The 2022-23 NBA season is just around the corner, and Bleacher Report has released its annual list of the top 100 players in the league. The list is based on a variety of factors, including past performance, future potential, and impact on their teams.
This year’s list features a number of new faces, as well as some familiar ones. Joel Embiid is at the top of the list, followed by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic. Other notable players on the list include Stephen Curry, Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum, and Ja Morant.
NBArank 2023: Player rankings for 2023-24, from 100 to 85
No. 100: Mitchell Robinson
2022 NBArank: 98
Swing skill: Robinson excels as an elite offensive rebounder, offering the Knicks numerous second-chance opportunities. His 4.5 offensive boards per game last season ranked second in the league, just behind Steven Adams. With a remarkable 67.1% field goal percentage, primarily fueled by thunderous dunks, Robinson fits perfectly into Coach Tom Thibodeau’s preference for impactful big men.
— Tim Bontemps
No. 99: Jonas Valanciunas
2022 NBArank: 84
Swing skill: Despite a decrease in minutes last season, Valanciunas maintained his status as one of the league’s premier rebounders. Leading all qualified players in rebound percentage (20.4%), he averaged 14.1 points and 10.2 rebounds in under 25 minutes per game, achieving a double-double for the sixth time in NBA history.
— Andrew Lopez
No. 98: Collin Sexton
2022 NBArank: NR
One huge question for 2023-24: Can Sexton secure a long-term role with the Jazz? Despite not being on the shortlist of untouchable players in trade talks, Sexton aims to convince Utah’s management that he’s a valuable asset. Envisaged as a scoring sixth man rather than the primary offensive force he was in Cleveland, his performance will determine his place in Utah’s foundation.
— Tim MacMahon
No. 97: Grant Williams
2022 NBArank: 99
New face in new place: Williams, known for his defensive prowess, high basketball IQ, and toughness, landed a four-year, $54 million contract with Dallas. Joining forces with stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, Williams is a lock for Dallas’ starting lineup, contributing to the team’s defensive and strategic priorities.
— MacMahon
No. 96: Harrison Barnes
2022 NBArank: 74
One huge question for 2023-24: What role will Barnes play this season? Signing a three-year, $54 million extension, Barnes serves as a trusted veteran voice on a younger Sacramento team under Coach of the Year Mike Brown. However, with declining minutes last year and the addition of EuroLeague MVP Sasha Vezenkov, Barnes’ role might evolve, impacting Sacramento’s strategy for the season.
— Kendra Andrews
No. 95: Jalen Williams
2022 NBArank: NR
Why he could exceed his ranking in 2023-24: Williams emerged as a pleasant surprise in last year’s rookie class, averaging 14.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game with efficient shooting percentages. With the potential for further development, Williams is poised to take another step forward in the upcoming season.
— Ohm Youngmisuk
No. 94: Russell Westbrook
2022 NBArank: 65
Why he could exceed his ranking in 2023-24: Westbrook silenced doubters with impactful plays during his tenure with the Clippers. With a full training camp and season alongside Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, Westbrook aims to showcase his skills and contributions, rebounding from a challenging stint with the Lakers.
— Youngmisuk
No. 93: Mike Conley
2022 NBArank: 89
One huge question for 2023-24: Can Conley enhance the Timberwolves’ offensive dynamics with their big men? Given the need for adept point guard play alongside Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert, Conley, acquired in a trade last season, faces the challenge of integrating into the team’s offensive schemes.
— MacMahon
No. 92: Immanuel Quickley
2022 NBArank: NR
One huge question for 2023-24: What is Quickley’s future in New York? A finalist for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year last season, Quickley’s contract status becomes a focal point. If an agreement on a contract extension isn’t reached between Quickley and the Knicks, trade talks could emerge, adding a layer of uncertainty to his role.
— Bontemps
No. 91: Josh Hart
2022 NBArank: NR
Swing skill: Hart’s high-energy play proved transformative for the Knicks after a trade deadline acquisition from Portland. Collaborating with Quickley, Hart revitalized New York’s second unit, contributing to an impressive +11.9 points per 100 possessions in 750 regular-season minutes after the trade deadline.
— Bontemps
No. 90: John Collins
2022 NBArank: 73
New face in new place: Traded to Utah after years of speculation, Collins anticipates benefiting from a change in scenery. Hoping to rebound from career-low shooting percentages in the previous season, Collins aims to return to his career averages, providing a boost to the Jazz.
— Lopez
No. 89: Robert Williams III
2022 NBArank: 58
One huge question for 2023-24: Following his trade to Portland in the Jrue Holiday deal, Williams faces uncertainty about his role. With potential options, including playing alongside Deandre Ayton or coming off the bench, Portland’s strategy with Williams could influence their pursuit of future assets.
— Bontemps
No. 88: Kevon Looney
2022 NBArank: NR
Swing skill: As the Warriors’ primary center, Looney’s dominance on the boards becomes crucial. Leading the league in offensive rebounds during the regular season (274), he significantly contributed to the Warriors’ league-best 349 points off second-chance opportunities.
— Andrews
No. 87: Buddy Hield
2022 NBArank: 90
One huge question for 2023-24: Will Hield finish the season with Indiana? Entering the final year of his contract after joining the Pacers in the Tyrese Haliburton trade, Hield’s sharpshooting abilities make him a valuable asset for contenders. As the league leader in 3-pointers over the past five seasons, Hield’s potential impact adds intrigue to the season.
— Jamal Collier
No. 86: Kyle Kuzma
2022 NBArank: NR
Why he could exceed his ranking in 2023-24: Kuzma’s progress last season, averaging 21.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and a career-high 3.7 assists, positions him as a key player for the Wizards. With the departure of Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis, Kuzma is expected to shoulder an increased scoring load, solidifying his importance to the team.
— Youngmisuk
No. 85: Anfernee Simons
2022 NBArank: 91
Why he could exceed his ranking in 2023-24: Simons has demonstrated his scoring prowess in the absence of former teammate Damian Lillard. Averaging 22.0 PPG and 5.5 APG in 30 games without Lillard in 2021-22, Simons continued to shine with 27.9 PPG and 5.7 APG in 11 such games last season, showcasing his ability to step up when needed.
— Kevin Pelton
Conclusion
The 2022-23 NBA season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With so many talented players on the court, it is sure to be a season that fans will remember for years to come.