The 50 greatest NBA players of the 2020s (so far), ranked

42) Kristaps Porziņģis

It has been a roller coaster for Kristaps Porzingis, who started the 2020s with the Dallas Mavericks after being traded there in a blockbuster deal with the New York Knicks. He was expected to be the Maverick second option behind Luka Doncic, but he failed to work out, primarily due to his frequent injuries and clashes in playing style.

He was then moved to the Washington Wizards, where he had a resurgent 2022–23 season, proving that he could still be a productive player and remain healthy. In the summer of 2023, he was dealt to the Boston Celtics, where he proved to be one of the missing pieces needed to help deliver a championship. Winning a title helps to solidify his legacy, which was at risk given his many leg injuries.

At 29, he may not have many good seasons left in him due to his injury history but with load management, he should continue to help Boston and possibly win another championship or two. That will help to offset the lack of individual accolades in the 2020s, though his 20.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game are certainly of all-star caliber and deserving of a spot in the top-50 greatest players of the decade so far.