NBArank returns for its 12th season, identifying the top players in the league.
Where can you find MVP candidates? Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, Joel Embiid Nikola Jokic? What about young players and rookies who are ready to make the jump into the top tier of NBA basketball players?
Where is it? LeBron JamesHe is about to enter his 20th season.
Our expert panel voted on two pairs of players to determine the final NBArank prediction: LeBron and. Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry vs. Ja Morant, Luka vs. Jayson Tatum The list goes on.
We asked the question, “Which of these players will be better in 2022/23?” Voters were asked to predict what each player would do during the season.
We’ve already revealed players Nos. 100-26. Today’s rankings include players Nos. 25-11.
Notice: The NBArank panel at ESPN, which includes over 200 journalists, editors, producers, and analysts, was asked to rank players according to their expected contributions for the 2022-23 seasons.
NBArank 2022 Zion, Russ and players Nos. 100-26
2021 NBArank: No. 52
Swing skills: Pull-up 3-point shooting. Edwards’ 3-point shot will play a major role in his development. Edwards attempted 7.2 shots per game as a rookie. This was the highest number of attempts by a qualified first year player, but he only made 33%. Edwards finished 14th in made 3-pointers in Year 2, which improved to 36%. Edwards excelled in catch-and-shoot attempts (41%) according to NBA Advanced Stats. However, he still needs to improve on off-the dribble 3,s which he managed at a 32.5% clip.
One huge question for 2022-23: Edwards’ development will be rapid. Expectations are high. Edwards is ranked ahead of All-Stars and All-NBA players a year ago. Edwards didn’t do well as a sophomore, however his rapid rise from a low-efficiency scorer (.560), to one whose true shooting percentage was close to league average was impressive. Edwards can make the leap we anticipate and earn All-Star honors and Most Improved Player honors at 21. SG
— Kevin Pelton
Cleveland Cavaliers | SG
2021 NBArank: No. 18
A new face in a different place: To add Mitchell to their 26-and-under core, the Cavs paid an exorbitant price. Mitchell will now be determined to make a difference and help the Cavs move on.
Watch this: Dec. 4, New York Knicks fans believed They We were the team that landed Mitchell before the Cavs swooped this summer. MSG is the first visit of the New York native since the signing.
Jamal Collier
Miami Heat | C
2021 NBArank: No. 21
His ranking could be higher in 2022-23 Adebayo’s game suffers from a inconsistent offense. This is particularly true on a team with no second star. Jimmy Butler. Adebayo averaged 19.1 points per contest in the regular season, but 14.8 points per match over 18 postseason games. This was a record for Adebayo. Adebayo can help Miami overcome the East’s hump. His game has been defined by rebounding and defense through his first five seasons.
One huge question for 2022-23: Adebayo, a max player and an Olympic gold medalist, has led the Heat to the Eastern Conference finals two times in three seasons. But can he improve his offensive presence to take less pressure off of Butler and the rest of a Heat offense which was stalled at times in the postseason. The Heat should return to the top of the East if he does. SG
— Nick Friedell
Boston Celtics | SG
2021 NBArank: No. 27
His ranking could be higher in 2022-23 Brown has not been named to an All-NBA roster in his entire career. Brown will be able to claim both the All-NBA honor and the opportunity to move up the rankings if the Celtics fulfill their preseason expectations.
One huge question for 2022-23: Brown’s skills as a player and ball handler can be improved. Jayson Tatum has been told by coach Ime Udoka that he and Jayson need to work on this since Udoka’s arrival last summer. Brown had more than three turnovers per match against the Milwaukee Bucks and Heat in the last three rounds of playoffs. Brown must make improvements in these moments to help Boston take the final step toward a title.
— Tim Bontemps
Phoenix Suns | PG
2021 NBArank: No. 13
One huge question for 2022-23: Paul’s dominance in the Mavericks series was it over? Dallas was able to reduce the “Point God”, with an average of 8.8 points, 6.3 assists and 4.0 fouls, as the Suns’ playoff run came to an abrupt halt. He is 37 years old and in his 18th season.
His ranking could be higher in 2022-23 Count out CP3 at you own risk. Remember the ESPN BPI broadcast of the Oklahoma City Thunder Paul was only 0.2% likely to make the playoffs in his one season with the franchise. He led them to a 44/38 record and Game 7 against the Toronto Raptors. Houston Rockets?
— Dave McMenamin
Los Angeles Lakers | PF
2021 NBArank: No. 9
Watch this: Oct. 18 at Golden State. The Lakers head north to play the defending champs. It will be Laker Nation’s first chance to see Davis’ course after a disappointing stretch that followed the 2020 title. Although one game doesn’t make a season, the Dubs game will be Davis’ chance to reinvigorate himself as one the most dominant two-way players in the game.
His ranking could be higher in 2022-23 Due to various injuries, Davis missed 78 games of the Lakers’ last 154 games. Davis, with his good health and good luck can have an impact on winning like he did when the Lakers won the championship.
McMenamin
Washington Wizards | SG
2021 NBArank: No. 11
His ranking could be higher in 2022-23 Beal’s season was one to forget. He averaged 23.2 point per game in 40 games. Then, Beal underwent season-ending surgery on the left wrist. People shouldn’t forget about Beal’s abilities. In the past two seasons, he averaged 30.5 and 31.3 points per games. He will be surrounded by more talent and depth, including a new point guard. Monte Morris.
One huge question for 2022-23: What is the best way to beal and Kristaps Porzingis How do they fit together? The Wizards have Beal staying in D.C. for $251million. They hope Porzingis and he will help them get back to the playoffs. Beal can playmaking is not a problem. He had a career-high of 6.6 assists last season after sustaining a wrist injury. Washington could again be in the playoff race if Porzingis and Beal can keep healthy.
— Ohm Youngmisuk
C| C
2021 NBArank: No. 25
A new face in a different place: Gobert spent the first nine years in Utah. He then moved to Minnesota as part of a massive trade that brought him together with a top-rated team. Karl-Anthony TownsA fellow All-Star big man, with a totally different skill set than him. It will be fascinating for coaches Chris Finch to use Gobert as a screener and finisher of premier quality and improve the scoring abilities of Towns and Anthony Edwards rather than clogging the Timberwolves’ spacing.
Swing skills: “The Stifle Tower” can be described as a defense system all its own. Gobert’s arrival addresses two of the Timberwolves biggest weaknesses, defensive rebounding and rim protection. The Timberwolves were ranked seventh in league defenses last season with 64.2% of their field goals within six feet of opponents. Gobert, at 50.7% last year, is an annual top rim protector. Only the Nets had lower defensive rebounding rates than the Timberwolves (70.6), while Gobert had an individual highest defensive rebounding rate (36.3).
— Tim MacMahon
No. No. 17: Jimmy Butler
SF| SF
2021 NBArank: No. 16
Swing skills: Toughness. His ability to perform at a high standard, regardless of any lingering injuries, has defined Butler’s career. However, it is still unclear if the hours he has spent since he joined the league in 2011-12 have had an impact on his physical and mental health. Butler has only played in 109 of the possible 154 games during the past two seasons.
One huge question for 2022-23: Can Butler replicate the postseason run that he made last season? Butler could have carried the Heat to Finals had a third of his 3-pointer missed in Game 7. Butler finished one of the most successful postseason runs in Heat History, scoring 27.4 points, 7.4 rebounding, and 4.6 assists in 17 postseason matches. That included an incredible run in ECF, which saw a stunning 47-point, nine-rebounds, eight-assist, and four-steal performance.
— Friedell
Atlanta Hawks | PG
2021 NBArank: No. 17
Watch this: Dec. 7, New York Trae is a big fan of the Garden. The Garden? The Garden? Young’s appearance at MSG is a must-see television event. Young was only there once last season. Due to safety and health concerns, Young missed the Christmas Day game, but he still managed to drop 45 points in a win at Atlanta, 117-111.
One huge question for 2022-23: How much will you pay? Dejounte MurrayYoung is helped by Murray’s presence. Murray, the Hawks’ best secondary ball-handler in the league, will assist Young as he looks to rebound from the disappointing 2021-22 season. Young’s efficiency saw a significant increase last season, and could be on the verge of catching up with Murray this season. SF
— Andrew Lopez
LA Clippers | SF
2021 NBArank: No. 12
His ranking could be higher in 2022-23 George was injured in December and had to tear the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. He returned in March for six more games but missed the second due to COVID-19. George had an average of 25.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists during November. He was carrying the Clippers without any injuries. Kawhi Leonard. George will not have to deal with as much defensive attention when Leonard returns. This team will be the deepest the Clippers have ever had since they teamed up in summer 2019.
One huge question for 2022-23: Are the Clippers going to win the West this year? This is the fourth year for George-Leonard, which has not played one uninterrupted season or postseason together. Coach Tyronn LUE hopes that both his stars will be healthy and performing well come playoff time.
— Youngmisuk
2021 NBArank: No. 8
His ranking could be higher in 2022-23 Lillard was six points higher last year, before being restricted to 29 underwhelming matches by a core injury that eventually required season-ending surgery. Lillard’s numbers fell across the board in 2021-22. He lost 32% of his 3-point accuracy after scoring better than 39% the two previous seasons. Lillard was suffering from pain for many years, until his injury at the Tokyo Olympics. He should be in good health now.
One huge question for 2022-23: What will it take? Anfernee Simons Lillard would be a good fit. Lillard observed a changing the guard near him while he was away. Portland traded a long-time backcourt partner CJ McCollum Simons was re-signed to a four year, $100 million deal which confirms his replacement for McCollum. Based on NBA Advanced Stats, Lillard and Simons only played together 377 minutes last year. Simons was more reserved in those pairings. Simons will be Lillard’s scoring and playmaking partner, as McCollum was for so long.
— Pelton
No. 13: Karl-Anthony Towns
C| C
2021 NBArank: No. 24
Swing skills: Towns may not be the greatest shooter big man of all times, but he declared ahead of last year’s 3-point contest win The definition, much to the dismay Dirk Nowitzki fans is the key. Yes, Even though Nowitzki was less versatile when it came to 3-point shooting, Towns was Towns fourth season with at least 100 three-pointers on 40% shooting, or better, twice the number of Nowitzki. anyone else taller than 6-foot-10.
One huge question for 2022-23: Towns can Towns keep power forwards. Towns’ shooting skills should make Gobert’s acquisition of offensively a simple one. There are more questions at the defensive end. Towns settled in at center, after switching between the two frontcourt spots. Second Spectrum tracking data indicates that 71% Towns’ half court matchups last year were against a player primarily playing center. He will now have to chase smaller and faster forwards on the perimeter.
— Pelton
No. 12: Kawhi Leonard
LA Clippers | SF
2021 NBArank: NR
His ranking could be higher in 2022-23 Leonard has not played since suffering a partial tear to his ACL in the second round 2020-21 playoffs. The two-time Finals MVP is still a top-five player when he’s healthy. Leonard can return to the top of the game if he is able to regain his form.
One huge question for 2022-23: What will Leonard look like when he returns from the NBA? The Clippers don’t have any information on Leonard and have no timetable. The Clippers must keep an eye on Leonard’s workload, as 11 of their 15 back to backs will be played before February. Leonard plays with strength and power, so the Clippers must ensure their star is in peak condition for the postseason.
— Youngmisuk
Philadelphia 76ers | PG
2021 NBArank: No. 10
Watch this: November 22, Philadelphia After Kevin Durant Kyrie Irving He went to Philadelphia to destroy Harden and 76ers. Ben Simmons Street clothes are not permitted. The Philadelphia game will attract as much attention because it is the first time that the two teams have met.
One huge question for 2022-23: Can the real Harden please come out? After a summer filled with videos showing Harden’s commitment to training and preparing for the campaign, all eyes will be on The Beard to see if his MVP form is possible to return or if the version that wasn’t given serious All NBA consideration is here to stay.
Bontemps
NBArank 2022 Players Nos. 100-26 | Nos. 25-11 | Nos. 10-6 (coming Thursday) | Nos. 5-1 (coming Friday).