-pusher and walking paint touch who never fails to bring the juice. He’s also a nagging pest defensively who loves to get under opposing ball handlers’ skin. Jose has become one of the league’s top backup point guards while playing just over twenty minutes per contest and is well on his way to earning a second All-Bench-Mob honor.
Jalen McDaniels (4x BM POTD)
Injuries, inconsistency, and lack of direction have turned the Hornets into NBA purgatory this season. A diamond in the rough has been the lesser-known McDaniels brother, Jalen. The 25-year-old is big, skilled, and versatile on both sides of the ball. He stretches the floor and is switchable on defense, making him a textbook modern four-man. He will now get a chance to aid a contender and bring attention to his name in the postseason after being traded to the 76ers at the deadline
Jordan Goodwin (4x BM POTD)
With Delon Wright out for significant time with a hamstring injury and Bradley Beal in and out of the lineup, Washington was in desperate need of guard minutes, and Jordan Goodwin, who is on a two-way contract, answered the call. He picked his man up at 94 feet all night, picked countless pockets, and rarely turned the ball over while making a convincing case to remain in the rotation even with the team at max strength. The buyout of Will Barton suggests a well-deserved contract conversion is coming soon for Goodwin, which would allow him to join the Wizards full-time in their playoff push.
Josh Okogie (4x BM POTD)
The mind-boggling blockbuster trade that brought the Slim Reaper to the Valley means it’s now championship or bust for the Suns, and in order to reach their lofty aspirations they’ll need help from their human Energizer Bunny, Josh Okogie. Okogie is a springy defensive spark plug with a non-stop motor. He swats shots, crashes the glass, and simply gives 110% every second he’s on the hardwood. Coach Monty Williams is going to have a tough time leaving him on the pine in the big dance.
Jaylen Nowell (5x BM POTD)
One word can be used to illustrate Jaylen Nowell: bucket. He’s a crafty creator who gets it done from all three levels. He doesn’t provide much else and has dud performances if his shot’s not falling, but when he’s feeling it he can score like a star. He changes games off the bench with his basket-getting and he’s now a two-time Bench Mob All-Star, the only player to accomplish that feat.
Ty Jerome (3x BM POTD)
Golden State’s roster features the best two-way contract pair in the NBA, and representing them here is Ty Jerome. Jerome has been a winner since college (where he won a national championship with Virginia) because he’s incredibly efficient with the ball. He’s shooting 50/40/90 splits and averages 2.9 assists to just 0.6 turnovers for the Dubs this year. Just like Jordan Goodwin, he’ll likely ink a full deal soon so he can participate in the postseason as a key reserve for Steve Kerr.
Edmond Sumner (3x BM POTD)
Injury caused Edmond Sumner to miss the entire 2021-22 season, but he didn’t skip a beat and has returned better than ever. He’s fast as lightning slashing to the rim and finishes with finesse when he gets there. He’s also a 90% free-throw shooter and a serviceable defender. Whenever KD and Kyrie were out (before the trades), Sumner always stepped up. He dropped 20+ points in four outings without the stars and has earned a spot on this team.
A.J. Green (3x BM POTD)
An undrafted free agent out of Northern Iowa, A.J. Green (not to be confused with the NFL wide receiver) got a chance in the pros with the Bucks after the draft. He shot the skin off the pill in Summer League, securing his spot on the roster, and that translated to the real deal. There was a long stretch of games where Milwaukee couldn’t hit an outside jumper which caused Coach Bud to call Green’s number. Green got hot and helped turn things around, connecting on treys off the catch and on the move, and is now the only rookie on the Bench Mob All-Star team.
Haywood Highsmith (2x BM POTD)
Rounding out this squad is Heat forward Haywood Highsmith. Highsmith played Division 2 college basketball, winning National Player of the Year in his senior campaign, and is now making a name for himself in the NBA. He provides gritty on-ball coverage and smart team defense while bringing constant heart and hustle. He’s established a place in the league and his story is yet another installment in Miami’s renowned player development program.
The San Antonio Spurs are fully committed to the Wembanyama sweepstakes.
Coach Popovich has given the reigns of the team to the young players and is prioritizing development over winning. So far, that approach is paying off. Core pieces Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell have both proven why they belong in that category, with the latter in the midst of a star-caliber breakout year. Other guys like heady starting point guard Tre Jones and defensive-minded wing Romeo Langford have set themselves up for lengthy pro careers.
As the season has progressed, the Spurs have received more and more contributions from their 2022 draft class. 9th overall pick Jeremy Sochan has shown a hunger to improve (demonstrated by his one-handed free throw shooting) and his production has increased every month in his full-time starting role. Also finding a groove as of late is the 20th overall pick, Malaki Branham.
Branham has played an expanded role for the Silver and Black since Devin Vassell went down with a knee injury and it’s allowed him to find confidence and comfort on the hardwood. Since Vassell went down, the Ohio State product has posted 8.1 points per game, 2.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 0.5 steals on 41/27/73 splits. While those numbers absolutely don’t leap off the page, the tape shows how Branham has been coming into his own.
Compared to Khris Middleton in the scouting process, Branham’s bread and butter is operating inside the arc. He’s been very efficient in the in-between so far in his rookie campaign, shooting upwards of 49% from there. His stroke is smooth and repeatable and it’s easy to picture Middleton when watching him rise up and knock down shots.
Along with a strong pull-up game, Branham boasts silky smooth touch on floaters. If the mid-range isn’t available, he takes an extra dribble and tosses it in over his defender.
Most freshmen aren’t proficient isolation players and Branham is no different so he needs some help getting open. He does an excellent job utilizing on-ball screens to get his shot off. He ranks in the 84th percentile amongst P&R ball handlers in points per possession (via BBall Index).
He curls tightly around picks and patiently probes the defense, searching for space to elevate. His poise in the pick-and-roll suggests he could develop into a top option offensively (further justifying the Middleton connection).
The intriguing P&R play doesn’t end at scoring. Branham occasionally delivers well-placed passes to his roll man when he doesn’t have a shot, a skill that could be expanded upon in the future.
Defensively, Branham hasn’t been asked to do much so far. He has spent the majority of his time matched up with low-minute, low-usage opponents (via BBall Index) and hasn’t looked overqualified for the job.
His upside on that end, however, is worth monitoring. His wingspan exceeds his height by over five inches which allows him to bother shots and come up with steals here and there. If he fills out his wiry frame he could evolve into a reliable point of attack defender.
As a fan of a rebuilding organization, it’s important to ignore the ever-growing tally in the loss column and instead find joy in the little things. It’s been fun to watch Malaki Branham finding his stride in the pros and both Spurs supporters and NBA lovers should be excited for what’s to come from him.
Is it time to start worrying about the Milwaukee Bucks?
Giannis and company have dropped seven of their last twelve contests, including a four-game skid when matched up against other top Eastern Conference squads and a near thirty-point loss to the bottom-feeding Hornets. Even wins have been concerning. The Bucks allowed a massive run to the Toronto Raptors at the end of regulation, capped off with a Gary Trent Jr. three-ball to force overtime. The Raptors had all the momentum on their side and likely would have walked away with a W had regulation been even a minute longer.
Struggles like this are uncharacteristic for a Bucks team that usually cruises through the regular season, and it has fans clamoring for a change. While you could point to the slew of injuries (namely to top-tier second-option Khris Middleton) and call for patience, it’s not an overreaction to say this roster needs an upgrade. That being said, today I’m breaking down my thoughts on some potential trade candidates for the 2021 champs.
Josh Richardson and Doug McDermott
Once Philadelphia’s consultation prize in the Jimmy Butler trade, Josh Richardson took quick pit stops in Dallas and Boston before ending up in the Alamo City with the Spurs. While in San Antonio, Richardson has been a reliable veteran presence on both ends for Coach Popovich. He’s connected on 38.8% of his triples with the Silver and Black and he’s also a skilled mid-range pull-up shooter. Milwaukee’s role players have vanished at times this year so adding a consistent wing who can hit shots and guard on the perimeter couldn’t hurt in the 3&D era.
Additionally, a deal could be put together to acquire Richardson’s teammate Doug McDermott. Dougie McBuckets is a career 40+% shooter from behind the arc and is a more versatile gunslinger than resident spot-up threats Pat Connaughton and Grayson Allen. The latter has been criticized for only letting it fly when he’s wide open and Giannis needs willing shooters around him. McDermott’s ability to sprint off screens, quickly square up, and knock it down would also create more movement in an offense that sometimes relies on isolation too much.
Unfortunately, which both vets making upwards of $12 million annually, Milwaukee wouldn’t be able to match the salary of both without giving up a key bench piece like Bobby Portis or Joe Ingles. A package to get one or the other could look like Grayson Allen, Jordan Nwora, and two second-round picks.
Alec Burks
Milwaukee’s roster is void of creation outside of the big three and that has become clear in Khris Middleton’s extended absence. Playoff basketball is a lot more grinded out than the regular season and much more time is spent in the half-court which makes it tough to play guys who can’t make something happen with the ball.
Twelfth-year two-guard Alec Burks is all about buckets and he does it efficiently. He’s averaging 14 points per contest on 46/45/81 splits, scorching the net from all three levels. He’s a lethal catch-and-shoot threat (95th percentile in C&S 3PT% via BBall Index) and can get his own with a flurry of pull-ups (86th percentile in Pull Up 3PT% also via BBall Index) which would make him a seamless fit off the pine for Coach Bud.
Despite their losing record, the Pistons are reportedly not willing to part ways with their vets unless it’s for a “tremendous” offer. To pry the man they call Houdini away from Motor City, Jon Horst would likely have to include one of his few first-round picks along with Grayson Allen.
Robert Covington
Moving away from shot-making, another role the Bucks need filled is the hard-nosed defensive-minded forward (the P.J. Tucker type). While Jae Crowder is the popular name in that department, another option is Robert Covington of the Los Angeles Clippers. Covington has struggled to find a regular spot in Tyronn Lue’s ultra-deep bench unit and could be snagged for the low by another contender.
Covington, who made an All-Defensive team during his time with the 76ers, checks all the boxes for what Milwaukee needs at the four. He’s 6’7” with a 7’2” wingspan, he’s tough, and he’s switchable. He’s averaged 1+ steals and 1+ blocks in five different seasons and is always lurking in the passing lanes and on the help side. Offensively he’s as streaky as they come, but he matched his career-best success rate from three in the 2021-22 season. When he’s on he’s on (he knocked down 11 triples in a late-season matchup versus Milwaukee last year) and if he found some consistency from downtown Covington could play a significant part in a championship run.
As mentioned before, Covington’s market value has likely dropped along with his minutes, and buying low on him would be a smart low-risk, high-reward for the Bucks.
Cam Reddish
Opinions on Reddish at this point in his young career are incredibly polarized. Some still believe in the former lottery pick’s upside while others think he should be out of the league. His sporadic playing time this season with New York has made it tough to gauge just how good he is. That being said, taking a chance on him could be a worthwhile gamble for a Bucks team lacking young talent.
While shot creation and scoring were originally supposed to be his thing, performing well on the other end is now the key to seeing the court for Reddish. Doing exactly that is how he earned eight appearances in the starting lineup for the Knicks before returning to his spot on the end of the bench. He’s solid on the ball and also comes up with a lot of steals. Standing at 6’8” with a 7’1” wingspan, Reddish could patch the same hole the aforementioned Robert Covington would.
It wasn’t long ago that Reddish was playing big minutes for the Hawks in the Conference Finals. He still has a lot of potential and if Milwaukee’s developmental staff can unlock it he could be a starring member of the second leg of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s career.
So, those are five players I think the Milwaukee Bucks should take a look at as we approach the trade deadline. Which of those guys would you most like to see them trade for? Are there any other guys on your radar? Let me know on my Twitter, @thebenchmoblog. Thanks for reading and see you next time!
There is some incredible basketball being played this NBA season.
As we approach the halfway point of the 2022-23 season with the start of a new year, six players averaging 30+ points per game, the MVP race is a dogfight, and both conferences are ultra-competitive. As a result, making All-Star selections come February will be challenging (to say the least). There is a crowd of deserving guys and snubs are inevitable (might be time to expand the rosters).
That being said, today I’m handing out my All-Star nods based on the first three months of the season. While these are guaranteed to change later, possibly in a week, I wanted to stop and appreciate some of the outstanding hoops I’ve watched. Let’s go!
Eastern Conference Starters
G: Donovan Mitchell
Electric two-guard Donovan Mitchell has been playing like the best guard in his conference. After all, the man dropped 71 freaking points in a game. He’s posting career-highs in points per game, field goal percentage, and three-point percentage and has pushed the Cavaliers over the edge into the true playoff competitor tier. He’s also shown consistent defensive effort, silencing the critique many gave him after his tenure in Utah.
G: Jaylen Brown
Representing the best team in the league (record-wise) in the starting lineup is Jaylen Brown. He too is putting up a career-high mark in points per game, creating shots at all three levels and looking like the best second option in hoops. His two-way impact for a top squad in basketball lands him a spot amongst the league’s brightest stars.
F: Kevin Durant (Captain)
After a couple of seasons’ worth of turmoil and controversy, the Nets are streaking and looking like the contenders they’re supposed to be. Spearheading that is the Easy Money Sniper. With a new wave of super-duper stars beginning their reign, Durant has been left out of best in the world/MVP talks that he very much belongs in. He’s scoring on mind-boggling efficiency even for his sky-high standards while having possibly the best defensive campaign of his career, reminding everyone why he’s one of the greatest players ever.
F: Giannis Antetokounmpo
While Giannis’s title as best in the world is being challenged this season, that doesn’t take away from who he is. He’s led an injury-ridden Bucks roster to a record well over .500 with his usual interior dominance, shedding even the biggest defenders like they’re nothing on his way to a thunderous slam. Recent struggles have led to quick criticism for the Greek Freak— but said struggles come from games where he dropped 45 points. Standards that high is one of the reasons why Giannis still holds the throne.
F: Joel Embiid
The first center to average 30+ since Moses Malone in 1982, Joel Embiid is on another level this season. He’s elevated himself into the highest echelon of players by becoming virtually unstoppable inside the arc. He’s finished 19 contests with more than 30 points, including two fifty-pieces, and only four with less than 25. If the 76ers can play themselves a few spots higher in the standings, the MVP award might finally belong to the Process.
Eastern Conference Reserves
G: Trae Young
Despite a down year efficiency-wise, Young is averaging a 27-point double-double. He remains one of the league’s most thrilling offensive players when he’s feeling it and the All-Star game would be incomplete without him.
G: Kyrie Irving
Off-court antics dictate most of the conversation around Irving but his on-court talent is undeniable. He makes the most difficult shots look effortless with handles so smooth they’re simply otherworldly. With the way both he and his team have been playing lately, Uncle Drew is a no-brainer pick for All-Star so far.
F: Jayson Tatum
Tatum coming off the bench is criminal, but it has to happen because of positioning. That being said, JT has solidified himself as a full-blown superstar because of his all-league play on both ends for the top-seeded Celtics. He’s one of the most complete players in the NBA and is in the handful of true MVP candidates at this point in the season.
F: Pascal Siakam
Spicy P had an All-NBA campaign in 2021-22 and is building off that this season, playing the best ball of his career. He’s a force to be reckoned with inside the arc, slashing his way to the paint or nailing a flurry of pull-up jumpers nightly on his way to a career-high scoring average all while leading the league in minutes. Siakam is well on his way to another all-league nod.
F: DeMar DeRozan
The Bulls may be underperforming and underwhelming, but DeMar DeRozan has continued his late-career resurgence. His mid-range excellence is unwavering and he’s making a case to win the inaugural Clutch Player of the Year honor. He entered the exclusive 20,000-point club this season and should make his sixth All-Star appearance in February.
WC: Julius Randle
This may seem like a surprising pick, but it’s very much deserved. The Knicks are competing for a spot in the postseason and Julius Randle is leading the charge. He’s wreaking havoc in the paint where he’s been very efficient, bullying defenders to get to his spots. He’s looking like the 2020-21 Randle that made an All-NBA team and should be in the All-Star game again.
WC: Tyrese Haliburton
After showing flashes of stardom in his first season and a half with the Kings, Haliburton has blossomed into a star in Indiana. He’s the engine of a top-ten offense and he’s been sensational in that role, dishing out a double-digit assist average while being one of the most efficient passers. Combine that with his highly efficient three-level scoring and it’s clear that Haliburton deserves to be a first-time All-Star.
Honorable Mentions: Darius Garland, James Harden, Jimmy Butler, Kristaps Porzingis
Western Conference Starters
G: Stephen Curry
Yes, the Warriors are severely underperforming, and yes, he’s hurt right now, but through the 26 games he’s appeared in Steph Curry is averaging 30 points per game on 50/40/90 splits. He’s 35 and is still hooping like he’s in his prime. He should be an All-Star starter if he returns to the hardwood in time.
G: Luka Doncic (Captain)
At just 23 years old, the Slovenian Sensation Luka Doncic is already contending for best player in the world. His offensive talent is so out of this world that it’s borderline magic (hence his nickname). He’s been on a record-breaking tear in the last couple of weeks and has earned the ability to draft his All-Star teammates in February.
F: Zion Williamson
The Pelicans are in the tight race for the one seed in the West even with Brandon Ingram sidelined for an extended period of time. The primary reason for that success is Zion. The 6’6” forward built like a football player has elevated his game to an All-NBA level. He’s the only player on the same level as Giannis when it comes to slashing and has used his powerful combination of strength, bounce, and touch to be one of the most efficient paint scorers in the league.
F: Anthony Davis
An untimely foot injury has brought a halt to the Brow’s best season since 2019-20, but if he recovers by the break he’s a lock for the starting lineup. He looks like the top-five AD of old on both ends of the court and was perhaps the Defensive Player of the Year favorite before his injury.
F: Nikola Jokic
The most unassuming superstar in basketball is on his way to potentially completing an MVP three-peat. The Nuggets are looking like a championship team and Nikola Jokic is the hub of their top-five offense. He’s scoring on career-best efficiency while distributing a career-best assists per game, cementing himself as a top-three player.
Western Conference Reserves
G: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai is having nothing short of an incredible year. He’s averaging an efficient thirty points per game, he’s the front-runner for Clutch Player of the Year, and he’s pretty much the only reason the Thunder don’t have the worst record in the association. He’s this good at just 24 years old and has many fans drooling at the mouth thinking about how great he’ll be in his prime.
G: Devin Booker
Choosing methodical scoring machine Devin Booker to be an All-Star was as easy as he makes getting buckets look. The best shooting guard in the NBA is as reliable as they come and Phoenix’s struggles in his absence have proven he is crucial to their championship aspirations.
F: Domantas Sabonis
The Kings have been an exciting surprise team this year. They’re firmly in the playoffs right now, mostly due to their high-caliber fast-paced offense. Domantas Sabonis is a key cog in their attack. He’s arguably the best big-man passer outside of Nikola Jokic, a fantastic roll man, and a patient and strong post scorer. De’Aaron Fox will likely miss out on the All-Star game (spoiler alert) due to the West’s guard depth, but Sabonis should represent the Beam Team in Salt Lake City.
F: LeBron James
Father Time is slowly beginning to creep up on LeBron, but he keeps warding him off with performances like his 47-point near-triple-double masterpiece on his birthday. The King may be long removed from his throne but he’s still an All-Star at age 38.
F: Paul George
Kawhi Leonard has been an inconsistent presence for the Clippers, but they are still a playoff team because Paul George is picking up his slack. The ever-efficient swingman is playing his usual standout two-way basketball and his aesthetically pleasing offensive game is meant to be on display in the All-Star festivities.
WC: Damian Lillard
Abdominal surgery robbed us of Dame Time for a large chunk of the 2021-22 season but he’s back in full force. The Trail Blazers have cooled down since their hot start but their all-time leading scorer has not and is on track to making his seventh All-Star appearance in February
WC: Ja Morant
The league’s resident human highlight reel is once again leading the young and hungry Grizzlies to a top seed. Along with his mind-blowing layup package and high-flying slams, Ja is rounding out his scoring arsenal by drawing more fouls and hitting more mid-range jumpers this season. The All-Star game wouldn’t be the same without his aerial antics.
Honorable Mentions: De’Aaron Fox, Anthony Edwards, Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr.
Once a well-loved player in the NBA community, opinions on D’Angelo Russell have changed for the worse.
Russell made his first and only All-Star appearance in 2019 for the fan-favorite Brooklyn Nets squad known for their epic bench dance routines. Since then, the former second-overall pick made a quick pit stop in Golden State before ending up in Minnesota with the Timberwolves. Even though he moved north, the league-wide perception of him went south since his arrival. Russell has gained a reputation as an inefficient chucker and his stock has plummeted because of it. Unreliability as a scorer has plagued him— he either can’t miss or can’t fill his spot in the scoring column. His true shooting percentage falls in just the 42nd percentile in the league this season (via BBall index).
While concerns relating to Russell’s unpredictability are valid, it’s important to recognize that bucket-getting is not his primary role. He’s the third option on the Wolves behind multiple-time All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns and young stud Anthony Edwards. He makes his mark as a floor general.
Russell is the engine that keeps his team going. He quarterbacks the offense at a truly elite level and he’s up there with the ten to fifteen best playmakers in basketball. Minnesota has won three of four contests this season in which Russell dished out 10+ dimes, reflecting how impactful he is when he’s creating for others.
A large part of what makes Russell such a standout passer is his patience. He’s never in a hurry and is rarely fazed by pressure, allowing him to scan the floor and make the right read.
Here he displays that poise in transition. Buddy Hield is on his hip the whole way up the court but he doesn’t get flustered. Instead of giving it up early to Edwards on the wing, he pushes the pace and gets downhill all the way inside the free-throw line. That paint touch draws the attention of menacing rim protector Myles Turner (as well as Bennedict Mathurin who doesn’t know where his man is). With all eyes on him, Russell dumps off a well-timed pass to Jaden McDaniels for a slam.
In the half-court, Russell is a pick-and-roll maestro. He ranks in the 92nd percentile in P&R ball handler points per possession (via BBall Index).
He often uses hostage dribbles as a tool to open things up for his roll man. Take this possession for example. The Pacers run drop coverage against the Russell-Gobert pairing because Gobert is not a threat from behind the arc. Russell uses a hostage dribble to get Hield on his back, giving him the advantage and forcing Jalen Smith to keep an eye on him in order to prevent an easy pull-up. This leaves Gobert open on the dive and Russel finds him with a quick bounce pass.
Russell has been able to set Gobert up for lots of easy looks in the NBA’s most common action. Gobert’s big-body screens and roll gravity combined with Russell’s ability to weasel through the defense and command attention make for a lethal duo.
Beyond inconsistent scoring, the other knock on Russell has always been his defense. Lacking effort on that end has put his name in the worst defender in the league conversations in recent years. This season, as the Wolves are looking to compete to make a deep playoff run, Russell has elevated his defensive performance. He’s trying a lot harder on the side of the ball that wins championships and he’s made legitimate improvement because of it.
Here he comes up with a huge stop in clutch time. He hounds Max Strus, sliding his feet well and preventing the knockdown shooter from using a screen to create separation. He forces Strus into a tough stepback, getting a hand up and causing the airball.
Russell ranks in the top fifteen in total steals and top ten in total blocks among guards this season, a result of his increased activity. Even though he still isn’t the best on-ball defender he finds ways to contribute to the defensive effort.
So, say what you want about the numbers, but D’Angelo Russell has become a player whose impact and importance go deeper than the box score. Don’t get it twisted, he can still get buckets, but his offensive coordination makes him an invaluable player even when his shot isn’t falling. That’s why even if he isn’t the All-Star he once was Russell is still a great player. Give the man the respect he deserves.
The Sacramento Kings have been the laughingstock of the league for a while now. They haven’t earned a playoff berth in a whopping 16 seasons, an absolutely woeful streak. Their stay in NBA purgatory has been extended by questionable draft decisions, poor defense, and a lack of game-changing free-agency acquisitions. They’ve tried to be competitive in recent years but haven’t had the talent or on-court performance to even crack the play-in.
It’s early, but that could change this year. The Kings are currently 5th in the Western Conference and are enjoying a six-game win streak including victories over the Warriors, Nets, and Cavaliers. They’ve been firing on all cylinders offensively, reflected by their 119.3 offensive rating which ranks second in the association.
The major cause for this recent success has been De’Aaron Fox’s emergence as a true All-Star caliber point guard. The former fifth-overall pick showed flashes of real stardom in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 campaigns, but there were holes in his game holding him back from vaulting himself up there with the very best talents in basketball. He’s closing that gap quickly with the way he’s been playing as of late.
Fox has joined the exclusive club of players who are virtually unstoppable at the rim. He’s shooting an unbeleivable 90.2% on shots from 0-3 feet. His blinding speed allows him to blow past anybody in front of him. He mesmorizes defenders with a combination of crossovers before accelerating to top speed in the blink of an eye and laying it up, leaving his man in the dust.
The primary area of growth for Fox this season has been his perimeter scoring. He’s become a lethal mid-range assassin, connecting on 40.7% of his long mid-range tries and 57.9% of his short ones. Defenders are constantly aware of getting cooked on a drive but are now forced to play further up on him to prevent a pull-up middie.
Better yet, Fox is hitting a career-high 38.2% of his 4.9 three-point attempts per game. The deep ball has long been the missing piece of his game and he’s finally finding consistent success from downtown. The more respect he gets outside the arc, the easier it becomes for him to make his way to the rim.
Fox’s expanded scoring arsenal has popped in crunch time this season. He’s iced game after game throughout Sacramento’s current win streak, putting up 4.8 points per game (one of the highest marks in the league) on 64.5% from the field in the clutch.
Almost equally as impressive as Fox has been Domantas Sabonis. The Kings acquired the two-time All-Star at last season’s trade deadline and received a lot of flack for doing so. Tyrese Haliburton was showing signs of stardom so shipping him to Indiana was frustrating for a fanbase in need of hope. The trade has ended up being a lot more even than most realize.
Sabonis is a post maestro. He can take most players one-on-one with his back to the basket using a variety of moves, as well as brute strength, to finish. He’s also a fantastic passer, as good as any big man outside of Nikola Jokic. He gets a lot of attention when he posts up which results in lots of easy looks for shooters.
Here’s a play that illustrates the value of Sabonis in the high post. After he gets a catch at the top of the key, Murray and Davis run a split action. Davis backcuts the downscreen and Aldama drops back with his eyes glued on Sabonis, expecting the pass the big man has made many a time. Tyus Jones also scrambles after his man, a miscommunaction between him and his teammate. Instead of hitting the cutter, Sabonis pumps a well-timed pass fake and then finds Murray wide open for a three. Bang.
Along with killing it on the block or the nail, Sabonis is highly effective as a roll man. He’s a first-rate screener who forms an excellent pick-and-roll duo with De’Aaron Fox that puts defenses in a “pick your poison” situation. If the defense respects Sabonis’ finishing abilty, they’re allowing Fox to get downhill one-on-one with an advantage. If they try to keep Fox out of the paint with a double, he’ll find Sabonis for an easy lay.
Outside of their two stars, Sacramento’s supporting cast has been awesome. Kevin Huerter is off to a sizzling start from behind the arc to start the year, taking advantage of Sabonis’ screening to make open shots plentiful. Malik Monk has added playmaking ability to his game, serving as a quality P&R ball handler as well as a movement shooter. Davion Mitchell is an impeccable point-of-attack defender. This is easily the best group of teammates Fox has had around him since he was drafted.
After over a decade and a half of misery for the Sacramento Kings and their fans, things are finally looking up. They’re tearing it up on offense, picking up win after win, and showing no signs of slowing down. Even if they regress to the mean, they’ve gone from the butt of jokes to a fan favorite on Twitter which reflects how much fun they’ve been this year. That being said, something tells me it won’t be long before the Beam Team is turning the sky purple in the postseason.
Donovan Mitchell is playing out of his mind this season.
The three-time All-Star is playing arguably the best ball of his career so far while leading the 8-2 Cleveland Cavaliers. He’s shooting at career clips from inside and outside the arc and showing improved defensive effort. It’s early, but he’s on track to receiving his first All-NBA nomination.
On the other side of the country, Devin Booker continues to prove himself as one of the very best players in basketball for the 7-3 Phoenix Suns.
With all that being said, the Devin Booker versus Donovan Mitchell debate is as contested as ever. The two have been neck-and-neck for a while now. Mitchell wore the crown from 2019-20 to 2020-21, but Booker claimed it this past season when his all-league play for the top-seeded Suns squad had him firmly in the MVP race.
Mitchell’s sensational start to the 2021-22 campaign has reopened those conversations, and it’s time to finally come to a conclusion. I’ll be making the case for both stars and giving my verdict at the end.
Donovan Mitchell
Mitchell, aka Spida, burst onto the scene his rookie year averaging 20 points per game and helping the Jazz to the playoffs. There, they advanced to the second round in six games behind 28 PPG from their star freshman. In the following four seasons, Mitchell and company won 50, 44, 52, and 49 games but only managed to survive the first round once in 2021. That consistent disappointment caused trade rumblings that eventually turned into reality. Now Mitchell is headlining a very talented young Cavaliers squad that looks ready to make real noise in the East.
Mitchell has been a winner his whole career (in the regular season, at least) because he’s an offensive engine. He’s an absolutely electric bucket-getter. He’s a career 24 PPG scorer and he’s putting up 31 per contest this year.
His standout offensive facet is his finishing. His ridiculous athleticism allows him to have his way at the rim. He was in the 97th percentile of finishing talent and 93rd percentile of rim shot creation in 2021-22 (via BBall Index). He’s a one-man aerial circus every time he takes off, putting on the acrobat and strongman (89th percentile contact finisher via BBall Index) acts all by himself.
Mitchell’s all-world finishing generates some serious gravity. When he starts getting downhill toward the rim, all eyes are on him and the help defense collapses. He excels at making punch-and-spray passes, creating easy threes for his teammates. He dished out 5.7 high-value assists (layup or three-point assists) per 75 possessions in 2021-22, placing him in the 91st percentile (once again via BBall Index). While assists aren’t a perfect representation of playmaking, that number reflects the number of great looks he is able to produce using his gravity to his advantage.
Mitchell is equally as elite on the perimeter as he is in the paint. He shot 35.5% from beyond the arc on 9.8 attempts per game in 2021-22, which doesn’t jump off the page, but when you look deeper you find out just how good of a shooter he is. He was the sole creator in Utah, so the difficulty of his shot diet was absurd. His openness rating and 3PT shot quality both graded in the bottom 2% of the league last season.
With that in mind, his 45.1% success rate through the first nine contests of this season is wildly impressive. Keeping this up would elevate him into best shooter in the league talks.
The offense has never been a question mark for Mitchell. It’s the defense that has caused some to doubt him as one of the best players in hoops. His effort on that end has been lackluster at times which is honestly understandable considering the massive workload he carried throughout his tenure in Utah. Still, looking at his strength and length (his wingspan is a startling 6’10”, nine inches larger than his height), average defense at the least seems like a reasonable expectation.
While his on-ball guarding is still a work in progress, he’s contributing through defensive playmaking in Cleveland. He’s disruptive in the passing lanes and he delivers a sweet block here and there, and his 2.0 stocks per game so far is the best mark of his career.
Devin Booker
The youngest player to ever put up 60+ points in a game, the simplest way to describe Booker is a straight bucket. He’s put up over 25 PPG for five straight seasons (assuming he keeps that number up this year), and at just 26 years old he has many more years of scorching the net to come. Unfortunately, it took him until the 2020-21 season to completely overcome the “empty stats” allegations (a frankly stupid claim, by the way). Even then, Chris Paul still got a large amount of the credit for turning the Suns into a contender. 2021-22 finally saw Booker get recognition as not only Phoenix’s best player but as one of the best in the league. He earned All-NBA first-team honors and garnered real MVP buzz. Even still, it seems Devin Booker doesn’t get all the love he deserves.
Perhaps that can be attributed to his style of play. Booker is one of the most prolific mid-range assassins in the game, an art not appreciated as much as it should be in the age of key, three, and free. Over 30% of his career shot attempts have come in that middle area and he consistently knocks down well over 40% of them. He’s methodical in his approach, stroking beautiful pull-ups time and time again while making it look easy as can be. His excellency as a shooter also extends behind the arc, especially as a catch-and-shooter. He finished in the 90th percentile of catch-and-shooters in the NBA last season (via BBall Index).
Just like his scoring, Booker’s passing won’t always jump off the page, but he makes great decisions and can find open allies almost just as well as Mitchell. He ranked in the 95th percentile of passing creation quality in 2021-22.
Mitchell’s offensive is on par with Booker’s, but it was on the other end of the floor where Booker separated himself last season. He quietly proved to be a rock-solid on-ball defender, something Mitchell cannot claim to be as mentioned before. He’s not locking down opposing stars or anything like that, but he can be relied on to put in effort and get stops which goes a long way.
The Verdict
After breaking down each guy’s game and case for the title of best shooting guard, it’s time to make my pick.
Drumroll, please.
The best shooting guard in the NBA is Devin Booker.
However, the fun part about sports is there’s never a correct answer. If you think Booker is better, you’re right. If you think Mitchell, you’re also right. Better yet, opinions can change. I’d love to hear your take on the matter. I’m always down for a hoops discussion on my Twitter, @thebenchmobblog. Thanks for reading, see you next time!
The 2022 NBA rookie class has been beyond impressive through the 2022-23 season’s first week. First-overall pick Paolo Banchero is averaging over 20 points per game and is looking like an All-Star already. Jaden Ivey, Keegan Murray, Jalen Duren, Jeremy Sochan, and others are doing their thing as well.
Among all those names, the player who has stood out to me the most in this seemingly star-studded class is Bennedict Mathurin.
Mathurin, the ninth-overall pick, has posted 19.2 PPG across the first six games of his career. His game is smooth and he oozes confidence on the court. He was projected to be a high-end role player before the draft but has proven to have significantly higher upside already.
The best players in basketball make it look easy. Giannis Antetokounmpo blows through defenders like they’re not even there. Kevin Durant effortlessly strokes fadeaways over anyone thrown at him. Steph Curry drains thirty-footers in his sleep. Bennedict Mathurin is barely 20 years old and he’s making hard things look simple.
The rookie’s prime skill coming out of college was three-point shooting, but it’s at the rim where he’s looked the best in the pros. He’s 14-20 (70%) on shots within three feet of the hoop.
Mathurin’s fantastic body control makes him look like a wizard in the air sometimes. Ridiculous acrobatics like this are impossible for the average human and he does them like they’re nothing.
He can brush off contact even in mid-air. He’s finished three and-ones in six contests which places him in the top thirty in the league.
Reverses, euro steps, he does it all. His bag of tricks is a deep one.
He excels when he can get the ball and get downhill, so catch-and-drives are his specialty. This action was perfectly set up for him as he was able to catch the ball in stride off a curl. Once he had the advantage he put his aerial wizardry on full display.
He’s a play-finisher rather than a creator at this point, but he does make good decisions in the P&R. It’s easy to have tunnel vision heading downhill and these are nice heads-up passes to his roll man.
His finishing ability has been the standout facet of his game, but Mathurin’s shooting has been as advertised. Along with hitting shots off the catch, he also knocks down plenty of in-rhythm pull-ups. His stroke is silky smooth.
He’s connected on 13 of his 35 tries from deep so far, a 37% success rate.
A perfect word to describe Mathurin is fearless. He’s a big-time competitor and doesn’t shy away in crunch time.
This is from his very first game in the league!
Simply put, he’s got that dawg in him.
Bennedict Mahturin’s hot start to his career has been a blast. He’ll be firmly in the running for Rookie of the Year and is looking like a sure-fire All-Rookie first-teamer. There is so much to like in his game and he has star written all over him because he makes basketball look easy.
NBA day is finally upon us, and to celebrate the conclusion of the offseason it’s time to predict the top 100 players of the 2022-23 season. This is my third edition of this list and I’m hoping it will be my most accurate one. It’s always a blast trying to guess which players will make big jumps and which will regress.
I’ll be doing things a little differently this time around. Instead of writing a little paragraph for each individual player, I’ve separated the list into thirteen tiers (plus the honorable mentions, of course).
Let’s get into it!
Honorable Mentions (110-101):
110: Spencer Dinwiddie (2022 Rank: 108)
109: Jusuf Nurkic (2022 Rank: 95)
108: Devin Vassell (2022 Rank: N/A)
107: Kyle Lowry (2022 Rank: 89)
106: Caris LeVert (2022 Rank: 80)
105: Cole Anthony (2022 Rank: 109)
104: Dillon Brooks (2022 Rank: 97)
103: Mike Conley (2022 Rank: 90)
102: Brook Lopez (2022 Rank: 104)
101: Seth Curry (2022 Rank: 88)
Most Likely to Rise: Vassell
Most Likely to Drop: Brooks
Tier 13: The Interchangables
100: Luguentz Dort (2022 Rank: 103)
99: Jabari Smith Jr. (2022 Rank: N/A)
98: Buddy Hield (2022 Rank: 91)
97: Derrick White (2022 Rank: 82)
96: Kyle Kuzma (2022 Rank: 79)
95: Josh Giddey (2022 Rank: N/A)
94: Markelle Fultz (2022 Rank: N/A)
93: Jakob Poeltl (2022 Rank: 78)
92: Bojan Bogdanovic (2022 Rank: 83)
91: Lonzo Ball (2022 Rank: 92)
90: Gary Trent Jr. (2022 Rank: 85)
Most Likely to Rise: Ball
Most Likely to Drop: Smith Jr.
Nearly everyone in this tier has a case to be at the top of it. There are some really interesting names here, including passing whizz Josh Giddey, 2022 All-Defense snub Derrick White, and former first-overall pick Markelle Fultz. Lonzo Ball is a healthy season away from moving up significantly higher on this list. And, I’ve said this before but I’ll say it again, Jakob Poeltl is one of the most underrated players in hoops.
Tier 12: Island of Misfit Toys
89: Russell Westbrook (2022 Rank: 46)
88: Myles Turner (2022 Rank: 71)
87: Norman Powell (2022 Rank: 76)
86: Julius Randle (2022 Rank: 73)
85: Nikola Vucevic (2022 Rank: 63)
84: Clint Capela (2022 Rank: 68)
83: Marcus Smart (2022 Rank: 69)
Most Likely to Rise: Turner
Most Likely to Drop: Westbrook
These guys have basically nothing in common, hence the tier’s title. Reigning DPOY Marcus Smart’s ranking seems low but in such a talented league he needs to do more offensively to place higher. Julius Randle’s 2021 season, while fantastic, seems like a fluke at this point and it will take a lot from him to return to that level. Myles Turner could see increased production on a Pacers team in full tank mode and outperform this prediction. There’s not much to say about Westbrook besides he has a lot to prove this year.
Tier 11: Young Guys & Klay Thompson
82: Franz Wagner (2022 Rank: 87)
81: Kevin Porter Jr. (2022 Rank: 98)
80: Paolo Banchero (2022 Rank: N/A)
79: Klay Thompson (2022 Rank: 58)
78: Tyler Herro (2022 Rank: 61)
77: Saddiq Bey (2022 Rank: 86)
76: Robert Williams III (2022 Rank: 75)
75: Jalen Brunson (2022 Rank: 70)
74: Collin Sexton (2022 Rank: N/A)
Most Likely to Rise: Williams III
Most Likely to Drop: Bey
His case will be hurt by the injury causing him to miss time to start the season, but Robert Williams has a real shot at winning DPOY with his sensational shot-swatting. Collin Sexton also has a great chance of ranking higher than this because he will have the ultimate green light in Utah as they look to enter the Victor Wembenyama sweepstakes. My pick for Rookie of the Year, Paolo Banchero, is joining Franz Wagner, the aforementioned Markelle Fultz, and the soon-to-be-mentioned Wendell Carter Jr. to form a super-fun squad in Orlando. And, mark my words, this is the year KPJ will hush all of his skeptics.
Tier 10: High-Level Role Players, Two MIP Candidates, & the Reigning Rookie of the Year
73: Gordon Hayward (2022 Rank: 59)
72: Tobias Harris (2022 Rank: 66)
71: Malcolm Brogdon (2022 Rank: 65)
70: Jonas Valanciunas (2022 Rank: 55)
69: Keldon Johnson (2022 Rank: 84)
68: John Collins (2022 Rank: 67)
67: Mikal Bridges (2022 Rank: 60)
66: Kristaps Porzingis (2022 Rank: 49)
65: Jerami Grant (2022 Rank: 62)
64: OG Anunoby (2022 Rank: 57)
63: Wendell Carter Jr. (2022 Rank: 81)
62: Scottie Barnes (2022 Rank: 77)
61: Michael Porter Jr. (2022 Rank: N/A)
60: Christian Wood (2022 Rank: 64)
59: Jaren Jackson Jr. (2022 Rank: 54)
58: Terry Rozier (2022 Rank: 45)
57: Draymond Green (2022 Rank: 32)
56: Deandre Ayton (2022 Rank: 43)
55: Andrew Wiggins (2022 Rank: 42)
Most Likely to Rise: Porter Jr.
Most Likely to Drop: Hayward
This tier is composed of tip-top role players, headlined by the man whose revolutionized game earned him his first All-Star appearance last season, Andrew Wiggins. Other notable names here include underrated bucket Terry Rozier, unhappy Deandre Ayton, All-Defensive First-Teamers Jaren Jackson and Mikal Bridges, and monstrous rebounder Jonas Valanciunas. Michael Porter Jr. could land himself in the top fifty if he connects on his inhuman amount of triples deep in the playoffs. Wendell Carter Jr. and Keldon Johnson will both garner some serious Most Improved buzz.
Tier 9: Whole Lotta Ones (and some others sprinkled in)
54: Jordan Poole (2022 Rank: 52)
53: D’Angelo Russell (2022 Rank: 44)
52: Evan Mobley (2022 Rank: 74)
51: Tyrese Maxey (2022 Rank: 53)
50: Jalen Green (2022 Rank: 107)
49: R.J. Barrett (2022 Rank: 56)
48: Desmond Bane (2022 Rank: 51)
47: Cade Cunningham (2022 Rank: 72)
46: Anfernee Simons (2022 Rank: 50)
45: C.J. McCollum (2022 Rank: 39)
44: Fred VanVleet (2022 Rank: 35)
43: Jamal Murray (2022 Rank: N/A)
42: Ben Simmons (2022 Rank: N/A)
41: Domantas Sabonis (2022 Rank: 40)
40: Tyrese Haliburton (2022 Rank: 47)
39: Jarrett Allen (2022 Rank: 33)
38: LaMelo Ball (2022 Rank: 37)
37: Chris Paul (2022 Rank: 17)
36: De’Aaron Fox (2022 Rank: 38)
Most Likely to Rise: Fox
Most Likely to Drop: Green
This massive tier includes a sizeable chunk of the league’s starting point guards. De’Aaron Fox is most likely to rise above the rest if he can take a leap as a shooter and defender and lead the Kings to the playoffs. Tyrese Haliburton will be better than Domantas Sabonis only a few months removed from when they were traded for each other. Ben Simmons has a lot of doubters right now but I think he’ll prove them wrong. The very talented 2021 draft class will have three members hovering around the top fifty, although it may be a season early for Jalen Green. Chris Paul, while still an absolute point god, has shown signs of regression and this will probably be the season where his age catches up to him.
Tier 8: Land of the Secondary Stars
35: Bam Adebayo (2022 Rank: 28)
34: Dejounte Murray (2022 Rank: 26)
33: Anthony Edwards (2022 Rank: 36)
32: Jaylen Brown (2022 Rank: 27)
31: Pascal Siakam (2022 Rank: 25)
30: Bradley Beal (2022 Rank: 41)
29: Zach LaVine (2022 Rank: 20)
28: Khris Middleton (2022 Rank: 34)
27: Jrue Holiday (2022 Rank: 19)
26: Rudy Gobert (2022 Rank: 24)
Most Likely to Rise: Beal
Most Likely to Drop: Murray
This tier is full of the very best supporting stars in the association. When crafting this list, having players like Adebayo and Brown in the thirties felt crazy. But, I kept thinking about it and I just couldn’t bring them higher. That reflects the absurd amount of talent in the NBA today. Putting Dejounte as the most likely to drop hurts but there’s a world where his fit next to Trae is questionable and it makes him look worse.
Tier 7: Fluke or Reality?
25: DeMar DeRozan (2022 Rank: 11)
24: James Harden (2022 Rank: 29)
Most Likely to Rise: Harden
Most Likely to Drop: DeRozan
2022 was an outlier year for DeMar and Harden. For DeMar, he had the best season of his career at age 32. He generated real MVP buzz in the first half of the season and led the Bulls to their first playoff appearance in a few years. The opposite was true for former MVP Harden, as his campaign was one of his worst (although it was influenced by injuries). Can DeMar replicate his All-NBA production again? Can Harden return to his All-NBA self? 2023 is a prove-it year for both stars.
Tier 6: Slept-On Young Stars
23: Brandon Ingram (2022 Rank: 23)
22: Darius Garland (2022 Rank: 21)
21: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2022 Rank: 22)
Most Likely to Rise: Garland
Most Likely to Drop: Gilgeous-Alexander
These three All-Stars (well, two All-Stars and one guy bound to get the nod soon) all play for smaller markets, so while many people acknowledge them not everyone recognizes just how good they are. All three are extremely talented and deserve more love. They could all reach the top fifteen within three seasons.
Tier 5: Unpredictables
20: Karl-Anthony Towns (2022 Rank: 14)
19: Zion Williamson (2022 Rank: N/A)
18: Kyrie Irving (2022 Rank: 18)
17: Jimmy Butler (2022 Rank: 13)
16: Anthony Davis (2022 Rank: 30)
Most Likely to Rise: Davis
Most Likely to Drop: Towns
There are a lot of question marks in this grouping. Can AD stay on the court and regain top-ten status? Can Zion stay healthy? Can Jimmy maintain his streak of insane playoff performances? Will Kyrie treat basketball like a full-time job and contribute to a deep Nets playoff run? Will KAT keep his title as best Timberwolf? There’s a lot of talent here and there are an equal amount of outside factors that could cause these players’ rankings to fluctuate.
(I don’t really view Jimmy Butler as a question mark but I had to lump him in this group.)
Tier 4: Young Backcourt Phenoms
15: Donovan Mitchell (2022 Rank: 15)
14: Devin Booker (2022 Rank: 9)
13: Ja Morant (2022 Rank: 10)
12: Trae Young (2022 Rank: 12)
Most Likely to Rise: Young
Most Likely to Drop: Mitchell
This tier features two very fun discussions. Between two of the most electric one-man shows in hoops, who is better? How about between two elite bucket-getters and certified winners at the shooting guard position? Regardless of your stance in those arguments, all of these guys are studs in the backcourt and they’re still getting better.
Tier 3: Stars Coming Off Injuries & Jayson Tatum
11: Paul George (2022 Rank: 16)
10: Damian Lillard (2022 Rank: 31)
9: Jayson Tatum (2022 Rank: 8)
Most Likely to Rise: Tatum
Most Likely to Drop: George
While Dame and PG13 both played enough games to qualify for my 2022 list, they were hurt for the majority of the year. They will both (hopefully) be fully healthy for this upcoming season and reestablish themselves as top-ten caliber players. Jayson Tatum is on the cusp of putting himself in legitimate top-five conversations, but he won’t reach that this year with all of the certified superstars above him.
Tier 2: 2010s Superstars
8: Stephen Curry (2022 Rank: 5)
7: LeBron James (2022 Rank: 7)
6: Kawhi Leonard (2022 Rank: N/A)
5: Kevin Durant (2022 Rank: 3)
Most Likely to Rise: Leonard
Most Likely to Drop: Curry
The biggest names of the last decade have reached the twilight of their primes, but are still some of the very best players in basketball. Coming off a season where Steph won Finals MVP, LeBron set a career-high in points per game at age 37, and KD was in MVP talks before he got injured, it’s clear that they are all still operating at the highest level. Appreciate these guys while they are still here.
Tier 1: No Surprises Here
4: Luka Doncic (2022 Rank: 6)
3: Joel Embiid (2022 Rank: 4)
2: Nikola Jokic (2022 Rank: 2)
1: Giannis Antetokounmpo (2022 Rank: 1)
Most Likely to Drop: Doncic
The usual suspects will run the league once again in 2023. Giannis has graduated from best player in the league right now talks and has moved on to all-time discussions, and could be a top-twenty player ever by the end of this year. Nikola Jokic is on his way to that status, as a third MVP or a ring this season would make his resumé very similar to the Greek Freak’s. Joel Embiid and Luka Doncic are my two favorites for MVP. These four will be up here for the better part of this decade.
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