Ranking players is one of my favorite things to do but it also brings an excessive amount of negative energy and name-calling because I think someone’s favorite players isn’t as good as they believe they are.
Top 20’s, 30’s, 40’s and even 50’s are relatively easy to execute and assess but after that, it becomes increasingly difficult to gauge the importance of certain skills and attributes the world’s greatest players have.
Here’s my attempt at doing the aforementioned and if you’re upset where I ranked Harrison Barnes, Robert Covington or Terrence Ross, please let me hear every word. It completely justifies spending (a disclosed number) of hours working on this. ENJOY!
Missed the cut (No order): DeMarcus Cousins**, Hassan Whiteside, Serge Ibaka, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Jonas Valanciunas, Delon Wright, Gary Harris, Derrick White, Rick Rubio, Jordan Clarkson, Derrick Jones Jr., Wendell Carter Jr., Dewayne Dedmon, Terry Rozier, Jabari Parker, Thomas Bryant, George Hill, Jaren Jackson Jr., DeAndre Ayton, Bam Adebayo, Tim Hardaway Jr., Tomas Satoransky, Evan Fournier, Enes Kanter, Gordon Hayward, Rodney Hood, Patrick Beverley, Al-Farouq Aminu, DJ Augustin
100. Harrison Barnes
I feel bad for Harrison Barnes, in a weird way. I don’t know if it’s because of how he performed in the 2016 Finals or what, but I just feel like he should be higher on this list at this point. He’s basically a more inefficient and overpaid Rudy Gay at this point, which lands him as the 96th best player on the planet. Not bad huh?
Season Stats: 16.4 PPG 4.7 RPG 1.5 APG 42.0% FG 39.5% 3FG
99. Marvin Bagley III
You may think this is premature, but Marvin Bagley III was quietly great down the stretch of the season. Once he started getting consistent minutes, Bagley III flashed the potential that everyone has been oozing over since he was 16. I fully expect him to be much higher on this list next year.
Season Stats: 14.9 PPG 7.6 RPG 1.0 APG 1.0 BPG 50.4% FG
98. Kelly Oubre Jr.
You will not be acknowledged for your play as member of the Phoenix Suns, unless you score 70. Period. Oubre silently averaged 17–5–2–1–1. Oubre’s game translates across the league and his increased role doesn’t mean they were empty numbers.
Season Stats: 15.2 PPG 4.7 RPG 1.2 APG 1.2 SPG 0.9 BPG 44.5% FG
97. Eric Gordon
I’d compare Eric Gordon to a highly skilled bowling ball. He is probably the most underappreciated player on a contending Rockets team. He’s a microwave scorer as a starter or coming off the bench. His size and strength allow him to impose his will, even at 6'3"-6'4".
Season Stats: 16.2 PPG 2.2 RPG 1.9 APG 40.9% FG 36.0% 3FG
96. Otto Porter Jr.
The near 30-million-dollar man may not produce as one at that pay grade should, but he is still a positive player. A full season with a young Chicago Bulls team gives him a great opportunity to become a leader and more of an all around player on a team that is laden with score-first guys.
Season Stats: 13.9 PPG 5.6 RPG 2.1 APG 1.2 SPG 46.5% FG 40.6% 3FG
95. Reggie Jackson
Reggie Jackson was actually pretty good for the first time in a while during the 2018–19 season. He played 82 games for the first time in his career after playing a combined 97 games in the last two seasons. He made great improvements as a three-point shooter as well. Jackson is somebody who would probably be best utilized as a sixth man but he’s a solid starter.
Season Stats: 15.4 PPG 2.6 RPG 4.2 APG 42.1% FG 36.9% 3FG
94. Dennis Schröder
Schröder is one of the best guards off the bench. He can score in a variety of ways, especially in the mid-range and out of the pick-and-roll. Although I wouldn’t be surprised if Schröder found himself on another team next season, he has the potential to be a key player for a strange Thunder team going forward.
Season Stats: 15.5 PPG 3.6 RPG 4.1 APG 41.4% FG 34.1% 3FG
93. Jeremy Lamb
Lamb is one of the most underrated players in the NBA. He played in Charlotte, which hasn’t done anything relevant in the team’s entire history. Lamb has been a late bloomer, but he’s finally realized the potential we saw in him at UConn.
Season Stats: 15.3 PPG 5.5 RPG 2.2 APG 1.1 SPG 44.0% FG 34.8% 3FG
92. Joe Harris
Joey Buckets is absolutely lethal from deep. He surprised many casual fans in the 2019 Three Point Contest but anyone who watched Brooklyn prior to the event knew he could heat up in a hurry. With the additions of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, the Nets will be in a new stratosphere and Joe Harris will get the credit he deserves.
Season Stats: 13.7 PPG 3.8 RPG 2.4 APG 50.0% FG 47.4% 3FG
91. JJ Redick
Redick is a marksman. He’s such a good shooter and an unbelievable floor spacer/mover, that every other part of his game is irrelevant. Redick is somebody who can change the make-up of a team and change it’s trajectory; as he did with the Sixers.
Season Stats: 18.1 PPG 2.4 RPG 2.7 APG 44.0% FG 39.7% 3FG
90. Terrence Ross
Terrence Ross enjoyed a career year after playing in only 24 games in 2018. Ross came off the bench in every game this season, though he averaged a near career high in minutes. Since being an inconsistent swingman with one of the most random 50-point games ever, Ross has become a solid role player in this league.
Season Stats: 15.1 PPG 3.5 RPG 1.7 APG 0.9 SPG 42.8% FG 38.3% 3FG
89. Lonzo Ball
Lonzo Ball is the most misunderstood player in the NBA and possibly the most polarizing. Ball is a tremendous perimeter defender and passer at 21. His dad created an insurmountable hype train and it led to many people ready to call him a bust at any given moment. I’m sorry to tell some of you, but he’s not a bust… He’s actually good. If Ball can stay healthy, he and the Pelicans young core could turn heads for a long time. He should be higher on this list, but I need to see him healthy and consistent before I put him there.
Season Stats: 9.9 PPG 5.3 RPG 5.4 APG 1.5 SPG 40.6% FG 32.9% 3FG
88. Fred VanVleet
Fred VanVleet put on one of the most surprising NBA Finals performances ever. VanVleet ascended into a featured role over the last two seasons and garnered attention as one of the best backup guards in the league. He struggled with injuries down the stretch of the 2018–19 season and it led to him having some of the worst performances of his career, during the playoffs. In the latter part of the Eastern Conference Finals and all of the NBA Finals, FVV was spectacular. Anybody who can both frustrate Stephen Curry and run isolations in close-out games is a top-100 player, no questions asked.
Season Stats: 11.0 PPG 2.6 RPG 4.8 APG 0.9 SPG 41.0% FG 37.8% 3FG
87. Marcus Morris
Marcus Morris made one of the biggest improvements in his game through the first 60–70% of the season. His play tailed off but I can’t give him all of the blame, as that Celtics season was rough for everybody involved.
Season Stats: 13.9 PPG 6.1 RPG 1.5 APG 44.7% FG 37.5% 3FG
86. Goran Dragić
Only a year removed from being an All-Star, Goran Dragic played in only 36 games due to injury. He never looked “right” and his the Heat missed having an All-Star level guard in the lineup. Health willing, Dragic will return to form and compliment well, guys like Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and Justise Winslow.
Season Stats: 13.7 PPG 3.1 RPG 4.8 APG 41.3% FG 34.8% 3FG
85. Kyle Kuzma
Kuz is a dynamic scorer who will likely make his biggest year-to-year improvement next season. We know he can score and he can be a great compliment to what Anthony Davis and LeBron do but as a passer, ball-handler and a defender, he can still make vast improvements. If Kuzma becomes a more complete player the Lakers will be a serious title contender.
Season Stats: 18.7 PPG 5.5 RPG 2.5 APG 45.6% FG 30.3% 3FG
84. Andrew Wiggins
Wiggins was a late addition to this list. Many will say I have him way too low, and some will say he shouldn’t have made this list at all. The only thing Wiggins does on the court at an average-to-above average level is score the ball.
Season Stats: 18.1 PPG 4.8 RPG 2.5 APG 1.0 SPG 41.2% FG 33.9% 3FG
83. Justise Winslow
Improvement as a shooter and an increased playmaking role took Justise Winslow’s game up a notch last season. Goran Dragic played only 36 games, leaving Winslow as the most qualified initiator on the team. Winslow’s only 23; he still has plenty of time to fully realize the two-way potential that made him sought after in the 2015 draft.
Season Stats: 12.6 PPG 5.4 RPG 4.3 APG 1.1 SPG 43.3% FG 37.5% 3FG
82. Rudy Gay
Rudy Gay was REALLY good for the Spurs last season. Gay is someone who has been chastised for being inefficient for most of his career. Last season he shot over 50% from the field for the first time in his career and over 40% from three for the first time as well. Gay turned himself into a nice complementary player.
Season Stats: 13.7 PPG 6.8 RPG 2.6 APG 50.4% FG 40.2% 3FG
81. JaVale McGee
The beginning of the 2018–19 season included several surprises; Javale McGee’s performance being one of them.
Season Stats: 12.0 PPG 7.5 RPG 2.0 BPG 62.4% FG
80. Domantas Sabonis
Sabonis has easily been one of the best bigs to come of the bench over the last two seasons. As he moves into a starting role, we’ll get to see if he can fit with Myles Turner or if a trade is imminent and helpful for both of them.
Season Stats: 14.1 PPG 9.3 RPG 2.9 APG 59.0% FG 52.9% 3FG
79. Danny Green
Danny Green bounced back this season after slowly declining in the last few seasons. At 31, Danny Green was an All-NBA Defense candidate and shot nearly 46% from three. He had some moments in the Playoffs but he wore down, especially in the Finals. I’m not sure what the future holds for Danny Green’s output but right now, he’s one of the best 3&D guys in the league and a valuable asset for any team.
Season Stats: 10.3 PPG 4.0 RPG 1.6 APG 0.9 SPG 46.5% FG 45.5% 3FG
78. Robert Covington
There’s definitely going to be a picture of Robert Covington next to the Oxford Dictionary submission of “3 & D”. That is exactly what Covington does and he does it well. Injuries kept Covington from being relevant after being traded to Minnesota but he will look to get back to 100 percent and reclaim his rightful spot in the 50–70 range.
Season Stats: 13.3 PPG 5.5 RPG 2.1 SPG 1.3 BPG 43.1% FG 37.8% 3FG
77. Marcus Smart
There aren’t many players who bring the tenacity and energy that Marcus Smart does. He’s a defensive specialist who has expanded his game and become a mostly reliable threat from deep. His playmaking makes him an offensive threat even when his shot isn’t falling.
Season Stats: 8.9 PPG 2.9 RPG 4.0 APG 1.8 SPG 42.2% FG 36.4% 3FG
76. Dejounte Murray***
If Dejounte Murray wouldn’t have tore his ACL before the season, the Spurs might’ve been able to make real noise in the playoffs. He’s one of the elite defenders the league has and I’d bet a lot of money Murray will return to the court with a much improved offensive game.
17–18 Season Stats: 8.1 PPG 5.7 RPG 2.9 APG 1.2 SPG 44.3% FG
75. Joe Ingles
Don’t judge a book by it’s cover. Joe Ingles is quietly one of the most well rounded role players in the league. His ability to shoot threes, defend and pass his teammates open is elite. I expect a great season from him and the Utah Jazz in 2019, regardless of if his numbers take a slight dip.
Season Stats: 12.1 PPG 4.0 RPG 5.7 APG 1.2 SPG 44.8% FG 39.1% 3FG
74. PJ Tucker
Outside of James Harden, PJ Tucker is easily the Rockets’ most valuable player. He can guard every position and does so while scratching and clawing for every loose ball and knocking down corner threes at a high rate. There aren’t many players who can do what PJ Tucker can.
Season Stats: 7.3 PPG 5.8 RPG 1.2 APG 1.6 SPG 39.6% FG 37.7% 3FG
73. Josh Richardson
Josh Richardson is a scary addition to the Philadelphia 76ers. He really is Jimmy Butler-lite, with more shooting potential. On a team with Tobias Harris, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, another star doesn’t make much sense. Josh Richardson will bring All-NBA level defense, high energy/athleticism and a solid scoring punch to Philly as they look to win an NBA title.
Season Stats: 16.6 PPG 3.6 RPG 4.1 APG 1.1 SPG 41.2% FG 35.7% 3FG
72. Jerami Grant
Grant is a long, athletic forward who took his game to the next level in 2018. He had career highs in PPG, RPG, SPG and 3P% and started in 77 games. Grant’s ability to shoot threes and defend at a high level is a rarity. He is now a key piece for a Denver Nuggets team that is looking to make a serious run over the next several seasons. He and Jokic are a great match.
Season Stats: 13.6 PPG 5.2 RPG 1.3 BPG 49.7% FG 39.2% 3FG
71. Derrick Rose
Derrick Rose made a comeback last season. He shot the ball better than he ever has, and showed that he can still be a difference maker. Scoring 50 points was an emotional moment for all NBA fans rooting for his return to form.
Season Stats: 18.0 PPG 2.7 RPG 4.3 APG 48.2% FG 37.0% 3FG
70. Lauri Markkanen
Lauri Markannen is sneakily one of the best players from the last several drafts. He’s not often talked about, primarily because he plays for a bad team and his game is not overly exciting but he’s damn good. As long as Markkanen can stay healthy, he’ll make a real impact on this league.
Season Stats: 18.7 PPG 9.0 RPG 1.4 APG 43.0% FG 36.1% 3FG
69. Clint Capela
Clint Capela turned in a solid season for the Rockets. He’s the major beneficiary of the attention James Harden and Chris Paul garner. A mid-season injury kind of derailed Capela’s season and he struggled down the stretch, especially in the playoffs. I believe Capela can still be an effective rim-runner and protector in the regular season, but his playoff performance was concerning to say the least.
Season Stats: 16.6 PPG 12.7 RPG 1.4 APG 1.5 BPG 64.8% FG
68. Caris LeVert
Caris LeVert was well on his way to contending for the Most Improved Player award and possibly an All-Star spot, before he broke his leg in November.(LeVert was averaging 19–4–4 on 48% FG). He had an amazing recovery and came back in only 3 months. He didn’t look the same until the playoffs, where he showed he can still be the same guy. Playing alongside Kyrie and possibly Durant later, could unleash LeVert’s talent to the masses.
Season Stats: 13.7 PPG 3.8 RPG 3.9 APG 1.1 SPG 42.9% FG 31.2% 3FG
67. Marc Gasol
Marc Gasol’s play has taken a definite dip from the level he was once at. He’s still a great defender at his size and an elite passer. As a member of the Raptors, he has been unusually hesitant at times, which is more of a personal gripe because it’s representative of his role on that team and where he is at this point in his career. Nonetheless, Gasol is a special player, who’s had a great career.
Season Stats: 13.6 PPG 7.9 RPG 4.4 APG 1.1 BPG 44.8% FG 36.3% 3FG
66. Zion Williamson
Zion Williamson is one of the most hyped prospects ever. I think it’s realistic for him to be a good player in his first season. The “He’s a top 20 guy” conversations are premature. Having Zion here is a good baseline for a rookie.
Stats Projection: 15.4 PPG 7.8 RPG 3.2 APG 1.6 SPG 1.5 BPG 53% FG
65. Montrezl Harrell
Montrezl Harrell is an anomaly. He’s a 6'8" center who averages nearly 24 PPG 9 RPG and 2 SPG per 36 minutes. Harrell was both one of the most improved players in the NBA this season and one of the best bench players. Averaging 17 PPG off the bench is ridiculous, especially while playing on 26 minutes a game and being a center.
Season Stats: 16.6 PPG 6.5 RPG 2.0 APG 1.3 BPG 61.5% FG
64. Steven Adams
Steven Adams is widely regarded as the strongest player in the NBA. He’s a matchup nightmare for opposing bigs in a non-traditional way. Most “matchup nightmares” are guys who are lethal scorers or offensive players, but Adams’ ability to rebound and protect the rim on both ends is his elite skill. He battled injuries all season and just didn’t look right. Hopefully he can bounce back next season.
Season Stats: 13.9 PPG 9.5 RPG 1.6 APG 1.5 SPG 1.0 BPG 59.5% FG
63. Zach LaVine
Scoring is Zach LaVine’s specialty. Had he played in more games and the Bulls had a better record, he would’ve been a leading candidate for Most Improved Player. He came into this season on fire. He averaged about 27–4–5 on 45% through the first month and then he began to cool off. If LaVine can improve the other areas of his game, he can be one of the most dynamic players in the league. He’s only 24 and he’s in a good position to succeed with other young guys.
Season Stats: 23.7 PPG 4.7 RPG 4.5 APG 1.0 SPG 46.7% FG 37.4% 3FG
62. Bojan Bogdanovic
Bojan Bogdanovic is not exciting or flashy but he’s effective. After Victor Oladipo suffered a season ending injury, Bogdanovic was arguably the best player on the 5th seeded Indiana Pacers. He averaged 20+ on 50% from the field and 42% from three after Oladipo’s injury. It’s safe to say Bogdanovic is one of the NBA’s most underrated players. A master at his role.
Season Stats: 18.0 PPG 4.1 RPG 2.0 APG 49.7% FG 42.5% 3FG
61. Myles Turner
After a disappointing 2017–18 season, Myles Turner bounced back and elevated his game. He led the league in blocked shots and most of the advanced defensive stats. Turner’s play put the Pacers among the best in the East as he anchored one of the league’s best defenses.
Season Stats: 13.3 PPG 7.2 RPG 1.6 APG 2.7 BPG 48.7 % FG 38.8% 3FG
60. Jamal Murray
Jamal Murray has made consistent improvements in his game over his three seasons in the NBA. He’s an explosive scorer who can get hot whether he started the game 3/3 or 0/10. Murray’s still inconsistent/streaky and can go ice cold from time to time, which diminishes his overall game because scoring is his best attribute by a wide margin. He became a much more effective passer in 2018 but he still must improve his off-ball offense and as a defender. If/when he does that, he could find himself among the best guards in the league.
Season Stats: 18.2 PPG 4.2 RPG 4.8 APG 43.7% FG 36.7% 3FG
59. Danilo Gallinari
Health has limited Gallinari from performing at his best in the past but this season, Gallinari bounced back and helped lead the LA Clippers to the playoffs.
Season Stats: 19.8 PPG 6.1 RPG 2.6 APG 46.3% FG 43.3% 3FG
58. Trae Young
After a slow start to his rookie season, Trae Young showed out. He put up big numbers and put pressure on opposing defenses with his special shooting and passing ability. The future is bright for Young and the young Atlanta Hawks.
Season Stats: 19.1 PPG 3.7 RPG 8.1 APG 0.9 SPG 41.8% FG 32.4% 3FG
57. John Collins
John Collins put together the quietest 20–10 season I can remember. Collins is easily one of the best players from the 2017 NBA Draft Class but he rarely gets talked about. His athleticism and improvement as a shooter and other skill areas make him a potential star. Alongside Trae Young, the Hawks have a BRIGHT future. (I know it’s tough but let’s forgive John Collins for whatever he was trying to do in the Dunk Contest).
Season Stats: 19.5 PPG 9.8 RPG 2.0 APG 56.0% FG 34.8% 3FG
56. De’Aaron Fox
Fox came into the league as a super athletic guard with questionable offensive skills. During his first season he flashed the potential that made the Kings pick him fifth in the 2017 draft, especially down the stretch. The 2018–19 season was proof that Fox will be a star. He was given the reigns of the team and stayed healthy all season. He made immense improvements as a shooter and surprised me with his passing ability. Fox will be at least a top 20–30 player throughout his career.
Season Stats: 17.3 PPG 3.8 RPG 7.3 APG 1.6 SPG 45.8% FG 37.1% 3FG
55. Malcolm Brodgon
Most casual fans probably don’t know how good Malcolm Brogdon is, or that he’s even good at all. He was a key piece of the best team in the league and he was extremely efficient. Brogdon is somebody who I don’t think could ever average much more than he did this season, and that’s completely OK. He is a role player who plays hard; he’s scrappy and moves into open threes well. The Bucks missed him down the stretch of the season. Had he been fully healthy, maybe things go differently against Toronto. We’ll see how he performs as a primary option in Indiana.
Season Stats: 15.6 PPG 4.5 RPG 3.2 APG 50.5% FG 42.6% 3FG
54. Eric Bledsoe
Eric Bledsoe bounced back after getting his lunch money taken by Terry Rozier during the first round of the 2018 playoffs. In his first full season with the Bucks, Bledsoe made the NBA’s All Defensive 1st team and helped his team get the best record in the league. His play tailed off towards the end of the playoffs but Bledsoe proved his worth this season.
Season Stats: 15.9 PPG 4.6 RPG 5.5 APG 1.5 SPG 48.4% FG 32.9% 3FG
53. Brook Lopez
Well… I didn’t see this coming. Brook Lopez turned himself into one of the most unique players in the league after it seemed he was headed to the “dinosaur big man” archetype we’ve seen guys like Al Jefferson go. His ability to shoot the three and protect the rim at the level he does is remarkable.
Season Stats: 12.5 PPG 4.9 RPG 1.2 APG 2.2 BPG 45.2% FG 36.5% 3FG
52. Aaron Gordon
We’ve seen the dunks and raw athleticism since he was 16 years old but over the last two seasons, Aaron Gordon has become a more complete player. Every player to average at least 16–7–3 this season was an All Star except for Julius Randle, Luka Doncic and Aaron Gordon. (Antetokounmpo, PG, Jokic, KAT, Vucevic, AD, Kawhi, Embiid, Simmons, Griffin, LBJ, Russ)
Season Stats: 16.0 PPG 7.4 RPG 3.7 APG 44.9% FG 34.9% 3FG
51. Jaylen Brown
A disappointing start to the season left many, like myself, wondering what happened to Jaylen Brown. It became clear that Brown was sort of chosen as the guy who needed sacrifice the most. The Celtics had a serious issue with defining roles last season and Brown was relegated to being a body for the first half of the season. As the season went on Brown became a 40%+ three point shooter and showed that his 2018 playoff performance wasn’t a fluke.
Season Stats: 13.0 PPG 4.2 RPG 1.4 APG 46.5% FG 34.4% 3FG
50. Brandon Ingram
Brandon Ingram never gets the respect he deserves. I think the combination of playing with LeBron, and a weird dichotomy of Lakers fans who think all of their young guys are future stars and non-Lakers fans who believe everyone of their young guys are busts. Ingram showed how good he can be before he got injured. Expect to see a revitalized Ingram in New Orleans and watch him fly up this list.
Season Stats: 18.3 PPG 5.1 RPG 3.0 APG 49.7% FG 33.0% 3FG
49. Jayson Tatum
Well, it’s safe to say he’s not Michael Jordan. Which is 100% OK. Tatum’s hype came from his out of body performance against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals. Up until then, he was allowed to progress and develop like a normal rookie. He had a disappointing second-year performance, but nearly everyone on the Celtics did. I’m confident in his ability to move up this list, but I’m not sure he will ever get to the Top-5 player in the league area people had him in during his rookie season.
Season Stats: 15.7 PPG 6.0 RPG 2.1 APG 1.1 SPG 45.0% FG 37.3% 3FG
48. Kevin Love ***
Kevin Love missed most of the 2018–19 season with a toe injury. He shot poorly, but he’s still one of the league’s best rebounders and his ability to make plays and stretch the floor at his size are a valuable asset.
Season Stats: 17.0 PPG 10.9 RPG 2.2 APG 38.5% FG 36.1% 3FG
47. Spencer Dinwiddie
Spencer Dinwiddie has made tremendous improvements to his game over the last two seasons. He is an over-qualified sixth man who can control every aspect of the offense and plays with great pace. He excels in the fourth quarter. The better his team gets, the more shine Dinwiddie will recieve.
Season Stats: 16.8 PPG 2.4 RPG 4.6 APG 44.2% FG 33.5% 3FG
46. Lou Williams
A third Sixth Man of the Year award ties Lou Williams with Jamal Crawford for the most all time. Lou Will is a bonafide bucket, one of the most dominant scorers in NBA history at his size.
Season Stats: 20.0 PPG 3.0 RPG 5.4 APG 42.5% FG 36.1% 3FG
45. Andre Drummond
Drummond is someone I used to think highly of, dating back to his days at UConn. He hasn’t made any significant improvements in his game and doesn’t have an elite skill outside of rebounding. I know I’m nitpicking, but when your shining moment in the NBA is getting clowned by Joel Embiid, dating that girl from iCarly and getting swept by LeBron in the first round it happens.
Season Stats:17.3 PPG 15.6 RPG 1.7 SPG 1.7 BPG 53.3% FG
44. Kristaps Porzingis
Porzingis was a to 20 player before tearing his ACL during the 2017–18 season and missing the entirety of the 2018–19 season. He will likely rise up this list when he returns next season.
‘17-’18 Season Stats: 22.7 PPG 6.6 RPG 1.2 APG 2.4 BPG 43.9% FG
39.5% 3FG
43. Julius Randle
Julius Randle finally realized his potential during his first season in New Orleans. He showed signs of being this player during his last season in Los Angeles but he still had major areas to improve upon. He eliminated a lot of the “tunnel vision” that plagued him early in his career. He also shot it much better from 3. At 24, Randle still has a lot of room left to grow, his free agency decision will decide how much he can.
Season Stats: 21.4 PPG 8.7 RPG 3.1 APG 52.4% FG 34.4% 3FG
42. Buddy Hield
Buddy Hield took major strides during the 2018–19 season. He and De’Aaron Fox may be the most improved backcourt we’ve ever seen in a one year span. Hield is a legitimate and lethal threat from deep. He and the Sacramento Kings will look to make legitimate noise next season.
Season Stats: 20.7 PPG 5.0 RPG 2.5 APG 45.8% FG 42.7% 3FG
41. John Wall
After being widely considered one of the top players in the NBA, John Wall has taken a huge step back. He suffered a knee injury in November 2017 and tore his left achilles earlier this year. It’s going to be difficult to return to form for a player like Wall, who relies on his athletic ability to be effective. Ultimately, I still respect Wall and hope he can return to form.
Season Stats: 20.7 PPG 3.6 RPG 8.7 APG 1.5 SPG 44.4% FG 30.2 % 3FG
40. Chris Paul
Before suffering a hamstring injury in the 2018 Western Conference Finals, CP3 still looked like one of the best in the game. Since then, he’s battled injuries and “father time” is creeping up on him. I’d honestly like to see him in a different situation where he can be the “point god” again and carry the ball-handling responsibilities in a less isolation-centered offense… — Written before he was dealt to OKC, where I doubt he stays longer than December at the latest.
Season Stats: 15.6 PPG 4.6 RPG 8.2 APG 2.0 SPG 41.9% FG 35.8% 3FG
39. Kyle Lowry
Kyle Lowry is forever free from slander. He put together another good season from start to finish, improving as a passer largely due to the weapons Toronto had on it’s team this season. His game 6 performance was spectacular. He set the tone and helped get Toronto it’s first NBA Championship. Not only did Lowry become the greatest Raptor in history, he might’ve got into the Hall of Fame.
Season Stats: 14.2 PPG 4.8 RPG 8.7 APG 1.4 SPG 41.1% FG 34.7% 3FG
38. Al Horford
Al Horford has never been a player who puts up gaudy numbers but he is easily one of the best. His ability to play elite defense against nearly anybody in the league is extremely valuable to his team’s success. The Celtics had a tumultuous season but without Horford it may’ve been even uglier. He does everything it takes to win even through injuries. Simply one of the best in the league.
Season Stats: 13.6 PPG 6.7 RPG 4.2 APG 1.3 BPG 53.5% FG 36.0% 3FG
37. Jusuf Nurkic
Nurk easily had his best season in 2018–19. He made great improvements as a playmaker and as a defender. His gruesome injury on March 25, kept him from being a part of Portland’s run. If Nurkic had the chance to play the entirety of the season, Portland might’ve been more competitive against the Warriors.
Season Stats: 15.6 PPG 10.4 RPG 3.2 APG 1.0 SPG 1.4 BPG 50.8% FG
36. Nikola Vučević
Nikola Vucevic elevated his play during the 2018–19 season and became an All-Star for the first time in his career. He was a consistent threat on both ends. He continued to extend his offensive range and made steady improvements on defense. Although he struggled in the playoffs, Vučević is currently one of the best bigs in the game.
Season Stats: 20.8 PPG 12.0 RPG 3.8 APG 51.8% FG 36.4% 3FG
35. Tobias Harris
Tobias Harris was the catalyst of a overacheiving Clippers team before being traded to the 76ers at the deadline. His performance was a big reason why the Clippers were able to continue being competitive after letting him go. Harris’ ability to shoot the three and guard multiple positions make him one of the best. Harris could possibly be one of the most overqualified 4th options ever for the 76ers next season.
Season Stats: 20.0 PPG 7.9 RPG 2.8 APG 48.7% FG 39.7% 3FG
34. Pascal Siakam
Pascal Siakam was the most improved player during the 2018–19 season. He went from a wiry combo forward who struggled to get minutes, to the second leading scorer on the eventual champion Toronto Raptors. His versatility on defense and ability to handle the ball off the rebound make him a unique player. If he improves as an isolation scorer and a three-point shooter, he could fly up this list next season.
Season Stats: 23.8 PPG 4.1 RPG 4.2 APG 1.4 SPG 43.2% FG 36.2% 3FG
33. Donovan Mitchell
Donovan Mitchell had a ROUGH start to the season. He averaged 20 points a night on 40% shooting and the Jazz were 16–22 through the first 38 games. He and the Jazz turned it around in the second half to make the playoffs… And in the Playoffs Mitchell put together one of the worst series ever by a player of his “caliber”. He averaged 21 on 32% shooting in a losing effort against the Rockets.
Season Stats: 23.8 PPG 4.1 RPG 4.2 APG 1.4 SPG 43.2% FG 36.2% 3FG
32. D’Angelo Russell
D’Angelo took a big step during the 2018–19 season. He finally realized his potential that made him the #2 pick. He expanded his role as the season went along, earning his first All-Star appearance and leading the Brooklyn Nets to the playoffs. He was more efficient, less streaky and HEALTHY. Russell will look to climb the list next season as a member of the Golden State Warriors; with the spotlight on him.
Season Stats: 21.1 PPG 3.9 RPG 7.0 APG 1.2 SPG 43.4% FG 36.9% 3FG
31. Luka Dončić
Anybody who doubted Luka before his rookie season was quickly proven wrong. Luka enjoyed a myriad of clutch moments and highlights during his first season and showed everybody why he was the EuroLeague MVP. Averaging 20–5–5 in your rookie season is remarkable. Luka is capable of becoming a top-20 guy as soon as next season.
Season Stats: 21.2 PPG 7.8 RPG 6.0 APG 42.7% FG 32.7% 3FG
30. Devin Booker
Regardless of the Phoenix Suns’ record, Devin Booker is one of the best players in the league. Booker is the best offensive player on his team every night and stopping him should lead to a 30-point blowout, more often than not. He took major strides as a playmaker and averaged a career high in points and field goal percentage. Booker will never get the respect he deserves until he’s on a winning team. The sooner, the better.
Season Stats: 26.6 PPG 4.1 RPG 6.8 APG 46.7% FG 32.6% 3FG
29. Mike Conley Jr.
Mike Conley is one of the best players in the Grizzlies’ history, if not the best. He’s also one of the best players to never make an All-Star team. Now that Conley’s a member of the Utah Jazz, he has the opportunity to play relevant basketball again, and show his talent on the biggest stages. He performed well in 2018–19 but when you’re on a tanking team, there’s not much you can do.
Season Stats: 21.1 PPG 3.4 RPG 6.4 APG 43.8% FG 36.4% 3FG
28. DeMar DeRozan
Though the optics of trading DeMar DeRozan for Kawhi Leonard and then winning the championship without him aren’t great, DeRozan is still a great player. The Spurs aren’t the most “box-office” team, so I wouldn’t blame you for missing DeRozan’s improvement as a ball-handler and a playmaker this season. Without a true point guard, San Antonio needed someone to initiate offense and DeRozan helped with that. He had a major regression from 3, taking 3 less a game and only shooting 15% from there as well. DeMar, please, please turn yourself into a 35% + three-point shooter next season.
Season Stats: 21.2 PPG 6.0 RPG 6.2 APG 1.1 SPG 48.1% FG
27. Khris Middleton
Khris Middleton followed up his success from the 2017–18 season that culminated with a tremendous series against Boston, with his first All-Star appearance in 2018–19. Middleton is a quintessential 3&D guy who can occasionally create offense. He and Giannis will look to “run” the East in the future.
Season Stats: 18.3 PPG 6.0 RPG 4.3 APG 1.0 SPG 44.1% FG 37.8% 3FG
26. Rudy Gobert
Rudy Gobert is the best rim protector in the entire league. His ability to block shots, change shots and simply be a presence is highly valuable. But, Rudy Gobert cannot be a go-to scorer, handle the ball, create for others, shoot, or defend on the perimeter. And for me, those skills separate the good players from the great.
Season Stats: 15.9 PPG 12.9 RPG 2.0 APG 2.3 BPG 66.9% FG
25. CJ McCollum
CJ McCollum came on strong in the playoffs after a regular season that left much to be desired. CJ hit big shots and never saw a moment too big, for the Western Conference runner-up, Portland Trail Blazers. His ability to score off the dribble in a variety of ways is rivaled by few who have ever played this game.
Season Stats: 21.0 PPG 4.0 RPG 3.0 APG 45.9% FG 37.5% 3FG
24. LaMarcus Aldridge
LaMarcus Aldridge was the best player on a Spurs team that pushed the Nuggets to the brink in the first round of the playoffs. He averaged 21 PPG for the 7th time in his 13 year career. At 33/34, LaMarcus is still a threat to opposing defenses while still lacking a legitimate three-point shot.
Season Stats: 21.3 PPG 9.2 RPG 2.4 APG 1.3 BPG 51.9% FG
23. Draymond Green
The Draymond redemption tour has been fun. Over the last couple seasons, It appeared Draymond lost a step. During the second half of this season and into the playoffs, Draymond has looked almost as good as ever. Guarding multiple positions and running the offense are his specialties and he does them with an undying passion.
Season Stats: 7.4 PPG 7.3 RPG 6.9 APG 1.4 SPG 1.1 BPG 44.5% FG
22. Ben Simmons
So Ben Simmons doesn’t have an outside shot. Cool. We’ve known this for years. He’s still one of the league’s best passers, rebounders, transition players and defenders regardless of if he can out shoot me or not. (He probably can, to be honest) Embiid and Simmons isn’t a great fit because of their playstyles’ and skillsets’ but they’re two of the most unique duos in the league.
Season Stats: 16.9 PPG 8.8 RPG 7.7 APG 1.4 SPG 56.3% FG
21. Jrue Holiday
Jrue Holiday is the most underrated player in the NBA. He can give you 20+ a night, send your favorite team’s point guard to Rykers Island and create good shots for others. He’s precise and not particularly flashy, which may not appeal to some fans, but it appeals to winning basketball.
Season Stats: 21.2 PPG 5.0 RPG 7.7 APG 1.6 SPG 47.2% FG 32.5% 3FG
20. Victor Oladipo***
Victor Oladipo would likely be higher on this list had he not suffered a ruptured right quad tendon in January. ‘Dipo regressed from his breakout 2017–18 season but he was leading a Pacers team that was poised to make the East a 5 team race.
Season Stats: 18.8 PPG 5.6 RPG 5.2 APG 1.7 SPG 42.3% FG 34.3% 3FG
19. Kemba Walker
Forever one of the shiftiest players to pick up a basketball, Kemba Walker shifted gears and exploded this year. He was an All-Star starter from a team that achieved about as much as the roster allows. This summer, Kemba will either become one of the highest paid players in the league or go to a team where he will play in meaningful games for the first time in his career.
Season Stats: 25.6 PPG 4.4 RPG 5.9 APG 43.4% FG 35.6% 3FG
18. Jimmy Butler
Jimmy forced his way out of Minnesota and into a star-studded situation in Philadelphia. He learned to fit in and embraced being the closer. His improvement as a ball handler/playmaker was something I never saw coming when he was drafted, he often ran the second unit this season with the Sixers.
Season Stats: 18.7 PPG 5.3 RPG 4.0 APG 1.8 SPG 46.2% FG 34.7% 3FG
17. Blake Griffin
Blake Griffin had one of the best seasons of his career after a injury laden 2017–18, including a trade from Los Angeles to Detroit. He scored a career high 24.5 PPG, making nearly 3 threes a game. He alsoled Detroit to the playoffs and grabbed an All-NBA spot. Griffin is still one of the best forwards in the game and his ability to score and create for others is rivaled by few at his size.
Season Stats:24.5 PPG 7.5 RPG 5.4 APG 46.2% FG 36.2% 3FG
16. Bradley Beal
We could be in for a Bradley Beal explosion next season if he stays in Washington. Beal had my vote as an All-NBA 3rd team guard for his play this season. He was simply excellent on what was a less than excellent team. He went out and gave opposing defenses fits each night as the primary option for the first time in his career.
Season Stats: 25.6 PPG 5.0 RPG 5.5 APG 1.5 SPG 47.5% FG 35.1% 3FG
15. Klay Thompson
What is there to say about Klay? He’s a prolific shooter; one of the greatest to ever do it. He guards the best guard every night, in the golden age of guard play and he shows up in the biggest moments every year. Klay isn’t flashy on or off the court, but he is one of the best.
Season Stats: 21.5 PPG 3.8 RPG 2.4 APG 1.1 SPG 46.7% FG 40.2% 3FG
14. Karl-Anthony Towns
Feel however you want about KAT, he’s one of the most talented players in the league. After Towns’ car accident that forced him to miss his first games in his career, Towns averaged 28.1 PPG 13.4 RPG 3.8 APG 1.2 BPG on 53–43–81 % splits. Regardless of how you feel about “good stats, bad team guys”, there are few guys capable of bringing to the floor what KAT does on a nightly basis.
Season Stats: 24.4 PPG 12.4 RPG 3.4 APG 1.6 BPG 51.8% FG 40.0% 3FG
13. Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook reeled off his third straight season averaging a triple double during the 2018–19 season. Westbrook shot the ball horribly prior to the all star break and just wasn’t AS effective as we’ve seen him be in the past. Lingering injuries have taken away a bit of Russ’ explosiveness, but he is still one of the best guys in the league. Debate your mother. Houston now has one of the league’s most talented tandems with Westbrook and Harden.
Season Stats: 22.9 PPG 11.1 RPG 10.7 APG 1.9 SPG 42.8% FG 29.0% 3FG
12. Kyrie Irving
Although the Boston Celtics had a rough season, Kyrie Irving was able to put together one of the most impressive statistcal seasons by a guard. He was efficient and never failed to give house of highlights the content they want and needed. His leadership skills were unquestionably bad. Whatever situation Kyrie ends up in next year will tell us a lot more about him as a player.
Season Stats: 23.8 PPG 5.0 RPG 6.9 APG 48.7% FG 40.1% 3FG
11. Damian Lillard
Lillard snatched the soul from every Thunder fan around the world in Round 1 of the NBA Playoffs. His 37-foot sidestep will go down as one of the most cold-blooded plays in history and likely his defining moment as a player. He put together another tremendous season and led his team to its first Western Conference Finals since 2000.
Season Stats: 25.8 PPG 4.6 RPG 6.9 APG 1.1 SPG 44.4% FG 36.9% 3FG
10. Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic truly blossomed in during the 2018–19 season. He became a star during the 17–18 season but this year he solidified it and firmly placed himself among the league’s best, especially during the postseason.
Season Stats: 20.1 PPG 10.8 RPG 7.3 APG 1.4 SPG 51.1% FG
9. Joel Embiid
Embiid had a fantastic 2018–19 season. Had Kawhi Leonard missed that baseline fadeaway, Embiid would have had a great chance of winning the NBA title. Only two other players have ever averaged at least 27–13–3–1.5blk in NBA history. Shaquille O’Neal (1x) and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (3x). Health willing, Embiid has a chance of putting together a Hall Of Fame career and right now he’s a top 10 player.
Season Stats: 27.5 PPG 13.6 RPG 3.7 APG 1.9 BPG 48.4% FG
8. Paul George
Paul George was putting together one of the best seasons ever for a wing before suffering a torn rotator cuff. He was hitting threes like Steph and Klay and shutting down the other team’s best player like Pippen on a nightly basis. He finished top-3 in Most Valuable Player voting and Defensive Player of the Year voting. We don’t see many guys make a 7 point scoring average jump in year 9 like George did, let’s see if he can get OKC over the hump next season.
Season Stats: 28.0 PPG 8.2 RPG 4.1 APG 2.2 SPG 43.8% FG 38.6% 3FG
7. Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis still has the talent and ability to be the best player in the world. We’ve seen AD dominate as recently as the 2018 playoffs when he dismantled the Portland Trail Blazers.Did you forget that AD averaged 30–12–2–2–3 after DeMarcus Cousins tore his achilles? Few players can be the best player offensively and defensively in every game they play, AD is one of those guys. Teaming up with LeBron James could take Anthony Davis to uncharted territory in the eyes of the masses.
Season Stats: 25.9 PPG 12.0 RPG 3.9 APG 1.6 SPG 2.4 RPG 51.7% FG
6. James Harden
James Harden went on one of the most unbelievable scoring streaks I’ve ever seen. His ability to shoot threes and get to the line with such volume is unmatched and unstoppable, especially during the regular season. His antics and manipulation of the referees hamper the ability to appreciate his greatness at times, but when getting 29 is a bad night it’s tough to deny. There’s a good level of uncertainity with the future of the Rockets, but one thing is certain, Harden is going to be one of the best players in the league on a nightly basis.
Season Stats:36.1 PPG 6.6 RPG 7.5 APG 2.0 SPG 44.2% FG 36.8% 3FG
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis is the 2019 MVP. He improved his game tremendously from a year ago, but showed he still has a long way to go to be considered the best player in the league. Once Giannis learns to slow the game down and become a more effective scorer when he’s the primary focus, I’d be surprised if he wasn’t widely regarded as the best player in the world.
Season Stats:27.7 PPG 12.5 RPG 5.9 APG 1.3 SPG 1.5 BPG 57.8% FG
4. Stephen Curry
Steph is ridiculous. Aside from the deep threes and microwave scoring ability, Curry demands arguably the most unique attention the league has ever seen. Steph is constantly moving, setting back screens and drawing help defenders AWAY from the basket creating lanes for his teammates to score. Most other guys like LeBron/Shaq/Jordan demand attention from the inside out, where Steph is the opposite.
Season Stats: 27.3 PPG 5.3 RPG 5.2 APG 1.3 SPG 47.2% FG 43.7% 3FG
3. LeBron James
Don’t let anyone fool you. LeBron is still one of the greatest players on the planet and is in the conversation for the greatest. He had a rough year with the Lakers as he suffered a groin injury that really derailed his season. Before the injury LeBron and the Lakers were performing at a high level. Simply put, LeBron is LeBron, ain’t nothing changed but the uniform. Expect LeBron to regain his spot atop of the throne this season. He’ll be ready and well-rested.
Season Stats: 27.4 PPG 8.5 RPG 8.3 APG 1.3 SPG 51.0% FG 33.9% 3FG
2. Kevin Durant***
Kevin Durant is on the short list of greatest scorers in NBA history. He’s a marksman and regardless of how you feel about his decision to join the Warriors, he’s one of the best. Now he may be the beneficiary of tremendous spacing as he plays alongside the two greatest shooters ever, but we’ve seen what he can do with less and know he belongs here. For the sake of the sport of basketball, I’m hoping Kevin Durant can make a full recovery from a daunting achilles injury. We will never see another Kevin Durant, no matter how many skinny 16-year-olds are dubbed the “next one”.
Season Stats: 26.0 PPG 6.4 RPG 5.9 APG 1.1 BPG 52.1% FG 35.3% 3FG
1. Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi showed why he was in the MVP/Best Player conversation before missing most of the 2017–18 season. He’s had some incredible moments for the Toronto Raptors this post season and sits atop of the league because of his ability to take over games on both ends of the floor with relative ease. Leading the Toronto Raptors to it’s first NBA Championship in dominant fashion puts Kawhi atop the league.
Season Stats: 26.7 PPG 7.3 RPG 3.3 APG 1.8 SPG 49.6% FG 37.1% 3FG
