Last year, Notinhalloffame.com awarded the first ever NBA NIHOF Regular Season Cup, and for those wondering what this entails, let us give you the details.
With every single regular season game, we anointed the best five players in the game with descending points, 5-4-3-2-1. 412 players received at least one point, with 60 cracking at least 100.
The top players for the NBA NIHOF Cup are not always the best in the league, as injuries keep players out of games, and a premium on staying healthy can help pile up points. It also does not hurt to be a top player on an average or mediocre team, as they can amass Cup points easier that elite players on loaded squads.
Please remember, that this is NOT necessarily who we think were the best players this year, and does not reflect overall consistency. Treat this the way did, as a fun process and more of a compilation of temporary statistical domination.
So, like we said last year, NBA players! Get your agents to work winning this into your contracts!
Last year, Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets Center from Serbia won our inaugural cup. Did he repeat?
In a word, yes.
Here are the top 100 2021/22 rankings for the NBA NIHOF CUP:
1. Nikola Jokic: Denver Nuggets, Center:
331 PTS, 74 Games, 4.47 Cup Points per Game, 27.1 PPG, 13.8 RPG, 7.9 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 32.8 PER. (Last Year, #1, 279 Pts in 72 Games)
Jokic won our MVP and the regular MVP last year, and statistically speaking he was even better this year. An All-Star for the fourth consecutive year, Jokic was the January Player of the Year, and led the NBA in Total Rebounds, PER, Win Shares, Box Plus/Minus and VORP. The Nuggets might not have been the best team in the NBA during the regular season, but Jokic was the most complete player in the Association.
2. Joel Embiid: Philadelphia 76ers, Center:
292 PTS, 68 Games, 4.29 Cup Points per Game, 30.6 PPG, 11.7 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.5 BPG, 31.2 PER. (Last Year, #10, 209 Pts in 59 Games)
Embiid won his first scoring title, and went to his fifth consecutive All-Star Game. As of this writing, this is the best season of Embiid’s career, and he is still a player on the rise. Embiid posted career highs in Points, Rebounds, Assists and PER, and led Philadelphia to their best record in years.
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo: Milwaukee Bucks, Forward:
289 PTS, 67 Games, 4.31 Cup Points per Game, 29.9 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 5.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.4 BPG, 32.1 PER (Last Year, #3, 254 Pts in 61 Games)
Antetokounmpo won the 2019 and 2020 MVP, and is still arguably one of the best players in the NBA. The “Greek Freak” has no weakness in his game, and the Bucks go as far as he can take him. Antetokounmpo was in the running for the Cup this year, but missing a few games was all it took for him to fall behind his fellow Europeans. He also went to his sixth All-Star Game, and he had a higher PPG and PER than last year. Named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, Giannis was twice a two-time Player of the Week. What can’t he do?
4. Jayson Tatum: Boston Celtics, Forward:
274 PTS, 76 Games, 3.61 Cup Points per Game, 26.9 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 21.8 PER (Last Year, #8, 222 Points in 64 Games
There is no doubt now that the Celtics are Tatum’s team, and the now three-time All-Star set new personal highs in Points, Rebounds, Assists and PER. Tatum was also selected for four Player of the Week Awards, and led the NBA in Defensive Win Shares. The rest of the league should be scared as Tatum should be even better next year.
5. Trae Young: Atlanta Hawks, Guard:
267 PTS, 76 Games, 3.51 Cup Points per Game, 28.4 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 9.7 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 25.4 PER (Last Year, #14, 202 Points in 63 Games)
Young was even better this year than he was last year, though the team around him was not as successful. The Guard went to his second All-Star Game, and won three Player of the Week Awards. Young finished the season third in Assists per Game and fourth in Points per Game, and his 25.4 PER gained him his first top ten (sixth) in that advanced metric.
6. Luka Doncic: Dallas Mavericks, Guard:
262 PTS, 65 Games, 4.03 Cup Points per Game, 28.4 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 8.7 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 25.1 PER (Last Year, #2, 260 Points in 66 Games)
Now a four-year veteran, Doncic is on a three-year streak of posting a PER over 25, and was twice named a Player of the Week. Doncic had his best PPG this year, finishing third, and he was also fifth in Assists per Game. Clearly the alpha dog for Dallas, the Slovenian superstar led the NBA in Usage Percentage the second straight year, and was fourth in VORP. Doncic may have lost his teammate, Kristaps Porzingis, who was traded to Washington, but he never let it hurt his game.
7. (Tie) Karl-Anthony Towns: Minnesota Timberwolves, Center:
240 PTS, 74 Games, 3.24 Cup Points per Game, 24.6 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 24.1 PER (Last Year, #20, 182 Points in 50 Games)
Towns remains the star of a mediocre Timberwolves squad, but his supporting cast has improved, and KAT went back to the All-Star Game (his third). Towns was a three-time Player of the Week this season, was tenth in PER and fifth in Win Shares (10.3), his highest finish since 2017/18. He was also tenth in PER.
7. (Tie) Devin Booker: Phoenix Suns, Guard:
240 PTS, 68 Games, 3.53 Cup Points per Game, 26.8 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 21.3 PER (Last Year, #15, 201 Points in 67 Games)
Booker led the Suns to the NBA Finals, and he was an All-Star for the third straight year. This season saw Booker post career-highs in PER, VORP (3.6) and Win Shares (7.6) and won three Player of the Week honors. Booker finished eighth in PPG, and is currently in his peak.
9. DeMar DeRozan: Chicago Bulls, Forward
239 PTS, 76 Games, 3.15 Cup Points per Game, 27.9 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 23.1 PER (Last year, #32, 151 Points in 61 Games.
DeRozan proved many people wrong, as he returned to All-Star form and was the key part of the Bulls turnaround. At the age of 32, DeRozan posted career-highs in Points, and this was second best year in terms of PER. DeRozan won the February 2022 Player of the Month, and earned three Player of the Week Awards, while finishing fifth in PPG. If there was an award for most surprising “Return to Greatness Award”, DeRozan would be a lock.
10. LeBron James: Los Angeles Lakers, Forward
225 PTS, 56 Games, 4.02 Cup Points per Game, 30.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 7.3 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 26.2 PER (Last Year, #10, 174 Points in 45 Games)
Oh boy. Los Angeles were a colossal disappointment, and a lot of that was James’ fault. Let’s be blunt, LeBron had a lot of power on who was on his team, and he compiled an old team, with zero chemistry. On the court, James, was electric, often playing like he could not trust any other player on the team, and his individual statistics showed him post his first 30-plus PPG year since 2007-08. The Lakers failed to make the post-season, making James the highest player on the Cup Leaderboard to be on a non-playoff team, and again, James has to take the brunt of this for the players he built around him.
11. Kevin Durant: Brooklyn Nets, Forward
217 PTS, 55 Games, 3.95 Cup Points per Game, 29.9 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 6.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 25.6 PER (Last Year, #39, 125 Points in 35 Games.
Had Durant not missed some games mid-season, the Nets Forward was in the hunt for the Cup win and possibly an MVP. As it stands, now, Durant held together a team that had a tumultuous year, and won a Player of the Month and three Player of the Week accolades. He was fifth in PER this year, and was an All-Star for the twelfth consecutive year.
12. Steph Curry: Golden State Warriors, Guard:
210 PTS, 64 Games, 3.28 Cup Points per Game, 25.5 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 6.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 21.4 PER (Last Year #5, 248 Points in 63 Games
You can argue that Curry was statistical down from last year, but he had more from Draymond Green and Klay Thompson, and also a vastly improved Jordan Poole. When Curry went down to injury late in the year, he was flirting with a top five spot, and potentially could have had if he played in more Games. An All-Star for the eighth time this season, Curry also earned one Player of the Month and three Player of the Week Awards.
13. Rudy Gobert: Utah Jazz, Center:
209 PTS, 66 Games, 3.17 Cup Points per Game, 15.6 PPG, 14.7 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.7 SPG, 2.1 BPG, 24.7 PER (Last Year, #18, 187 Points in 71 Games)
Rudy Gobert did this year what he has been doing for years, which has been dominate the paint, and make a case as the Defensive Player of Year. Gobert was an All-Star for the third time this year, and the lack of respect he had from fans and media three years ago, seem like a lifetime ago. The Frenchman also led the NBA in Field Goal Percentage and Effective Field Goal Percentage for the third time, and Rebounds per Game for the first time.
14. Pascal Siakam: Toronto Raptors, Forward
205 PTS, 68 Games, 3.02 Cup Points per Game, 22.8 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 20.3 PER (Last Year, #40, 123 Points in 56 Games)
Toronto had a disappointing 2020/21, as did Siakam, the Raptors best player. Siakam rebounded this season, bringing his stats back to his All-Star levels of two years ago, and through no coincidence, Toronto returned to the post-season in 2022. Siakam led the NBA this year in Minutes per Game (37.9).
15. Dejounte Murray: San Antonio Spurs, Guard
202 PTS, 68 Games, 2.97 Cup Points per Game, 21.1 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 9.2 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 22.3 PER (Last Year #50, 101 Points in 67 Games.
Murray had his breakout season, going to his first All-Star Game and leading the NBA in Steals per Game. In his fifth NBA season, Murray set personal bests in every statistic, and is now the unequivocal leader of San Antonio.
16. Donovan Mitchell: Utah Jazz, Guard
197 PTS, 67 Games, 2.94 Cup Points per Game, 25.9 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 21.6 PER (Last Year, #24, 173 Points in 53 Games)
The Jazz become the first team to have two players in the Cup Standings, and Mitchell is the perfect offensive ying, to Rudy Gobert’s yang. Mitchell has been in the NBA five years, all of which seeing the Guard exceed 20 Points per Game, and he is currently on a three-year streak of All-Star Game appearances. He was ninth in PPG this year, and also having a career-high in VORP (3.6).
17. Ja Morant: Memphis Grizzlies, Guard
193 PTS, 57 Games, 3.38 Cup Points per Game, 27.4 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 6.7 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 24.4 PER (Last Year, #46, 108 Points in 63 Games)
What we said last year: “A future All-Star, many thought that Morant might emerge as Memphis’ best player but that didn’t happen. It will.”
It did! Morant only played in 57 Games this year, and had he been healthier, he would have likely finished in the top five. Memphis and Ja have arrived.
18. (Tie) Jonas Valancuinas: New Orleans Pelicans, Center:
179 PTS, 74 Games, 2.42 Cup Points per Game, 17.8 PPG, 11.4 RPG, 2.6 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 21.2 PER (Last Year, #17, 193 Points in 62 Games)
We said last year that Valincuinas was the best player on the Grizzlies, and this year he is the top player on the Pelicans throughout the year (Remember, McCollum was traded during it). JV took New Orleans to the play-in, a feat that many thought might have been hard with Zion Williamson sitting out the entire year due to foot issues. If we were to have pisted a trivia question of those who finished in the top 20 in Cup Standings this year and last, Valincuinas would likely be the last one that fans would think of. This is his eighth straight year for Valincuinas posting a PER over 20.
18. (Tie) James Harden: Brooklyn Nets & Philadelphia 76ers Guard
179 PTS, 65 Games, 3.66 Cup Points per Game, 22.0 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 10.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 20.9 PER (Last Year, #28, 161 Points in 44 Games)
Didn’t we say this last year, how Harden forced a trade out of one team? From Houston to Brooklyn in 2020/21 to Brooklyn to Philadelphia this year, Harden settled in nicely as the number two to Joel Embiid. An All-Star every season since 2013, Harden has his lowest scoring numbers since the 2011/12 campaign, and his overall metrics are much less than the last few years, but he is now in his early 30s.
20. Julius Randle: New York Knicks, Forward:
177 PTS, 72 Games, 2.46 Cup Points per Game, 20.1 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 5.1 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 15.7 PER (Last Year, #4, 252 Points in 71 Games)
Randle brought New York to their first post season in years, but he was unable to match the output this year, and the Knicks were on the outside looking in. His PPG dropped 4 Points per Game from last year, the same amount as his PER drop. Randle is still New York’s best player, which allowed him to compile Cup Points, but this version isn’t good enough to make the Knicks contenders.
21. Zach LaVine: Chicago Bears, Guard:
176 PTS, 67 Games, 2.63 Cup Points per Game, 24.4 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 4.5 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 20.0 PER (Last Year, #19, 186 Points in 58 Games)
The arrival of DeMar DeRozan and the continued strong play of Nikola Vucevic made it that LaVine did not have to do all of the Bulls heavy lifting. An All-Star for the second straight year, LaVine’s PPG was good enough for 12th overall, making him the highest scoring player who did not lead his team (behind DeRozan). The Guard also cracked 20 in PER for the second straight year.
22. Jaylen Brown: Boston Celtics, Guard
175 PTS, 66 Games, 2.65 Cup Points per Game, 23.6 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 18.9 PER (Last Year, #34, 139 Points in 58 Games)
Brown was an All-Star last year, and while he did not repeat that honor, his play warranted consideration, and he played the rest of the season with a chip on his shoulder, and proved himself to be the best compliment to Jayson Tatum.
23. Miles Bridges: Charlotte Hornets, Forward
174 PTS, 80 Games, 2.18 Cup Points per Game, 20.2 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 3.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 17.9 PER (Last Year, #77, 64 Points in 66 Games)
Bridges’ did not improve in his third year, but the Power Forward arrived in Year Four, raising his PPG by eight, and PER by nearly three. This could be a future All-Star.
24. Christian Wood: Houston Rockets, Center
168 PTS, 68 Games, 2.47 Cup Points per Game, 17.9 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 19.1 PER (Last Year, #47, 107 Points in 41 Games)
This season was not much different than last year for Wood and the Rockets, as he was the best player on a non-competitive team. Wood’s jump on this rank by over twenty spots, is more of a reflection of a healthier season than anything he did on the court, and this might be as good as Wood gets.
25. Nikola Vucevic: Chicago Culls, Center:
222 PTS, 70 Games, 3.17 Cup Points per Game, 21.5 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 3.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 22.9 PER (Last Year, #8, 222 Points in 70 Games)
Vucevic completed his first full year in Chicago, with the native of Montenegro playing for the best team of his eleven-year career. His stats are considerably lower than last year, but with DeMar DeRozan’s excellent first year in ChiTown, and Zach Lavine, Vucevic dropped to the third option, though it is Chicago who becomes the first team with three players on this list.
26. Darius Garland: Cleveland Cavaliers, Guard
166 PTS, 68 Games, 2.22 Cup Points per Game, 21.7 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 8.6 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 19.0 PER (Last Year, #95, 51 Points in 54 Games)
Cleveland vastly improved in 2021/22, much of which can be attributed to the emergence of Garland, who went to his first All-Star Game. Garland finished sixth in Assists and eighteenth in Points per Game.
27. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Oklahoma City Thunder, Guard
160 PTS, 56 Games, 2.85 Cup Points per Game, 24.5 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 5.9 APG, 5.9 SPG, 1.3 BPG, 20.9 PER (Last Year, #52, 100 Points in 35 Games)
Like last year, Gilgeous-Alexander missed a lot of time due to injury, but was still the best the best player on OKC. This year, SGA earned his first Player of the Week Award, and posted career-highs in all major statistics.
28. Domantas Sabonis: Indiana Pacers & Sacramento Kings, Forward:
159 PTS, 62 Games, 2.57 Cup Points per Game, 18.9 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 5.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 21.9 PER (Last Year, #10, 209 Points in 62 Games)
As part of Indiana’s rebuilding process, they traded Sabonis, their best player to the Kings, and he continue to put up similar numbers as he did in his All-Star years. Sabonis was a one-time Player of the Week this season, and finished third in Rebounds per Game and eighteenth in PER.
29. Jimmy Butler: Miami Heat, Guard
158 PTS, 57 Games, 2.77 Cup Points per Game, 21.4 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 23.6 PER (Last Year, #29 160 Points in 52 Games)
Butler went to his sixth All-Star Game, his second with Miami this year. Also adding another Player of the Week Award, Jimmy “Buckets” finished eleventh in PER this year, down from his fifth-place finish last year.
30. (Tie) Jordan Poole: Golden State Warriors, Guard
152 PTS, 76 Games, 2.00 Cup Points per Game, 18.5 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 4.0 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 16.1 PER (Last Year, #158 23 Points in 76 Games)
Poole is the first player to appear on the standing who was unranked last year, and the third-year Guard played a large part in Golden State’s return as a contender. Increasing his MO from 19.4 to 30.0, Poole led the NBA this year in Free Throw Percentage (.925).
30. (Tie) Bam Adebayo: Miami Heat, Center
152 PTS, 56 Games, 2.71 Cup Points per Game, 19.1 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 21.8 PER (Last Year, #25, 169 Points in 64 Games)
Adebayo returned to a double-double average this year, and his numbers are not far removed from his All-Star season two years ago. This is the second straight year he finished in the top ten in PER.
32. LaMelo Ball: Charlotte Hornets, Guard
151 PTS, 75 Games, 2.01 Cup Points per Game, 20.1 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 7.6 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 19.7 PER. (Last Year, #77, 64 Points in 51 Games)
Last year’s Rookie of the Year is progressing as he should in his second year, jumping up all of his statistics. Ball went to his first All-Star Game this year, and it should be the first of many. He was ninth in Assists per Game this season.
33. Tyler Herro: Miami Heat, Guard
142 PTS, 66 Games, 2.15 Cup Points per Game, 20.7 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 4.0 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 16.2 PER (Last Year, #99, 48 Points in 54 Games)
Herro had a disappoint sophomore campaign based on expectations, but this year he had his first 20-plus PPG, and is likely to win the Sixth Man of the Year.
34. (Tie) Brandon Ingram: New Orleans Pelicans, Forward
139 PTS, 55 Games, 2.53 Cup Points per Game, 22.7 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 5.6 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 18.7 PER (Last Year, #30, 155 Points per Game)
Ingram isn’t that far removed statistically from what he did two years when he was an All-Star, but it is far from a lock to say that he will gain a second one. This year, Ingram gained his third Player of the Week Award, and was twentieth in Points per Game.
34. (Tie) C.J. McCollum: Portland Trail Blazers & New Orleans Pelicans, Guard
139 PTS, 62 Games, 2.24 Cup Points per Game, 22.1 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 5.1 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 18.3 PER (Last Year, 134 Points in 47 Games)
It had to be a frustrating year for McCollum who missed a month from pneumothorax, and it was evident that the Trail Blazers were not going to get any better. He was traded to the Pelicans mid-year, leading them to the play-in, and now that McCollum is 30, it has to be speculated that he has peaked. McCollum was 16th in PPG, and is on a six-year streak of cracking 20 Points PPG, but he has never been to an All-Star Game.
36. Kristaps Porzingis: Dallas Mavericks & Washington Wizards, Forward
138 PTS, 51 Games, 2.71 Cup Points per Game, 20.2 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 2.3 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.6 BPG, 23.7 PER (Last Year, #49, 106 Points in 43 Games)
The Mavericks broke up the Doncic/Porzingis team to the surprise of many, and the brief time that Porzingis was a Wizard, he put up better numbers. In regards to PER, this is the best year that Porzingis has had to date.
37. Chris Paul: Phoenix Suns, Guard
137 PTS, 65 Games, 2.11 Cup Points per Game, 14.7 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 10.8 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 20.8 PER (Last Year, #36, 137 Points in 70 Games)
The ranking of Paul here befuddles even us, but Paul is a player who knows how to make others look good, namely his star teammate, Devin Booker, and that costs him a few Cup Points here and there. Paul won his first Assists Title since 2015 (his fifth overall), though this is also the season of his lowest PPG. Adding another Player of the Week Award this year, Paul could win a Title for the first time.
38. (Tie) Russell Westbrook: Los Angeles Lakers, Guard:
135 PTS, 78 Games, 1.73 Cup Points per Game, 18.6 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 7.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 15.0 PER (Last Year, #7, 236 Points in 65 Games)
Oh boy. This was the worst year for Russell Westbrook in the NBA, and bluntly, many were skeptical at the start of the season that his style would not work with LeBron James with the Lakers. He was never comfortable with his new role, his Cup Points per Game dropped 1.9, and his PER dropped to 15, his lowest ever. His VORP was also a career-low of 0.2, an anemic number for the future Hall of Famer. Westbrook nevertheless still had ten triple-doubles, and still posted numbers traditional metrics that showed up well in a stat sheet; though not for a player like Westbrook.
38. (Tie) Anthony Edwards: Minnesota Timberwolves, Guard
135 PTS, 72 Games, 1.88 Cup Points per Game, 21.3 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 16.5 PER (Last Year, #44, 115 Points in 72 Games)
Edwards was in consideration last year for the Rookie of the Year, and he built on it by having an even better sophomore year. There is still a way for Edwards to go to gain All-Star consideration, but he has it in him.
40. Deandre Ayton: Phoenix Suns, Center
134 PTS, 58 Games, 2.31 Cup Points per Game, 17.2 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 21.9 PER (Last Year, #43, 116 Points in 69 Games)
A four-year pro, Ayton knows his role on this contending Phoenix team. In all of his seasons, Ayton has posted a PER over 20 and a double-double. He ended the year 10th in Rebounds per Game and fourth in Field Goal Percentage while his PER cracked the top 20 for the first time.
41. Fred VanVleet: Toronto Raptors, Guard
131 PTS, 65 Games, 2.02 Cup Points per Game, 20.3 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 4.9 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 17.3 PER (Last Year, #62, 82 Points in 52 Games)
An All-Star for the first time, VanVleet’s gradual improvement continues while cracking 20 Points per Game for the first time in his career.
42. Jrue Holiday: Milwaukee Bucks, Guard
130 PTS, 67 Games, 1.94 Cup Points per Game, 18.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 6.8 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 19.8 PER (Last Year, #65, 74 Points in 59 Games)
Holiday became an NBA Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist last year and finished this season thirteenth in Assists and Ninth in Steals per Game.
43. Desmond Bane: Memphis Grizzlies, Forward
129 PTS, 76 Games, 1.70 Cup Points per Game, 18.2 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 17.6 PER (Last Year, #243, 8 Points in 68 Games)
Bane doubled his PPG in his sophomore year while only increasing his MPG from 22.3 to 29.8. Memphis is a serious contender, and Bane should be receiving more attention for his role in their success.
44. Terry Rozier: Charlotte Hornets, Guard
127 PTS, 73 Games, 1.74 Cup Points per Game, 19.3 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 17.6 PER (Last Year, #42, 119 Points in 69 Games)
Rozier did not match last year’s production, though was very close. It is likely that we are seeing the peak of his capabilities.
45. Jarrett Allen: Cleveland Cavaliers, Center
123 PTS, 56 Games, 2.20 Cup Points per Game, 16.1 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.3 BPG, 23.0 PER (Last Year, #73, 65 Points in 63 Games)
We said last year that Allen went from the penthouse to the outhouse when he was traded from the Nets to Cleveland, but Allen is a large part of a resurging Cavs team. Allen posted career-bests in Points, Rebounds and PER, and the first time All-Star would have been higher had a finger injury not cut into his Games.
46. Khris Middleton: Milwaukee Bucks, Forward
119 PTS, 65 Games, 1.83 Cup Points per Game, 20.1 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 5.4 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 18.1 PER (Last Year, #40, 123 Points in 68 Games)
Middleton went to his third All-Star Game this year, and is now an NBA Champion thanks to Milwaukee’s win last year. Middleton can only get so many Cup Points as Giannis’ teammate, but he is an excellent complement to the MVP.
47. Kyle Kuzma: Washington Wizards, Forward
118 PTS, 66 Games, 1.79 Cup Points per Game, 17.1 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 3.5 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 15.2 PER (Last Year, #84, 62 Points in 68 Games)
Kuzma had to be somewhat upset when the Lakers (LeBron) engineered his trade to the Wizards, but the Forward responded well as a starter.
48. (Tie) R.J. Barrett: New York Knicks, Guard
117 PTS, 70 Games, 1.67 Cup Points per Game, 20.0 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 3.0 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 13.7 PER (Last Year, #47, 107 Points in 72 Games.
Barrett finished his third season with his first 20 PPG year, but the overall game needs to improve if he remains a key part of any team.
48. (Tie) De’Aaron Fox: Sacramento Kings, Guard
117 PTS, 59 Games, 1.98 Cup Points per Game, 23.2 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 5.6 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 17.4 PER (Last Year, #31, 154 Points in 58 Games)
Fox can score, as this was his third straight 20 PPG year, but the holes in his game show by his advanced metrics, which were considerably less than last year.
50. Jalen Brunson: Dallas Mavericks, Guard
116 PTS, 73 Games, 1.59 Cup Points per Game, 16.3 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 4.8 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.0 BPG, 17.1 PER (Last Year, #181, 18 Points in 68 Games)
Brunson became a starter in his fourth season, and naturally posted career-highs due to his increased play (25.0 MPG to 31.9 MPG)
51. Bradley Beal: Washington Wizards, Guard:
115 PTS, 40 Games, 2.88 Cup Points per Game, 23.2 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 6.6 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 17.5 PER (Last Year, #10, 209 Points in 60 Games)
Beal’s season ended early due to season-ending wrist surgery, though his numbers were considerably lower than they were the year before.
52. Anthony Davis: Los Angeles Lakers, Center
113 PTS, 40 Games, 2.83 Cup Points per Game, 23.2 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.2 SPG, 2.3 BPG, 23.9 PER. (Last Year, #50, 101 Points in 36 Games)
This was a disappointing year for Davis and the Lakers, with Davis only appearing in 40 Games, the second year in a row that injuries kept him out of half of the season.
53. Tyrese Maxey: Philadelphia 76ers, Guard
112 PTS, 75 Games, 1.49 Cup Points per Game, 17.5 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 3.2 APG, 4.3 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 16.2 PER. (Last Year, #195, 16 Points in 36 Games)
Maxey was promoted to a starter in his second year, and increased his MPG from 15.3 to 35.3.
54. Saddiq Bey: Detroit Pistons, Forward
109 PTS, 82 Games, 1.33 Cup Points per Game, 16.1 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.8 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 14.0 PER. (Last Year, #117, 36 Points in 70 Games)
Someone from the Pistons had to lead their team in Cup Points, but it was a surprise to us that it was Bey, who is only a sophomore, isn’t the Pistons leader per Game in any of the main five stats, but was healthy and appeared in all 82 Games. That is huge in Cup Standings.
55. Reggie Jackson: Los Angeles Clippers, Guard
107 PTS, 75 Games, 1.41 Cup Points per Game, 16.8 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 4.8 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 12.8 PER. (Last Year, #125, 33 Points in 67 Games)
With all due respect to Jackson, this was not the Clipper that we thought pre-season would be the highest. Jackson does not have a good PER, but his team’s struggles gave him the most playing time since 2014/15, and this year’s PPG is his third highest in his 11 NBA Seasons.
56. Tobias Harris: Philadelphia 76ers, Forward
106 PTS, 73 Games, 1.45 Cup Points per Game, 19.5 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 3.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 20.0 PER (Last Year, #35, 138 Points in 62 Games)
The Sixers are Harris’ fifth team, but he has never been on a team this good, and he meshes well with Embiid, Harden and the rest of the loaded roster. Philadelphia becomes the fourth team to have four listed players, although Harden could be considered a “half” due to his mid-season arrival.
57. Tyrese Haliburton: Sacramento Kings & Indiana Pacers, Guard
101 PTS, 77 Games, 1.31 Cup Points per Game, 15.3 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 8.2 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 20.0 PER (Last Year, #142, 27 Points in 58 Games)
An All-Rookie player last year, Haliburton was traded from rebuilding team to another, and based on the numbers, his play improved in the Hoosier State.
58. (Tie) Jaren Jackson: Memphis Grizzlies, Forward
100 PTS, 78 Games, 1.28 Cup Points per Game, 16.3 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 2.1 BPG, 17.0 PER (Last Year, #295, 4 Points in 11 Games)
This was Jackson’s first year back after a torn meniscus, and he helped Memphis to their best regular season by leading the NBA in Blocks per Game. He also led the NBA in Block Percentage, and was tenth in Defensive Rating.
58. (Tie) Keldon Johnson: San Antonio Spurs, Forward
100 PTS, 75 Games, 1.33 Cup Points per Game, 17.0 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 15.2 PER (Last Year, #105, 41 Points in 69 Games)
In Johnson’s third NBA year, he ascended to be San Antonio’s second-best player behind Dejounte Murray.
58. (Tie) Gary Trent: Toronto Raptors, Guard
100 PTS, 75 Games, 1.33 Cup Points per Game, 18.3 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 14.7 PER (Last Year, #105, 41 Points in 58 Games)
This was Trent’s first full year in Toronto, and to date, it has been the best year of his career. Coincidentally, this is the second straight year that Keldon Johnson and Trent tied each other in Cup Points.
61. Cade Cunningham: Detroit Pistons, Guard
99 PTS, 64 Games, 1.55 Cup Points per Game, 17.4 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 5.6 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 13.1 PER (Last Year, Played in College)
Cade is the first rookie to make this list, though the number one pick is not likely to win the Rookie of the Year. Cunningham higher Cup Points in reference to other high-level rookies were more due to amassing them with little competition from his own teammates in Detroit.
62. Wendell Carter: Orlando Magic, Center
98 PTS, 62 Games, 1.58 Cup Points per Game, 15.0 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 2.8 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 18.4 PER (Last Year, #105, 41 Points in 58 Games)
Carter was Orlando’s third leading scorer, and top rebounder this year, and it took until 62 before we had a player from Orlando, the last team to gain their first player in Cup Standings. He finished the year ninth in Rebounds per Game.
63. (Tie) D’Angelo Russell: Minnesota Timberwolves, Guard
95 PTS, 65 Games, 1.46 Cup Points per Game, 18.1 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 7.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 16.3 PER (Last Year #73, 65 Points in 42 Games)
It can safe to say now that Russell will never be the top dog on a team, but he is settling in well with Minnesota. The former All-Star was eleventh in Assists per Game this year.
63. (Tie) Scottie Barnes: Toronto Raptors, Forward
95 PTS, 74 Games, 1.28 Cup Points per Game, 15.3 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 16.3 PER (Last Year Played in College)
Barnes was the Fourth Overall Pick from Florida State, and his rookie year exceeded expectations.
63. (Tie) Bojan Bogdanovic: Utah Jazz, Forward
95 PTS, 69 Games, 1.38 Cup Points per Game, 18.1 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.0 BPG, 15.7 PER (Last Year, #55, 97 Points in 72 Games)
Bogdanovic is an interesting player as the Power Forward has poor rebounding and blocking skills but can score. That aside, the Jazz find a way to make it work.
66. Jusuf Nurkic: Portland Trail Blazers, Center
94 PTS, 56 Games, 1.68 Cup Points per Game, 15.0 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 20.0 PER (Last Year, #138, 28 Points in 37 Games)
Nurkic was having his best rebounding year before a foot injury shut him down for the year. He was fourth in the NBA in Total Rebound Percentage, and five of the last six years, Nurkic has at least 20 in PER.
67. Cole Anthony: Orlando Magic, Point Guard
93 PTS, 65 Games, 1.68 Cup Points per Game, 16.3 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 5.7 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 13.5 PER (Last Year, #159, 22 Points in 47 Games)
An NBA Sophomore, Anthony started all 65 of his Games and increased his PPG from 12.9 to 16.3 in only 4.6 more Minutes per Game.
68. Andrew Wiggins: Golden State Warriors, Forward
89 PTS, 73 Games, 1.22 Cup Points per Game, 17.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 15.0 PER (Last Year, #54, 98 Points in 71 Games
Wiggins might not have been the perennial All-Star (though he had his first one this year) he was projected to be when he was drafted first overall in 2014, but the NBA world accepts what he is now, and a lot of pressure is off the current Warrior. This season reflects precisely who Wiggins is as a player.
69. Kyrie Irving: Brooklyn Nets, Guard
88 PTS, 29 Games, 3.03 Cup Points per Game, 27.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 5.8 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 21.4 PER (Last Year, #22, 179 Points in 54 Games)
The drama surrounding Kyrie lasted all year, as he refused to be vaccinated, and initially was left off of team, despite being able to play on the road (New York had strict restrictions). The struggling Nets eventually allowed him to join the team on the road, and once New York lifted more mandates, Irving was allowed to play. When Irving was on the court, he was the same great player he always was. Kyrie only played 29 Games, but his PPG this year matched his career-high.
70. Harrison Barnes: Sacramento Kings, Forward
87 PTS, 77 Games, 1.13 Cup Points per Game, 16.4 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 2.4 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 15.7 PER
Barnes completed ten NBA seasons, roughly contributing at the same level for the past eight.
71. Evan Mobley: Cleveland Cavaliers, Forward
86 PTS, 69 Games, 1.25 Cup Points per Game, 15.0 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.7 BPG, 16.1 PER
The Third Overall Pick from USC had a nice rookie year, helping the Cavaliers reach the play-in tournament. Mobley was sixth in Blocks per Game and eleventh in Defensive Win Shares this year.
72. (Tie) Jerami Grant: Detroit Pistons, Forward
85 PTS, 47 Games, 1.81 Cup Points per Game, 19.1 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 16.1 PER (Last Year, #33, 140 Points in 54 Games
Grant dropped from last year’s unexpected output, but it is still the second-best campaign over the Forward’s eight NBA Seasons. Injuries held him to only 47 Games, which likely kept him out of the Top 50 in Cup Points.
72. (Tie) Buddy Hield: Sacramento Kings & Indiana Pacers, Guard
85 PTS, 81 Games, 1.05 Cup Points per Game, 15.6 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 12.9 PER (Last Year, 70 Points in 71 Games)
Hield was traded from Sacramento to Indiana during the season, with his 26 Games with the pacers showing that the change of scenery was more beneficial to his stat line. That was mostly due to starting all games in Indiana, where he was coming off the Bench as a King.
72. (Tie) Clint Capela: Atlanta Hawks, Center
85 PTS, 74 Games, 1.18 Cup Points per Game, 11.1 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 21.4 PER (Last Year, #26, 165 Points in 63 Games)
We thought last year that Capela was widely underappreciated despite winning his first Rebounding Title, but that really can’t be said, as he declined in every facet this season. Capela is still a very good player, especially on defense, but we are remaindered that Centers age out quicker and have to wonder if Capela’s best is behind him. He was still fourth in Rebounds per Game.
75. (Tie) Paul George: Los Angeles Clippers, Forward
84 PTS, 31 Games, 2.71 Cup Points per Game, 24.3 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 5.7 APG, 2.2 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 18.6 PER (Last Year, #27, 162 Points in 54 Games)
The injury bug bit George again, this year with a torn UCL in his elbow. George only played 34 Games, and with Kawhi out for the year, it was incredible just for the Clippers to have made the play-in.
75. (Tie) Anfernee Simons: Portland Trail Blazers, Guard
84 PTS, 57 Games, 1.47 Cup Points per Game, 17.3 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 3.9 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 15.3 PER (Last Year, #233, 9 Points in 64 Games)
Simons finally got to start this year after three years on the bench, and with the lack of talent on the Trail Blazers, he was able to make the most of his time on the court. His PPG went up by 9.5 Points and 2.5 Assists per Game with 12.2 additional Minutes.
77. Aaron Gordon: Denver Nuggets, Guard
82 PTS, 75 Games, 1.09 Cup Points per Game, 15.0 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 15.3 PER (Last Year, #132, 30 Points in 50 Games)
It took 76 more spots before Jokic is joined by another Nugget, and is veteran Gard, Aaron Gordon, who had at least 15 Points per Game for the first time in four years. His 20th place in Field Goal Percentage (.520) marks the first time he finished in the top 20.
78. John Collins: Atlanta Hawks, Forward
81 PTS, 54 Games, 1.50 Cup Points per Game, 16.2 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.6 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 18.7 PER (Last Year, 89 Points in 63 Games)
Collins has played five seasons in the NBA, all with Atlanta, though his best season was two years ago.
79. Jakob Poeltl: San Antonio Spurs, Center
79 PTS, 68 Games, 1.16 Cup Points per Game, 13.5 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 2.8 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.7 BPG, 20.8 PER (Last Year, #113, 37 Points in 69 Games)
In his sixth season in the NBA, Poeltl had his best season to date, finishing fifth in Blocks and seventeenth in Rebounds per Game.
80. (Tie) Kevin Love: Cleveland Cavaliers, Center
78 PTS, 74 Games, 1.05 Cup Points per Game, 13.6 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 19.6 PER (Last Year, #167, 21 Points in 25 Games)
A 14-year veteran, Love is no longer the All-Star he once was, but he had a nice bounce-back year off of the bench.
80. (Tie) Jordan Clarkson: Utah Jazz, Guard
78 PTS, 79 Games, 0.99 Cup Points per Game, 16.0 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 14.9 PER (Last Year, #64, 78 Points in 6 Games)
In other years, Clarkson would be a strong contender for the Sixth Man of the Year, but that belongs to Tyler Herro.
82. Marcus Morris: Los Angeles Clippers, Forward
77 PTS, 54 Games, 1.43 Cup Points per Game, 15.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 13.7 PER (Last Year, #120, 34 Points in 57 Games)
At age 32, Morris likely saw more action this year than anticipated due to the injuries to Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. This is the second time in eleven years that Morris hit 15 Points per Game.
83. (Tie) Spencer Dinwiddie: Washington Wizards & Dallas Mavericks, Guard
76 PTS, 67 Games, 1.13 Cup Points per Game, 13.7 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 5.2 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 15.1 PER (Last Year, Unranked, 0 Points in 3 Games)
Traded midway through the season from Washington to Dallas, Dinwiddie played more as a Wizard than he did with the Mavs, but was more effective in his role in Dallas.
83. (Tie) Will Barton: Denver Nuggets, Guard
76 PTS, 71 Games, 1.07 Cup Points per Game, 14.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 3.9 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 13.4 PER (Last Year, #138, 28 Points in 56 Games)
Completing his tenth season, Barton’s 14.7 PPG was the second highest of his career.
83. (Tie) Bobby Portis: Milwaukee Bucks, Center
76 PTS, 72 Games, 1.06 Cup Points per Game, 14.6 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 17.7 PER (Last Year, #110, 39 Points in 66 Games)
The injury to Brook Lopez necessitated Portis to log more minutes, and he responded with career-highs in Points and Rebounds. He finished the year 18th in Rebounds per Game.
86. Lugentz Dort: Oklahoma City Thunder, Forward
73 PTS, 51 Games, 1.43 Cup Points per Game, 17.2 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 12.3 PER (Last Year, #110, 39 Points in 52 Games)
In his third year, Canada’s Lugentz Dort became a larger part of OKC team, and would have been much higher on this list had a shoulder injury not cost him Games.
87. Evan Fournier: New York Knicks, Guard
72 PTS, 80 Games, 0.90 Cup Points per Game, 14.1 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 12.3 PER (Last Year, #98, 49 Points in 42 Games)
In his first year with the Knicks, this is the first year since 2014/15 where he finished the year under 15.0 Points per Game. Had he not played 80 Games, Fournier likely would not have been in the top 100 in Cup Points.
88. Damian Lillard: Portland Trail Blazers, Guard:
70 PTS, 29 Games, 2.41 Cup Points per Game, 24.0 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 7.3 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 18.5 PER (Last Year, #6, 238 Points in 67 Games)
An abdominal injury held Lillard to under 30 Games, and to add to his frustration, the Trail Blazers went into full rebuilding mode. The days of Lillard in Portland are likely numbered.
89. (Tie) Seth Curry: Philadelphia 76ers & Brooklyn Nets, Guard:
69 PTS, 64 Games, 1.08 Cup Points per Game, 15.0 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 3.6 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 13.7 PER (Last Year, #127, 33 Points in 57 Games)
The first pair of brothers make the top ten, and while Seth will never be Steph, he had his first 15.0 PPG year, and is playing a key role on a contender.
89. (Tie) Franz Wagner: Orlando Magic, Forward:
69 PTS, 79 Games, .87 Cup Points per Game, 15.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 14.7 PER (Last Year, in Europe)
This was the German’s first year in the NBA, and his game got better as the year went on.
91. (Tie) Ivica Zubac: Los Angeles Clippers, Center:
65 PTS, 76 Games, .87 Cup Points per Game, 10.3 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 19.2 PER (Last Year, #143, 27 Points in 72 Games)
Zubac broke the double-digit threshold in PPG this year, and he finished sixth in Offensive Rating (125.6) and True Shooting Percentage (.660).
91. (Tie) Mikal Bridges: Phoenix Suns, Forward:
65 PTS, 82 Games, .79 Cup Points per Game, 14.2 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 14.4 PER (Last Year, #82, 63 Points in 72 Games)
Now a four-year pro (all with Phoenix), Bridges increased his PPG slightly from 13.5 to 14.2, though his Field Goal Percentages across the board dipped. He ended the season eighth in Defensive Win Shares, and he logged the most Minutes of any player this year.
91. (Tie) O.G. Anunoby: Toronto Raptors, Forward:
65 PTS, 48 Games, 1.35 Cup Points per Game, 17.1 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 14.8 PER (Last Year, #107, 40 Points in 43 Games)
Anunoby completed his fifth regular season (all with Toronto) with him setting a personal high in PPG.
94. (Tie) Malcolm Brogdon: Indiana Pacers, Guard
64 PTS, 36 Games, 1.78 Cup Points per Game, 19.0 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 5.9 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 18.0 PER (Last Year, #44, 115 Points in 56 Games)
Brogdon only played 36 Games due to injury, but even when he gets back, he may unable to reach his 2020/21 levels again.
94. (Tie) Norman Powell: Portland Trail Blazers & Los Angeles Clippers, Guard
64 PTS, 45 Games, 1.42 Cup Points per Game, 19.0 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 16.3 PER (Last Year, #58, 91 Points in 69 Games)
Traded during the season for the second straight year, though a foot injury held him to only five Games with his second squad.
96. (Tie) Kevin Porter Jr.: Houston Rockets, Guard
62 PTS, 61 Games, 1.01 Cup Points per Game, 15.6 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 6.2 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 13.5 PER (Last Year, #135, 29 Points in 26 Games)
Playing mostly at Point, Porter Jr. was eighteenth in Assists per Game.
96. (Tie) Mitchell Robinson: New York Knicks, Center
62 PTS, 72 Games, 0.86 Cup Points per Game, 8.5 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 0.5 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.8 BPG, 20.7 PER (Last Year, #135, 29 Points in 26 Games)
At this point, we know who Robinson is, an effective Center who can provide solid defense. Robinson ended the year fourth in Blocks per Game, his highest to date, and was thirteenth in Win Shares and fifteenth in PER, also career-highs.
96. (Tie) Josh Hart: New Orleans Pelicans & Portland Trail Blazers, Forward
62 PTS, 54 Games, 1.15 Cup Points per Game, 14.9 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 16.1 PER (Last Year, #206, 13 Points in 47 Games)
Part of the Blazers/Pelicans trade that saw CJ McCollum leave Portland, and his late surge as a Blazer (19.9) over (13.4) as a Pelican, saw him accumulate Points and pope himself into the Top 100.
99. Kyle Lowry: Miami Heat, Guard
61 PTS, 63 Games, 0.98 Cup Points per Game, 13.4 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 7.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 15.0 PER (Last Year, #69, 68 Points in 48 Games)
Lowry is in his first year in Miami, and though his All-Stars are behind him, he was a great fit for the Heat.
100. (Tie) Kelly Oubre Jr.: Charlotte Hornets, Forward
60 PTS, 76 Games, 0.80 Cup Points per Game, 15.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 14.9 PER (Last Year, #91, 55 Points in 55 Games)
Oubre Jr. had a reduced role, coming off the bench in his first year with the Hornets, though his PPG only dropped by 0.4 despite his MPG falling from 30.7 to 26.3.
100. (Tie) Caris LaVert: Indiana Pacers & Cleveland Cavaliers, Guard
60 PTS, 58 Games, 1.03 Cup Points per Game, 17.0 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 4.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 15.1 PER (Last Year, 65 Points in 47 Games)
Traded during the season for the second straight year, LeVert’s 17.00 PPG is his lowest since 2018/19.
100. (Tie) Klay Thompson: Golden State Warriors, Guard
60 PTS, 32 Games, 1.88 Cup Points per Game, 20.4 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 2.8 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 16.7 PER (Last Year, Injured)
Well look who is back! After two-and-a-half years on the IR, The Splash Brothers were reunited, with Thompson playing like he never left.
Dropping off the Top 100:
(With Last Year’s rank)
(#13): Zion Williamson: New Orleans Pelicans.
Foot issues kept Zion out the whole year, and it is being universally asked if he will ever be a healthy enough player to come close to the expectations that were around him when he was taken number one in 2019.
(#16): Kawhi Leonard: Los Angeles Clippers, Forward:
Leonard did not play this season due to a torn ACL.
(#21). Collin Sexton: Cleveland Cavaliers, Guard:
Sexton suffered a torn meniscus early in the season, rendering him to only 11 Games. He did manage 6 Cup Points this year.
(#38). Michael Porter Jr.: Denver Nuggets, Forward
Porter Jr. was poised for a breakout, but season-ending back surgery took him out after nine Games. He only had four Cup Points this season.
(#52). Andre Drummond: Philadelphia 76ers & Brooklyn Nets, Center
Like last year, Drummond played for two teams (Cleveland and the Los Angeles Lakers), but with the talent on the two squads he played for, he served in only 19.7 Minutes per Game, the lowest of his ten-year career. He finished with 48 Cup Points in 73 Games this year.
(#55). Ben Simmons: Philadelphia 76ers & New Jersey Nets Guard
Simmons had a disaster of a year after demanding a trade out of Philadelphia. He got his wish after piles of fines and was traded to the Nets, where he never played a game during the regular season due to injury and other issues.
(#57). Jamal Murray: Denver Nuggets, Guard
Murray missed the entire season from a torn ACL from the year before.
(#60). Gordon Heyward: Charlotte Hornets, Forward
Heyward consistently dealt with injuries last year, and he finished with 50 Cup Points in 49 Games.
(#61). Richaun Holmes: Sacramento Kings, Center
Holmes missed a lot of game due to personal issues, and when he did play, he regressed from last year. He had 38 Cup Points in 45 Games.
(#63). John Wall: Houston Rockets, Guard
Wall did not play at all this year, as he sat out due to the Rockets desire to push younger talent, which did not resonate with the former All-Star. His giant contract and fear of injuries make Wall a hard player to jettison.
(#66). Kelly Olynyk: Detroit Pistons, Center
This was Olynyk’s first year in Detroit, and he was held to 40 Games due to injury. He only had 19 Cup Points.
(#68). Kemba Walker: New York Knicks, Guard
Walker joined the Nets and could only give them flashes of what he once was. This was his work year in the NBA statistically, and the injuries keep piling up. He had 31 Cup Points in 37 Games.
(#69). Dennis Schroeder: Boston Celtics & Houston Rockets, Guard
Schroeder started the year with the Celtics, and was traded to the Rockets during the year. The German only had a PER of 13.0, and his 13.5 PPG was his lowest since 2015/16. He posted 57 Cup Points in 64 Games.
(#69). Dillon Brooks: Memphis Grizzlies, Forward
Brooks only played 32 Games due to multiple injuries, but he had his highest PPG (18.4) to date. He had 57 Cup Points.
(#69). Tim Hardaway Jr.: Dallas Mavericks, Guard
Injuries held him to 42 Games, and had 35 Cup Points. His 14.2 PPG was his lowest since 2015/16.
(#73). Enes Freedom: Boston Celtics, Center
Kanter saw limited action in Boston, was traded to Houston, released, and was never signed by another team. Due to his stance against China, no NBA team will sign him again.
(#77). Coby White: Chicago Bulls, Forward
The improved Bulls roster, regulated White to the bench again, and he saw a 3.7 MPG decrease this year. He had 24 Cup Points in 61 Games.
(#80). Malik Beasley: Minnesota Timberwolves, Guard
Beasley’s minutes dropped significantly (32.8 to 25.0) as he went back to a mostly bench role. His PPG plummeted from 19.6 to 12.1 but he did manage 45 Cup Points in 79 Games.
(#80). Myles Turner: Indiana Pacers, Center
Turner had 50 Cup Points in 42 Games before a foot injury ended his season. When healthy, there are few can block as well Turner.
(#84). P.J. Washington: Charlotte Hornets, Forward
In Washington’s third season, his Minutes per Game decreased from 30.5 to 27.2 and only started 28 of his 65 Games. He had 18 Cup Points this year.
(#84). Mike Conley Utah Jazz, Guard
Conley had his lowest PPG (13.7) since 2010/11 and had 44 Cup Points in 72 Games.
(#87). Darius Bazley: Oklahoma City Thunder, Forward
Bazley did not show any progression from year two to year three, and saw more playing time than he would on most NBA teams. He finished the year with 31 Cup Points in 69 Games.
(#88). Chris Boucher: Toronto Raptors, Center
Boucher, who was a nice story last year, did not sneak up on anyone in 2021/22. He had 30 Cup Points in 80 Games.
(#89). Montrezl Harrell: Washington Wizards & Charlotte Hornets, Center
Splitting his time between two non-contenders Harrell just missed out with 57 Cup Points.
(#90). Draymond Green: Golden State Warriors, Forward
Green is not the player he once was, but he knows his role (defense), and does it well. He only appeared in 46 Games with 57 Cup Points
(#92). Mason Plumlee: Charlotte Hornets, Center
Plumlee started all 73 of his games in what is his first year in Charlotte, but saw his RPG and PPG drop 1.6 and 3.9 respectively. He only had 13 Cup Points this year.
(#93). Victor Oladipo: Miami Heat, Guard
After recovering from another injury (quad), Oladipo appeared in eight Games, averaging 12.4 Points per Game. He had 8 Cup Points for his efforts.
(#94). Terrence Ross: Orlando Magic, Guard
Ross had a disappointing year with his Field Goal Percentage dropping below .400, his Three-Point Field Goal Percentage went under .300 and his PPG going down to 10, the same number as his PER. He had 22 Cup Points in 63 Games.
(#95). Lonzo Ball: Chicago Bulls, Guard
A knee injury took out Lonzo after 35 Games and 20 Cup Points.
(#99) Bogdan Bogdanovic: Atlanta Hawks, Guard
Bogdanovic had a decent year, but his Shooting Percentages were down from last year, which likely cost him Cup Points, though he did have 50 in 63 Games.
(#99). Kendrick Nunn: Miami Heat, Guard
A knee problem kept Nunn out for the season.
Phew!!! That took a while!
Thank you for reading, and look for more content like this in the future.
