I’m doing things a little bit different this time. I’ve tiered every above-average player in the league, the tiers go from A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, and C+. On top of that, I’ve ranked the top 48 players in order. The reason I stopped there was because in the lower tiers things are more fluid and a hot or cold month could move a player 20 spots pretty easily. Players in the A and B tiers are considered championship pieces right now while the C+ tier contains solid contributors. 148 players made the list. 

Come agree with on about the list in its entirety on Twitter @taylormetrics

Glossary:

• All Shooting Talents take into account shot making, quality, and creation
• Stable stats are padded with a calculated number of league average attempts for higher predictiveness
• PPP stands for points per possession
• LEBRON is our overall impact metric, it can be broken down into Offensive and Defensive LEBRON (O-LEBRON/D-LEBRON)

 

A+ Tier

 

1. Nikola Jokic – A+ Tier 

Have you ever wondered what Mozart was like in his prime?

• 99% Playmaking Talent
• 99% Stable Isolation PPP
• 95% Finishing Talent

 

2. Luka Doncic – A+ Tier 

His ability to control and dictate possessions is at Hokage levels.

• 99% Playmaking Talent
• 99% O-LEBRON
• 99% 3PT Shooting Talent

 

3. Joel Embiid – A+ Tier 

This generation’s best scoring center.

• 99% Rim Points Saved/75
• 98% Stable Post Up PPP
• 97% Stable Isolation PPP

 

4. Giannis Antetokounmpo – A+ Tier 

He’s in the midst of an all-time multi-year scoring peak.

• 99% Rim Shot Creation
• 99% Rim Shot Making
• 99% O-LEBRON

 

5. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – A+ Tier 

An ultra-polished scorer that can break down defenses at will.

• 99% Finishing Talent
• 99% O-LEBRON
• 87% D-LEBRON

 

A Tier

 

6. Stephen Curry – A Tier 

His gravity still rivals the climax of Interstellar.

• 98% 3PT Shooting Talent
• 96% Movement Points/75
• 97% Playmaking Talent

 

7. Anthony Davis – A Tier 

When the lights are the brightest his defense is historic.

• 93% O-LEBRON
• 97% D-LEBRON
• 98% Rim Points Saved/75

 

8. Kawhi Leonard – A Tier 

When healthy, he’s elite, and he’s healthy.

• 97% Midrange Talent 
• 94% 3PT Shooting Talent
• 99% Playmaking Talent 

 

9. Damian Lillard – A Tier 

His offensive impact is capable of moving mountains.

• 98% Stable PnR Ball Handler PPP
• 99% O-LEBRON
• 93% 3PT Shooting Talent

 

10. LeBron James – A Tier 

LeBron is declining, he’s just doing it very very slowly.

• 99% Finishing Talent 
• 98% Transition Shooting Talent 
• 99% Playmaking Talent 

 

11. Kevin Durant – A Tier 

The scoring is still elite but he doesn’t have the same overall impact since the achilles tear.

• 99% Midrange Talent 
• 97% O-LEBRON
• 94% Playmaking Talent 

 

12. Jimmy Butler – A Tier 

If you haven’t bought into the future HOF’er yet nothing I put here is going to change your mind.

• 91% Half Court Shooting Talent
• 95% O-LEBRON
• 99% Stable Transition PPP

 

13. Tyrese Haliburton – A Tier 

He’s approaching wizard levels on offense.

• 99% 3PT Shooting Talent
• 99% O-LEBRON
• 99% Playmaking Talent

 

14. Devin Booker – A Tier 

Pressure Cooker Booker’s historic scoring run last postseason isn’t talked about enough.

• 97% Midrange Shooting Talent
• 98% O-LEBRON
• 95% Playmaking Talent

 

15. Jayson Tatum – A Tier 

For a few years, he’s been the best player on the best team and hasn’t won it all, at a certain point it makes you start to ask questions.

• 98% 3PT Shooting Talent
• 97% O-LEBRON
• 87% Playmaking Talent

 

16. De’Aaron Fox – A Tier 

He’s apparently cash money from 3 now, which makes him even tougher to guard.

• 98% Stable PnR Ball Handler PPP
• 99% O-LEBRON
• 93% 3PT Shooting Talent

 

17.  Jalen Brunson – A Tier 

Great scorer, elite poise.

• 99% 3PT Shooting Talent
• 97% O-LEBRON
• 99% Midrange Shooting Talent

 

A- Tier

 

18. Donovan Mitchell – A- Tier 

There’s some serious juice in those legs, he makes you forget he’s only 6’3.

• 91% Playmaking Talent
• 98% O-LEBRON
• 98% Finishing Talent

 

19. Ja Morant – A- Tier 

He only played 9 games this season but in those, he made it clear just how impactful he is.

• 94% Half Court Shooting Talent
• 89% O-LEBRON
• 96% Finishing Talent

 

20. James Harden – A- Tier 

He’s not as good as he used to be but clearly still has it.

• 96% Playmaking Talent
• 96% O-LEBRON
• 97% 3PT Shooting Talent

 

B+ Tier

 

21. Lauri Markkanen – A- Tier 

Great scoring, solid defense, and an off-ball game that fits with any player in the league.

• 98% Movement Points/75
• 95% O-LEBRON
• 91% 3PT Shooting Talent

 

22. Jamal Murray – B+ Tier 

One of the few players capable of going Super Saiyan 3.

• 94% Half Court Shooting Talent
• 95% O-LEBRON
• 88% 3PT Shooting Talent

 

23. Bam Adebayo – B+ Tier 

A two-way big whose defensive versatility is second only to AD.

• 93% Midrange Talent
• 98% Stable Isolation PPP
• 95% D-LEBRON

 

24. Tyrese Maxey – B+ Tier 

He’s a lock for the most-improved player in the league.

• 97% Finishing Talent
• 98% O-LEBRON
• 99% 3PT Shooting Talent

 

25. Anthony Edwards – B+ Tier 

Once the passing fully develops, watch out.

• 99% Transition Shooting Talent
• 92% O-LEBRON
• 95% 3PT Shooting Talent

 

26. Domantas Sabonis – B+ Tier 

His unique blend of scoring, passing, and rebounding makes him one of the most valuable bigs in the league.

• 96% Playmaking Talent
• 94% O-LEBRON
• 98% 3PT Shooting Talent

 

27. Zion Williamson – B+ Tier 

If this is his floor I can’t wait to see his ceiling.

• 86% Playmaking Talent
• 93% O-LEBRON
• 99% Finishing Talent

 

28. Paul George – B+ Tier 

You couldn’t make a better sidekick on paper if you tried.

• 96% Playmaking Talent
• 94% O-LEBRON
• 98% 3PT Shooting Talent

 

29. Trae Young – B+ Tier 

A one-man offensive tour de force.

• 99% 3PT Shooting Talent
• 99% O-LEBRON
• 99% Playmaking Talent

 

30. Karl-Anthony Towns – B+ Tier 

A hyper-efficient scorer that’s difficult to suppress.

• 96% Overall Shooting Talent
• 84% O-LEBRON
• 83% Playmaking Talent

 

31. Derrick White – B+ Tier 

The internet’s favorite player for good reason.

• 92% D-LEBRON
• 94% O-LEBRON
• 90% 3PT Shooting Talent

 

32. Kyrie Irving – B+ Tier 

generational crazy-to-talent ratio.

• 93% Midrange Talent
• 98% O-LEBRON
• 97% Playmaking Talent

 

33. LaMelo Ball – B+ Tier 

One of the most exciting young ball handlers in years, but he was cast into purgatory via the draft lotto.

• 98% Finishing Talent
• 97% O-LEBRON
• 98% Playmaking Talent

 

34. Chet Holmgren – B+ Tier 

He already is boasting high-end two-way impact.

• 99% Rim Points Saved/75
• 92% D-LEBRON
• 83% O-LEBRON

 

35. Victor Wembanyama – B+ Tier 

A DPOY candidate in his rookie season.

• 90% Deflections
• 98% D-LEBRON
• 99% Rim Points Saved/75

 

36. Desmond Bane – B+ Tier 

He’s a terror in semi-transition and one of the elite 3-point shooters in the league.

• 95% Finishing Talent
• 94% Midrange Talent
• 98% 3PT Shooting Talent

 

37. Jrue Holiday – B+ Tier 

He’s taken a back seat in Boston, but don’t let the box score fool you, he’s still one of the best two-way guards in the game.

• 84% Playmaking Talent
• 79% D-LEBRON
• 84% 3PT Shooting Talent

 

38. Darius Garland – B+ Tier 

Elite playmaking and 3-point shooting give him one of the most useful skill sets in the league.

• 99% Playmaking Talent
• 87% O-LEBRON
• 97% Finishing Talent

 

B Tier

 

39. Aaron Gordon – B Tier 

He’s a rare case of versatility, athleticism, and skill.

• 88% Finishing Talent
• 83% O-LEBRON
• 88% Matchup Difficulty

 

4. Zach LaVine – B Tier 

He scores from all 3 levels effectively but doesn’t offer much else

• 85% O-LEBRON
• 94% 3PT Shooting Talent
• 94% Finishing Talent

 

41. Jaylen Brown – B Tier 

He’s a solid scorer who shines when he attacks closeouts and gets to the rim

• 98% Transition Shooting Talent 
• 95% Finishing Talent
• 91% Midrange Talent 

 

42. Scottie Barnes – B Tier

A special defender who leverages his instincts and athleticism well.

• 93% D-LEBRON 
• 99% Defensive Positional Versatility
• 98% Playmaking Talent 

 

43. Pascal Siakam – B Tier

He’s good around the rim and from the midrange, couple that with his knack for passing and you’ve got yourself a pretty good player.

• 92% O-LEBRON 
• 95% Midrange Talent
• 93% Playmaking Talent 

 

44. Rudy Gobert – B Tier 

After a down year by his standards, he’s back to his usual dominant self

• 99% Rim Points Saved/75
• 99% D-LEBRON
• 97% Defensive Rebounds/75

 

45. Bradley Beal – B Tier 

A good scorer with a long resume

• 83% Midrange Talent
• 97% Stable Isolation PPP
• 97% Stable Off Screen PPP

 

46. Brandon Ingram – B Tier 

He’s one of the elite midrange shooters in the league but I’m not sure how far that gets you in today’s game.

• 87% O-LEBRON
• 99% Midrange Talent
• 87% Playmaking Talent

 

47. Kristaps Porzingis – B Tier 

Two-way impact on high efficiency is tough to disagree with.

• 89% O-LEBRON
• 80% Overall Shooting Talent
• 91% D-LEBRON

 

48. Jaren Jackson Jr  – B Tier

Big time shot blocker with a developing offensive game

• 94% Finishing Talent
• 98% Midrange Talent
• 94% D-LEBRON

 

B- Tier

 

Nic Claxton – B- Tier

One of the best bigs in the league when it comes to switching on the perimeter and protecting the rim.

 

Paolo Banchero – B- Tier

His ability to force himself to the free throw line at an elite rate is one of the most promising indicators a young player can have.

 

Fred VanVleet – B- Tier

A good blend of ball handling, 3-point shooting, and defensive playmaking.

 

Franz Wagner – B- Tier

An up-and-coming two-way wing.

 

Alex Caruso – B- Tier

He can dominate for stretches with his defensive playmaking.

 

Draymond Green – B- Tier

When he’s not being ejected or suspended he’s one of the most versatile defenders in the league.

 

Brook Lopez – B- Tier

There are very few centers that offer elite rim protection and viable 3-point shooting

 

Julius Randle – B- Tier

Good production on below-average efficiency.

 

Khris Middleton – B- Tier

A cornerstone player who’s aging with grace.

 

Alperen Sengun – B- Tier

The offense looks promising, the defense does not.

 

Evan Mobley – B- Tier

One of the better defenders in the league, the offense hasn’t caught up yet.

 

Jarrett Allen – B- Tier

Strong defender, offensive rebounder, and play finisher.

 

Austin Reaves – B- Tier

He’s a deadly pull up shooter in the pick and roll.

 

Mikal Bridges – B- Tier

He’s a pretty good scorer at all 3 levels but not much of a passer, also the defense has slipped with the increased workload.

 

Myles Turner – B- Tier

His skill set of rim protection and viable 3-point shooting is a rare commodity among centers. 

 

DeMar DeRozan – B- Tier

He’s still a pretty good scorer.

 

CJ McCollum – B- Tier

He’s been a professional scorer for a long long time

 

Jerami Grant – B- Tier

His skill set makes him an ideal candidate as the 3rd amigo on a winning team.

 

OG Anunoby – B- Tier

One of the premiere 3&D+ players in the league

 

C+ Tier

 

Jonas Valanciunas – C+ Tier

Extremely efficient scorer and strong rebounder

 

Mike Conley – C+ Tier

Old, but still a good passer and shooter

 

Spencer Dinwiddie – C+ Tier

Solid ball handler

 

Dejounte Murray – C+ Tier

If the 3 point shooting is real he’s getting moved up a tier

 

Jalen Williams – C+ Tier

He is the most underrated player in the league

 

Michael Porter Jr – C+ Tier

Deadly 3-point shooter

 

Immanuel Quickley – C+ Tier

A two-way guard with nice passing

 

Herbert Jones – C+ Tier

Elite wing stopper

 

Kevin Huerter – C+ Tier

Quality shooter who’s having a down year

 

Cameron Johnson – C+ Tier

A high-caliber shooter

 

Jakob Poeltl – C+ Tier

A classic anchor big, strong defender, rim finisher, and offensive rebounder

 

Mitchell Robinson – C+ Tier

Insane offensive rebounding and strong defensive playmaking

 

Ivica Zubac – C+ Tier

Underrated rim protector

 

Jalen Suggs – C+ Tier

Incredible defender with nice passing, notable heart

 

Malik Monk – C+ Tier

Microwave/sparkplug

 

Isaiah Hartenstein – C+ Tier

One of the most underrated defenders in the league

 

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope – C+ Tier

High-level 3&D option

 

Tyler Herro – C+ Tier

Scorer and spacer

 

Walker Kessler – C+ Tier

Generational rim protector, only in year 2

 

Tobias Harris – C+ Tier

Solid two-way wing

 

Isaiah Joe – C+ Tier

Lights out shooter

 

Goga Bitadze – C+ Tier

Analytics darling, strong defensive value

 

Chris Paul – C+ Tier

Not much left in the tank, but still a good passer

 

Jusuf Nurkic – C+ Tier

Elite rebounder

 

Coby White – C+ Tier

Has thrived since being moved off-ball

 

Kelly Olynyk – C+ Tier

Good passer that can stretch the floor

 

Steven Adams – C+ Tier

Elite offensive rebounder and good defender

 

Marcus Smart – C+ Tier

High defensive impact with some passing

 

Naz Reid – C+ Tier

Scorer, spacer, all around good time

 

De’Anthony Melton – C+ Tier

3&D

 

Buddy Hield – C+ Tier

Strong movement shooter

 

Malcolm Brogdon – C+ Tier

Scorer

 

Duncan Robinson – C+ Tier

Reborn after a strong playoff run

 

Al Horford – C+ Tier

Old reliable, a good defender who can space and pass

 

Keegan Murray – C+ Tier

Unclear what his peak will be, but he has a 3&D floor already

 

Bojan Bogdanovic – C+ Tier

Talented shooter

 

Dorian Finney-Smith – C+ Tier

3&D

 

Norman Powell – C+ Tier

The most efficient bench scorer in the league

 

Cam Thomas – C+ Tier

Intriguing shot chucker

 

Collin Sexton – C+ Tier

He’s put up very nice numbers since being traded to Utah, crazy burst

 

Terry Rozier – C+ Tier

Pretty good scorer

 

Bruce Brown – C+ Tier

He can do a little bit of everything

 

Jaime Jaquez Jr – C+ Tier

Plays with the savvy of a 5 year vet

 

Devin Vassell – C+ Tier

Strong shooter

 

Kyle Kuzma – C+ Tier

Overtasked in Washington but he can give you some volume-scoring

 

Jaden McDaniels – C+ Tier

One of the best on-ball defenders in the league

 

TJ McConnell – C+ Tier

Strong ball handler and playmaker

 

Anfernee Simons – C+ Tier

An underrated scorer who’s a flamethrower from 3

 

Robert Covington – C+ Tier

Defensive dynamo

 

Josh Hart – C+ Tier

Elite rebounder for his size and a good defender

 

Klay Thompson – C+ Tier

Not what he was before his leg exploded twice but still a good movement shooter

 

Dereck Lively II – C+ Tier

Big time defensive impact as a rookie

 

Kevon Looney – C+ Tier

Knows his job, sets screens, grabs offensive rebounds, and plays solid defense

 

Larry Nance Jr – C+ Tier

A good defender that offers defensive flexibility, steals, and deflections

 

Jose Alvarado – C+ Tier

Defensive sparkplug that can rack up steals 

 

D’Angelo Russell – C+ Tier

Offers above-average passing and scoring

 

Donte DiVincenzo – C+ Tier

Good 3&D player that can pass some

 

Jonathan Kuminga – C+ Tier

Crazy athlete that’s putting together more and more good stretches

 

Bobby Portis – C+ Tier

Stretch four that can also be your crazy/edge guy

 

Kevin Love – C+ Tier

Great rebounder and stretch four

 

Robert Williams III – C+ Tier

When healthy he’s a monster shot blocker

 

Jalen Johnson – C+ Tier

Great defensive impact as a wing-stopper combined with high-efficiency scoring on offense

 

Gabe Vincent – C+ Tier

Good energy guy that gives you something on both ends

 

Grayson Allen – C+ Tier

Good 3-point shooter

 

Royce O’Neale – C+ Tier

3&D

 

Kyle Anderson – C+ Tier

Versatility on both ends of the floor

 

Gary Payton II – C+ Tier

A defensive specialist with a high basketball IQ

 

Vince Williams Jr – C+ Tier

He’s exploded onto the scene in year two, he  looks to be a defensive difference-maker

 

Trey Murphy III – C+ Tier

Lethal spot up guy with room to grow

 

Dennis Schroder – C+ Tier

Some point guard production combined with pretty good on-ball defense

 

Wendell Carter Jr – C+ Tier

Solid defender with some offensive skill

 

Max Strus – C+ Tier

A pretty good 3-point shooter with some toughness

 

Tyus Jones – C+ Tier

The best floater in the game

 

Harrison Barnes – C+ Tier

He’s a good spot up four

 

Bogdan Bogdanovic – C+ Tier

Extremely skilled shooter

 

Isaiah Jackson – C+ Tier

Nuts shot blocking numbers

 

Clint Capela – C+ Tier

A solid defender and play-finisher

 

Andrew Wiggins – C+ Tier

He’s been bad as of late but put together a few strong seasons prior to this one, hardest guy to rank in the league

 

Cade Cunningham – C+ Tier

Tough to evaluate a guy on a team this bad

 

Jordan Clarkson – C+ Tier

A talented chucker having a down year