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: 25. Ben Simmons

Previous Rank: 11

This will be one of the few places that Ben Simmons is listed this high coming into the season. The discourse surrounding his production has veered completely off the rails following a rough second round of the postseason against the Atlanta Hawks. Over the summer much and more has been said about Simmons’ shortcomings as a scorer and the mess that is the chemistry of the Philadelphia 76ers. The general conversation has advanced to a point that tends to forget one undeniable fact: Ben Simmons is still a star.

Perennially in the conversation for the Defensive Player of the Year, Simmons may be the most versatile defender in the league. The ability to competently guard all five positions on the court, including some of them at the highest possible level, cannot be understated. In his “down season” last year he posted a stat line of 14.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game. The year prior he led the league in steals. Those acting like he is a bad player because he does not shoot threes or passed up on a layup are kidding themselves.

Simmons still has plenty of questions to answer about being maximized in the postseason and his placement this high on the list comes with the expectation that he will be traded somewhere in short order that is better able to utilize him. Before long, the rumblings of this offseason will be a distant memory.