2020 TOP 26

1. KAWHI

(What I said last year)

7. KAWHI

2016-17- (25.5 PPG- 5.8 RPG- 3.5 AST- 1.8 STL- 3P% .380- FG% .485)

INJ 2017-18 PLAYOFFS

This is assuming he comes back rusty, but then by the All-Star break is back to full strength. From 2015-2017 he was arguably the best player in the league. Hes shot as high as .443% from 3 (for a guy who was labelled as a poor shooter coming out of San Diego State) and he has the strength to finish at the rim. Not a remarkable ball handler but what he lacks in creativity he makes up for in ball protection and his strength to bully guys down low. He is a 4x All-Defense team player and has won the Def. POY 2x which tells us he can defend anyone 1-4 on the court, and has a chance vs 5's. Could go small ball 4- can play the 2 or even bring the ball up if he can master the pick and roll a little better. But... his image was aided by simply being a "SPUR" but now there are certainly questions about A. His Health, is this a chronic quad issue? B. From the outside looking in, he is not a team player (not showing up to playoff games- not "battling threw" injury). C. Does he embrace Toronto or pull a Vince Carter? Lots of questions with this guy, but at his peek hes been a rich mans Scottie Pippin who has great nerve for the big stage and is a proven champion. Kawhi, we miss you-"

2018-19-

(60 GP- 34 MPG(career high) 26.6 PPG- 7.3 RPG (career high)- 3.3 AST- 1.8 STL- 3P% .371- FG% .496)

PLAYOFFS (39 MPG (career high) 30.5 PPG (career high)- 9.1 RPG- 3.9 AST- 1.7 STL- 3P% .379- FG% .490)

One thought is firmly entrenched in my head following this finals finish, Kawhi is destined for a Tim Duncan career.

TIM DUNCAN HAS 5 RINGS. FIVEEEEE.

We dont talk about Duncan like hes a top 10 player all time, but when you REALLY look isnt he? Kawhi is on the verge of this, if not on top of it. Hes not quite Lebron status, but what other player in this generation would you rather have?

DWade?

KG?

Kobe?!

Durant?!

Shaq?

Sense 2000 Top 10 Draft Pick anyone, heres mine

1. Lebron

2. Durant

3. Duncan

3. Kobe

4. Kawhi

5. Steph

6. Shaq

7. DWade

8. Dirk

9. Parker

10. Klay

He is going to win another championship. I promise you.. The compete and game control he possesses are just unparalleled- only peak Lebron can just DOMINATE a period of time in a game like Kawhi Leanoard. Who is going to stop him? Lebron at 35? Maybe.. A revamped GS Warriors? Curry has earned the reputation to always have a shot.. Does the team who lands AD now have a chance to be an immediate contender? The Durant and Klay injuries open up the league to have a 2020 version of the 2019 Raptors.

2. KING JAMES

(what I said last year)

3. KING JAMES

2017-18- (27.5 PPG- 8.6 RPG- 9.1 AST- 3P% .367 FG% .542 1.4 STL)

PLAYOFFS- (34 PPG- 9.1 RPG- 9 AST- 1.3 STL- 1 BLK- 3P% .342 FG% .54)

The only reason he isnt #2 on this list is because AD can do it night in night our easier than LeBron can. Its HARD for him to get in game shape now, to get his body primed to go into battle. He Takes possessions off defensively, HE HAS TO, but its also what makes him great. Despite that his teams win, and he knows when to put the hammer down better than anyone in the game. The most intimidating player in the league now, he is un-guard-able (3 words spellcheck?) going to the basket. He can get 2 points easier than anyone in the NBA, and we saw how that helped his SHITTY team stay in that GS series in gms 1 and 3. He can also play some of the best defense when he wants to as well (6x ALL-DEFENSE teams to his name). He just shot his 3rd best 3p% of his career (.367%) on his second most attempts per game ever in a season (5) which is a number you like to see trending higher as his age and ability to get to the basket start to diminish. His game will age just fine like the Pino in his cellar(s) is his LA house(s). His distribution skills are on par with Magic for there size but it has taken him longer to get there (also not necessarily playing the 1 for the majority of his career), along with his willingness to still get boards at age 33 (T-highest RPG average of career with 8.6 per in 17-18). My only gripe, and this will sound like Voldemort, but idk how much he makes guys around him better. HEAR ME OUT- He is so intimidating on the court you saw guys pass up easy shots in the offense beausec.. well... idk. I have to think part of it is HE IS SO GREAT, they dont want to let him down and miss- theyd rather have him pass or fail by himself. Something hell need to adjust going forward. Hes the second best player of all time- and my #3 player going into this season.

2018-19 (55 GP- 35.2 MPG- 27.4 PPG- 8.5 RPG- 8.3 AST- 3P% .339- FG% .510- 1.3 STL)

PLAYOFFS: N/A

He didnt make the talent around him better in LA- That team could have been in the playoffs... We can talk about all the off court stuff for as long as my bank account is not big- it had an effect on the team no question about it and it will for the rest of his career. Hes a polarizing person in the modern era and stars just have this effect. Jordan had it, Kobe a little bit, Lebron is no different.

But, at the end of the day, I want him on my basketball team. His numbers at 34 look remarkable on the surface. Still over 50% from the floor, 3p a little worse but it happens, and still getting boards and dishing the ball at an elite rate. Dont over think it, hes an all timer.

*It was an interesting internal debate between Lebron vs. Giannis (with Davis as the safe #4 player as a dynamic 2-way post player with a shot) because I consider both of them the best bet for an automatic 2 points in the league. The difference for me was clutch 3-point shot making and Finals experience. Id rather have Giannis for the regular season, but come playoffs I GATTA HAVE BRON.*

3. AD

(what I said last year)

2. AD

2017-18 (28.5 PPG- 11.1 RPG- 2.3 AST- 1.53 STL- 2.56 BLK- 3P$ .340 FG% .534)

PLAYOFFS- (30.1 PPG- 13.4 RPG- 1.7 AST- 2 STL- 2 BLK- 3P% .272 FG% .520)

What he did vs Portland was unequivocally the best single performance in any series in the entire playoffs. PERIOD. Portland was the #3 seed for a reason, and the Pels treated them like the Suns. Like KD, its AD's defense that really gives him a leg up on the KING who will be entering his 16th year in the league. Respect the game, but AD plays a more complete style of basketball at this point in his career. 3x All Defensive team, and no reason to think his D will stop anytime soon. He has improved his scoring average every year DESPITE his teams consistently adding on more talent every year, and would have cracked 30 ppg this year if Boggie never showed up. Talking GOAT's, his fg% of .534 last year could be better, and it tells us that he takes more mid-ranges than he has to. He could make over 60% of his baskets if he played more on the low blocks. Nit picking aside, for his size (6'11-255) hes the best 6'10+ Ball handler and shooter outside of KD and Giannis (hes coming). The only guy I thought had a chance to guard him was on his team, and now that the Boogie monster is in GS, I will buy NBA league pass (or just use reddit streams) to watch them go at it with pure joy on my face. Hes the best defensive player in the league, and hes top 5 in offense.- that to me, makes him the second greatest NBA player going into 2018-19.

2018-19 (59 GP- 33 MPG- 25.9 PPG- 12 RPG- 3.9 AST- 1.6 STL- 2.4 BLK- 3P% .331 FG% .510)

PLAYOFFS- N/A

Dont like what him and Clutch did by trying to influence the team that drafted and PAID him to get rid of him while still under contract. That is not cool.. He only played 3 less minutes per gm than was per usual the last 4 years- But he played 59 this year, has never played more than 75 in a year, and has played less than 70 games in 4 of his 7 NBA seasons. He can be the best defender in the league when he wants to (as shown by his 3x All D team and 3x block leader) and we obvious know about his offense.

But if were looking closely, his 3 numbers (compared to the Elite guys) cant compete- infact compared to another 7 footer (KAT) there terrible. Never took 3's until his 4th year in the league- Davis is a career .314% shooter beyond the arc with a career playoff percentage of .250%. Those numbers are almost identical to one Joel Embiid, whom Sixers and NBA fans alike begged not to take 3's when the games started to mean more. If Davis never cracks 345% on his long balls should he be taking them? How good can he be then? Do we think of him differently if he reverts to a 60% FG no 3's 90's playing style? Just food for thought, but give this man a basketball situation that he believes in and watch him take the league by storm. He is the best candidate for the newly minted LEANARD/DIRK AWARD, given to guys who CARRY a team to a Finals.

*He dips below Lebron because, lets be honest, who is getting the ball with 5.7 on the clock in game 6? Its not Davis.*

4. Freek

(what I said last year)

6. THE FREEK

2017-18- (26.9 PPG- 10 RPG- 4.5AST- 1.45 STL- 3P% .307- FG% .529)

PLAYOFFS- (25.7 PPG- 9.6 RPG- 6.3 AST- 1.46 STL- .8 BLK- 3P%.286 FG% .570)

In his basketball reference hes had a different position every year, and the only one he doesn't have is center. What a talent, the things he can do, the chaos he creates. When hes on hes unstoppable going to the rim. Hes dunked farther away from the basket than anyone ive ever seen. He lacks efficient 3p shooting but it isn't terrible either and has looked better from deep this preseason. Giannis has strength combined with a willingness to get boards as he reached double figs for the first time ever in his career playing primarily the 4 (position best suited for him, although im not done seeing him at point). Yet to crack an NBA 1st team but he will soon, he has won the Most Improved award and was All-Defense team in 2016-17. His length causes real problems for anyone, if your quick and beat him he can disrupt your shot from behind- or he'll just use his length and speed to keep you in front of him. In transition he is unstoppable, and thats also when his passing really shines. Hes not an elite pass maker (Rubio, Curry, Simmons) but hes great at knowing where the open man is and finding him when he crashes to the basket. I just want to see him on a good team, with a cast that fits him, and a coach that knows how to use him (Budenholzer could be the answer). He is amazing now, but he has more untapped potential than anyone on this list. If he could shoot 35% from 3, with his defense, on-top of his career .509 fg% (thats elite) he can be the best player in the league. Done. HES ALSO AS OLD AS I AM AT 25. He might just take over the NBA, lets wait and see.

2018-19- (72 GP- 32.8 MPG- 27.7 PPG- 12.5 RPG- 5.9 AST- 1.5 BLK- 1.3 STL- 3P% .256- FG% .578)

PLAYOFFS- (34.3 MPG- 25.5 PPG- 12.3 RPG- 4.9 AST- 1.1 STL- 2 BLK- 3P% .327- FG% .492)

Its crazy that he is most likely the NBA MVP and yet hell be #4 on this list and I think rightfully so (His MVP runner up will be 6th). Giannis had a down year from beyond the arc which hurts his counting numbers compared to the other greats in the league. He did however improve in the playoffs by shooting 8% better, but his FG dropped 8% in return ,you would think, due to an uptick in physicality and attention being placed on him throughout the long playoff stretch. Its a scarlet letter until he makes right on a devastating 2-0 lead in a East finals where his team then lost 4 straight games. That never happened to Michael, Lebron, Kobe, Duncan, Shaq, Bird, Magic, Bill, and even Wilt. That is the type of legacy he is capable of mapping and hes well on his way to doing so. Can Giannis win a scoring title? Should he? Can he lead the league in blocks? Should he? My question for Freek is identity, and as someone who works for a company that produces Greek Freek games I've seen over 200 of them- I still just dont know exactly who he is as a player. Maybe a championship this next year will fill in all the blanks..

*After reading this over it sounds like Im being to hard on him. His spin move is unstoppable int he lane, I actually think his mid-range jumper is a good shot, and his work ethic on both sides of the court (AND IN THE OFFSEASON) is second to none. It just crushes me he dropped 4 straight to Toronto, that he couldnt atleast get it to 7 after winning the first two. I think he needs to have a come ot Jesus moment like Russell Westbrook- either bat down the hatches and FU***** shoot the 3 better or drop it all together. I LOVE YOU FREEK.

5. Chef

(what I said last year)

5. CHEF CURRY

2017-18- (26.4 PPG- 5.1 RPG- 6.1 AST- 1.57 STL- 3P% .423 FG% .495)

PLAYOFFS- (25.5 PPG- 6.1 RPG- 5.4 AST- 1.7 STL- 3P% .395 FG% .451)

We are watching the best shooter of all time and I will embrace the conversation when someone of his caliber comes along and challenges his throne, bc idk if or when that person will exist. He has shot above .41% from 3 HIS ENTIRE CAREER. He is the perfect player in todays game when we talk pg's. He isnt like Harden where he dribbles 12,000 times a game. He moves the ball up, passes, then runs like wild coyote until hes open for a tre (or KD, Klay, or Boggie... wow). Currently 7th all time in 3's made (hes 30 years old)- He has 4 of the top 5 seasons ever in 3's dropped (Klay 4th all-time in his 15-16 season). As hes gotten a better cast his assists have dropped. Started at 5.9 in 09-10, built up to his appex of 8.5 in 12-14, then has essentially gone down every year sense. Not to mention his abilities as a re-bounder with a career average of 4.4. He led the league in steals during the 2015-16 season with 2.1- and has somehow not been on an All-Defense team despite his great instincts on that end. Not who he used to be defensively now at 30, but it shows up occasionally. His 3 on Kevin Love in Gm3 says it all about his abilities and willingness as a shooter (0-10 at that point and hit one of the dumbest 3's ive ever seen). Maybe the first player with unlimited range, who used it in a game, and it was still widely considered a good shot in NBA circles. 3x Champ- 2-time MVP (see last blog about players with only one, KOBE is on that list) and a scoring title in that 2015-16 MVP season to. Hes amazing, think hell get to 6? 7????!

2018-19- (69 GP- 33.8 MPG- 27.3 PPG- 5.3 RPG- 5.2 AST- 1.3 STL- 3P% .437- FG% .472)

PLAYOFFS- (38.5 MPG- 28.2 PPG- 6 RPG- 5.7 AST- 1.1 STL- 3P% .377- FG% .441)

What a player, but did we just learn he cant carry a team by his lonesome? That he isnt a Lebron, or a Dirk, or a Kawhi? I say this knowing he had some AMAZING offensive games, but to win a title its so hard to have a big impact on the game as a 1 guard. What team has ever won a title with their PG as the best player (who wasnt 6'9)? Chauncey Billups? Isiah? Curry.... Next year is going to be incredibly telling to say the least about his legacy. Do they drop to a 4 seed? 7 seed?! This will be the least hes had sense the Warriors started to win games.

Hell have:

Draymond

Russell

Loney

Alec Burks (Shooter)

Cauley-Stein (Possibly starting center?)

Omari Spellman (Nova grad- young stretch 4)

Paschall (Nova Rook)

Mickinnie (Energy)

His numbers are undeniable, and his PPG and percentages during this playoff run show what he can do with more attention directed on him. Still a 45% floor shooting in the offs, and right at 40% from 3- thats amazing considering how guards typically fair with increased attention and defense during the postseason. But with his size I just dont know how well he can dominate a stretch like others can now in his 30's. We saw the Raptors bottle him up when they needed to at points, and there were others to be fair where he just KEPT ON RUNNING and found a good look and jacked it up. The broadcast kinda talked about how there has never been a team who when they needed a bucket took 18-30 footers, and we finally saw it nip them in the but this year. An all time great- how does his story end? Well see..

6. PGIII

(what I said last year)

13. PGIII

2017-18- (21.9 PPG- 5.7 RPG- 3.3 AST- 2.04 STL- 3P%.401 FG% .430)

PLAYOFFS- (24.7 PPG- 6 RPG- 2.7 AST- 1.33 STL- 3P% .365- FG% .408)

On this list of guys who have a 60% chance of being remembered for an injury rather than a career (Joe Thiesman). He took a (in retrospect) mediocre Indiana team to consecutive East Finals. 4x All-NBA on the 3rd team (just for shits and gigs- the 2012-13 3rd team included- David Lee, PGIII, Dwight, D-Wade, and Harden--2nd team had Tony PARKER-Melo- and Blake Griffin) oh how times have changed. At 6'9 220 he can play basically every position in today's NBA. He is a remarkable 3p shooter hitting over 40% 2 of the last 3 years. 2012-13 Most Improved (trendz) 5x All-Star (should have a ASG MVP) 3x All-Defense Team- this guy is incredibly versatile. When hes on, which was sporadic last year, he is on the list of Guys who you really dont want shooting a lot. Most important, he can guard the likes of LeBron, Harden, Giannis, and Jimmy. In todays NBA you need elite wings who can play D coupled with high end scoring and PGIII is one of the best at just that. For someone his size, his career .432 fg% is lower than expected, but again hes not Lebron (career .504). Love this player and I hope him and Russ can make some magic with the 3 guaranteed years (contractually) they will play together.

2018-19- (77 GP- 36.9 MPG- 28 PPG- 8.2 RPG- 3.3 AST- 2.2 STL- 3P% .386- FG% .438)

PLAYOFFS- (40.8 MPG- 28.6 PPG- 8.6 RPG- 3.6 AST- 1.4 STL- 3P% .319- FG% .436)

A year I dont think anyone thought was possible playing with a guy named Russell Westbrook. But to those people I would say.. Didn tKD basically do this? Moving on... PG finishes 2nd in points, 1st in steals, 3rd in 3PM per gm, and got his cherry popped making the ever so important (it really is) NBA 1st team. His previous career high in points was 23.6 in 16-17 which was his last year in a Pacers uni, he also just carved out a career high in rebounds while maintaining his play-making and scoring a sh$$ ton of points. Dame could be here, Kyrie is a top 10 talent, KAT I think has a case, and Harden is right behind PG- but I want Paul George on my team because hes 6'9, can get a shot off possibly as easy as anyone not named Kevin Durant in the NBA, and can lock down on defense (albeit the DAME step back to win the series.... that is a tough beat). I still want my guy to get to the rack more, again being 6'9 shooting sub 47% from the floor bothers me. IN FACT, hes never shot over 45% FG in ANY season. He should be more efficient with his size adn skill, and it shows he settles for to many contested jumpers. But he makes them, and makes them a lot. Now fully healthy from his crazy leg injury- at 29 next year- is he a sneeky MVP pick?!

7. The BEARD

(what i said last year)

4. The BEARD

2017-18- (30.4 PPG- 5.4 RPG- 8.4 AST 1.76 STL- 3P% .367 FG% .449)

PLAYOFFS- (28.6 PPG- 5.2 RPG- 6.8 AST- 2.24 STL- 3P% .299- FG% .410)

I cant put him higher bc A. His defense is actually now average- but not nearly great/elite B. Although his team was just the #1 seed (and maybe could have beaten GS) I hate watching iso ball and I have doubts that style can win rings C. He plays for a team that allows him to take 10 3's a game, a GM who is a genius, and a coach who embraces stars (see Nash, Melo)... He has never shot above 40% from 3 (KAT did this year, mhm) so he isnt an elite sharp-shooter, but what he is elite at is his ability to create space and take "quality" shots (by his standards, which when you win an MVP you get a standard). Love his story, his charisma, and his attitude. You can tell hes super competitive, and his team fed off of it. Some great directing in those WEST finals- you could see on Houston's faces in the close up isos they were out for blood, could taste it in gm 5, and would do anything to win. Harden has played some of his best and worst games in the playoffs, he has to be more consistent when it matters the most (reg season lines above- 17-18 playoffs read 28.6 ppg- 5.2 rpg- 6.8 ast- 2.24 steals (WOW) 3p% .299 fg% .410). ALL OF THOSE NUMBERS ARE WORSE than his regular season numbers. THAT MEANS SOMETHING. I think this is his peak, and that isnt a bad thing. He is an amazing offensive player who is changing the game.

2018-19- (78 GP- 36.8 MPG- 36.1 PPG- 6.6 RPG- 7.5 AST- 2 STL- 3P% .368- FG% .442)

PLAYOFFS- (38.5 MPG- 31.6 PPG- 6.9 RPG- 6.6 AST- 2.2 STL- 3P% .350- FG% .413)

Wilt

Michael

......

There are the only 2 players in NBA history to average more ppg than Harden just did (Jordan and Chamberlain). But in the age of numbers, and with what we learned about how "valuable" averaging a triple double is with Russ, does it matter in the context on winning championships how many points you score? Partially so yes, both Wilt and Michael won titles- but his level of play goes down in the postseason and it doesnt take a NASA rocket engineer to figure out why- PEOPLE ACTUALLY PLAY DEFENSE IN THE PLAYOFFS.

42% shooter from the floor and 33% from deep isn't good for playoff career totals.. He enters next year at 30 without a finals app.. He is becoming our generations George Gervin and idk how to feel about that. He can get to the line better than anyone (#1 in FT attempts and makes)- and probably has the best step back move ever- but it hasn't correlated to overwhelming team success. Can that style of play win championships? I dont know, he cant dominate a game on both ends of the floor like Kawhi, Lebron used to, AD could, and PG can. I wonder if Mike D'Antoni wasn't his coach, and he wasn't traded tot he Rockets, what his career looks like. Is he scoring less but doing more? Is he like a better version of Pippen to someones Jordan? Its his defense and playoff resume that hold me back from top 5, get to the finals and ill reconsider JAMES.

8. JOKER

(what I said last year)

26. THE JOKER

2017-18- (18.5 PPG- 10.7 RPG- 6.1 APG- 3P% .396- FG% .499)

PLAYOFFS- N/A

As you will see, I initially left him off this list but he is literally my favorite player in the league and his STATS ARE SICK! Copy and pasted from below..."This guy is a geny in a bottle. Top 3 on the list of guys who would have a cool marketing job at Google if he wasn't 7'1. Saw him and person and I've never seen someone take warm ups so .. well. not serious. He was joking around, shooting crazy fadeaways, making everyone laugh. A guy you can tell is great for the lockeroom. But then you watch him play, and you realize what, he just plays really slow, while everyone is all fast, but he makes it work. He just shot close to 40% from 3 shooting 3 a game- fg% of .499 is good- his passing is right up there with Gasol, big AL, and Draymond as the guys who can facilitate offense down low- and his creativeness around the rim is spectacular to watch. He has the up and under, master of the hook, pump fake mid range, and a little hesi step back too. He rebounds well for his position garnering 10 rpg this past season (can you believe Big ASS Steven Adams have never gotten to 10 per? I know russ but like that dudes a freek). That point elimnates a couple point: 1) Rebounds are about effort and timeliness, not size. 2) Jokic might not be as "soft" as some say. 3) Ill twist words and names as much as possible to make Joker better. His defense is an issue, and really his teams issue to. I have them as the 7th seed in the West right now. That team can score as much as any and its because of Nikola, can they just stop other teams from scoring 128 points as well. He is also putting on the full court press on Towns, if (Nikola's) defense gets better and his team does to, looks aside there numbers are closer than people think.

2018-19- (80 GP- 31 MPG- 20.1 PPG- 10.8 RPG- 7.8 AST- 1.4 STL- 3P% .307- FG% .511)

PLAYOFFS- (39.8 MPG- 25.1 PPG- 13 RPG- 8.4 AST- 1.1 STL- .9 BLK- 3P% .393- FG% .506)

Its interesting, as of that writing last year Butler was still on the Wolves, they were a reigning playoff team and had beaten Denver in game 82. How much a year can change everything.. Nikola is such a talented player- one of the best watches in the entire league- and really had a dominant playoff run when you watched the games and also pear over the stats. I have him a hair over KAT because..

A. Hes probably the most dangerous point Forward/Center in the league. His ability to get others great looks cannot be underestimated.

B. His team was top a top 2 seed in the West and he was clearly their best player while not having a absolutely loaded roster either.

C. What he did in the playoffs solidified him as a dominant player, KAT still hasnt had any great postseason success and I think theres a case that the Wolves have had enough talent the past two seasons to win atleast 1 series.

D. He is an absolute load- he can play good defense when he wants to and has of the the best (and last) big boy post games in the league right now.

Every stat of his went up except floor percentage by a hair in this last postseason run. His reg season 3 avg drop off isn't cool, but he showed when it mattered most (playoffs) that he could barry the long ball. I thought in the playoffcs Joker was great against one of the biggest OG's in the game in Lamacrus Aldridge. He then went to battle with a motivated Kanter and still came out on top of that battle (although his team lost). Best pre-game warmup watch ive ever seen, I have a ton of respect for what he does. Hes probably the most limited athlete of any player on these rankings, but that sh$$ dont matter IF YOUR THE JOKER.

9. KAT

(what I said last year)

10. KAT

2017-18- (21.3 PPG- 12.3 RPG- 2.4 AST- 1.4 BLK- 3P% .421 FG% .545)

PLAYOFFS- (15.2 PPG- 13.4 RPG- 2.2 AST- .4 STL- .4 BLK- 3P% .272- FG% .467)

Couple numbers for you- Who had the highest FG% of all NBA players who averaged at least 20ppg? KAT.. Who had the highest 3p% of all players to average atleast 15 ppg not named Klay or Steph? KAT... Who was the only player in the league to have ATLEAST 20ppg- 10rpg- shoot over .50% from the field- 40% from the 3- and 85% from the ft line? KAT.... This guy is doing things on offense, for guys his size, that nooone has done EVER. He is a much better 3p shooter than AD, its not close, and has the ability to be as much of a menus inside the stripe as well. Last year he unveild the baseline fade-away as a reliable shot. Hes had the hook sense Kentucky, he can lag behind the play and pop an open tre, or if you bite dribble into the lane and HAMMERTIME. Offensively there isn't much this guy cant do, and hes doing it at an incredibly efficient rate for how much he scores and shoots. His playoff numbers are trash, with the steals and block numbers unacceptable for a guy with his size and length, but he will learn. This dude wants to be great, he wants to be the best and his shwoing at this years All-Star game was telling-- he belongs. If I am Ben Simmons, Kyrie, or even Harden, this is the guy I wanna play with. Put KAT with a + passer or in a pick and roll and its unstoppable. His defense should be better, and some nights it is, but to many times does he accept being bullied with the mindset hell get them back on the other side of the court. Whats interesting with KAT, personally, is I actually think hes just about reached his peak, I just think he needs to have more volume to be considered an MVP. Also, did I mention hes never missed a game so far in his 3 years in the league, bc ya, he hasn't. What hes already doing is great, but can he rally the troops in Minnesota or does he go West coast on the bit and be a Star. Well see..

2018-19- (77 GP- 33.1 MPG- 24.4 PPG- 12.4 RPG- 3.4 AST- 1.6 BLK- 3P% .400- FG% .518)

PLAYOFFS- N/A

With uncertainty around Durant, Klay, and Olidipo I think KAT belongs here. Hes been 50+ 40+ 85+ from the Floor-3-FT the last two years. Do you realize how insane that is for 7 FOOT TALL PERSON. He literally, right now, is the best statistical shooting 7 footer through 4 NBA seasons EVER... Let that sink in... Mind you, still getting boards and also putting up very impressive FG % seasons. He also placed 3rd in PER this past season, idk what that really means, BUT ITS DAMN GOOD. He hustles on defense now close as much as most players, but he needs a better feel for that side of the ball- another season with Covington might help that. If Wiggins can become a threat from deep I think Karl is helped tremendously.. Wig has to be better for KAT to reach his ceiling. I think Karl will get Andrew there and the Wolves might finally have the secret sauce. The players of Old are starting to GET OLD, the Wolves have a young core that has time to grow with one another in an aging West. His numbers are undeniable the last 2 seasons, and were INSANE after the Butler trade, all thats missing is the deep playoff run and more defense.

10. Luka

(what I said last year)

"PICK HIM #1 OVERALL"

2018-19- (72 GP- 32.2 MPG- 21.2 PPG- 7.8 RPG- 6 AST- 1.1 STL- 3P% .327- FG% .427)

Before you say Im crazy go watch his games. Watch his pace, his control of the game, his CRAZY intangibles and basketball instincts- this guy was an Alpha dog and everyone knew it the second he was on a NBA court. Look at his stats across the board- 20+ points- almost 8 boards- 6 apples- even some defensive work with the steal per- He can get you a clutch board, assist, or bucket come end of game scenario. He will be better this next year, and if all his numbers across the board improve like they should is he not a top 10 guy? Who puts up a more complete stat portfolio next year than Luka? Add up points rebounds and assists then tell me who has more combined than Luka after next year. I can think of maybe 5 guys, doesn't that mean something? I think hes a better playmaker than Dame and if he took the same amount of shots as Lillard would score just as much, id rather have his demeanor and style come the last 5 minutes of a game than Westbrooks when it matters the most, KD and Klay are out next year, Luka can impact a game far more easily than a Embiid can- the biggest thing he has going for him is that he gets to touch the ball every possession. His fingerprints are ALL OVER every game and its why a guy like him is so valuable. He doesn't deserve this spot with what happened last year, but I think by the All-Star break next year this conversation will be happening and ill be like hand up I was on this corner in the summer. PROVE ME RIGHT DONCIC.

11. PROCESSED

(what i said last year)

18. PROCESS

2017-18- (22.9 PPG- 11 RPG- 3.2 APG- 2.5 blk- 3P% .308 FG% .483)

PLAYOFFS- (21.4 PPG- 12.6 RPG- 3 APG- 1.75 blk- 3P% .276 FG% .435)

One of the toughest players I had ranking in this post. He's only played two years, and year 1 he played only 31 games and this past year still only 61! But after playing sparingly for Bill Self at Kansas, declaring his first year, sitting out TWO YEARS with the Sixers, Joel comes back and magically averages 20-8-2 shooting 37% from 3 and 47% from the floor. That is SO fu***** hard to do. Thats like being the best player on your HS golf team- declaring pro, sit out two years, practice on the range and then go win the Players Championship. Like wtf, when you say it (or see it) I dont understand how he did it, thats how much of a talent this Cameroon native is. Good ft% (career 75%) and I think hell be better shooting the 3 going forward (career .327%). He has the fortune of playing with this generations Magic (hes coming soon) and already has post-season success. His Twitter is great, and I think it is so because coming from where he does he realizes how fake or irrelevant social media is in the scope of the real world. Good teammate from what ive seen, this man is a FREEK athlete. Lost a step at points last year (especially post-season) so another guy who needs to work on conditioning. Red flag is the fg%, for someone with his size (7' 250) and athletic ability he should be finishing better and taking (and making) higher % shots. His ceiling is as high as anyone's if he can stay healthy, what he can do in the pick and roll + fast break is riveting basketball. Hes another guy who has owned Towns so far in there match ups and its bc of his D. Top 3 finalist for Defensive Player of the Year, he lost to Gobert (hes coming), I love how personally he takes his match ups and it shows in his effort. If he can be more efficient on offense he has unstoppable potential in this league.

2018-19- (64 GP- 33.7 MPG- 27.5 PPG- 13.6 RPG- 3.6 AST- 1.9 BLK- 3P% .300- FG% .484)

PLAYOFFS- (30.4 MPG- 20.2 PPG- 10.5 RPG- 3.4 AST- 2.3 BLK- 3P% .308- FG% .428)

Possibly the biggest character in the league, he backs it up by being one of its best players. His talent, as they would say, is undeniable- but he has some scars (literally and figuratively) which places him behind centers like KAT and JOKER.

1. My biggest issue with him, with JoJo being arguably the most dominant BODY in the league outside of a healthy Boogie, is its inexcusable to be shooting under .500% from the floor. HES 7' 250!! Get to the rack and stop settling for bad elbow fadeaways, also needs to finish more.

2. His games and minutes. He hasnt played more than 65 games ever, with his 3 seasons actually PLAYING his GP totals come in at 31-63-54 with MPG of 25-30-34. You cant be an elite player if you dont play. Simple.

3. Conditioning has been a problem of his for awhile. Part of it is injuries, and I think these playoffs he wasnt close to 100% so I get that to a degree- but at the end of games its been others taking control because hes just whipped out. I've seen it to many times, he needs to take his training and nutrition more seriously if he wants to be a top 10 players.

With all that said- Embiid was 5th in PER- 4th in PPG- 2nd in RPG- and 6th in BLKS. Thats a damn good year, and the reason he was All-NBA 1st team center. His defense is spectacular and its the aspect of his game that could give him a Kawhii/Dirk type year where he just impacts the game everywhere and carries a team to the Finals. I love him as a player at his peak, I just want to see it more often.

12. DAME

(what i said last year)

12. DAME

2017-18- (26.9 PPG- 4.5 RPG- 6.6 AST- 1 STL- 3P% .361 FG% .439)

PLAYOFFS- (18.5 PPG- 4.5 RPG- 4. AST- 1.25 STL- 3P% .300 FG% .352)

#1 on my list of guys who could seamlessly transition to the NFL that the general public doesn't no about (short list). He is HUGE in person, like HULK HUGE. He shot .394% from 3 in his second season, but hasn't been over .375% sense. He is one of the highest volume 3p shooters in the league right now (#2 in attempts and #6 in makes last year) but his numbers dont scream elite player. Dame was 1st Team All-NBA because Chef and Kyrie got hurt, not because he won the spot. He has never shot above .444 fg% in his career, and yes hes a guard so he should have a lower percentage, but I still dont like his lack of efficiency. Hes a baller, has a fadeaway from anywhere on the court, and is a guy with unlimited range that certainly tests the limits. But getting swept by the Pels was embarrassing, and what Jrue Holiday and E'Twan Moore did to him is hard to explain, and by averaging basically 10ppg worse than the reg season his team had no shot (pun intended). He is a ok defender, but ive never heard hes great. The one game I sat court-side at he played in and dropped 40 on the 15-16 Wolves on their home opener. He can beat you off the dribble, can always pullup from 3, and can create separation near the basket or 12 feet out for a mid-range. Can he be the best player on a team that makes a Conference Final? If he can he might just win an MVP.

2018-19- (80 GP- 35.5 MPG- 25.8 PPG- 4.6 RPG- 6.6 AST- 1.1 STL- 3P% .369- FG% .444)

PLAYOFFS- (40.6 MPG- 26.9 PPG- 4.8 RPG- 6.6 AST- 1.7 STL- 3P% .373- FG% .418)

Tough getting swept by GS, if that series goes 6-7 games I think the narrative around this Blazers team would be a lot different. Dame though did it again, another great season, another mid 40's FG% and high 30's 3P%- He is a high volume scorer that remains pretty efficient for the PG position. The thing thats missing from his game is playmaking for others in my opinion, I just dont see highlight asissts from him. Im not saying that you need that ability all the time, but if your going to be a GREAT point guard you ought to have a couple dazzling plays ever so often? I think Dame does a great job of getting himself looks that are quality, I wish he fought harder to find those opportunities for others. His team was bottom 6 last year in assists per game, that falls on this backcourt to make the others around them better. Top 10 in scoring, 2nd Team All-NBA after a first last year plus a Conf Final to his name- Dame is a Finals away from challenging Curry as the leagues next top PG.

13. Blake Briffin

(What i said last year)

NR.....

2018-19- (75 GP- 35 MPG- 24.5 PPG- 7.5 RPG- 5.4 AST- .7 STL- 3P% .363- FG% .462)

Why unranked last year:

I ranked 28 players on last years list and also had 5 others I licked, so for me Blake was not a top 30ish player. His number is 17-18 were 21.4 PPG-7.4 RPG-5.8 AST- 3P% .345- FG% .438.

I guess for me it came down to the fact I thought he was way to big and athletic to shoot under 44% from the floor with none elite defense and being on a team that didnt make it to the playoffs.

Moving to this year.. I think Blake turned a really big corner with regard to game management. He went Alpha on the bit this last year, you just saw it in how he played for the first time not deferring to anyone. He would turn into a point forward at the end of games who made a lot of right decisions. I know its the East, but this Pistons team was not good and he carried them to the playoffs. His assists are legit, his 3P% is really great if it can hold and he set a career high in PPG placing him 12th league wide. This might be a little high, and a complete 360 from how I felt last year- but if you watched the games Blake was FUN TO WATCH. His athleticism came back somewhat after a couple bad knee injuries from really just another season of being healthy. His game still looks different from his from rookie Oklahoma Griffin days, but there are still moments where he does things that just make you go wow.... Last year was great, if he can take it 1 more level I think the Pistons could be a sneaky bet to have a Bucks like jump in the standings.

14. Kyrie

(what i said last year)

8. UNCLE DREW

2017-18- (24.4 PPG- 3.8 RPG- 5.1 AST- 1.08 STL- 3P% .408 FG% .491)

INJ 2017-18 Playoffs

In my top 3 of I will pay whatever it takes to see you on a good night. What he did during the Cleveland Championship run in 15-16 was truly amazing. Kyrie vs Curry and Kyrie won. Former Blue Devil which I love (he only played like 6 games, but they were an amazing 6) and Coach K said leading up to the draft the only player with more pure talent than Bagley for him was Irving (ouch Grant Hill). I put Kyrie ahead of Russ because A. Hes won a championship (dont give me "Russ hasn't had a good enough team" He had KD and Harden and good Ibaka) B. Hes 10x the 3p shooter which is the most important shot in the game. 3. Kyrie is a much better passer in a creativity/pass making type of way (I know Russ had 10 ast/per/gm). But on the contrary, he's never averaged more than 25.2 ppg in a season, and for a player that also hasnt averaged above 6.1 assists or 3.8 rebounds per game in ANY SEASON that is somewhat alarming when we talking GOATS of 2018-19. But his ability to make tough shots is seriously unparalleled, hes unanimously considered the best finisher at the rim in the league, he just shot above 40% from 3 for consecutive seasons, and most of all he made a young team really fu***** good with him as the captain who abandoned ship at seasons end. Only 1 All-NBA selection, but thats mostly due to a surplus of great pg's and also a habit of getting injured. He has never played 82 games (most is 75) and has only played 70+ games 3x out of his 7 year career so far. I hope he stays healthy because the league needs its stars to play. Celts are my #1 team in the East and that is mostly because of good Old Drew.

2018-19- (67 GP- 33 MPG- 23.8 PPG- 5 RPG- 6.9 AST- 1.5 STL- 3P% .401- FG% .487)

PLAYOFFS- (36.7 MPG- 21.3 PPG- 4.4 RPG- 7.7 AST- 1.3 STL- 3P% .310- FG% .385)

Hes just a tough guy the play with. Was somewhat of a sour apples bickerer guy in Clevland and now completly isolated himself from what could have been a "final destination" basketball situation in Boston. How, after returning EVERYONE from last years East finals team PLUS getting back 2 All-Stars resulted in having a significantly worse season is just unbelievable. It makes no sense, this team had the highest O/U before the year at 67 and they won 49 games.... They swept Detroit but lost in 5 to the Bucks, and Kyrie had a down playoffs both by the numbers and with the eye test. The numbers are still insane for this guy, a 48 FG% over the last 3 years for a 6'1 PG is truly out of this world, add a 40%+ shot from 3 in that span and 24.5 PPG and were talking an ELITE player. But, and we cant forget this is a guy that doe shave a ring even if Lebron helped a lot, is this guy just a black hole the rest of his career? A great numbers guy that has a cancer to him that hinders his team from prevailing in the biggest series and games in the future? What team he lands on this summer and who he will be playing with ought to be really interesting. Hes a top 5 talent when he plays to his potential, its all the other stuff he needs to clean up if he wants to fix his image and legacy going forward.

15. Rudy

(what i said last year)

24. RUDY "THE FRENCH REJECTION" "THE STIFLE TOWER" THE GOBERT REPORT"

2017-18- (13.5 PPG- 10.7 RPG- 1.4 AST- 2.3 BLK- .622 FG%)

PLAYOFFS- (13.2 PPG- 10.7 RPG- 1 AST- 2.27 BLK- FG% .655)

Basketball Reference has nicknames for every player and this dude tops the charts. He just won Defensive POY, is a 2x All-Defensive team player, and has a block title to his name plus hes been top 5 in FG% every over his first 5 years besides his rookie campaign. #1 on the list of guys who said f*** it I am great at dunking, I like dunking, I could maybe work a little harder and give this whole shooting thing a try, but ahhhh screw it I make 20+ mil a year and work hard enough, plus, boy do I love to dunk. In business classes economics teachers say "Do what you do best and outsource the rest" well he dunks, blocks, get some rebounds and then says hey teammates you guy do all those weird shooting and assists stuff. His strength is underrated, but also have Favors as a companion to typically take the beefier post player is an underlying reason why hes been so effective: he can always matchup with someone he can dominate with how the Jazz are built. Could only fit one Jazz player on this lists, but I an a real fan of Mitchell, Ingles, and Favors. Elite Defense, incredibly efficient offense, and someone who is a slight bad boy who gives his team an edge. Every team wishes they have a "Rudy Rousy"??

2018-19- (80 GP- 31.8 MPG- 15.9 PPG- 12.9 RPG- 2 AST- 2.3 BLK- .8 STL- 0 3PA- FG% .669)

PLAYOFFS- (30.4 MPG- 11.2 PPG- 10.2 RPG- 1.4 AST- 2.6 BLK- FG% .594)

Except for FT% this guy literally set career highs across the board. This guy just wont the DEF POY for the 2nd time, has Block and FG season leaders to his name and has been the most dominant player in his team leading them to 3 staright years in the playoffs. You can argue that Donavan Mitchell is the best player int he Jazz, but what Gobert does is far more unique. You can find wings who score- its tough to find rim protectors who put up 15 a game with extremely high efficiency. This guy just whales man, when you play the Jazz you FEEL is presence. Its kinda like back when Shaq was in the league and some of the dominant big men before him- as a viewer you can just see how teams are afraid to attack the rim GAMEPLANING to not be close to that guy. Gobert si that guy, and the element of his game that is missing (and porbably will never show up) is an ability to pass from the post. What is is right now is amazing, and you wonder for a guy thats STILL only 27 years old if there is another wrinkle to his game ready to be tapped.

16. HOLIDAY

(what i said last year)

NA....

Why- Because im an idiot.

2018-19- (67 GP- 35.9 MPG- 21.2 PPG- 5 RPG- 7.7 AST- 1.6 STL- .8 BLKS- 3P% .325- FG% .474)

He is the most un-appreciated player in the NBA and i refuse to be apart of the problem this year. His last 3 years this guys shooting .475 from the floor- .338 from 3 and is at 18.5 PPG with GREAT defense. At 6'4 205 he is a dominant player physically for the possession and can really eat of guards like Dame CPIII, he has the upperhand in that macthup ever time with his length and strength. This team is going to a A LOT of fun to watch next season- you have Holiday Ball Ingram (maybe) ZION plus Hart- a really nice rollplayer in E'Twaun Moore and who knows what Jhalil Okafor could become still. This team could be a top 6 seed int eh West and if they do its because of Jrue's ability to make this team of athletes work together as one. With Davis gone is he going to start putting up 25-27 a game? Do his assists go to another level with playakers like Zion around him? Jrue already does so many amazing things and its scary to think that he could be considered a top 10 player by the end of next year- He has that type of game and a situation to prove it.

17. PORZINGIS

(what i said last year)

NA injury

*20117-18- (48 GP- 32.4 MPG- 22.7 PPG- 6.6 RPG- 1.2 AST- 2.4 BLK- .8 STL- 3P% .395- FG% .439)

He seems somewhat old, but hes only played 3 NBA seasons and will be 24 next year. This ranks is indicitive of 4 things..

1. His talent is just insane, lets not forget people the AMAZING stretch of basketball this guy was playing basically by himself before suffering his injury. This guy is a baller, possibly the most comfortable dribbling @ fast break running big in the league and hes 7'3 240! I canot phathom the highlights of Luka to Zingus LOBS ALL YEAR LONG. Hopefully he added some size in the year plus hes been out, I think the more weight he has the better as far is standing strong in the post, being a better rebounder, and also improving that FG percentage. His 3 ball has always looked good and the numbers back it up- I think hes firmly a 34-38% shooter from dinsatnce year ina dn year out (career .361 right now). His week side help defense is great, and I think him as the small ball 5 in Dallas will be really fun to watch. I think Luka is going to make him a ton better, and I think the rust comes off quick with the big layoff in playing. This guy is so exciting to watch when hes on, itll come down to if he can be an elite scorer to see if Dallas can really do something this year and to also put him alongside Davis-Joker-Kat- Embiid tier as the best bigs in the game.

18. WESTBROOK

(what i said last year)

9. RUSS

2017-18- (25.4 PPG- 10.1 RPG- 10.3 AST- 1.84 STL- 3P%.298 FG% .449)

PLAYOFFS- (29.3 PPG- 12 RPG- 7.5 AST- 1.5 STL- 3P% .357 FG% .398)

I have a hard time putting him 9th because he isnt an efficient player- but I have the utmost respect for how this man plays. NO ONE PLAYS HARDER THAN RUSS and his teammates love him for it. Look up Enes Kanter's Players Tribune article talking about how he makes his teammates better. PGIII obviously believes in Russ and this team if he was willing to sign a multi-year max deal to stay. He is the 2nd player ever to average a triple double, 2x scoring champ, 2016-17 MVP, 2x All-Star game MVP (underrated award- players respect ASG MVP's). The guys trophy case is huge, but can he win the one that matters. I love the .357% from 3 in the postseason following the 5th time in his career where he finished with a sub .30% mark from 3 in the reg season. BUT- he only shot .398 from the field in the playoffs which is bad- VERY BAD. PGIII didn't help him much and Melo couldn't score, so he had to jack it up which I dont think most people realize. Who else is going to shoot on that team? Stats alone he is contending for #1 on this list, but, obviously, he isnt the best player in the NBA. So stats dont tell the whole story but he has a chance to re-write his history book with some finals appearances and maybe a win. Get him a better team, some shooters for drive and kicks, and I believe in his ability to win. Guy is a legend, already HOF, but can he and PGIII make a finals in the next 3 years? Itll be awfully tough.

2018-19- (73 GP- 36 MPG- 22.9 PPG- 11.1 RPG- 10.7 AST- 1.9 STL- 3P% .290- FG% .428)

PLAYOFFS- (39.4 PPG- 22.8 PPG- 8.8 RPG- 10.6 AST- 1 STL- 3P% .324- FG% .360)

This guys stats are just weird. His playoff line from 2 years ago (MVP season) is 37-12-10 but then shot 38% from the floor and 26% from 3... Like what...... He will be 31 next year and you question how much longer he can play the role of Energizer Bunny that has a ruthless abandon that NOONE else has in the league. He does a lot of good, but how many times have we seen the bad? Its similar to how I feel about Harden, the numbers he has are CRAZY but it isnt translating to anything as far as team success so like.. is it worth it? He did let PG do most of the heavy lifting this year, but can he be the type of player that can stear his team into big wins, because of of now hes been the great player that has ton the complete opposite.

19. BUTLER

(what i said last year)

15. JIMMY BUCKETS

2017-18- (22.2 PPG- 5.3 RPG- 4.9 AST- 1.97 STL- 3P% .350 FG% .474)

PLAYOFFS- (15.8 PPG- 6 RPG- 4 AST- .8 STL- 3P% .471 FG% .444)

This is a player who will win a championship, "I feel it coming". He is the most competitive player ive ever been around sense KG. I love the mentality he brought to Minnesota, and hes also one of the best with the media ive ever seen in ANY sport. He is incredibly smart which is a bad thing for Wolves fans, he will leave if he doesn't think he can win or the players dont take on his mentality/effort on the court. As a player he can do everything- and the guy he reminds me of... Kobe Bryant. Delete Jimmys rookie year were he didnt play at all- and the first 6 years of their careers look very similar (minus Kobe's volume of shots in years 5&6). Jimmy has the baseline fade away like Mamba- is a good but not great 3p shooter (career average .339%- Kobe... .329%) and they have very similar career fg% (Buckets .452%- Kobe .447%). Both altra competitive, and they have a similar style of scoring. They take a good amount of shots where in the air your like "WTF IS THAT?!?!" but then it goes in and your chanting "MVP..MVP". He is a 4x All-Defensive team player and just had a career high with 2 steals a game. Won most Improved in 2014-15 and is an elite player in the league. With his body, strength, and size (6'8-240) I'd like to see him play more low post at the 4 this year for a killer small ball lineup. Gets enough rebounds but not a shit ton and is a pretty good passer for a wing- both areas I think he has to be better at to move up this list. If the Wolves are a top 3 seed in the West the rankings of KAT and Buckets are legit, if they fall anywhere from 5-8 both have to move down.

2018-19- (65 GP- 33.6 MPG- 18.7 PPG- 5.3 RPG- 4 AST- 1.9 STL- 3P% .347- FG% .462)

Reaction to last years comments- HE HAD US FOOLED. I kid you not, his first press conference in MOA was a thing of beauty- he had us GOING CRAZY for him. He was like Paul McCartney showing up in an American air strip the way he praised him and gave him all the love we had.

In some ways I was dead on (he'll leave if he doesn't think we can win) with the biggest reach being "Best with the media in ANY sport" that was WAY to far- I was sipping the Kool-Aid..... This guy basically quit on Minnesota and single highhandedly cost me some big $ I had on the Wolves over this year (little grudge). Its crazy to think at the start of this year Buckets was a Wolf and then graduated to most important player of a loaded team battling for a East Finals spot.. As a player you have to love what he brings to the table- Unselfish (18 PPG in 2018-19, not all "Stars" would allow themselves to not put up 20+) Defense (4x All D team) efficiency ( 46% floor 35% 3) and an ability to handle the moment (couple game winners, becoming the Alpha in the Raptors series). Next year he will be 30, it makes you think how much longer he can play the style he does.. When will the defense start to slip, the next generation pass him up. He has a few great years left and I am on the lookout to see when or if he ever tries to be more than he already is. But at the end of the day, I think thats what makes him great though- his ability to put team over individual success. Is he smarter than all of us??

20. CJ

(what i said last year)

N/A

2018-19- (70 GP- 33.9 MPG- 21 PPG- 4 RPG- 3 AST- .8 STL- 3P % .375- FG% .459)

PLAYOFFS- (39.7 MPG- 24.7 PPG- 5 RPG- 3.7 AST- .8 STL- 3p% .393- FG% .440)

Some Numbers...

4 straight seasons w/ ateast 20+ PPG- (First two seasons 5.3- 6.3 THEN at 24 jumped 20.8)

In the past 3 seasons he has raised his PPG totals in the playoffs

Career .401 3P% shooter (tied career low this last year at .375% (rookie season as well)

Career .394 3P% in the playoffs

Career .455% FG% (Better than Paul Geoge, Dame, Butler, Beal, Kemba, Lowry)

No ASG appearances

Led the league 1X in FT%

This guy is just real interesting... As a Wolves fan hes kinda what we hope Andrew Wiggins could just turn into, an efficient scorer with a good 3 stroke and well somewhat forget about the lacking defense. Its not east putting up 20 a game in this league, and I think the thing that puts CJ at this level is his ability to do it in a effective way. People love PGIII, hell I do as well, but hes not an efficient scorer like CJ is. Yes his defense and playmaking are what make him spectacular but if were just talking numbers CJ top 5 efficiency when we talk guards. But he doesn't really bring you much "making others better" from the 2 guard spot, rebounds only a little but frankly its a team with a big lineup so they dont need him to. He also makes the jump to top 20 because he was the second best player (played like the #1) on a Western Conference Finals team. The last 3 years he showed what he could do, 2019 was his prove it year and he did just that. Dame has not been good in the recent playoff runs, its been CJ who has kept this team competitive. He can score on just about anyone, and I love his ability to wiggle his way into a quality open mid-range that I always feel is going to drop. This dude is just sick, PUT HIM IN THE ASG.

21. Buddy

(what i said last year)

NA

2018-19- (82 GP- 31.9 MPG- 20.7 PPG- 5 RPG- 2.5 AST- .7 STL- 3P% .427- FG% .458)

I have a list four you....

Players with 15+ pts __ 5+ 3PA per/gm __ 40%+ from 3

Kyrie (23.8 pts 40.1% 6.5 att)

Klay (21.5 pts 40.2% 7.7 att)

Curry (27.3 pts 43.7% 11.7 att)

AND

Buddy Hield (20.7 pts 42.7% 7.9 att)

To King Curry, over the past 2 seasons there is a case to be had that Buddy Hield is the second best pure shooter in the NBA. In the modern NBA THAT IS A BIG DEAL. His career 3P% is 42% and his FG is 45%- those are pretty damn good numbers for a guy who hasn't exactly played with any stars who could give him that weak side kick open 3. This past season Buddy went from 11.7 FGA in 18' to 16.6 FGA in 19' with no drop off in efficiency- that shows you his potential STILL going forward. He is a wizard at getting open and setting up his defender, you dont take nearly 8 a game and make over 40% unless you know what your doing. He is very similar to Klay Thompson in that YES I KNOW hes not necessarily a playmaking shot creating ultra personality alpha dude (like Kemba or Beal or Booker or Mitchell or even Russell) but what he is able to do is VERY FUC**** valuable and the list shows it. These types of players dont grow on trees- you can find guys who can get buckets, rebounders, lock down defenders etc- But you cant find efficient volume sharp shooters just anywhere. He is the perfect #2 on a championship team, also, have you ever heard a peep about Buddy having an attitude problem? A guy who was somewhat tossed around early in his career and could have done the whole "I need more minutes or more money or more attention" No... Ive seen him warm up pre-game several times and he interacts with coaches and players in a way few do. Hes a special player and screw it im putting him here.

22. BEAL

(what i said last year)

HM

BEAL: Exceptional Shooter, built for todays NBA. One of those guys who, on a team that advances farther in the playoffs, his stats will be "considered" more impressive. A career .393 3p% shooter, if he and Klay switched places would be even notice? I mean ya... but you get my point. Some poeple like him better than Booker and I see why, but again next year Booker has some real room to grow where I think Beal is Beal at this point. Booker is off to a better start in his career than Beal, and that means something to me.

2018-19- (82 GP- 36.9 MPG- 25.5 PPG- 5 RPG- 5.5 AST- 1.5 STL- 3P% .351- FG% .475)

I think at 13 is when you could have started considering Beal- So I will explain why he is here by defending him against the others...

#13- Blake: Griffin got his bad team to the playoffs and Beal didn't. Griffin slightly more dynamic on offense scoring like every way possible now.

#14 Kyrie: Kyrie should probably be ahead of Blake but im punishing him for being an asshole- that counts for something. Kyrie has a ring and WAY more playoff experience- this is easy.

#15 Rudy: Maybe the leagues best defender and its most efficient scorer- Beal is more versatile but "THE FRENCH REJECTION" is one of the greatest specialty players we have in the league right now.

#16 Holiday: Beal is a better 3P shooter but ill take Holidays skill set in almost every other category. Go put on the Blazers tape from last year, SHEESH.

#17 Zingis: I just think Kristopz has the most potential as anyone in the league not named Zion- AD- Or KAT. He has a chance to be an spectacular shooter, great rim protector, and elite point forward.

#18 Westbrook: 2 straight triple double seasons and a former MVP- "ITS ABOUT RESPECT"

#19 Butler: Hes just a winner man. I think he could score like Beal if he wanted to, but Jimmy doesnt get enough credit for letting the game come to him. Hes a guy who would have been perfect on the Lakers.

#20 CJ: This is razor thin, but with the numbers CJ has put up in the playoffs coupled with a West Finals you have to give him the nod.

#21 Buddy: Little philosophy difference here as most people would call me crazy for this. I think an interesting conversation is who would you rather have had 5 years ago if your GS Klay or Beal? Beal had shown more promise as an all around "All-Star" While Klay was one of the games elite up and coming shooters. On a championship team, I want 1 Stud and then guys around him that do something to perfection, I do NOT WANT someone else who thinks there stud B. I want Buddy and his elite shooting over Beals more well rounded game.

Beal is damn good though and I would be surprised if he didnt make yet another jump in my rankings into next year. His last 3 year splits are CRAZY for a 2 guard (24 pts- 4.2 rebs- 4.5 ast- 3p% .376- fg% .472). Hes an active defensive player who takes good shots and makes them. HEs a good team and teammates away from being considered a superstar.

23. KEMBA

(what i said last year)

N/A....

2018-19- (82 GP- 34.9 MPG- 25.6 PPG- 4.4 RPG- 5.9 AST- 1.2 STL- 3P% .356- FG% .434)

This dude is supremely talented and I cannot wait to see what he does on a good team next year after signing with the Celtics. Can I defend that I didnt have him top 30 last year? Kinda, but (as I will talk about in who missed the cut this year from last years list) this is a guy who finally went from "good player pretty good stats on a bad" guy to "You have to watch the Horents just so you can see what Kemba is ON THIS YEAR" guy. His 3p % is down from the previous 3 years of .384-.399-.371 in large part due to a higher volume of 3's and rightfully tougher ones (this year 8.9 per gm, previous career high 7.6 in 17'). So with a more well balanced team, and an off-season of PUTTING IN WORK, will we see a more efficient Kemba with roughly the same overall stats? That would be awesome and its what Brad Stevens is hoping for. This is a coach who made Isiah Thomas (not Detroit Isiah) into a 29 PPG scorer- That was a different team with different circumstances but this could be a pretty interesting reincarnation of a elite player next year. What moves him up this list are more assists and a higher % from 3- if he does either his team might just be in the East Finals.

24. DEMAR

(what i said last year) *Honorable Mention LY

DeROZAN- I do like this guys game, and hes a player who on any given night has the ability to put up 40. But when the rubber meats the cement he can never get past the other elite wings in this league in the playoffs. His numbers are very much below average from 3 (career 29%), his fg% is good but not amazing, same can be said about his rebound and assist numbers. Needs a better deep ball, or abandon it all together. One of the final elite mid-range jump shooters, and he gets to the line at a good clip, and hes talented as well but im just not high on him. Im sorry DeRozan, some people probably have you like 13 but I just cant. Maybe in Texas you will be great.

2018-19- (77 GP- 34.9 MPG- 21.2 PPG- 6 RPG- 6.2 AST- 1.1 STL- 3P% .156- FG% .481)

PLAYOFFS- (35.9 MPG- 22 PPG- 6.7 RPG- 4.6 AST- 1.1 STL- 1 3PA- FG% .487)

25. BIG AL

(what i said last year)

22. new BIG AL (Horford)

2017-18- (12.9 PPG- 7.4 RPG- 4.7 AST- 1 BLK- 3P% .429% FG% .489)

PLAYOFFS- (15.7 PPG- 8.3 RPG- 3.3 AST- 2 STL- 1.26 BLK- 3P% .349 FG% .544)

#1 on the list of guys who do way more for their team than the stats show. He was probably the best player on a Hawks team that somehow won 60 games only a few seasons ago. To put that in perspective- NO TEAM IN THE EAST won 60 games last year, and Houston was the only team to do so in the West. He takes good shots, although his jumper from mid-range could use some work (reg season fg % 2nd lowest of career LY). He is a creative passer on the blocks and at the top of the key. He also mastered the pick and roll with Kyrie and Scary Terry, making opponents respect his pick and pop game with a career high .429 3p%. Also, Al is a guy who has adjusted to the times- he never took more than .5 3's a game in his first 8 seasons, and took ZERO 3's 2 of those years. But over the past 3 season hes averaged around 3.5 attempts per game and is making more than enough for it to be a quality tool in his arsenal of goods. Guy is a 5x All-Star- was on All-Defensive Team this past season and even snuck into All-NBA in 2010-11. He is the biggest reason the season wasn't derailed in light of the Hayward and Kyrie injuries. A guy that is just a freeking winner, the Celts might be winning like its 1983 pretty soon.

2018-19- (68 GP- 29 MPG- 13.6 PPG- 6.7 RPG- 4.2 AST- 1.3 BLK- 3P% .360- FG% .535)

PLAYOFFS (34.4 MPG- 13.9 PPG- 9 RPG- 4.4 AST- .8 BLK- 3P% .409- FG% .418)

All I can say is that you just REALLY want this guy on your team. Several players score more than this guy, like a lot, BUT THERE NOT WINNERS. Flordia- ATL- Boston- Philly next year, all this guy has done and will do is win games. He takes great shots and gives his teammates even better ones. At one time a seriously dominant defender, now entering his age 33 seasons its a little more "When you need me to be Alpha I will but dude I just took an Advil PM". Someone always has bette rnumbers, flashier plays, but Al always get the last laugh. He doesnt force anything, evidence by his best fg% seasons on 3 years- as hes getting older hes also getting smarter. In 2015 and every year before then Al had only taken .5 3's a game, from then on hes averaged atleast 3 per and is shooting a CRAZY 37% of those! Now there open most of the time, but that percentage is more than enough to make that a really high quality shot. His ability to space the floor with the 76'ers will be a huge reasons for that teams success. I love this player and I hope he stays 33 forever.

26. SIMMONS

(what i said last year)

21. BEN

2017-18- (15.8 PPG- 8.1 RPG- 8.2 AST- 1.73 STL- .545 FG%)

PLAYOFFS- (16.3 PPG- 9.4 RPG- 7.7 APG- 1.7 STL- FG% .488)

There is a conversation to be had that he could be 16 on this lists, but I have to see more. If the 76ers would have gotten past the Celts, I put him top 12. But he got exposed that series and has some things to work on. He needs atleast the threat of a jumper (kinda like Giannis). The whole regular season, and the first 2 rounds of the playoffs, I've never seen a player with such an Alpha mentality and ora the way Ben did as a rook. Incredible stats in the regular and post season- the one exception, 3's. He took 11 and missed every... single... one. Supposedly he might switch his shooting hand (has that ever happened?) which I've heard is a better looking stroke than his left dominant shot now. He shot a BRUTAL .56% from the ft line- and for a player that will and is making a living converting shots in the paint that is a SERIOUS problem going forward. Ben from Australia won the ROY and he should have- no questions asked. What he did few in this game have ever done (Mitchell can score, welcome to the club). Ben can rebound- get in transition- find open shooters- or dunk- or euro step- or anything else besides a jump shot. His command of the game is borderline historic for a 22 year old and is the clear on court leader of his team. If he develops a jump shot (not necassarily a 3 shot), hell be higher, but I dont want him shooting 3's if he cant make 32% of them. He doesn't need it, but I want it. Less people have averaged a triple double in the NBA than people who have walked on the moon- Ben is the odds on favorite to join the two man party, and wouldnt that be something.

2018-19- (79 GP- 34.2 MPG- 16.9 PPG- 8.8 RPG- 7.5 AST- 1.4 STL- 3P% 0- FG% .563)

PLAYOFFS- (35.1 MPG- 13.9 PPG- 7.1 RPG- 6 AST- 1.3 STL- 1 BLK- 0 3PA- FG% .621)

I am guilty of this myself, but for a guy who everyone talks about what he doesn't do- this is a guy who is increasingly good and what he DOES DO. This is a cool list...

Players who have averaged 15+ PPG 8+ RPG 7.5+ AST in their 1st 2 seasons in the NBA

Magic Johnson

Oscar Robertson

BEN SIMMONS

Now he cant fucking shoot, which for a guy who can pass better with either hand than most people on planet earth makes 0 sense to me. Apparently his HS coach said Ben had a legit jumper back in the day, I believe him, I just dont get how you can loose it? I KNOW I KNOW FULTZ, SAME TEAM MIND YOU, but I mean what the hell? Besides that hes arguably the scariest player in transition not names Giannis- Has shot over 55% from the floor his first 2 seasons in the league- and bumped up his PPG average by over a point with a much deeper and talented roster in year 2. His efficiency in the playoffs was superb, but his inability to be an impact player and ball handler late in games is a huge issue for a team that has TITLE aspirations and is rumored to be working out a max deal with this young man (UPDATE- it happened). He is one of the most physically imposing players in the league, again borderline unguardable like Giannis at points when he wants to be- but he needs that jumper to be GREAT. It seemed as though he kinda stood put in year two, watching the games you would say he didnt make that "Leap" some thought he would. I think with the roster they had IDK how he could? So many ball dominant players, who mind you STOP the ball movement all together, its not suitable for a play-making distributor like Ben. I think Al will help, I know the subtraction of Jimmy will help facilitate for fluid offense, and I hope this team can play a style that brings out the best in one of their dynasties pieces. Year 3 will be very interesting for a WHOLE lot of reasons for Ben and this Philly team, cant wait to watch.

27. GREEN

(what i said last year)

20. DRAYMOND

2017-18- (11 PPG- 7.6 RPG- 7.3 AST- 1.3 STL- 1.3 BLK- 3P% .301 FG% .454)

PLAYOFFS- (10.8 PPG- 10.6 RPG- 8.1 AST- 1.95 STL- 1.5 BLK- 3P% .266 FG% .432)

SI.com did a 100 top players and had Green 10th. Here is why he shouldn't be. 1. He isnt a player who, going to a worse team, would see his scoring volume go up- he isnt a great scorer. 2. He is a poor 3p shooter (under 31% last 2 years) which is the most important shot in basketball. 3. Every player listed above him has a higher ceiling than him by a 2 feet. 4. He is a flopper and hits people in their junk, like GROW UP DUDE. 5. If he was on a bad team, the little things that make him shine is GS wouldn't exists on other teams, his style fits great teams well but wouldn't transfer to poor squads. That all said- HES A TOP 21 PLAYER, thats pretty damn good. Again, the "gritty" stuff he does for GS allows the faness players to floss it up. In the playoffs he led the team in rebounds-assists-steals- and blocks. Thats some crazy shit. He's limited offensively and has a pretty poor .438 career fg%. DRAY, YOU CANT SHOOT. Work on the hook shoot and floater, bc the jumper is broke. Love his D though (not like that) having 4 All-Defensive Team selections and D POY in 2016-17. 2x All-NBA so the league likes what he does to, and so do I. #1 shit talker in the league, and he might just get more rings than anyone on this list not named Curry or Klay. Hmmmmmm..

2018-19- (66 GP- 31.3 MPG- 7.4 PPG- 7.3 RPG- 6.9 AST- 1.4 STL- 1.1 BLK- 3P% .285- FG% .445)

PLAYOFFS- (38.7 MPG- 13.3 PPG- 10.1 RPG- 8.5 AST- 1.5 STL- 1.5 BLK- 3P% .228- FG% .498)

His regular season numbers looked so pedestrian on the surface I almost didn't even look at his playoff totals from this past year- GLAD I FREEKING DID. Kerr knows how to handle his players and I think Green is one of the biggest chess pieces he has and uses. Regular season only 30ish minutes a game, kinda saving himself, sparingly (hes still only 28) playing his like "IM PLAYING FOR MY MOMA" psycho mentality, taking dumb shots because hes like well this regular season shit doesnt matter. Then playoffs BANG- 13 points, 10 REBOUNDS AS A 6'7 DUDE, 8.5 ASSISTS, MORE BLOCKS AND STEALS THAN ALMOST ANYONE THAT WAS DANCING, this guy plays his best when you NEED it- when it counts. Ya Devin Booker and Zach Lavine and Donavan Mitchell can score a lot of points- but this guy wins you games. He makes plays for others and whent he moments are the biggest, he is someone that rises to the occasion. Now, that doesnt mean I cringe every time its late in the 4th, GS has missed 4 straight shots and Dray is like SCREW YALL IM GOING COAST TO COAST. When it works its stunning, when it doesn the looks like a fool. But hes not passive, and I can name quite a few players whos numbers look better but when its actually time to MAKE PLAYS there body language shrinks to where Draymond starts talking shit and makes you do so. I dont like him, but as someone who does the small things to stay ont eh court via my 5v5 games at LA fitness I gatta give some props to my guy Green. Did I mention he cant shoot 3's? DRAY STOP THAT DUMB AS SHIT YOU BROKE BOY.

28. MIDDLETON

(what i said last year)

N/A

2018-19- (77 GP- 31.1 MPG- 18.3 PPG- 6 RPG- 4.3 AST- 1 STL- 3P% .378- FG% .441)

PLAYOFFS- (34.3 MPG- 16.9 PPG- 6.4 AST- 4.4 RPG- 3P% .435- FG% .418)

Insert 2nd best player, who just got a MAX deal, on the #1 team in the East during the regular season. I have zero clue how he could shoot 43% from 3 in the offs but then shoot 42% overall from the floor? Ive never seen that? The year before he went crazy in the playoffs putting up 25 per shooting over 40 from deep and 50 from the floor- This guy has made a reputation in the regular season and has played even better in the bigger moments. Taking out a rookie year in which he only played 27 games (So age 22-27 seasons)- Middleton is shooting 39% from 3 and 45% from the floor with every season getting atleast 1 steal and averaging double figures. Had 1.7 steals per in 16', wouldnt it be nice if that type of activity on that end of the floor came back? A solid defender with his length and strength, but not the biggest playmaker from that end. There are many players that score more than Khris, but there not winning games and they also dont have the track record that Middleton has now pilled up over the last 4 years of efficient and consistent scoring. Also, for a 2 guard, that 4.3 apples a game coulped with 6 boards is a nice touch to a pretty clean spread sheet of offensive performance. I think the Bucks can win with him being their second best player, now they just have to do it..

29. BOOKER

(what i said last year)

23. BOOK(ER)

2017-18- (25 PPG-4.5 RPG-4.5 AST .383% 3 FG% .432)

PLAYOFFS- N/A

Another guy who for me was tough to measure. Hes just always been on such a bad team and you worry hes a great stats bad team guy. Hes only 21 and has a 70 pt game to his name, which is cooler than it is a novelty personally (its about opportunity). But he is very talented, although for how "great" of a shooter people call him his career 3p% of .365-while very good- is not elite. That said he has improved his % every year and shot close to 39% last year. He is a player fit for the modern game, and he might even have a little bit more versatility offensively than his player comparison in sir Klay. Bigger than some think (6'6 206) a core of "Book"- Bridges- Ayton-Jackson- I even like euro rookie guard Okobo- save Bender and Chriss, this team resembles what the Wolves had 3 seasons ago. Is he the best player on a contender? idk. Does he have shutdown wing defender potential? probably not. Will he join up with a super team as Mr. shoot 8 3's a game and lets see how many go in? I'd think so down the road. He will enter his 4th season at age 22 (2 months younger than 1st round pick Bridges) so he has a lot of room for growth still. Honestly I haven't seen him play much (can you blame me..) but from what little I have he has exceptional shooting mechanics and seems like a good teammate. "Should I Stay or Should I Go"- thats his question going forward.

2018-19- (64 GP- 35 MPG- 26.6 PPG- 4.1 RPG- 6.8 AST- .9 STL- 3P% .326- FG% .467)

PLAYOFFS- N/A

7th in the league in PPG this last season but it just didnt matter? I love that his assists went up by essentially 2 per gm from last year, but he lost 6% on his 3's but then somehow gained 4% on his field goals from last year. I just need to see this guy in the playoffs before we have him in the top 25, I think last year ranking him 23rd I thought this year he would shoot close to if not higher than his 38% from deep last year and pull his team into a race for perhaps the 10th spot in the West (which would have been really impressive). Instead, his team finished like 14 games back of 14th place in the west!! HIS TEAM DIDNT EVEN WIN 20 GAMES. He also only played in 64 of them, with the last two years not even sniffing 70 games played. Im sorry but winning games matters- this is an extreme example but when Lebron first got on Cleveland those teams were AWFUL, but he got them into the playoffs threw sheer will and CLUTCH BASKETBALL. Bookers numbers are not that different from Lebrons age 22 season...

Booker (22)- 26.6 ppg- 4.1 rpg- 7 ast- 3p 33%- fg 47%

James (22)- 27.3 ppg- 6.7 reb- 6 ast- 3p 32%- fg 48%

Crazy huh? The point of this is that stats are just stats- what matters is when and how you achieve them (AND DEFENSE).

2006-07 Cavs Rotation: James- Larry Hughes (15pts)- Drew Gooden (11)- Ilgauskas (11)- Varejao (7)- Snow (5)

2018-19 Suns Rotation: Booker- T.J. Warren (18pts)- Kelly Oubre (17)- Ayton (16)- Josh Jackson (11)- Trevor Ariza (9)

One team is made up of lottery picks and experienced veterans and the other is comprised of "How the hell did we get all these weird dudes on the same team".

2006-07 Cavs Record: 50-32- Won Eastern Conference and got swept by Spurs in Finals

2018-19 Suns Record: 19-63- Worst Record in NBA

So I dont care that Booker scored almost 27 a game, I dont care he got close to 7 assists per/gm, I dont care he set a career high in FG%- What I care about is that his team sucked and he was there best player, he is held responsible for that.