ESPN recently released the first part of its annual top 100 player rankings, going over players ranked 100-51. Like every year, this list comes with controversy. Admittedly, making a list this large is a daunting task, and it's impossible to please everyone. Nevertheless, there were some pretty odd rankings on the initial portion of ESPN's top 100 rankings.
One of these odd rankings is Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels being slated in at No. 75. At face value, this might not seem terrible. However, McDaniels certainly deserves a spot within the 60s, maybe even the 50s, due to his two-way impact. Furthermore, it's the players above him who make this placement truly questionable.
Jabari Smith Jr. (74), Paul George (54), and Alex Caruso (53) stand out especially as egregious selections. Then there's Michael Porter (70), Josh Hart (69), Cam Johnson (67), Aaron Nesmith (65), Christian Braun (62), and Cooper Flagg (52), all of whom are surprisingly ranked ahead of McDaniels as well.
McDaniels desevres to be ranked higher after last season
McDaniels is coming off a career season where he averaged 12.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2.2 stocks. In the playoffs, further raised his level of play, averaging 14.7 points. While he's not a consistent outside shooter yet, McDaniels is an elite finisher, shooting 68.4 percent at the rim, who is quickly becoming more comfortable with the ball in his hands.
McDaniels' improving offensive game, paired with his elite defense, makes him deserving of a higher spot. The 6-foot-9 forward is one of the NBA's best (and most versatile) on-ball stoppers who also wreaks havoc off the ball with his 7-foot wingspan.
Steph Curry (25 percent), Devin Booker (30 percent), Kevin Durant (28.6 percent), Donovan Mitchell (33 percent), and Jayson Tatum (28.6 percent) are just a few examples of stars who McDaniels contained last year. Impressively, CraftedNBA ranks McDaniels in the 86th percentile for matchup difficulty and in the 89th percentile for versatility rating. Simply put, few players can rival McDaniels' defensive impact.
As ESPN noted, McDaniels was one of five players with 1,000 points, 100 blocks, and 50 steals last season, highlighting his immense two-way value.
Simply focusing on the three most egregious players who were ranked above him, while Smith provides more floor spacing, McDaniels is a far better defender and finisher. While George has name value, he is coming off a season where he averaged an inefficient 16.3 points, declined mightily on defense, and failed to help the Philadelphia 76ers win games. Caruso is a highly impactful and versatile defender, but he plays less than 20 minutes a game and averages 7.3 points. Having him over 20 spots above Mcaniels is truly insane.
At 25, McDaniels is only getting better. With another possible offensive leap, McDaniels could jump up this list next year. Nevertheless, he should have moved up more than two spots after his stellar season last year.