Bernd Becker 
This article ranks the top 50 players in 2021-22, from 50 to 26. It is based on the following criteria: performance, consistency, and team success.
The nba rank 2021 players is a ranking of the best players for 2021-22. This list includes 50 players, and it ranks them from 26th to 1st.
For the 11th year in a row, our NBArank countdown is back.
Which players are making their way up the league’s food chain? Who is on the brink of achieving superstar status?
We asked our expert panel to vote on pairs of players to determine the final NBArank prediction: Kevin Durant vs. James Harden, Luka Doncic vs. Zion Williamson, Stephen Curry vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo, and so on.
“Which player will be better in 2021-22?” we wondered. Voters had to forecast what they thought each player would do during the season.
As we continue to break down the top 100 players in the league, here’s who made the cut. These are the next 25, from No. 50 to No. 26, after we unveiled the top 50 players on Tuesday:
Note: The Los Angeles Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard and the Denver Nuggets’ Jamal Murray were left out of this season’s rankings due to knee injuries that will keep them out for the most of the 2021-22 season.
Why has the superstar movement come to a halt?
Getty Images/Tom Pennington
Dallas Mavericks | PF/C 2020 NBArank: No. 41 Dallas Mavericks | PF/C 2020 NBArank: No. 41
Concerns: While most of the emphasis on Porzingis has been on his offensive role, which he wants to increase, his greatest issue last season was his dramatic defensive regression. Porzingis was a target, thanks in part to his restricted mobility after offseason knee surgery, as shown by his defensive rating (115.3), which was the lowest among the Mavs’ regulars. He was a boost on that end last season, and the Mavs will need him again this season. Tim MacMahon (Tim MacMahon)
Getty Images/Sarah Stier photo
NBArank: No. 37 Boston Celtics | PG/SG 2020
One thing to keep an eye on: After agreeing to a four-year contract extension this summer, Smart, the Celtics’ heart and soul, is now locked in for another five seasons. With Kemba Walker gone, Smart should be able to take over as point guard in Boston, where he will help guide the club into a new era under head coach Ime Udoka. Tim Bontemps is a writer.
Why he dropped 12 spots: Given that Smart’s stats were almost identical to those of 2019-20, his slide seems to be due to a combination of poor health (he missed 24 games, mainly due to a February calf injury) and the Celtics’ overall decline. Smart didn’t have another chance to show off his defensive prowess in the playoffs. Kevin Pelton (KP)
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NBARank: 71 Utah Jazz | PG 2020
For the 11th year, ESPN’s list of the league’s best 100 players is back. What celebrities made the cut?
Concern: Conley’s hamstring problems have plagued him since his arrival in Utah, forcing him to miss numerous games over the last two seasons. He was badly handicapped as he gutted it out during the Jazz’s Game 6 elimination loss to the Clippers, and he was severely hampered throughout the first five games of the Western Conference playoffs. Conley, who will be 34 before the start of the season, has established himself as a complementing player alongside Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert. All he has to do now is remain on the court. MacMahon (MacMahon)
Why he climbed 23 spots: In his 14th season, Conley made his first All-Star appearance. He rebounded from an injury-plagued first season with the Jazz to finish 11th in Real Plus Minus (RPM), proving to be one of the league’s most impact players while guiding the Jazz to the best record in the league. Snellings, André
NBAE/Getty Images/A.J. Mast
NBArank: NR Charlotte Hornets | PG 2020
One thing to keep an eye on: During his Rookie of the Year campaign, Ball wowed with his remarkable passing ability and all-around basketball skills. It’ll be fascinating to watch how his physique has changed, whether he can maintain his 35.2 percent 3-point shooting percentage, and how he improves as a finisher (he was in the 27th percentile on rim shots last season). The early narrative of how Ball fits in with 11th overall selection James Bouknight, a terrific scorer who has been most successful with the ball in his hands, is also worth following. Ball will undoubtedly live up to the hype as one of the NBA’s best under-21 players if he can help the Hornets become genuine postseason contenders. Mike Schmitz’s remark
Why did he rise from the ranks of unranked: Given that the 19-year-old rookie having only played 13 games versus Australian NBL opponents the previous season, Ball’s absence from last year’s top 100 made sense. Ball’s outside shooting and defense were ahead of schedule, and his imaginative playmaking delivered on its promise, increasing expectations for the second season. Pelton’s words
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Philadelphia 76ers | PF 2020 NBArank: No. 57 Philadelphia 76ers | PF 2020 NBArank: No. 57
One major question remains: can he ever become an All-Star? Last season, Harris found himself on the outside looking in for the first time in his career. But, with Ben Simmons’ future in Philadelphia in doubt, Harris will have every opportunity to show he’s an All-Star with Joel Embiid this season. — Best wishes
Why he moved up 11 spots: Despite having almost similar per-game statistics apart from assists in 2019-20, Harris had his greatest season of his career, shooting 39.4 percent of his 3-pointers and a career-high 54.6 percent of his attempts inside the arc. As the 76ers finished with the best record in the Eastern Conference, Harris emerged as a crucial late-game playmaker. Pelton’s words
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NBArank: No. 82 Chicago Bulls | SG/SF 2020
One major issue is what DeRozan’s role will be. With Lonzo Ball, Zach LaVine, and Coby White, the Bulls have an abundance of strong ball handlers, but DeRozan is expected to take away some of those touches. According to Basketball Reference, DeRozan had his best season with the Spurs as a point power forward, with a career high in assists per game while playing 69 percent of his minutes at the 4. Lopez, Andrew
Why he jumped 37 spots: DeRozan has been a metronome scorer for the last several seasons, but he stepped up his game as a facilitator last season, averaging 6.9 assists per game and a 3.5-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. With three volume scorers in its starting five, DeRozan’s ability to facilitate will be crucial for his new club. Snellings –
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Indiana Pacers | 2020 NBA Rankings | PF/C
One thing to keep an eye on: If the Pacers opt to divide their frontcourt with Domantas Sabonis and Turner, how long will it take before Turner is on the move? Turner, who led the league with 3.4 blocks per game last season, has been the subject of trade rumors (while playing a career-low 47 games because a toe injury sidelined him in April). Baxter Holmes’ remark
Turner rebounded in a major manner after a slightly dismal 2019-20 season, shooting 60.6 percent of his 2-point shots, easily a career best, and leading the NBA in blocks per game for the second time. Pelton’s words
Getty Images/David Dow/NBAE
NBArank: No. 30 Miami Heat | PG 2020
One major issue is whether the experienced point guard can help Miami reclaim first place in the Eastern Conference. Lowry is expected to fit in well with what Jimmy Butler and company have created in Miami, but at 35 years old and having played only 46 games last season, it will be critical for the tough-minded guard to go right to work for a Heat team that thinks it can return to the top soon. Nick Friedell’s remark
Lowry is one of the greatest point guards of his time, and his per-game effect stayed strong last season, as he finished 13th in RPM in the NBA. However, he’s missed 57 games in the last three seasons due to age and injuries. Lowry is in his 16th season and has a chance to make an impact with his new Heat team, if he can remain on the floor. Snellings –
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NBArank: NR New York Knicks | PF 2020
One major question: Randle was as much of a surprise personally as his Knicks were as a unit last season, winning him the league’s Most Improved Player title and a well-deserved contract extension. The issue is whether he will be able to repeat his success. The Knicks will be ecstatic if he even gets close. — Best wishes
Why he climbed from the bottom: Before putting it all together for a spectacular All-NBA season with the Knicks last season, Randle had quietly lingered as one of the league’s most productive big men. Randle’s playmaking (career-high 6.0 APG) and long-range shooting (career-high 2.3 3s per game on 41.1 percent shooting) altered the extent of his influence and transformed him into a genuine franchise offensive player. Snellings –
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Denver Nuggets | 2020 NBA SF/PF Ranking: No. 51
One thing to keep an eye on: The 2018 lottery pick flashed his superstar potential last season, scoring 19 points on 44.5 percent 3-point shooting and 7.3 rebounds per game on a title-contending Nuggets team — only Kevin Durant was able to match those numbers. Porter will be expected to lead more this season, particularly if the loaded Nuggets want to play until June after losing veteran big man Paul Millsap to free agency. — Sherlock Holmes
Porter’s excellent performance on the bubble proved to be no fluke, as he emerged as Denver’s main perimeter scorer after Jamal Murray’s ACL injury. After the All-Star break, he averaged 22.3 points per game while shooting 56 percent from the field and 46 percent on threes, and he significantly improved his defense. Porter may see another promotion this season. Pelton’s words
NBAE/Getty Images/Ron Hoskins
Indiana Pacers | PF/C 2020 NBArank: No. 50 Indiana Pacers | PF/C 2020 NBArank: No. 50
One major question: Indiana’s season was a flop for a variety of reasons. However, as the Pacers adapt to life under new head coach Rick Carlisle, the age-old issue of whether Sabonis and Turner can coexist effectively continues to loom. Sabonis, on the other hand, has developed into a fantastic player, especially with his well-rounded attacking style. — Best wishes
Why did he gain ten spots? Sabonis, a first-time All-Star in 2020, built on his breakout season last year. He averaged a career-high 20.3% PPG and a league-leading 6.7 APG, good for 13th in the league. Sabonis’ defensive shortcomings have him rated low for a two-time All-Star, but there are less concerns this season than there were last year. Pelton’s words
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Chicago Bulls | No. 42 in the NBA in 2020
One major issue is whether Vucevic can help Chicago return to the playoffs. When the Bulls acquired Vucevic from the Magic before the deadline last year, they swung big, but the trade didn’t yield the postseason rewards the team was looking for. Vucevic should have plenty of room to continue putting up numbers with LaVine, DeRozan, and Lonzo Ball all in the fold with him, but he has to show a bit more growth on the defensive end to assist this group the most. Friedell’s words
Getty Images/Nathaniel S. Butler
NBArank: No. 24 Toronto Raptors | SF/PF 2020
Cause for concern: Siakam seemed on the verge of breaking through and becoming a borderline superstar when the league was forced to shut down 18 months ago due to the COVID-19 epidemic. His reputation has suffered as a result of a mix of injuries and poor performance since then. He’ll miss the first few weeks of the season while recuperating from shoulder surgery, but the Raptors will be hopeful that when he returns, he can continue up where he left off when Toronto last played at Scotiabank Arena in February 2020. — Best wishes
Why he dropped 14 spots: For Siakam, it was a forgettable season after garnering All-NBA honors in 2019-20. Siakam’s 3-point percentage dropped to 29.7% and he argued with head coach Nick Nurse, earning him a de facto one-game ban. The Raptors are hoping that their return to Toronto will make everyone happy. Pelton’s words
Getty Images courtesy of Noah Graham/NBAE.
NBArank: No. 44 Golden State Warriors | PF/C 2020
Will his offense resurface as a swing skill? Green demonstrated that he can still play at a high level on defense and that he can be a facilitator for the Warriors offensively by setting up the greatest opportunities for Curry to score. The issue is whether he’ll be able to hit the open looks he’s getting from opposition defenders on a regular basis. Friedell’s words
USA TODAY Sports/Jesse Johnson
NBArank: No. 38 Oklahoma City Thunder | SG 2020
One major question: As the Thunder embark on a lengthy rebuild, he’s suddenly a max player and the franchise cornerstone. In 35 games last season, he grew into a larger role, becoming more efficient and a better floor presence. But he’s no longer a guy with a lot of promise; he’s suddenly a player with a lot of pressure. While the Thunder don’t have any in the near future, he will. Now is the time to back it up. Brian Windhorst (Brian Windhorst)
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Phoenix Suns | No. 52 in the NBA in 2020
Swing ability: With Chris Paul’s assistance, Ayton established himself as one of the greatest centers in the league last season, helping the Suns reach the NBA Finals, with both players showing effective in the pick-and-roll. At only 23, Ayton is a force on both ends of the court, shooting a career-high 62.6 percent from the floor last season (with a career-high 39 double-doubles last season). If the 36-year-old Paul begins to play less minutes, Ayton may earn a max rookie contract, but he’ll have to carry a heavier burden and prove himself more. — Sherlock Holmes
Why he climbed 17 spots: Ayton has been a near-daily double-double machine for his entire career, but in his third season, he made significant improvements as a defender. Ayton was one of the most impactful defenders in the NBA, finishing 11th in DRPM and anchoring the Suns’ top-10 defense. Snellings –
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NBArank: No. 34 Sacramento Kings | PG 2020
Fox, perhaps the league’s quickest point guard, improved even more in his fourth season, raising his scoring average from 21.1 to a career-high 25.2 points per game while averaging 7.2 assists per game. Despite the Kings’ addition of youngster Davion Mitchell as another excellent point guard, Fox should be unaffected by the congested backcourt. — Youngmisuk Ohm
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NBArank: No. 56 Chicago Bulls | SG 2020
Is LaVine on the verge of becoming a superstar? All indications lead to his earning a max contract next summer as a first-time All-Star who continues to develop. The issue for LaVine is not whether or not the money will be there, but whether or not he can be the kind of player who can lead his club to a playoff spot. With the additions of DeMar DeRozan and Lonzo Ball, the Bulls have improved their core around the 26-year-old, but now LaVine must prove he can elevate his own game to a winning level. Friedell’s words
Why he moved up 23 spots: Few players have changed their image as much as LaVine has in the last nine months. LaVine, who was often mocked for being an empty-stats guy, increased his efficiency by shooting 57.1 percent on 2s and 41.9 percent on 3s, both comfortably career highs. LaVine followed up his All-Star status with a solid performance for the gold-medal-winning United States Olympic squad. Pelton’s words
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NBArank: NR Golden State Warriors | SG 2020
One major concern: Thompson’s return to form after missing two years due to ACL and Achilles ailments is perhaps the greatest question mark in the NBA. If he succeeds, the Warriors think they can reclaim first place in the Western Conference. Any chance the Warriors have of being championship contenders in the foreseeable future is gone if he doesn’t. Friedell’s words
Thompson was not eligible for the 2020 NBArank due to an Achilles injury, thus he climbed from unranked. He ranks 14 places lower than he did in 2018, before tearing his ACL in the NBA Finals. Given the mix of ailments, that sounds ambitious, but former teammate Durant shown that an Achilles injury can be overcome and returned to full strength. Pelton’s words
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NBArank: No. 31 Memphis Grizzlies | PG 2020
One major issue is whether Morant can get opponents to respect his 3-point shooting, especially when he shoots it off the dribble. If he does, it’s difficult to see how he’ll stop Morant, who may be the league’s fastest player when he has the ball in his hands. Last season, though, Morant shot just 30.3 percent from outside the arc, enabling opponents to often run under screens in pick-and-rolls, neutralizing his explosiveness advantage. As a pick-and-roll ball handler, Morant averaged just 0.81 points per possession due to this. MacMahon (MacMahon)
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NBArank: No. 27 Portland Trail Blazers | SG 2020
One major question is whether or not McCollum will be moved. Portland’s explosive backcourt may split this season, but for the time being, a new head coach, Chauncey Billups, is in town, and excitement is high. After breaking his foot earlier in the season, McCollum averaged a career-high 23.1 points, and when he’s on, as when he scored 50 points in 29 minutes (including a franchise-record 29 in the first quarter) in 2018, few flamethrowers are better… except maybe Damian Lillard. — Sherlock Holmes
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NBArank: No. 36 Los Angeles Lakers | PG 2020
One major question: Westbrook is joining his third new club in as many seasons, but this is where he wants to be. Last season, Westbrook broke the record for most triple-doubles by overtaking Oscar Robertson while leading the Wizards to the playoffs. But, now that he’s in Los Angeles, he’ll have to show that his style of play is compatible with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Without the ball in his hands, who of the Lakers’ Big Three will take a step back? Will there be enough shooters on the court for the Lakers? Will they be able to defend themselves adequately? Westbrook and the Lakers, of course, are ready to address these questions and disprove the skeptics. Youngmisuk’s remark
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NBArank: No. 16 Philadelphia 76ers | PG 2020
One item to keep an eye on is Simmons’ desire for a fresh start with a new club after a dismal playoff performance last spring that exposed his shooting deficiencies. Philadelphia has been looking for a trade that would return at least some value for the former first-round selection, who finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting last season. However, the Sixers have yet to receive a satisfactory offer. If Simmons does not show up for training camp, as he has threatened, things may become a lot worse. Ramona Shelburne (Ramona Shelburne)
Why he dropped 12 spots: According to RPM, Simmons improved as a defender last season and had the 17th best two-way effect in the NBA. However, his shooting deficiencies and the accompanying seeming lack of confidence cost him and the 76ers in the playoffs. Snellings –
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NBArank: No. 32 Boston Celtics | SG 2020
Brown broke through last season, becoming an All-Star and providing Boston with perhaps the greatest combination of young wings in the NBA, with Jayson Tatum. His 3-point shooting % improving to the mid 30s has been a big part of it, and his game may improve even more this season if his long-range accuracy improves to the low 40s. — Best wishes
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NBARank: No. 28 New Orleans Pelicans | SF 2020
Swing skill: After winning the league’s Most Improved Player title in 2019-20, Ingram equaled his scoring average in 2020-21, averaging 23.8 points per game. He also scored more points with Williamson on the floor last season than he did the year before, demonstrating development with both players. During his tenure with the Pelicans, Ingram has also hit 38.6 percent from three-point range on 6.2 tries per game, solidifying his position as one of the league’s top scorers. Lopez’s words
The top 100 nba players 2021 is a ranking of the best players for 2021-22. From 50 to 26, these are the top players in the league.
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