As the season continues to heat up, the Best NBA players are rising to the top. Making big impacts. Lets take a look at the top 50 so far:
Note: The article was originally written by Jarrod Castillo, since updated by contributor Jarrett Hoffman.
50. Jerami Grant, forward, Detroit Pistons
One of the more surprising success stories from last season was Jerami Grant having a fantastic season for the rebuilding Detroit Pistons. He very nearly nabbed the Most Improved Player award last season averaging career-highs in points, assists, and free throw percentage. While his numbers are slightly down from last season, he has been one of few positives bright spots for the Pistons this year averaging 20.1 points and 4.8 rebounds through 24 games.
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49. Gordon Hayward, forward, Charlotte Hornets
Gordon Haywards injury issues are by now well known. He missed all but one game of his first season with the Boston Celtics back in 2017-18 due to a horrible leg injury. Even during his first regular season with the Hornets, it did not appear that the former All-Star was back to 100%. This season, however, Hayward has played all 28 games for Charlotte so far averaging a respectable 17.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.9 assists.
48. Christian Wood, center, Houston Rockets
One of the most-underrated acquisitions during the 2020 offseason, Christian Wood proved to be a godsend for a Rockets team that will now have to find an identity in the post-Harden era. Wood had a tremendous breakout season last year and has since carried over that success into this season. Following a 15-game losing streak, Wood and the Rockets showed great promise responding with a seven-game win streak including wins over the Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets. He along with Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green will be essential pieces in the Houston Rockets rebuild going forward.
47. Kyle Lowry, Miami Heat
Recently acquired by Miami in a blockbuster sign-and-trade with the Toronto Raptors, the 35-year-old Kyle Lowry continues to prove himself as a top-end point guard. He will play a major role in the Miami Heat looking to hang their fourth championship banner in franchise history as one of many marquee acquisitions for the team this offseason. Lowry has made a big impact on the team with his playmaking with six double-doubles and a triple-double through 25 games nearly surpassing his totals of nine double-doubles and two triple-doubles from last season.
46. Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors
Since given the opportunity to be the full-time starter in Toronto, Pascal Siakam has shown that he is among the best power forwards in the league today. However, a torn labrum suffered late last season has prevented him from seeing the floor so far this year. Fortunately for Siakam, he has since returned to the court and is putting up solid numbers with 18.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists through 15 games.
45. Miles Bridges, Charlotte Hornets
In the latter half of last season, Miles Bridges began to show signs that he was ready to have a breakout year coming into this season. In his last 19 games of the year, he averaged 20.3 points shooting 52% from the field and 6.8 rebounds. In the five games since the start of December, Bridges is averaging 22.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists though the team has struggled losing three of five of those games.
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44. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, guard, Oklahoma City Thunder
Pretty much the centerpiece in the trade that sent Paul George to the Los Angeles Clippers ahead of the 2019-20 season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has morphed into a star and leader for the rebuilding Thunder. Its pretty darn shocking what weve seen him do thus far in OKC. In his past seven games, Gilgeous-Alexander is putting up 23.0 points and 6.6 assists doing all he can to get the Thunder in the win column. Unfortunately, the team still has a long way to go holding the second-worst record in the Western Conference with their loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on December 2 setting an NBA record for the largest margin of defeat in NBA history.
43. Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers
After the Philadelphia 76ers were eliminated from the playoffs, Ben Simmons trade rumors were rampant after his dreadful performance against the Atlanta Hawks. Quotes from Doc Rivers and Joel Embiid only fueled the former All Stars desire to be traded from the team leading to a holdout that he eventually ended. There has been a lot of drama surrounding these trade rumors including Simmons reporting to practice only to be kicked out for not participating. Sixers GM Daryl Morey has made it known that he will not just trade Ben for anyone saying he wants equitable compensation in return. The chances of Simmons stepping back on the court in a Sixers jersey seems unlikely but not impossible.
42. Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves
A former No. 1 pick, the 25-year-old Towns has lived up to his end of the bargain on the offensive end. He still needs to work on his defense but as long as he keeps working, he should be serviceable on that end. But any improvement would be for naught if the Timberwolves dont put a competitive squad around Towns. In the past two seasons, Towns has averaged 25.5 points, 10.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.2 blocks but the T-Wolves have only combined for 42 wins in those years. Towns along with DAngelo Russell and Anthony Edwards have Minnesota looking prime for a playoff push currently one game out of the eighth place in the West.
41. DeAaron Fox, Sacramento Kings
DeAaron Fox has proven himself to be among the best NBA players at the point guard position. Thats magnified by the fact Fox has improved in each of his four seasons. Unfortunately, the Sacramento Kings have not been in the postseason since 2006. With Foxs numbers taking a big dip through 27 games and the Kings clinging to the last play-in spot, the Kings chances of making it back to the playoffs are not likely.
Related: 2021-22 NBA Playoff and championship predictions
40. Malcolm Brogdon, guard, Indiana Pacers
Acquired in a sign-and-trade with the Bucks prior to the 2019-20 season, Malcolm Brogdon has morphed into a star in Indiana. With new head coach Rick Carlisle calling the shots this year, the Pacers were penciled in as a contender but have not gotten off to the best start. Brogdon is having a pretty good season all things considered averaging 19.9 points, 6.2 assists and 5.5 rebounds but the team is currently 12-16 out of the playoff picture so far.
39. DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls
Even without a three-point shot, the 32-year-old Demar DeRozan has found a way to stay effective. An excellent mid-range shooter, he improved his rebounding and passing pretty much every season. Now a member of the Chicago Bulls after a blockbuster sign-and-trade, DeRozan has played a major role in the team being a contender in the Eastern Conference going forward currently leading the team in scoring with 26.4 points. The Chicago Bulls have sadly been cursed by the COVID-19 virus with nine players currently out due to health and safety protocols including Derozan.
38. C.J. McCollum, Portland Trail Blazers
For a while, CJ McCollum was the subject of trade talks but nothing has materialized and he remains in Portland for the time being. With Chauncey Billups as the teams new head coach, they have dropped in production holding an 11-16 record six games below their mark from last season. This is not a good sign for Portland as McCollum is set to be out for an undefined period of time with a collapsed lung.
37. Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
Former Defensive Player of the Year Draymond Green may not get much recognition due in part to him not being a prolific scorer, but he is arguably one of the best playmaking bigs the NBA has to offer. He along with Stephen Curry are spearheading a Warriors hot start to the season holding a 21-5 record their best record through 26 games since the 2016-2017 season. Once they get Klay Thompson back in the lineup and in a rhythm, that will make their chances of competing for a title even better.
36. Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans
While all of the buzz surrounding the New Orleans Pelicans is based around Zion Williamson, not enough is said about the player that Brandon Ingram has developed into. Ingram signed a max contract extension ahead of the 2020-21 campaign, Ingram is now continuing to play at a high level. So far this year, he is averaging 22.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.9 assists. Unfortunately, the Pelicans have struggled starting with the worst record in the Western Conference at 8-21.
35. Jrue Holiday, Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks took a massive gamble in their blockbuster trade for Jrue Holiday. In the end, it paid off in droves for the Bucks as Holiday played a huge role in the team winning the NBA championship over the Phoenix Suns. Holiday gets a lot of respect around the league as one of the best perimeter defenders in the game today with even Kevin Durant praising his talents on JJ Redicks podcast. His impact continues to be felt for Milwaukee as they are 16-6 this season when he plays and 2-4 when he doesnt.
34. Russell Westbrook, Los Angeles Lakers
After struggling in his first couple games with the Los Angeles Lakers, Russell Westbrook seems to be finding his footing with the team one game at a time. Since November 21, Russell Westbrook has been averaging 20.4 points on just shy of 50% shooting, 8.2 assists and 7.0 rebounds helping lead the Lakers to a 7-4 record in that time. The more comfortable Russell Westbrook gets in the Lakers lineup, the closer they will get to being a championship contender.
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33. Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets
In highly unfortunate fashion, Jamal Murray went down to a torn ACL 48 games into the 2020-21 season. That came after the 2019-20 NBA Playoff hero averaged 21.2 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.8 assists 41% from three-point range. Unfortunately for he and the Denver Nuggets, there is no timetable for his return depriving fans from seeing his and the teams development.
32. Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors
The other half of the vaunted Splash Bros., it is unfortunate that we have not been able to see the greatness of Klay Thompson on the basketball court for over two years. The 31-year-old is one of the greatest shooters the NBA has even seen putting together amazing performances that made fans go ballistic. This includes 30-point quarter or scoring 60-plus on fewer than 15 dribbles in the blink-of-an-eye. If hes not destroying opposing teams offensively, hes doing it on the defensive end as hes an All-Defensive-type performer. The good news is Klays return could be coming prior to the end of the calendar year.
31. Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans
While injuries have plagued the short career of Zion Williamson, he has given fans and critics a glimpse of his talent proving he is absolutely worth the hype. He was on pace for the most efficient scoring season before the campaign was suspended back in March. Even after suffering a season-ending injury late in the 2020-21 campaign, Williamson made a name for himself. He averaged 27.0 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists on 61% shooting from the field. Just insane stuff from the 21-year-old. Williamson is currently recovering from a foot injury with no timetable for his return.
30. Kyrie Irving, Brooklyn Nets
Probably the best ball-handler of all-time, Kyrie Irvings mastery with a basketball is undeniable. He can score 50 or any given night and drop any defender thats in front of him. Unfortunately, there is a lot of questions surrounding whether or not Irving will step on the hardwood in Brooklyn based on his refusal to get the COVID-19 vaccine which is mandated in the state of New York. Which is sad considering this Brooklyn Nets have a chance to be considered amongst the most talented teams the NBA has ever seen with potential to achieve great heights when together.
29. LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets
Coming off a season in which he became the first Charlotte Hornet to win the Rookie of the Year since Emaka Okafor in 2005, Lamelo Ball has not become a victim of the sophomore slump so far. He is averaging 20.0 points, 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds though the team has struggled losing five of their last seven games. Along with teammate Miles Bridges, Ball is a potential candidate to make his first of what could potentially be many All-Star appearances in his career.
28. Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz
An amazing defensive player, the Stifle Tower has shown that he can stop almost anyone at the rim. Goberts offense needs work if he is to stay on the court against smaller, faster teams. But as long as he plays his role, hell be fine. After a second straight playoff loss with the Utah Jazz, Rudy Gobert is going all out to start the season in an effort to help his team finally get over the hump averaging 15.1 points, 14.6 rebounds and 2.2 blocks.
27. Khris Middleton, Milwaukee Bucks
While Khris Middleton gets a bad reputation for being inconsistent, he is arguably one of the most underrated players in the NBA. After an eight-game absence due to health and safety protocols, Middleton has finally started to find his footing for the Bucks this season. Since he returned to the lineup, the Bucks have won 12 of their last 14 games. In his last seven games, he is averaging 21.6 points, 6.4 rebounds and 5.3 assists.
26. Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies
After leading the Memphis Grizzlies to their first postseason since 2017, Ja Morant looks to take his team to the next level with a fantastic start to the season. He is averaging 24.1 points, 6.8 assists and 5.6 rebounds in 19 games. Although, Morant is one of many top players out with health and safety protocols, the Grizzlies have helped pick up the slack winning seven of their last eight games.
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25. Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls
A throwback to bigs of the past, Nikola Vucevic has been slowly expanding his offensive game and it is paying dividends for a Chicago Bulls team that is on a fast rise to contention in the Eastern Conference. Vucevic has not truly been able to leave his mark on the Bulls so far this year though he is averaging a double-double with 15.2 points and 10.3 rebounds. He will get his chance to make more of an impact for Chicago with a majority of his team out due to health and safety protocols.
24. Domantas Sabonis, Indiana Pacers
Initially a throw-in piece in the Paul George trade, the 25-year-old Sabonis is thriving in Indiana. Fresh off two consecutive All-Star appearances, the Oregon native continues his development as a team leader averaging 18.2 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. Unfortunatlely, his great play has not led to wins as the Pacers currently sitting at toward the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
23. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
Jaylen Brown has teamed up with Jayson Tatum to form an elite young wing duo in Boston. The former No. 3 pick has proven former GM Danny Ainge right in refusing to include him in trades for the likes of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in the past. Unfortunately, Brown went down to a season-ending injury late during the regular year. Injuries have been in and out of the lineup for the Celtics this season missing 14 of the teams 27 games this season.
22. Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls
No longer just a dunker, LaVine has improved in almost every other facet of his game from his shooting averages to his per-game totals. Only 26, LaVine has a lot of time to improve other facets of his game to become one of the better all-around players in the NBA. In a year that could see him make the playoffs for the first time in his eight-year career, Lavine has gotten off to a good start averaging 26.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.2 assists. That being said, the Bulls playoff hopes could be dashed with Lavine being among nine players in health and safety protocols.
21. Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat
Speaking of max contract extensions, Bam Adebayo re-upped with the Heat as his talents continue to flourish in South Beach. Coming off a season in which the Miami Heat being bounced in the first round of the playoffs, they could be primed for a second NBA Finals in three years with a now revamped roster. The Heat will be without Adebayo for a while as he is recovering from thumb surgery.
20. Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers
The 28-year-old Anthony Davis has been a two-way presence since being the first pick back in 2012. Davis has been criticized for not living up to expectations of being one of the top-10 players in the NBA. While his numbers dont look bad on the surface averaging 24.0 points on 52% shooting, 10.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.2 blocks, he is shooting a career-low 19% from three and 72% from the free throw line.
19. Julius Randle, New York Knicks
After a season in which he was named the NBAs Most Improved Player leading to a well-deserved contract extension, Julius Randle is looking to bounce back from what was a disappointing playoff performance. Randles production is slightly off from last season averaging 19.1 points, 10.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists through 27 games. The Knicks have struggled as of late currently sitting at 12-15 having lost six of their last seven games.
18. Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz
Since coming into the league in 2017, Mitchell has proven to be a fast-rising star in the NBA. The 25-year-old is a nightly 20-4-4 threat and even as the focal point in the offense, his percentages have stayed consistent in his three years in the league. If hes able to keep producing, its not out of the equation that Mitchell will become a top-10 player. Mitchell has been a huge catalyst to the Jazzs seven-game win streak averaging 29.4 points on 54% shooting and 5.1 rebounds.
17. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Each year, Jayson Tatum continues to get better and better the more he plays the role of the number one option on offense for the Boston Celtics. The competition in the Eastern Conference is thicker than its been in a long time and that could mean the Celtics missing out on the postseason for the first time since 2014. Tatum is doing his very best to put Boston in the playoff picture averaging 25.6 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists.
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16. Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
No doubt one of the best clutch shot makers in recent history, the 31-year-old Damian Lillard definitely knows what time it is when it comes to the game clock. Its Dame Time. The six-time All-Star has led the Trail Blazers in almost every facet since being drafted in 2012 and it doesnt seem like that is changing any time soon. The Blazers have made it known they do not intend on trading him anytime soon and Lillard has said he wants to remain loyal to the team. Things have not gone very well for the Blazers as they are off to their worst start
15. James Harden, Brooklyn Nets
Maybe one of the best offensive players in NBA history, Harden has shown that he can lead a team as the No. 1 option on that end of the court. However, the aforementioned rule changes for foul hunting seem to have affected his performance in the early going. Harden is starting to get more comfortable as the season progresses averaging 20.8 points, 9.6 rebounds and 7.9 rebounds
14. Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers
One of the few truly elite two-way players in the league, George is a terror on both ends of the court. He can drop 20-25 points on a nightly basis while also shutting down the opposing teams best player. George earned a lot of peoples respect in the playoffs last season nearly leading the Clippers to the NBA Finals despite being without Kawhi Leonard for a large majority of Los Angeles. After a rough start, the Clippers have the fifth best record in the West at 15-12 including wins in four of their last five games. George has been extraordinary putting up 25.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.9 steals.
13. Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat
The 32-year-old Butler seems to have finally found a home in Miami. Butler has embraced the Heats winning culture with great success thus far and that could lead be amplified this year as the Heat will have a new and improved team thanks to a wealth of new additions. Butler has helped keep the Heat toward the top of the conference posting 22.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 2.2 steals with the Heat sitting at fourth in the East. Butler has been hit by the injury bug lately missing five of his last six games with a tailbone injury.
12. Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards
Arguably the most surprising team to start the season has been the Washington Wizards opening up the year with a 5-1 record. A huge reason for the teams success has been the play of their dynamic guard Bradley Beal. After a surprisingly hot start, the Wizards have cooled down a bit losing five of their last seven games. Beal is doing his very best recording 22.5 points, 5.7 assists and 4.8 rebounds.
11. Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns
Stardom. Thats what we saw from the 24-year-old Devin Booker during Phoenix shocking run to the NBA Finals last season. Booker is looking to build on what was a spectacular postseason with the difference this year being he will be the hunted not the hunter. He and the Suns put teams on notice in the bubble and in last years playoffs and now know what kind of threat they truly are. This season, the Suns continue to be on a mission holding the best record in the NBA at 21-4 fueled by an 18-game win streak and winning 20 of their last 21 games after starting the season 1-3. Booker has missed the last four games for the Suns with a hamstring injury.
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10. Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns
Chris Paul demonstrated that he still has gas left in the tank during an absolutely brilliant 2020-21 regular season for the Phoenix Suns. Paul is one of the best leaders the NBA has today and that was on full display during the Suns playoff run last season. As his career winds down, Paul will look to get Phoenix back to the promise land capturing the NBA championship that has eluded him. He has been a huge catalyst for the Suns success this season despite the recent injury trouble of his backcourt mate Devin Booker.
9. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks
As we saw in the playoffs last year, Trae Young is shaping up to be the next shooter with limitless range. Trae is making a name for himself as not only a great shooter but one of the brightest stars in the league today. Not only that, but he is surrounded by an excellent supporting cast that allow him to flex his amazing playmaking skills. While things have not gone the best for the Hawks so far sitting at 13-13, do not sleep on this team and especially not Trae because they can shoot the lights out of any arena and jump out of any gym anytime they want.
8. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
When hes on the floor, the oft-injured Joel Embiid is a game-changer. The 27-year-old can put up points in bunches while also shutting guys down on defense. Embiid is doing all he can to lead the 76ers blocking out all the drama surrounding the team averaging 24.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists with the team holding the second-best record in the Atlantic Division at 15-12.
7. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
At only 22, Doncic is doing things for the Dallas Mavericks that havent been done since LeBron James. Nearly averaging a 30-10-10 in only his second year, the sky is the limit for Doncic and the Mavericks. After a disappointing playoff exit last year, Doncic is determined to lead the Mavs back to title contention. Although he is putting up very good numbers of 25.6 points, 8.5 assists and 8.0 rebounds, the Mavericks are just 13-13 so far and conditioning has been a problem for Doncic. To make matters worse, it is being reported that he will miss time with an ankle injury.
6. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James has been accused of being selfish because he has clearly found the fountain of youth but will not let his peers know where it is. He is less than three weeks away from turning 37-years-old and continues to show he has many, many years left in his career. Injuries have kept LeBron out of the lineup for 12 of his teams 28 games but when he plays, he produces results for his team with the Lakers holding a 10-6 record when he plays.
5. Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers
Last season, Kawhi Leonard was a huge catalyst in the Los Angeles Clippers reaching their first Conference Finals in franchise history during last seasons playoffs. Unfortunately, he was unable to reap the benefits of all his hard work as he was injured during the semifinal round forced to miss the rest of the playoffs due to a partially torn ACL. That news is bad enough but it could be even worse as it could force him to miss the entire 2021-2022 season. Hopefully this is not the case and we are able to see him back on the court prior to the start of the 2022 playoffs.
4. Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets
Despite everything revolving around Kyrie Irving and the struggles of James Harden, Kevin Durant proves he is among the best of the best every time he steps out on the court. Durant is making a case for his second MVP award putting up 29.4 points on 53% shooting from the field, 7.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists leading his team to the best record in the Eastern Conference. With James Harden beginning to build a rhythm, he along with Durant playing like this will make the Nets a true title contender in the NBA with or without Kyrie Irving.
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3. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
2. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
After an incredible performance in the 2021 NBA Finals, leading the Milwaukee Bucks to their first championship in 50 years, Giannis Antetokounmpo has shown no signs of letting up to start the 2021-2022 NBA season. He is averaging 27.3 points, 11.7 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.6 blocks. With Giannis and the Milwaukee Bucks played as well as they are, it is not crazy to think they could not only be the favorite to make it out the East but be the favorite to win their second straight NBA title.
A good argument could be made that reigning MVP Nikola Jokic has solidified himself as the best big man in the NBA today. The three-time All-Star is only 26 but is already making a name for himself as the most dynamic center the NBA has ever seen. He can easily put up 20-10 with seven assists as the focal point of the Nuggets offense. Jokics production has not stopped as he is off to a great start this year averaging 26.5 points, 13.5 rebounds and 7.2 assists. However, like Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks, the team has not done as well holding a 13-13 record.
1. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Last season, Stephen Curry put up what might have been the best individual season of his career but it was not enough to lift the Golden State Warriors into the playoffs. This year, Curry has started off hot determined to keep history from repeating itself. He is averaging 27.1 points, 6.3 assists and 5.6 rebounds as he inches closer and closer to becoming the NBAs all-time three-point leader. With the return of his Splash Brother Klay Thompson imminent, the skys the limit for what Curry and the Warriors can accomplish in the future.