After breaking down the players ranked 100 to 51 in our previous article, we now dive into the next tier of talent, where the competition stiffens and the margins between greatness narrow. These 50-21st-ranked NBA stars are some of the most dynamic and versatile players in the league, with last season’s production and upcoming projections shaping their place in this exclusive list. With only 20 players left to be unveiled, this section will showcase the talents who could break into the NBA’s upper echelon—who will crack the top 20?
- 50. Fred VanVleet
- 49. Jalen Green
- 48. OG Anunoby
- 47. Mikal Bridges
- 46. Franz Wagner
- 45. Cade Cunningham
- 44. Brandon Ingram
- 43. DeMar DeRozan
- 42. James Harden
- 41. Alperen Sengun
- 40. Jaren Jackson Jr.
- 39. Julius Randle
- 38. Lauri Markkanen
- 37. LaMelo Ball
- 36. Rudy Gobert
- 35. Chet Holmgren
- 34. Karl-Anthony Towns
- 33. Jamal Murray
- 32. Paul George
- 31. Scottie Barnes
- 30. Trae Young
- 29. Zion Williamson
- 28. Bam Adebayo
- 27. Pascal Siakam
- 26. De’Aaron Fox
- 25. Domantas Sabonis
- 24. Damian Lillard
- 23. Jimmy Butler
- 22. Kyrie Irving
- 21. Paolo Banchero
50. Fred VanVleet
2023-24 Stats: 17.4 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 8.1 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.8 BPG
Fred VanVleet’s value lies in his elite playmaking and leadership, as evidenced by his 8.1 assists per game as a member of the Houston Rockets. Despite his scoring dropping to 17.4 PPG, he remains a floor general, controlling the offense. His defensive numbers (1.4 SPG) highlight his effort on both ends, though his efficiency has dipped (41.7% FG), leading to this spot on the list that is still impressive at number 50.
49. Jalen Green
2023-24 Stats: 19.6 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 3.5 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Jalen Green’s athleticism and ability to score in bunches (19.6 PPG) make him one of the brightest young guards in the league. However, his inconsistency in playmaking and defense, highlighted by just 3.5 APG and 0.8 SPG, holds him back from climbing higher on this list. His potential remains sky-high if he can become more well-rounded and could actually become a top-30 player if he becomes an All-Star.
48. OG Anunoby
2023-24 Stats: 14.7 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.7 BPG
OG Anunoby’s defensive prowess and versatility remain his calling card, with 1.4 steals per game showcasing his disruptive impact. His offensive output (14.7 PPG) has stagnated slightly, but his three-point shooting and ability to guard multiple positions keep him highly valued, even if he’s not a primary option. There is no doubt that in terms of impact in the modern NBA, Anunoby is a top-50 player and the New York Knicks are thrilled to have him back.
47. Mikal Bridges
2023-24 Stats: 19.6 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG
New York Knicks acquisition Mikal Bridges has grown into a reliable two-way threat, with his scoring increasing to 19.6 PPG, making him a crucial player for his team. However, while his defense remains top-tier, his offensive game lacks the explosiveness or playmaking (3.6 APG) needed to push him higher in this ranking. For the Knicks, they only need him to return to the role he had in Phoenix for his true impact to be felt.
46. Franz Wagner
2023-24 Stats: 19.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.4 BPG
The 23-year-old Franz Wagner’s all-around game is impressive, with 19.7 PPG and 5.3 RPG making him a rising star. His versatility as a scorer and defender, coupled with improving playmaking (3.7 APG), gives him a significant edge as a future star. Wagner’s efficient, low-profile impact explains his high placement and he was a major reason (behind Paolo Banchero) why the young Orlando Magic made the playoffs last season.
45. Cade Cunningham
2023-24 Stats: 22.7 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 7.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Cunningham has shown flashes of brilliance in his young career, posting 22.7 PPG and 7.5 APG this season. His size and court vision make him a unique guard, but durability (138 career games in three seasons) and efficiency remain concerns. Despite these issues, his potential as a franchise cornerstone for the Pistons justifies this ranking because we expect the point guard to become All-Star-caliber in 2024-25.
44. Brandon Ingram
2023-24 Stats: 20.8 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 5.7 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Despite some trade rumors, Brandon Ingram continues to be a smooth scorer, averaging 20.8 PPG, but his game hasn’t taken a major leap in recent years. His playmaking (5.7 APG) has improved, but questions about his defensive impact and ability to lead New Orleans deep into the playoffs leave him in this spot. It is also very possible that the Pelicans regard Zion Williamson higher than Ingram and that could lead to some roster changes.
43. DeMar DeRozan
2023-24 Stats: 24.0 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.6 BPG
At 35, DeMar DeRozan remains a highly productive scorer (24.0 PPG), but his style of play lacks the three-point shooting that modern offenses often demand. His ability to create for himself and teammates (5.3 APG) keeps him valuable, though his defensive limitations have seen his overall impact wane. Regardless, the Sacramento Kings will be more than happy to have DeRozan on board to pair with De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, and Keegan Murray. Due to his clutch scoring, we can’t lower DeRozan even if he exits his prime over the next few months.
42. James Harden
2023-24 Stats: 16.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 8.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.8 BPG
Harden’s numbers have dipped (16.6 PPG, 8.5 APG), and while his playmaking remains elite, his scoring efficiency and defensive effort have notably declined. Once a perennial MVP candidate, Harden has seen his role shift toward facilitator, impacting his ranking among elite guards. We still can’t drop Harden out of the top 50 ranking because he can still take over games with his high offensive IQ and the Clippers will need that from him in 2024-25.
41. Alperen Sengun
2023-24 Stats: 21.1 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 5.0 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Houston Rockets star Alperen Sengun has emerged as one of the most versatile young bigs in the league, with 21.1 PPG and 9.3 RPG, paired with excellent passing skills (5.0 APG). His defense is still a work in progress, but his offensive skill set and feel for the game push him into the top 50 with ease. Increased production on both ends of the court could see Sengun crack into the top 30s although he will have stiff competition to do so.
40. Jaren Jackson Jr.
2023-24 Stats: 22.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.2 SPG, 1.6 BPG
Former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson’s defensive presence (1.6 BPG) remains his strongest asset, but he’s also made strides offensively, averaging 22.5 PPG. His ability to protect the rim while stretching the floor offensively makes him one of the league’s most unique big men, though rebounding (5.5 RPG) remains a concern. Until Jackson Jr can improve his rebounding to match other All-Star big men, his ranking won’t move much despite being arguably the Memphis Grizzlies’ second-best player.
39. Julius Randle
2023-24 Stats: 24.0 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 5.0 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Julius Randle is a consistent double-double threat (24.0 PPG, 9.2 RPG) and an essential part of a team’s identity when it comes to physicality. Despite his physical gifts and statistical output, questions about his leadership and defensive consistency keep him here but he hopes to have an immediate impact with the Minnesota Timberwolves who made one of the most shocking trades in recent memory this summer by moving Karl-Anthony Towns.
38. Lauri Markkanen
2023-24 Stats: 23.2 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Lauri Markkanen has continued his upward trajectory, posting 23.2 PPG and 8.2 RPG. His ability to stretch the floor and score from all three levels makes him a valuable modern big. However, his playmaking and defensive impact are still areas of growth, preventing him from climbing higher but he is currently the franchise star for the Utah Jazz and he hopes to get more help from his teammates next season.
37. LaMelo Ball
2023-24 Stats: 23.9 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 8.0 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Ball’s flashy playmaking (8.0 APG) and improved scoring (23.9 PPG) make him a cornerstone of Charlotte’s future. His defensive instincts (1.8 SPG) and court vision are elite, but health concerns and streaky shooting keep him from cracking the top 30. Ball only appeared in 58 total games over the past two seasons and the point guard has to stay available to make the Charlotte Hornets relevant in the Eastern Conference someday.
36. Rudy Gobert
2023-24 Stats: 14.0 PPG, 12.9 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.7 SPG, 2.1 BPG
Gobert remains one of the league’s premier rim protectors after winning his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award. While his offensive game remains limited, his defensive impact continues to be elite, making him a key piece for the Minnesota Timberwolves who have title aspirations. Gobert struggles to score on his own so we can’t put him among the list of 30 current NBA players even if he is one of the most accomplished defensive players ever.
35. Chet Holmgren
2023-24 Stats: 16.5 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 2.4 APG, 0.6 SPG, 2.3 BPG
Chet Holmgren’s rookie season has shown tremendous promise, with 16.5 PPG and 2.3 blocks per game. His defensive versatility and shot-blocking are already elite, while his scoring potential is just scratching the surface. His unique skill set for a big man is why he ranks this high despite limited experience, and we anticipate he will be a top 35 player in the universe during the 2024-25 season, which bodes well for the Oklahoma City Thunder’s title chances.
34. Karl-Anthony Towns
2023-24 Stats: 21.8 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 3.0 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.7 BPG
The new star in New York, Karl-Anthony Towns’ scoring (21.8 PPG) and ability to stretch the floor make him one of the most skilled big men in the league, though his defensive impact remains inconsistent. His overall game and versatility as a scorer push him into the top 35, but he’s yet to fully reach his potential as a superstar and he might get there with the Knicks. Even if he doesn’t, nailing 41.6% from three last season places him among the best big men in the league.
33. Jamal Murray
2023-24 Stats: 21.2 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 6.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Jamal Murray’s playmaking and scoring (21.2 PPG, 6.5 APG) last season were instrumental in Denver’s success as the second seed last season. Though he’s not a pure point guard, his ability to score in clutch moments and distribute the ball when needed makes him a top-tier guard in the league, particularly in the playoffs. We will always ignore what Murray does in the regular season because he makes his name when the lights get the brightest.
32. Paul George
2023-24 Stats: 22.6 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Despite his injury history and doubts about his ability in the postseason, Paul George remains one of the league’s most skilled two-way players, with 22.6 PPG and 1.5 SPG last season. His ability to defend multiple positions and score efficiently keeps him in the conversation for elite wing players, which is why the 76ers signed him to a four-year, $225 million deal this summer. George might be good enough to be a second option on a championship team but the 76ers making him the number three option could be scary for the league.
31. Scottie Barnes
2023-24 Stats: 19.9 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 6.1 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.5 BPG
Scottie Barnes’ all-around ability, with 19.9 PPG, 8.2 RPG, and 6.1 APG, makes him a rising star. His defensive versatility and ability to guard multiple positions are valuable assets, though he still needs to refine his shooting. His potential for growth as a lead playmaker pushes him just outside the top 30. If Barnes can nail over 34.1% from three next season, we could be looking at a payer who is difficult to contain.
30. Trae Young
2023-24 Stats: 25.7 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 10.8 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Trae Young continues to be one of the league’s premier offensive threats, averaging 25.7 PPG and 10.8 APG. His elite playmaking and deep shooting make him a focal point of the Atlanta Hawk’s offense, but his defensive shortcomings remain significant, keeping him from ranking higher. There are also doubts about Young’s ability to lead a franchise back into contention which is why the point guard could be traded for the right price. Even if he gets traded, a player dropping a minimum of 20 and 10 every season is a top 30 player in the league.
29. Zion Williamson
2023-24 Stats: 22.9 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 5.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Zion Williamson’s combination of power and finesse makes him one of the most dominant forces in the paint, with 22.9 PPG and 5.8 RPG. However, health concerns continue to cloud his potential, and until he can stay on the court consistently, his ranking will be limited and he could be at risk for falling out of the top 30. Luckily, he played 70 games last season and could reach the same mark in 2024-25.
28. Bam Adebayo
2023-24 Stats: 19.3 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.9 BPG
Adebayo is one of the most versatile defenders in the league, capable of guarding all five positions. His 10.4 RPG and 19.3 PPG highlight his impact on both ends, but his lack of a true offensive takeover ability keeps him just outside the top 25 although he isn’t too far off. Expect Adebayo to take on a leadership role with Jimmy Butler’s future uncertain with the Heat following a mixed bag of rumors.
27. Pascal Siakam
2023-24 Stats: 21.7 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 4.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Pascal Siakam’s blend of scoring (21.7 PPG), rebounding (7.1 RPG), and playmaking has made him a two-time All-Star. After helping the Indiana Pacers make the Eastern Conference Finals last season, Siakam’s versatility and ability to guard multiple positions make him a highly valuable player, but his inconsistency in big moments prevents him from climbing higher. He might have more help with Tyrese Haliburton in Indiana and that could cover his deficiencies at times.
26. De’Aaron Fox
2023-24 Stats: 26.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 5.6 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Speedster De’Aaron Fox has exploded as one of the league’s best guards, with 26.6 PPG and 2.0 SPG last season. His speed and ability to finish around the rim are elite, and his leadership in Sacramento’s offense has elevated his stock. However, his outside shooting remains a work in progress but if he can get his three-point shot to over 38%, he could rise the rankings although his 26th place could be very impressive.
25. Domantas Sabonis
2023-24 Stats: 19.4 PPG, 13.7 RPG, 8.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG
All-Star center Domantas Sabonis is one of the league’s most skilled bigs, with 13.7 RPG and 8.2 APG, making him a triple-double threat every night. His unique combination of passing and rebounding makes him invaluable, though his defense remains a question mark in certain matchups. Even if he lets his opponent score a little more than the Kings would like, he is supremely dominant at times and the best triple-double threat from the center position behind Nikola Jokic.
24. Damian Lillard
2023-24 Stats: 24.3 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 7.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Damian Lillard’s elite scoring (24.3 PPG) and clutch shooting are still among the league’s best, though his defensive liabilities and recent injury history have knocked him down slightly in the rankings. Still, he’s a leader and one of the top offensive guards in the game and we expect another strong season from the marksman as he continues building on his experience with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks roster.
23. Jimmy Butler
2023-24 Stats: 20.8 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 5.0 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Jimmy Butler remains the heart and soul of the Miami Heat. While his 2023-24 stats of 20.8 PPG, 5.3 RPG, and 5.0 APG may not be as flashy as some others, Butler’s value extends beyond numbers. He consistently elevates his play in the postseason, which is a major reason why he sits in the top 25. Despite being 34, Butler’s leadership and ability to take over games, especially in critical moments, keeps him in elite company.
22. Kyrie Irving
2023-24 Stats: 25.6 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 5.2 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Kyrie Irving belongs at 22nd because of how great he was alongside Luka Doncic last year, leading the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals. Irving’s ability to take over games as a scorer and playmaker make him a valuable asset, and his chemistry with Luka Doncic in Dallas is a key factor in their offensive success. Kyrie’s ranking reflects his blend of creativity, scoring, and ability to take on clutch moments and what we expect from him next season.
21. Paolo Banchero
2023-24 Stats: 22.6 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 5.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG
In just his second NBA season, Paolo Banchero emerged as a cornerstone for the Orlando Magic by leading them to Game 7 of the first round of the playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers. His well-rounded game is on display with averages of 22.6 PPG, 6.9 RPG, and 5.4 APG, showing his ability to contribute across the board. Banchero’s development has been rapid, and at just 21 years old, his potential to grow into an even more dominant player is clear and we could be looking at a top-15 player sooner rather than later.
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