Analysis | The top 100 NBA players of the 2022-23 season (2024)

PG, Los Angeles Lakers

Westbrook's rapid fall from stardom has had destructive consequences for the Lakers, but he almost always finds a way to get his numbers.

PG, Utah Jazz

Supplanted by Darius Garland as Cleveland's lead guard, Sexton should embrace the opportunity of running his own show in Utah free from expectations.

PF, Detroit Pistons

Detroit didn't give up much in its trade for Bogdanovic, a sign that proven stretch fours are decidedly less valuable if they can't defend multiple positions.

PF, Philadelphia 76ers

The Bucks badly missed Tucker's aggressive on-ball defense when Celtics forward Jayson Tatum caught fire in the second round.

C, Portland Trail Blazers

Nurkic has had some thrilling moments in the Rose City, but he has missed 56 percent of Portland's games over the past three seasons with injuries.

C, Dallas Mavericks

After years of posting inflated numbers on bad teams, Wood will finally have the chance to contribute to a playoff hopeful.

PF, Milwaukee Bucks

Portis, a fan favorite in Milwaukee thanks to his fiery demeanor, stepped up to deliver a career year with Brook Lopez sidelined.

PG, Oklahoma City Thunder

Impossibly young and fearless, Giddey dazzles with his pace and passing ability despite a lack of proven talent around him.

SF, Detroit Pistons

As Detroit's young guards settle into lead scoring roles, Bey's value as a durable and imposing shooter and defender will shine through.

SF, Memphis Grizzlies

Brooks, a quintessential gunner who posted career highs in points and PER last season, became a playoff villain with his flagrant foul on Gary Payton II.

SG, Oklahoma City Thunder

A rock-solid perimeter defender with a nonstop motor, Dort will be a valuable playoff piece once the Thunder's core grows up.

PG, Utah Jazz

Conley has gotten more careful choosing his spots as he has aged, but he could still help a contender if his overly generous contract wasn't such an obstacle.

PF, Washington Wizards

If only Kuzma's malleability on offense and improved technique on defense got as much attention as his goofy sweaters.

SF, New Orleans Pelicans

The unheralded 2021 second-round pick instantly became a coach's pet and fan favorite thanks to his lockdown defense and knack for making hustle plays.

SG, Portland Trail Blazers

Portland cleared out several veterans to make room for Simons, betting big on his off-the-dribble scoring and catch-and-shoot marksmanship.

C, Orlando Magic

The 2018 lottery pick from Duke has established himself as a quality starting center in Orlando, even if it took him a few years to get his feet wet.

C, Indiana Pacers

Despite elite shot-blocking numbers, Turner lacks the interior presence needed to carry a top-flight defense.

SF, Dallas Mavericks

The rangy Finney-Smith defends at an all-league level and has slowly transformed himself into a dependable three-point option.

SG, Houston Rockets

Green spent his rookie season looking completely lost on defense, so 2021's No. 2 pick must dramatically improve his scoring efficiency to live up to the pre-draft hype.

SF, Orlando Magic

Every conversation about the loaded 2021 draft class must include Wagner, an agile two-way wing with star potential who flew under the radar in Orlando.

C, New Orleans Pelicans

The double-double machine brings crafty offense and sturdy rebounding every night, but he'll need to work through an awkward defensive fit alongside Zion Williamson.

SG, Charlotte Hornets

If LaMelo Ball is lightning on the ball, Rozier adds a thunderous presence by attacking the paint and delights in raining down threes.

PG, Minnesota Timberwolves

Russell's most complete season in years was spoiled by a poor and passive showing on both ends during a first-round playoff exit.

SF, Denver Nuggets

Injuries have limited Porter to one good season in the four years since he was drafted, but his shot is so pure that it's hard to give up on him just yet.

C, Washington Wizards

Unqualified to be a No. 1 option for a winner and a tricky fit as a No. 2, Porzingis could hit the journeyman stage before he turns 30.

SF, Sacramento Kings

Lacking the takeover mentality and pure handle to be a star, Barnes has settled into life as a productive stretch four who draws interest from contenders at seemingly every trade deadline.

PF, Portland Trail Blazers

Grant's poorly conceived run as Detroit's alpha scorer has mercifully come to an end, and he will get back to being a useful third option in Portland.

PG, Miami Heat

Miami's gamble on Lowry's experience and savvy backfired when he couldn't get his body right for the playoffs.

SF, New York Knicks

The major advanced statistics do not view Barrett as a rising star, but his durability and commitment are real pluses.

PF, Denver Nuggets

While he is best known for his flashy dunk contest fare, Gordon's game has aged well because he plays within himself and savors tough defensive assignments.

PG, Boston Celtics

Brogdon arrives in Boston as a major X-factor: Will he really be satisfied with his new life as a super-sub after four-plus years as a starter?

PF, Atlanta Hawks

Collins is a regular in trade rumors because his scoring ability is being wasted, or at least not optimized, on the guard-dominated Hawks.

C, Boston Celtics

Even longtime appreciators of Horford's understated and well-rounded game had to be taken aback by his age-defying run to the Finals.

SF, San Antonio Spurs

The last man standing in San Antonio's teardown, Johnson should delight his fantasy owners during what will probably be a lost season.

SF, Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia's backcourt upgrades have squeezed Harris's shot-creation opportunities and turned him into more of a spacing option.

C, Boston Celtics

Williams contests shots with a middle linebacker's ferocity, but he could be out until the new year after undergoing two knee surgeries since March.

SG, Miami Heat

Miami inked the reigning sixth man of the year to a $130 million extension, rewarding his natural scoring ability while still hoping for more assertive defense.

PG, New York Knicks

The former second-round pick became one of the summer's top free agents thanks to a subtle and smooth offensive game that often leaves defenders grasping at air.

PF, Memphis Grizzlies

Named to the all-defensive first team last year, Jackson will miss the start of the season after offseason foot surgery.

SG, Golden State Warriors

Poole found ways to get buckets while playing with the Splash Brothers and when they were off the court last year, making him an early favorite for the Sixth Man of the Year award.

C, Atlanta Hawks

Last season, only Rudy Gobert outscored Capela in Defensive Real Plus-Minus, a metric that gauges defensive impact.

PF, Brooklyn Nets

Though his ugly holdout in Philadelphia did permanent damage to his reputation, Simmons's drive-and-kick skills are a much cleaner fit with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in Brooklyn.

PF, New York Knicks

Randle's surliness did him no favors last season, but his strained relationship with fans can be repaired if he can rediscover his shooting stroke, especially in clutch situations.

PG, Philadelphia 76ers

Maxey's breakthrough as a reliable scorer at the rim and from three-point range was the best thing to happen to the 76ers in years.

SF, Toronto Raptors

The type of trusty shooter and defender sought by contenders, Anunoby hasn't blossomed into a star because of his narrow abilities as a playmaker.

C, Chicago Bulls

The two-time all-star became a tertiary option in a perimeter-dominated attack, raising the question of whether the Bulls' playoff chances would improve with a defensive-minded center.

SG, New Orleans Pelicans

While a midseason trade for McCollum brought much-needed veteran savvy to New Orleans, his lack of size defensively is a big challenge come playoff time.

PG, Indiana Pacers

There are flashier young point guards than Haliburton but few who possess his size, poise and ability to score without marginalizing his teammates.

C, Cleveland Cavaliers

Allen's dirty work as a rebounder and rim protector was crucial last season: Cleveland went 35-21 (.625) with him healthy and just 9-17 (.346) when he was out.

C, Phoenix Suns

Ayton appears to desire a larger offensive role, but his limited bag of moves and lack of perimeter shooting will prevent him from being an effective centerpiece.

SG, Memphis Grizzlies

A stout defender and a knockdown perimeter shooter, Bane is the prototypical two guard to support a lead playmaker.

SF, Toronto Raptors

The reigning rookie of the year has emerged as one of the league's most tantalizing prospects because he's the total package, boasting a big and strong frame, comfort handling the ball and an infectious personality.

SG, Chicago Bulls

Chicago swallowed hard and rewarded LaVine, a proven high-volume scorer, with a $215 million extension this summer despite his weak defense and balky knee.

PG, Boston Celtics

Long a master of hustle plays, the tenacious Smart became the first guard since 1996 to be named defensive player of the year.

SG, Golden State Warriors

Thompson put two lost seasons behind him in spectacular fashion by hitting 20 three-pointers in the Finals to win his fourth ring.

PG, Detroit Pistons

The 2021 top pick flashed all-defense potential as a rookie, and his scoring numbers improved dramatically after the all-star break.

SF, Golden State Warriors

The polarizing 2014 No. 1 pick shocked the basketball world last season by starting in the All-Star Game and repeatedly rising to the occasion during Golden State's title run.

PG, Brooklyn Nets

Irving's well-earned reputation as an exquisite ballhandler and finisher must be balanced with his disruptive personality, unreliable health and shaky postseason play of late.

PG, Sacramento Kings

To reach his all-star potential, Fox must put last season's storm of inattentive defense and bricked jumpers behind him.

SF, Chicago Bulls

The five-time all-star is a strong regression candidate after shooting a career-high 51 percent from the midrange last season.

PF, Golden State Warriors

Green remains an elite defensive leader thanks to his sky-high hoops IQ and understanding of opponent tendencies, which compensate for his diminishing physical tools.

PG, Charlotte Hornets

Selected as an all-star injury replacement in 2022, Ball should see his offensive role swell considerably with a weakened supporting cast and a new coach who has no choice but to trust him.

SF, Phoenix Suns

Bridges's key strengths — impeccable health, reliable outside shooting and all-league defensive versatility — are universally coveted in the modern NBA.

PG, Cleveland Cavaliers

Garland's third-year breakthrough paid off with an all-star selection, and his knack for balancing his scoring and distributing will be key to Donovan Mitchell's acclimation.

SG, Atlanta Hawks

The newly minted all-star guard welcomed a summer trade from San Antonio to Atlanta, where his dogged defensive presence will complement Trae Young's explosive scoring.

C, Sacramento Kings

Sabonis's superpower is his consistent energy, as evidenced by his virtually identical averages in points, rebounds and assists before and after his midseason trade from Indiana to Sacramento.

PG, Denver Nuggets

Murray proceeded cautiously through an 18-month recovery from an ACL injury, so he should be ready to hit the ground running as Nikola Jokic's sidekick.

PF, Cleveland Cavaliers

While Mobley is arguably the NBA's best young defensive prospect, the 2022 rookie of the year runner-up must expand his scoring palette to live up to the Kevin Garnett comparisons.

PG, Oklahoma City Thunder

Sympathy is rising for Gilgeous-Alexander as the long and athletic guard approaches his third straight rebuilding season without an injured Chet Holmgren to dull the pain.

SG, Toronto Raptors

Thanks to his fearless scoring and tone-setting effort, VanVleet has been an ideal bridge between Toronto's 2019 title team and its Scottie Barnes-centric future.

SG, Minnesota Timberwolves

Though Edwards's discipline and efficiency don't yet match his off-the-charts moxie, the 2020 top pick is a strong candidate to earn his first all-star nod in 2023.

SG, Washington Wizards

The Wizards so valued Beal's smooth scoring and stabilizing presence that they granted him an eye-popping $251 million contract this summer despite winning just three playoff games over the past five seasons.

SF, New Orleans Pelicans

A skilled scorer who butters his bread in the midrange, Ingram finally got a taste of the playoffs in his sixth season.

SG, Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland's surprising trade for Mitchell made sense because its talented young core needs his scoring prowess and can cover for his absent-minded defense.

PF, New Orleans Pelicans

The 2019 No. 1 pick, who hasn't played a regular season game since May 2021 because of a foot injury, has trimmed down considerably for his much-anticipated comeback tour.

PG, Milwaukee Bucks

Holiday thrives when he can pair his hounding on-ball defense with life as a third scoring option, but his efficiency faltered when his offensive responsibilities increased in the 2022 playoffs.

SF, Milwaukee Bucks

The three-time all-star forward proved to be irreplaceable on both ends when he missed out on Milwaukee's title defense with a knee injury.

PF, Toronto Raptors

After regressing during the first two pandemic seasons, Siakam rebounded with an all-NBA campaign in which he led the league in minutes per game.

PG, Phoenix Suns

Though Paul is aging better than virtually any small point guard in NBA history, he has abruptly run out of gas each of the past two postseasons.

C, Minnesota Timberwolves

Towns cashed in on a strong season with a $224 million extension in July, but Minnesota conceded his serious defensive limitations by trading for Rudy Gobert.

SG, Boston Celtics

Brown's turnover issues late in the Finals shouldn't overshadow his continual growth as a two-way wing who will break the bank during his next contract talks.

C, Miami Heat

Best known as the versatile fulcrum powering Miami's top-five defense, Adebayo also finished fifth among centers in scoring last season.

SG, Phoenix Suns

Booker has remained calm and steady throughout the Suns' off-court turbulence, averaging at least 24 points, four rebounds and four assists in five straight seasons.

PG, Philadelphia 76ers

He's still a brilliant playmaker, but Harden's assertiveness, stamina and focus left a lot to be desired during his first postseason run in Philadelphia.

C, Minnesota Timberwolves

Gobert's nine-year run in Utah ended with a July blockbuster trade to Minnesota, where the three-time defensive player of the year will chase the franchise's first playoff series win since 2004.

PG, Atlanta Hawks

The next step for Young, a voluminous scorer, is to make his teammates' lives easier by becoming a more credible off-ball threat.

SF, Los Angeles Clippers

George is best cast as an elite secondary option; his scoring efficiency took a big hit with Kawhi Leonard out last season.

PG, Memphis Grizzlies

Morant became a household name thanks to a breakout season filled with jaw-dropping highlights, but he still must improve his outside shooting and defensive impact.

PF, Los Angeles Lakers

LeBron James hasn't been able to pass the franchise-player baton because Davis's unreliable health keeps overshadowing his prodigious two-way talents.

SF, Miami Heat

It's fair to wonder whether Butler can maintain his rock-solid consistency once he enters his mid-30s, given the heavy minutes load he carried early in his career.

PG, Portland Trail Blazers

Lillard must lift the retooling Blazers back to respectability after missing 50-plus games with an abdominen injury and signing a nine-figure extension in July.

SF, Boston Celtics

Despite channeling Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant with his fashion choices, Tatum came unglued during the latter stages of his Finals debut.

C, Philadelphia 76ers

Winning his first scoring title hardly dampened the disappointment of another early playoff exit marred by injury.

SF, Los Angeles Lakers

Father Time finally scored some points on James during a disappointing 2021-22 season that saw him excel on offense, coast on defense and miss 26 games.

SF, Los Angeles Clippers

Set to return from a 16-month absence because of knee surgery, Leonard has a powerful physique and an old-school jumper that remain unmatched among NBA wings.

PG, Dallas Mavericks

With per-game stats matched by only Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook, the charismatic Doncic is on track to be the face of the NBA by 2025.

SF, Brooklyn Nets

Durant must restore order and reclaim some dignity after his worst playoff showing in a decade and a maddening trade request saga.

C, Denver Nuggets

The Joker claimed his second MVP award and a $270 million contract extension by leading the NBA in PER, RPM and Win Shares.

PG, Golden State Warriors

The Greatest Shooter Ever™ reached new heights during a clutch title run, but injuries have sidelined him for 34 percent of the games over the past five seasons.

PF, Milwaukee Bucks

An All-World scorer, defensive anchor and leader, Antetokounmpo has ascended to the throne thanks to his physicality, productivity and durability.