If you are a regular visitor at Notinhalloffame.com, you know that we created the Notinhalloffame NBA Cup, where in every regular season game, we award points (5-4-3-2-1) to the top five performers.  This is the third year that we have done this, and Denver’s Nikola Jokic won the first two.

To keep everyone regularly in the loop this time, we have decided to give regular updates, starting at when the first player cracked 100 Points, and tell all of you the top ten.  We will this going forward with every update as the first player breaches the elevated ten-point threshold afterward.

Here is the current top ten, based on the first player to breach 230 Notinhalloffame Cup Points:

1. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets, 232 Cup Points:  58 Games, 24.3 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 10.0 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 31.3 PER, 12.6 WS.  (#1 on last ranking)

The two-time defending MVP (and NIHOF Cup Champion) remains at the top, despite the pleas of Kendrick Perkins. Jokic is leading the league in PER (31.3), Win Shares (12.6), VORP (7.4) and Box Plus/Minus (13.0).  He is also averaging a triple-double, leading the NBA in that stat, and is third in Rebounds per Game.

2. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks, 227 Cup Points:  57 Games, 33.0 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 8.0 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 29.6 PER, 9.4 WS.  (#2 on last ranking)

Doncic holds at #2, but that spot appears to be in jeopardy as he was recently injured with a thigh injury and is second in scoring (33.0), VORP (6.0) and Box Plus/Minus (9.5) while currently placing third in PER (29.6) and fourth in Win Shares (9.4).  He was an early MVP contender, but that might not be the case anymore.

3 (TIE). Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, 225 Cup Points:  62 Games, 30.3 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 23.7 PER, 8.7 WS.  (#4 on last ranking)

Tatum climbed back into the top three.  He is still a huge threat to win this award, as well as the MVP, though some of his advanced statistics are lacking.  He should finish over 30 Points per Game (he is currently sixth).

3 (TIE). Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers, 225 Cup Points:  52 Games, 33.3 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.6 BPG, 30.8 PER, 9.4 WS.  (#5 on last ranking)

Embiid gets back to the top three, and is a bona fide MVP contender.  He is currently the scoring leader (33.3) and is second in PER (30.8).  Embiid is also in the top five in Wins Shares, VORP and Box Plus/Minus.  Could this be the season he takes Philadelphia all the way?

5. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, 219 Cup Points:  52 Games, 31.2 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 5.5 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 28.5 PER, 7.1 WS. (#3 on last ranking)

The two-time MVP would have probably been on the top had he not missed a series of Games earlier in the season, and he is now dealing with another ailment, which caused him to drop two spots.  He is now a six-time All-Star, and is in the top five in both Points and Rebounds per Game.

6. Julius Randle, New York Knicks, 208 Cup Points:  67 Games, 25.3 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 4.1 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 21.0 PER, 7.9 WS. (#6 on last ranking)

Randle continues to climb the list, and currently has a higher PPG (25.3), than his first All-Star year two years ago (24.1).

7. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, 207 Cup Points:  57 Games, 31.2 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 5.7 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 27.3 PER, 9.4 WS. (#8 on last ranking)

Gilgeous-Alexander went to his first All-Star Game, and is shattering last year’s averages, which were already good.  He is currently dealing with some nagging injuries, but you have to imagine just how pathetic the Thunder would be without SGA.

8. Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies, 205 Cup Points:  53 Games, 27.1 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 8.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 23.8 PER, 5.6 WS. (#6 on last ranking)

The last two weeks of Morant’s life has been a disaster, with a bevy of poor personal decisions that has led to a suspension.  Currently away from the Grizzlies, he has dropped two spots in Cup Point standings from the last update.  This is a man with serious growing up to do.

9. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks, 198 Cup Points:  59 Games, 26.7 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 10.1 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 22.3 PER, 5.4 WS. (#9 on last ranking)

Young is the face of an intriguing Hawks squad, but was unable to make the NBA All-Star Team.  

10. Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz, 189 Cup Points:  59 Games, 25.3 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 22.5 PER, 7.8 WS.  (#10 on last ranking)

Markkanen is now the first player from Finland to be an All-Star and after two months, he returns to the top ten in Cup Points.  This the year of his life.

Our next update will happen after the first player breaches 240 Cup Points.

If you are a regular visitor at Notinhalloffame.com, you know that we created the Notinhalloffame NBA Cup, where in every regular season game, we award points (5-4-3-2-1) to the top five performers.  This is the third year that we have done this, and Denver’s Nikola Jokic won the first two.

To keep everyone regularly in the loop this time, we have decided to give regular updates, starting at when the first player cracked 100 Points, and tell all of you the top ten.  We will this going forward with every update as the first player breaches the elevated ten-point threshold afterward.

Here is the current top ten, based on the first player to breach 220 Notinhalloffame Cup Points:

1. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets, 208 Cup Points:  55 Games, 24.6 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 10.0 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 31.9 PER, 12.3 WS.  (#2 on last ranking)

Well look who is back at the top!  Jokic moves into the top spot and the two-time and defending MVP winner (and NIHOF Cup Champion) is leading the league in PER (31.9), Win Shares (12.3), VORP (7.1) and Box Plus/Minus (13.2).  He is also averaging a triple-double.

2. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks, 216 Cup Points:  53 Games, 33.2 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 8.1 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 30.1 PER, 9.1 WS.  (#4 on last ranking)

Doncic has rebounded to number two, and is the NBA’s current scoring leader (33.2), and is second in VORP (5.8) and Box Plus/Minus (10.0) while currently placing third in PER (30.1) and Win Shares (9.1).

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, 213 Cup Points:  50 Games, 31.3 PPG, 12.0 RPG, 5.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 28.6 PER, 6.8 WS. (#5 on last ranking)

The two-time MVP would have probably been on the top had he not missed a series of Games earlier in the season, but has also been a little hurt lately, though he gained two places.  He is now a six-time All-Star, and is in the top five in both Points and Rebounds per Game.

4. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, 211 Cup Points:  59 Games, 30.3 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 23.8 PER, 8.0 WS.  (#1 on last ranking)

Tatum did not have any Cup Points on his last two Games, and it led to him plummeting three spots from the top to #4.  He is still a huge threat to win this award, as well as the MVP, and should finish over 30 Points per Game (he is currently sixth).

5. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers, 210 Cup Points:  48 Games, 33.0 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.6 BPG, 30.5 PER, 8.6 WS.  (#3 on last ranking)

Embiid slid down two spots to number five, but is a bona fide MVP contender.  He is currently second in PPG (33.0) and is second in PER (30.5).  Embiid is also in the top five in Wins Shares, VORP and Box Plus/Minus.

6. (TIE) Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies, 201 Cup Points:  52 Games, 27.1 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 8.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 23.9 PER, 5.7 WS. (#7 on last ranking)

Morant is the face of the Grizzles, and he is posting similar numbers from last year, when he took Memphis to the next level.  Saying that, Memphis, is in a weird state right now, as is Morant, who has become a somewhat controversial figure.

6. (TIE) Julius Randle, New York Knicks, 201 Cup Points:  64 Games, 25.0 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 4.2 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 21.1 PER, 7.7 WS. (#6 on last ranking)

Randle continues to climb the list, and currently has a higher PPG (24.9), than his All-Star year two years ago.

8. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, 200 Cup Points:  54 Games, 31.0 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 5.7 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 27.3 PER, 9.1 WS. (#6 on last ranking)

Gilgeous-Alexander went to his first All-Star Game, and is shattering last year’s averages, which were already good.  He is currently injured, and fell two spots sine the last update, but has broke through to the upper tier.

9. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks, 188 Cup Points:  55 Games, 27.1 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 10.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 22.2 PER, 5.1 WS. (#9 on last ranking)

Young is the face of an intriguing Hawks squad, but was unable to make the NBA All-Star Team.  

10. Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz, 183 Cup Points:  57 Games, 25.3 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 22.6 PER, 7.7 WS.  (Not on last ranking)

Markkanen is now the first player from Finland to be an All-Star and after two months, he returns to the top ten in Cup Points.  This the year of his life.

Our next update will happen after the first player breaches 230 Cup Points.

If you are a regular visitor at Notinhalloffame.com, you know that we created the Notinhalloffame NBA Cup, where in every regular season game, we award points (5-4-3-2-1) to the top five performers.  This is the third year that we have done this, and Denver’s Nikola Jokic won the first two.

To keep everyone regularly in the loop this time, we have decided to give regular updates, starting at when the first player cracked 100 Points, and tell all of you the top ten.  We will this going forward with every update as the first player breaches the elevated ten-point threshold afterward.

Here is the current top ten, based on the first player to breach 210 Notinhalloffame Cup Points:

1. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, 211 Cup Points:  57 Games, 30.4 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 23.8 PER, 8.0 WS.  (#1 on last ranking)

Tatum remains at #1 and while there are other players who can make a statistical claim as this year’s MVP, Tatum is the best player on the NBA’s best team, and that often translates into an MVP.  This looks to be his first year where he will finish with a PPG over 30.

2. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets, 208 Cup Points:  53 Games, 24.5 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 10.0 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 31.7 PER, 11.7 WS.  (#4 on last ranking)

Jokic again climbs up two spots and the two-time and defending MVP winner (and NIHOF Cup Champion) is leading the league in PER (31.7), Win Shares (11.7), VORP (6.8) and Box Plus/Minus (13.2).  He is also averaging a triple-double, and is probably the biggest threat to Tatum for the MVP.

3. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers, 206 Cup Points:  47 Games, 33.1 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.6 BPG, 30.6 PER, 8.4 WS.  (#5 on last ranking)

Embiid rockets into number three, and is a bona fide MVP contender.  He is currently second in PPG (33.1) and is second in PER (30.9).

4. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks, 204 Cup Points:  51 Games, 33.2 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 8.2 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 30.4 PER, 8.9 WS.  (#3 on last ranking)

Doncic drops again, and is now at number 4.  The now four-time All-Star reclaimed the scoring lead from Joel Embiid   His PER of 30.4 also ranks him third.  He now has Kyrie Irving as a teammate, which will prove intriguing.

5. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, 203 Cup Points:  48 Games, 31.3 PPG, 12.0 RPG, 5.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 28.4 PER, 6.5 WS. (#2 on last ranking)

The two-time MVP would have probably been on the top had he not missed a series of Games earlier in the season, but has also been a little hurt lately, dropping him three spots.  He is now a six-time All-star.

6. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, 200 Cup Points:  54 Games, 31.0 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 5.7 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 27.3 PER, 9.1 WS. (#5 on last ranking)

Gilgeous-Alexander went to his first All-Star Game, and is shattering last year’s averages, which were already good.  He is currently fifth in PPG and SPG, and is second in Win Shares (8.7).  How great will this Canadian be?  

7 (Tie). Julius Randle, New York Knicks, 196 Cup Points:  62 Games, 25.1 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 4.2 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 21.2 PER, 7.3 WS. (#8 on last ranking)

Randle continues to climb the list, and currently has a higher PPG (24.9), than his All-Star year two years ago.

8. Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies, 191 Cup Points:  50 Games, 27.0 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 8.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 23.4 PER, 5.2 WS. (#7 on last ranking)

Morant is the face of the Grizzles, and he is posting similar numbers from last year, when he took Memphis to the next level.

9. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks, 179 Cup Points:  53 Games, 26.9 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 10.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 22.1 PER, 4.9 WS. (#9 on last ranking)

Young is the face of an intriguing Hawks squad, but was unable to make the NBA All-Star Team.  

10. Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz, 174 Cup Points:  56 Games, 25.2 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 22.7 PER, 7.6 WS.  (Not on last ranking)

Markkanen is now the first player from Finland to be an All-Star and after two months, he returns to the top ten in Cup Points.  This the year of his life.

LeBron James, of the Los Angeles Lakers, has fallen off the top ten

Our next update will happen after the first player breaches 220 Cup Points.

If you are a regular visitor at Notinhalloffame.com, you know that we created the Notinhalloffame NBA Cup, where in every regular season game, we award points (5-4-3-2-1) to the top five performers.  This is the third year that we have done this, and Denver’s Nikola Jokic won the first two.

To keep everyone regularly in the loop this time, we have decided to give regular updates, starting at when the first player cracked 100 Points, and tell all of you the top ten.  We will this going forward with every update as the first player breaches the elevated ten-point threshold afterward.

Here is the current top ten, based on the first player to breach 200 Notinhalloffame Cup Points:

1. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, 202 Cup Points:  53 Games, 30.8 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 24.2 PER, 7.8 WS.  (#1 on last ranking)

Tatum remains at #1, and as of this writing, has the largest Cup Points lead to date.  While there are other players who can make a statistical claim as this year’s MVP, Tatum is the best player on the NBA’s best team, and that often translates into an MVP.

2. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, 198 Cup Points:  44 Games, 32.4 PPG, 12.3 RPG, 5.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 28.9 PER, 6.4 WS. (#4 on last ranking)

The two-time MVP would have probably been on the top had he not missed a series of Games earlier in the season.  He is now a six-time All-star.

3. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks, 193 Cup Points:  48 Games, 33.3 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 8.2 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 30.0 PER, 8.2 WS.  (#2 on last ranking)

After missing some games, Doncic drops again, and is now at number 3.  The now four-time All-Star is second in PPG (33.4), sixth in APG (8.2) and is second in VORP (5.1) and Win Shares (8.2).   His PER of 30.0 also ranks him third.  He now has Kyrie Irving as a teammate, which will prove intriguing.

4. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets, 191 Cup Points:  49 Games, 24.9 PPG, 11.4 RPG, 10.1 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 32.0 PER, 10.9 WS.  (#6 on last ranking)

Jokic climbed back up two spots and the two-time and defending MVP winner (and NIHOF Cup Champion) is leading the league in PER (32.0), Win Shares (10.9), VORP (6.4) and Box Plus/Minus (13.3).  He is also averaging a triple-double, and is probably the biggest threat to Tatum for the MVP.

5 (Tie). Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, 188 Cup Points:  51 Games, 31.0 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 5.7 APG, 1.7 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 27.5 PER, 8.7 WS. (#3 on last ranking)

Gilgeous-Alexander went to his first All-Star Game, and is shattering last year’s averages, which were already good.  He is currently fifth in PPG and SPG, and is second in Win Shares (8.7).  How great will this Canadian be?  

5 (Tie). Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers, 188 Cup Points:  43 Games, 33.4 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.6 BPG, 30.9 PER, 7.7 WS.  (#7 on last ranking)

Embiid continues to climb the list, and moves into the top five.  He is currently leading the league in PPG (33.4) and is second in PER (30.9).

7 (Tie). Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies, 180 Cup Points:  46 Games, 27.5 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 8.3 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 24.1 PER, 5.3 WS. (#5 on last ranking)

Morant is the face of the Grizzles, and he is posting similar numbers from last year, when he took Memphis to the next level.

7 (Tie). Julius Randle, New York Knicks, 180 Cup Points:  58 Games, 24.9 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 4.2 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 20.9 PER, 6.5 WS. (#8 on last ranking)

Randle continues to climb the list, and currently has a higher PPG (24.9), than his All-Star year two years ago (24.7).

9. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks, 170 Cup Points:  50 Games, 26.9 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 10.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 21.9 PER, 4.5 WS. (#9 on last ranking)

Young is the face of an intriguing Hawks squad, but was unable to make the NBA All-Star Team.  

10 (Tie). LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, 162 Cup Points:  44 Games, 30.2 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 7.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 25.1 PER, 4.6 WS.  (#10 on last ranking)

How was your week?  LeBron is now the all-time leading scorer, and is still an elite performer who could put it forever out of reach.

Kevin Durant, now of the Phoenix Suns, has fallen off the top ten

Our next update will happen after the first player breaches 210 Cup Points.

If you are a regular visitor at Notinhalloffame.com, you know that we created the Notinhalloffame NBA Cup, where in every regular season game, we award points (5-4-3-2-1) to the top five performers.  This is the third year that we have done this, and Denver’s Nikola Jokic won the first two.

To keep everyone regularly in the loop this time, we have decided to give regular updates, starting at when the first player cracked 100 Points, and tell all of you the top ten.  We will this going forward with every update as the first player breaches the elevated ten-point threshold afterward.

Here is the current top ten, based on the first player to breach 190 Notinhalloffame Cup Points:

1. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, 190 Points:  49 Games, 31.1 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 24.6 PER, 7.3 WS.  (#2 on last ranking)

Tatum moved back to the top, and while he is not at the top of any stat line, he is the biggest star on the NBA’s best team.  He has never finished with a PPG over 30, but he has that currently (31.1).  This could be an MVP season for Tatum.

2. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks, 186 Cup Points:  46 Games, 33.4 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 8.3 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 30.3 PER, 8.8 WS.  (#1 on last ranking)

Doncic drops to number 2, and we can argue that he is also fallen behind Tatum, the player ahead of him, for MVP consideration.  The European superstar is second in PPG (33.4), fourth in APG (8.3) and is second in VORP (5.1) and Win Shares (8.2).   His PER of 30.3 also ranks him second.  Statistically, he is ahead of Tatum, but that might not matter if Tatum’s Celtics finish that much higher than Doncic’s Mavericks.

3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, 175 Cup Points:  47 Games, 30.8 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 5.6 APG, 1.7 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 27.1 PER, 7.8 WS. (#3 on last ranking)

Gilgeous-Alexander is going to be an All-Star this year, and is shattering last year’s averages, which were already good.  How great will this Canadian be?  

4. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, 173 Cup Points:  40 Games, 31.8 PPG, 12.2 RPG, 5.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 27.9 PER, 5.2 WS. (#5 on last ranking)

The two-time MVP is healthy and playing his best basketball of the year.  The “Greek Freak” is positioning himself back in the MVP talk and is third in PPG (31.8) and second in RPG (12.2)

5. Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies, 170 Cup Points:  43 Games, 27.4 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 8.3 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 23.8 PER, 4.8 WS. (#6 on last ranking)

Morant is the face of the Grizzles, and he is posting similar numbers from last year, when he took Memphis to the next level.

6. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets, 169 Cup Points:  44 Games, 25.1 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 10.0 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 32.1 PER, 9.9 WS.  (#3 on last ranking)

Jokic dropped three spots, though that was more from sitting out a game while others around him on this played in more.  The two-time and defending MVP winner (and NIHOF Cup Champion) is leading the league in PER (32.1), Win Shares (9.9), VORP (5.6) and Box Plus/Minus (13.1).

7. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers, 164 Cup Points:  38 Games, 33.5 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.7 BPG, 30.7 PER, 6.7 WS.  (#9 on last ranking)

Embiid is back from a foot issue, and tearing it up.  He took over from Doncic the PPG lead and is second in PER (30.7).

8. Julius Randle, New York Knicks, 156 Cup Points:  52 Games, 24.7 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 4.1 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 20.9 PER, 6.0 WS. (#8 on last ranking)

Randle continues to climb the list, and currently has a higher PPG (24.4), as his All-Star year two years ago (24.7).

9. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks, 154 Cup Points:  46 Games, 27.0 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 9.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 21.6 PER, 3.6 WS. (#10 on last ranking)

Young moves up one spot, and is the face of an intriguing Hawks squad.  

10 (Tie). Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets, 153 Cup Points:  39 Games, 29.7 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 5.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.5 BPG, 26.8 PER, 6.4 WS.  (#5 on last ranking)

The Nets were on fire, and Durant was posting his best numbers over the past three years.  K.D. is now on the injured list with an MCL injury, and will miss a month, that will cost him the MVP and of course, the NIHOF Cup.  He dropped three spots from out last update.

10 (Tie). LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, 153 Cup Points:  41 Games, 30.2 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 7.1 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.5 BPG, 25.1 PER, 4.6 WS.  (Not on last ranking)

Well look who climbed into the top ten!  King James is here, and as always plays his ass off every night.  If he stays healthy, he should be able make the top five by season’s end.

Our next update will happen after the first player breaches 200 Cup Points.

If you are a regular visitor at Notinhalloffame.com, you know that we created the Notinhalloffame NBA Cup, where in every regular season game, we award points (5-4-3-2-1) to the top five performers.  This is the third year that we have done this, and Denver’s Nikola Jokic won the first two.

To keep everyone regularly in the loop this time, we have decided to give regular updates, starting at when the first player cracked 100 Points, and tell all of you the top ten.  We will this going forward with every update as the first player breaches the elevated ten-point threshold afterward.

Here is the current top ten, based on the first player to breach 180 Notinhalloffame Cup Points:

1. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks, 182 Cup Points:  44 Games, 33.8 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 8.6 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 29.9 PER, 7.8 WS.  (#1 on last ranking)

Doncic is still at number #1, but is he is still the MVP front-runner?  The man at #2 is staking a claim for that.  The European star is currently leading the NBA in Points per Game (33.8) and is 4^th in Assists per Game (8.8).  The Mavericks will go as far as Doncic can take them.

2. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, 177 Points:  46 Games, 31.0 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 24.6 PER, 6.8 WS.  (#2 on last ranking)

Tatum is threatening to top the list, and for many is the current front runner for the NBA MVP.  He has never finished with a PPG over 30, but he has that currently (31.0).

3 (Tie). Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets, 160 Cup Points:  42 Games, 25.1 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 9.9 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 32.4 PER, 9.5 WS.  (#3 on last ranking)

The “Joker” has been great lately, and we know someone wants to get that third Cup!  He is currently leading the NBA in PER (32.4), VORP (5.4), Box Plus/Minus (13.2) and Win Shares (9.5).

3 (Tie). Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, 160 Cup Points:  43 Games, 30.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.7 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 27.0 PER, 7.1 WS. (#3 on last ranking)

Gilgeous-Alexander is going to be an All-Star this year, and is shattering last year’s averages, which were already good.  How great will this Canadian be?

5 (Tie). Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets, 153 Cup Points:  39 Games, 29.7 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 5.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.5 BPG, 26.8 PER, 6.4 WS.  (#5 on last ranking)

The Nets were on fire, and Durant was posting his best numbers over the past three years.  K.D. is now on the injured list with an MCL injury, and will miss a month, that will cost him the MVP and of course, the NIHOF Cup.  He dropped three spots from out last update.

6 (Tie). Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies, 153 Cup Points:  39 Games, 27.2 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 7.9 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 23.5 PER, 4.1 WS. (#8 on last ranking)

Morant is the face of the Grizzles, and he is posting similar numbers from last year, when he took Memphis to the next level.

5 (Tie). Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, 153 Cup Points:  36 Games, 30.9 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 5.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 26.9 PER, 4.4 WS. (#6 on last ranking)

The two-time MVP has the least amount of Games Played of anyone else in the top ten, and had he not missed them, would potentially be in the top spot.

8 (Tie). Julius Randle, New York Knicks, 148 Points:  49 Games, 24.6 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 4.0 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 21.1 PER, 5.8 WS. (#9 on last ranking)

Randle continues to climb the list, and currently has a higher PPG (24.4), as his All-Star year two years ago (24.1).

8 (Tie). Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers, 148 Cup Points:  34 Games, 33.6 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.7 BPG, 30.9 PER, 6.1 WS.  (#9 on last ranking)

Embiid is currently second in Points per Game (behind Doncic), but is currently dealing with a foot injury.

10. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks, 142 Points:  43 Games, 27.0 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 9.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 21.4 PER, 3.6 WS. (#10 on last ranking)

Young holds the final spot on the top ten, and is the face of an intriguing Hawks squad.  

Our next update will happen after the first player breaches 170 Cup Points.

If you are a regular visitor at Notinhalloffame.com, you know that we created the Notinhalloffame NBA Cup, where in every regular season game, we award points (5-4-3-2-1) to the top five performers.  This is the third year that we have done this, and Denver’s Nikola Jokic won the first two.

To keep everyone regularly in the loop this time, we have decided to give regular updates, starting at when the first player cracked 100 Points, and tell all of you the top ten.  We will this going forward with every update as the first player breaches the elevated ten-point threshold afterward.

Here is the current top ten, based on the first player to breach 170 Notinhalloffame Cup Points:

1. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks, 174 Cup Points:  42 Games, 33.7 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 8.8 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 30.1 PER, 7.6 WS.  (#1 on last ranking)

Doncic is still at number #1, but is he is still the MVP front-runner?  The man at #2 is staking a claim for that.  The European star is currently leading the NBA in Points per Game (33.7) and is 4^th in Assists per Game (8.8).  The Mavericks will go as far as Doncic can take them.

2. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, 167 Points:  44 Games, 31.2 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 24.8 PER, 6.6 WS.  (#3 on last ranking)

Tatum moves up to number #2, and for many is the current front runner for the NBA MVP.  He has never finished with a PPG over 30, but he has that currently (31.2).

3 (Tie). Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets, 155 Cup Points:  41 Games, 25.1 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 9.9 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 32.3 PER, 9.2 WS.  (#5 on last ranking)

The “Joker” has been great lately, and we know someone wants to get that third Cup!  He is currently leading the NBA in PER (32.3), VORP (5.2), Box Plus/Minus (13.1) and Win Shares (9.2).

3 (Tie). Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, 155 Cup Points:  42 Games, 30.6 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.7 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 26.8 PER, 6.8 WS. (#6 on last ranking)

Gilgeous-Alexander is going to be an All-Star this year, and is shattering last year’s averages, which were already good.  How great will this Canadian be?

5. Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets, 153 Cup Points:  39 Games, 29.7 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 5.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.5 BPG, 26.8 PER, 6.4 WS.  (#2 on last ranking)

The Nets were on fire, and Durant was posting his best numbers over the past three years.  K.D. is now on the injured list with an MCL injury, and will miss a month, that will cost him the MVP and of course, the NIHOF Cup.  He dropped three spots from out last update.

6 (Tie). Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, 148 Cup Points:  35 Games, 31.0 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 5.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 27.1 PER, 4.5 WS. (#4 on last ranking)

The two-time MVP has missed his last five games due to injury, and is dropping in the standings.

6 (Tie). Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers, 148 Cup Points:  34 Games, 33.6 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.7 BPG, 30.9 PER, 6.1 WS.  (#9 on last ranking)

Embiid is currently second in Points per Game (behind Doncic), but is currently dealing with a foot injury.

8. Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies, 146 Cup Points:  34 Games, 27.2 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 7.9 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 23.7 PER, 4.1 WS. (#8 on last ranking)

Morant is the face of the Grizzles, and he is posting similar numbers from last year, when he took Memphis to the next level.

9. Julius Randle, New York Knicks, 140 Points:  47 Games, 24.4 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 3.9 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 20.8 PER, 5.4 WS. (#10 on last ranking)

Randle makes his first appearance this year in the top ten, and currently has a higher PPG (24.4), as his All-Star year two years ago (24.1).

10. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks, 139 Points:  42 Games, 27.1 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 9.8 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0. BPG, 21.5 PER, 3.6 WS. (not on last ranking)

Young returns to the top ten, and is the face of an intriguing Hawks squad.  

Boston’s Jaylen Brown drops off of the top ten.

Our next update will happen after the first player breaches 170 Cup Points.

If you are a regular visitor at Notinhalloffame.com, you know that we created the Notinhalloffame NBA Cup, where in every regular season game, we award points (5-4-3-2-1) to the top five performers.  This is the third year that we have done this, and Denver’s Nikola Jokic won the first two.

To keep everyone regularly in the loop this time, we have decided to give regular updates, starting at when the first player cracked 100 Points, and tell all of you the top ten.  We will this going forward with every update as the first player breaches the elevated ten-point threshold afterward.

Here is the current top ten, based on the first player to breach 160 Notinhalloffame Cup Points:

1. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks, 160 Points:  38 Games, 34.2 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 8.7 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 31.5 PER, 7.5 WS.  (#2 on last ranking)

Doncic is back at #1, and for our money is still he front runner for the MVP.  The European star is currently leading the NBA in Points per Game (34.2) and Usage Percentage (38.6).

2. Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets, 153 Points:  39 Games, 29.7 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 5.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.5 BPG, 26.8 PER, 6.4 WS.  (#1 on last ranking)

The Nets were on fire, and Durant was posting his best numbers over the past three years.  K.D. is now on the injured list with an MCL injury, and will miss a month, that will cost him the MVP and of course, the NIHOF Cup.

3. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, 151 Points:  40 Games, 30.8 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 24.9 PER, 5.9 WS.  (#3 on last ranking)

Tatum continues to get better which should scare the hell out of anybody cheering against the Celtics.  He has never finished a season averaging over 30 Points per Game, and Tatum is over that now, while generating serious MVP consideration.

4. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, 148 Points:  30 Games, 31.0 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 5.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 27.1 PER, 4.5 WS. (#3 on last ranking)

Giannis moves up another spot and the two-time MVP’s Bucks look ready to win it all.  He is in the top five in Rebounds and Points per Game.

5. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets, 145 Points:  38 Games, 24.9 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 9.7 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 32.0 PER, 8.3 WS.  (#5 on last ranking)

The “Joker” has been great lately, and we know someone wants to get that third Cup!  He is currently leading the NBA in PER 32.0, VORP (4.6), Box Plus/Minus (12.5) and Win Shares (8.3).

6. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, 142 Points:  37 Games, 30.8 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 5.6 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 26.6 PER, 5.6 WS. (#6 on last ranking)

Gilgeous-Alexander is going to be an All-Star this year, and is shattering last year’s averages, which were already good.  How great will this Canadian be?

7. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics, 137 Points:  40 Games, 27.2 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 20.3 PER, 3.3 WS. (#8 on last ranking)

Brown’s appearance here gives Boston the only team to have two players in the top ten, and he currently has the highest traditional numbers of his career.  

8. Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies, 134 Points:  34 Games, 27.6 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 7.9 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 24.2 PER, 3.8 WS. (#7 on last ranking)

Morant is the face of the Grizzles, and he is posting similar numbers from last year, when he took Memphis to the next level.

9. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers, 127 Points:  29 Games, 33.6 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.7 BPG, 30.9 PER, 5.2 WS.  (#9 on last ranking)

Embiid is currently second in Points per Game (behind Doncic), but is currently dealing with a foot injury.

10. Julius Randle, New York Knicks, 125 Points:  42 Games, 24.1 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 3.8 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 20.5 PER, 4.8 WS. (#10 on last ranking)

Randle makes his first appearance this year in the top ten, and currently has the same PPG (24.1), as his All-Star year two years ago (24.1).

Our next update will happen after the first player breaches 170 Cup Points.

If you are a regular visitor at Notinhalloffame.com, you know that we created the Notinhalloffame NBA Cup, where in every regular season game, we award points (5-4-3-2-1) to the top five performers.  This is the third year that we have done this, and Denver’s Nikola Jokic won the first two.

To keep everyone regularly in the loop this time, we have decided to give regular updates, starting at when the first player cracked 100 Points, and tell all of you the top ten.  We will this going forward with every update as the first player breaches the elevated ten-point threshold afterward.

Here is the current top ten, based on the first player to breach 150 Notinhalloffame Cup Points:

1. Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets, 152 Points:  38 Games, 30.0 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 5.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.5 BPG, 27.1 PER, 6.4 WS.  (#2 on last ranking)

The Nets are on fire, and whether are winning or losing, Durant always shines.  Currently, he leads the league in Free Throw Percentage (.935).

2. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks, 151 Points:  38 Games, 34.0 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 8.7 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 31.7 PER, 7.2 WS.  (#1 on last ranking)

Doncic dropped to number two, behind KD, but for our money is still he front runner for the MVP.  The European star is currently leading the NBA in Points per Game (34.0) and VORP (4.4).

3 (Tie). Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, 137 Points:  33 Games, 30.7 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 24.9 PER, 5.4 WS.  (#3 on last ranking)

Tatum continues to get better which should scare the hell out of anybody cheering against the Celtics.  He has never finished a season averaging over 30 Points per Game, and Tatum is over that now.

3 (Tie). Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, 137 Points:  30 Games, 32.0 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 5.2 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 27.9 PER, 4.3 WS. (#4 on last ranking)

Giannis moves up another spot and the two-time MVP’s Bucks look ready to win it all.  He is in the top five in Rebounds and Points per Game.

5. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets, 135 Points:  36 Games, 25.3 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 9.5 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 32.0 PER, 7.8 WS.  (#6 on last ranking)

The “Joker” is on fire lately, and we know someone wants to get that third Cup!  He is currently leading the NBA in PER 32.0, Box Plus/Minus (12.3) and Win Shares (7.8).

6. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, 134 Points:  35 Games, 30.9 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 5.7 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 26.6 PER, 5.3 WS. (#5 on last ranking)

Gilgeous-Alexander is going to be an All-Star this year, and is shattering last year’s averages, which were already good.  How great will this Canadian be?

7. Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies, 129 Points:  33 Games, 27.2 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 8.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 24.9 PER, 3.7 WS. (#8 on last ranking)

Morant is the face of the Grizzles, and he is posting similar numbers from last year, when he took Memphis to the next level.

8. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics, 126 Points:  37 Games, 26.9 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 20.4 PER, 3.1 WS. (#7 on last ranking)

Brown’s appearance here gives Boston the only team to have two players in the top ten, and he currently has the highest traditional numbers of his career.  

9. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers, 122 Points:  28 Games, 33.5 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.2 SPG, 1.6 BPG, 30.7 PER, 5.0 WS.  (#8 on last ranking)

Embiid is currently second in Points per Game (behind Doncic), but is currently dealing with a foot injury.

10. Julius Randle, New York Knicks, 117 Points:  40 Games, 24.4 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 3.8 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 20.9 PER, 4.9 WS. (Not on last ranking)

Randle makes his first appearance this year in the top ten, and is currently boasting a higher PPG (24.4), than his All-Stat year two years ago (24.1).

DeMar DeRozan of the Chicago Bull fell off the top ten, just after making it on.

Our next update will happen after the first player breaches 160 Cup Points.

If you are a regular visitor at Notinhalloffame.com, you know that we created the Notinhalloffame NBA Cup, where in every regular season game, we award points (5-4-3-2-1) to the top five performers.  This is the third year that we have done this, and Denver’s Nikola Jokic won the first two.

To keep everyone regularly in the loop this time, we have decided to give regular updates, starting at when the first player cracked 100 Points, and tell all of you the top ten.  We will this going forward with every update as the first player breaches the elevated ten-point threshold afterward.

Here is the current top ten, based on the first player to breach 130 Notinhalloffame Cup Points:

1. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks, 144 Points:  34 Games, 34.2 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 8.9 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 32.5 PER, 7.3 WS.  (#1 on last ranking)

Doncic pulled back as the lone top man in Cup Points, and for our money, he is the current favorite for the MVP.  Doncic just took over as the scoring leader (34.2), and is also tops in the standings in Win Shares (7.3) and VORP (4.4).

2. Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets, 137 Points:  35 Games, 29.7 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 5.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.5 BPG, 26.6 PER, 5.7 WS.  (#2 on last ranking)

The Nets are on fire, and whether are winning or losing, Durant always shines.

3. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, 128 Points:  34 Games, 31.0 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 25.1 PER, 5.2 WS.  (#3 on last ranking)

Tatum continues to get better which should scare the hell out of anybody cheering against the Celtics.  He has never finished a season averaging over 30 Points per Game, and Tatum is over that now.

4. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, 127 Points:  30 Games, 32.1 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 5.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 28.4 PER, 4.2 WS. (#5 on last ranking)

Giannis moves up another spot and the two-time MVP’s Bucks look ready to win it all.  He is in the top five in Rebounds and Points per Game.

5. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, 125 Points:  33 Games, 30.8 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 5.8 APG, 1.7 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 26.6 PER, 5.0 WS. (#3 on last ranking)

Gilgeous-Alexander is going to be an All-Star this year, and is shattering last year’s averages, which were already good.  How great will this Canadian be?

6. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets, 121 Points:  32 Games, 25.5 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 9.5 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 31.9 PER, 6.8 WS.  (#6 on last ranking)

The “Joker” is on fire lately, and we know someone wants to get that third Cup!  He is currently leading the NBA in PER 32.3, Box Plus/Minus (12.1).

7. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics, 119 Points:  34 Games, 27.0 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 21.0 PER, 2.8 WS. (#7 on last ranking)

Brown’s appearance here gives Boston the only team to have two players in the top ten, and he currently has the highest traditional numbers of his career.  

8. (Tie) Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies, 117 Points:  30 Games, 27.0 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 8.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 23.4 PER, 3.1 WS. (#9 on last ranking)

Morant is the face of the Grizzles, and he is posting similar numbers from last year, when he took Memphis to the next level.

8 (Tie). Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers, 117 Points:  27 Games, 33.2 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.2 SPG, 1.6 BPG, 30.3 PER, 4.8 WS.  (#8 on last ranking)

Embiid makes his 2022/23 top ten debut, and is currently second in Points per Game (behind Doncic).

10. DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls, 105 Points:  36 Games, 26.2 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 22.3 PER, 4.6 WS. (Not on last ranking)

DeMar DeRozan makes his first appearance this year in the top ten, and is proving that his comeback last year was no fluke.

Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors fell off the top ten.

Our next update will happen after the first player breaches 150 Cup Points.

If you are a regular visitor at Notinhalloffame.com, you know that we created the Notinhalloffame NBA Cup, where in every regular season game, we award points (5-4-3-2-1) to the top five performers.  This is the third year that we have done this, and Denver’s Nikola Jokic won the first two.

To keep everyone regularly in the loop this time, we have decided to give regular updates, starting at when the first player cracked 100 Points, and tell all of you the top ten.  We will this going forward with every update as the first player breaches the elevated ten-point threshold afterward.

Here is the current top ten, based on the first player to breach 130 Notinhalloffame Cup Points:

1. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks, 134 Points:  32 Games, 33.6 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 8.8 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 31.5 PER, 6.5 WS.  (#1 on last ranking)

Doncic pulled back as the lone top man in Cup Points, and for our money, he is the current favorite for the MVP.  At present, he is leading the NBA in VORP (3.9), and is second in Points, fourth in Assists, and sixth in Steals per Game.

2. Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets, 133 Points:  34 Games, 29.9 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 5.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.5 BPG, 26.8 PER, 5.5 WS.  (#1 on last ranking)

The Nets are on fire, and whether are winning or losing, Durant always shines.

3. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, 125 Points:  33 Games, 31.1 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 25.5 PER, 5.2 WS.  (#4 on last ranking)

Tatum continues to get better which should scare the hell out of anybody cheering against the Celtics.  He has never finished a season averaging over 30 Points per Game, and Tatum is over that now.

3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, 123 Points:  31 Games, 31.5 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 5.8 APG, 1.7 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 27.4 PER, 5.0 WS.  (#3 on last ranking)

Gilgeous-Alexander is going to be an All-Star this year, and is shattering last year’s averages, which were already good.  How great will this Canadian be?

5.  Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, 122 Points:  29 Games, 31.7 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 5.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 28.1 PER, 3.9 WS. (#5 on last ranking)

Giannis is back where he belongs in the top five and the two-time MVP’s Bucks look ready to win it all.  He is in the top five in Rebounds and Points per Game.

6. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets, 116 Points:  31 Games, 25.7 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 9.4 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 32.3 PER, 6.6 WS.  (#6 on last ranking)

The “Joker” is on fire lately, and we know someone wants to get that third Cup!  He is currently leading the NBA in PER 32.3, Box Plus/Minus (12.2) and Win Shares (6.6).

7. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics, 115 Points:  33 Games, 27.0 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 20.2 PER, 2.9 WS. (#7 on last ranking)

Brown’s appearance here gives Boston the only team to have two players in the top ten, and he currently has the highest traditional numbers of his career.  

8. Joel Embiid, Phila, 109 Points:  25 Games, 33.7 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.6 BPG, 30.6 PER, 4.6 WS.  (Not on last ranking)

Embiid makes his 2022/23 top ten debut, and is currently leading the NBA in Points per Game, which is currently higher than last year’s league lead.

9.  Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies, 108 Points:  28 Games, 27.1 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 7.8 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 23.3 PER, 2.8 WS. (#10 on last ranking)

Morant is the face of the Grizzles, and he is posting similar numbers from last year, when he took Memphis to the next level.

10. Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors, 102 Points:  26 Games, 30.0 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 6.8 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 26.7 PER, 4.1 WS. (#7 on last ranking)

Curry is now out with an injury, and just hung on to a top ten spot.  He will be off by the next update.

Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers fell off the top ten.

Our next update will happen after the first player breaches 140 Cup Points.

d Cavaliers fell off the top ten.

Our next update will happen after the first player breaches 140 Cup Points.

If you are a regular visitor at Notinhalloffame.com, you know that we created the Notinhalloffame NBA Cup, where in every regular season game, we award points (5-4-3-2-1) to the top five performers.  This is the third year that we have done this, and Denver’s Nikola Jokic won the first two.

To keep everyone regularly in the loop this time, we have decided to give regular updates, starting at when the first player cracked 120 Points, and tell all of you the top ten.  We will this going forward with every update as the first player breaches the elevated ten-point threshold afterward.

Here is the current top ten, based on the first player to breach 120 Notinhalloffame Cup Points:

1 (Tie). Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets, 121 Points:  31 Games, 30.1 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 5.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.6 BPG, 27.0 PER, 5.0 WS.  (#2 on last ranking)

Durant moves back up to the top spot, albeit in a tie, and sure enough, he also shares the most amount of Points (934) with Luka Doncic, though KD has played two more Games.

1 (Tie). Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks, 121 Points:  29 Games, 32.2 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 8.7 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 30.3 PER, 5.3 WS.  (#1 on last ranking)

Doncic remains at the top (though now tied with Durant) and should be considered the top contender for the MVP.  At present, he is second in Points per Game behind Joel Embiid, and is also topping the stat line in VORP (3.6).

3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, 113 Points:  29 Games, 31.2 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 5.7 APG, 1.7 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 27.0 PER, 4.5 WS.  (#5 on last ranking)

Gilgeous-Alexander is going to be an All-Star this year, and is shattering last year’s averages, which were already good.  How great will this Canadian be?

4. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, 111 Points:  30 Games, 30.6 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 24.9 PER, 4.4 WS.  (#3 on last ranking)

Tatum continues to get better which should scare the hell out of anybody cheering against the Celtics.  He has never finished a season averaging over 30 Points per Game, and Tatum is over that now.

5.  Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, 110 Points:  26 Games, 31.6 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 5.1 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 28.8 PER, 3.7 WS. (#5 on last ranking)

Giannis is back where he belongs in the top five and the two-time MVP’s Bucks look ready to win it all.  He is in the top five in Rebounds and Points per Game.

6. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets, 103 Points:  27 Games, 24.7 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 9.2 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 32.0 PER, 5.5 WS.  (#10 on last ranking)

The “Joker” is on fire lately, and we know someone wants to get that third Cup!  He is currently leading the NBA in Box Plus/Minus (12.0) and Win Shares (5.5).

7 (Tie). Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics, 102 Points:  30 Games, 26.2 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 19.8 PER, 2.3 WS. (#7 on last ranking)

Brown’s appearance here gives Boston the only team to have two players in the top ten, and he currently has the highest traditional numbers of his career.  

7 (Tie). Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors, 102 Points:  26 Games, 30.0 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 6.8 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 26.7 PER, 4.1 WS. (#4 on last ranking)

Curry is now out with an injury, and will likely be out of the top ten by the next update.

9. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, 99 Points:  29 Games, 29.5 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 24.8 PER, 4.9 WS.  (Not on last ranking)

Mitchell returns to the top ten, and more and more it looks like he was the true star of his previous team, Utah.

10.  Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies, 98 Points:  25 Games, 27.0 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 7.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 23.8 PER, 2.6 WS. (#10 on last ranking)

Morant is the face of the Grizzles, and he is posting similar numbers from last year, when he took Memphis to the next level.

Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers fell off the top ten.

Our next update will happen after the first player breaches 130 Cup Points.

If you are a regular visitor at Notinhalloffame.com, you know that we created the Notinhalloffame NBA Cup, where in every regular season game, we award points (5-4-3-2-1) to the top five performers.  This is the third year that we have done this, and Denver’s Nikola Jokic won the first two.

To keep everyone regularly in the loop this time, we have decided to give regular updates, starting at when the first player cracked 110 Points, and tell all of you the top ten.  We will this going forward with every update as the first player breaches the elevated ten-point threshold afterward.

Here is the current top ten, based on the first player to breach 110 Notinhalloffame Cup Points:

1. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks, 110 Points:  25 Games, 33.1 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 8.8 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 30.9 PER, 4.8 WS.  (#1 on last ranking)

Doncic remains at the top and should be considered the top contender for the MVP.  At present, he is the current scoring leader, and is also topping the stat line in Minutes per Game (36.8), PER, Win Shares and VORP (3.0).

2. Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets, 107 Points:  28 Games, 30.0 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 5.5 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.7 BPG, 26.8 PER, 4.6 WS.  (#2 on last ranking)

Durant’s Nets were the most dysfunctional team in the NBA early in the season, but Durant remained calm and is flirting with finishing with his first 30 Points per Game season in years.  He is currently leading the league in Minutes Played (1,028).

3. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, 98 Points:  27 Games, 29.7 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 24.3 PER, 3.7 WS.  (#3 on last ranking)

Tatum continues to get better which should scare the hell out of anybody cheering against the Celtics.  He has never finished a season averaging over 30 Points per Game, which he was over until this week.

4. Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors, 97 Points:  24 Games, 30.0 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 7.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 26.3 PER, 4.0 WS. (#4 on last ranking)

Curry only played one Game in this period, but did enough to hold on to the fourth spot.  The Warriors are only one game over .500, a disappointment for the defending champions, but Curry is as good as he has ever been.

5 (Tie).  Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, 95 Points:  22 Games, 31.1 PPG, 11.3 RPG, 5.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 28.3 PER, 3.1 WS. (#6 on last ranking)

Giannis is back where he belongs in the top five and the two-time MVP’s Bucks look ready to win it all.  He is in the top five in Rebounds and Points per Game.

5 (Tie). Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, 95 Points:  25 Games, 31.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 5.8 APG, 1.8 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 27.8 PER, 4.1 WS.  (#5 on last ranking)

Gilgeous-Alexander is going to be an All-Star this year, and is shattering last year’s averages, which were already good.

7. (Tie). Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics, 89 Points:  26 Games, 26.6 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 20.9 PER, 2.4 WS. (#9 on last ranking)

Brown’s appearance here gives Boston the only team to have two players in the top ten, and he currently has the highest traditional numbers of his career.  He also has two consecutive ranking updates where he elevated his position.

8.  Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies, 88 Points:  22 Games, 27.7 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 7.8 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 24.3 PER, 2.5 WS. (#8 on last ranking)

Morant is the face of the Grizzles, and he is posting similar numbers from last year, when he took Memphis to the next level.

9. Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers, 87 Points:  23 Games, 27.7 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.3 SPG, 2.2 BPG, 32.3 PER, 4.7 WS.  (Not on last ranking)

Davis returns to the top ten, and if Los Angeles will make the playoffs, it will mostly because of him and not LeBron James.  He is currently the leading rebounder and his PER is also leading the league.

10. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets, 86 Points:  23 Games, 23.8 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 9.1 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 31.5 PER, 4.6 WS.  (Not on last ranking)

Jokic finally worked his way into the top ten, and needs others to falter to retain his Title.

Devin Booker of Phoenix and Donovan Mitchell fell off the top ten.

Our next update will happen after the first player breaches 120 Cup Points.

Two months ago, we awarded Nikola Jokic as the winner of the second Notinhalloffame NBA Cup.

What was that?

With every single regular season game, we anointed the best five players in the game with descending points, 5-4-3-2-1.  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.  

Here is the addition to that.

We continued the process through the playoffs to create the first ever Notinhalloffame Pure Cup, combining both the regular season and playoffs.

Could Jokic, win the Notinhalloffame.com Pure Cup?  Amazingly, Yes!

Here are the top 100 2021/22 rankings for the NBA NIHOF PURE CUP:

1. Nikola Jokic: Denver Nuggets, Center:

353 Points, 331 Regular Season, 19 Playoff. (#1 Regular Season)

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.  The Nuggets only lasted five Games in the Playoffs, losing in five to eventual winner, Golden State, but the Serbian Superstar was so far ahead of everyone else going into the post-season, the Playoff Cup Points he accumulated were enough to win this.

2. Jayson Tatum: Boston Celtics, Forward:

347 Points, 274 Regular Season, 73 Playoff. (#4 Regular Season)

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.  While much was written about Tatum’s failure in the last game of the NBA Finals, he was incredible throughout, and was also the inaugural winner of the Eastern Conference Finals MVP.

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo: Milwaukee Bucks, Forward:

339 Points, 289 Regular Season, 50 Playoff. (#3 Regular Season)

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 75^th Anniversary Team, Giannis was twice a two-time Player of the Week.  What can’t he do?

4. Joel Embiid: Philadelphia 76ers, Center:

326 Points, 292 Regular Season, 34 Playoff. (#2 Regular Season)

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.  The Sixers fell in the second round and the “Process” continues.

5. Luka Doncic: Dallas Mavericks, Guard:

262 Points, 292 Regular Season, 63 Playoff. (#6 Regular Season)

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.  In the playoffs, Doncic took the Mavs to the Western Conference Finals, and showed that there is even a higher level in his game.

6. Steph Curry: Golden State Warriors, Guard: 

285 Points, 210 Regular Season, 75 Playoff. (#12 Regular Season)

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.  In the Playoffs, Curry won both the Western Conference Final MVP and the Finals MVP, and led Golden State to the title.  Curry also led all players in Playoff Cup Points.

7. Trae Young: Atlanta Hawks, Guard:

284 Points, 267 Regular Season, 17 Playoff. (#6 Regular Season)

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.

8. Devin Booker: Phoenix Suns, Guard:

265 Points, 240 Regular Season, 26 Playoff. (#7 Regular Season)

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, though the Suns were disappointing in the playoffs.

9. Karl-Anthony Towns: Minnesota Timberwolves, Center:

257 Points, 240 Regular Season, 17 Playoff. (#7 Regular Season)

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, and brought Minnesota back to the playoffs.

10. DeMar DeRozan: Chicago Bulls, Forward

244 Points, 239 Regular Season, 5 Playoff. (#9 Regular Season)

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, though none of that was evident in the playoffs.

11. Jaylen Brown: Boston Celtics, Guard

233 Points, 275 Regular Season, 58 Playoff. (#22 Regular Season)

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.  In the post season, Brown was instrumental in the Celtics making it to the NBA Finals.  We can’t wait to see what is next for the budding superstar.

12. Kevin Durant: Brooklyn Nets, Forward

227 Points, 217 PTS, 10 Playoff (#12 Regular Season)

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.  The Nets fizzled in the playoffs, and KD is once again seeking greener pastures.

13. LeBron James: Los Angeles Lakers, Forward

225 Points, 225 Regular Season, 0 Playoff. (#13 Regular Season) 

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.

14. Ja Morant: Memphis Grizzlies, Guard

223 Points, 193 Regular Season, 30 Playoff (#17 Regular Season

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, and they are coming off the best year of the franchise.  The best is yet to come.

15. Rudy Gobert: Utah Jazz, Center:

223 Points, 209 Regular Season, 14 Playoff (#15 Regular Season)

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.  After Utah failed in the playoffs, he was shipped off to Minnesota.

16 (Tie). Jimmy Butler: Miami Heat, Guard

220 Points, 158 Regular Season, 62 Playoff (#29 Regular Season)

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.  Butler was Miami’s best player (no shock) in their deep 2022 playoff run.

16 (Tie). Pascal Siakam: Toronto Raptors, Forward

220 Points, 205 Regular Season, 15 Playoff (#14 Regular Season)

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).

18. Donovan Mitchell: Utah Jazz, Guard

213 Points, 197 Regular Season, 16 Playoff (#16 Regular Season)

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, though they were not a cohesive unit off the court.  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).  With the trade of Gobert to the Timberwolves, this is now Mitchell’s team.

19. Dejounte Murray: San Antonio Spurs, Guard

202 Points. 202 Regular Season, 0 Playoff (#15 Regular Season)

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 was the unequivocal leader of San Antonio; that is until he was traded to Atlanta in the off-season.

20. Jonas Valancuinas: New Orleans Pelicans, Center:

195 Points. 179 Regular Season, 16 Playoff (#18 Regular Season)

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.

21. (Tie) James Harden: Brooklyn Nets & Philadelphia 76ers Guard

193 Points. 179 Regular Season, 14 Playoff (#18 Regular Season)

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.  His playoff performance was also lacking, and the peak seems to be over for the Beard.

22. (Tie) Jordan Poole: Golden State Warriors, Guard

152 Regular Season, 33 Playoff, (#30 Regular Season)

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).   Poole had an excellent playoff and was tied for tenth in post-season Cup Points.

22. (Tie) Bam Adebayo: Miami Heat, Center

152 Regular Season, 33 Playoff, (#30 Regular Season)

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.  Still improving, Adebayo was a large part of Miami’s Eastern Conference Final appearance.

24. Zach LaVine: Chicago Bears, Guard:

180 Points, 176 Regular Season, 4 Playoff (#24 Regular Season)

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 12^th 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.

25. Nikola Vucevic: Chicago Culls, Center:

179 Points, 167 Regular Season, 8 Playoff (#25 Regular Season)

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. Julius Randle: New York Knicks, Forward:

177 Points, 177 Regular Season, 0 Playoff (#20 Regular Season)

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.

27. Miles Bridges: Charlotte Hornets, Forward 

174 Points, 174 Regular Season, 0 Playoff (#23 Regular Season)

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.  While we pegged him as a future All-Star after the season, his stock plummeted due to a domestic violence claim that will cost him millions; especially as he was entering free Agency.

28. Darius Garland: Cleveland Cavaliers, Guard

171PTS, 168 Regular Season, 3 Playoff (#26 Regular Season)

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, and helped lead the Cavs back to the playoffs.

29. Christian Wood: Houston Rockets, Center

168 Points, 168 Regular Season, 0 Playoff (#24 Regular Season)

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.  

30. Deandre Ayton: Phoenix Suns, Center

164 Points, 134 Regular Season, 30 Playoff (#40 Regular Season)

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 10^th in Rebounds per Game and fourth in Field Goal Percentage while his PER cracked the top 20 for the first time.  Ayton had the most Playoff Cup Points of any Sun.

31. Brandon Ingram: New Orleans Pelicans, Forward

162 Points, 139 Regular Season, 23 Playoff (#34 Regular Season)

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.  Ingram had the most Playoff Cup Points of any Pelican.

32 (Tie). Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Oklahoma City Thunder, Guard

160 PTS, 160 Regular Season, 0 Playoff (#27 Regular Season)

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.  

33. (Tie) Chris Paul: Phoenix Suns, Guard

160 Points 137 Regular Season, 23 Playoff (#37 Regular Season)

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 will have to try again next year to win his first title as Phoenix fell short this year.

34. Domantas Sabonis: Indiana Pacers & Sacramento Kings, Forward:

159 Points, 159 Regular Season, 0 Playoff, (#28 Regular Season)

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.

35.  Anthony Edwards: Minnesota Timberwolves, Guard

154 Points, 135 Regular Season, 19 Playoff (#38 Regular Season)

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.

36. LaMelo Ball: Charlotte Hornets, Guard 

153 Points, 151 Regular Season, 2 Playoff (#32 Regular Season)

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.

37. C.J. McCollum: Portland Trail Blazers & New Orleans Pelicans, Guard

152 Points, 139 Regular Season, 13 Playoff (#34 Regular Season)

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 16^th in PPG, and is on a six-year streak of cracking 20 Points PPG, but he has never been to an All-Star Game.

38. (Tie) Desmond Bane: Memphis Grizzlies, Forward 

149 Regular Season, 17 Playoff (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, especially after his solid post season

38. (Tie) Tyler Herro: Miami Heat, Guard

149 Points, 142 Regular Season, 7 Playoff (#33 Regular Season)

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.  

40. Jalen Brunson: Dallas Mavericks, Guard

146 Points, 116 Regular Season, 30 Playoff (#50 Regular Season)

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). Brunson’s playoff show that we could have a future All-Star.

41. Jrue Holiday: Milwaukee Bucks, Guard 

144 Points, 130 Regular Season, 14 Playoff (#42 Regular Season)

Holiday became an NBA Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist last year and finished this season thirteenth in Assists and Ninth in Steals per Game.

42. Kristaps Porzingis: Dallas Mavericks & Washington Wizards, Forward

138 Points, 138 Regular Season, 0 Playoff (#36 Regular Season)

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.

43. Russell Westbrook: Los Angeles Lakers, Guard:

135 Points, 135 Regular Season, 0 Playoff (#38 Regular Season)

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.

44. Tyrese Maxey: Philadelphia 76ers, Guard

134 Points, 112 Regular Season, 22 Playoff (#53 Regular Season)

Maxey was promoted to a starter in his second year, and increased his MPG from 15.3 to 35.3.  His playoff performance accelerated the belief that Maxey is a potential superstar.

45. Fred VanVleet: Toronto Raptors, Guard 

131 Points, 131 Regular Season, 0 Playoff (#41 Regular Season)

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.

46. Terry Rozier: Charlotte Hornets, Guard

127 Points, 127 Regular Season, 0 Playoff (#44, Regular Season)

Rozier did not match last year’s production, though was very close.  It is likely that we are seeing the peak of his capabilities.

47. Jarrett Allen: Cleveland Cavaliers, Center 

123 Points, 123 Regular Season, 0 Playoff (#45, Regular Season)

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.

48. Khris Middleton: Milwaukee Bucks, Forward

119 Points, 119 Regular Season, 0 Playoff (#46 Regular Season)

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.  His post-season absence due to injury was reflected in Milwaukee’s disappoint 2022 playoff.

49. (Tie) Tobias Harris: Philadelphia 76ers, Forward

118 Points, 106 Regular Season, 12 Playoff (#56 Regular Season)

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.

49. (Tie) Kyle Kuzma: Washington Wizards, Forward

118 Points, 118 Regular Season, 0 Playoff (#47 Regular Season)

Kuzma had to be somewhat upset when the Lakers (LeBron) engineered his trade to the Wizards, but the Forward responded well as a starter.

51. (Tie) R.J. Barrett: New York Knicks, Guard

117 Points, 117 Regular Season, 0 Playoff (#48 Regular Season)

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.  

51. (Tie) De’Aaron Fox: Sacramento Kings, Guard

117 Points, 117 Regular Season, 0 Playoff (#48 Regular Season)

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.

53. Bradley Beal: Washington Wizards, Guard:

115 Points, 115 Regular Season, 0 Playoff, (#51 Regular Season)

Beal’s season ended early due to season-ending wrist surgery, though his numbers were considerably lower than they were the year before.  

54. Andrew Wiggins: Golden State Warriors, Forward

114 Points, 89 Regular Season, 25 Playoff (#68 Regular Season)

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, though this should not discount that he played a solid role in Golden State’s 2022 Championship.

55. (Tie) Anthony Davis: Los Angeles Lakers, Center

113 Points, 113 Regular Season, 0 Playoff (#52 Regular Season)

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. 

55. (Tie) Jaren Jackson: Memphis Grizzlies, Forward

113 Points, 100 Regular Season, 13 Playoff (#58 Regular Season)

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.

57. Reggie Jackson: Los Angeles Clippers, Guard

110 Points, 107 Regular Season, 3 Playoff, (#55 Regular Season)

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.

58. Saddiq Bey: Detroit Pistons, Forward

109 Points, 109 Regular Season, 0 Playoff (#54 Regular Season)

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.

59. Gary Trent: Toronto Raptors, Guard

108 Points, 100 Regular Season, 9 Playoff (#58 Regular Season)

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.

60. (Tie) D’Angelo Russell: Minnesota Timberwolves, Guard 

102 Points, 96 Regular Season, 6 Playoff (#63 Regular Season)

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.

61. Tyrese Haliburton: Sacramento Kings & Indiana Pacers, Guard

101 Points, 101 Regular Season, 0 Playoff (#61 Regular Season)

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.

62. (Tie) Keldon Johnson: San Antonio Spurs, Forward

100 Points, 100 Regular Season, 0 Playoff (#58 Regular Season)

In Johnson’s third NBA year, he ascended to be San Antonio’s second-best player behind Dejounte Murray.

62. (Tie) Bojan Bogdanovic: Utah Jazz, Forward 

100 Points, 95 Regular Season, 5 Playoff (#63 Regular Season)

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.

64. Cade Cunningham: Detroit Pistons, Guard

99 Points, 99 Regular Season, 0 Playoff (#61 Regular Season)

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.

65. (Tie) Kyrie Irving: Brooklyn Nets, Guard

98 Points, 88 Regular Season, 10 Playoff (#69 Regular Season)

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.  Sadly, it was a disappointing post-season for Irving and the Nets overall.

65. (Tie) Wendell Carter: Orlando Magic, Center

98 Points, 98 Regular Season, 0 Playoff (#62 Regular Season)

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.

67. Scottie Barnes: Toronto Raptors, Forward 

95 Points, 95 Regular Season, 0 Playoff (#63 Regular Season)

Barnes was the Fourth Overall Pick from Florida State, and his rookie year exceeded expectations. 

68. Jusuf Nurkic: Portland Trail Blazers, Center 

94 Points, 94 Regular Season, 0 Playoff (#66 Regular Season)

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.

69. (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 (#100 Regular Season)

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.  That extended into the playoffs, where Klay was every bit the past superstar, and he earned that additional Championship Ring.  

69. (Tie) Cole Anthony: Orlando Magic, Point Guard

93 Points, 93 Regular Season, 0 Playoff (#67 Regular Season)

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.

71. Spencer Dinwiddie: Washington Wizards & Dallas Mavericks, Guard 

91 Points, 76 PTS, 14 Playoff (#83 Regular Season)

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.

72. Clint Capela: Atlanta Hawks, Center

90 Points, 85 Regular Season, 5 Playoff (#72 Regular Season)

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.

73. Paul George: Los Angeles Clippers, Forward

89 Points, 84 Regular Season, 5 Playoff (#75 Regular Season)

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.

74. Bobby Portis: Milwaukee Bucks, Center 

88 Points, 76 Regular Season, 12 Playoff (#83 Regular Season)

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 18^th in Rebounds per Game.

75. (Tie) Evan Mobley: Cleveland Cavaliers, Forward

87 Points, 86 Regular Season, 1 Playoff, (#71 Regular Season) 

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.

75. (Tie) Harrison Barnes: Sacramento Kings, Forward 

87 Points, 87 Regular Season, 0 Playoff, (#70 Regular Season)

Barnes completed ten NBA seasons, roughly contributing at the same level for the past eight.

76. (Tie) Jordan Clarkson: Utah Jazz, Guard 

86 Points, 78 Regular Season, 8 Playoff ((#80 Regular Season)

In other years, Clarkson would be a strong contender for the Sixth Man of the Year, but that belongs to Tyler Herro.

78. (Tie) Jerami Grant: Detroit Pistons, Forward

85 Points, 85 Regular Season, 0 Playoff (#72 Regular Season)

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.

78. (Tie) Buddy Hield: Sacramento Kings & Indiana Pacers, Guard 

85 Points, 85 Regular Season, 0 Playoff (#72 Regular Season)

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.

80. 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 20^th place in Field Goal Percentage (.520) marks the first time he finished in the top 20.

80. (Tie) Anfernee Simons: Portland Trail Blazers, Guard

84 Points, 84 Regular Season, 0 Playoff (#75 Regular Season)

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.

82. John Collins: Atlanta Hawks, Forward 

83 Points, 81 Playoff, 2 Playoff (#78 Regular Season)

Collins has played five seasons in the NBA, all with Atlanta, though his best season was two years ago.

83. (Tie) Marcus Morris: Los Angeles Clippers, Forward 

81 Points, 77 Regular Season, 4 Playoff (#82 Regular Season)

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) Jakob Poeltl: San Antonio Spurs, Center

81 Points, 79 Regular Season, 2 Playoff (#79 Regular Season)

In his sixth season in the NBA, Poeltl had his best season to date, finishing fifth in Blocks and seventeenth in Rebounds per Game.

85. (Tie) Kevin Love: Cleveland Cavaliers, Center

78 Points, 78 Regular Season, 0 Playoff (#85 Regular Season)

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.

86. (Tie) Will Barton: Denver Nuggets, Guard 

77 Points, 76 Regular Season, 1 Playoff (#83 Regular Season)

Completing his tenth season, Barton’s 14.7 PPG was the second highest of his career.

86. (Tie) Mikal Bridges: Phoenix Suns, Forward:

77 Points, 65 Regular Season, 12 Playoff (#91 Regular Season)

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.

88. (Tie) Lugentz Dort: Oklahoma City Thunder, Forward 

73 Points,73 Regular Season, 0 Playoff (#86 Regular Season)

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.

88. (Tie) O.G. Anunoby: Toronto Raptors, Forward:

73 Points, 65 Regular Season, 8 Playoff (#91 Regular Season)

Anunoby completed his fifth regular season (all with Toronto) with him setting a personal high in PPG.  

90. (Tie) Draymond Green: Golden State

72 Points, 57 Regular Season, 15 Playoff (#105 Regular Season)

Green is back to full strength, though he still missed a lot of time in 2021/22.  Green did his defensive job in the playoffs, helping to propel Golden State to another Title.

90. (Tie) Evan Fournier: New York Knicks, Guard

72 Points, 72 Regular Season, 0 Playoff (#87 Regular Season)

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.

92. Seth Curry: Philadelphia 76ers & Brooklyn Nets, Guard:

69 PTS, 2 Playoff (#89 Regular Season)

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.

93. Damian Lillard: Portland Trail Blazers, Guard:

70 Points, 70 Regular Season, 0 Playoff (#88 Regular Season)

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 could be numbered.

94. (Tie) Kyle Lowry: Miami Heat, Guard 

69 Points, 61 Regular Season, 8 Playoff (#99 Regular Season)

Lowry is in his first year in Miami, and though his All-Stars are behind him, he was a great fit for the Heat, and helped them reach the Eastern Conference Final.

94. (Tie) Franz Wagner: Orlando Magic, Forward:

69 Points, 69 Regular Season, 0 Playoff, (#94 Regular Season)

This was the German’s first year in the NBA, and his game got better as the year went on.  

96. Norman Powell: Portland Trail Blazers & Los Angeles Clippers, Guard 

66 Points, 64 Regular Season, 2 Playoff (#94 Regular Season)

Traded during the season for the second straight year, though a foot injury held him to only five Games with his second squad.

97. (Tie) Marcus Smart: Boston Celtics, Guard:

65 Points, 39 Regular Season, 26 Playoff, (#132 Regular Season)

Exemplary perimeter defense may not translate to Cup Points (yeah, we will work on that flaw), but it did generate his first Defensive Player of the Year Award, and he was great in the playoffs, helping Boston win the East.

97. (Tie) Ivica Zubac: Los Angeles Clippers, Center:

65 Points, 65 Regular Season, 0 Playoff, (#91 Regular Season)

Zubac broke the double-digit threshold in PPG this year, and he finished sixth in Offensive Rating (125.6) and True Shooting Percentage (.660).

99. Malcolm Brogdon: Indiana Pacers, Guard

64 Points ,64 Regluar Season, 0 Playoff (#94 Regular Season)

Brogdon only played 36 Games due to injury, but even when he gets back, he may unable to reach his 2020/21 levels again.  When he returns next year, it will be as a Celtic.

100. Al Horford: Boston Celtics, Center:

65 Points, 39 Regular Season, 26 Playoff, (#132 Regular Season)

Al Horford had a nice season for Boston, though while he was still a capable starter, there was no sixth All-Star this year, nor will there ever be.  He played a large part of Boston’s overall success.

Kevin Porter, Mitchell Robinson, Josh Hart, Kelly Oubre Jr and Caris Lavert were on the Regular Season top 100, but did not make the Pure Top 100.

Was this tedious?  Yes.

Is it scientific?  Not very.

Was it fun for us?   Hell, yeah!!!

Look for us to continue similar projects at Notinhalloffame.com.

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 75^th 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 12^th 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 16^th 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 10^th 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 20^th 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 18^th 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.

Days after we announced Nikola Jokic as the winner of the first ever NIHOF Cup, we are pleased to announce our official regular season awards for the 2020-21 NBA Season.

There are five awards, the MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Sophomore of the Year.  We will not award a Coach of the Year until the playoffs are over.  These awards ONLY reflect the regular season.

MVP: Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets

Jokic did everything for the Nuggets, finishing in the top ten in Points, Rebounds and Assists, and was the league-leader in PER.  The Joker played all 72 Games this year, and his defense showed significant improvement this season.  Missed games by Joel Embiid, LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo gave Jokic an edge, as we were focused on the 72 Games in question, and not what might have occurred. Also considered were Steph Curry and Luca Doncic

Defensive Player of the Year: Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz

For the second straight season, Gobert averaged 10.1 Defensive Rebounds, with his blocking numbers rising from 2.0 to 2.7 per Game.  Gobert led the NBA in Defensive Win Shares (5.2), and is the best all-around player on a Utah Jazz squad that was among the best this season.  Our runner-up was Clint Capela, who for years has been underrepresented in terms of press, won his first Blocks Title.

Rookie of the Year: Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves

LeMelo Ball of the Charlotte Hornets looked to be the runaway winner at the first half of the season, but Ball got injured and missed over 20 Games, and Edwards became a more prominent part of the T-Wolves offense, and had there been a full 82-game season, he would have likely cracked the 20 PPG threshold (he finished at 19.6). Edwards also won the Rookie of the Month Award in March and April.  Frankly, we think Ball has a better future, but the better overall rookie season belongs to Edwards.

Sophomore of the Year: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans

We opted against doing the most Improved Player in lieu of this award, the Sophomore of the Year. An NBA player’s second season is vital to their success, and many top rookies struggle in year two, a.k.a., the sophomore jinx.  The first award goes to Zion Williamson of the Pelicans, and nobody was even close to touching him.  The big man averaged 27.0 Points per Game with a PER of 27.1 to match.

Sixth Man of the Year: Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz

The Jazz has two award recipients this year, as Clarkson wins our first Sixth Man Award.  Clarkson came off of the bench in all but one of his 68 Games, and he had career-highs in Points per Game (18.4) and Rebounds (4.0). Montrezl Harrell of the Los Angeles Lakers was also considered.

Thanks for reading, and to all the winning players, please visit the home office in Barbados to pick up your trophy!

Pre-2019-20 Rank: #42, Pre-2020-21 Rank: #31, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #13, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #8, Pre-2023-24 Rank: #6

*Peak Period: 2017-18 to 2023-24.

What does it say about the quality of active players in the NBA when we have a three-time MVP and one-time NBA Champion who we have at only #6 among active players for HOF contention?

Nikola Jokic goes into the 2024-25 season as a three-time MVP and the favorite to win it again.  His Nuggets are also top contenders, and he is also a four-time All-NBA First Team Selection.  The only question for the “Joker” is not when he is a first-ballot Hall of Fame inductee but when that will occur. 

Jokic gives us Tim Duncan vibes, as he is unassuming, does not seek the spotlight, and is the consummate team player.  He is now in the conversation as the greatest European player of all time, and he has the goods in him to be a top ten all-time player. 

We are blessed to be able to watch him play basketball.

Somehow, we might have convinced ourselves to place him at #2, but that could quickly happen with a fourth MVP, and notably, he is still in his peak.