The author employs a three-part methodology: assessing impact in minutes played, considering offensive roles and efficiency (with a focus on playmaking and scoring), and evaluating five key skill sets (isolation defense, rim protection, free-throw attempts, assist-turnover ratio, and catch-and-shoot 3-point percentage). The analysis prioritizes players' positive contributions to winning teams in significant minutes.
Tier 5 includes players considered "best of the rest" outside the top 100. Notable players in this tier include Dejounte Murray (recovering from injury), Chris Paul (diminished scoring but experienced), Luguentz Dort (3-and-D specialist), Brandon Miller (struggled with efficiency), Rui Hachimura (consistent 3-point shooter), Miles Bridges (inefficient scoring), Al Horford (nearing end of career), Khris Middleton (age and durability concerns), and Nikola Vučević (offensive skills but poor rim protection).
Tier 5B includes players a step below Tier 5A, such as Payton Pritchard, Bradley Beal (offensive skills but defensive limitations), Tari Eason, Cameron Johnson, Derrick Jones Jr., Devin Vassell, Dorian Finney-Smith, Toumani Camara, Jakob Poeltl, and Onyeka Okongwu.
A final group of players, including Russell Westbrook, Anfernee Simons, Jordan Poole, Bogdan Bogdanović, and Kris Dunn, are also evaluated. The article concludes with apologies to several players not included, noting their performances will be interesting to watch in the future.