We are ranking the top NBA players for the 10th year.
Who will be the best players this season?
To get the final NBArank prediction, we asked our expert panel to vote on pairs of players: LeBron James vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo. Stephen Curry vs. James Harden. Zion Williamson vs. Ja Morant.
We asked, "Which player will be better in 2020-21?" Voters had to predict what they expected from each player in the 2020-21 regular season and postseason.
Here are the first 50 players, from No. 100 down to No. 51:
NBArank: Top 10 | Players 50 to 11 | Future No. 1 candidates
100. Joe Harris
Brooklyn Nets | SF
Previous rank: 89
2020-21 projected RPM: 3.4*
Swing skill: Harris provides another viable offensive option if defenders sag off him to double-team Kyrie Irving or Kevin Durant. He started in all 69 games he played in last season, shooting 48% from the field and 42% from 3 on nearly six attempts per game. Re-signing Harris was the team's priority this offseason, and Brooklyn brought him back on a 4-year, $75 million deal. -- Malika Andrews
*RPM is a player's estimated on-court impact on team performance, measured in net point differential per 100 offensive and defensive possessions.
99. Marcus Morris Sr.
LA Clippers | SF
Previous rank: NR
2020-21 projected RPM: 0.0
Swing skill: Morris was one of the Clippers to play well in the playoffs, averaging 11.8 points and shooting 47.5% from 3. He will be counted on even more to be the team's enforcer while providing defensive versatility, shooting and physicality. After signing a $64 million contract, Morris' impact could be greater in his first full season with the team, and he might even emerge as more of a leader. -- Ohm Youngmisuk
98. Otto Porter Jr.
Chicago Bulls | SF
Previous rank: 90
2020-21 projected RPM: -0.7
Cause for concern: For Otto Porter Jr., it's staying healthy. A left foot fracture sidelined him for 51 total games last season, so availability is certainly in question when it comes to him. Porter is a proven scorer who can also make plays and will likely start. New Bulls coach Billy Donovan is a players' coach who can possibly bring the best out of him. -- Eric Woodyard
97. Derrick White
San Antonio Spurs | SG
Previous rank: 100
2020-21 projected RPM: 1.4
Swing skill: Previously a below-average 3-point shooter, White knocked down 3.1 triples per game at a 39% clip in seven bubble games, averaging 18.9 PPG and 5.0 APG. Given White's defensive value, he's a lot better just than a top-100 player if he can maintain that level of volume and accuracy -- he ranked 12th in my wins above replacement player metric in seeding games. -- Kevin Pelton
96. Marc Gasol
Previous rank: 61
2020-21 projected RPM: 0.4
Cause for concern: Gasol averaged career lows in points per game (7.5) and rebounds (6.3) for the Toronto Raptors during the regular season last year, and he was even less effective in the playoffs. The three-time All-Star put up just 6.0 points on 39.1% shooting (18.5% from 3) and 4.4 boards in 11 postseason games in the bubble. -- Dave McMenamin
95. LaMarcus Aldridge
San Antonio Spurs | C
Previous rank: 41
2020-21 projected RPM: -0.6
Cause for concern: Aldridge's scoring average has dropped in each of the past two seasons, from 23.1 PPG down to 18.9 PPG last season. Aldridge's rebounds also declined last season (from 9.2 RPG to 7.4 RPG), and he also missed 19 games due to injury, most of his career. Aldridge is also 35 years old and preparing for his 15th NBA season. -- André Snellings
94. Jarrett Allen
Brooklyn Nets | C
Previous rank: 95
2020-21 projected RPM: 0.6
One big question: The Nets will have to decide who will start at center: Allen or DeAndre Jordan. The youngster was moved to the second unit behind Jordan last season, but in the bubble, Allen was Brooklyn's only true center and showed improvement in his passing and finishing around the rim. -- Andrews
93. Ricky Rubio
Previous rank: 84
2020-21 projected RPM: 1.4
Secret skill: He never quite lived up to the Pistol Pete-level hype, but Rubio has cemented himself in a pretty high-tier category: He's a reliable point guard. What you see is what you're going to get, and while he has never been a great shooter or scorer, Rubio can sneak up on you if you sleep on him. He had 14 games scoring 20 or more points last season. -- Royce Young
92. Mitchell Robinson
New York Knicks | C
Previous rank: 98
2020-21 projected RPM: 0.1
One big question: The Knicks don't have much to brag about these days, but Robinson is an exception. The 22-year-old 7-footer is one of the most athletic young bigs in the league. Still, Robinson's offensive game is too raw and too one-dimensional, and the big question is whether he can refine and expand his portfolio. If he can, he'll be ranked higher next year. -- Kirk Goldsberry
91. Seth Curry
Philadelphia 76ers | SG
Previous rank: NR
2020-21 projected RPM: 0.6
One big question: Curry should slot into the starting shooting guard spot for Philadelphia, playing next to Danny Green and Ben Simmons on the wings. But as the clear weak link in that starting five defensively, will Curry be able to hang tough enough at that end to stay on the court for long stretches? The Sixers need him out there to keep the floor spaced for Simmons, Tobias Harris and Joel Embiid. -- Tim Bontemps
90. Patrick Beverley
LA Clippers | PG
Previous rank: 79
2020-21 projected RPM: 1.4
One big question: The Clippers had chemistry issues last season. The Clippers also could have used more leadership, and they have a big need for a playmaker at point guard. Beverley will continue to be one of the most dogged defenders in the league and provide energy and hustle. But it remains to be seen what new coach Ty Lue does at point guard, and who he will finish games with. -- Youngmisuk
89. Joe Ingles
Utah Jazz | SF
Previous rank: 62
2020-21 projected RPM: 1.2
Swing skill: Ingles is Utah's best facilitator, particularly in the pick-and-roll. The affable Aussie struggled as he attempted to transition to a sixth man role early last season, in large part because he wasn't paired with a big man who was a strong finisher. Ingles is ecstatic about the return of C Derrick Favors, the recipient of 102 Ingles dimes in 2018-19, according to NBA.com/stats data. -- Tim MacMahon
88. Jerami Grant
Detroit Pistons | SF
Previous rank: NR
2020-21 projected RPM: -1.2
Cause for concern: During Denver's run to the conference finals, Grant moved from backing up at power forward to starting at small forward and serving as Denver's wing stopper. He cashed in on a three-year, $60 million deal with the Pistons, who intend to put the ball in his hands more frequently. That's a new skill for Grant, who ran just 69 pick-and-rolls in all of 2019-20, per Second Spectrum tracking. -- Pelton
87. Buddy Hield
Sacramento Kings | SG
Previous rank: 59
2020-21 projected RPM: 1.3
One thing to watch for: Hield bristled at his bench role last season; is it prudent for him to automatically assume that spot with the first unit this season? In 44 games as a starter, Hield averaged 20 points but shot poorly (41.6% overall, 36% 3s). In 28 games as a reserve, his scoring suffered slightly (17.9 points), but he was far more efficient (45.4% overall, 45.1% 3s). -- McMenamin
86. Brook Lopez
Milwaukee Bucks | C
Previous rank: 80
2020-21 projected RPM: 0.2
Swing skill: Lopez held his own inside. Not only was he named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team for the first time, Lopez also helped Milwaukee finish with the league's best defensive efficiency rating for the second consecutive season while establishing himself as a strong rim protector. As with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the rest of the Bucks, Lopez' challenge will be translating that regular-season success into the postseason. -- Woodyard
85. Danilo Gallinari
Atlanta Hawks | PF
Previous rank: 91
2020-21 projected RPM: 1.1
One big question: How will he play as a reserve? Gallinari will be in an unfamiliar role this year in Atlanta -- coming off the bench. He's started 88.5% of his career games and hasn't had a consistent off-the-bench role since 2014-15, when he was coming back from a torn ACL that wiped out his previous season. How he adapts to a new role will be key to the Hawks' success this season. -- Andrew Lopez
84. John Collins
Atlanta Hawks | PF
Previous rank: 47
2020-21 projected RPM: 1.8
What to watch for: Collins has evolved into an offensive force over his three seasons in Atlanta. Last season, there wasn't a higher-usage player in the NBA who compiled a better true shooting percentage. He's an aggressive rebounder, a 40% shooter from 3 and a threat off the dribble. If Collins can learn the art of rim protection and surviving the switch, he has the potential to be one of the league's most indispensable big men. -- Kevin Arnovitz
83. Dejounte Murray
San Antonio Spurs | PG
Previous rank: 71
2020-21 projected RPM: 0.0
Secret skill: Murray returned last season with a much improved jump shot. He took almost twice as many long midrange jumpers and more than three times as many 3s last season than in 2017-18, increasing his field goal percentage dramatically in both ranges. His free throw percentage also jumped almost 10 points. Shooting could lead the uber-athletic Murray toward making strides as an impact offensive player this season. -- Snellings
82. DeMar DeRozan
San Antonio Spurs | SF
Previous rank: 46
2020-21 projected RPM: -0.9
Secret skill: Charles Barkley once called former Spurs superstar Tim Duncan "Groundhog Day" because he was so consistent. DeRozan has inherited that mantle. DeRozan's three-year averages (22.1 PPG, 5.7 APG, 5.1 RPG) are almost exactly the same as his last season averages (22.1 PPG, 5.6 APG, 5.5 RPG). The Spurs can concentrate on putting the best pieces around DeRozan to take advantage of what he does. -- Snellings
81. John Wall
Houston Rockets | PG
Previous rank: NR (32 in 2018-19)
2020-21 projected RPM: 1.0
Swing skill: Wall was one of the fastest players with the ball the league has ever seen, a Hall of Fame-type talent. But knee and Achilles injuries halted his career, and the Wizards had to attach a draft pick to offload his contract. With nearly two years off, he has had the time and now he has all the motivation in the world to recapture some of the talent that made him special. -- Brian Windhorst
80. Josh Richardson
Dallas Mavericks | SG
Previous rank: 86
2020-21 projected RPM: -0.1
One thing to watch for: Will Richardson's 3-point percentage (36.3 for his career) soar with Luka Doncic setting him up? Dallas eagerly sacrificed spacing for defense by swapping Seth Curry for Richardson. But the Mavericks have good reason to believe Richardson will enjoy his best shooting season in Dallas (see: Tim Hardaway Jr.). -- MacMahon
79. Dennis Schroder
Los Angeles Lakers | PG
Previous rank: NR
2020-21 projected RPM: 1.5
Swing skill: The Lakers traded away Danny Green to acquire Schroder, and there is one category in particular where Schroder could make a difference. Schroder shot 39.5% on open 3s (closest defender being four feet away or more) and 42.4% on catch-and-shoot 3s for the Oklahoma City Thunder last season, according to Second Spectrum tracking. Green shot just 36.3% on open 3s and 37.2% on catch-and-shoot 3s. -- McMenamin
78. Aaron Gordon
Orlando Magic | PF
Previous rank: 45
2020-21 projected RPM: 0.5
One big question: Has the clock run out on Gordon's potential? At age 25, having seen his scoring average decrease in each of the past two seasons, it might be time to accept Gordon is what he has always been: a versatile defender capable of playing either forward spot but a below-average shooter who doesn't supply quite enough playmaking to compensate. -- Pelton
77. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Los Angeles Lakers| SG
Previous rank: NR
2020-21 projected RPM: 0.1
One big question: After playing out a string of three one-year contracts and having his efficiency rise as he had to sing for his supper (from 42.6% from the field in 2017-18 to career-best marks overall at 46.7% and from 3 at 38.5% last season), will Caldwell-Pope continue his ascent now that he has been rewarded with a three-year, $40 million deal to stay in Los Angeles? -- McMenamin
76. Montrezl Harrell
Los Angeles Lakers | C
Previous rank: 72
2020-21 projected RPM: 1.4
Secret skill: Harrell ranked second in the league last season by drawing 30 charges on the defensive end. The Lakers, as a team, had only 51 total charges drawn last season. However, Harrell's defensive real plus-minus still ranked outside of the top 200 players last season, while the Lakers ranked third in defensive efficiency as a team. -- McMenamin
75. Duncan Robinson
Miami Heat | SF
Previous rank: NR
2020-21 projected RPM: 3.2
Swing skill: Robinson is the kind of lights-out shooter most NBA players think they can be. The difference is Robinson shot 44.6% from beyond the arc last season and has a virtual green light. The Heat know his long-range talent spaces out the court for everybody else and are hopeful the rest of his game continues to develop. -- Nick Friedell
74. Myles Turner
Indiana Pacers | C
Previous rank: 44
2020-21 projected RPM: 0.1
Swing skill: Domantas Sabonis' emergence as an All-Star bumped Turner down Indiana's pecking order offensively. Worse yet, Turner wasn't able to take advantage of Sabonis' absence for the playoffs, averaging just 15.6 points per 36 minutes in a sweep against the Boston Celtics. Although Turner is a strong rim protector, he must become a more efficient outside shooter to climb back up the rankings. -- Pelton
73. Bojan Bogdanovic
Utah Jazz | SF
Previous rank: 48
2020-21 projected RPM: -0.4
Cause for concern: Bogdanovic is still recovering from the surgery on his shooting wrist that forced him to sit out the NBA's restart. That qualifies as concerning, considering Utah gave Bogdanovic a four-year, $73 million deal in 2019 specifically to address their spacing problems. Then again, Bogdanovic averaged a career-best 20.2 points per game and shot 41.4% from 3-point range last season despite being bothered by the wrist for months. -- MacMahon
72. P.J. Tucker
Houston Rockets | PF
Previous rank: 82
2020-21 projected RPM: -2.3
Two big questions: Tucker has evolved into one of the best role players in the league. He's arguably the quintessential 3 and-D player, leading the NBA in corner 3s on one end while providing tough, versatile defense on the other. But here are the big questions for the 35-year-old as he enters this season: How much of his value derives from playing next to James Harden, and how will he fare if Harden isn't around much longer? -- Goldsberry
71. Mike Conley
Utah Jazz | PG
Previous rank: 24
2020-21 projected RPM: 1.7
One big question: Can Conley find a comfort zone with the Jazz? He struggled mightily with the transition to Utah after spending the previous dozen years of his career in Memphis and then missed weeks due to a hamstring injury. But Conley's late-season performance offered reason to believe he was adapting to playing off guard Donovan Mitchell. After the All-Star break, Conley's scoring, assists and true shooting percentage all improved significantly. -- MacMahon
70. Steven Adams
Previous rank: 75
2020-21 projected RPM: 0.3
Secret skill: After spending his first seven NBA seasons with Oklahoma City, Adams gets a new start in New Orleans. Although Adams is a walking double-double, the secret talent he brings to the Big Easy is a unique blend of toughness and leadership, which should inject the young Pels with increased tenacity as they chase a postseason berth. -- Goldsberry
69. D'Angelo Russell
Minnesota Timberwolves | PG
Previous rank: 26
2020-21 projected RPM: 0.8
One big question: After an All-Star season with the Nets, Russell's move to the Warriors was never a great fit. He's a much more natural fit in Minnesota playing the lead ballhandler alongside Karl-Anthony Towns. He can be a bit of a gunner, and that's the question for Russell's next step: Can he elevate teammates, particularly younger ones, and be the linchpin in Minnesota's development? -- Young
68. OG Anunoby
Toronto Raptors | SF
Previous rank: NR
2020-21 projected RPM: -0.8
Swing skill: Anunoby made big strides last year after missing the 2019 postseason due to an appendectomy. Now, he enters his final season before restricted free agency, and his swing skill is his offensive game as a whole. Anunoby's defense is among the league's best; if he can take a big step forward offensively, he will go from an elite role player to a handsomely rewarded breakout star with a new contract. -- Bontemps
67. Eric Bledsoe
New Orleans Pelicans | PG
Previous rank: 67
2020-21 projected RPM: 2.1
One big question: How does Bledsoe fit with New Orleans? After spending three seasons in Milwaukee, Bledsoe has a fresh start. While his playoff struggles last season are well-documented, his new job with the Pelicans is to steady the offense in the half-court and bring his toughness and grit on the defensive end, where he has been an NBA All-Defensive Team selection the past two seasons. -- Lopez
66. Serge Ibaka
LA Clippers | C
Previous rank: NR
2020-21 projected RPM: 0.2
Swing skill: Ibaka isn't the sixth man of the year, nor will he replace Montrezl Harrell's 18.6 points per game. But the Clippers hope he will be an upgrade by stretching the floor, protecting the rim and providing more size to defend inside. But Ibaka's biggest impact could go beyond stats. The Clippers need his veteran leadership and familiarity with Kawhi Leonard to help improve chemistry. -- Youngmisuk
65. Blake Griffin
Detroit Pistons | PF
Previous rank: 23
2020-21 projected RPM: -0.2
Cause for concern: Griffin has undergone a transformation from a skywalking dunker to a stretch big. And even with his dip in relevancy moving from L.A. to Detroit, when he has played, he has been a star-level player. But as it has always been, his primary issue is health. Griffin battled injuries all last season, eventually shutting things down. With a massive contract and continued injury issues, those glimpses of former stardom seem more and more fleeting. -- Young
64. Kevin Love
Cleveland Cavaliers | PF
Previous rank: 43
2020-21 projected RPM: 0.0
One thing to watch for: Love is still one of the game's unique big men, but his disillusionment defined his play last year in Cleveland. Playing with young, shot-hungry guards seemed to wear on Love, as did all the losing. His body language was easy to read, and his defensive effort was unacceptable. Typically he has been a difference-maker, but whether he can remain so will probably determine if the Cavs can trade him. -- Windhorst
63. TJ Warren
Indiana Pacers | SF
Previous rank: NR
2020-21 projected RPM: -0.8
One big question: The MVP of the "Will it translate outside the bubble?" team, Warren dropped 53 points in Indiana's restart opener against the 76ers and averaged 31 points per game on 58% shooting (52% from 3) in six seeding games. Warren couldn't quite keep it up in the quarterfinals against the Heat, averaging 20 points, and might face less favorable matchups sliding back to small forward with Domantas Sabonis healthy. -- Pelton
62. Bogdan Bogdanovic
Atlanta Hawks | SG
Previous rank: 74
2020-21 projected RPM: 0.8
What to watch for: A big guard with flair for the dramatic, Bogdanovic signed in Atlanta to serve as the counterweight in a must-watch backcourt anchored by Trae Young. The Hawks will ask a lot of Bogdanovic -- dance around weakside screens for long-range shots, serve as a secondary ballhandler and use his size to body up on perimeter threats. A strong season from Bogdanovic could provide the Hawks the margin they need to return to the postseason. -- Arnovitz
61. Davis Bertans
Washington Wizards | PF
Previous rank: NR
2020-21 projected RPM: 1.0
One thing to watch for: The Wizards gave Bertans the greenest of lights from 3, turning him from a useful reserve to a feared marksman whose 4.5 3-pointers per 36 minutes led the NBA. Now that Washington has rewarded Bertans with a new five-year, $80 million contract, we'll see what kind of pick-and-pop game he can develop with new Wizards point guard Russell Westbrook. -- Pelton
60. Robert Covington
Previous rank: 97
2020-21 projected RPM: 2.4
Swing skill: Portland gave up two first-round picks for Covington because the Trail Blazers needed to drastically improve a defense that ranked 27th in the league last season. At 6-foot-7 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, Covington can disrupt offenses on the perimeter and at the rim, especially excelling as a help defender. Covington ranked second in the NBA in deflections (237) and tied for 10th in blocks (93) last season. -- MacMahon
59. Tyler Herro
Miami Heat | SG
Previous rank: NR
2020-21 projected RPM: 1.2
Secret talent: Herro plays with no fear. It's the trait that has defined his career and one that helped elevate the Heat into the Finals. He isn't afraid to take big shots, and his teammates aren't afraid to give him the ball because they know he won't back down from the challenge. Herro plays with a swagger that the rest of his teammates appreciate. -- Friedell
58. Goran Dragic
Miami Heat | PG
Previous rank: NR
2020-21 projected RPM: 1.0
One thing to watch: Goran Dragic is beloved in the Heat locker room. But he's also 34 years old and he dealt with a foot injury throughout the Finals; can he put up the same high numbers (16.2 points and 5.1 assists) that he did last season again? The key for Dragic will be to stay on the floor and provide the stability that defined his postseason run. -- Friedell
57. Tobias Harris
Philadelphia 76ers | PF
Previous rank: 29
2020-21 projected RPM: 1.5
One big question: Philadelphia re-signed Harris in 2019 to be its third star. Harris is now back at his best position (power forward), with the coach who got his best play out of him when he was with the Clippers, and on a team where he should have plenty of room to operate. Can Harris take advantage and be the player the Sixers need him to be? -- Bontemps
56. Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls | SG
Previous rank: 55
2020-21 projected RPM: -0.4
One big question: There's no denying LaVine is a bucket; his 25.5 points per game last season was the highest scoring average by a Bulls player since Michael Jordan averaged 28.7 points in 1997-98. Now, the question is whether he can lead Chicago back to relevance. LaVine is in shape after training in Washington throughout the pandemic, but he has never made the playoffs. Reaching that stage could bring validation to his career. -- Woodyard
55. Christian Wood
Houston Rockets | C
Previous rank: NR
2020-21 projected RPM: 2.6
One big question: Can Wood thrive in a full-time featured role? He has been a basketball vagabond who got paid by the Rockets after putting up big numbers in a late-season showcase with the losing Pistons. New coach Stephen Silas points to Kristaps Porzingis' role in Dallas -- a big man who scores as a roller and popper -- as what he envisions for Wood in Houston. -- MacMahon
54. Lonzo Ball
New Orleans Pelicans | PG
Previous rank: 68
2020-21 projected RPM: 3.3
Cause for concern: Which Ball shows up? From Dec. 23 to March 11, Ball averaged 13.8 points, 8.1 assists and 7.2 rebounds while shooting 40.9% from deep. In the bubble, though, Ball's respective averages dipped to 7.1, 6.6 and 5.0 while he shot 28.1% from 3. The Pelicans would love to have the Ball who showed that confidence last winter when this season starts. -- Lopez
53. Jusuf Nurkic
Portland Trail Blazers | C
Previous rank: 83
2020-21 projected RPM: 0.3
One thing to watch for: The road back for Nurkic was a long one, but after returning in the bubble from a gruesome broken leg, he showed all the familiar signs. He was tough, he was big, he was skilled. The numbers have been clear the past few seasons: When he's on the floor, Portland is exponentially better. But that can sometimes be an issue; Nurkic doesn't often play more than 30 minutes per game. -- Young
52. Deandre Ayton
Phoenix Suns | C
Previous rank: 66
2020-21 projected RPM: 1.3
One big question: Ayton had a fabulous offseason. The Suns acquired Chris Paul -- offensive efficiency in a can -- and that means Ayton gets to team up with a playmaker bound to get him clean looks near the rim. Now can Ayton become a dominant rim-runner in pick-and-roll actions with CP3? If he can, the Suns are going to be a problem. -- Goldsberry
51. Michael Porter Jr.
Denver Nuggets | SF
Previous rank: NR
2020-21 projected RPM: 0.6
Cause for concern: Porter is a springy 6-foot-10 shotmaker who cashed over 40% of his triples, so why hasn't he established himself as a regular starter? The wiry forward needs to ramp up his defensive effort under coach Michael Malone. He has good instincts for rebounds, but teams exposed Porter on the defensive end in the playoffs. In order to take the next step, Porter can't be a target for opposing offenses. -- Mike Schmitz
Mike Schmitz is an NBA draft expert and a contributor to DraftExpress.com, a private scouting and analytics service utilized by NBA, NCAA and international teams.
ESPN Forecast polling conducted in coordination with Microsoft Research and The Wharton School.