Top 100 Best NBA Players For The 2022-23 Season: 50-31

We are here to continue our countdown of the best 100 NBA players headed into the 2021-22 season. Today, we begin to crack the Top 50 after counting down 100-51 last week. The players you will see today are ranked No. 50 through No. 31 on our list. These players, whether they have been in the league for a decade or 2 years, have made a significant impact on their respective teams and have a bright season ahead of them. They are the current All-Stars, the future All-Stars, and the future of the NBA.

The list from 100 to 51 saw a lot of controversial picks and stirred up quite the conversations. The list of players from 50 to 31 is sure to do the same thing. Once again, we measured our list based on multiple criteria. Skill, production, accolades, impact on winning, and winning itself all play a factor in where we list each player. We understand that the list is subject to change as the season goes on, but for now, this is where our opinion lies.

These are the 50th to 31st best NBA players headed into the 2022-23 season.

50. Cade Cunningham

After missing the first few weeks of the 2021-22 season and his rookie year, Cade Cunningham found himself in the thick of the Rookie of the Year race by season’s end. Cunningham showed he is very clearly ready to play at the NBA level and he did it in a variety of ways. First, as a passer and playmaker, Cunningham showed that he had perfect court vision, great natural instincts, and a willingness to share the ball and get his teammates involved. The Pistons struggled mightily once again in 2022 but Cunningham averaged 17.4 PPG and 5.6 APG while shooting 41.6% from the field.

The future in Detroit is filled with much more hope than in recent years, and Cade Cunningham is at the center of it. In 2022-23, look for Cunningham to embrace his playmaking role more and more but also step it up as a scorer. The Pistons made some really nice moves to shore up their roster this offseason and many are calling Detroit a sleep to watch for this season. It is clear that Cunningham is the one they are building around, and the young man has shown that no challenge is too big to take on.

49. Ben Simmons

The last time we saw Ben Simmons on the basketball court was a little over 16 months ago. It didn’t end well as he was visibly nervous, passing up open dunks to pass the ball, and mightily struggling from the foul line. The result? The Sixers were eliminated from the playoffs and a never-ending saga ensued. People have really forgotten what Ben Simmons brings to the court as a player and why the Nets are actually lucky to have him heading into 2022-23.

First, Simmons is one of the better defenders in basketball. He is versatile, fast, and long, and he can clearly guard multiple positions for maximum effectiveness. He led the league in steals in 2020 and in 2021, finished 2nd in the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year voting. As a playmaker, he is just as good. He can get to the basket by himself but he would rather get his teammates involved, which spells good news for Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. After almost 2 years of drama, I am actually excited to see Ben Simmons play basketball again.

48. Marcus Smart

The reigning Defensive Player of the Year comes in at No. 48 on our Top 100. The 2021-22 season was an all-around great one for Marcus Smart, who undoubtedly had his greatest season as a passer and one of his better 3-point shooting seasons as well at 33.1% from deep. His success carried over to the postseason as he became the team’s 3rd leading scorer in the playoffs with 15.4 PPG and upped his 3-point shooting to 35.0%. Simply put, the Boston Celtics do not make the NBA Finals without their first line of defense.

Smart was named the full-time starting point guard in 2021-22 for the Celtics and he rewarded them with a career-high in assists at 5.9 APG and put on a defensive masterclass. As we head into 2022-23, there was some early chatter about his status as the starter after the Celtics acquired Malcolm Brogdon. This season, Smart will remain the starting point guard with Brogdon adapting to a sixth-man role off of the bench. Smart will have to continue to be efficient as a playmaker and scorer to both keep his job and earn the Celtics another trip back to the NBA Finals.

47. Klay Thompson

After missing 2 and a half full seasons with lower-leg injuries Klay Thompson made a jovial return to the Golden State Warriors. How was the team rewarded for his comeback? With an NBA championship and a sigh of relief as one of their stars returned to form. Klay finished the season averaging 20.4 PPG in 32 appearances. For the first time in his career, Thompson finished the season with a 3-point percentage under 40.0% as shot 38.5% from deep on a career-high 9.3 attempts per game. Another stellar season from the Warriors co-star despite the rust having to be worked off throughout the year.

Another year removed from his devastating injuries could work wonders for Thompson. With his first fully healthy offseason in quite some time, Thompson will have more time to work out that rust before the season starts. Thompson will be 33 years old in February, so don’t be surprised to see him split time with Jordan Poole who had a breakout season next season. Thompson should have no problem returning to his 40.0% 3-point form and have the Warriors competing for yet another NBA championship.

46. Jordan Poole

The 2021-22 season was a breakout one for Jordan Poole and saw him develop into a serious offensive threat. In 76 games, Poole averaged 18.5 PPG, 3.4 RPG, and 4.0 APG on 44.8% shooting overall and 36.4% from three. It was by far his highest offensive volume and he responded perfectly, becoming a huge reason the Warriors were able to make and win the NBA Finals. He is a perfect fit into an offense that is in constant motion like the Warriors and under Kerr’s tutelage, Poole has emerged much better off in his NBA career.

Headed into the 2022-23 season, it is unclear if Poole will remain the team’s starting shooting guard or retain the postseason role that saw him come off of the bench as the sixth man. It will most likely be the latter as Poole played in 22 playoff games and started just 5 while averaging 17.0 PPG on 50.8% shooting. If he stays in this role for most of the season, he will be a serious threat to take home the Sixth Man of the Year award at the end of the season. I expect Poole to keep improving on his game and build on a spectacular 2021-22 season.

45. Mikal Bridges

Mikal Bridges was as consistent as it gets in 2021-22, playing in all of the Phoenix Suns’ 82 games and extending his consecutive game streak to 309. Bridges broke out on offense and became one of the more efficient scorers on the Suns, averaging 14.2 PPG on 53.4% shooting and 36.9% from three. His defensive efforts are what shined every night as he handled the opposition’s best perimeter player night in and night out. The NBA rewarded Bridges’ efforts, naming him to the All-Defensive First Team and runner-up to the Defensive Player of the Year award.

Bridges continued his consistency into the postseason, which ended in second-round disappointment for the Suns and their fans. Bridges will have to be the same or even better player for the Suns to repeat their franchise record-setting success from last season. There is no doubt about Bridges’ defensive talent. He is quite clearly one of the better defenders in basketball. If his offensive production increases even as being the 4th option on offense, look for Phoenix to be back at the top of the Western Conference at the end of 2022-23.

44. CJ McCollum

The 2021-22 season was one of the new beginnings and new hope on the horizon for CJ McCollum. CJ was traded from the Portland Trail Blazers to the New Orleans Pelicans toward the middle of 2021-22 and it turned out to be a blessing in disguise for McCollum. He became the Pelicans’ starting point guard and thrived in the role as he averaged 24.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG, and 5.8 APG with New Orleans in 26 games. He showed his value even more in the postseason as he helped New Orleans earn a playoff berth and put up a heck of a fight in the first round against the Phoenix Suns.

As McCollum continues to assume the point guard role for New Orleans, he will have plenty of options to distribute the ball to. Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, and Jonas Valanciunas round out a lineup that is sure to make some noise in the 2022-23 season. This lineup also opens up McCollum’s offensive game as a scorer. McCollum can attack the basket like he loves to do and defenders will have to account for those other 3, leaving McCollum room to go to work. For the first time in a long time, there is a buzz in New Orleans like never before, and McCollum’s arrival was the catalyst for it.

43. LaMelo Ball

We knew it was going to get better for Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball, but he took an even bigger leap than many thought. He improved across the board on offense and defense and became an All-Star at just 20 years old in his second season. He took command of the game more and became a leader while demanding trust from his teammates and coaches. They gave it to him and he rewarded them with a season of 20.1 PPG, 6.7 RPG, and 7.6 APG on 42.9% shooting. The Hornets fell for the second year in a row in the play-in game but were left with much hope for the future.

Ball is going to have even more pressure on him to continue to improve upon a stellar second year. With the loss of Miles Bridges, the Hornets will look for Ball to not only be a consistent playmaker in 2022-23 but hopefully take on more of the scoring for them as well. Of course, he has a bit of help with the likes of Terry Rozier and Gordon Hayward, but the brunt of the workload will be on LaMelo to take on. If what we have already seen is a sign, look for an explosive 3rd season out of the future star.

42. John Collins

John Collins battled in a 2021-22 season that, outside of his shooting from three, saw improvement across the board despite battling injuries. His athleticism and court vision as a big make him a lethal pick-and-roll threat with Trae Young. He is great at finding open teammates off of the roll or he can finish athletically at the rim on a lob or self-created finish. He missed 28 games in the 2021-22 season which accounted for his drop-off in scoring and efficiency but with a much healthier offseason this year, look out for the big man in 2022-23.

Where Collins will continue to try to help the Hawks away from the ball is on defense. Coming into the league, Collins’ defense was a major cause for concern. Since then, he had prided himself on getting better and using his athleticism to his advantage on that side of the ball. At just 24 years of age, Collins has so much more room for improvement in his game at both ends. The Hawks will be sitting pretty if he takes another leap, big or small, in 2022-23.

41. Jarrett Allen

Speaking of athleticism, Jarrett Allen comes in at No. 41 on our list. In his first full season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Allen became an All-Star averaging 16.1 PPG, 10.8 RPG, and 1.3 BPG. Where Allen really stood out was in a specific area on both sides of the ball. He provides elite rim protection on defense and alters the shots he doesn’t get a hold of to maximum effectiveness. On offense, he serves as a legitimate pick-and-roll weapon who is a lob threat at any given moment. Many can point to Allen’s injury toward the end of 2021-22 as to why the Cavs slipped so much in the standings.

In 2022-23, Allen will continue to form the most formidable frontcourt in basketball alongside Evan Mobley. On defense, he will be looked at to be the rim protector and forceful paint presence he was in 2021-22. On offense, things are going to open up massively for him with the arrival of Donovan Mitchell from Utah and the already steady Darius Garland. Allen has a chance to ascend to the top of the center positional rankings with another All-Star season, but more importantly, he has a chance to bring the Cavaliers back to the playoffs for the first time since 2018.

40. Deandre Ayton

After an offseason of uncertainty for Deandre Ayton, he is officially back with the Phoenix Suns for 2022-23. The big man in the middle has been a major part of the team’s turnaround over the past few seasons. He is a steady offensive threat, especially around the basket where he shows soft touch and pinpoint accuracy. On defense, he isn’t exactly an elite shot-blocker but his presence does alter shots and make opponents adjust to his help. Ayton is a Top center in the league and as long as Phoenix embraces that, they should be right back where they were last season.

It has been reported that Coach Monty Williams and Ayton have not spoken this offseason, even as the Suns matched the offer sheet from the Indiana Pacers to bring him back. This Phoenix team needs to get on the same page in order for Ayton to continue to develop. Ayton has shown huge strides under Williams and alongside Chris Paul and Devin Booker. Starting Centers for NBA Finals competing teams don’t grow on trees. For Phoenix’s sake, let’s hope the drama doesn’t spill over into 2022-23. If they can keep it together, the Suns are one of the most dangerous teams in the NBA.

39. Evan Mobley

Evan Mobley helped usher in a new era in the Cleveland Cavaliers” history. As an essential piece of their young core, Mobley became a two-way godsend for Cleveland when they needed it most. In 2021-22, Mobley averaged 15.0 PPG, 8.3 RPG, and 1.7 BPG for his rookie campaign. As an aggressive rebounder and an efficient finisher, Mobley built a strong relationship on the court with young guard Darius Garland, which is going to carry over greatly in 2022-23.

There is no doubt that Mobley’s biggest contributions will continue to come on the defensive side of the ball as he improves his offensive game. His versatility is what makes him such a great defender with the strength and power to hang with bigs but also the speed and length to disrupt guards when he is switched onto them. There are many reasons why the Cavs are being ranked high heading into 2022-23. Evan Mobley’s continued progression is one big one.

38. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

One of the continuously underrated players in all of the NBA, we hope our selection of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at No. 38 does him justice. Shai battled injury for much of the 2021-22 season but once he came back after the All-Star break, he was back to his same high-scoring, versatile self. After returning from injury, he averaged 30.3 PPG and 7.2 APG, but the Thunder went 2-10 in 12 games and Gilgeous-Alexander was shut down for the season.

Not many people expect the Thunder to be competitive in 2022-23 but if there is a reason they will be, it is Shai. He and 2nd-year guard Josh Giddey should form one of the more exciting guard duos in the NBA. After winning just 24 games in 2021-22, the Thunder hope that Gilgeous-Alexander and the rest of their team can remain healthy to have a bounce-back season as a franchise. Shai’s explosive scoring and all-around play should have them in a much better position.

37. Dejounte Murray

Another exciting young guard with a new NBA home in 2022-23 lands at No. 37 on our list, Dejounte Murray. Murray brings a dynamic game to an already dynamic Hawks lineup bringing some much-needed relief next to Trae Young. Murray is one of the better defensive guards in basketball, leading the league in steals in 2021-22 and showing his off-ball skills to be vital for what Atlanta is trying to accomplish. He can score in bunches and pass exceptionally well, making Murray and You must-watch television next season.

Expect Murray to make an impact immediately upon stepping onto the court for Atlanta. He and Young will want to run and push the pace as much as possible, opening up easy opportunities for easy baskets. Murray also gives them some relief guarding the opposing team’s best guard and limiting the attack into the middle, a problem Atlanta had big issues within 2021-22. I think with Murray’s arrival, do not be surprised to see the Hawks climb back up the Eastern Conference standings.

36. Darius Garland

Darius Garland saw his career reach new levels in 2021-22, averaging career-highs in points, assists, steals, and field goal percentage amongst a slew of advanced stats as well. He averaged 21.7 PPG, 8.6 APG, and 1.3 SPG as the Cavaliers found their best success since LeBron James left town and established their new young core. Garland’s continued improvement has Cavs fans buzzing heading into 2022-23, especially with the arrival of Donovan Mitchell alongside him.

Garland had a bit of trouble staying on the floor last season but comes into 2022-23 fully healthy and ready to roll. He became an All-Star for the first time last season and I expect him to continue to push for those selections as his career goes on, including the 2022-23 season. Garland’s playmaking has taken a huge leap with his ability to find his shooters as well as lead his big men to easy buckets in the paint. Garland and Mitchell should have the Cavs fighting every night and playing playoff basketball when it is all said and done.

35. Rudy Gobert

For the first time in his career, Rudy Gobert heads into an NBA season as a member of a team not named the Utah Jazz. Gobert will be a part of the ever-improving Minnesota Timberwolves for the 2022-23 season, bringing exactly the piece they were missing to seriously contend in the Western Conference. His presence as a rim protector will prove to be huge for the Timberwolves, as they haven’t had one in quite some time. Gobert is the best in the business at blocking and altering shots. His presence in the paint combined with the rest of how the roster shakes out will be one of the more favorable lineups the team has ever had.

Gobert’s landing in Minnesota isn’t only giving him a fresh start with a new team but it gives teammate Karl-Anthony Towns a new role. Towns will slide over to the power forward position and play more to his strengths offensively as one of the better 7-foot shooters in basketball. Gobert should see far more opportunities on offense in Minnesota as well as they like to move the ball and wear down a defense rather than attack with 1 or 2 guys from the outside. It will be interesting to see how much better Minnesota can be by adding one of the league’s premier interior defenders.

34. Jrue Holiday

Since arriving in Milwaukee in 2021, Jrue Holiday has proved to be a difference maker on both sides of the basketball. He is arguably the best perimeter defender in basketball, giving guards fits with his swarming and enclosing on-ball defense. His speed and high IQ give him quite the advantage over opposing guards on defense, and he uses them perfectly. His offensive game was brilliant once again as well as he averaged 18.3 PPG and 6.8 APG in 2021-22, proving to be a perfect point guard fit alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.

I cannot help but believe that if Marcus Smart can win a Defensive Player of the Year award, then there is no reason that Holiday can’t compete for one either. That part of his game is so effortless and hasn’t regressed one bit since arriving in Milwaukee. In fact, Milwaukee’s defense has gotten much better with Holiday in the lineup. If he can stay healthy and be the same consistent playmaker and defender, then there is no reason that Milwaukee can’t compete or win another NBA championship in 2022-23.

33. Draymond Green

You just cannot speak about impact in today’s NBA without bringing up the name Draymond Green. He is the perfect definition of an impactful player in every sense of the word. He is what makes the Warriors’ offense run without error and when he is on the floor; they are much more disciplined than any other team in the league. When he was off the floor, they lost and rushed. When he is there, they run like a well-oiled machine that cannot be stopped.

What Draymond brings to the table for Golden State cannot be measured purely by numbers. His ability to slow down a game to regroup his offense and then push the pace to capitalize on mistakes is not something that is marked down in the box score, but it has as much to do with the Warriors’ success as anything. His defensive versatility is special, as is his leadership in directing his troops to the right spots. If the Warriors want a chance to repeat as NBA champions in 2022-23, they will need Draymond on the floor doing what he does best.

32. Khris Middleton

In the past 4 seasons, Khris Middleton has earned the right to call himself one of the better small forwards in the NBA. He has earned All-Star selections in 3 of the past 4 seasons and in 2021-22, he averaged 20.1 PPG, 5.4 RPG, and 5.4 APG. He has emerged as Milwaukee’s second-most important offensive piece next to Giannis Antetokounmpo and become one of their closers down the stretches of close games. If it wasn’t for the wrist injury that sidelines him in the 2022 playoffs, we may be speaking about the Bucks as repeat champions last year.

The biggest thing for Middleton heading into the 2022-23 season is staying on the court for the postseason. His presence takes so much pressure off of his teammates to create shot attempts and force possessions. His secondary offense to Giannis had the Bucks ranked as the 3rd ranked offense in the NBA. There is no reason he cannot be an All-Star once more and better yet, help to lead the Bucks back to the NBA Finals.

31. Brandon Ingram

We knew Brandon Ingram had an immense amount of talent as he has shown before, but in 2021-22, it reached another level. Ingram took on the brunt of the offensive workload with Zion Williamson out for the season and faced an enormous amount of pressure before CJ McCollum arrived. Ingram ended up averaging 22.7 PPG, 5.8 RPG, and 5.6 APG on 46.1% shooting. When he really showed out was in the playoffs when his play was able to steal a couple of games from the No. 1 seed Phoenix Suns in the first round.

Ingram’s continued success as an isolation scorer and shot-creator is vital for the Pelicans moving forward. The return of Zion and the emergence of Jonas Valanciunas along with McCollum will work wonders for opening up his game. If Ingram is able to still be an effective 20/5/5 player for New Orleans, their status as a sleeper in the Western Conference is valid. Ingram helps to lead a young and hungry Pelicans core looking to make serious noise in 2022-23. 

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