Ranking the top 50 NBA players of next season: 40-31

BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 28: Jaylen Brown #7 and Kemba Walker #8 of the Boston Celtics talk during a game against the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden on December 28, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

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32. Kristaps Porzingis

This may end up being much higher than he deserves given the injury hanging over the season for Kristaps Porzingis. For anyone who has paid attention to his career that is the common refrain for 25-year old former All-Star.

When he is on the court, however, he is the original unicorn. He is a transcendent offensive big man who can protect the rim. Last season, seeing his first NBA action since early 2018, he thrived in his new role alongside Luka Doncic.

In his first year back from injury he averaged 20.4 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 2.0 blocks per game. He shot 35.2 percent from distance on 7.1 attempts per game. If he was not injured to start the season (suffering a torn meniscus in the restart) he would likely be a favorite to return to the All-Star game and be higher on this list.

Alas, Porzingis is likely to miss at least the first few weeks of the season. If that is all it ends up being he will still feature prominently in one of the most dominant offenses in league history and will benefit greatly from Doncic’s continued growth and the additions around the roster. Health will always be a concern but it is the only thing keeping Porzingis from dominating the league.