Over these two weeks, The Post will be running through 10 of the hottest issues around the NBA heading into the 2015-16 season.
Everyone loves a good list. Everyone loves debating the merits of one player against another.
Here we get to do both, breaking down the top 100 players in the NBA heading into the 2015-16 season.
To be clear: This list is strictly for this season. It doesn’t factor in potential, which is why you only see one rookie. It’s also why you don’t see someone like Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, who is out for the season with a torn labrum.
Sit back, read through, see where you agree — and where you don’t.
Part 1: 100-51
100. Karl-Anthony Towns, C, Timberwolves
The No. 1 pick in 2015 should benefit greatly from playing alongside Kevin Garnett.
99. Hassan Whiteside, C, Heat
There’s tons of potential here and just as much uncertainty.
98. Isaiah Thomas, PG, Celtics
Single-handedly revitalized Boston after the All-Star break; can he do it again?
97. Steven Adams, C, Thunder
New Zealander may be young, but is a capable enforcer for Thunder’s stars.
96. Nerlens Noel, C, 76ers
Proved worth the wait last season, showing impressive defensive skills.
95. Reggie Jackson, PG, Pistons
Detroit has gambled his overall game will catch up to his offensive production.
94. Jae Crowder, SF, Celtics
Was thrown into the Mavericks’ Rajon Rondo trade. Now he’s the best player in it.
93. Josh Smith, PF, Clippers
On an eight-figure salary? Not so great. For the minimum? Pretty damn good.
92. George Hill, PG, Pacers
If he plays like he did last season, when he was limited by injury to 43 appearances, he’ll shoot up the list.
91. Tony Allen, SG, Grizzlies
Still a defensive menace, but Warriors exposed his offensive limitations in playoffs.
90. Terrence Jones, PF, Rockets
Dealt with injuries last season, but showed plenty of potential.
89. Harrison Barnes, SF, Warriors
Hasn’t lived up to “the next Kobe” hype, but is a key piece for the champs.
88. Kobe Bryant, SG, Lakers
Still one of the league’s most captivating figures even in his late 30s.
87. Joe Johnson, SF, Nets
Perpetually underrated swingman could be an effective role player for years to come.
86. Amir Johnson, PF, Celtics
Gives the Celtics the rim-protecting big man they lacked.
85. Wesley Matthews, SG, Mavericks
Hopes to prove you can come back as good as new from an Achilles tear.
84. Deron Williams, PG, Mavericks
Got his fresh start, but multiple calf injuries promise more of the same.
83. David West, PF, Spurs
Sacrificed more than $10 million to chase a championship in San Antonio.
82. Rudy Gobert, C, Jazz
The “Stifle Tower” has quickly become one of the game’s dominant defensive bigs.
81. Jeff Teague, PG, Hawks
Harnessed his speed and quickness into his first All-Star berth last season.
80. Monta Ellis, PG, Pacers
The Pacers hope he can help them successfully convert to a smallball squad.
79. Ryan Anderson, PF, Pelicans
A perfect fit for how new coach Alvin Gentry wants to play.
78. Timofey Mozgov, C, Cavaliers
No one’s laughing about Donnie Walsh’s gamble anymore.
77. Tobias Harris, SF, Magic
He can score, but can he defend? And what position does he play?
76. Ty Lawson, PG, Rockets
If he can get his life in order, the Rockets could be the NBA’s best team.
75. Andrew Wiggins, SF, Timberwolves
Showed flashes of his immense potential as a rookie.
74. Victor Oladipo, SG, Magic
Has improved his outside shot. Magic need him to keep getting better.
73. Robin Lopez, C, Knicks
Will do the dirty work for the Knicks that no one would last season.
72. Brandon Knight, PG, Suns
Phoenix hopes he can fill Goran Dragic’s old role next to Eric Bledsoe.
71. Marcin Gortat, C, Wizards
Should benefit from Washington’s shift to better floor spacing.
70. J.J. Redick, SG, Clippers
Has worked hard to become one of the game’s elite catch-and-shoot players.
69. Ricky Rubio, PG, Timberwolves
If he can stay healthy, the Wolves should be awfully fun to watch.
68. Andrew Bogut, C, Warriors
Always a health risk, but he’s a monster defensively when he plays.
67. Kenneth Faried, PF, Nuggets
Looks like he should be a defensive dynamo, but still has a lot to learn.
66. Danilo Gallinari, SF, Nuggets
Finally healthy, he looked terrific at the end of last season and in Eurobasket.
65. Nikola Mirotic, PF, Bulls
Excelled as a rookie, and may be a starter ahead of Joakim Noah.
64. DeMar DeRozan, SG, Raptors
Needs to develop a 3-point shot to take the next step as a player.
63. Kyle Korver, SG, Hawks
His transformation into an All-Star is a truly remarkable story.
62. Jonas Valanciunas, C, Raptors
Should get the chance to finish games, as opposed to last season.
61. Nicolas Batum, SF, Hornets
Going to be the focal point offensively for the Hornets.
60. Bradley Beal, SG, Wizards
Needs to stay healthy and get to the rim more.
59. Tristan Thompson, PF, Cavaliers
Goes back to the bench for Cleveland with his shiny new contract in tow.
58. Danny Green, SG, Spurs
Took less money to stay in San Antonio’s well-oiled machine.
57. Markieff Morris, PF, Suns
Demanded a trade this summer, but has been a model citizen the past month.
56. Thaddeus Young, PF, Nets
His acquisition was the difference down the stretch for Brooklyn.
55. Joakim Noah, C, Bulls
Claiming he’s healthy, hopes to return to his stellar 2013-14 form.
54. Chandler Parsons, SF, Mavericks
Plays under shadow of offseason knee surgery.
53. Khris Middleton, SG, Bucks
The definition of the “3-and-D” guy every team craves.
52. Eric Bledsoe, PG, Suns
Has all the tools; sometimes they go missing.
51. Giannis Antetokounmpo, SF, Bucks
Jason Kidd said this week The “Greek Freak” could play all five positions.