The above is our 2021-22 preseason NBA Player Pyramid.
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UPDATE: This pyramid was originally published on 09/20/21. It was definitely time for some much needed revisions, so we recorded our first podcast on the eve of the 2021-22 NBA season:
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There is probably no quicker or more guaranteed way to piss off somebody’s fan base than by posting player rankings. That is by no means what we are going for here. That’s not even really what this is.
Before you yell, “Book is way better than [insert player name here]!” allow us to explain. Oh, it’s too late and you’ve already been yelling? Well, hopefully you will hear us out anyway.
Our player pyramid is set up differently than just a direct listing of the best players in order. Although it is that to some degree, we put a great emphasis on grouping the players together in similar tiers. It will be helpful to see the name of the Levels and the ages included for each player:
We believe The Foundation of the Future to be as imperative of a level as any. Think of an actual pyramid. The foundation is pretty important. And we probably agree with you that we would take Book (and others) over several guys in the level above. But to us, Book belongs at the front of The Foundation which includes all players 25 or under (save for Luka who has already leveled up, showcasing a vast control over the game far ahead of his peers).
Let’s go through the levels:
1a
Giannis
Solo at the Top
At the top by himself. Giannis obviously earned this #1 spot atop the Player Pyramid after his legendary Finals performance. If the Bucks had lost, we would have had KD here after his own playoff masterpiece, but the Bucks won four straight against the Suns, games that included several iconic signature plays (The Block. The Oop. 50 points in Game 6.) from Giannis that will live on forever, already cementing his legacy as one of the great players of this game. Only 26 years old, the future is so damn bright. Not only is it possible that he’s just getting started, but it’s in the cards that Giannis can still get a lot better, developing his jump shot and making his free throws consistently, just like he did in Game 6 when it mattered most.
Giannis 2020-2021 stats: 28.1 ppg, 5.9 ast, 11.0 reb, 1.2 stl, 1.2 blk. 56.9 FG%, 30.3 3P%, 63.6 2P%. 61 games.
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1b.
KD LeBron Jokic Steph
A Step Behind The Greek Freak
KD
Having previously stated that KD would be our #1 if not for the destruction that Giannis laid to waste in The Finals, we would like to reiterate just how phenomenal KD was in that 2nd round series against Milwaukee. KD actually outplayed Giannis on an individual basis, but he did not have enough help at the end of the day. Durant is still the purest scorer in the league. He somehow looks as good as ever coming off his Achilles injury, although he did only play 35 games in the regular season. Looking ahead, Brooklyn vs. Milwaukee and KD vs. Giannis could be the marquee rivalry not only in the Eastern Conference but in the entire NBA.
KD 2020-2021 stats: 26.9 ppg, 5.6 ast, 7.1 reb, 0.7 stl, 1.3 blk. 53.7 FG%, 45.0 3P%, 57.7 2P%. 35 games.
LeBron
Speaking of injuries, the last time that we dropped LeBron from the #1 spot was prior to the 2019-2020 season, and he promptly made us all look like fools when he hoisted another Larry OB in The Bubble, once again reigning supreme as The Best in the Game. But these pyramids are put together with more of a What Have You Done For Me Lately mindset — a definite significance is placed on last season, even more so last season’s playoffs. So when Kawhi was fresh off the 2019 Finals MVP as Giannis is now, hopefully it’s understandable to have the pyramid constructed in this way. Yet not only do we think that LeBron again could very well prove everybody wrong and climb back to the top, we sure hope he does just that. History loves to repeat itself. A motivated LeBron is a scary sight for The League.
LeBron 2020-2021 stats: 25.0 ppg, 7.8 ast, 7.7 reb, 1.1 stl, 0.6 blk. 51.3 FG%, 36.5 3P%, 59.1 2P%. 45 games.
Jokic
Jokic makes this tier fresh off his MVP season in which no player meant more to his team’s success and no player was more durable during the regular season. He was truly incandescent all season long, the backbone and maestro responsible for just about everything the Nuggets do. Slangin’ hilarious dimes and scoring in the most unusual ways. The moonshots have become constant and expected. The sombor shuffle, a delight of the highest fancy. It’s going to be a tough road ahead without Jamal Murray, but the Joker wants you to count him out so that he can get the last laugh once again.
Jokic 2020-2021 stats: 26.4 ppg, 8.3 ast, 10.8 reb, 1.3 stl, 0.7 blk. 56.6 FG%, 38.8 3P%, 60.6 2P%. 72 games.
Steph
On one hand, Steph had a truly amazing season with one of the most unreal stretches in April. Yet on the other hand, the Warriors did not make the playoffs. (Only thanks to the new play-in tournament but still.) We have to give Steph the benefit of the doubt here seeing as he didn’t have Klay and played with a limited roster in the stacked West. Putting him on the same level as KD, LeBron and the Joker almost seems a smidge too generous, but he belongs a tier ahead of Dame, Luka, Embiid, Harden etc. who haven’t come anywhere close to winning like Steph has. The greatest shooter of all-time and reigning scoring champ has earned this spot.
Steph 2020-2021 stats: 32.0 ppg, 5.8 ast, 5.5 reb, 1.2 stl, 0.1 blk. 48.2 FG%, 42.1 3P%, 56.9 2P%. 63 games.
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Dame
Dame, like Steph, has essentially limitless range which is a most powerful weapon, stretching defenses and causing opponents to panic the second he now nears half court. Dame is not nearly as accomplished as Steph, no Finals appearances or an MVP, but he can definitely bring sensational performances of his own to the table as he’s carried the Blazers year in and year out. Dame has always been lauded for being one of the most clutch players in the league, but last season it became officially official: No player in the NBA scored more clutch points than Dame. He utilizes and trusts his astounding shot creation and off-the-dribble 3’s with the game on the line. (In case you somehow did not know, that’s Dame Time.)
Dame 2020-2021 stats: 28.8 ppg, 7.5 ast, 4.2 reb, 0.9 stl, 0.3 blk. 45.1 FG%, 39.1 3P%, 51.9 2P%. 67 games.
Luka
This high of a spot at just 22 years old is a testament to how unique and special of a player Luka is. We have not seen a young player with his vast control of the game since LeBron. There is no higher praise that we can give than that. Luka has a court vision into the future, seeing plays develop in slow motion and setting up his teammates with enthrallingly perfect, pinpoint passes. The more open you are, the easier the catch-and-shoot 3 is, and Luka gets you wide open looks. It takes an entire defense to defend him. He attracts defenders like bananas attract fruit flies. He has incredible body control and impeccable footwork. It’s almost hard to imagine what the next step looks like because Luka is SO good already, but we know it involves shooting more efficiently from 3.
Luka 2020-2021 stats: 27.7 ppg, 8.6 ast, 8.0 reb, 1.0 stl, 0.5 blk. 47.9 FG%, 35.0 3P%, 56.7 2P%. 66 games.
Embiid
When thinking about how terrific Embiid was in the 1st half of last season, a serious wrecking ball and bulldozer in the paint with a deft shooting touch from outside, it’s hard to believe he’s this far down. Yet when the injury concerns and 2nd half of those playoff games vs. Atlanta come to mind, it’s a lot more understandable. A resolution to the Ben Simmons conundrum could and should help Embiid as a new chapter for JoJo in Philly awaits… at some point.
Embiid 2020-2021 stats: 28.5 ppg, 2.8 ast, 10.6 reb, 1.0 stl, 1.4 blk. 51.3 FG%, 37.7 3P%, 54.1 2P%. 51 games.
Harden
Harden used to be as durable as it gets. Perhaps the miles finally caught up to him. (Brooklyn sure better hope that’s not the case.) It’s easy to forget that from mid-January through the end of March, it was Harden who carried the Nets, putting his name in the MVP conversation at the time. He had a remarkable twelve games with 14 or more assists. If Harden’s hammy is good to go, he will be back to running the best offense in the league, one of the best offenses of all-time. The Beard is still searching for his signature playoff breakthrough. Odds seem pretty likely that he will at least get the opportunity.
Harden 2020-2021 stats: 24.6 ppg, 10.9 ast, 8.5 reb, 1.3 stl, 0.8 blk. 47.1 FG%, 36.6 3P%, 55.2 2P%. 36 games.
AD
Any time Chuck gives you the nickname “Street Clothes,” chances are pretty good that you’re going to drop down the ranks. We know a healthy AD is far better than this, a two-way menace whose defense is arguably the best in the game (despite not having a DPOY award yet). It’s the offense that we will be watching closely after a dip in production last season before the injury. His free throws dropped from 8.5 attempts to just 5.9 per game. Then again, AD on offense might be hard to gauge this season with Westbrook’s arrival. Speaking of Russ, that makes AD’s defense even more important than it already was.
AD 2020-2021 stats: 21.8 ppg, 3.1 ast, 7.9 reb, 1.3 stl, 1.6 blk. 49.1 FG%, 26.0 3P%, 53.6 2P%. 36 games.
PG
When PG is at the top of his game, he’s one of the smoothest in the biz. Yes, there were still some moments when Pandemic P was trending, most notably the two missed free throws in Game 2 that left the door open for the Valley Oop. But you can’t deny that PG was absolutely fantastic for most of the playoffs. We give him props for putting the bubble demons behind him, only two games away from The Finals without Kawhi is very commendable. PG is sure going to have to continue that caliber of ball with Kawhi potentially missing the entire upcoming season.
PG 2020-2021 stats: 23.3 ppg, 5.2 ast, 6.6 reb, 1.1 stl, 0.4 blk. 46.7 FG%, 41.1 3P%, 51.0 2P%. 54 games.
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CP3
This one will probably bring on the most flack, but would you really take Chris Paul over any of the guys in Level 2? (Dame, Luka, Embiid, Harden, AD or PG — you probably said Paul George.) CP undoubtedly brings more to the table than his stats show. A reliable, super experienced and steady captain who holds everyone accountable is priceless. He’s a very rare breed in today’s NBA. Not only are there not many true point guards, but there is certainly only one Point God. All that said, it’s hard not to question how much longer CP3 can sustain this. The last two seasons he’s pulled off 70 games in each, his most before that since 2015-16. Vegan diet or not, at 36 years old, it’s fair to wonder. It does help tremendously for him to have Booker and Ayton, both included in this Player Pyramid as pillars of The Foundation of the Future.
CP3 2020-2021 stats: 16.4 ppg, 8.9 ast, 4.5 reb, 1.4 stl, 0.3 blk. 49.9 FG%, 39.5 3P%, 54.3 2P%. 70 games.
Butler
The Bubble Finals Legend took a tumble down the pyramid after being handed a revenge sweep by Giannis and the Bucks. Jimmy Butler still played solid ball most things considered, and he closed the season with fury. But the three-point shooting at 24.5 percent the last two seasons is a serious eye sore. Remember when he made all those 3’s in The Finals? He needs to find that bubble magic. Jimmy will welcome the additional stability and veteran savvy with Kyle Lowry and P.J. Tucker now in South Beach. No offense to Iggy or Ariza, but that’s a massive upgrade.
Butler 2020-2021 stats: 21.5 ppg, 7.1 ast, 6.9 reb, 2.1 stl, 0.3 blk. 49.7 FG%, 24.5 3P%, 53.8 2P%. 52 games.
Beal
The fact that Brad Beal, the #2 scorer in the NBA last season, over 30 points per game two seasons in a row, is so far down here is true evidence of just how stacked the NBA is right now. Blue Panda is an ultimate scorer. There is no doubt that he’s played with a limited roster in D.C. for some time now and that goes to show how much winning really does and will always impact the legacy and outlook on a player. The Wizards appear to be much deeper and well-rounded going into this season, so we’ll see how Beal fairs with another group and we’ll see just how much he really does love living in D.C. if it doesn’t result in winning basketball.
Beal 2020-2021 stats: 31.3 ppg, 4.4 ast, 4.7 reb, 1.2 stl, 0.4 blk. 48.5 FG%, 34.9 3P%, 53.5 2P%. 60 games.
Middleton
Lacking a flash in style and with the word inconsistent being a required adjective when talking about his game, you might be surprised to see Khris Middleton here. Just like when he surprised you in the playoffs and in The Finals with big-time performances and the back-breaking series-clinching dagger. Middleton proved he’s capable of being the #2 guy on a Championship team which so many did not think to be the case.
Middleton 2020-2021 stats: 20.4 ppg, 5.4 ast, 6.0 reb, 1.1 stl, 0.1 blk. 47.6 FG%, 41.4 3P%, 50.8 2P%. 68 games.
Jrue
That last statement about Middleton probably isn’t true if not for Jrue Holiday stepping up his own game at the right time. A tough as hell defensive ace and the additional playmaker the Bucks needed to get over the hump. (The same could be said about Brooklyn’s injuries but both happened nevertheless.) Holiday further showed his worth in the Olympics. It’s about time he gets the recognition he deserves.
Jrue 2020-2021 stats: 17.7 ppg, 6.1 ast, 4.5 reb, 1.6 stl, 0.6 blk. 50.3 FG%, 39.2 3P%, 56.1 2P%. 59 games.
Kyrie
It was Kyrie who played the most games during the regular season out of the Nets Big 3. That’s a fact. It doesn’t change the other fact that he wasn’t available when the Nets needed him most in the playoffs. It was a freak accident, yes, but there is unfortunately a long running history of this with Kyrie now. You can’t deny the talent and awesomeness of Uncle Drew when he’s on the court, though. Still with mastermind handles and a crisp three-point shot at 40 percent. Let’s also not forget that he gave the point guard keys to Harden. Progress! (*Update: If Kyrie really doesn’t get vaccinated, which is looking more and more like it’s going to be the case, we will have no choice but to remove him from our player pyramid — he’ll be moved to pyramid purgatory with Ben Simmons and Gobert.)
Kyrie 2020-2021 stats: 26.9 ppg, 6.0 ast, 4.8 reb, 1.4 stl, 0.7 blk. 50.6 FG%, 40.2 3P%, 56.1 2P%. 54 games.
Westbrook
Say what you will about his three-point shooting and late-game blunders and inefficiencies (we certainly have), but the heart and energy that Westbrook brings to the table along with his insane triple-double stats gets him onto the pyramid. (We almost left him off, but in the end, we could not.) How he fairs in LA alongside LeBron and AD will be interesting to say the least. It will also be quite telling as to how Russ adjusts to being the #3 guy on the team. One thing is that he had better finally play off-ball. Surely LeBron will get him to. Surely…
Westbrook 2020-2021 stats: 22.2 ppg, 11.7 ast, 11.5 reb, 1.4 stl, 0.4 blk. 43.9 FG%, 31.5 3P%, 47.5 2P%. 65 games.
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Book
Gone is the “good-stats bad-team” narrative that some tried to previously bestow upon Booker. The dude is a natural killer. Just ask the Lakers. He put them out of their misery with that ridiculous first quarter: 22 points and 6-of-6 from 3. (That photo with LeBron after the game remains epic and should be the leading photo for a “Ball Like Book” campaign or album cover.) We have noted before that CP3 steered the ship while Book handled the heavy lifting. We stand by it. Booker has always been a winning player and once surrounded by the right pieces (and with some luck), the Suns not only made the playoffs but went up 2-0 in The Finals. There is no bullshitting with Booker. He’ll tell you exactly how it is and get right to the point.
Book 2020-2021 stats: 25.6 ppg, 4.3 ast, 4.2 reb, 0.8 stl, 0.2 blk. 48.4 FG%, 34.0 3P%, 54.3 2P%. 67 games.
Tatum
After ascending to the ranks of bonafide star in the making during the 2019-2020 season, Tatum wasn’t able to carry that momentum during last season. He did not improve much and the Celtics were much worse. Although he did have Covid and struggled with it — that has to be mentioned and taken into consideration. None of that stopped him from having monumental performances: 60 points against the Spurs to tie Larry Legend’s franchise record and 50 points in the play-in vs. the Wiz and 50 points against the Nets in the 1st round. It almost feels like due to his build at 6-8 and 210 lbs that Tatum has the highest ceiling amongst this under-25 group, especially as a two-way player. The knock, however, is that he has not really made the players around him better and hasn’t fully coexisted with fellow budding star, Jaylen Brown.
Tatum 2020-2021 stats: 26.4 ppg, 4.3 ast, 7.4 reb, 1.2 stl, 0.5 blk. 45.9 FG%, 38.6 3P%, 50.2 2P%. 64 games.
D. Mitch
After he went full nuclear DON MITCH in that 1st round bubble playoff series against the Nuggets, we had D. Mitch higher up. He did continue what he started in the bubble (although not on the same nuclear level), leading the Jazz to wins — all the way to the best record in the NBA in the regular season last year. He was clearly hobbled in the playoffs from that late-season ankle injury, and the Jazz bowed out to the Kawhi-less Clippers in 6 games in the second round, falling short of their goal once again. Utah has a system in place that works (up to a point), and we can’t stop raving about the the Don Mitch drive and kick, usually with a jump-pass from underneath the basket, the entire defense collapsing around him, and the Jazz three-point snipers exactly where he expects them to be. The Jazz, with their stout continuity, should be plenty good again as D. Mitch seems poised to lead them once more through the gauntlet that is the West.
Don Mitch 2020-2021 stats: 26.4 ppg, 5.2 ast, 4.4 reb, 1.0 stl, 0.3 blk. 43.8 FG%, 38.6 3P%, 47.6 2P%. 53 games.
Trae
Trae Young and the Hawks arrived ahead of schedule for most, but this is where we get to toot our own horn a little bit. Trae’s improvement has been starkly noticeable, accelerated with a talented roster and Nate Mac at the helm. His floater was a lethal weapon and we look forward to seeing what he adds to his bag this season. Being forever linked to Luka should only keep him pushing for greatness, embracing whatever comes his way. “Regression” is a word that’s been heard when discussing this upcoming season for the Hawks, but we’re not so sure. The firepower here remains, led by the mighty engine that is Trae Young. The Villain of the Knicks!
Trae 2020-2021 stats: 25.3 ppg, 9.4 ast, 3.9 reb, 0.8 stl, 0.2 blk. 43.8 FG%, 34.3 3P%, 49.1 2P%. 63 games.
Zion
Based on hyper-efficiency alone, Zion is the most robust of this group. A true marvel and an unstoppable force in the paint. The sudden behemoth shattering records left and right. It’s no secret that the Pelicans appear to be holding him back. He is only 21 years old! Defensively, he has a lot of room to still grow, but the tools are there. Point Zion was a revelation and now Willie Green gets a crack at seeing what else can be unlocked from one of the leagues most magnificent talents.
Zion 2020-2021 stats: 27.0 ppg, 3.7 ast, 7.2 reb, 0.9 stl, 0.6 blk. 61.1 FG%, 29.4 3P%, 62.2 2P%. 61 games.
Bam
Last season for the Heat was nowhere close to the step forward that the bubble was, and the same can be said for Bam. His stats weren’t that far off, but expectations are everything. Expect Bam Bam to thrive once again, benefitting greatly from having Kyle Lowry’s caboose in South Beach. And you know you can count on Bam’s vigorous defense to always be there.
Bam 2020-2021 stats: 18.7 ppg, 5.4 ast, 9.0 reb, 1.2 stl, 1.0 blk. 57.0 FG%, 25.0 3P%, 57.3 2P%. 64 games.
JB
You might be surprised to see him here — and it might have taken you a second to realize who exactly “JB” was — but Jaylen Brown is only 24 years old. He’s come a long way since being drafted #3 overall in 2016, a pick that was widely mocked at the time. JB has gotten better every season he’s been in the league. He needs to fully accept the role as Robin to Tatum’s Batman. (Guess that makes Al Horford their Alfred and Dennis Schroder would be… Mr. Freeze or Catwoman lol)
JB 2020-2021 stats: 24.7 ppg, 3.4 ast, 6.0 reb, 1.2 stl, 0.6 blk. 48.4 FG%, 39.7 3P%, 53.6 2P%. 58 games.
KAT
Once a true Unicorn, KAT is now somewhat forgotten. Injuries have derailed his career's momentum, but he’s still just 25. He does turn 26 in November, so his days of being a part of the 25 and under group are numbered. Towns is still a beast on offense, a 7-footer with definite range and play-making skills to boot. The T-Wolves are going to be better than you’d think, whether they get Ben Simmons or not.
KAT 2020-2021 stats: 24.8 ppg, 4.5 ast, 10.6 reb, 0.8 stl, 1.1 blk. 48.6 FG%, 38.7 3P%, 54.1 2P%. 50 games.
DA
Deandre Ayton emerged in the playoffs as an old school traditional big who not only has a place in today’s game but can excel. He just kept on getting better and better behind CP’s guidance. Ayton made such strides in his awareness to just let the game come to him. He also has that OG mindset. There just aren’t young bigs like him. That’s why he was the Number 1 pick in the draft and that’s why he’s included in the pyramid.
Ayton 2020-2021 stats: 14.4 ppg, 1.4 ast, 10.5 reb, 0.6 stl, 1.2 blk. 62.6 FG%, 20.0 3P%, 63.9 2P%. 69 games.
SGA
Sam Presti learned that SGA is so good that you can’t tank with him out there. Gilgeous-Alexander is a Swiss army knife on the court, doing a little bit of everything and making those around him far better. SGA plays at his pace and dictates the games on his own terms. His 5-year, $173M extension means that Presti better let his future of the franchise play the entire season no matter what.
SGA 2020-2021 stats: 23.7 ppg, 5.9 ast, 4.7 reb, 0.8 stl, 0.7 blk. 50.8 FG%, 41.8 3P%, 54.7 2P%. 35 games.
Fox
Fox’s scoring has increased steadily all four years he’s been in the league. He’s still one of the fastest players in the NBA, sneaking by you with his speed and then next time stopping on a dime, keeping defenders off balance and trying to keep up. He gets overlooked in Sac-Town, but Fox’s game is right on par with SGA and Ja. He has the numbers to back it up as the Kings leading scorer and floor general.
Fox 2020-2021 stats: 25.2 ppg, 7.2 ast, 3.5 reb, 1.5 stl, 0.5 blk. 47.7 FG%, 32.6 3P%, 53.9 2P%. 58 games.
Ja
The fearless leader of the Grizz, Ja was not only not afraid of Gobert in the playoffs, he looked to attack him every chance he got. Ja will be the first to tell you that he’s just hungry. He wears it on his sleeve and his team follows suit. There might be more Westbrookian tendencies with Morant than we originally thought, but you will always take the guy who has the unwavering confidence that he’s going to get the job done. Ja is about that life.
Ja 2020-2021 stats: 19.1 ppg, 7.4 ast, 4.0 reb, 0.9 stl, 0.2 blk. 44.9 FG%, 30.3 3P%, 49.9 2P%. 63 games.
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You might have noticed some players missing from our pyramid.
Here is a bonus pyramid to briefly explain why.
Currently Injured: Kawhi, Klay, Jamal Murray.
In Pyramid Purgatory: Gobert, Simmons, Siakam, CJ, Lowry.
On the Precipice: Randle, LaVine, Sabonis, FVV, Ingram, LaMelo, Ant-Man.
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Less than a month until the season begins.
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