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Ranking the top 50 NBA players of the 2021-22 season: 10-1

By Corey Rausch

PORTLAND, OREGON - OCTOBER 04: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts against the Golden State Warriors in the first quarter during the preseason game at Moda Center on October 04, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - OCTOBER 04: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts against the Golden State Warriors in the first quarter during the preseason game at Moda Center on October 04, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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NBA (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
NBA (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Top 50 NBA players ranked: 6. Nikola Jokic

Previous Rank: 10

Nikola Jokic has been considered one of the best players and rising stars in the league for some time. Last season was something different. Jokic was a wizard for the Denver Nuggets, continuing his development as arguably the best passing big man in the history of the league. No matter who was in and out of the lineup for the Nuggets, Jokic was the constant force of nature that kept them afloat.

It goes without saying that Jokic exhibited statistical brilliance on the way to his first career MVP award. In his sixth season in the league, the Serbian big man averaged 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game. He boasted an exceptional 60.2 effective field goal percentage, thanks in large part to his 3-point improvement (38.8 percent last season). Before injuries sidetracked everything the Nuggets looked like potential favorites for the title thanks to the way that Jokic warped the floor.

Some of that shine has come off this season, due in large part to the absence of Jamaal Murray for most, if not all, of the season. However, Jokic has proved to be a workhorse who will get the best out of anyone he shares the floor with. That could be Michael Porter Jr. making the leap and blossoming into an All-Star. It could be Aaron Gordon finally realizing his potential, as he seemed to right after the trade from the Magic. No matter what, bet on Jokic being in the middle of all the success.