Top 5 players who need to prove their critics wrong in the 2021-22 NBA season

#3 Paul George

Paul George vs Houston Rockets

Paul George is an absolute beast on the court, easily one of the best in the NBA. Even with Kawhi's presence on the LA Clippers roster, Paul George is arguably the best Clippers player presently. He is phenomenal in mid-range. In 2020-21 NBA season, George averaged 46.7 FG percentage and 41.1 3P percentage. These are some serious numbers worthy of praise and the whole nine yards.

1:56 of paul george scoring on the best players in the league pic.twitter.com/eglAHASR9v

— Jamal Cristopher (@Clippers24seven) August 21, 2021

The majority of critics attacked PG13's lack of reliable free throw conversions and a range of shooting problems during the playoffs. While it is true that Paul's numbers do fall slightly during the post-season, the drop isn't considerable enough to justify such strong criticism.

George has already improved his free-throw shooting by leaps and bounds. His stats are a clear decleration of his growth and his effort. Next NBA season will hopefully be the one where the player finally receives the universal praise and acknowledgement he deserves.

#2 LeBron James

LeBron James dunks in a game against the Atlanta Hawks

LeBron James, due to his predicament of being one of the greatest to ever play the game, is never free of criticism. Vonnegut once said: 'We are healthy as long as our ideas are humane.' In sports, there is a dire need to discern healthy criticism from unhealthy criticism because while the former elevates the level of a player, the latter wrecks havoc upon the mental health and well-being of a player.

THANK YOU! As if I didn’t need more to⛽️ ME! #Washed👑

— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 19, 2021

That being said, LeBron is one of those players who has taken the brunt of unlimited, often unjustified, criticism head-on. Critics and their doubts make him stronger and stronger with each passing year.

A recent barrage of doubts have been raised over his fading speed, inefficient arc shooting, and abysmal free-throw shooting. Despite being one of the best mid-range shooters of all-time, James averaged 60.9 percent from the free-throw line. He needs to improve his stats from the FT and work on arc-accuracy to quieten down all critics and remain one of the best in the NBA.

#1 Ben Simmons

Ben Simmons had a very difficult and disappointing 2020-21 NBA season. Going into the playoffs, his substandard shooting became visibly frustrating for Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers.

Ben is, without any doubt, a killer inside the paint. Of his 406 attempts from less than five feet, Simmons registered 257 counted buckets. That's a whooping 63.3% conversion rate.

The conclusion of our assertion is this: Ben Simmons is not the worst player in the NBA. In fact, in the paint, he might be one of the best in the league. However, the criticism regarding his shooting and free throw conversion is well justified.

In order for the number one spot on our list to have a more profound impact on the NBA, he has to improve his mid-range and three-point shooting and become a decent free throw taker.