Ranking the top 50 NBA players of the 2021-2022 season: 30-21

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JULY 20: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns drives around Jrue Holiday #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first quarter in Game Six of the NBA Finals at Fiserv Forum on July 20, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

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Top 50 NBA players: 27. Zion Williamson

Previous Rank: 37

Despite a mess of a season for the New Orleans Pelicans, Zion Williamson continues to skyrocket up the list of best players in the league. In his second season, the team found ways to run the offense through him more regularly and he made his first All-Star appearance. Despite being faced with his third coach in three seasons there is plenty of reason for optimism entering this season.

The numbers Williamson put up in his second season were astounding. Under a head coach who the entire team seemed to dislike from the jump, Williamson averaged 27.0 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists. That was good for eighth in the league in scoring and even that undersells the impact he had when he was on the court.

Entering the season dealing with a foot injury is certainly less than ideal. As is the aforementioned third coach in three seasons and the loss of Lonzo Ball in free agency. However, Williamson has proven capable of overcoming the challenges placed in front of him. If he is able to maintain his health, he will be a dominant force in the league. In a perfect world head coach Willie Green is able to unlock this team around one of the most promising stars in the league.