The annual ranking of the NBA’s top 100 non-rookie players by Sports Illustrated (SI) places Houston Rockets center Christian Wood as the league’s No. 66 player entering the upcoming 2021-22 season.
On paper, it’s a relatively low ranking, when you consider Wood’s gaudy numbers from a breakout season in 2020-21. At one point, he was drawing All-Star consideration. But the sample (41 games) was small, due to repeated ankle issues, and Wood likely needs to prove he can stay healthy before earning a higher placement on such lists.
Here’s the summary of Wood’s ranking by SI:
Wood averaged 21 points per game last season on a crisp 51.4% from the field and 37.4% from three. He is decisive and controlled off the bounce, able to dance past opposing centers who attempt to stay with him on the perimeter. Sag too far, and he can bury a triple from atop the key. Wood still isn’t an impact defender and he’ll never be confused with a facilitating forward. Yet the offensive talent is too great to ignore.
Monday’s list only includes players ranked from No. 51 through 100, with the top 50 to be revealed at a later date. But it appears that Wood will be the only member of the Rockets on SI’s list, which does not allow for the inclusion of rookies (such as Jalen Green).
Coming off a year with the NBA’s worst record (17-65), it seems doubtful that any player besides Wood would have an argument for the top 50. One possible exception is veteran guard John Wall, but Wall isn’t expected to play for the Rockets next season due largely to Houston’s desire to prioritize the development of Kevin Porter Jr. at point guard.
SI’s complete 51-100 rankings for 2021-22 can be viewed here.
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September 20, 2021 at 11:07PM
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