Top 100 NBA Players of 2018

[SlyPokerDog]

69. JUSUF NURKIC, BLAZERS
Following a midseason trade, it took Nurkic (10.2 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 1.9 APG) just a few weeks to go from a disgruntled, underachieving cast-off in Denver to a beloved, full-fledged phenomenon in Portland. Unfortunately for the Blazers, the good times and monster stat lines were cut short by a leg injury that cost the 23-year-old Bosnian center the final seven games of the regular season and limited him to one brief postseason appearance. Still, the pre-injury flashes of excitement and dominant play were very real, as the monster 7-footer provided badly-needed frontcourt scoring, space-eating interior defense, and mega doses of swagger to an otherwise listless Blazers campaign.

With the possibility of a monster payday on the horizon, Nurkic approaches the final year of his rookie contract in “prove it” mode on numerous fronts: He must prove that he can stay healthy after missing 87 combined games over his first three seasons, he must prove that immaturity issues a thing of the past, he must prove that his late-season scoring surge is sustainable once he’s targeted by rival game plans, he must prove that his improved conditioning can help ease his turnover problems and foul trouble, and he must prove that he can be the full-time backline stopper for a decent defense. If he succeeds on most or all of those fronts, the Blazers should be on track for their most successful season of the post-LaMarcus Aldridge era. — BG

https://www.si.com/nba/2017/09/11/t...m&utm_medium=social&xid=socialflow_twitter_si

 

[SlyPokerDog]

71. DIRK NOWITZKI, MAVERICKS

 

[PtldPlatypus]

69. JUSUF NURKIC, BLAZERS
Following a midseason trade, it took Nurkic (10.2 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 1.9 APG) just a few weeks to go from a disgruntled, underachieving cast-off in Denver to a beloved, full-fledged phenomenon in Portland. Unfortunately for the Blazers, the good times and monster stat lines were cut short by a leg injury that cost the 23-year-old Bosnian center the final seven games of the regular season and limited him to one brief postseason appearance. Still, the pre-injury flashes of excitement and dominant play were very real, as the monster 7-footer provided badly-needed frontcourt scoring, space-eating interior defense, and mega doses of swagger to an otherwise listless Blazers campaign.

With the possibility of a monster payday on the horizon, Nurkic approaches the final year of his rookie contract in “prove it” mode on numerous fronts: He must prove that he can stay healthy after missing 87 combined games over his first three seasons, he must prove that immaturity issues a thing of the past, he must prove that his late-season scoring surge is sustainable once he’s targeted by rival game plans, he must prove that his improved conditioning can help ease his turnover problems and foul trouble, and he must prove that he can be the full-time backline stopper for a decent defense. If he succeeds on most or all of those fronts, the Blazers should be on track for their most successful season of the post-LaMarcus Aldridge era. — BG

https://www.si.com/nba/2017/09/11/t...m&utm_medium=social&xid=socialflow_twitter_si

Tristan Thompson is #52? 17 spots better than Nurkic? That's abominable.

 

[Nikolokolus]

Tristan Thompson is #52? 17 spots better than Nurkic? That's abominable.

87 missed games in his first 3 years, and a 20 game, out-of-character, surge of awesome play create a ton of question marks about whether or not what we saw late last year is going to be sustainable. If he stays healthy and motivated then this meaningless ranking is going to change considerably, but he's gotta do it first.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

87 missed games in his first 3 years, and a 20 game, out-of-character, surge of awesome play create a ton of question marks about whether or not what we saw late last year is going to be sustainable. If he stays healthy and motivated then this meaningless ranking is going to change considerably, but he's gotta do it first.

Get your reasoned, rational, reserved response outta here!! I wanna be outraged over this perceived injustice, dangit!

Justifiable Nurk skepticism aside, the fact that Thompson is somehow a top 60 NBA player (read: arguably the second-best player on a team given equitable talent distribution) is IMO patently absurd.

 

[THE HCP]

87 missed games in his first 3 years, and a 20 game, out-of-character, surge of awesome play create a ton of question marks about whether or not what we saw late last year is going to be sustainable. If he stays healthy and motivated then this meaningless ranking is going to change considerably, but he's gotta do it first.

Sorry, you guys know I'm not a stat or numbers guy, so I couldn't tell you what he averages, but TT is one of the best offensive rebounding players in the league. I know before Love showed up he a beast out there chasing misses. Let's have Nurk prove this play over an extended amount of time please.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Sorry, you guys know I'm not a stat or numbers guy, so I couldn't tell you what he averages, but TT is one of the best offensive rebounding players in the league. I know before Love showed up he a beast out there chasing misses. Let's have Nurk prove this play over an extended amount of time please.

Actually, Thompson's rebounding percentages are higher the past 3 years with Love than before; but as a comparative, Ed Davis' offensive rebounding over the same span is right on par with Thompson (as are the rest of his advanced stats). Nobody's putting Davis on a tier anywhere close to where this list ludicrously put Thompson.




I stand by my statement. Putting Thompson in the 50's leaguewide, or anywhere near Nurkic (let alone several slots above him) is ridiculous.

 

[THE HCP]

Damn you stats/numbers guys!

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Damn you stats/numbers guys!

Don't really have to look at the stats to know that TT is functionally equivalent to Ed Davis, and far below Nurk talent-wise. The stats simply back up what our eyes already tell us.

 

[Boob-No-More]

Don't really have to look at the stats to know that TT is functionally equivalent to Ed Davis, and far below Nurk talent-wise. The stats simply back up what our eyes already tell us.

First, by Been Golliver. That explains a lot.

Throw in the fact that Thompson shot less than .500 from the line need last season and it becomes even more ridiculous. Thompson is a top 5 offensive rebounder that plays with LeBron. These are the two things he does well, and if not for the latter, I doubt anyone would even be including him in any top 200 lists, let alone 52nd.

His defensive rebounding numbers, both with, and without Love are below average, he's a terrible FT shooter who averages 8.2 ppg. His PER has always hovered just slightly above league average. He's a role player. CLE doesn't need him to score. Just rebound, set some picks and put forth some effort on defense. A good role player, but no way the 52nd best player in the league.

BNM

 

[Mr. Robot]

Get your reasoned, rational, reserved response outta here!! I wanna be outraged over this perceived injustice, dangit!

Justifiable Nurk skepticism aside, the fact that Thompson is somehow a top 60 NBA player (read: arguably the second-best player on a team given equitable talent distribution) is IMO patently absurd.

he should be banned

 

[THE HCP]

Don't really have to look at the stats to know that TT is functionally equivalent to Ed Davis, and far below Nurk talent-wise. The stats simply back up what our eyes already tell us.

I wasn't saying Thompson was better. Just mentioning his offensive rebounding and put back game is where he was probably getting recognized for.

 

[Boob-No-More]

Well, the good news is we have two players in the top 50 and three in the top 70.

The bad news is, our 4th best player isn't in the top 125.

Regardless of disputes over exact positions, I'd say that sums up things pretty accurately. If Nurk is healthy, we have our Big 3. It's 4 - 8 where we need to upgrade.

In theory, since we are a young team, we can improve through internal growth. Mo is still only 24, but he's entering his 6th NBA season. His "growth" has mostly been via increased playing time. His advanced stats and per 36 numbers have barely crept up since his rookie year. I don't really expect him to ever breakout. I think he is who he is.

I haven't totally given up on Vonleh, but like Harkless, his actual improvement has been largely non-existant and painstakingly slow.

Hopefully, at least one of Collins and Swanigan can eventually crack the top 100.

If only we had a big man coach to work with some of these young guys...

BNM

 

[handiman]

Tristan Thompson was a scrub most of his career and was often a shining example of Cleveland's wasted high-lottery picks post-LeBron. He's only regarded so highly now because of his insane stretch of post-season play when LeBron first returned. He's been fairly average other than that.

 

[Boob-No-More]

I wasn't saying Thompson was better. Just mentioning his offensive rebounding and put back game is where he was probably getting recognized for.

The thing he really gets recognized for is playing with LeBron.

His second year in the league he averaged 11.7 PTS, 3.7 ORB and shot .608 FT%, CLE won 24 games and no one gave a shit about Tristan Thompson.

Last year, he averaged 8.1 PTS, 3.7 ORB and shot .498 FT% and suddenly Tristan Thompson is the 52nd best player in the entire league.

His numbers actually got worse, but riding LeBron's coattails to the finals will get you hella recognition, deserved, or not.

BNM

 

[H.C.]

TT is just like JJ Hickson.
Guy looks real good when he's playing with LBJ.
Will look real awful when he is without LBJ.
Nash had a similar ability. Make scrubs look better than they are because of his talent level.

 

[THE HCP]

The thing he really gets recognized for is playing with LeBron.

His second year in the league he averaged 11.7 PTS, 3.7 ORB and shot .608 FT%, CLE won 24 games and no one gave a shit about Tristan Thompson.

Last year, he averaged 8.1 PTS, 3.7 ORB and shot .498 FT% and suddenly Tristan Thompson is the 52nd best player in the entire league.

His numbers actually got worse, but riding LeBron's coattails to the finals will get you hella recognition, deserved, or not.

BNM

So if you really break it down you are the Tristan Thompson to MY LeBron?

 

[Boob-No-More]

So if you really break it down you are the Tristan Thompson to MY LeBron?

I think a more accurate analogy is you're the Gloria to my Delonte...

BNM

 

[theprunetang]

I think a more accurate analogy is you're the Gloria to my Delonte...

BNM

You have the herpes?

 

[Boob-No-More]

You have the herpes?

No, I worn a condom.

But, I'm the one player capable of completely shutting down HCP.

BNM

 

[THE HCP]

DAAAAAAAMMMMNNNN!

 

[Mediocre Man]

Someone's higher than a Blazer. Unacceptable. The league is rigged. We get no respect. How is our 15 not all ranked in the top 15?


Is that how it's done?

 

[Boob-No-More]

Someone's higher than a Blazer. Unacceptable. The league is rigged. We get no respect. How is our 15 not all ranked in the top 15?


Is that how it's done?

Yes, that's EXACTLY what everyone is saying here. Your reading comprehension is only exceeded by your positive outlook.

BNM

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Someone's higher than a Blazer. Unacceptable. The league is rigged. We get no respect. How is our 15 not all ranked in the top 15?


Is that how it's done?

No, not even close. You notice that there are no complaints from anyone about any of the other 17 players ranked between 51-68. Only the one ludicrous inclusion, and the issue is more with his placement on the list than his juxtaposition to a Blazer.

But you do you.

 

[Mediocre Man]

No, not even close. You notice that there are no complaints from anyone about any of the other 17 players ranked between 51-68. Only the one ludicrous inclusion, and the issue is more with his placement on the list than his juxtaposition to a Blazer.

But you do you.

It's Ben Goliver:MARIS61:

 

[dviss1]

71. DIRK NOWITZKI, MAVERICKS

More wood for the fire.

 

[Wizard Mentor]

Actually, Thompson's rebounding percentages are higher the past 3 years with Love than before; but as a comparative, Ed Davis' offensive rebounding over the same span is right on par with Thompson (as are the rest of his advanced stats). Nobody's putting Davis on a tier anywhere close to where this list ludicrously put Thompson.

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I stand by my statement. Putting Thompson in the 50's leaguewide, or anywhere near Nurkic (let alone several slots above him) is ridiculous.

@PtldPlatypus drops mic....

 

[SlyPokerDog]

48. NICOLAS BATUM, HORNETS
Batum (15.1 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 5.9 APG) has tended to baffle observers in recent years because he’s too good of a passer to be categorized as a 3-and-D wing and yet not nearly good enough of a scorer to be viewed as an all-around perimeter monster. There just aren’t that many players who exist in this gray area. In fact, Batum was the only one of six players to average 15/5/5 and not make one of the three All-NBA teams, and he didn’t receive a single vote. The versatile 28-year-old is simultaneously talented enough to command a five-year, $120 million contract and streaky enough to immediately be derided as overpaid after signing it last summer.


Adding to the disappointment: Batum’s 2016-17 season looks like a minor post-payday hangover, as his three-point shooting percentage dipped near career-low levels and the Hornets’ defensive rating was 4.1 points worse with him on the floor compared to 2015-16. Nevertheless, Batum is an integral piece of Charlotte’s plan to return to the playoffs. His secondary ball-handling and vision ease Kemba Walker’s load and set up the All-Star point guard for clean off-ball looks, his passable scoring ability and playmaking compensate for fellow wing Michael Kidd-Gilchrist’s limited offensive profile, and his experience in the two-man game helps involve mobile center Cody Zeller. When he’s fully engaged, Batum’s multi-positional defending and length can be assets too, as they allow Charlotte to field interchangeable lineups and switch on the perimeter with ease. — BG

 

[SlyPokerDog]

39. CJ MCCOLLUM, BLAZERS
After establishing himself as a lethal all-around scorer during his 2016 Most Improved Player season, McCollum (23 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 3.6 APG) took his offensive game to new heights in numerous ways last season. The 25-year-old shooting guard shot a career-best 42.1% from deep, he flirted with a 50/40/90 shooting season and led the league in free-throw percentage, he ranked among the league’s most efficient mid-range shooters, and he improved dramatically as a finisher in the basket area. Simply put, McCollum is a nightmare one-on-one cover for opponents thanks to his high comfort level pulling up off the dribble, his slick handle to create space, his polished pick-and-roll game, and his ability to be score from 30 feet and in. That last part isn’t hyperbole, either, as McCollum knocked down a Stephen Curry-like 44.6% of his ultra-deep threes (from outside 25 feet).

This charmed story takes a darker turn on the other end of the court, where McCollum’s lack of size and length continues to limit his defensive effectiveness. His Defensive Real Plus-Minus ranks 78th among two guards, in the same range as sieves like Lou Williams and Marco Belinelli, and Synergy’s tracking system rates him in the 25th percentile as an overall defender. When McCollum shares the court with fellow backcourt starter Damian Lillard, the Blazers’ elite 111.8 offensive rating is largely offset by a rocky 108.1 defensive rating, which is equivalent to a bottom-six mark league-wide. With the right cast of frontcourt help, it’s possible to envision McCollum as the No. 1 or No. 2 option on a contender. Without that cover, though, life on the playoff bubble and early postseason exits are likely to be the norm. — BG

 

[SlyPokerDog]

37. CARMELO ANTHONY, KNICKS
The longer Anthony (22.4 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 2.9 APG) has rotted away in New York’s black hole, the trickier it has gotten to gauge his value in a vacuum. His ideal situation would look almost exactly like the opposite of the 2016-17 Knicks: He would have a pass-first point guard who knew how to set him up; a proven and healthy center to cover for him defensively; a veteran roster that was ready to compete now; a coach who could manage his ego and personality, get him to his sweet spots, and wasn’t beholden to an anachronistic offense; a GM who didn’t take shot after shot at him in the media while trying and failing to trade him; and an owner who treated his fellow human beings with decency and respect. Under those conditions, it’s possible to picture a happy and engaged Anthony, even at age 33, pumping in 24 points a night and leading a halfway-decent team to the East playoffs. While he’s gradually slipped from his prime efficiency year of 2012-13, Anthony has still managed to score in volume with respectable percentages despite very little in the way of help on or off the court.

Even if that Anthony-centric dream scenario didn’t materialize, there are other plausible fits that would make better use of his innate scoring skill and his ability to create and exploit mismatches. He could be an ultra-efficient third wheel for a high-powered attack like Houston. He could be the Sixth Man of the Year coming off the bench for Cleveland. He could be a 2015 Paul Pierce-like closer in Washington. To be clear, Anthony is far from blameless here: His 111.1 defensive rating last year was inexcusable, he never internalized how much more successful his teams would be if he was a more willing passer, and his night-to-night consistency has started to fade due to his advancing age. Ultimately, though, the biggest shame is that he chose to make his bed in New York because he’s been stuck laying in it, as quality years of production keep going to waste. — BG