Post by Face-in on Aug 22, 2014 22:07:43 GMT -6
Rankings are based on a combination of performance this year and how good I think they will be going forward.
TOP 25 UNDER 25
25. Stanley Robinson
21 Years Old
Robinson is a player who was thought to be bound to be a bust during the draft and fell to the second round but then had an amazing +8 TC. He is averaging 7.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in only 22 minutes a game. His shooting percentage is a little low at 41.9% but with his grades (B+ C C B B A) he looks like he’ll explode once he has some points put into him. I feel really bad for the stupid GM who didn’t extend his contract.
24. Patrick Patterson
21 Years Old
Patterson is one of the most surprising studs to come from the 3005 draft. The 25th pick in the draft is already a solid rebounder and good defender averaging 9.6 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game. As the fifth offensive option for the Orlando Magic Patterson is averaging 11.2 points on 46.6% shooting per game. Patterson along with Greg Monroe already give the Magic one of if not the best defensive frontcourts in the league and that should continue for the next four years.
23. Jason Kidd
24 Years Old
Coming into the season it looked as though Kidd should be considered a bust but after a solid training camp improving his scoring grades Kidd has been able become a solid scoring option while still being one of the best distributing and defensive point guards in the league. This season Kidd is averaging 14.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 9.8 assists and 2.6 steals. Kidd has been able to raise his shooting percentage from 42.1% to 46.9%. It will be interesting to see if Kidd pulls a Johnny High by asking for a max contract and if Skrouse is willing to give it to him.
22. Butch McRae
20 Years Old
I would have McRae higher if not for his weak defensive grade which puts him just below the other elite point guards. McRae at 20 years old is one of the better offensive point guards in the league. This season McRae is averaging 18.3 points on 44% shooting with 4.4 rebounds and 8.8 assists per game. As of now it doesn’t look as though the Nuggets will have the salary cap room to sign Robinson and McRae to max or near max deals so it will be interesting to see where McRae lands in free agency.
21. Paul George
19 Years Old
George is the second really talented piece of the Cleveland Cavaliers rebuild to make the list. After a disappointing draft profile George’s grades drastically improved from (C+ B- C B- C A) to (B- B C A- C+ A) after his first TC and move to shooting guard. This season George is averaging 18 points, 7.4 rebounds 2.7 assists and 2.2 steals. George is only shooting 42.5% but that should improve once HT puts some TCs into George’s scoring grades and the Cavs acquire a non-tanking point guard for next season.
20. Hakeem Olajuwon
22 Years Old
I have Hakeem at 20th due to a really disappointing sophomore season. Hakeem’s numbers have dropped across the board. Last year Hakeem averaged 29.7 points on 44.6% shooting with 13.6 rebounds and 2.8 blocks. This year Hakeem is averaging just 18.9/11.2/2.5 on 42.2% shooting. Hopefully Hakeem can finish the season strong and jump back into the discussion of best young big man in the league. GM HT certainly has plenty of points to put into him this offseason so a bounce back season should be expected next year.
19. Neon Bodeaux
22 Years Old
There are mixed opinions on Bodeaux but you can’t deny that Boudeaux is one of the most productive big men in the league. Boudeaux is an elite rebounder and shot blocker while giving you over 20 points per game. This season Bodeaux is averaging 21 points, 13 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game while shooting 44.8%. Boudeaux most likely will command a max contract this offseason, with Kings loaded young frontcourt it will be interesting to see if 20s keeps him or tries to sign and trade him.
18. Marques Johnson
23 Years Old
With the departure of Billy Knight in a trade with the Warriors, Marques Johnson has been able to jump into the starting lineup this season and prove why he was selected 2nd in the 3003 draft. All of his numbers from last year have nearly doubled; Johnson is averaging 20.6 points, 8.9 rebounds and 3 assists while shooting 48.5%. Johnson shooting percentage is really impressive considering he is still just a C+ at outside scoring but with A potential there is still a chance that Johnson could become a 25 point per game scorer.
17. Champ Godbolt
20 Years Old
Godbolt is probably the most interesting player in the league. The 7’3 290 pounder seems to have found a home at small forward for the Milwaukee Bucks this season. Godbolt is averaging 22.6/7.5/2.0/1.3/2 while shooting 45.9%. Godbolt has really impressive scoring numbers considering his offensive grades (C+ B D+ B+ C+ A) with that A potential there is still much room for growth going forward. Godbolt is the centerpiece of the Milwaukee Bucks strong young core Jones, Robinson, Edwards and Dunn.
16. Glenn Robinson
24 Years Old
Robinson drops to 16 after a disappointing training camp. He still is one of the best power forwards in the league but it appears as though he may have already maxed out. Robinson is averaging 23.2 points on 47.8% shooting while grabbing 10.7 rebounds and blocking 2.3 shots per game. Robinson is guaranteed to receive a full max contract this offseason unless he offers to give Nuggets a discount.
15. Alvin Robertson
23 Years Old
It looks as though Ian has found another Charlie Ward. If we were re-doing the 3004 draft Robertson would probably jump from 7th player selected to 5th. Robertson has been able to help lead the Timberwolves to the 3rd best record in the league. For the season Robertson is averaging 17.4 points, 9.9 assists and 5.7 rebounds while shooting 45.8%. Robertson still has A potential so there is still potential to improve with his numbers with those excellent grades (C+ B A A- C+ A).
14. Bernard King
23 Years Old
Since his rookie year King has been one of the best wing scorers in the league but this season King has been able to really improve his defense averaging 9.7 rebounds and 2.1 blocks a game. His scoring average has remained the same at 27.3 points per game but he has been able to improve his shooting percentages to 46.6% from the field and 42.9% from three point range. In spite of a couple busted draft picks King has been able to lead the Suns to the 8th best record in the west.
13. Eric Bledsoe
19 Years Old
The less heralded of the rookie Kentucky point guards coming into the season is having just as good of a year as the number one pick in the draft. Bledsoe has been able to lead the improving Bullets into playoff contention. Bledsoe is averaging 19.1 points on 46.2% shooting along with 4.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists. Would like to see him raise his assist numbers but Bledsoe has yet to have any points put into his passing. Bledsoe along with Perkins give the Bullets a really good pair to build around.
12. Logan Edgehill
22 Years Old
Edgehill is the best of the best when it comes to the coveted big men who play great defense but don’t shoot. Edgehill is the perfect complimentary player for any team that gets scoring from their wings. This season Edgehill is averaging 5.6 points, 12.9 rebounds and 3.7 blocks. He may shoot only 40% from the field but he is an amazing free throw shooter, shooting over 91% from the line. Edgehill could be considered the best defensive big man in the league already at only 22. Edgehill looks to be a defensive player of the year candidate for the next 8-10 years.
11. John Wall
19 Years Old
The number one pick in the 3005 draft is having a very solid season for the tanking Jazz. Wall has lived up to his well-rounded grades (B B- B B+ C A) averaging 24.3 points, 7.3 assists, 5.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals while shooting 45.6%. The only concerning part about Wall's game are his turnovers; Wall is averaging 3.2 a game. Wall is only 19 so they should go down as he goes through some TCs and the Jazz add some talent around him. If not Wall could easily make the transition to shooting guard with his size.
10. Terence Stansbury
23 Years Old
Very quietly Stansbury has become one of the best shooting guards in the league this season. Stansbury has raised his game to lead the surprising Sonics. Stansbury for the season is averaging 24.8 points, 5.1 rebounds 4.4 assists and 1.9 steals while shooting an efficient 46.4%. Stansbury has pretty polished overall game but has yet to go through a TC so he still has the potential to greatly improve.
9. Sam Perkins
23 Years Old
Perkins this season has become the clear cut third best player from the 3004 draft class. This season Perkins is averaging 19.9 points, 10.3 rebounds and 3.2 blocks. Perkins points per game average has dipped this season as the Bullets have added much more talent but Perkins has become a little more efficient raising his shooting percentage from 42.4% to 44.7%. Perkins still has A potential and has only gone through one RC so there is still a lot of room for growth.
8. Greg Monroe
20 Years Old
In what at the time seemed like a surprising pick MJ made the wise decision to pick Greg Monroe over Paul George. Monroe was expected to come in and be a good low post scorer but he has been shockingly great on defense averaging 11.7 rebounds and 3.7 blocks per game. Monroe is still putting up really good offensive numbers while not even being a scoring option for the Magic averaging 17.1 points on 46.2% shooting. We’ll see how much Monroe improves going forward but he, Patterson, Dantley and Magic Johnson make up a great young core for the Orlando Magic to contend for many years.
7. Clifford T. Robison
24 Years Old
The most well rounded big man in the league comes in at number 7. With the departure of Bob Lanier, Robinson has been able to flourish offensively at PF. He now forms the Celtics new big 3 with John Williamson and Alvan Adams. Robison has raised his numbers across the board averaging 22.3 points, 13 rebounds and 3.6 blocks while shooting 48.3%. Scary to think Robinson still has room to grow with his A potential.
6. Khalid Reeves
24 Years Old
Reeves at just 24 is already putting up close to David Thompson/Paul Westphal type numbers averaging 25.8/4.4/9.9 on 47.8% shooting. Reeves along with Reggie King were able to keep the Heat in the playoff race while the team struggled with injuries. Now at full strength the most talented team in the east are now the favorite to make the finals out of the east. Unless Reeves gives the Heat a Reggie King like discount he will be getting a max contract this offseason.
5. DeMarcus Cousins
19 Years Old
In just his rookie season Cousins already looks to be the best offensive big man in the league averaging 30 points on an efficient 47.8% shooting. Cousins has proved to not just be a scorer and gives the Thunder solid rebounding and shot blocking averaging 9.9 rebounds and 2 blocks per game. Those numbers should greatly improve once JHB is able to put more points into Cousins’ rebounding and defense. Cousins looks to be the first monster big man in 4.0.
4. Grant Hill
24 Years Old
The leading scorer in the league this season comes in at number 4. Hill this season is averaging 32.9 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.4 assists on 50.4% shooting. His stats and grades (A- A- A- A- C+ B) make Hill one of the most well rounded players in the league. This season Hill has also been able to trim his turnovers down from 4 to 3.4 a game. Hill will be the most coveted player in the league if he were to opt for free agency this season.
3. Charles Barkley
22 Years Old
I’ve got Barkley at number 3 as he is already the best stat stuffer in the league. The only knock on Barkley’s game this season could be that his three point shooting percentage has dropped from 44.3% to 34.9%. Other than that Barkley is having another amazing season averaging 25.3/11.8/4.2/2/3.1 on 48.7% shooting. In two years Barkley has been able to turn the Kings into one of the best teams in league. Barkley looks to be an MVP candidate for the next 10 years.
2. Michael Jordan
22 Years Old
In spite of the failed experiment at point guard Jordan is having a great season and has been able to just edge out Barkley in terms of being the best player from the 3004 draft class. Jordan is averaging nearly 28 points a game on 50% from the field while adding 5.7 rebounds and 7.8 assists. With the Sixers acquisition of a legit point guard in Doug Collins, Jordan can now focus on scoring and lead the Sixers into the playoffs. Jordan should be best shooting guard in the league for the foreseeable future.
1. Magic Johnson
24 Years Old
Easy choice for number one as Magic is and has been the best player in the league for the last couple years. This year Magic is averaging 26.9/9.9/9.9 while shooting 45.8%. Magic has been able to lead Orlando to the 7th best record in the league while having to play in the loaded Atlantic. Magic along with Monroe and Patterson should be able to lead Orlando to multiple final appearances over the next four years.
25. Stanley Robinson
21 Years Old
Robinson is a player who was thought to be bound to be a bust during the draft and fell to the second round but then had an amazing +8 TC. He is averaging 7.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in only 22 minutes a game. His shooting percentage is a little low at 41.9% but with his grades (B+ C C B B A) he looks like he’ll explode once he has some points put into him. I feel really bad for the stupid GM who didn’t extend his contract.
24. Patrick Patterson
21 Years Old
Patterson is one of the most surprising studs to come from the 3005 draft. The 25th pick in the draft is already a solid rebounder and good defender averaging 9.6 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game. As the fifth offensive option for the Orlando Magic Patterson is averaging 11.2 points on 46.6% shooting per game. Patterson along with Greg Monroe already give the Magic one of if not the best defensive frontcourts in the league and that should continue for the next four years.
23. Jason Kidd
24 Years Old
Coming into the season it looked as though Kidd should be considered a bust but after a solid training camp improving his scoring grades Kidd has been able become a solid scoring option while still being one of the best distributing and defensive point guards in the league. This season Kidd is averaging 14.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 9.8 assists and 2.6 steals. Kidd has been able to raise his shooting percentage from 42.1% to 46.9%. It will be interesting to see if Kidd pulls a Johnny High by asking for a max contract and if Skrouse is willing to give it to him.
22. Butch McRae
20 Years Old
I would have McRae higher if not for his weak defensive grade which puts him just below the other elite point guards. McRae at 20 years old is one of the better offensive point guards in the league. This season McRae is averaging 18.3 points on 44% shooting with 4.4 rebounds and 8.8 assists per game. As of now it doesn’t look as though the Nuggets will have the salary cap room to sign Robinson and McRae to max or near max deals so it will be interesting to see where McRae lands in free agency.
21. Paul George
19 Years Old
George is the second really talented piece of the Cleveland Cavaliers rebuild to make the list. After a disappointing draft profile George’s grades drastically improved from (C+ B- C B- C A) to (B- B C A- C+ A) after his first TC and move to shooting guard. This season George is averaging 18 points, 7.4 rebounds 2.7 assists and 2.2 steals. George is only shooting 42.5% but that should improve once HT puts some TCs into George’s scoring grades and the Cavs acquire a non-tanking point guard for next season.
20. Hakeem Olajuwon
22 Years Old
I have Hakeem at 20th due to a really disappointing sophomore season. Hakeem’s numbers have dropped across the board. Last year Hakeem averaged 29.7 points on 44.6% shooting with 13.6 rebounds and 2.8 blocks. This year Hakeem is averaging just 18.9/11.2/2.5 on 42.2% shooting. Hopefully Hakeem can finish the season strong and jump back into the discussion of best young big man in the league. GM HT certainly has plenty of points to put into him this offseason so a bounce back season should be expected next year.
19. Neon Bodeaux
22 Years Old
There are mixed opinions on Bodeaux but you can’t deny that Boudeaux is one of the most productive big men in the league. Boudeaux is an elite rebounder and shot blocker while giving you over 20 points per game. This season Bodeaux is averaging 21 points, 13 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game while shooting 44.8%. Boudeaux most likely will command a max contract this offseason, with Kings loaded young frontcourt it will be interesting to see if 20s keeps him or tries to sign and trade him.
18. Marques Johnson
23 Years Old
With the departure of Billy Knight in a trade with the Warriors, Marques Johnson has been able to jump into the starting lineup this season and prove why he was selected 2nd in the 3003 draft. All of his numbers from last year have nearly doubled; Johnson is averaging 20.6 points, 8.9 rebounds and 3 assists while shooting 48.5%. Johnson shooting percentage is really impressive considering he is still just a C+ at outside scoring but with A potential there is still a chance that Johnson could become a 25 point per game scorer.
17. Champ Godbolt
20 Years Old
Godbolt is probably the most interesting player in the league. The 7’3 290 pounder seems to have found a home at small forward for the Milwaukee Bucks this season. Godbolt is averaging 22.6/7.5/2.0/1.3/2 while shooting 45.9%. Godbolt has really impressive scoring numbers considering his offensive grades (C+ B D+ B+ C+ A) with that A potential there is still much room for growth going forward. Godbolt is the centerpiece of the Milwaukee Bucks strong young core Jones, Robinson, Edwards and Dunn.
16. Glenn Robinson
24 Years Old
Robinson drops to 16 after a disappointing training camp. He still is one of the best power forwards in the league but it appears as though he may have already maxed out. Robinson is averaging 23.2 points on 47.8% shooting while grabbing 10.7 rebounds and blocking 2.3 shots per game. Robinson is guaranteed to receive a full max contract this offseason unless he offers to give Nuggets a discount.
15. Alvin Robertson
23 Years Old
It looks as though Ian has found another Charlie Ward. If we were re-doing the 3004 draft Robertson would probably jump from 7th player selected to 5th. Robertson has been able to help lead the Timberwolves to the 3rd best record in the league. For the season Robertson is averaging 17.4 points, 9.9 assists and 5.7 rebounds while shooting 45.8%. Robertson still has A potential so there is still potential to improve with his numbers with those excellent grades (C+ B A A- C+ A).
14. Bernard King
23 Years Old
Since his rookie year King has been one of the best wing scorers in the league but this season King has been able to really improve his defense averaging 9.7 rebounds and 2.1 blocks a game. His scoring average has remained the same at 27.3 points per game but he has been able to improve his shooting percentages to 46.6% from the field and 42.9% from three point range. In spite of a couple busted draft picks King has been able to lead the Suns to the 8th best record in the west.
13. Eric Bledsoe
19 Years Old
The less heralded of the rookie Kentucky point guards coming into the season is having just as good of a year as the number one pick in the draft. Bledsoe has been able to lead the improving Bullets into playoff contention. Bledsoe is averaging 19.1 points on 46.2% shooting along with 4.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists. Would like to see him raise his assist numbers but Bledsoe has yet to have any points put into his passing. Bledsoe along with Perkins give the Bullets a really good pair to build around.
12. Logan Edgehill
22 Years Old
Edgehill is the best of the best when it comes to the coveted big men who play great defense but don’t shoot. Edgehill is the perfect complimentary player for any team that gets scoring from their wings. This season Edgehill is averaging 5.6 points, 12.9 rebounds and 3.7 blocks. He may shoot only 40% from the field but he is an amazing free throw shooter, shooting over 91% from the line. Edgehill could be considered the best defensive big man in the league already at only 22. Edgehill looks to be a defensive player of the year candidate for the next 8-10 years.
11. John Wall
19 Years Old
The number one pick in the 3005 draft is having a very solid season for the tanking Jazz. Wall has lived up to his well-rounded grades (B B- B B+ C A) averaging 24.3 points, 7.3 assists, 5.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals while shooting 45.6%. The only concerning part about Wall's game are his turnovers; Wall is averaging 3.2 a game. Wall is only 19 so they should go down as he goes through some TCs and the Jazz add some talent around him. If not Wall could easily make the transition to shooting guard with his size.
10. Terence Stansbury
23 Years Old
Very quietly Stansbury has become one of the best shooting guards in the league this season. Stansbury has raised his game to lead the surprising Sonics. Stansbury for the season is averaging 24.8 points, 5.1 rebounds 4.4 assists and 1.9 steals while shooting an efficient 46.4%. Stansbury has pretty polished overall game but has yet to go through a TC so he still has the potential to greatly improve.
9. Sam Perkins
23 Years Old
Perkins this season has become the clear cut third best player from the 3004 draft class. This season Perkins is averaging 19.9 points, 10.3 rebounds and 3.2 blocks. Perkins points per game average has dipped this season as the Bullets have added much more talent but Perkins has become a little more efficient raising his shooting percentage from 42.4% to 44.7%. Perkins still has A potential and has only gone through one RC so there is still a lot of room for growth.
8. Greg Monroe
20 Years Old
In what at the time seemed like a surprising pick MJ made the wise decision to pick Greg Monroe over Paul George. Monroe was expected to come in and be a good low post scorer but he has been shockingly great on defense averaging 11.7 rebounds and 3.7 blocks per game. Monroe is still putting up really good offensive numbers while not even being a scoring option for the Magic averaging 17.1 points on 46.2% shooting. We’ll see how much Monroe improves going forward but he, Patterson, Dantley and Magic Johnson make up a great young core for the Orlando Magic to contend for many years.
7. Clifford T. Robison
24 Years Old
The most well rounded big man in the league comes in at number 7. With the departure of Bob Lanier, Robinson has been able to flourish offensively at PF. He now forms the Celtics new big 3 with John Williamson and Alvan Adams. Robison has raised his numbers across the board averaging 22.3 points, 13 rebounds and 3.6 blocks while shooting 48.3%. Scary to think Robinson still has room to grow with his A potential.
6. Khalid Reeves
24 Years Old
Reeves at just 24 is already putting up close to David Thompson/Paul Westphal type numbers averaging 25.8/4.4/9.9 on 47.8% shooting. Reeves along with Reggie King were able to keep the Heat in the playoff race while the team struggled with injuries. Now at full strength the most talented team in the east are now the favorite to make the finals out of the east. Unless Reeves gives the Heat a Reggie King like discount he will be getting a max contract this offseason.
5. DeMarcus Cousins
19 Years Old
In just his rookie season Cousins already looks to be the best offensive big man in the league averaging 30 points on an efficient 47.8% shooting. Cousins has proved to not just be a scorer and gives the Thunder solid rebounding and shot blocking averaging 9.9 rebounds and 2 blocks per game. Those numbers should greatly improve once JHB is able to put more points into Cousins’ rebounding and defense. Cousins looks to be the first monster big man in 4.0.
4. Grant Hill
24 Years Old
The leading scorer in the league this season comes in at number 4. Hill this season is averaging 32.9 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.4 assists on 50.4% shooting. His stats and grades (A- A- A- A- C+ B) make Hill one of the most well rounded players in the league. This season Hill has also been able to trim his turnovers down from 4 to 3.4 a game. Hill will be the most coveted player in the league if he were to opt for free agency this season.
3. Charles Barkley
22 Years Old
I’ve got Barkley at number 3 as he is already the best stat stuffer in the league. The only knock on Barkley’s game this season could be that his three point shooting percentage has dropped from 44.3% to 34.9%. Other than that Barkley is having another amazing season averaging 25.3/11.8/4.2/2/3.1 on 48.7% shooting. In two years Barkley has been able to turn the Kings into one of the best teams in league. Barkley looks to be an MVP candidate for the next 10 years.
2. Michael Jordan
22 Years Old
In spite of the failed experiment at point guard Jordan is having a great season and has been able to just edge out Barkley in terms of being the best player from the 3004 draft class. Jordan is averaging nearly 28 points a game on 50% from the field while adding 5.7 rebounds and 7.8 assists. With the Sixers acquisition of a legit point guard in Doug Collins, Jordan can now focus on scoring and lead the Sixers into the playoffs. Jordan should be best shooting guard in the league for the foreseeable future.
1. Magic Johnson
24 Years Old
Easy choice for number one as Magic is and has been the best player in the league for the last couple years. This year Magic is averaging 26.9/9.9/9.9 while shooting 45.8%. Magic has been able to lead Orlando to the 7th best record in the league while having to play in the loaded Atlantic. Magic along with Monroe and Patterson should be able to lead Orlando to multiple final appearances over the next four years.
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