SI בחר את 100 שחקני ה-NBA הטובים ביותר ל-2015

SI.com's Top 100 NBA players of 2015

Posted: Mon Sep. 15, 2014Updated: Fri Sep. 19, 2014

(הערות בקשר לבחירה)

SI.com is proud to offer our list of the Top 100 NBA players of 2015, an exhaustive exercise that seeks to define who will be the league's best in the 2014-15 season.

Given the wide variety of candidates involved and the deep analytical resources available, no single, definitive criterion was used to form this list. Instead, rankings were assigned based on a fluid combination of subjective assessment and objective data. This is an earnest attempt to evaluate each player in a vacuum. As a result, future prospects beyond this season did not play a part in the ranking process, while the influence of team context was minimized to whatever extent was possible. Our sole concern was how players are likely to perform this season alone.

Injuries and injury risks are thus an inevitable component of that judgment, and players who are expected to miss the entire season — such as Pacers forward Paul George – were excluded. Past performance (postseason included) weighed heavily in our assessment, with a skew toward the recent. First-year players — including delayed rookies like Sixers center Nerlens Noel — were not included for that reason, among others. A predictive quality also came into play with the anticipated improvement of certain younger players, as well as the possible decline of aging veterans. Salary was not taken into consideration, even in those instances below where a contract is mentioned. Otherwise, players were ordered based on their complete games — offense and defense both, along with everything in between.

Naturally, rounding out the top 100 included some tough calls. The list of notable omissions is dotted with players both well regarded and largely deserving, though lines ultimately had to be drawn somewhere — in many cases based on extremely minor differences. With those exclusions squared away, dive into our list. For those interested in understanding more about the ranking process and the limitations of this exercise in general, make a quick detour here.

 

הבחירה:

SI.COM'S TOP 100 NBA PLAYERS OF 2015
  • 100
    BORIS DIAW, SPURS
    Forward | Age: 32
    6-8, 250 pounds
    Last year: Unranked

    2013-14 statistics
    • 9.1 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2.8 APG, 52.1 FG%, 40.2 3P%
    • Advanced: 14.1 PER, 4.9 Win Shares, 0.6 RAPM

    Diaw may not have taken home Finals MVP, but the versatile, pass-happy stretch forward did prove to be one of the most influential postseason X-factors in recent memory during the Spurs' 2014 title run.

    READ MORE

  • 99
    KEVIN MARTIN, WOLVES
    Guard | Age: 31
    6-7, 195 pounds
    Last year: No. 73

    2013-14 statistics
    • 14.9 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1.4 APG, 43.8 FG%, 39.5 3P%
    • 12.8 PER, 1.8 Win Shares, 1.0 RAPM

    If held against the standard of the league's best players, Martin's deficits are painfully apparent.

    READ MORE

  • 98
    Guard | Age: 24
    6-7, 220 pounds
    Last year: No. 90

    2013-14 statistics
    •13.1 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 2.4 APG, 39.7 FG%, 28.3 3P%
    •13.6 PER, 7.1 Win Shares, 0.8 RAPM

    Butler, who is entering his fourth season, has already established himself as one of the NBA’s best lockdown defenders.

    READ MORE

  • 97
    Center | Age: 31
    6-11, 267 pounds
    Last year: No. 66
    2013-14 statistics
    •8.4 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.6 BPG, 49.5 FG%
    17.1 PER, 5.4 Win Shares, 2.3 RAPM
    LeBron James has singled out Varejao as one of his favorite teammates for obvious reasons: a high-energy, blue-collar big man with impressive rebounding rates and a commitment to defense.

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  • 96
    Guard | Age: 27
    6-6, 215 pounds
    Last year: No. 96

    2013-14 statistics
     9.1 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1.5 APG, 43.2 FG%, 41.5 3P%  
     13.9 PER, 4.2 Win Shares, 1.3 RAPM

    Green could play with any teammates in any system and offer clear value. Such is the benefit of the unassuming role player who excels at what he's asked to do.

    READ MORE

  • 95
    J.R. SMITH, KNICKS
    Guard | Age: 28
    6-6, 220 pounds
    Last year: No. 83

    2013-14 statistics
     14.5 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 3.0 APG, 41.5 FG%, 39.4 3P%
     14.0 PER, 3.7 Win Shares, 1.7 RAPM

    Even an acid-tripping Ken Kesey couldn’t have dreamed up all of the horrible, damaging and embarrassing twists and turns to Smith’s 2013-14 season, which just so happened to occur immediately after he signed a three-year, $19.5 million deal.

    READ MORE

  • 94
    KEMBA WALKER, HORNETS
    Guard | Age: 24
    6-1, 184 pounds
    Last year: Unranked

    2013-14 statistics
     17.7 PPG, 6.1 APG, 4.2 RPG, 39.3 FG%, 33.3 3P%
     16.8 PER, 5.1 Win Shares, 0.8 RAPM

    Walker's game oozes moxie. From every slick crossover to smooth fadeaway, the intrepid ball handler has the air of a player in complete control.

    READ MORE

  • 93
    J.J. REDICK, CLIPPERS
    Guard | Age: 30
    6-4, 190 pounds
    Last year: No. 82

    2013-14 statistics
     15.2 PPG, 2.2 APG, 2.1 RPG, 45.5 FG%, 39.5 3P%
     16.6 PER, 3 Win Shares, -0.1 RAPM

    The Clippers’ thinking in parting with Eric Bledsoe to acquire Redick in July 2013 was clear as day: the addition of a dependable three-point shooter could turn a devastating offensive attack into a virtually unstoppable one by keeping the court as open as possible for Chris Paul’s pick-and-roll and giving Blake Griffin another kick-out option when defenses loaded up on him.

    READ MORE

  • 92
    Guard | Age: 26
    6-2, 181 pounds
    Last year: No. 78

    2013-14 statistics
     16.5 PPG, 6.7 APG, 2.6 RPG, 43.8 FG%, 32.9 3P%
     17.2 PER, 5.2 Win Shares, -0.7 RAPM

    Teague showed real improvement in using his quickness to maneuver from the perimeter to the rim with the ball in his first season with coach Mike Budenholzer.

    READ MORE

  • 91
    Forward | Age: 27
    6-10, 235 pounds
    Last year: 61

    2013-14 statistics
     11.2 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1.3 APG, 40.9 FG%, 28.2 3P%
     13.9 PER, 1.6 Win Shares, -1.7 RAPM

    An ankle injury limited Ilyasova to 55 games and bothered him all last season, one of the worst of his six-year career.

    READ MORE

     

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  • 90
    Guard | Age: 25
    5-9, 185 pounds
    Last year: Unranked

    2013-14 statistics
     20.3 PPG, 6.3 APG, 2.9 RPG, 45.3 FG%, 34.9 3P%
     20.5 PER, 7.7 Win Shares, 0.9 RAPM

    In his third season, Thomas put up career-best numbers that rivaled those of just about everyone at his position.

    READ MORE

  • 89
    Center | Age: 23
    7-0, 250 pounds
    Last year: 100

    2013-14 statistics
     14.2 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 1.8 RPG, 0.8 BPG, 50.7 FG%
     18.8 PER, 4.4 Win Shares, 0.1 RAPM

    Vucevic doesn't deal in the spectacular. He goes about his business quietly for a drab team plodding through a long-term rebuild.

    READ MORE

  • 88
    Guard | Age: 32
    6-3, 211 pounds
    Last year: No. 70

    2013-14 statistics
     11.4 PPG, 4.7 APG, 2.4 RPG, 45.6 FG%, 44.9 3P%
     15.2 PER, 6.3 Win Shares, -3.0 RAPM

    The Spanish point guard is a poor defender, but not for lack of effort. Calderon works to stay in front of quicker players, sliding around on every juke and scrambling when he loses a step on his man.

    READ MORE

  • 87
    RICKY RUBIO, WOLVES
    Guard | Age: 23
    6-4, 185 pounds
    Last year: No. 93

    2013-14 statistics
     9.5 PPG, 8.6 APG, 4.2 RPG, 38.1 FG%, 33.1 3P%
     15.4 PER, 5.9 Win Shares, 2.0 RAPM

    Rubio doesn't shoot well and is at times reluctant to try, but he shines in almost every other phase of the game.

    READ MORE

  • 86
    JAMAL CRAWFORD, CLIPPERS
    Guard | Age: 34
    6-5, 200 pounds
    Last year: No. 76

    2013-14 statistics
     18.6 PPG, 3.2 APG, 2.3 RPG, 41.6 FG%, 36.1 3P%
     17.4 PER, 5.3 Win Shares, -0.5 RAPM

    When Crawford joined the Clippers in 2012, he faced plenty of questions after a disappointing one-year stint with the Blazers. Could he resuscitate his shooting numbers? Had he entered age-related decline? He’s responded by enjoying a late-career resurgence and becoming one of the Clippers’ most reliable players.

    READ MORE

  • 85
    Forward | Age: 33
    6-9, 235 pounds
    Last year: No. 49

    2013-14 statistics
     5.0 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1.6 APG, 51.3 FG%
     12.5 PER, 1.3 Win Shares, 1.2 RAPM

    Has Kirilenko aged out of high-level use? The fact that his drop-off last season was so sharp and timed so closely with his nagging injuries suggests otherwise.

    READ MORE

  • 84
    TYREKE EVANS, PELICANS
    Forward | Age: 24
    6-6, 220 pounds
    Last year: No. 65

    2013-14 statistics
     14.5 PPG, 5.0 APG, 3.7 RPG, 43.6 FG%, 22.1 3P%
     18.4 PER, 3.1 Win Shares, -2.7 RAPM

    Finding the best use for Evans takes a delicate hand. Give him too much control and risk running your offense aground with bullheaded driving. Push him into a role without much creative opportunity and risk denying his potential.

    READ MORE

  • 83
    TREVOR ARIZA, ROCKETS
    Forward | Age: 29
    6-8, 220 pounds
    Last year: Unranked

    2013-14 statistics
     14.4 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.5 APG, 45.6 FG%, 40.7 3P%
     15.9 PER, 8.0 Win Shares, 0.4 RAPM

    Though Ariza put together the most complete season of his 10-year career, the cap-conscious Wizards concluded that he was their most expendable starter. That decision — which shouldn’t be read as a slight to Ariza, given the importance of Washington's other core players — led the small forward to sign a four-year, $32 million contract with the Rockets.

    READ MORE

  • 82
    ROBIN LOPEZ, BLAZERS
    Center | Age: 26
    7-0, 255 pounds
    Last year: Unranked

    2013-14 statistics
     11.1 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1.7 BPG, 53.1 FG%
     17.7 PER, 9.5 Win Shares, 1.5 RAPM

    Lopez answered a number of critics’ questions in his first season with the Blazers.

    READ MORE

  • 81
    ARRON AFFLALO, NUGGETS
    Guard | Age: 28
    6-5, 215 pounds
    Last year: Unranked

    2013-14 statistics
     18.2 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 3.4 APG, 45.9 FG%, 42.7 3P%
     16.1 PER, 5.3 Win Shares, -2.5 RAPM

    Afflalo was coming off a career year when the Nuggets traded him to the Magic in the Dwight Howard deal two years ago. Rather than serving as a key complementary piece on a perennial playoff team in Denver, Afflalo suddenly was one of the few proven veterans on a rebuilding squad in Orlando.

    READ MORE

     

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  • 80
    Center | Age: 22
    6-11, 231 pounds
    Last year: Unranked

    2013-14 statistics
     11.3 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 0.9 BPG, 53.1 FG%
     16.1 PER, 6.7 Win Shares, -3.0 RAPM

    Valanciunas isn’t always mentioned in the discussion of the NBA’s most promising young big men, but the fact that he was a full-time starter for a playoff team last season was unique among his up-and-coming colleagues.

    READ MORE

  • 79
    Forward | Age: 23
    6-10, 268 pounds
    Last year: No. 87

    2013-14 statistics
     13.3 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 1.5 BPG, 52.2 FG%
     19.0 PER, 5.1 Win Shares, -1.6 RAPM

    A big, explosive defender still learning the trade. The core attributes are all there for the No. 3 pick in 2010. Favors has the quickness to become a top defensive player, the bounce to swat shots at a high level and the length to contain quicker opponents.

    READ MORE

  • 78
    Center | Age: 25
    6-11, 235 pounds
    Last year: No. 43

    2013-14 statistics
    •7.7 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 1.7 BPG, 46.9 FG%
    •14.0 PER, 0.7 Win Shares, 0.9 RAPM

    Sanders’ 2013-14 season was a travesty. After signing a four-year, $44 million extension, Sanders was caught in the middle when his old agent sued his new agent; feuded with his new coach, Larry Drew; missed six weeks after injuring his thumb in a nightclub flight; beefed with former teammate Gary Neal, who questioned his professionalism; was cited twice for mistreatment of his dogs; was ejected for throwing a flagrant elbow at Oklahoma City’s Steven Adams; missed nearly two months after fracturing his eye socket from an errant elbow; drew a five-game drug suspension; and publicly advocated for the medical benefits of marijuana while suspended for smoking marijuana.

    READ MORE

  • 77
    Forward | Age: 24
    6-8, 228 pounds
    Last year: No. 75

    2013-14 statistics
     13.7 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 0.9 BPG, 54.5 FG%
     19.9 PER, 6.5 Win Shares, -1.3 RAPM

    Faried's spirited style belies very real limitations. It's easy to admire what he brings, from tangible stat-stuffing (Faried averaged 18.1 points and 11.3 rebounds per 36 minutes last season) to more abstract injections of energy.

    READ MORE

  • 76
    BRADLEY BEAL, WIZARDS
    Guard | Age: 21
    6-5, 207 pounds
    Last year: Unranked

    2013-14 statistics
     17.1 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 3.3 APG, 41.9 FG%, 40.2 3P%
     14.3 PER, 4.0 Win Shares, -2.8 RAPM

    It’s time that Beal starts getting included in the discussion of the NBA’s most promising prodigies.

    READ MORE

  • 75
    Forward | Age: 29
    6-9, 225 pounds
    Last year: Unranked

    2013-14 statistics
     13.0 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.4 BPG, 47.9 FG%
     16.1 PER, 5.7 Win Shares, 3.4 RAPM

    Gibson is a rock for the Bulls, the stout defensive team he elevates to its best performances.

    READ MORE

  • 74
    Forward | Age: 33
    6-7, 212 pounds
    Last year: No. 98

    2013-14 statistics
     12.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.9 APG, 47.5 FG%, 47.2 3P%
    • 13.6 PER, 5.9 Win Shares, 1.1 RAPM

    No player in history has shot better while launching as many threes as Korver did last season (47.2 percent on 392 attempts).

    READ MORE

  • 73
    Guard | Age: 24
    6-5, 230 pounds
    Last year: Unranked

    2013-14 statistics
     13.8 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 4.6 APG, 49.1 FG%, 35.2 3P%
     14.7 PER, 7.4 Win Shares, 0.0 RAPM

    Implicit in these rankings is the degree to which a player can be trusted. That’s how Stephenson, a gutsy, two-way potential star, could be so far down this list.

    READ MORE

  • 72
    Guard | Age: 27
    6-5, 220 pounds
    Last year: Unranked

    2013-14 statistics
     16.4 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.4 APG, 44.1 FG%, 39.3 3P%
    • 15.7 PER, 8.2 Win Shares, 1.9 RAPM

    Matthews should look back on 2013-14 as the season he finally convinced the NBA world to stop overlooking him.

    READ MORE

  • 71
    AMIR JOHNSON, RAPTORS
    Forward | Age: 27
    6-9, 210 pounds
    Last year: No. 84

    2013-14 statistics
     10.4 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.1 BPG, 56.2 FG%
    • 15.4 PER, 6.3 Win Shares, 4.2 RAPM

    Johnson is a darling of most every plus-minus-based evaluation system out there, which is really a way of saying that much of what he offers doesn't translate particularly well to the standard box score.

    READ MORE

     

    Does Peter Vecsey agree with SI's Top 100 NBA players list?

    On Wednesday's SI Now, Gowdy Media Award Winner Peter Vecsey discusses the players on Sports Illustrated's Top 100 NBA players of 2015 list and who he would like to see on the list.

  • 70
    Center | Age: 29
    6-11, 245 pounds
    Last year: No. 74

    2013-14 statistics
     8.2 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1.5 APG, 52.3 FG%
    • 16.6 PER, 4.3 Win Shares, 2.0 RAPM

    Players must sacrifice for the Spurs to be greater than the sum of their parts. Splitter, a worthy defensive anchor who played a mere 21.5 minutes a game last season, tends to sacrifice more than most.

    READ MORE

  • 69
    Forward | Age: 26
    6-8, 230 pounds
    Last year: No. 62

    2013-14 statistics
     17.9 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 2.1 SPG, 45.4 FG%, 30.8 3P%
    • 16.6 PER, 3.5 Win Shares, 0.2 RAPM

    Young is in the right place at the right time so consistently that it should be appreciated as a genuine talent.

    READ MORE

  • 68
    GREG MONROE, PISTONS
    Forward | Age: 24
    6-11, 250 pounds
    Last year: No. 52

    2013-14 statistics
     15.2 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 2.1 APG, 49.7 FG%
    • 18.1 PER, 5.9 Win Shares, 0.9 RAPM

    What’s worse? Entering restricted free agency hoping to be rewarded with a max-type second contract, only to walk away with a $5.5 million qualifying offer, or drawing a two-game suspension for a DUI, only to have national media outlets pick up on the fact that the arrest report mentioned self-urination?

    READ MORE

  • 67
    RUDY GAY, KINGS
    Forward | Age: 28
    6-8, 230 pounds
    Last year: No. 64

    2013-14 statistics
     20.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 2.9 APG, 45.5 FG%, 33.0 3P%
    • 18.3 PER, 4.8 Win Shares, 0.3 RAPM

    USA Basketball’s FIBA World Cup roster selection process perfectly illustrated Gay’s standing in the NBA: If LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Paul George are all unavailable, there are worse eventualities than settling for the Kings’ talented but polarizing forward.

    READ MORE

  • 66
    MONTA ELLIS, MAVERICKS
    Guard | Age: 28
    6-3, 185 pounds

    Last year: No. 68

    2013-14 statistics
     19.0 PPG, 5.7 APG, 3.6 RPG, 45.1 FG%, 33.0 3P%
    • 16.8 PER, 4.9 Win Shares, 1.9 RAPM

    Ellis hasn't changed much in the last year, but a chance to play for a first-rate coach alongside a superstar scorer has clarified his optimal role.

    READ MORE

  • 65
    ANDREW BOGUT, WARRIORS
    Center | Age: 29
    7-0, 260 pounds
    Last year: Unranked

    2013-14 statistics
     7.3 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 1.8 BPG, 62.7 FG%
    • 17.1 PER, 6.5 Win Shares, 0.5 RAPM

    Steve Kerr has plenty to mull over as he begins his coaching career, but one of his top concerns must be constructing a plan that maximizes the likelihood that the perpetually injured Bogut is on the court come playoff time.

    READ MORE

  • 64
    OMER ASIK, PELICANS
    Center | Age: 28
    7-0, 255 pounds
    Last year: No. 69

    2013-14 statistics
     5.8 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 0.8 BPG, 53.2 FG%
    • 14.0 PER, 2.4 Win Shares, 1.8 RAPM

    Blessed with a young power forward in Anthony Davis who can just about do it all, New Orleans found itself in need of a center that could provide a little protection for its franchise player while also holding down the middle on defense.

    READ MORE

  • 63
    NENE, WIZARDS
    Forward | Age: 31
    6-11, 250 pounds
    Last year: No. 58

    2013-14 statistics
     14.2 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.2 SPG, 50.3 FG%
    • 16.6 PER, 3.2 Win Shares, 1.1 RAPM

    Nene has missed at least 18 games in seven of 12 seasons, but he’s a terrific, well-balanced player when healthy.

    READ MORE

  • 62
    Forward | Age: 26
    6-10, 225 pounds
    Last year: No. 45

    2012-13 statistics (Did not play last season)
     16.2 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 2.5 APG, 41.8 FG%, 37.3 3P%
    • 16.7 PER, 7.2 Win Shares, 3.8 RAPM

    The last time Gallinari stepped foot on an NBA court, Denver had a different GM, a different coach and real expectations (remember the old “Can a star-less team win a title?” debate they sparked).

    READ MORE

  • 61
    Forward | Age: 25
    6-7, 216 pounds
    Last year: Unranked

    2013-14 statistics
     22.7 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 4.0 APG, 42.9 FG%, 30.5 3P%
    • 18.4 PER, 8.8 Win Shares, -0.1 RAPM

    In his most demanding role yet, DeRozan swelled to surpass expectations. His All-Star season was a product of incremental gains in most every phase of the game.

    READ MORE

  • 60
    DAVID LEE, WARRIORS
    Forward | Age: 31
    6-9, 240 pounds
    Last year: No. 46

    2013-14 statistics
     18.2 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 2.1 APG, 52.3 FG%
    • 19.2 PER, 7.6 Win Shares, 0.2 RAPM

    Lee is a player most often framed by his weaknesses, but let’s consider all that he offers. He's been a steady source of offense for years, having averaged 18.7 points on 52 percent shooting over his last five seasons.

    READ MORE

  • 59
    RYAN ANDERSON, PELICANS
    Forward | Age: 26
    6-10, 240 pounds
    Last year: No. 57

    2013-14 statistics
     19.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 43.8 FG%, 40.9 3P%
    • 18.9 PER, 2.3 Win Shares, 0.4 RAPM

    Fortunately, Anderson seems to have recovered well and has been cleared for contact after sustaining a horrifying neck injury that ended his season in January.

    READ MORE

  • 58
    MARCIN GORTAT, WIZARDS
    Center | Age: 30
    6-11, 240 pounds
    Last year: Unranked

    2013-14 statistics
     13.2 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 1.5 BPG, 54.2 FG%
    • 17.6 PER, 8.1 Win Shares, 2.9 RAPM

    Washington’s 2013 trade for Gortat set up the possibility of some major second-guessing.

    READ MORE

  • 57
    Forward | Age: 24
    6-8, 220 pounds
    Last year: No. 67

    2013-14 statistics
     16.2 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 5.2 APG, 41.3 FG%, 30.4 3P%
    • 16.2 PER, 3.6 Win Shares, 0.5 RAPM

    Hayward's 2013-14 season was a headlong sprint into the high-usage learning curve. In the previous three seasons, he had been an accessory to Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap.

    READ MORE

  • 56
    CHANDLER PARSONS, MAVERICKS
    Forward | Age: 25
    6-9, 227 pounds
    Last year: No. 94
    2013-14 statistics
    • 16.6 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 4.0 APG, 47.2 FG%, 37 3P%
    • 15.9 PER, 7.6 Win Shares, 0.4 RAPM
    By prying Parsons away from the Rockets, the Mavericks landed one of the league’s very best complementary players. Make no mistake: all “No. 3 guys” are not created equal.

    READ MORE

  • 55
    LUOL DENG, HEAT
    Forward | Age: 29
    6-9, 220 pounds
    Last year: No. 55

    2013-14 statistics
     16.0 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 2.9 APG, 43.1 FG%, 30.2 FG%
    • 15.2 PER, 4.5 Win Shares, 0.5 RAPM

    It was just a few weeks ago that Deng’s biggest concern was how to tackle the unenviable task of filling LeBron James’ mammoth shoes in Miami.

    READ MORE

  • 54
    Guard | Age: 24
    6-7, 205 pounds
    Last year: No. 89
    2013-14 statistics
    • 18.4 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 2.2 APG, 44.4 FG%, 41.7 3P%
    • 14.3. PER, 6.7 Win Shares, 1.5 RAPM
    Thompson emerged as a key player for USA Basketball at the World Cup shortly after he was a central player in rumors concerning a possible trade for Kevin Love.

    READ MORE

  • 53
    JOSH SMITH, PISTONS
    Forward | Age: 28
    6-9, 225 pounds
    Last year: No. 34

    2013-14 statistics
    • 16.4 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.4 BPG, 41.9 FG%
    • 14.1 PER, 1.1 Win Shares, 2.1 RAPM

    Smith's play with the Pistons last season wouldn't warrant a ranking this optimistic, but this exercise doesn't punish him for 1) the size of his contract, 2) the failings of his since-fired coach, or 3) the decision to sign him as a solution at small forward.

    READ MORE

  • 52
    ROY HIBBERT, PACERS
    Center | Age: 27
    7-2, 290 pounds
    Last year: No. 23

    2013-14 statistics
     10.8 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 2.2 BPG, 43.9 FG%
    • 13.5 PER, 5.4 Win Shares, 1.5 RAPM

    For a lumbering 7-foot-2 behemoth, Hibbert sure made the transition from “darling of the NBA intelligentsia” to “bane of basketball fans everywhere” in record time.

    READ MORE

  • 51
    Guard | Age: 33
    6-7, 240 pounds
    Last year: No. 59

    2013-14 statistics
    • 15.8 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.7 APG, 45.4 FG%, 40.1 3P%
    • 15.5 PER, 4.9 Win Shares, +2.5 RAPM

    Johnson is a man for all seasons. He shoots effectively from most zones on the floor and can fill most every function, from bullying guards inside to spotting up on the perimeter.

    READ MORE

  • 50
    JRUE HOLIDAY, PELICANS
    Guard | Age: 24
    6-4, 205 pounds
    Last year: No. 48

    2013-14 statistics
    • 14.3 PPG, 7.9 APG, 4.2 RPG, 44.7 FG%, 39.0 3P%
    • Advanced: 17.2 PER, 1.5 Win Shares, +0.6 RAPM

    At 6-4 with a 6-7 wingspan, Holiday is both taller and longer than your average point guard. He uses those advantages to give opponents hell.

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  • 49
    PAU GASOL, BULLS
    Forward | Age: 34
    7-0, 250 pounds
    Last year: No. 36

    2013-14 statistics
    • 17.4 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.5 BPG, 48.0 FG%
    • 19.3 PER, 3.0 Win Shares, 0.0 RAPM

    Two things regarding Gasol have been made clear in the last year.

    READ MORE

  • 48
    NIKOLA PEKOVIC, WOLVES
    Center | Age: 28
    6-11, 285 pounds
    Last year: No. 50

    2013-14 statistics
    • 17.5 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 54.1 FG%
    • 20.1 PER, 5.9 Win Shares, +1.3 RAPM

    Minnesota got almost exactly what it paid for from Pekovic last season. The center's numbers were nearly identical to those he posted during a breakout 2012-13 season that netted him a five-year, $60 million contract. Those stats reflect some real strengths.

    READ MORE

  • 47
    DAVID WEST, PACERS
    Forward | Age: 34
    6-9, 240 pounds
    Last year: No. 31

    2013-14 statistics
    • 14.0 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 2.8 APG, 48.8 FG%
    • 17.6 PER, 8.1 Win Shares, 1.2 RAPM

    Please forgive West if he feels like the rug was yanked out from underneath him this offseason.

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  • 46
    PAUL PIERCE, WIZARDS
    Forward | Age: 36
    6-7, 235 pounds
    Last year: No. 32

    2013-14 statistics
    • 13.5 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 2.4 APG, 45.1 FG%

    • 16.8 PER, 5.2 Win Shares, 2.6 RAPM

    As last season progressed, the Nets grew weirder and far more effective. Pierce was a big reason why.

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  • 45
    DERON WILLIAMS, NETS
    Guard | Age: 30
    6-3, 210 pounds
    Last year: No. 24

    2013-14 statistics
    • 14.3 PPG, 6.1 APG, 2.6 RPG, 45 FG%, 36.6 3P%

    • 17.7 PER, 5.4 Win Shares, 2.0 RAPM

    Deron Williams will likely never be Deron Williams again. That player — the one who led the Jazz to the 2007 Western Conference finals and until recently was regarded as a superstar — has been undercut by ankle injuries. What Williams can be, though, is a perfectly effective point guard.

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  • 44
    TY LAWSON, NUGGETS
    Guard | Age: 26
    5-11, 195 pounds
    Last year: No. 42
    2013-14 statistics
    • 17.6 PPG, 8.8 APG, 3.5 RPG, 43.1 FG%, 35.6 3P%

    • 19 PER, 6.3 Win Shares, 1.6 RAPM

    At a position overflowing with talent, Lawson joins Kyle Lowry as the top point guards to never have garnered any formal recognition.

    READ MORE

  • 43
    NICOLAS BATUM, BLAZERS
    Forward | Age: 25
    6-8, 200 pounds
    Last year: No. 51

    2013-14 statistics
    • 13.0 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 5.1 APG, 46.5 FG%, 36.1 3P%

    • 15.9 PER, 7.9 Win Shares, 0.2 RAPM

    The graceful small forward got a little nastier in 2013-14, with his 7.5 rebounding average representing a major improvement over his previous glasswork

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  • 42
    ZACH RANDOLPH, GRIZZLIES
    Forward | Age: 33
    6-9, 253 pounds
    Last year: No. 35

    2013-14 statistics
    • 17.4 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 2.5 APG, 46.6 FG%

    • 18.4 PER, 6.4 Win Shares, 1.1 RAPM

    Being undersized and lacking leaping ability hardly deter Randolph from scoring inside consistently. The two-time All-Star powers his way up and through defenders to find some slither of an open angle. His plodding, ground-bound game is largely reliant on manufacturing contested shots from within the teeth of the defense. This is who he is and what he does, and provided that his team understands that, he'll go to work in generating offense and cleaning the glass as often as possible.

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  • 41
    MANU GINOBILI, SPURS
    Guard | Age: 37
    6-6, 210 pounds
    Last year: No. 56
    2013-14 statistics
    • 12.3 PPG, 4.3 APG, 3 RPG, 46.9 FG%, 34.9 3P%

    • 20.1 PER, 5.7 Win Shares, 4.7 RAPMAs one of many talented reserves on San Antonio's ridiculously deep bench, Ginobili logged just 1,550 minutes last season (seventh most on the team and an average of 22.8 per game). It'd be an understatement to say he made the most of his time on the court.

    READ MORE

  • 40
    RAJON RONDO, CELTICS
    Guard | Age: 28
    6-1, 171 pounds
    Last year: No. 26

    2013-14 statistics
    • 11.7 PPG, 9.8 APG, 5.5 RPG, 40.3 FG%, 28.9 3P%

    • 15.3 PER, 1.1 Win Shares, -0.2 RAPM

    We know how good Rondo can be. He's dominated playoff series. He led the NBA in assists in back-to-back seasons. He's sly. He's athletic. He makes jaw-dropping plays through magnetic creativity. Fans revere this Rondo. The complete Rondo, however, can't be contained so neatly in a highlight reel, not when he drifts, mails in games and comes with a mess of baggage. Both extremes, and the complicating factors between them, play a part in his ranking, which is lower than his talent might warrant.

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  • 39
    TYSON CHANDLER, MAVERICKS
    Center | Age: 31
    7-1, 235 pounds
    Last year: No. 27

    2013-14 statistics
    • 8.7 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 1.1 BPG, 59.3 FG%

    • 16.5 PER, 4.9 Win Shares, 1.3 RAPM

    I didn't blame Chandler much for playing with an uncharacteristic level of disengagement at times last season. By the time he returned in mid-December after missing 20 games with a broken leg, the Knicks were already in the midst of a downward spiral.

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  • 38
    DEANDRE JORDAN, CLIPPERS
    Center | Age: 26
    6-11, 250 pounds
    Last year: Unranked

    2013-14 statistics
    • 10.4 PPG, 13.6 RPG, 2.5 BPG, 67.6 FG%
    • 18.2 PER, 11.1 Win Shares, 2.2 RAPM

    In his first season as Clippers coach, Doc Rivers made Jordan's development a top priority. That mission was accomplished, as Jordan posted career highs in minutes, points, rebounds (a league-leading 13.6), blocks, field goal percentage (a league-leading 67.6), PER and Win Shares.

    READ MORE

  • 37
    ANDRE DRUMMOND, PISTONS
    Center | Age: 21
    6-10, 270 pounds
    Last year: No. 63

    2013-14 statistics
    • 13.5 PPG, 13.2 RPG, 1.6 BPG, 62.3 FG%

    • 22.7 PER, 9.9 Win Shares, -0.4 RAPM

    Stan Van Gundy surprised a lot of people when he agreed to take over the sad-sack Pistons. Why would a coach who was accustomed to winning consistently in Orlando subject himself to Detroit's dysfunction? The obvious explanation: Van Gundy was granted authority over basketball decisions. But don't overlook the presence of Drummond, who has the potential to blossom into a superstar.

    READ MORE

  • 36
    BROOK LOPEZ, NETS
    Center | Age: 26
    7-0, 260 pounds
    Last year: No. 30

    2013-14 statistics
    • 20.7 PPG, 6 RPG, 1.8 BPG, 56.3 FG%

    • 25.5 PER, 2.3 Win Shares, 1.1 RAPM

    If not for durability concerns — Lopez broke his right foot twice in the last three seasons — he would be ranked higher as the rare center who can carry an offense.

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  • 35
    GORAN DRAGIC, SUNS
    Guard | Age: 28
    6-4, 180 pounds
    Last year: No. 88

    2013-14 statistics
    • 20.3 PPG, 5.9 APG, 3.2 RPG, 50.5 FG%, 40.8 3P%

    • 21.4 PER, 10.3 Win Shares, 2.1 RAPM

    Dragic was a worthy third-team All-NBA selection last season for his clever play with the ball and creativity in opening paths to the rim. Never before had Dragic carried an offense as effortlessly as he did the 2013-14 Suns, and never before had he hit shots both inside and out at such a superior rate. His scoring and playmaking helped surprising Phoenix contend for a playoff spot all year.

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  • 34
    PAUL MILLSAP, HAWKS
    Forward | Age: 29
    6-8, 245 pounds
    Last year: No. 38

    2013-14 statistics
    • 17.9 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 3.1 APG, 46.1 FG%, 35.8 3P%
    • 19.8 PER, 6.7 Win Shares, 2.1 RAPM

    Overlooked for years in the West's overloaded power forward crop, Millsap left rebuilding Utah for middling Atlanta in 2013 and was immediately rewarded with his first All-Star selection.

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  • 33
    ERIC BLEDSOE, SUNS
    Guard | Age: 24
    6-1, 190 pounds
    Last year: No. 95

    2013-14 statistics
    • 17.7 PPG, 5.5 APG, 4.7 RPG, 47.7 FG%, 35.7 3P%
    • 19.6 PER, 4.1 Win Shares, 1.4 RAPM

    The lesser of Phoenix's dual point guards last season is nonetheless the better prospect for this season.

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  • 32
    MIKE CONLEY, GRIZZLIES
    Guard | Age: 26
    6-1, 180 pounds
    Last year: No. 39

    2013-14 statistics
    • 17.2 PPG, 6.0 APG, 2.9 RPG, 45.0 FG%, 36.1 3P%
    • 20.1 PER, 8.2 Win Shares, 4.2 RAPM

    The patron saint of the underrated. It's criminal that Conley is overlooked so often in discussions of the NBA's point guard hierarchy, particularly when he made such a substantive leap last season through means of traditional stardom.

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  • 31
    JOHN WALL, WIZARDS
    Guard | Age: 23
    6-4, 195 pounds
    Last year: No. 40

    2013-14 statistics
    • 19.3 PPG, 8.8 APG, 4.1 RPG, 43.3 FG%, 35.1 3P%
    • 19.6 PER, 7.9 Win Shares, 2.9 RAPM

    Wall had a 2013-14 season worthy of a No. 1 pick for a Wizards team that reached the second round for the first time in nine years.

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  • 30
    KYLE LOWRY, RAPTORS
    Guard | Age: 28
    6-0, 205 pounds
    Last year: No. 81

    2013-14 statistics
    • 17.9 PPG, 7.4 APG, 4.7 RPG, 42.3 FG%, 38.3 3P%
    • 20.2 PER, 11.7 Win Shares, 2.0 RAPM

    Lowry played the leading role in Extreme Makeover: Point Guard Edition in 2013-14, renovating his old reputation as a surly, mediocre floor general who had struggled to hold on to a starting job into a sparkling, new standing as an All-Star-caliber gamer who — as he was invariably described — served as the “heart and soul” of the upstart Raptors.

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  • 29
    ANDRE IGUODALA, WARRIORS
    Forward | Age: 30
    6-6, 207 pounds
    Last year: No. 33

    2013-14 statistics
    • 9.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 4.2 APG, 48 FG%, 35.4 3P%
    • 13.7 PER, 5.8 Win Shares, 6.3 RAPM

    Individually speaking, Iguodala is the best perimeter defender in the league, so thorough in challenging an opponent through every stage of a possession that he leaves many without recourse.

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  • 28
    KAWHI LEONARD, SPURS
    Forward | Age: 23
    6-7, 230 pounds
    Last year: No. 37

    2013-14 statistics
    • 12.8 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.0 APG, 52.2 FG%, 37.9 3P%
    • 19.4 PER, 7.7 Win Shares, -0.2 RAPM

    Leonard makes you rub your eyes twice. First, when he does something amazing, like snaring a defensive rebound with one hand, quickly dribbling the ball up the court and then calmly burying a three-pointer during a pressure-packed postseason game. Second, when you look at his stat line and wonder why his eye-test heroics aren’t really reflected in his numbers.

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  • 27
    DEMARCUS COUSINS, KINGS
    Center | Age: 24
    6-11, 270 pounds
    Last year: No. 53

    2013-14 statistics
    • 22.7 PPG, 11.7 RPG, 2.9 APG, 49.6 FG%
    • 26.2 PER, 7.9 Win Shares, 0.3 RAPM

    While it's hard to know exactly what to make of Cousins at times, we can begin with acknowledgement that he was one of the most absurdly productive players in the league last season.

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  • 26
    AL JEFFERSON, HORNETS
    Center | Age: 29
    6-10, 289 pounds
    Last year: No. 44

    2013-14 statistics
    • 21.8 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 2.1 APG, 50.9 FG%
    • 22.8 PER, 7.8 Win Shares, 0.0 RAPM

    Jefferson deserves full credit for carrying Charlotte to the peak of its capabilities last season, even if that comes off as a bit of a backhanded compliment considering that the team won just 43 games and was swept in the first round.

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  • 25
    AL HORFORD, HAWKS
    Center | Age: 28
    6-10, 250 pounds
    Last year: No. 22

    2013-14 statistics
    • 18.6 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 2.6 APG, 56.7 FG%
    • 22.1 PER, 2.8 Win Shares, 1.4 RAPM

    Horford has been off the NBA radar after missing the final four months of last season with a torn pectoral muscle. Now healthy, he returns to provide the Hawks a worthy foundation.

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  • 24
    KOBE BRYANT, LAKERS
    Guard | Age: 36
    6-6, 205 pounds
    Last year: No. 9

    2013-14 statistics
    • 13.8 PPG, 6.3 APG, 4.3 RPG, 42.5 FG%, 18.8 3P%
    • 10.7 PER, -0.4 Win Shares, 1.7 RAPM

    If … If … If. That’s the first and last word when it comes to Bryant, who is coming back from an Achilles injury that ended his 2012-13 season a week before the playoffs and a knee injury that cut his 2013-14 season short after just six nondescript games.

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  • 23
    DERRICK ROSE, BULLS
    Guard | Age: 25
    6-3, 190 pounds
    Last year: No. 12

    2013-14 statistics
    • 15.9 PPG, 4.3 APG, 3.2 RPG, 35.4 FG%, 34 3P%
    • 9.8 PER, -0.2 Win Shares, 2.8 RAPM

    Let’s keep it real: The only reason that Rose is in this position, or even the top 50, is because he was so scintillating during his 2010-11 MVP season that the benefit of the doubt he stockpiled still hasn’t been exhausted during three years of injuries, rehabilitations, more injuries and more rehabilitations.

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  • 22
    DAMIAN LILLARD, BLAZERS
    Guard | Age: 24
    6-3, 195 pounds
    Last year: No. 47

    2013-14 statistics
    • 20.7 PPG, 5.6 APG, 3.5 RPG, 42.4 FG%, 39.4 3P%
    • 18.7 PER, 9.6 Win Shares, 1.9 RAPM

    Sophomore slump? Forget about it. Lillard followed up his unanimous Rookie of the Year campaign by making the All-Star team and the All-NBA third team in a season capped by his series-clinching buzzer-beater that delivered the Blazers to the conference semifinals for the first time since 2000.

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  • 21
    KYRIE IRVING, CAVALIERS
    Guard | Age: 22
    6-3, 193 pounds
    Last year: No. 20

    2013-14 statistics
    • 20.8 PPG, 6.1 APG, 3.6 RPG, 43.0 FG%, 35.8 3P%
    • 20.1 PER, 6.7 Win Shares, -1.3 RAPM

    How insignificant does Irving’s flat-line 2013-14 season seem in comparison to the promise of the next half-decade of Cavaliers basketball?

    READ MORE

     

    Does Peter Vecsey agree with SI's Top 100 NBA players list?

    On Wednesday's SI Now, Gowdy Media Award Winner Peter Vecsey discusses the players on Sports Illustrated's Top 100 NBA players of 2015 list and who he would like to see on the list.

     

  • 20
    DWYANE WADE, HEAT
    Guard | Age: 32
    6-4, 220 pounds
    Last year: No. 8

    2013-14 statistics
    • 19.0 PPG, 4.7 APG, 4.5 RPG, 54.5 FG%, 28.1 3P%
    • 22.1 PER, 5.5 Win Shares, 2.9 RAPM

    Ailing knees have ended Wade's superstardom, as his shot distribution and free throw rate can attest. Wade's availability is also subject to the swelling in his knees and their preemptive maintenance. Only so much can be done to protect against the fact that Wade is now prone to slow up for stretches or miss games entirely (he played just 54 in the 2013-14 regular season), cleanly separating him from the ranks of the NBA's best every-night performers.

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  • 19
    SERGE IBAKA, THUNDER
    Forward | Age: 24
    6-10, 245 pounds
    Last year: No. 29

    2013-14 statistics
    • 15.1 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 2.7 BPG, 53.6 FG%
    • 19.7 PER, 9.6 Win Shares, 0.7 RAPM

    The Thunder's system of scrambling defensive pressure wouldn't work if opponents didn't fear Ibaka, and opponents wouldn't fear him if Ibaka didn't follow through by swatting a terrifying amount of shots. Teammates on the perimeter can gamble and attempt to rush foes, content in the knowledge that Ibaka will slide over to challenge any drive that gets through.

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  • 18
    CHRIS BOSH, HEAT
    Forward | Age: 30
    6-11, 235 pounds
    Last year: No. 17

    2013-14 statistics
    • 16.2 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.1 APG, 51.6 FG%, 33.9 3P%
    • 19.1 PER, 8.0 Win Shares, 2.7 RAPM

    Bosh may never be fully appreciated by casual fans — he's too unusual a player and too quirky a personality — but those who watch him closely see what a tremendous resource he is. It was through his evolution that the Heat found transcendence, and it's to Bosh's great credit that he could be used in entirely different ways to help a different team find the same.

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  • 17
    JOAKIM NOAH, BULLS
    Center | Age: 29
    6-11, 232 pounds
    Last year: No. 21

    2013-14 statistics
    • 12.6 PPG, 11.3 RPG, 5.3 APG, 47.5 FG%
    • 20.1 PER, 11.2 Win Shares, 1.3 RAPM

    The Bulls had no choice but to lean on Noah more than ever in 2013-14 following the loss of Derrick Rose and the cost-cutting midseason trade of Luol Deng. The 2007 lottery pick responded with the most complete season of his career, earning All-Star, All-NBA First Team and Defensive Player of the Year honors as he carried Chicago to 48 wins. Noah led the league in defensive rating and defensive win shares while serving as the backline of the NBA’s second-best team defense. The 6-foot-11 center gets it done with frenetic energy, a maniacal commitment to the defensive glass, a honed understanding of defensive spacing and the physical tools to cover lots and lots of ground.

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  • 16
    MARC GASOL, GRIZZLIES
    Center | Age: 29
    7-1, 265 pounds
    Last year: No. 14

    2013-14 statistics
    • 14.6 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 3.6 APG, 47.3 FG%
    • 18.3 PER, 5.6 Win Shares, 2.1 RAPM

    Gasol doesn't have the disposition to score as much as his skills would allow. Instead, he opts for defensive dominance with a more balanced offensive role. The former is his primary appeal. At 7-1, Gasol is a natural threat as a shot blocker. Yet where he really excels is in filling space that would otherwise allow opponents to manufacture the best shots possible. His is an intuitive defensive style predicated on the instant recognition of angles and lanes; Gasol — who has strange agility for a man of his size — relies on that awareness to beat his opponent to a spot and limit his options thereafter.

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  • 15
    TONY PARKER, SPURS
    Guard | Age: 32
    6-2, 185 pounds
    Last year: No. 4

    2013-14 statistics
    • 16.7 PPG, 5.7 APG, 2.3 RPG, 49.9 FG%, 37.3 3P%
    • 19 PER, 5.9 Win Shares, 3.8 RAPM

    Overreacting to Parker’s fall from No. 4 last year would be a mistake. Yes, he is the only member of last year’s top five that wasn’t back this year and, yes, he is one of the biggest sliders among this year’s top 25. That relative change says less about Parker himself and more about the ruthless nature of ranking the league’s 15 best players. At this stage of the list, even a very good season that includes an All-Star trip, an All-NBA Second Team selection, and another championship victory doesn’t guarantee preferred placement.

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  • 14
    DIRK NOWITZKI, MAVERICKS
    Forward | Age: 36
    7-0, 245 pounds
    Last year: No. 16

    2013-14 statistics
    • 21.7 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.7 APG, 49.7 FG%, 39.8 3P%
    • 23.7 PER, 10.9 Win Shares, 3.9 RAPM

    There are certain players on our list who were given the benefit of the doubt in their ranking based on extensive playing histories. Nowitzki was not one of them.

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  • 13
    JAMES HARDEN, ROCKETS
    Guard | Age: 25
    6-5, 220 pounds
    Last year: No. 161

    2013-14 statistics
    • 25.4 PPG, 6.1 APG, 4.7 RPG, 45.6 FG%, 36.6 3P%
    • 23.5 PER, 12.8 Win Shares, 3.1 RAPM

    Has Harden eclipsed Russell Westbrook and Dwight Howard as the NBA’s most polarizing and vilified superstar? Houston’s All-Star guard is a Texas-sized target for so many reasons: his unkempt beard, his flop-happy histrionics, his criminally negligent defense, his occasional oh-what-the-hell approach to shot selection and, most seriously, his shaky 2014 postseason which ended in an early exit.

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  • 12
    LAMARCUS ALDRIDGE, BLAZERS
    Forward | Age: 29
    6-11, 240 pounds
    Last year: No. 18

    2013-14 statistics
    • 23.3 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 2.6 APG, 45.8 FG%
    • 21.8 PER, 7.5 Win Shares, 3.7 RAPM

    For Aldridge, the self-cast Rodney Dangerfield of the NBA’s deep group of elite power forwards, 2013-14 marked the most fulfilling and gratifying season of his eight-year career. Stuck in the lottery for two seasons as Blazers management attempted to move on from Brandon Roy and Greg Oden, Aldridge began venting some frustrations last summer. It was one thing for Aldridge to feel snubbed in comparison to higher-profile peers like Levin Love or Blake Griffin; it was far worse to feel like his team wasn't capable of putting him on a big enough stage to stake his claim to the awards and adulation.

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  • 11
    CARMELO ANTHONY, KNICKS
    Forward | Age: 30
    6-8, 235 pounds
    Last year: No. 10

    2013-14 statistics
    • 27.4 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 3.1 APG, 45.2 FG%, 40.2 3P%
    • 24.5 PER, 10.7 Win Shares, 2.4 RAPM

    Last season marked another strong but ultimately futile campaign for Anthony, who would have been frighteningly easy to forget about if not for his outrageous 62-point effort against Charlotte and his string of 40-point games in February. Those peaks inspired a sense of pity for all of the involved parties; here was the league’s second-leading scorer taking out the frustration of a wasted year of his basketball prime on defenders that didn’t have a prayer.

    READ MORE

     

    SI's Top 10 players of 2015

    On Friday's SI Now, host Maggie Gray unveils the top 10 players on SI.com's Top 100 NBA players of 2015.

     

  • 10
    BLAKE GRIFFIN, CLIPPERS
    Forward | Age: 25
    6-10, 251 pounds
    Last year: No. 19

    2013-14 statistics
    • 24.1 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 3.9 APG, 52.8 FG%
    • 24 PER, 12.2 Win Shares, 4.1 RAPM

    Griffin is a finisher so fearsome that a rotating defender's main objective is to avoid embarrassment. Some do so by conceding the points. Others simply play for the foul, particularly in transition. Griffin gets to the line on 19 percent of his fast-break possessions, per Synergy Sports, more than LeBron James (13.4 percent), Russell Westbrook (13.5 percent) and even the foul-baiting James Harden (17 percent). It's often all an opponent can do to foul Griffin after he makes a catch in open space, a dilemma that extends into half-court situations off of Griffin's cuts and rolls.

    READ MORE

  • 9
    DWIGHT HOWARD, ROCKETS
    Center | Age: 28
    6-11, 265 pounds
    Last year: No. 7

    2013-14 statistics
    • 18.3 PPG, 12.2 RPG, 1.8 BPG, 59.1 FG%
    • 21.4 PER, 8.0 Win Shares, 2.7 RAPM

    There are those in the league who score like Dwight, others who rebound like him, and some who even compare defensively. But there is no one who does all of the above save for the genuine article. Howard isn't without his deficiencies as a player and teammate, but what he contributes still ranks him among the NBA's finest. A particularly strong season could easily move Howard up this list, perhaps even as high as No. 4. That's the level of impact he can have on a game and a team, no matter the noise concerning his post-up mechanics and free throw shooting.

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  • 8
    STEPHEN CURRY, WARRIORS
    Guard | Age: 26
    6-3, 185 pounds
    Last year: No. 15

    2013-14 statistics
    • 24 PPG, 8.5 APG, 4.3 RPG, 47.1 FG%, 42.4 3P%
    • 24.1 PER, 13.4 Win Shares, 4.3 RAPM

    There are shooters and then there is Curry. As a standstill marksman, Curry would likely lead the field; he hit 48.9 percent of his spot-up threes last season, according to Synergy Sports, in part because his release is too quick for opponents to reliably contest. Those shots, however, only accounted for 13 percent of Curry's total long-range attempts. Most of the time he's gunning for threes off the bounce, which isn't only a far more difficult shot — but a far more useful one.

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  • 7
    KEVIN LOVE, CAVALIERS
    Forward | Age: 25
    6-10, 243 pounds
    Last year: No. 13

    2013-14 statistics
    • 26.1 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 4.4 APG, 45.7 FG%, 37.6 3P%
    • 27 PER, 14.3 Win Shares, 5.1 RAPM

    To blame Love for what became of the Timberwolves last season is to miss the point entirely. During Love's time on the floor, Minnesota registered the net rating of a top-10 team. It was when Love sat that the Wolves so often fell to pieces.

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  • 6
    ANTHONY DAVIS, PELICANS
    Forward | Age: 21
    6-10, 220 pounds
    Last year: No. 41

    2013-14 statistics
    • 20.8 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 2.8 BPG, 51.9 FG%
    • 26.5 PER, 10.4 Win Shares, -1.4 RAPM

    In just two seasons Davis has made the jump to superstardom. First he established himself, putting together a solid rookie year while adjusting to the speed of the pro game. Then, just as quickly, the former No. 1 overall pick took the league by storm — actualizing overnight in the form of a perfect NBA big. The style of the modern NBA favors power forwards and centers who can cover ground quickly, function outside the paint, and take on a variety of roles. Davis is an excellent prospect in all regards whose eventual trajectory points to the very top of these rankings.

    READ MORE

  • 5
    TIM DUNCAN, SPURS
    Forward/center | Age: 38
    6-11, 250 pounds
    Last year: No. 6

    2013-14 statistics
    • 15.1 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 3.0 APG, 49.0 FG%
    • 21.4 PER, 7.4 Win Shares, 3.1 RAPM

    Go ahead, start rehearsing now. Start preparing your speech to your future grandkids that explains what Duncan accomplished in 2013-14, and try to make it sound like something that actually happened rather than a passage out of an ancient Greek myth.

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  • 4
    RUSSELL WESTBROOK, THUNDER
    Guard | Age: 25
    6-3, 200 pounds
    Last year: No. 5

    2013-14 statistics
    • 21.8 PPG, 6.9 APG, 5.7 RPG, 43.7 FG%, 31.8 3P%
    • 24.7 PER, 5.2 Win Shares, 2.3 RAPM

    Westbrook had to endure real adversity for the first time in 2013-14, the type that makes harsh media criticism and mocking social media memes look like child’s play. Three knee surgeries in less than a year is a terrifying concept for any professional athlete, but the fear factor was even greater for Oklahoma City’s three-time All-Star point guard. After all, his greatest attributes – speed, quickness, explosiveness, leaping ability, durability, drive, fearlessness, relentlessness – all are contingent upon two healthy knees. Although he was set for life financially thanks to a monster rookie extension, Westbrook’s status as one of the league’s premier superstars was suddenly and unexpectedly thrown into question, just as he was preparing to entire his prime on what had been a surefire championship contender.

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  • 3
    CHRIS PAUL, CLIPPERS
    Guard | Age: 29
    6-0, 175 pounds
    Last year: No. 3

    2013-14 statistics
    • 19.1 PPG, 10.7 APG, 4.3 RPG, 46.7 FG%, 36.8 3P%
    • 26 PER, 12.2 Win Shares, 5.8 RAPM

    Paul has spent his entire three-year Clippers tenure as the NBA’s best all-around point guard and the consensus third-best player in the league behind LeBron James and Kevin Durant. Neither of those titles changed in 2013-14, even though Paul missed an extended stretch due to a shoulder injury and suffered through the highest-profile postseason meltdown of his nine-year career.

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  • 2
    KEVIN DURANT, THUNDER
    Forward | Age: 25
    6-9, 240 pounds
    Last year: No. 2

    2013-14 statistics
    • 32 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 5.5 APG, 50.3 FG%, 39.1 3P%
    • 29.9 PER, 19.2 Win Shares, 3.8 RAPM

    Topping LeBron James in MVP voting, PER and Win Shares requires a truly extraordinary all-around season, and that’s exactly what Durant stringed together in 2013-14.

    READ MORE

  • 1
    LEBRON JAMES, CAVALIERS
    Forward | Age: 29
    6-8, 250 pounds
    Last year: No. 1

    2013-14 statistics
    • 27.1 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 6.3 APG, 56.7 FG%, 37.9 3P%
    • 29.4 PER, 15.9 Win Shares, 5.6 RAPM

    It should come as no surprise to see James' name on top of the SI.com Top 100 once again. There are, and were, debates to be had about spots 3 through 100, but both James and Durant slid into their respective spots without so much as a whisper

מנחם לס

הזקו והוותיק מכולם בצוות. מנסה לכתוב יומית - כל זמן שאוכל!

לפוסט הזה יש 30 תגובות

  1. דירוג מגוחך
    לא מסכים לחלוטין עם חלק גדול מהבחירות
    לילארד 22 ?
    לאב 7 ?
    דראגיץ 35 ?
    קליי תומפסון 54 ?

    לפחות 8 מ ה10 הראשונים בקונפרנס המערבי
    ו 15-5 למערב בטופ 20 ההבדל בין הקונפרנסים יהיה עצום השנה לטובת המערב

    בכל מקרה ולדעתי כמעט בלתי אפשרי לדרג בכזו רזולוציה , הפערים בין השחקנים נמוכים

  2. אני מקווה שעורך הדירוג ישאר בחיים אחרי שקובי יראה היכן דירגו אותו.
    דראגיץ 35?? ברדלי ביל 76?? לילארד 22??? איך?
    ועם כל הכבוד לדאנקן(ויש הרבה..) הוא לא השחקן החמישי הכי טוב בליגה. אפשר עוד לשים אותו בעשיריה, אבל לא מעל אנתוני דייויס וסטף קרי.

    1. אפילו רפה ההבנה והשכל באתר היו מגיעים לדירוג מאוזן יותר
      ראיון לא רע לאתגר
      דרג את 10 השחקנים הטובים בליגה בשנה הבאה
      צריך להשקיע מחשבה ,אבל אצלי דוראנט ראשון הוא ינפק עונה בלתי נשכחת ויקח את האי וי פי פעם נוספת

  3. החמישייה האמיתית (בכדורסל. לא במכירת נעליים)
    1. דאנקן
    2. קובי
    3. דירק
    4. לברון
    5. פארקר
    הדירוג הוא על כלל הקריירה של השחקן.

  4. אסיק גבוה מידי מעניין מה אפלטון חושב וגם הארדן שמאכזב במאני טיים.

    הודעה חשובה מהספרס דאנקן פרקר מאנו דיאו…לא רוצים שימקמו אותם גבוה אנא הורידו אותם למקומות האחרים.
    רוצים להעלם לכם ולהישכח שעוד עונה יקחו אליפות (הלוואי ובלאט יקח אם לא)
    הם רוצים להמשיך עם הסוד שלהם הצניעות

  5. טוב שהבאת את הדירוג מנחם.
    קיי בדקתי בשבילך במיימדים נסתרים יש מכונות זמן שיכולות לקחת אותך
    למחוק ולשנות את העבר. אך לשלול כזה למחוק זמן עם היברט גם המדע הבדיוני לא התקדם. ממש מצטערים על הדקות האבודות.
    זה קצת מההומור הנפלא של הגבר המצחיק באתר אשך טמיר המקורי.
    גם ווסטברוק גבוה מידי ולא פיר כלפי דראגיץ.
    מסכים עם מידן ועוד כותבים מעלי.
    ממשיך לחשוב שהאתר נפלא.
    תודה לכותבים ולמגיבים ואחלה שנה מבורכת שתהיה לכם

  6. רועי האם לדעתך לא צריך לעלות את וויד ולהוריד את בוש?
    רוז 34 אולי 134 הלוואי שיצליח וגם קובי למרות שאני מתעב את ניפוח האגו שלהם . מה שהוריד אותם למעטה. שיהיו בריאים ישחקו ויפסידו

  7. כנציג רפי ההבנה באתר אני מוחה על הדירוג של דראגיץ'. אין שום סיבה לא להכניס אותו לפחות לטופ 25, נגיד למקום 23 או 24 במקום אחד משני השחקנים הגמורים שדורגו שם. אין לי ספק בכלל שהוא עוד לא הגיע לשיא שלו והולכת להיות לו עונה חלומית שתוכיח אחת ולתמיד שהוא אחד מחמשת הגארדים הטובים בליגה.

    חוץ מזה, קליי תומפסון נמוך להחריד משום מה ואייזיה תומאס רק מקום 90? לא סביר בעליל.

  8. הדירוג אכן מגוחך

    קנת' פאריד רק במקום ה-77 שאמיר ג'ונסון במקום ה-71

    ראיין אנדרסון ממוקם במקום ה-59 שדמאר דרוזן במקום ה-61

    וה-15 הראשונים צריכים להיות כך:

    15- טוני פארקר
    14- טימי דאנקן
    13- דירק נוביצקי
    12- קווין לאב
    11- למרכוס אולדריג'
    10- כרמלו אנתוני
    9- דוויט האוורד
    8- בלייק גריפין
    7- ראסל ווסטברוק
    6- אנתוני דייויס
    5-ג'יימס הארדן
    4- סטפן קארי
    3- כריס פול
    2- קווין דוראנט
    1- לברון ג'יימס

    בקיצור הדירוג הזה הוא דירוג נוראי אני הכי השתגעתי שהם דירגו את פאריד במקום ה-77 כשביכולת המונדובאסקט הוא בין ה- 25 או ה-20 הטובים בליגה!

  9. לדוויט הווארד יש את הסוכן הכי טוב בעולם … יש לא עט סנטרים היום ברמה שלו ושגם קולעים מהעונשין ולא נחנקים כשצריך אותם….
    מ טער אבל הוא בטוח לא הסנטר הטוב בליגה

  10. הדירוג פה הוא דווקא די ריאלי, מלבד כמה פעמים שנתנו לשחקנים כבוד ונקודות בונוס על ניסיון (דאנקן, ווייד, קובי) בסך הכל דירוג מוצלח.

    קליי תומפסון באמת עדיין ברמה של טופ 50 ולא טופ 20 וגם לא טופ 30, אל תסתנוורו מהאליפות המצויינת שלו, הוא עדיין לא ברמה הגבוהה. אולי השנה יגיע לשם, מי יודע.

    הארדן, לכאורה אני צריך להתמרמר שהוא לא בעשירייה הראשונה אבל הוא כל כך עצבן אותי באליפות העולם האחרונה ונראה שהוא ממש לא שם על כל הביקורות על המשחק הקבוצתי וההגנה שלו. והכי גרוע, פאק בן אדם תאר לך איזה שחקן היית אם היית מסוגל לחדור גם מימין? עדיין, הבן אדם זה קובי בריאנט מזוקן. אפשר לשנוא אותו ואפשר לאהוב אותו, אבל אי אפשר להתעלם מהשליטה שלו על המשחק. פה הוא ברמת החמישייה הראשונה, רק שיראה את זה בפלייאוף.

    והווארד עדיין הסנטר הטוב בליגה, לא יעזור כלום. השנה זו תהיה שנת השיא שלו. זה מתאים בגיל, בהתבגרות וברצון. אני מאמין באיש הגדול.

      1. ממש ממש לא. בוא נגיד שכשהביאו את הווארד וכבר היה את אסיק הייתי מעדיף שיעשו הכל להביא את אולדריג׳ במקום את הווארד, ואז היתה קבוצה שלמה הרבה יותר. אבל במצב הנתון כרגע אין סנטר שהייתי מחליף תמורת הווארד.

    1. +1.
      הלאה להזייה שתומסון הוא טופ 10, יש לו כברת דרך ארוכה לעשות. הירדן תותח, הקובי החדש, לטוב ולרע. מסכים עם מה שאמרת, הדירוג לא רע למעט בונוסים על לגאסי.

  11. הכתבה מעניינת מאוד והדירוג לא מגוחך, סה"כ די משקף. ישנן טעויות גם לפי דעתי, אבל כדאי לקרוא את המאמר המקורי ב SI וקרוא את ההסברים המלאים על הדירוג של כל שחקן. גם הסטטיסטיקה מופיעה ללא הבלבול בתרגום לעברית.
    הארדן=קובי מזוקן, אהבתי. רק ללא ההגנה . . .

  12. נניח שהאוורד הסנטר הטוב בליגה, מי קבע שהוא השחקן ה9 בטיבו בליגה??

    זה מגוחך לגמרי בטח כשהעמדה הזאת היא אחת מה-2 החלשות ביותר בליגה.

    יסלחו לי אבל אולדריג' פחות טוב מהאוורד?? לא לפי הפלייאוף האחרון.

    ובלייק?? מצחיק.

    אבל שיא השיאים זה לשים את היברט וה-10.8 נק' למשחק שלו במקום ה-52.

    רק מי שסבל עם החמור הזה שנה שלמה בפנטאזי מבין כמה זה מגוחך להכניס את השם שלו ל100 הטובים.

    אגב, בצדק בSL בחרו להתעלם מהיכולות של האמריקאים בטורניר אליפות העולם.

    1. הווארד יותר טוב מאולדריג׳, גם על פי הפלייאוף האחרון, ששם הוא החזיק את יוסטון על הכתפיים כשכל השאר שבקו, אבל במיוחד על פי העונה הרגילה ועל פי יציבות לאורך שנים שגם זו נלקחה בחשבון בדירוג הזה כנראה. גם על פי סטטיסטיקות מתקדמות וגם רק להסתכל על המשחק בהתקפה ובהגנה.
      אבל לא בהרבה, אולדריג׳ אחד השחקנים הטובים בליגה, ואני צופה לו עוד עונה מפלצתית.

      סה״כ אפשר להסתכל על כל שחקן ולהגיד למה הוא במקום הזה ואחר אבל בהסתכלות רחבה המיקומים מייצגים יפה את חתך השחקנים בליגה

      1. הוא ממש לא היה טוב יותר בסדרה הזאת.

        גם על פני העונה השלמה הוא לא היה טוב יותר.

        והגנה? איזה הגנה הייתה ליוסטון בעונה שעברה? מי עם ההגנת טבעת המפורסמת של האוורד, למה אני שנתיים לא רואה את זה?

        אוברייטד אחד גדול.

        זה לא משנה אם הוא הסנטר הטוב בליגה, הוא בטוח לא אחד מ10 השחקנים הטובים בליגה.

        אם מול אולדריג' יש עוד מקום לדיבייט(אני לוקח את אולדריג' בכל יום בשנה בגלל היעילות המדהימה שלו בהתקפה) מול בלייק אין על מה לדבר,
        גם הארדן טוב ממנו כגו טו גאי.

  13. לא מבין על איזה בסיס דורגו קובי ורוז. מישהו מוכן להמר על 2 משחקים טובים רצופים שלהם העונה?? ( ואני עוד ממעריכי קובי ..)

  14. יש לי בעיה עם הדירוג של הארדן, בגלל רמת ההגנה שלו – באליפות העולם שלקראתה הוא הכריז שהוא רוצה להיות defensive stopper של הנבחרת, שחקנים בינוניים עברו אותו כאילו הוא לא שם. לעומת זאת הדירוג של קו ואי למארס נמוך מדי – הבן אדם בכל זאת זכה בmvp של הגמר האחרון…

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