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Ranking the top 50 NBA players of the 2021-22 season: 20-11

By Corey Rausch

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 17: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns reacts in the second half of game five of the NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks at Footprint Center on July 17, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Bucks defeated the Suns 123-119. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 17: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns reacts in the second half of game five of the NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks at Footprint Center on July 17, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Bucks defeated the Suns 123-119. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
(Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

Top 50 NBA players ranked: 13. Kyrie Irving

Previous Rank: 18

What more is there to say about Kyrie Irving coming off one of the more confusing offseason storylines in the league. Everyone seems to have an opinion on how he uses his platform and the personal decisions he makes. He would have entered the season higher on this list had it been confirmed he would actually be able to play in home games this season. Regardless, when Irving is on the court for the Nets he takes them to their ultimate peak.

Irving was stellar when he was on the court last season, posting a line of 26.9 points, 6.0 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. He posted shooting splits of 50.6 percent from the field, 40.2 percent from distance and 92.2 percent from the line. While his personality may be mercurial, the talent is undeniable.

Perhaps the saving grace for Kyrie Irving’s place in the league (and on this list) is the way that his teammates and organization are handling the current situation around him. While other places have seen stars thrown to the wolves for a myriad of reasons, those involved with the Nets are insisting they are not distracted by the situation and the chemistry of the team remains intact. At any time that Irving does take the floor, he remains an unguardable force of nature.