A list that is always sure to infuriate some NBA fans.
ESPN has put out their annual NBARank, where they perform the unenviable task of trying to predict who will be the best 100 players in the league for the upcoming season.
As always, there are a decent amount of players who can construct valid arguments as to why they should have been included on the list. Here are 10 of the biggest snubs from this year’s edition of NBARank. Players are listed in alphabetical order by last name.
Kyle Anderson (F), Memphis Grizzlies
Anderson easily posted the highest usage rate of his career in 2020-21 and made 94 three-pointers after making just 82 in his first six seasons combined. He also nearly posted a 3-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio last season.
Happy birthday to the family, to the legend of NJ high school basketball, to one of the best passers in the League. @KyleAnderson5 pic.twitter.com/mA2zex2fOI
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) September 20, 2021
RJ Barrett (G), New York Knicks
The third overall pick in 2019, Barrett made great strides in his second season. After a subpar shooting season as a rookie, his splits improved across the board in 2020-21 including an over 40% conversion rate on threes.
From earlier: "If he can shoot this year somewhere near where he was last year, it would change the Knicks’ long-term trajectory"
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) September 23, 2021
A scout on RJ Barrett as he enters Year 3. More here: https://t.co/fTlYVnDDGn
Evan Fournier (F), New York Knicks
Fournier has averaged at least 15.1 points in each of the last six seasons and at least 17.1 in four of those. In 2020-21, he posted a career-high 16.7 PER according to Basketball Reference.
New York Knicks Forward Explains Why He is Looking Forward To Playing with Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier https://t.co/nVomAeRjli
— EssentiallySports (@es_sportsnews) September 23, 2021
Richaun Holmes (C), Sacramento Kings
While Holmes has no outside game to speak of, he has still become a very valuable offensive player (14.2 point average on 63.7% shooting last season). He’s also fairly dependable from the charity stripe despite not exhibiting much range.
The Kings are pretty center-heavy at the moment.
— Franklin Cartoscelli (@FCartoscelli3) September 21, 2021
Richaun Holmes
Alex Len
Tristan Thompson
Damian Jones (deal has been guaranteed for 2021-22)
Neemias Queta (two-way)
The cryptic DeMarcus Cousins post has piqued my interest, though 🧐 pic.twitter.com/Q2X8zeOxZF
Jonathan Isaac (F), Orlando Magic
After tearing his ACL in the 2020 bubble, Isaac missed all of last season. The soon-to-be 24-year-old posted stellar averages of 1.6 steals and 2.3 blocks in 28.8 minutes per game in his 34 outings in 2019-20.
Should The Magic Trade Jonathan Isaac For Ben Simmons? https://t.co/CzzewIZ5nz
— 96.9 The Game (@969thegame) September 23, 2021
Brook Lopez (C), Milwaukee Bucks
Now 33, Lopez isn’t the scoring threat he was with the Nets, but Is still an excellent defensive interior presence for the reigning world champions. He also rose his field goal shooting to over 50% last season despite attempting four threes a game.
New @lockedonbucks w/@tmjgarcia 🦌
— Kane Pitman (@KanePitman) September 20, 2021
-Brook Lopez with plenty left in the tank?
-Grayson and Donte set for intriguing battle
-How much growth does Bobby Portis have?
-Jordan Nwora in the rotation?
🎙️https://t.co/fq5or75rZX
📺https://t.co/W6ZtsxaNgAhttps://t.co/2FUohWXdHd pic.twitter.com/au2ywmEZ61
Marcus Morris (F), Los Angeles Clippers
With Kawhi Leonard expected to miss much of next season, Morris should see a larger role on offense. He was a deadeye shooter from deep in 2020-21 as his 47.3 three-point percentage was second-best in the league.
NBA Rumors: LA Clippers Could Get D'Angelo Russell For Eric Bledsoe, Marcus Morris, Terance Mann & Draft Pickhttps://t.co/TjIoKDRwHi
— The Inquisitr (@theinquisitr) September 21, 2021
Gary Trent Jr. (G), Toronto Raptors
It was a breakout third season for Trent Jr. who was traded from the Trail Blazers to the Raptors in late March. He’s proven to be a strong defender who has hit nearly 40% of his career three-point tries.
What are you expecting from Gary Trent, Precious Achiuwa, and Scottie Barnes this season?https://t.co/ElffjZmn4y
— Raptors Rapture (@raptorsrapture) September 23, 2021
T.J. Warren (F), Indiana Pacers
Warren played just four games last season before he required foot surgery. He was one of the stars of the bubble in 2020 and averaged 19.3 points on over 50% shooting from 2017-18 to 2019-20.
Rick Carlisle on the Sideline Guys pod: “TJ Warren is in here everyday - getting his treatment … His situation is the big reason we went after Torrey Craig, a big physical wing to make sure we had some protection there”.
— Zach Pearson (@zapearsonNBA) September 16, 2021
Derrick White (G), San Antonio Spurs
With an increased offensive workload in 2020-21, White did see a small dip in his shooting numbers when compared to the previous season. The Spurs went 18-18 in his 36 games played last season while going 15-21 in games he sat out.
I currently have 10 MIP candidates on my potential bet list. I'd like to whittle the list down a bit. Here's who I have, in no order:
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) September 23, 2021
Michael Porter Jr
Rui Hachimura
Cam Reddish
De'Andre Hunter
Keldon Johnson
Derrick White
RJ Barrett
OG Anunoby
Ja Morant
Dillon Brooks
Thoughts?
