On September 20th, ESPN dropped the first 75 players of their annual ranking of the top 100 players in the NBA. Every year this list comes out and gets the NBA world buzzing. This year will be no different.
As of right now there was only one Washington Wizards player to make the first 75 players on the list. That one player was Kristaps Porzingis, who finished at the 86th spot. That comes after finishing at 50th the previous season.
Porzingis is ahead of Malcolm Brogdon (87th) and behind Jordan Clarkson (86th). There are some notable players that are ahead of Porzingis that may have you scratching your head.
Granted, Porzingis has had health concerns over the last couple of years. He has not been able to suit up for more than 57 games since his second year in the league. However, the talent still remains.
The averages in his short stint with the Wizards last season matched the averages from his All-Star season. Injuries play a factor in ESPN’s decision, but they placed individuals with the same lingering concerns ahead of Porzingis. Porzingis is even heading into the season looking as healthier than ever; with no restrictions set for him before training camp opens.
Wes Unseld Jr. says there is no plan to limit Kristaps Porzingis's minutes or sit him on back-to-backs
— Hoop District (@Hoop_District) September 20, 2022
Furthermore, some might believe Kyle Kuzma deserves a nod to be in the top 100. However, he did not make the cut. Kuzma had his best year last season arguably. There are multiple players that might have the Wizards fanbase confused as to how Kuzma is not better than tem.
Nonetheless, it is good to see some representation on there with another spot potentially going to a Wizards player in the top 25. That man is the face of the franchise, Bradley Beal. Expect to see the rest of the list by the end of this week. Stay tuned for the final reveal, as training camp looms.