Ranking the top 50 NBA players of the 2021-2022 season: 40-31

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 10: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 10, 2021 in New York City. The Thunder defeated the Nets 120-116. 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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

6 of 10

NBA (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

Top 50 NBA players: 35. Nikola Vucevic

Previous Rank: 40

Fresh off his second career All-Star appearance, Nikola Vucevic is entering a season with expectations for the first time. The Chicago Bulls of 2021-2022 are the most talented team the Swiss center has ever played on. With the infusion of talent comes the goal of making the postseason and potentially making some noise once they get there.

Vucevic was one of the few bright spots for the Orlando Magic before his tenure with the team came to an end. Before being traded he was averaging 24.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.0 steals per game. In the 26 games after the trade the team as plagued by injuries but this season will be about a fresh start and a chance to capitalize on the talent that is Zach LaVine.

This will be Vucevic’s chance to make consecutive All-Star appearances. The infusion of playmaking on the roster will benefit Vucevic and LaVine and should make for a powerful offensive attack. For far too long Vucevic has been one of the more forgotten stars of the league because he has put up solid offensive numbers on a team that was easily forgotten. This season for the Bulls, there will be no chance of forgetting the Swiss superman.