See what players ranked 100-81 on the first part of the Top 100 here.

#80: DeAndre Ayton: Center for the Phoenix Suns

The rookie Center on the Suns did not make Sports Illustrated Top 100 NBA Players List, but he has too much talent and had too much production last year to be left off here. Just looking at his PPG and RPG last year, Ayton averaged a double-double in about 31 minutes a game over his 71 games played. Sure it was only his first year in the league, and we as fans do not know if he can repeat what he did his rookie year consistently. But with his size, speed and strength, Ayton should be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.

#79: Harrison Barnes: Forward for the Sacramento Kings

The former NBA champion makes the top 100 list at #79. Photo Credits to slamonline.com

Coming off his career best in 3PT% at 39.4% while taking 5.7 3 points attempts a game, Barnes has adapted to what has become the modern NBA. But with his solid offensive percentages, the advanced stats for Barnes are not great, both his Offensive Box Plus/Minus and Defensive Box Plus/Minus are negative. However, with Barnes’s 3 point shooting and length, he makes for a necessary role player in today’s NBA.

#78: Patrick Beverley: Guard for the Los Angeles Clippers

Similar to Smart, Beverley prides himself on the grit and grind defensive mentality. But what puts Beverley over Smart, is the ability to knock down 3 pointers more consistently. A career 38% 3 point shooter, Beverley is a perfect example of what a 3-and-D style guard looks like. His playmaking ability leaves a little to be desired, only averaging 3.5 APG over his career. But what he lacks in playmaking he makes up for on the defensive side of the ball. Both Box Plus/Minuses are upwards of 1.0 proving his worth on both sides of the ball. Whether it is knocking down open jumpers or frustrating opposing guards, Beverley can do either, solidifying his spot in the top 100.

#77: Brook Lopez: Center for the Milwaukee Bucks

Lopez might have revitalized his career playing alongside Giannis. The veteran center has seen a down-tick in production since his trade from Brooklyn, but found a role as a stretch-center. Last year Lopez shot a career best 36.5% from three point range. Not only was he necessary to stretch the floor for Giannis and the Bucks, but on the defensive side of the ball Lopez was in the top 5 for blocks per game with 2.2 BPG. His counting numbers and averages were not nearly as high as what they were from his days in Brooklyn. His Defense Box Plus/Minus was 2.9, one of the best Defensive Box Plus/Minuses so far on the list. He may be past his prime, but Lopez has found a new role and it earned him almost $50 million dollars over 4 years, and earned him the #77 spot.

#76: Jusuf Nurkić: Center for the Portland Trail Blazers

This is the unique situation here where I think the leg injury to Nurkić will affect future play and that’s why he is at #76. But, the numbers speak for themselves. Averaging a double-double this past year, Nurkić benefits playing off of McCollum and Lillard on offense. And on defense, he averaged over a block a game. It is a shame, but with bigger guys, the leg injuries tend to affect the game for the rest of their career, and with this injury, it slides Nurkić down the list a tad.

#75: Montrezl Harrell: Center for the Los Angeles Clippers

Harrell is coming off his best season yet. Averaging 16.6 PPG and 6.5 RPG and shot over 60% from the field. He also played all 82 games last season, which seems to be a rarity in the days of load management. Harrell had a Box Plus/Minus over 4. His DBPM was 1.6 and his OBPM at a 2.6. Both above average for the NBA. Harrell played a key role for a Clippers team that made the playoffs last year. Only 25, Harrell can keep improving, and playing alongside the 6th man of the year and two All-NBA talents should only help Harrell move up on the list.

#74: Zach LaVine: Shooting Guard for the Chicago Bulls

Coming off his best season yet, LaVine is one of the top 75 players in the NBA . Photo Credits to blogabull.com

On defense, there is a lot to be desired with LaVine, a Defensive Box Plus/Minus of -1.7 last year was a career high, but still below average. Offensively LaVine took his a big step last year, averaging a career high in points with 23.7, and as a wing for the Bulls, his playmaking has continually improved, averaging another career high with 4.5 APG. He hit 37.4% of his threes taken last year as well, proving he is not just a dunker anymore. We all know about his athleticsm and speed, and if he improves his defense, LaVine could keep jumping up on the top 100. He is only 24, and if he keeps taking leaps on both sides of the ball, LaVine will be much higher on the top 100 list than #76.

#73: Thaddeus Young: Power Forward for the Chicago Bulls

Thaddeus Young has never been a guy that will average over 20 PPG or 10 RPG. But similar to how Sabonis makes an impact, Thaddeus Young’s metrics really tell the story and prove his impact. With a VORP (Value over replacement player) over 3, Young was one of the top 35 players in the statistic. On top of one of the best VORPs in the NBA, Young’s Box Plus/Minus was a career high last year at 2.9. He also had his 2nd highest amount of win shares last year with 6.9. It’s not the counting numbers that make Thaddeus Young a special talent, his ability to affect a game in different ways on both sides of the ball helps him crack the top 75.

#72: Jaylen Brown: Shooting Guard/Small Forward for the Boston Celtics

Coming into his 4th year in the NBA, I think we could expect a jump from the young wing for the Celtics. His FG% has improved each year and usage % has also improved each year, and now playing without Kyrie, Brown should be able to play up to his potential we saw in the playoffs of 2018. It is tough to make a ruling on his statistics last year due to a tumultuous Celtics season. But with athleticism, basketball IQ and p otential it is tough to leave Brown off the list.

#71: Josh Richardson: Shooting Guard/Small Forward for the Philadelphia 76ers

One of the many recently acquired 76ers, Josh Richardson is tough to leave off the list with his efficient shooting and defensive ability. Photo Credits to clutchpoints.com

Averaging a career high 16.6 points per game last year, Richardson took a step forward for the Miami Heat. Now playing alongside Joel Embiid, Al Horford, Ben Simmons, and Tobias Harris, Josh Richardson will benefit from the good play surrounding him. His quick hands make him above average wing defender. Averaging over a steal a game, Richardson has proved to be adequate defender with his length and athleticism. His improving shooting and scoring ability along with his defensive prowess make him a candidate for a jump up from 71 next year, but for now #71 is where he stands.

#70: Lauri Markkanen: Power Forward for the Chicago Bulls

Markkanen has dealt with injury through his first few years in the NBA, but when healthy, Lauri has proven to be worth the first – round pick spent on him. Averaging 18.2 PPG in his 52 games played last year, he showed his touch from beyond the arc as a big man as well. Markkanen shot 43% from 3 point range. As a power forward, Markkanen hits the boards hard as well, averaging 9 RPG last year. Defensively he is still a little on the weaker side and gets beat by stronger bigs in the NBA. But his shooting ability is the driving force that put him on the top 100.

#69: J.J. Redick: Shooting Guard for the New Orleans Pelicans

Another 3 point shooter, J.J. Redick has made a career on his ability to knock down 3’s at a consistent rate. Last year, Redick hit about 40% of his 8 3 point attempts per game. Redick is one of the better movers off the ball in the NBA, and that helps him get the open 3’s that he hits consistently. The threes hit really factored into his 18.1 PPG last year. You get what you see with Redick, a knockdown shooter from behind the arc, but he will struggle defensively. Playing alongside of playmakers such as Lonzo and Jrue Holiday this next year will only help Redick as well. In a league that has been dominated by 3 point shooting, it is tough to keep one of the more consistent shooters in NBA history off the list.

#68: Caris LeVert: Small Forward for the Brooklyn Nets

LeVert was an early candidate for most improved player last year before his injury, and now playing alongside All-NBA talent like Kyrie will only help him. Averaging 13.7 PPG, about 4 APG, and 4 RPG in the 40 games he played last year do not tell the story because of his injury. In the 14 games before dislocating his foot, LeVert averaged 18.4 points, 3.7 assists, and 4.3 rebounds a game. The future of the Nets had looked bright before the additions of Durant and Irving partly because of LeVert, and with the additions to a playoff roster puts them as title contenders for the next few years.

#67: Aaron Gordon: Forward for the Orlando Magic

We all remember the impressive show of athleticism he put on in the 2016 NBA Dunk Contest. Photo Credits to theundefeated.com

With his athleticism, strength, speed, and scoring ability, Gordon should be much higher than 67. But the big knock on Aaron Gordon has been the inconsistency he has shown through his 5 year career. A field goal percentage of 45% is not awful for Gordon, but with a 3PT% less than 35% and he still took over 4 threes a game last year, I find it tough to understand shot selection. On top of that, I don’t know what position Gordon is, at 6’9″ and 220 he is kind of in-between a small forward and power forward, and the lack of a position hurts him defensively. However, he is only 24 and has the tools to be succes s ful, but he has to get more consistent to get ranked higher than 67.

#66: Julius Randle: Power Forward/Center for the New York Knicks

The production is there for the big man out of Kentucky. Averaging a 21.4 PPG, 8.7 RPG, and 3.1 APG, Randle has the scoring ability, strength, and solid playmaking ability for a big man. But what holds back Randle to me is the lack of team success he has had. What good is the numbers he is putting up if they aren’t for a winning team. The statistics feel like empty calories for me. Maybe something will change for the new look New York Knicks this year and vault him up the list, but for now, he’s been playing on losing teams and that keeps him stuck at #66 on the top 100.

#65: Eric Gordon: Guard for the Houston Rockets

There is not a better spot for Gordon’s play style than the Houston Rockets. Whether it is coming off the bench as a sixth man or starting alongside James Harden and now Russell Westbrook, it allows for Gordon to be a complementary star. He can stretch the floor, shooting 36% on 8.8 3-point attempts per game, but he also proves he can just flat out score, averaging 16.2 PPG. Defensively, Gordon has never been an above-average guy, but it’s his offense that gives him the #65 spot.

#64: Otto Porter: Small Forward for the Chicago Bulls

There were only 12 players that had a 3PT% over 40% and were taller than 6’8″. Otto Porter was one of the select few. Last year when he played for the Wizards, Porter was just okay, averaging 12.6 PPG on 37% shooting from 3. After his trade to Chicago, Porter took off, averaging 17.5 and his FG%, 3PT%, and FT% all significantly increased from his days with the Wizards. So a whole year with Chicago should bode well for the young forward.

#63: Joe Ingles: Small Forward for the Utah Jazz

Joe Ingles is one of the most important role players in the NBA. He is a floor spacer, as he hits 39.1% of his 6 3-pointers attempted. He also is a secondary playmaker, as he averaged 5.7 APG. Another guy in the top 100 that played all 82 games in the season last year, Ingles has been durable, only missing 3 games in his 5 year career. He has been above average on both sides of the ball, with a Defensive Box Plus/Minus and Offensive Box Plus/Minus both positive. Similar to Jaylen Brown, Ingles has a very high basketball IQ and knows his limitations. Ingles knows he is not a star, combine that with his playmaking and shooting, and you get a top 100 player in the NBA.

#62: Gordon Hayward: Forward for the Boston Celtics

Coming off an underwhelming year, Hayward still makes the top 100 list. Photo Credits to bostonglobe.com

Similar to Nurkić, the leg injury that Hayward suffered, kept him down on the list. Now his numbers were not great last year. But Hayward showed his ability in a select few games against the Heat and Timberwolves. Now he is coming off another offseason of rehabbing and strength training, Hayward should play an important role for the Boston Celtics. I do expect a jump in numbers and he could get back to the healthy star we saw in Utah, and if that happens well he can jump up from #62 in my top 100. But if he has another season like he did last year, he’d be lucky to crack the top 80.

#61: Derrick Favors: Power Forward/Center for the New Orleans Pelicans

Averaging 11.8 PPG and 7.4 RPG, Favors has been a role player for the Jazz for 9 years. Now playing with the young Pelicans, Favors gets a chance to show off his efficiency and defensive skill in an expanded role. Favors has a Defensive Box Plus/Minus over 3, showing his strength on the defensive side of the ball. With the DBPM, Favors added in an impressive 7.9 win shares. With his defense, IQ, size, and efficiency, Favors has proven to be an effective NBA player even though his counting numbers and averages are not as productive as the other big men in the NBA.

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