
<p><strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/james-harden-goran-dragic-and-all-nba-players-available-for-trade-after-december-15-20221211-SPD-3247.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyle Kuzma</a></strong> told <em>The Atheltic </em>this week that he does not intend to sign an extension with the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-teams-in-2022-23-nba-season-so-far-20221210-SPD-3243.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington Wizards</a></strong> and would instead reject his player option for the 2023-24 season in order to become a free agent this summer.</p>



<p>While the Wizards have shown flashes of becoming a playoff contender this season, they haven’t done so in the previous two weeks, leading to speculation regarding Kyle Kuzma’s future with the organization. The 27-year-old Kuzma has become an integral part of the Wizards’ roster, so his intentions shouldn’t come as a shock.</p>



<p> Washington, which has $208 million committed to Beal over the next four seasons and who also has Kristaps Porzingis under contract for next season through a player option, may move Kuzma at the February 9 trade deadline for valued assets rather than letting him depart in free agency with no return. Now that he may be available in a trade, let’s examine the top three landing spots for him.</p>



<h2>3. Atlanta Hawks</h2>



<p>John Collins is still available for a trade, and it’s becoming obvious that this squad needs some new blood. In terms of overall improvement, swapping Collins for Kuzma would not be a huge step forward, but he would be a better fit for the team.</p>



<p>Kuzma is superior at perimeter defense and can also contribute offensively by making three-point shots. Furthermore, the Atlanta Hawks have a wealth of promising young players they may employ to sweeten the deal.</p>



<h2>2. Brooklyn Nets</h2>



<p>The Washington Wizards have apparently been contacted by the Brooklyn Nets about making Kuzma available. As he satisfies both their idealized personality and their on-court requirements, this is not a shock.</p>



<p>T.J. Warren hasn’t done much to impress, so they could use another big man to aid them on the boards, come up with their own scoring opportunities, and relieve Kevin Durant of some of the load. It’s not like he’s a lockdown stopper, but he’d be an improvement on defense anyway.</p>



<h2>1. Los Angeles Lakers</h2>



<p>Without a doubt, the Los Angeles Lakers are still smarting from the Russell Westbrook deal. He has never tried to hide the fact that he is deeply in love with Los Angeles.</p>



<p>The influence of stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Kuzma said, stunted his growth. But he also understands that his chances of winning a championship are better while wearing purple and gold.</p>


Return to Hawks and two other possible landing spots for Kyle Kuzma

Return to Hawks and two other possible landing spots for Kyle Kuzma - thesportsdrops NEWS

miniaturas


<p>The 15th of December is a pivotal day in the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-teams-in-2022-23-nba-season-so-far-20221210-SPD-3243.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA season</a></strong>. On that day, teams may begin trading for players who have signed new contracts throughout the offseason. Until then, all transactions involving those players are prohibited. This day is marked on the calendars of every general manager in the league since it marks the unofficial beginning of the trading season, which continues until the trade deadline on Thursday, February 9. </p>



<p>There’s a good reason why not many deals have happened thus far this season. The timing was important because it would allow the front offices to begin collecting more moving pieces. The <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-three-under-25-players-in-2022-23-nba-season-20221204-SPD-3231.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lakers</a></strong> might make a splash at the trade deadline this year to strengthen their squad around LeBron James and Anthony Davis in preparation for a postseason run. </p>



<p>It has been claimed that the New York Knicks are prepared to trade away Derrick Rose, Immanuel Quickley, Evan Fournier, and Cam Reddish because of the team’s poor start. As the event approaches, more teams may emerge as contenders. Listed here is every player in the league that may be moved as of December 15, broken down by teams. * These players would have a say in whether or not a deal is made.</p>



<h2>Atlanta Hawks</h2>



<p>• Aaron Holiday<br>• Frank Kaminsky</p>



<h2>Boston Celtics</h2>



<p>• Danilo Gallinari<br>• Sam Hauser<br>• Luke Kornet<br>• Justin Jackson<br>• Noah Vonleh</p>



<h2>Brooklyn Nets</h2>



<p>• Kessler Edwards *<br>• Patty Mills<br>• Markieff Morris<br>• Edmond Sumner<br>• T.J. Warren<br>• Yuta Watanabe</p>



<h2>Chicago Bulls</h2>



<p>• Goran Dragic<br>• Andre Drummond<br>• Derrick Jones Jr. *</p>



<h2>Cleveland Cavaliers</h2>



<p>• Robin Lopez<br>• Raul Neto<br>• Ricky Rubio</p>



<h2>Dallas Mavericks</h2>



<p>• JaVale McGee<br>• Theo Pinson *</p>



<h2>Denver Nuggets</h2>



<p>• Bruce Brown<br>• DeAndre Jordan<br>• Davon Reed</p>



<h2>Detroit Pistons</h2>



<p>• Marvin Bagley III<br>• Kevin Knox<br>• Rodney McGruder *</p>



<h2>Golden State Warriors</h2>



<p>• Donte DiVincenzo<br>• JaMychal Green</p>



<h2>Indiana Pacers</h2>



<p>• James Johnson<br>• Jalen Smith</p>



<h2>Los Angeles Clippers</h2>



<p>• John Wall</p>



<h2>Los Angeles Lakers</h2>



<p>• Troy Brown<br>• Thomas Bryant<br>• Damian Jones<br>• Juan Toscano-Anderson<br>• Lonnie Walker</p>



<h2>Miami Heat</h2>



<p>• Udonis Haslem *<br>• Caleb Martin</p>



<h2>Milwaukee Bucks</h2>



<p>• Jevon Carter *<br>• Serge Ibaka *<br>• Joe Ingles<br>• Wesley Matthews *</p>



<h2>Minnesota Timberwolves</h2>



<p>• Kyle Anderson<br>• Bryn Forbes<br>• Nathan Knight<br>• Austin Rivers</p>



<h2>New York Knicks</h2>



<p>• Jalen Brunson<br>• Isaiah Hartenstein<br>• Jericho Sims</p>



<h2>Oklahoma City Thunder</h2>



<p>• Mike Muscala *</p>



<h2>Orlando Magic</h2>



<p>• Bol Bol</p>



<h2>Philadelphia 76ers</h2>



<p>• James Harden *<br>• Montrezl Harrell<br>• Danuel House<br>• P.J. Tucker</p>



<h2>Phoenix Suns</h2>



<p>• Bismack Biyombo *<br>• Damion Lee<br>• Josh Okogie</p>



<h2>Portland Trail Blazers</h2>



<p>• Drew Eubanks *<br>• Gary Payton II</p>



<h2>Sacramento Kings</h2>



<p>• Matthew Dellavedova<br>• Chima Moneke<br>• Malik Monk<br>• KZ Okpala</p>



<h2>San Antonio Spurs</h2>



<p>• Gorgui Dieng</p>



<h2>Toronto Raptors</h2>



<p>• Justin Champagnie *<br>• Juancho Hernangomez<br>• Otto Porter Jr.</p>



<h2>Utah Jazz</h2>



<p>• Simone Fontecchio<br>• Collin Sexton</p>



<h2>Washington Wizards</h2>



<p>• Taj Gibson<br>• Anthony Gill<br>• Delon Wright</p>


James Harden, Goran Dragic and all NBA players available for trade after December 15

James Harden, Goran Dragic and all NBA players available for trade after December 15 - thesportsdrops NEWS


<p>There comes a moment every year when this happens. The <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-centers-in-2022-23-nba-season-20221124-SPD-3193.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2022-23 NBA season</a></strong> started on October 18. The Golden State Warriors are seeking to add to their dynasty by winning a fifth championship in eight seasons. The Los Angeles Clippers, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the drama-filled Brooklyn Nets are just a few of the clubs attempting to end their championship drought.</p>



<p>It’s for this reason that the game is played, even though some teams have more reasonable expectations than others. There are established powerhouses this season, but there are also promising young squads like the New Orleans Pelicans and the Cleveland Cavaliers.</p>



<p>We have ranked the league’s top clubs as of now based on their early season performance and their overall record from the previous year’s context. These are the three best teams in the NBA right now.</p>



<h2>3. Phoenix Suns</h2>



<p>The Phoenix Suns have gotten off to a good start this season, despite all the controversy and commotion they endured this summer leading up to preseason. With the same nucleus of Devin Booker, DeAndre Ayton, Mikal Bridges, and Chris Paul, this team was two victories away from the NBA Finals two years ago. There was a club last year that won 64 games before losing in the playoffs. </p>



<p>The playoffs will be a better indicator of how good they really are, but for now, expect Devin Booker and company to keep piling up victories. While the team’s chemistry off the court remains questionable, they have shown they can play well together on it and win basketball games.</p>



<h2>2. Milwaukee Bucks</h2>



<p>It’s not unreasonable to think that the Milwaukee Bucks when at full strength, are one of the greatest teams in the NBA at the moment and maybe even the best in the East. Aside from PJ Tucker, the 2021 NBA Finals starting lineup still consists of Giannis Antetokounmpo and the rest of the championship team’s core players.</p>



<p>Although Giannis and Jrue Holiday have missed several games this season, the Bucks have had a strong start. While the impending return of Khris Middleton should give its opponents pause, the club may not be back to full strength until January.</p>



<h2>1. Boston Celtics</h2>



<p>Even though the Celtics were eliminated from NBA championship contention in six games by the Warriors last season, the team’s future seemed promising. With All-Stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown on the wings, plus the additions of Malcolm Brogdon and Danilo Gallinari in the summer, the Celtics seemed ready to take another step forward in the new NBA season.</p>



<p>There was some doubt that they could repeat their second-half dominance and Finals run from last year when Gallinari tore his ACL in Eurobasket play, starting center Robert Williams required another knee treatment, and head coach Ime Udoka was banned for the whole season. However, their performance so far this year has put such concerns to rest. There was no noticeable drop-off in play when Udoka was replaced by Joe Mazulla, and the Celtics have continued to perform well.</p>


Top 3 teams in 2022-23 NBA season so far

Top 3 teams in 2022-23 NBA season so far - thesportsdrops NEWS


<p>After 13 weeks, the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-rumors-3-reasons-washington-commanders-playoff-chances-are-real-20221116-SPD-3157.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2022 NFL rookie class</a></strong> still looks impressive. It’s possible that a few running backs may finish the season with 1,000 rushing yards, and a few receivers are on track to do the same.</p>



<p>As a group, the rookie defensive unit has recorded 70.5 sacks and 40 interceptions so far this season. Several members of the unit have already reached the three-sack mark. Brock Purdy, who will start for the injured Jimmy Garoppolo of the San Francisco 49ers, is among the quarterbacks with game experience.</p>



<p>At this point of the 2022-23 NFL season, the contenders for Rookie of the Year are dispersed. Only a little before the end of the regular season, and it has already been months since these rookies joined the professional ranks. As of right now, these are the three best NFL rookie players, as per <em>NFL.com.</em></p>



<h2>3. Tariq Woolen</h2>



<p>Despite entering the NFL as a developing prospect, <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-rumors-patrick-mahomes-and-potential-mvp-candidates-of-2022-season-20221108-SPD-3092.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woolen</a></strong> has been technically sound thus far, which has helped showcase his exceptional athleticism. There have been four interceptions made by the long, nimble corner.</p>



<p>Woolen has kept the young Seahawks’ secondary organized and on the right track. His length and zone coverage have been outstanding, and he is a perfect match for the system. He has exceeded anyone’s expectations heading into the end of the season.</p>



<h2>2. Chris Olave</h2>



<p>With his refined route-running and surprising quickness, Olave has stood out as the most promising rookie wide receiver. The rookie from Ohio State has more receptions (43) and receiving yards than any other player (618).</p>



<p>Olave has improved route-running skills and perimeter speed, allowing him to glide past defenders in the vertical passing game and generate separation on second-level cuts. On the season, Olave has caught 11 balls that turned into big plays, and he has a catch average of over 15 yards.</p>



<h2>1. Sauce Gardner</h2>



<p>Gardner is well on his way to becoming one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. His two interceptions this season have been game-changers for the Jets, and he had another in their recent upset victory against the Bills.</p>



<p>Gardner has a chance to become the first rookie from the Jets to be picked for the Pro Bowl since safety Erik McMillan in 1988. The amount of times quarterbacks has begun to turn the other way already shows his true stature among his peers, more so than the plays he has made, such as his involvement in restricting Justin Jefferson to 45 yards in Week 13.</p>


Top 3 rookies for 2022-23 NFL season

Top 3 rookies for 2022-23 NFL season - thesportsdrops NEWS


<p id="block-8494f6ae-d4fe-4e4a-8456-e05c9bee4033">The <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-small-forwards-in-2022-23-nba-season-20221202-SPD-3219.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a></strong> is teeming with youthful talent, and even the youngest players can have an instant impact on a championship team. Some of the best players in the NBA are still a few years away from even being at their peak, whereas other players have already reached their apex.</p>



<p id="block-d469ccb2-7367-4507-9f95-ed841834ef89">There are a number of players that stand out as obvious choices to become the league’s next prominent figures. Trying to rank the under-25 players in the league would be an effort fraught with anguish, headaches, and an unlimited supply of regret</p>



<p id="block-a78828d1-df1d-4495-bd1c-d1f9440af4a4">The NBA has seen a genuine change of the guard in recent seasons, with a plethora of promising young players emerging as franchise-changing stars. As of right now, these three NBA players are the best of the best among those who are under the age of 25.</p>



<h2 id="block-6949c155-05c8-4e07-af7d-73f219b39c77">3. Ja Morant</h2>



<p id="block-bfd308e6-0146-4a33-95b2-17b53a3bbac5"><strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-point-guards-for-2022-23-nba-season-20221120-SPD-3175.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ja Morant</a></strong> is one of the most exciting players in the NBA right now because of his combination of talent, incredible athleticism, explosiveness, and high effort level every game.</p>



<p id="block-1d93e71c-d6f2-4234-8f1f-16f0ab29670b">Everything you get from him is a unique adventure, from his defiant defiance of gravity to his sudden floaters to theatrical passes to the sheer and total feeling of unpredictability once he leaves his feet. But what makes his flair so attractive is that it is also functional. Without Morant, the Grizzlies would not be able to consistently exceed expectations and win championships.</p>



<h2 id="block-613b0577-dd49-4028-98c3-2e61f79c54de">2. Jayson Tatum</h2>



<p id="block-f4373eaf-aeff-4659-9101-b41f8d764adc">In the Eastern Conference Finals in his debut 2017 season, <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-centers-in-2022-23-nba-season-20221124-SPD-3193.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Tatum</strong></a> and the Celtics fell to LeBron James and the Cavaliers by a score of 4-1. Two more trips to the Eastern Conference Finals have followed, both times with Tatum at the helm for the Celtics.</p>



<p id="block-df2fc6db-4994-4cab-a172-4ea56bf49e0a">With career highs in points (26.9), rebounds (8.0), and assists (4.4) per game, Tatum was selected to play in his third consecutive All-Star game. After a sluggish start, he helped the Celtics go on a 28-7 tear in the second half of the season. The result was the Celtics finishing second in the Eastern Conference, two games behind the first-place Miami Heat.</p>



<h2 id="block-aa26a5d4-6f7c-4dc8-ab05-f17fb96222a5">1. Luka Doncic</h2>



<p id="block-630cde24-149e-4f5f-ae93-9a79cd6e7c0b">There just aren’t enough superlatives to sum up <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-point-guards-for-2022-23-nba-season-20221120-SPD-3175.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Luka Doncic</strong></a>‘s offensive effect. His ability to make shots at every level, see the big picture, be physically strong, switch speeds, and remain unfazed under pressure is legendary.</p>



<p id="block-571ba613-ce8d-4214-9617-f26b27e7d947">Even though his club has one of the weakest supporting casts in recent memory, the 23-year-old phenom has seized over this postseason and led them to the Western Conference Finals. The four-year veteran has already been named to the NBA’s All-Star team three times and to the league’s All-NBA team twice.</p>


Top three under-25 players in 2022-23 NBA season

Top three under-25 players in 2022-23 NBA season - thesportsdrops NEWS


<p>The <strong><a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-small-forwards-in-2022-23-nba-season-20221202-SPD-3219.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a></strong> is teeming with youthful talent, and even the youngest players can have an instant impact on a championship team. Some of the best players in the NBA are still a few years away from even being at their peak, whereas other players have already reached their apex.</p>



<p>There are a number of players that stand out as obvious choices to become the league’s next prominent figures. Trying to rank the under-25 players in the league would be an effort fraught with anguish, headaches, and an unlimited supply of regret.</p>



<p>The NBA has seen a genuine change of the guard in recent seasons, with a plethora of promising young players emerging as franchise-changing stars. As of right now, these three NBA players are the best of the best among those who are under the age of 25.</p>



<h2>3. Ja Morant</h2>



<p><strong><a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-point-guards-for-2022-23-nba-season-20221120-SPD-3175.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ja Morant</a></strong> is one of the most exciting players in the NBA right now because of his combination of talent, incredible athleticism, explosiveness, and high effort level every game.</p>



<p>Everything you get from him is a unique adventure, from his defiant defiance of gravity to his sudden floaters to theatrical passes to the sheer and total feeling of unpredictability once he leaves his feet. But what makes his flair so attractive is that it is also functional. Without Morant, the Grizzlies would not be able to consistently exceed expectations and win championships.</p>



<h2>2. Jayson Tatum</h2>



<p>In the Eastern Conference Finals in his debut 2017 season, <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-centers-in-2022-23-nba-season-20221124-SPD-3193.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Tatum</strong></a> and the Celtics fell to LeBron James and the Cavaliers by a score of 4-1. Two more trips to the Eastern Conference Finals have followed, both times with Tatum at the helm for the Celtics.</p>



<p>With career highs in points (26.9), rebounds (8.0), and assists (4.4) per game, Tatum was selected to play in his third consecutive All-Star game. After a sluggish start, he helped the Celtics go on a 28-7 tear in the second half of the season. The result was the Celtics finishing second in the Eastern Conference, two games behind the first-place Miami Heat.</p>



<h2>1. Luka Doncic</h2>



<p>There just aren’t enough superlatives to sum up <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-point-guards-for-2022-23-nba-season-20221120-SPD-3175.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Luka Doncic</strong></a>‘s offensive effect. His ability to make shots at every level, see the big picture, be physically strong, switch speeds, and remain unfazed under pressure is legendary. </p>



<p>Even though his club has one of the weakest supporting casts in recent memory, the 23-year-old phenom has seized over this postseason and led them to the Western Conference Finals. The four-year veteran has already been named to the NBA’s All-Star team three times and to the league’s All-NBA team twice. </p>


Top 3 under 25 players in 2022-23 NBA season - thesportsdrops NEWS

Top 3 under 25 players in 2022-23 NBA season


<p id="block-8d73f2ab-5802-4967-bd27-053352e7cfb0">As a result of their stature and ability to exert complete control over the game in many situations, small forwards have become one of the most important positions in the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-centers-in-2022-23-nba-season-20221124-SPD-3193.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a></strong>. It’s no surprise that some of the previous NBA champions have included stars like LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, and Kevin Durant.</p>



<p id="block-62768198-cdd3-4495-841a-fe23fdfe871d">Modern NBA teams rely heavily on small forwards because of their ability to shoot, distribute the ball, and defend several positions. Every NBA club is on the lookout for a dominant small forward because that guy is the one who ultimately decides whether or not the team becomes champions.</p>



<p id="block-73b7482e-08e6-4344-89d9-ef3c3ac3d730">The small forward position has produced some of the game’s greatest players. Larry Bird was the first really legendary small forward in the NBA, long before LeBron James’s arrival. These are the three best small forwards in the NBA right now, who are still yet to reach those highs, as per&nbsp;<em>NBA.com</em>.</p>



<h2 id="block-a387b47d-c83c-4d9a-8dab-231434abb440">3. Kawhi Leonard</h2>



<p id="block-c447b9ac-1d45-47c7-9b52-f237f9a92307">The last time anybody saw <strong>Leonard</strong> play well was in 2021, so it’s natural that they have forgotten how excellent he really is. He was among the league’s elite until sustaining an ACL injury that season. Even at the age of 31, he has plenty of time remaining to have a few more great seasons.</p>



<h2 id="block-da6feb82-2c0f-4195-8223-631b6740babb">2. Kevin Durant</h2>



<p id="block-3aee8aea-ac5a-44e6-8b9b-1f5364f6084e"><strong>Durant</strong>‘s apparent trade request became the biggest news item of the summer until he finally backed out of it. KD is the greatest pure scorer in the game right now, and there’s no reason to think that won’t continue this season, provided he stays healthy.</p>



<h2 id="block-170abb92-7350-44d7-bebc-5589ccbd3766">1. LeBron James</h2>



<p id="block-d5233376-658c-4f8d-a12a-1a3b215a6c69"><strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-shooting-guards-for-2022-23-nba-season-20221127-SPD-3197.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James,</a></strong> being 37 years old, no longer has the same explosiveness around the basket that he once had. But he more than makes up for it with the gaming knowledge that will go down in history books.</p>



<p id="block-c5b0b657-aafa-4ddf-a692-21de8d50b68d">He will have another amazing year and is still an All-NBA caliber player. About halfway through the year, he will most likely become the all-time leading scorer. James is no longer a true small forward. He spent more time at the center than ever before last season, and he excelled there.</p>


Top 3 small forwards in 2022-23 NBA season

Top 3 small forwards in 2022-23 NBA season - thesportsdrops NEWS


<p>As a result of their stature and ability to exert complete control over the game in many situations, small forwards have become one of the most important positions in the <strong><a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-centers-in-2022-23-nba-season-20221124-SPD-3193.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a></strong>. It’s no surprise that some of the previous NBA champions have included stars like LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, and Kevin Durant.</p>



<p>Modern NBA teams rely heavily on small forwards because of their ability to shoot, distribute the ball, and defend several positions. Every NBA club is on the lookout for a dominant small forward because that guy is the one who ultimately decides whether or not the team becomes champions.</p>



<p>The small forward position has produced some of the game’s greatest players. Larry Bird was the first really legendary small forward in the NBA, long before LeBron James’s arrival. These are the three best small forwards in the NBA right now, who are still yet to reach those highs, as per&nbsp;<em>NBA.com</em>.</p>



<h2>3. Kawhi Leonard</h2>



<p>The last time anybody saw <strong>Leonard</strong> play well was in 2021, so it’s natural that they have forgotten how excellent he really is. He was among the league’s elite until sustaining an ACL injury that season. Even at the age of 31, he has plenty of time remaining to have a few more great seasons.</p>



<h2>2. Kevin Durant</h2>



<p><strong>Durant</strong>‘s apparent trade request became the biggest news item of the summer until he finally backed out of it. KD is the greatest pure scorer in the game right now, and there’s no reason to think that won’t continue this season, provided he stays healthy.</p>



<h2>1. LeBron James</h2>



<p><strong><a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-shooting-guards-for-2022-23-nba-season-20221127-SPD-3197.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James,</a></strong> being 37 years old, no longer has the same explosiveness around the basket that he once had. But he more than makes up for it with the gaming knowledge that will go down in history books. </p>



<p>He will have another amazing year and is still an All-NBA caliber player. About halfway through the year, he will most likely become the all-time leading scorer. James is no longer a true small forward. He spent more time at the center than ever before last season, and he excelled there.</p>


Top 3 small forwards for 2022-23 NBA season - thesportsdrops NEWS

Top 3 small forwards for 2022-23 NBA season

destacadas


<p>Shooting guard is one of the most visible positions in the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-centers-in-2022-23-nba-season-20221124-SPD-3193.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a></strong>. The NBA has seen some of its most prolific scorers—including Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, to name just two—emerge from the double-guard position.</p>



<p>The greatest shooting guards in NBA history have won several awards, both individually and as a team. Considering that Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant hold the records for the greatest-ever perimeter scores, it stands to reason that the arena would be quite well-known to basketball fans.</p>



<p>There is a lot of enthusiasm among basketball fans all around the globe since players like Jerry West and Dwyane Wade have won several honors and championships. In the future, it will be even more difficult to evaluate players due to the ever-evolving nature of the league. These are the three best shooting guards in the NBA right now, as per&nbsp;<em>NBA.com</em>.</p>



<h2>3. Donovan Mitchell</h2>



<p><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-point-guards-for-2022-23-nba-season-20221120-SPD-3175.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mitchell</a> is gifted at finding ways to get an edge on the offensive side of the ball. His pull-up 3-point shooting is a difficult ability to discover, and he can’t be defended in a one-on-one situation. He will thrive in Cleveland, where he can put more of his energy into scoring and let Darius Garland handle the team’s offense.</p>



<p>There is room for improvement on defense, even if he has the physical attributes and draft position to become a solid defender.</p>



<h2>2. Jaylen Brown</h2>



<p>Brown had a fantastic postseason, proving he was capable of a higher volume of shot creation than was previously believed and making all but one of his three-point attempts. His two-way prowess was crucial to the Celtics’ 2022 NBA Finals run. In order to climb in the ranks, he should tighten up that slack grip.</p>



<h2>1. Devin Booker</h2>



<p>Last year, <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-power-forwards-for-2022-23-nba-season-20221118-SPD-3169.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Booker</a> made his first All-NBA team and finished fourth in MVP voting. The criticisms based on meaningless statistics that have followed him his whole career have faded, and now his greatness can’t be denied. Incredible scorer and one of the league’s finest in the clutch, he was a standout performer in the last minutes of games last season.</p>


Top 3 shooting guards for 2022-23 NBA season

Top 3 shooting guards for 2022-23 NBA season - thesportsdrops NEWS


<p id="block-ea9a0d63-14b7-4edd-9928-0500a0b405bf">With the advent of the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-point-guards-for-2022-23-nba-season-20221120-SPD-3175.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a></strong> in the late 1940s, it became clear that each team required a towering center to have any chance of winning the title. There have been many great centers to play professional basketball in a league that is still expanding after more than 70 years.</p>



<p id="block-b49d11c0-50ee-425a-b398-1634988a7374">The NBA center position has a rich history of prominence. Many teams rely heavily on this position, and it has been filled by some of the game’s all-time greats. Defenders at the center position must focus on protecting the basket and securing offensive boards.</p>



<p id="block-7169e422-77ab-458e-9730-3d49a5190545">This particular position has enjoyed a revival in recent years, and in the previous two seasons, a player of this position was awarded the league’s most valuable player trophy, marking the position’s pinnacle. Thus, big, skilled players are returning to the position in droves. These are the three best centers in the NBA right now, who are still yet to reach those highs, as per&nbsp;<em>NBA.com</em>.</p>



<h2 id="block-368b32b5-0f4e-4e3d-bdea-0f21d24b7ba1">3. Bam Adebayo</h2>



<p id="block-1b672db2-e975-4088-916e-228d8e7adf85">Adebayo’s case for being the top defender in the NBA right now is strong. His absence from 26 games last season cost him the chance to win the league’s Defensive Player of the Year title, which went to Marcus Smart. Adebayo placed in the bottom four. The Heat, who missed out on the NBA Finals by a single game, allowed a league-low 41.3 points per game to be scored in the paint in the 2021-22 season.</p>



<h2 id="block-84a89c52-c99e-4dd3-8146-9756dedb5845">2. Joel Embiid</h2>



<p id="block-881d2fbd-8d80-439b-821c-24a13c9302de">Embiid averaged 30.6% of the team’s points last year, making him the first center to lead the NBA in scoring since Shaquille O’Neal in 1999-2000. He had 13 games where he scored 40 or more points, including his second career 50-point effort, which came on January 19 against the Magic. The concern of whether or not he will be healthy for the playoffs arises every year, since this has not been the case in the previous two seasons.</p>



<h2 id="block-f53ee6d9-9ab6-4798-92af-973c00f4a9d1">1. Nikola Jokic</h2>



<p id="block-c98b9160-c4ae-408d-9932-4b5ce327ea2a">The previous player to win three straight MVP honors was Larry Bird, who did it from 1984 to 1986. After winning the award the last two years in a row, <strong>Jokic</strong> will have a chance to become the third player to do so.</p>



<p id="block-f99eb8ef-55ba-4d28-bd2d-fb596f8c9eec">He is stunning to see, is unstoppable in the post, and is the finest big-man passer in the history of the game. Not only is he shattering the most complex statistics, but he was also the top offensive player in the league last season based on simple box score analysis.</p>


Top 3 centers in 2022-23 NBA season

Top 3 centers in 2022-23 NBA season - thesportsdrops NEWS


<p id="block-b93cc514-fc81-4945-bcb9-07641874af14">With the advent of the <strong><a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-point-guards-for-2022-23-nba-season-20221120-SPD-3175.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a></strong> in the late 1940s, it became clear that each team required a towering center to have any chance of winning the title. There have been many great centers to play professional basketball in a league that is still expanding after more than 70 years.</p>



<p id="block-93fd3979-5171-4936-a20b-1278c47a9bce">The NBA center position has a rich history of prominence. Many teams rely heavily on this position, and it has been filled by some of the game’s all-time greats. Defenders at the center position must focus on protecting the basket and securing offensive boards.</p>



<p id="block-48a7d217-e941-420c-b891-d6b7b452746d">This particular position has enjoyed a revival in recent years, and in the previous two seasons, a player of this position was awarded the league’s most valuable player trophy, marking the position’s pinnacle. Thus, big, skilled players are returning to the position in droves. These are the three best centers in the NBA right now, who are still yet to reach those highs, as per&nbsp;<em>NBA.com</em>.</p>



<h2 id="block-e481451a-9525-4406-b367-907b917db355">3. Bam Adebayo</h2>



<p id="block-4518d1dd-1b00-4c36-ba6a-074ce4b9b030">Adebayo’s case for being the top defender in the NBA right now is strong. His absence from 26 games last season cost him the chance to win the league’s Defensive Player of the Year title, which went to Marcus Smart. Adebayo placed in the bottom four. The Heat, who missed out on the NBA Finals by a single game, allowed a league-low 41.3 points per game to be scored in the paint in the 2021-22 season.</p>



<h2 id="block-c498f8dd-25b0-4e3d-9149-a8c8c26dce5a">2. Joel Embiid</h2>



<p id="block-9d7f2370-7f15-40f3-a887-e5a28ccf84b8">Embiid averaged 30.6% of the team’s points last year, making him the first center to lead the NBA in scoring since Shaquille O’Neal in 1999-2000. He had 13 games where he scored 40 or more points, including his second career 50-point effort, which came on January 19 against the Magic. The concern of whether or not he will be healthy for the playoffs arises every year, since this has not been the case in the previous two seasons.</p>



<h2 id="block-1f4cfde5-9436-4820-9462-17d38da0c990">1. Nikola Jokic</h2>



<p id="block-28d96002-8130-4f48-835f-d8bfaef50163">The previous player to win three straight MVP honors was Larry Bird, who did it from 1984 to 1986. After winning the award the last two years in a row, <strong>Jokic</strong> will have a chance to become the third player to do so.</p>



<p id="block-c83ceb7d-f4d4-4fc0-8aef-bcf3032de25f">He is stunning to see, is unstoppable in the post, and is the finest big-man passer in the history of the game. Not only is he shattering the most complex statistics, but he was also the top offensive player in the league last season based on simple box score analysis.</p>


Top 3 centers for 2022-23 NBA season - thesportsdrops NEWS

Top 3 centers for 2022-23 NBA season


<p>With the advent of the <strong><a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-point-guards-for-2022-23-nba-season-20221120-SPD-3175.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a></strong> in the late 1940s, it became clear that each team required a towering center to have any chance of winning the title. There have been many great centers to play professional basketball in a league that is still expanding after more than 70 years.</p>



<p>The NBA center position has a rich history of prominence. Many teams rely heavily on this position, and it has been filled by some of the game’s all-time greats. Defenders at the center position must focus on protecting the basket and securing offensive boards.</p>



<p>This particular position has enjoyed a revival in recent years, and in the previous two seasons, a player of this position was awarded the league’s most valuable player trophy, marking the position’s pinnacle. Thus, big, skilled players are returning to the position in droves. These are the three best centers in the NBA right now, who are still yet to reach those highs, as per&nbsp;<em>NBA.com</em>.</p>



<h2>3. Bam Adebayo</h2>



<p>Adebayo’s case for being the top defender in the NBA right now is strong. His absence from 26 games last season cost him the chance to win the league’s Defensive Player of the Year title, which went to Marcus Smart. Adebayo placed in the bottom four. The Heat, who missed out on the NBA Finals by a single game, allowed a league-low 41.3 points per game to be scored in the paint in the 2021-22 season.</p>



<h2>2. Joel Embiid</h2>



<p>Embiid averaged 30.6% of the team’s points last year, making him the first center to lead the NBA in scoring since Shaquille O’Neal in 1999-2000. He had 13 games where he scored 40 or more points, including his second career 50-point effort, which came on January 19 against the Magic. The concern of whether or not he will be healthy for the playoffs arises every year, since this has not been the case in the previous two seasons.</p>



<h2>1. Nikola Jokic</h2>



<p>The previous player to win three straight MVP honors was Larry Bird, who did it from 1984 to 1986. After winning the award the last two years in a row, <strong>Jokic</strong> will have a chance to become the third player to do so. </p>



<p>He is stunning to see, is unstoppable in the post, and is the finest big-man passer in the history of the game. Not only is he shattering the most complex statistics, but he was also the top offensive player in the league last season based on simple box score analysis.</p>



<p>One of the most important roles on the court for an NBA team is the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-power-forwards-for-2022-23-nba-season-20221118-SPD-3169.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">point guard</a></strong>. A team’s point guard is the most important player, even more so than the shooting guard, small forward, power forward, or focus. In fact, the point guard is the team’s leader on the court. </p>



<p>As with any successful offensive, the timing, tempo, and flow of the play are crucial. Having a spokesperson who is responsible for viewing the floor more than anyone else on the court makes for far more rhythmic offenses than a team that relies on shooting power and a small forward to lead the movement.</p>



<p>Based on their individual records, total games played, and the impact of the teams they’ve been a part of, a large number of players have earned a place among the top point guards of all time. These are the three best point guards in the NBA right now, who are still yet to reach those highs, as per <em>NBA.com</em>.</p>



<h2>3. Ja Morant</h2>



<p>One of the league’s most dynamic players, Ja Morant, reached a new level of performance last year, scoring 30 points or more 24 times. His season best was a staggering 52 points, scored on February 28 against the Spurs. Now that the Grizzlies are no longer a pleasant surprise, do they have another gear left, or do they still need a player or two to become serious championship contenders?</p>



<h2>2. Stephen Curry</h2>



<p>Curry, who led the Warriors to the NBA championship last season, averaged 30+ points 21 times throughout the regular season of 2021-22, including a 50-point, 7-rebound, 10-assist performance against the Hawks on November 8. The NBA world is debating whether he or Magic Johnson is the better point guard. Even though he and Magic play in such distinct styles, he has a chance to cement his status as the finest player to ever play the position with another great season.</p>



<h2>1. Luka Doncic</h2>



<p>Most people think that <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/luka-doncic-and-potential-mvp-candidates-of-2022-23-nba-season-20221110-SPD-3142.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luka Doncic</a></strong>, at the tender age of 23, is already one of the league’s top five players. The issue now is whether or not he can lead the Mavs to a championship without a superstar teammate. He made significant progress toward that goal last season by leading Dallas to the Western Conference Finals. </p>



<p>The figures he put up in the playoffs were equally absurd: he scored at least 40 points three times and at least 30 points in nine of the 15 games he played in throughout the 2022 postseason.</p>


Top 3 point guards for 2022-23 NBA season - thesportsdrops NEWS

Top 3 point guards for 2022-23 NBA season


<p>Some of the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/luka-doncic-and-potential-mvp-candidates-of-2022-23-nba-season-20221110-SPD-3142.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a></strong>‘s all-time greats have come from the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-steve-nash-reacts-to-being-fired-by-the-brooklyn-nets-20221101-SPD-3073.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forward position</a></strong>, which isn’t the most prestigious one. Tim Duncan, an all-time great, has five NBA championship rings, but Karl Malone and Charles Barkley, both greats who never won a title despite being instrumental in their teams’ success, are also considered among the league’s all-time greats.</p>



<p>Even current legends like Dirk Nowitzki and Kevin Garnett have changed the power forward position by distinguishing out as excellent perimeter players with a polished offensive game. The old-school players, like Dolph Schayes, preferred to score from the paint and were quite efficient at it.</p>



<p>It’s safe to say that the new NBA’s finest team will perform well in its early seasons. Especially now that their teams are being divided up into smaller, athletic groups, only a select few of them will be able to switch places.</p>



<h2>3. Karl-Anthony Towns</h2>



<p>The Timberwolves believed otherwise, as seen by their signing of Rudy Gobert to play with <strong>Karl-Anthony Towns</strong>, and you shouldn’t either. From a strategic perspective, it’s not completely insane. While Gobert is one of the finest rim defenders in the game, Towns is recognized for his outside shooting despite his stature.</p>



<h2>2. Zion Williamson</h2>



<p>With just 85 games under his belt,<strong> Zion</strong> <strong>Williamson</strong> is likely a top 10 player in the NBA right now when he is in form and not in discomfort, as per<em> NBA.com.</em> His 2020-21 season showed that, because of his talent, stature, and athleticism, he has the potential to impact the NBA in the same way as Shaq did. If the Saints play to their greatest potential this season, they will soar to the top of the Western Conference.</p>



<h2>1. Giannis Antetokounmpo</h2>



<p><strong>Giannis</strong> <strong>Antetokounmpo </strong>has led all power forwards for the last four or five years in a row, and he shows no signs of relinquishing that title. The 27-year-old had 10 games in 2021-22 in which he scored 40 or more points, including an explosion for 50 points against the Pacers on February 10 that was just two points short of his career best. </p>



<p>He finished third in the MVP voting after previously winning the title twice. On New Year’s Day, he recorded 35 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists against the Pelicans, one of his four triple-doubles.</p>


Top 3 power forwards for 2022-23 NBA season

Top 3 power forwards for 2022-23 NBA season - thesportsdrops NEWS


<p><strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/pistons-and-bojan-bogdanovic-agree-hefty-two-year-contract-extension-20221030-SPD-3067.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nikola Jokic</a></strong>, a top player for the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/4-potentital-coaching-candidates-to-replace-steve-nash-at-brooklyn-nets-20221105-SPD-3084.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Denver Nuggets</a>,</strong> is one of the few players in NBA history to win the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/how-many-times-has-lebron-james-won-the-nba-mvp-award-151-20220502-SPD-151.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Most Valuable Player</a> </strong>title in consecutive seasons. Three-time winners are very rare, with only Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Larry Bird accomplishing the feat.</p>



<p>In the 2022-23 season, the Joker will have to defend his title against an army of young and old players who all have a shot at the MVP award. His main opponents will be Luka Doncic, Stephen Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and several others.</p>



<p>An interesting fact is that Joel Embiid, center for the Philadelphia 76ers and a contender for the award, topped the NBA in MVP voting throughout most of the previous season. The 2022-23 NBA season is more than 10 games in, so we will go right into the possible MVP rankings.</p>



<h2>4. Donovan Mitchell</h2>



<p>Mithcell only needed to begin exploring a different web in order to join the MVP discussion. Since being traded to the Cavaliers, Mitchell has emerged as the team leader and is averaging career highs in points, assists, and stocks (steals + blocks). Additionally, he has a remarkable 45% accuracy from long-range. This is a great beginning for him.</p>



<h2>3. Nikola Jokic</h2>



<p>Not only have the Nuggets found success recently, but the Joker has been on fire as of late, almost averaging a triple-double every game. However, now that Jamal Murray is back in the lineup and Michael Porter Jr. is playing with greater assurance, we have witnessed a decline in Jokic’s scoring stats. This is a major factor that keeps him from becoming a higher MVP candidate.</p>



<h2>2. Giannis Antetokounmpo</h2>



<p>Giannis has developed into an extremely versatile and potent all-around player, capable of starting at any position on the court. The two-time MVP spent the summer playing for Greece at EuroBasket and increased his workload steadily throughout the preseason. For the fourth consecutive season, Antetokounmpo averaged at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists in 2021-22, making him the first player in NBA history to do so.</p>



<h2>1. Luka Doncic</h2>



<p>Doncic is the rookie who has the best chance of winning Most Valuable Player this season. The 23-year-old has an incredible amount of room to grow as a player, but the progress he has already made is impressive. Without Jalen Brunson in the backcourt, the legendary Slovenian has continued to score at a high rate and has even become a legitimate triple-double threat. When it comes to the race for the NBA MVP Trophy, it’s a no-brainer that Doncic, the NBA’s leading scorer, would be the top pick.</p>


NBA - Page 4

Return to Hawks and two other possible landing spots for Kyle Kuzma

James Harden, Goran Dragic and all NBA players available for trade after December 15

Top 3 teams in 2022-23 NBA season so far

Top 3 rookies for 2022-23 NFL season

Top three under-25 players in 2022-23 NBA season

Top 3 under 25 players in 2022-23 NBA season

Top 3 small forwards in 2022-23 NBA season

Top 3 small forwards for 2022-23 NBA season

Top 3 shooting guards for 2022-23 NBA season

Top 3 centers in 2022-23 NBA season

Top 3 centers for 2022-23 NBA season

Top 3 centers for 2022-23 NBA season

Top 3 point guards for 2022-23 NBA season

Top 3 power forwards for 2022-23 NBA season

Luka Doncic and potential MVP candidates of 2022-23 NBA season

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