2018-2019 NBA Preview: Top 100 Players: 90-81
90 Rudy Gay–San Antonio–SF/PF (-22): Gay took a step back last year as he was recovering from a ruptured Achilles. Now that he’s back with the Spurs, he’ll be the starting small forward and will take on a bigger role with Kawhi gone.
89 Kris Dunn–Chicago–PG/SG (+12): After having an awful rookie year, Dunn improved his scoring average by 10 points per game and his assists by 4 a game. He needs to improve his outside shot but still has a lot of upside for the Bulls.
88 Avery Bradley–LA Clippers–SG (-34): Bradley had a rough year as he missed half the season and was traded to LA in the Blake Griffin deal. He’s hoping for a bounce-back year after being reunited with Doc Rivers.
87 Reggie Jackson–Detroit–PG/SG (-28): When Jackson was traded to the Pistons, he had All-Star expectations. But in the past few seasons, he has regressed into an average point guard. He’s hoping new head coach Dwane Casey can get him going again.
86 Nikola Mirotic–New Orleans–PF (+15): Mirotic had a career year last season as he split it between Chicago and New Orleans. Being a perfect compliment to Anthony Davis, Mirotic averaged 15 points and 10 rebounds during the postseason. He’ll be a 6th Man candidate this year for sure.
85 Danilo Gallinari–LA Clippers–SF/PF (-25): Similar to teammate Avery Bradley, Gallinari is coming off an injury-plagued year. Now at the age of 30, it’s going to be hard for Gallinari to regain his explosive scoring ability.
84 Dennis Smith Jr.–Dallas–PG (+17): During his rookie season, Smith started in every game he played. While his percentages weren’t great, Smith showed off his incredible athleticism and scoring ability. He’s still only 20 and has a lot of upside to go along with Luka Doncic.
83 Ricky Rubio–Utah–PG (+18): For years, Rubio struggled mightily with his shot. But in his 1st season in Utah, he had his best year shooting and became a leader on the team as they went their playoff run. He’s still just 28 and has a chance to be part of something special with the Jazz.
82 Kyle Kuzma–LA Lakers–PF (+19): Without a doubt, Kuzma was the surprise of the 2017 NBA draft. Taken 27th overall, Kuzma was in the running for Rookie of the Year as he averaged 16 and 6 while shooting 45% from the floor. With LeBron now in LA, Kuzma will come off the bench and could be a favorite for 6th Man.
81 Lou Williams–LA Clippers–SG/PG (+19): While Kuzma and Mirotic are 6th Man candidates for this season, Williams is the reigning 6th Man of the Year. During his 13th year, he averaged career highs in both points (22.6) and assists (5.3). While I don’t think he’ll repeat what he did last year, he’s still one of the more craftier scorers in basketball.
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Steve Santoro (SVS_1993)
