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Best of the West: Unveiling our 2023

Aug 02, 2023Aug 02, 2023

Most of the offseason movement in the NBA is complete.

A vast majority of teams have their rosters set and while there are still a few notable players available on the waiver wire, what you see is pretty much what you’re going to get for the Mavericks and the other 14 teams in the Western Conference.

So it’s time to look at teams with an unbiased eye and see – on paper, at least – who has the best collection of talent and, by extension, the best chance to go deep in the playoffs in 2024.

We’ve ranked the top 100 players in the West, at least from this viewpoint. Please hold all applause until the end and send congratulatory emails for a perfect ranking system to [email protected] .

And if anybody has quibbles, well, those of you who have followed our rankings in the past know that we have what is commonly known as the Doug Moe Rule, which is if you don’t like the rankings, tough.

Actually, there’s a word after “tough” but we’ll keep this fan- and family-friendly.

So here are the ratings. And at the end, we have the listings by team, just so you can make sure your other favorite team besides the Mavericks didn’t get short-changed.

And, by the way, these are not fantasy basketball rankings, although you could certainly do worse than referencing this when you have your draft.

THE TOP 100

(One through 10)

Nikola Jokic, Nuggets: Two time MVP on the world champions. Duh.

Luka Dončić, Mavs: Only thing standing between him and No. 1 is more wins.

Kevin Durant, Suns: Clock is ticking on him to lead a team to a title.

LeBron James, Lakers: Still kicking butt after all these years.

Steph Curry, Warriors: Best shooter ever might still have one more title run left.

Domantas Sabonis, Kings: 18-plus ppg, 12-plus rpg, 5-plus apg four straight years.

Anthony Davis, Lakers: Health issues aside, he’s an flat-out beast at both ends.

Devin Booker, Suns: Great scorer who adds some rebounding and playmaking.

Kawhi Leonard, Clippers: He will rise again in the ratings if he can stay healthy.

Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder: Great, young scorer also stuffs the stat sheet.

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(11 through 20)

Jamal Murray, Nuggets: Came back strong after ACL and had a huge playoff run.

Damian Lillard, Blazers: Might be higher if we were certain he’s staying West.

Anthony Edwards, Wolves: Has become a dominant, well-rounded All-Star.

Kyrie Irving, Mavs: You get the feeling his best is yet to come alongside Luka.

Paul George, Clippers: Perennial All-Star deserves a run of good health.

Josh Giddey, Thunder: A Luka starter kit without the long ball is a rising force.

Ja Morant, Grizzlies: Suspension aside, no disputing his talent or athleticism.

Draymond Green, Warriors: Best player in the NBA who’s never averaged 15 ppg.

De’Aaron Fox, Kings: Speed merchant averaged 25 points last season.

Zion Williamson, Pelicans: Can’t weight to see what he can do in a healthy season.

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(21 through 30)

Fred VanVleet, Rockets: A good, new leader for the young crew in H-town.

Jaren Jackson Jr., Grizzlies: Strong defender has broadened his offensive game.

Bradley Beal, Suns: After 11 great seasons in DC, can he be the Suns’ final piece?

Victor Wembanyama, Spurs: Betting on the come that he’s the real deal.

Karl-Anthony Towns, Wolves: Seeks bounce-back after just 29 games last season.

Rudy Gobert, Wolves: Double-double machine is a nice counter to shooter Towns.

Lauri Markkanen, Jazz: Broke out big-time last season in a featured role.

C.J. McCollum, Pelicans: Solid leader who can play both guard spots.

Marcus Smart, Grizzlies: Hard-nosed defender also can run the offense.

Deandre Ayton, Suns: Polarizing player has averaged double-double all 5 seasons.

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(31 through 40)

Brandon Ingram, Pelicans: If he stays healthy, his numbers are ultra-consistent.

Chris Paul, Warriors: Wily vet will try one more time to partner for a title.

Walker Kessler, Jazz: Rock-solid rookie season suggests he’s got a huge future.

Chet Holmgren, Thunder: On potential alone, 2022 No. 2 overall pick is intriguing.

Andrew Wiggins, Warriors: Surrounding talent leaves lots of room to operate.

Anfernee Simons, Blazers: Just turned 24 and blossomed in the last two seasons.

Michael Porter Jr., Nuggets: Healthy value last season (17 ppg, 41 percent on 3s).

Jerami Grant, Blazers: Could eclipse dad (Harvey) & uncle (Horace) as top Grant.

Keldon Johnson, Spurs: Best player the last couple years on a subpar team.

Russell Westbrook, Clippers: Wildly productive, but volatile, career continues.

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(41 through 50)

Jabari Smith Jr., Rockets: After solid rookie year, ready to take the next step?

Klay Thompson, Warriors: After 2 major leg injuries, shot 41% from 3 last season.

Jonas Valanciunas, Pelicans: A double-double machine who also shoots the three.

Jusuf Nurkic, Blazers: Has had health issues, but he’s really solid when playing.

Aaron Gordon, Nuggets: People forget how good he’s been (16 & 6) for Denver.

John Collins, Jazz: Quiet greatness for Atlanta; Jazz banking on more growth.

Lu Dort, Thunder: Rugged defender is a “Dortress,” and not bankrupt offensively.

Tre Jones, Spurs: Guard took a major step last year, should get better with Wemby.

Desmond Bane. Grizzlies: Young TCU-ex already one of the best scorers/shooters.

Dillon Brooks, Rockets: Strong two-way player who will add toughness in H-town.

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(51 through 60)

Jordan Clarkson, Jazz: Coming off career year as a starter for first time in 7 years.

Kevin Porter Jr., Rockets: Scores, rebounds, assists – yet seems underappreciated.

D’Angelo Russell, Lakers: Should be a capable No. 3 for LA behind James/Davis.

Jalen Williams, Thunder: Awesome rookie season for Santa Clara product.

Herb Jones, Pelicans: An elite defender with an improving offensive game.

Devin Vassell, Spurs: His ascension was stalled by injury, but potential is huge.

Keegan Murray, Kings: Fit in quickly as a rookie, should gel well with Fox.

Austin Reaves, Lakers: Fully admits he’s surprised by his growth, but it’s no fluke.

Jaden Hardy, Mavs: Came on late as a rookie to flash high-octane offensive skills.

Alperen Sengun, Rockets: Barely 21, he arrived last season (averaging 14.8 & 9.0).

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(61 through 70)

Norman Powell, Clippers: Lethal shooter needs to produce next to Kawhi, PG.

Mike Conley, Wolves: Old guy still knows how to run a team, which Minny needs.

Harrison Barnes, Kings: As professional and consistent as they come.

Steven Adams, Grizzlies: A great rebounder, but needs a reboot after injury issues.

Josh Green, Mavs: Had a breakthrough last season, now it’s time for more.

Jarred Vanderbilt, Lakers: Four teams in five seasons, has he finally found a home?

Kantavious Caldwell-Pope, Nuggets: Dangerous shooter is good fit for a title team.

Shaedon Sharpe, Blazers: Enticing start makes him part of new guard in Portland.

Reggie Jackson, Nuggets: Not what he used to be, but still a feisty floor leader.

Jeremy Sochan, Spurs: Might be the biggest beneficiary from Wembymania.

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(71 through 80)

Kevon Looney, Warriors: There’s a reason Steve Kerr leans on him in playoffs.

Tim Hardaway Jr., Mavs: He just keeps shooting them, and keeps making them.

Jaden McDaniels, Wolves: Steadily rising as a scorer and shooter.

Ivica Zubac, Clippers: Steady on the low block, but has reached new heights.

Kevin Huerter, Kings: Sharpshooter had his best season after joining Sac.

Victor Oladipo, Thunder: Will provide shooting and veteran savvy in OKC.

Matisse Thybulle, Blazers: Matching Mavs’ offer sheet proved Thybulle’s value.

Collin Sexton, Jazz: Undersized scorer will get lots of chances with Utah.

Kyle Anderson, Wolves: Simply does a lot of good things to help you win.

Scoot Henderson, Blazers: No. 3 overall draftee has chance for immediate success.

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(81 through 90)

Brandon Clarke, Grizzlies: Solid 10-and-5 guy at only about 20 minutes per game.

Cameron Payne, Spurs: It’s been a wild ride, but this might be a perfect fit for him.

Eric Gordon, Suns: Joins Phoenix as a rapid-fire shooter off the bench.

Malik Monk, Kings: Found a nice role as Sac’s 6th man, plus it’s a contract year.

Gabe Vincent, Lakers: Parlayed good playoff run in Miami into LA starting job?

Mason Plumlee, Clippers: Strictly a post-up center, which they need.

Naz Reid, Wolves: Improving yearly, but is he ready to take on bigger role?

Tre Mann, Thunder: Took a step back in second season, but oodles of ability.

Kenyon Martin Jr., Clippers: Solid wing, good rebounder; let’s see if he fits here.

Santi Aldama, Grizzlies: If he repeats Year 1-to-Year 2 leap, he’ll be terrific.

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(91 through 100)

Seth Curry, Mavs: Third run here, third time he’s instantly the team’s best shooter.

Trey Murphy III, Pelicans: They have too many players rated in the 90s.

Marcus Morris, Clippers: Might be the perfect fifth man on a good team.

Jonathan Kuminga, Warriors: Athletic forward has yet to pay off like a No. 7 pick.

Luke Kennard, Grizzlies: With Desmond Bane, gives them two top-shelf flingers.

Davion Mitchell, Kings: Backslider as a sophomore, but primed for better days.

Naji Marshall, Pelicans: Waiting on him to make the next big step.

Larry Nance Jr., Pelicans: Can fill a lot of roles, which keeps him relevant.

Cam Whitmore, Rockets: Could be a surprise rookie of the year candidate.

Kelly Olynyk, Jazz: Mr. Irrelevant? Hardly, he’s carved out a functional career.

TEAM-BY-TEAM

NUGGETS (6): Nikola Jokic (1), Jamal Murray (11), Michael Porter Jr. (37), Aaron Gordon (45), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (67), Reggie Jackson (69).

MAVERICKS (6): Luka Dončić (2), Kyrie Irving (14), Jaden Hardy (59), Josh Green (65), Tim Hardaway Jr. (72), Seth Curry (91).

SUNS (5): Kevin Durant (3), Devin Booker (8), Bradley Beal (23), Deandre Ayton (30), Eric Gordon (83).

LA LAKERS (6): LeBron James (4), Anthony Davis (7), D’Angelo Russell (53), Austin Reaves (58), Jarred Vanderbilt (66), Gabe Vincent (85).

WARRIORS (7): Steph Curry (5), Draymond Green (18), Chris Paul (32), Andrew Wiggins (35), Klay Thompson (42), Kevon Looney (71), Jonathan Kuminga (94).

KINGS (7): Domantas Sabonis (6), De’Aaron Fox (19), Keegan Murray (57), Harrison Barnes (63), Kevin Huerter (75), Malik Monk (84), Davion Mitchell (96).

CLIPPERS (8): Kawhi Leonard (9), Paul George (15), Russell Westbrook (40), Norman Powell (61), Ivica Zubac (74), Mason Plumlee (86), Kenyon Martin Jr. (89), Marcus Morris (93).

THUNDER (7): Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (10), Josh Giddey (16), Chet Holmgren (34), Lu Dort (47), Jalen Williams (54), Victor Oladipo (76), Tre Mann (88).

BLAZERS (7): Damian Lillard (12), Anfernee Simons (36), Jerami Grant (38), Jusuf Nurkic (44), Shaedon Sharpe (68), Matisse Thybulle (77), Scoot Henderson (80).

WOLVES (7): Anthony Edwards (13), Karl-Anthony Towns (25), Rudy Gobert (26), Mike Conley (62), Jaden McDaniels (73), Kyle Anderson (79), Naz Reid (87).

GRIZZLIES (8): Ja Morant (17), Jaren Jackson Jr. (22), Marcus Smart (29), Desmond Bane (49), Steven Adams (64), Brandon Clarke (81), Santi Aldama (90), Luke Kennard (95).

ROCKETS (6): Fred Van Vleet (21), Jabari Smith Jr. (41), Dillon Brooks (50), Kevin Porter Jr. (52), Alperen Sengun (60), Cam Whitmore (99).

PELICANS (8): Zion Williamson (20), C.J. McCollum (28), Brandon Ingram (31), Jonas Valanciunas (43), Herb Jones (55), Trey Murphy III (92), Naji Marshall (97), Larry Nance Jr. (98).

SPURS (6): Victor Wembanyama (24), Keldon Johnson (39), Tre Jones (48), Devin Vassell (56), Jeremy Sochan (70), Cameron Payne (82).

JAZZ (6): Lauri Markkanen (27), Walker Kessler (33), John Collins (46), Jordan Clarkson (51), Collin Sexton (78), Kelly Olynyk (100).

Twitter: @ESefko

Most of the offseason movement in the NBA is complete.THE TOP 100(One through 10)(11 through 20)(21 through 30)(31 through 40)(41 through 50)(51 through 60)(61 through 70)(71 through 80)(81 through 90)(91 through 100)TEAM-BY-TEAM NUGGETS (6):MAVERICKS (6):SUNS (5):LA LAKERS (6):WARRIORS (7):KINGS (7):CLIPPERS (8):THUNDER (7):BLAZERS (7):WOLVES (7):GRIZZLIES (8):ROCKETS (6):PELICANS (8):SPURS (6):JAZZ (6):Twitter: @ESefko