Post by Face-in on Jul 13, 2014 18:21:05 GMT -6
This is an idea stolen from Bill Simmons. Please forgive my mistakes, I'm still learning how to properly value players. Based my list off of production, contract, age and potential.
Bob Lanier
A- C C+ A+ A- B
The second piece of the Celtic’s big three, Lanier with the help of Alvan Adams has been able to completely turn the Celtics around. Lanier is getting up there in age and the 31 year old is still owed 97.5 million over the next five years. While still very productive Lanier’s age and contract are what kept him off the list.
Butch McRae
C B- B+ B- C- A
The 18 year old point guard had a good rookie season averaging 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. This year McRae is coming off the bench for tanking purposes but is still putting up numbers while only playing 17 minutes a game averaging 11 points and 3 assists. McRae has yet to have any points put into him so he should turn into an absolute monster guard with some training and reward camps.
Caldwell Jones
B D+ C A+ A- B
The current defensive backbone for the Chicago Bulls, Jones throughout his career has proven to be one of the best shot blockers and rebounders in the league. He has already helped lead the Jazz to a championship and another finals appearance. At 29 Jones still has 63.821 left on his 5 year deal which is a decent contract for the dominant defensive big man. Jones could be traded for an elite wing as the Bulls would still have Kareem Abdul-Jabar, George McInnis and Donyell Marshall.
Charlie Ward
C+ B A- A- C A
The 23 year old point guard that was already traded for multiple first round picks after a monster preseason. As a rookie Ward averaged a solid 14 points and 7 assists. Ward is only playing 17 minutes a game this season for the stacked Lakers but looks to be their point guard of the future and one of top young point guards in the league.
Donyell Marshall
B C+ C A- B- B
The 22 year old power forward in his second year is putting up solid numbers this season averaging 11 points and 7 rebounds in only 22 minutes a game. Marshall in his career has yet to get the opportunity to really shine in the Bulls loaded frontcourt. Marshall is a very good third big but could be a valuable trade chip if the Bulls decide to try and acquire an elite shooting guard.
George Johnson
B- C- C A A- C
This 30 year old power forward still has two years left on his creation deal of 5 years/30 million. Along with averaging a double-double Johnson is one of the best shot blockers in the league and always among the league leaders in blocks per game. Johnson was the defensive backbone of last year’s championship team. Scoring numbers have risen this season with the departure of George Gervin. Johnson would be a really valuable trade chip if the Jazz try acquire an elite wing or if they decide to rebuild.
Juwan Howard
B C- C B B A
The 22 year old power forward has been a very productive scorer in his first two seasons. Is a +2 at center but has been playing power forward this year for tanking purposes. . With his A potential we can expect him to become one of the best big men in the league but will need to improve his rebounding and defense to become a dominant player on both ends of the floor.
Khalid Reeves
B- B+ B+ B+ D+ B
The second year point guard has doubled his numbers from last year in an attempt to single-handedly ruin GM canesfan’s tank job. Reeves is still only 22 years old with very well-rounded grades. Strongly considered putting him on the list but it’s possible that those big numbers are because he is on a tanking team. Going forward I expect him to be one of the top scoring guards in the league.
Leon Douglas
B- A- C- A B+ A
Douglas is a versatile 25 year old small forward who has already been the third best player on a championship team. Douglas is locked up long term with a 5 year/78.125 million dollar deal. Currently playing small forward for the Pistons but could easily slide over to power forward. Has only had 3 points put into him so he still has a ton of room to grow with that A potential.
Maurice Lucas
A- C C B+ A- C
27 year old small forward is the second player who is still on his creation deal of 5 years/30 million dollars. Numbers have dipped since he was traded to the Hornets from the Nuggets for four future first round picks but he has still been very productive and is a huge bargain with that contract. Lucas could be a valuable trade chip if the Hornets try to acquire a desperately needed second star.
Marques Johnson
B C+ C B+ B- A
The second pick of the 3003 draft is currently averaging 14 points and 5.5 rebounds while only playing 24 minutes a game behind Bobby Jones. Will need to improve his jump shot to be an dominant offensive force but will probably end up one of the top small forwards in the league within the next few years.
Norm Cook
C B+ C- A C B
The always underrated Cook who was recently the centerpiece of a big trade between the Jazz and Suns is only 24 years old and on a very friendly 1 year/4.5 million dollar deal. Cook has yet to have any points pumped into him so he still has the potential to greatly improve those career averages of 6.4/5.1/1.1. Cook could end up being the sim league’s version of real life Gerald Green.
25.Richard Washington
B+ B+ C- A A-
Possibly a controversial addition to the list due to the debate over Washington's contract but you can't deny how productive the 24 year old power forward has been over his career. Washington for his career is averaging 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks a game. The 24 year old is on a 5 year/81.25 million dollar deal. Washington was acquired from the Raptors for two future first round picks and two talented guards. He and John Drew have been able to lead the Hawks to 17-7 record so far this season.
24. Bill Lambieer
C+ C C A- A B
Lambieer was already traded for three first round picks when the Grizzlies acquired him from the Warriors. In just 3 years Lambieer has become one of the best defensive big men in the league. The biggest goon in the league has averaged 13.3 rebounds and 3.5 blocks a game for his career. His scoring numbers have gone down since joining the Grizzlies but that doesn’t matter since Lambieer attempts less than 9 shots a game. Going forward Lambieer looks like he could be the defensive backbone for any championship contending team.
23. Dave Greenwood
B+ C C- B+ B+ B
In just his third year Greenwood has become one of the best power forwards in the league. This season he is averaging 28.8 points, 11.9 rebounds and 3 blocks per game. At 24 and still on his rookie deal Greenwood is a huge bargain for his production. He and Jason Kidd are doing their best to ruin the Knicks tank job this season.
22. Don Buse
C+ A A+ A C- B
The 29 year old point guard of the defending champion Utah Jazz still has 2 years left on his 25 million dollar deal. Buse along with the help of Rick Barry have been able to keep the Jazz as a playoff team in the west in spite of the loss of George Gervin. Buse is always a threat to lead the league in assists while still averaging over 25 points a game. Buse could be traded for multiple first round picks and young talent if GM 2Poor decides to rebuild.
21. Sidney Moncrief
C+ A C- A- D+ A
It took three future first round picks along with a young quality guard for the Lakers to acquire Moncrief and that price still seems like a bargain. Although his points per game average has dipped while playing for the loaded Lakers, Moncrief has proven he is one of the best scoring guards in the league. Moncrief is still averaging 22.3 points while shooting 47.4% from the field, quite a bargain to get that kind of offense from a guy making 6.3 million over the next two seasons.
20. Marvin Webster
A- C- D+ A+ A- C
The 27 year old dominant big man still has 6 years left on his max deal. Webster has really raised his offensive game since joining the Rockets averaging 24.6 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks a game. Would like to see Webster improve his shooting percentages and become a more efficient scorer. Webster has only had three points put into his inside scoring so there is still room for him to grow.
19. Bernard King
A- B D+ B- B B
The Suns gave up a 3006 first round pick in order to move up one spot to take King at number one in the 3003 draft which has proven to be a good move. His numbers may be inflated due to playing on a tanking team but King has already proved he is one of the best scorers in the league. King is currently leading the league in scoring, averaging 35.5 points a game. King looks to be poised to turn into a well-rounded small forward after his potential was raised in his first training camp. If the Suns can get one of the top three picks in the 3004 draft they will instantly have one of the best duos in the league.
18. Glenn Robinson
B+ B- C A- B- B
The 3002 rookie of the year has seen his scoring numbers dip a bit with the additions the Nuggets made in the offseason but Robinson is still the best young power forward in the league. Robinson has proved to be a much better defender than anyone could have imagined with his move to power forward. Robinson is averaging 2.6 blocks a game to go along with 24.2 points, 10 rebounds and 3.3 assists. No reason for the Nuggets to trade him as he and Gervin are one of the top duos in the league.
17. Neon Boudeaux
B+ C- C- B+ A- C
The top young big man in the league is still only 20 years old and with Moses Malone forms the most dominant big man duo in the league. Boudeaux is averaging 20.7 points, 14 rebounds and 4.2 blocks this season. Boudeaux could possibly be even more dominant if he was playing his true center position.
Hard to imagine the Nets trading Neon as it would be difficult to get equal value since he is still on his rookie deal but they could try to use him in order to get one of the best wings or point guards in the league.
16. Grant Hill
B+ B B B+ C+ A
Hill was an enticing enough piece for the Lakers to use in a deal for Dr. J. Hill has really raised his game this season with the Bucks and has become one of the best young players in the league. Hill is already an incredibly well rounded player with those grades. For the season Hill is averaging 26.1 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists. Turnovers are a bit of a concern as he is averaging 5.3 a game but that will be fixed with some points put into his handles.
15. Bobby Jones
B+ A- C+ A+ B A
The Thunder acquired Jones for three future first round picks back in 3002. Jones has since then raised his value after leaving the Thunder for the Grizzlies in free agency. This year Jones has raised his scoring averages and shooting percentages to 30.5 points on 44% from the field and 44.1 from three point range. At 27 Jones is locked up for the next 6 years on a max deal. Jones could be traded in the future for a dominant big man if GM Druce decides to go forward with the young Marques Johnson as his starting small forward.
14. Truck Robinson
A- A C+ B+ A- B
The Rockets acquired Robinson back in 3001 for two future first round picks back when he was on an expiring deal. That deal looks to be quite the bargain now as Robinson is averaging 29.7 points, 8.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists a game. Robinson is an incredibly efficient scorer, shooting 49.6 from the field, 79.4 from the free throw line and 48.7 on threes. The 28 year old small forward is also on a really good deal only being paid 13.2 million dollars in each of the next five seasons. Would take much more than two future first round picks to acquire Robinson this year.
13. John Williamson
C+ A- A- A- D+ A
Williamson is one of the best overall guards in the league. Could be argued that he should be playing point guard, Williamson is still a very productive at shooting guard, scoring 26 points per game. Although his numbers have decreased each year since his huge 3000 season Williamson still has great value due to his versatility. Hornets have him signed for the next 5 years on a max deal. Hornets are not playing up to the level of play they reached last year when they were the number one seed in the east. He could be traded for multiple picks and young talent if GM RV decides to rebuild. Williamson would probably be higher on the list if he were playing point guard.
12. Jamal Wilkes
B- A B A+ C+ B
Probably the most complete shooting guard in the league right now Wilkes is averaging 28.5 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists while keeping high shooting percentages. At 26 Wilkes is locked in with the Pacers for the next 6 years on a max deal. It would be hard to imagine the Pacers trading Wilkes as he has routinely kept Pacers as one of the best teams in the east.
11. John Drew
A- A-C A- C+ A
Drew is one of the best players in the league at its weakest position. The Hawks have the 25 year old shooting guard signed for next four years for 71.28 million dollars. Drew is back to scoring nearly 30 per game after his numbers had declined the previous two years. Drew still has an A potential so he still has room to grow as he has only gone to one TC. Drew would probably cost five first round picks if the Hawks ever decide to tear it down and rebuild.
10. Swen Nater
A- C- C A A B
I would have Nater as the top big man if not for being a bit older than Malone and Walton. Still at 29 Nater continues to raise his averages every year, this year Nater is averaging 35.4/14.8/3.7/2.4. The numbers are inflated due to the Timberwolves tanking this year but Nater is still one of the best players in the league. Ian has already stated he will not trade Nater this year so if the Timberwolves can get some lottery luck they could be right back to contending next season.
9. Bill Walton
A C B- A+ A B
Walton is arguably the top center in the league at only 26. The well rounded Walton has averaged 24.7, points, 13.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 3.8 blocks per game for his career. His numbers have decreased a bit this season but it is still early. Walton is due to make 97.5 million dollars over the next five years. Hard to imagine GM Duc ever trading the beloved Walton but perhaps he trades Walton if the Blazers fail to keep up with the best teams in the west.
8. Moses Malone
A- C- C- A+ A+ B
Malone may not be the best center in the league yet but at only 24 he is the one I would most like to build around. Malone is still on a max deal and signed on with the Nets until he is 29. So far this season Malone is putting up huge numbers averaging 27.1/14.8/4.3/4.2. He and Neon Boudeaux form the best big man tandem in the league. Only way the Nets would trade Malone is if they can get a dominant wing and decide to move Boudeaux to center.
7. Alvan Adams
A- A B A A- B
In a risky move at the time the Celtics gave up four first round picks for Adams who was on an expiring deal. That huge risk totally paid off as Adams has helped turn the Celtics into the best team in the east. Adams is able to do it all for the Celtics averaging 29.6 points, 10.5 rebounds and 5 assists per game. The 25 year old wing still has 5 years/97.5 million left on his deal. It would take a lot more than Dump paid for the Celtics to trade Adams away now.
6. Larry Kenon
A- C+ C A+ A- B
The Mavericks gave up the hefty price of five first round picks to acquire Larry Kenon which at the time seemed like too much but Kenon has proven to be totally worth it. Kenon gives you 30 and 10 every night along with being a lock-down wing defender. He and Thompson make up the best duo in the league. At 26 Kenon is signed to a 6 year max deal. No reason for the Mavericks to trade Kenon when they are the top contender in the west.
5. Paul Westphal
B A A A+ C- B
Was hard to imagine there was a way for Paul Westphal to get even better but he has with the much anticipated move to point guard. Westphal has raised his numbers to 34.3 points and 8.7 assists per game. At 28 Westphal is locked up with the Pistons for the next six seasons on a max deal. Westphal has already single-handedly led the team to a title. Only way you trade Westphal is if you’re trying to rebuild or you can get Magic Johnson or David Thompson.
4. Julius Erving
A- A B- A+ B C
It took Grant Hill and four first round picks for the Lakers to acquire Dr. J. The top pick in the creation draft has been the top two way wing the league. At 29 Erving is locked up long term with a 6 year/93.75 million dollar deal. For his career Erving has averaged 32.5 points, 9.6 rebounds and 4.6 assists. Hard to see Erving being traded in the next few years considering what the Lakers gave up for him.
3. David Thompson
A- A B+ A C- A
Might have Thompson a little too high at number three due to him being on an expiring deal but I think he is totally worth it due to his versatility. The 25 year old is the best point guard and shooting guard in the league. Can lead the league in scoring or assists depending on which guard spot he is playing. No chance Thompson gets traded with the Mavericks being the best team in the west.
2. George Gervin
A- A B A C C
The best scorer in the league who is still only 27 years old and is locked up for a long time after signing a max deal this offseason with the Nuggets. So far this season Gervin has been able to raise the other facets of his game averaging 8.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists to go along with his 33.8 points for the high powered Denver Nuggets. GM 2Poor is still looking forward to Gervin’s return home to Utah in 3010 when Gervin is 34 years old.
1. Magic Johnson
B- A- A- A+ B A
Already the best player in the league at only 22, Johnson can play any positon on the floor and be dominant. Johnson is always a threat for triple-double. It is scary to think how much he will improve throughout his career. Hopefully the Clippers can capitalize on winning a championship while Johnson is only making about 3.5 million in each of the next two seasons. Johnson is simply untradeable while on his rookie deal.
Honorable Mention
Bob Lanier
A- C C+ A+ A- B
The second piece of the Celtic’s big three, Lanier with the help of Alvan Adams has been able to completely turn the Celtics around. Lanier is getting up there in age and the 31 year old is still owed 97.5 million over the next five years. While still very productive Lanier’s age and contract are what kept him off the list.
Butch McRae
C B- B+ B- C- A
The 18 year old point guard had a good rookie season averaging 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. This year McRae is coming off the bench for tanking purposes but is still putting up numbers while only playing 17 minutes a game averaging 11 points and 3 assists. McRae has yet to have any points put into him so he should turn into an absolute monster guard with some training and reward camps.
Caldwell Jones
B D+ C A+ A- B
The current defensive backbone for the Chicago Bulls, Jones throughout his career has proven to be one of the best shot blockers and rebounders in the league. He has already helped lead the Jazz to a championship and another finals appearance. At 29 Jones still has 63.821 left on his 5 year deal which is a decent contract for the dominant defensive big man. Jones could be traded for an elite wing as the Bulls would still have Kareem Abdul-Jabar, George McInnis and Donyell Marshall.
Charlie Ward
C+ B A- A- C A
The 23 year old point guard that was already traded for multiple first round picks after a monster preseason. As a rookie Ward averaged a solid 14 points and 7 assists. Ward is only playing 17 minutes a game this season for the stacked Lakers but looks to be their point guard of the future and one of top young point guards in the league.
Donyell Marshall
B C+ C A- B- B
The 22 year old power forward in his second year is putting up solid numbers this season averaging 11 points and 7 rebounds in only 22 minutes a game. Marshall in his career has yet to get the opportunity to really shine in the Bulls loaded frontcourt. Marshall is a very good third big but could be a valuable trade chip if the Bulls decide to try and acquire an elite shooting guard.
George Johnson
B- C- C A A- C
This 30 year old power forward still has two years left on his creation deal of 5 years/30 million. Along with averaging a double-double Johnson is one of the best shot blockers in the league and always among the league leaders in blocks per game. Johnson was the defensive backbone of last year’s championship team. Scoring numbers have risen this season with the departure of George Gervin. Johnson would be a really valuable trade chip if the Jazz try acquire an elite wing or if they decide to rebuild.
Juwan Howard
B C- C B B A
The 22 year old power forward has been a very productive scorer in his first two seasons. Is a +2 at center but has been playing power forward this year for tanking purposes. . With his A potential we can expect him to become one of the best big men in the league but will need to improve his rebounding and defense to become a dominant player on both ends of the floor.
Khalid Reeves
B- B+ B+ B+ D+ B
The second year point guard has doubled his numbers from last year in an attempt to single-handedly ruin GM canesfan’s tank job. Reeves is still only 22 years old with very well-rounded grades. Strongly considered putting him on the list but it’s possible that those big numbers are because he is on a tanking team. Going forward I expect him to be one of the top scoring guards in the league.
Leon Douglas
B- A- C- A B+ A
Douglas is a versatile 25 year old small forward who has already been the third best player on a championship team. Douglas is locked up long term with a 5 year/78.125 million dollar deal. Currently playing small forward for the Pistons but could easily slide over to power forward. Has only had 3 points put into him so he still has a ton of room to grow with that A potential.
Maurice Lucas
A- C C B+ A- C
27 year old small forward is the second player who is still on his creation deal of 5 years/30 million dollars. Numbers have dipped since he was traded to the Hornets from the Nuggets for four future first round picks but he has still been very productive and is a huge bargain with that contract. Lucas could be a valuable trade chip if the Hornets try to acquire a desperately needed second star.
Marques Johnson
B C+ C B+ B- A
The second pick of the 3003 draft is currently averaging 14 points and 5.5 rebounds while only playing 24 minutes a game behind Bobby Jones. Will need to improve his jump shot to be an dominant offensive force but will probably end up one of the top small forwards in the league within the next few years.
Norm Cook
C B+ C- A C B
The always underrated Cook who was recently the centerpiece of a big trade between the Jazz and Suns is only 24 years old and on a very friendly 1 year/4.5 million dollar deal. Cook has yet to have any points pumped into him so he still has the potential to greatly improve those career averages of 6.4/5.1/1.1. Cook could end up being the sim league’s version of real life Gerald Green.
The Top 25
25.Richard Washington
B+ B+ C- A A-
Possibly a controversial addition to the list due to the debate over Washington's contract but you can't deny how productive the 24 year old power forward has been over his career. Washington for his career is averaging 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks a game. The 24 year old is on a 5 year/81.25 million dollar deal. Washington was acquired from the Raptors for two future first round picks and two talented guards. He and John Drew have been able to lead the Hawks to 17-7 record so far this season.
24. Bill Lambieer
C+ C C A- A B
Lambieer was already traded for three first round picks when the Grizzlies acquired him from the Warriors. In just 3 years Lambieer has become one of the best defensive big men in the league. The biggest goon in the league has averaged 13.3 rebounds and 3.5 blocks a game for his career. His scoring numbers have gone down since joining the Grizzlies but that doesn’t matter since Lambieer attempts less than 9 shots a game. Going forward Lambieer looks like he could be the defensive backbone for any championship contending team.
23. Dave Greenwood
B+ C C- B+ B+ B
In just his third year Greenwood has become one of the best power forwards in the league. This season he is averaging 28.8 points, 11.9 rebounds and 3 blocks per game. At 24 and still on his rookie deal Greenwood is a huge bargain for his production. He and Jason Kidd are doing their best to ruin the Knicks tank job this season.
22. Don Buse
C+ A A+ A C- B
The 29 year old point guard of the defending champion Utah Jazz still has 2 years left on his 25 million dollar deal. Buse along with the help of Rick Barry have been able to keep the Jazz as a playoff team in the west in spite of the loss of George Gervin. Buse is always a threat to lead the league in assists while still averaging over 25 points a game. Buse could be traded for multiple first round picks and young talent if GM 2Poor decides to rebuild.
21. Sidney Moncrief
C+ A C- A- D+ A
It took three future first round picks along with a young quality guard for the Lakers to acquire Moncrief and that price still seems like a bargain. Although his points per game average has dipped while playing for the loaded Lakers, Moncrief has proven he is one of the best scoring guards in the league. Moncrief is still averaging 22.3 points while shooting 47.4% from the field, quite a bargain to get that kind of offense from a guy making 6.3 million over the next two seasons.
20. Marvin Webster
A- C- D+ A+ A- C
The 27 year old dominant big man still has 6 years left on his max deal. Webster has really raised his offensive game since joining the Rockets averaging 24.6 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks a game. Would like to see Webster improve his shooting percentages and become a more efficient scorer. Webster has only had three points put into his inside scoring so there is still room for him to grow.
19. Bernard King
A- B D+ B- B B
The Suns gave up a 3006 first round pick in order to move up one spot to take King at number one in the 3003 draft which has proven to be a good move. His numbers may be inflated due to playing on a tanking team but King has already proved he is one of the best scorers in the league. King is currently leading the league in scoring, averaging 35.5 points a game. King looks to be poised to turn into a well-rounded small forward after his potential was raised in his first training camp. If the Suns can get one of the top three picks in the 3004 draft they will instantly have one of the best duos in the league.
18. Glenn Robinson
B+ B- C A- B- B
The 3002 rookie of the year has seen his scoring numbers dip a bit with the additions the Nuggets made in the offseason but Robinson is still the best young power forward in the league. Robinson has proved to be a much better defender than anyone could have imagined with his move to power forward. Robinson is averaging 2.6 blocks a game to go along with 24.2 points, 10 rebounds and 3.3 assists. No reason for the Nuggets to trade him as he and Gervin are one of the top duos in the league.
17. Neon Boudeaux
B+ C- C- B+ A- C
The top young big man in the league is still only 20 years old and with Moses Malone forms the most dominant big man duo in the league. Boudeaux is averaging 20.7 points, 14 rebounds and 4.2 blocks this season. Boudeaux could possibly be even more dominant if he was playing his true center position.
Hard to imagine the Nets trading Neon as it would be difficult to get equal value since he is still on his rookie deal but they could try to use him in order to get one of the best wings or point guards in the league.
16. Grant Hill
B+ B B B+ C+ A
Hill was an enticing enough piece for the Lakers to use in a deal for Dr. J. Hill has really raised his game this season with the Bucks and has become one of the best young players in the league. Hill is already an incredibly well rounded player with those grades. For the season Hill is averaging 26.1 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists. Turnovers are a bit of a concern as he is averaging 5.3 a game but that will be fixed with some points put into his handles.
15. Bobby Jones
B+ A- C+ A+ B A
The Thunder acquired Jones for three future first round picks back in 3002. Jones has since then raised his value after leaving the Thunder for the Grizzlies in free agency. This year Jones has raised his scoring averages and shooting percentages to 30.5 points on 44% from the field and 44.1 from three point range. At 27 Jones is locked up for the next 6 years on a max deal. Jones could be traded in the future for a dominant big man if GM Druce decides to go forward with the young Marques Johnson as his starting small forward.
14. Truck Robinson
A- A C+ B+ A- B
The Rockets acquired Robinson back in 3001 for two future first round picks back when he was on an expiring deal. That deal looks to be quite the bargain now as Robinson is averaging 29.7 points, 8.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists a game. Robinson is an incredibly efficient scorer, shooting 49.6 from the field, 79.4 from the free throw line and 48.7 on threes. The 28 year old small forward is also on a really good deal only being paid 13.2 million dollars in each of the next five seasons. Would take much more than two future first round picks to acquire Robinson this year.
13. John Williamson
C+ A- A- A- D+ A
Williamson is one of the best overall guards in the league. Could be argued that he should be playing point guard, Williamson is still a very productive at shooting guard, scoring 26 points per game. Although his numbers have decreased each year since his huge 3000 season Williamson still has great value due to his versatility. Hornets have him signed for the next 5 years on a max deal. Hornets are not playing up to the level of play they reached last year when they were the number one seed in the east. He could be traded for multiple picks and young talent if GM RV decides to rebuild. Williamson would probably be higher on the list if he were playing point guard.
12. Jamal Wilkes
B- A B A+ C+ B
Probably the most complete shooting guard in the league right now Wilkes is averaging 28.5 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists while keeping high shooting percentages. At 26 Wilkes is locked in with the Pacers for the next 6 years on a max deal. It would be hard to imagine the Pacers trading Wilkes as he has routinely kept Pacers as one of the best teams in the east.
11. John Drew
A- A-C A- C+ A
Drew is one of the best players in the league at its weakest position. The Hawks have the 25 year old shooting guard signed for next four years for 71.28 million dollars. Drew is back to scoring nearly 30 per game after his numbers had declined the previous two years. Drew still has an A potential so he still has room to grow as he has only gone to one TC. Drew would probably cost five first round picks if the Hawks ever decide to tear it down and rebuild.
10. Swen Nater
A- C- C A A B
I would have Nater as the top big man if not for being a bit older than Malone and Walton. Still at 29 Nater continues to raise his averages every year, this year Nater is averaging 35.4/14.8/3.7/2.4. The numbers are inflated due to the Timberwolves tanking this year but Nater is still one of the best players in the league. Ian has already stated he will not trade Nater this year so if the Timberwolves can get some lottery luck they could be right back to contending next season.
9. Bill Walton
A C B- A+ A B
Walton is arguably the top center in the league at only 26. The well rounded Walton has averaged 24.7, points, 13.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 3.8 blocks per game for his career. His numbers have decreased a bit this season but it is still early. Walton is due to make 97.5 million dollars over the next five years. Hard to imagine GM Duc ever trading the beloved Walton but perhaps he trades Walton if the Blazers fail to keep up with the best teams in the west.
8. Moses Malone
A- C- C- A+ A+ B
Malone may not be the best center in the league yet but at only 24 he is the one I would most like to build around. Malone is still on a max deal and signed on with the Nets until he is 29. So far this season Malone is putting up huge numbers averaging 27.1/14.8/4.3/4.2. He and Neon Boudeaux form the best big man tandem in the league. Only way the Nets would trade Malone is if they can get a dominant wing and decide to move Boudeaux to center.
7. Alvan Adams
A- A B A A- B
In a risky move at the time the Celtics gave up four first round picks for Adams who was on an expiring deal. That huge risk totally paid off as Adams has helped turn the Celtics into the best team in the east. Adams is able to do it all for the Celtics averaging 29.6 points, 10.5 rebounds and 5 assists per game. The 25 year old wing still has 5 years/97.5 million left on his deal. It would take a lot more than Dump paid for the Celtics to trade Adams away now.
6. Larry Kenon
A- C+ C A+ A- B
The Mavericks gave up the hefty price of five first round picks to acquire Larry Kenon which at the time seemed like too much but Kenon has proven to be totally worth it. Kenon gives you 30 and 10 every night along with being a lock-down wing defender. He and Thompson make up the best duo in the league. At 26 Kenon is signed to a 6 year max deal. No reason for the Mavericks to trade Kenon when they are the top contender in the west.
5. Paul Westphal
B A A A+ C- B
Was hard to imagine there was a way for Paul Westphal to get even better but he has with the much anticipated move to point guard. Westphal has raised his numbers to 34.3 points and 8.7 assists per game. At 28 Westphal is locked up with the Pistons for the next six seasons on a max deal. Westphal has already single-handedly led the team to a title. Only way you trade Westphal is if you’re trying to rebuild or you can get Magic Johnson or David Thompson.
4. Julius Erving
A- A B- A+ B C
It took Grant Hill and four first round picks for the Lakers to acquire Dr. J. The top pick in the creation draft has been the top two way wing the league. At 29 Erving is locked up long term with a 6 year/93.75 million dollar deal. For his career Erving has averaged 32.5 points, 9.6 rebounds and 4.6 assists. Hard to see Erving being traded in the next few years considering what the Lakers gave up for him.
3. David Thompson
A- A B+ A C- A
Might have Thompson a little too high at number three due to him being on an expiring deal but I think he is totally worth it due to his versatility. The 25 year old is the best point guard and shooting guard in the league. Can lead the league in scoring or assists depending on which guard spot he is playing. No chance Thompson gets traded with the Mavericks being the best team in the west.
2. George Gervin
A- A B A C C
The best scorer in the league who is still only 27 years old and is locked up for a long time after signing a max deal this offseason with the Nuggets. So far this season Gervin has been able to raise the other facets of his game averaging 8.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists to go along with his 33.8 points for the high powered Denver Nuggets. GM 2Poor is still looking forward to Gervin’s return home to Utah in 3010 when Gervin is 34 years old.
1. Magic Johnson
B- A- A- A+ B A
Already the best player in the league at only 22, Johnson can play any positon on the floor and be dominant. Johnson is always a threat for triple-double. It is scary to think how much he will improve throughout his career. Hopefully the Clippers can capitalize on winning a championship while Johnson is only making about 3.5 million in each of the next two seasons. Johnson is simply untradeable while on his rookie deal.
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