With training camp for the 2021-22 NBA season right around the corner, season predictions and player rankings are starting to flood social media.
Sports Illustrated began their Top 100 player rankings on Monday, which has included Lonzo Ball at No. 76, DeMar DeRozan at No. 42, and Nikola Vucevic at No. 39.
On Wednesday, SI continued releasing the rankings with spots 30-11 on the list, which included Chicago Bulls All-Star Zach LaVine at No. 29, 46 spots higher than last year’s ranking at No. 75.
Sports Illustrated’s Chris Herring explains LaVine’s ranking:
“The 26-year-old All-Star, coming off a season in which he set new career-highs in virtually every statistical category, now enters a campaign he’ll be flanked by more veteran talent than he’s ever had. His counting statistics are likely to come down some. But his efficiency—already fantastic a year ago—should soar to new heights with opposing defenses stretched thinner because Chicago’s bolstered talent. “
Last season with the Bulls, LaVine averaged a career-high 27.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game.
Check out the full rankings here.
