(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The 2022-23 season has already given us plenty of pleasant surprises — or, in the more specific case of the Philadelphia 76ers, mildly unpleasant surprises. A lot has changed since last year. And, in the spirit of The Ringer’s new NBA rankings, it’s time to update our own top 100 players board. You can read the previous installment here.
How many Sixers make the cut? Last time, four cracked the top 100 — Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, James Harden, and Tobias Harris. We had P.J. Tucker right on the cusp. Did anyone fall out, and has anyone made enough progress to enter the fold for the first time?
Let’s get the ball rolling…
Near misses: Lonzo Ball, Jordan Clarkson, Brandon Clarke, Bennedict Mathurin, Bobby Portis Sr., R.J. Barrett, Larry Nance Jr., Nikola Vucevic, Bol Bol, De’Andre Hunter, Jusuf Nurkic, Dorian Finney-Smith, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Dillon Brooks, Ivica Zubac, Harrison Barnes, Josh Giddey, Kelly Olynyk, Terry Rozier, Luke Kennard, Jose Alvarado
Trey Murphy III
F, New Orleans Pelicans
A lanky wing with deep 3-point range, improved straight-line driving ability, and the versatility to defend multiple positions. Trey Murphy has shined in increased minutes for the Pelicans, who look very much like a contender.
Jarred Vanderbilt
F, Utah Jazz
A unique concoction of rebounding, hustle, and defensive versatility. Jarred Vanderbilt impacts the game by sheer force of will, and he’s starting to find more ways to contribute offensively (including slow but steady improvement from 3-point range).
Norman Powell
G, Los Angeles Clippers
Norman Powell, an early-season favorite to win Sixth Man of the Year, is starting to find his rhythm for the Clippers. He can score efficiently at all three levels and defend his position well.
Christian Wood
C, Dallas Mavericks
Christian Wood has a tendency to play in his own bubble, at times to the detriment of his team. But the talent is just undeniable: few bigs can move and shoot like Wood. His deep 3-point range, dynamic face-up game, and consistent presence on the glass earn him top-100 status.
Cam Johnson
F, Phoenix Suns
He doesn’t do anything particularly gobsmacking, but Cam Johnson is the perfect modern role player — 3 and D with positional size and a veteran’s poise.
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