Wednesday, October 10, 2012

NBA Top 125

Today we begin to preview the 2012-2013 NBA Season. Over the course of the next couple weeks, we will unveil our Top 125 NBA players. We'll count down slowly, today showing you players 101 - 125:

NBA Player Rankings: 101-125


101. Chauncey Billups - LA Clippers

Injured for much of last season, Billups is a vet that can still get it done. He will provide shooting, leadership, and will be a "clutch" player for them.


102. Darren Collison - Dallas Mavericks

Darren came to the Mavs in an offseason trade which proved to benefit them greatly. He will likely start and become a lightning rod for them, particularly on the defensive end.

103. Devin Harris - Atlanta Hawks

Seems like he is on a new team every year, this season though he will begin in Atlanta. I've always thought he was underrated, but he still hasn't played like he did back in Dallas.

104. Thaddeus Young - Philadelphia 76ers

Young plays a big role for the 76ers and is always a tough guy to match up with. He will be even better playing alongside Andrew Bynum, and will play a bigger role with AI gone.

105. Damian Lillard - Portland Trailblazers

Lilllard may end up being the ROY this year because he will do a lot for his new team. I see him as a Derrick Rose type of player, just not quite that good... yet.

106. Omer Asik - Houston Rockets

Asik finally cashed in on his good play and is now in Houston. He will play a larger role there than he was playing in Chicago.

107. Jason Kidd - New York Knicks

Kidd will be a much needed leader for the talented Knicks, but he can still get it done on the court also. He's not as exciting as Jeremy Lin, but is probably just what this team needs.

108. Shane Battier - Miami Heat

The "hero" of the NBA finals, Battier is an integral piece of the defending champs. It will be interesting to see how is playing time is affected by the influx of bench talent they brought in.

109. Kendrick Perkins - Oklahoma City Thunder

The beef for the talented Thunder, this guy does all the dirty work. He doesn't light up the stat sheet, but every team would love to have this guy on their roster.

110. Jose Calderon - Toronto Raptors

Don't know how this season will play out for Calderon, who now will compete with Lowry for playing time. But he is a great passer when running an offense.

111. Wesley Matthews - Portland Trailblazers

Not a star player for this team but an important one. His shooting and ability to score is key for that clears to way for Aldridge inside.

112. Bradley Beal - Washington Wizards

Has the talent to become a star in this league very quickly. He and Wall will be a dynamic backcourt for years to come.

113. Avery Bradley - Boston Celtics

Emerged last year as an important player for the Celtics. As long as he doesn't have lingering effects from his injury a year ago, he will play a big role once again.

114. Harrison Barnes - Golden State Warriors

Should be an immediate starter on a suddenly deep and talented team. We know he has the talent, but does he have the consistency and work ethic?

115. Shawn Marion - Dallas Mavericks

One of the more versatile players in the league. No matter how old he seems to be getting, he still plays hard and does a lot of little things well.

116. Brandon Bass - Boston Celtics

Ended up being a very important part of a team that nearly made it to the finals. This year he will provide consistency once again down low.

117. Emeka Okafor - Washington Wizards

Now with a new team, Okafor will be expected to do what he always does: play good defense and rebound.

118. Nick Collison - Oklahoma City Thunder

One of the more underrated players in the league, in fact this ranking is likely too low. He knows how to play the game and he produces instantly off the bench.

119. Jamal Crawford - LA Clippers

Instant offense is what he brings, but he also is known for trying to bring too much offense (AKA: Chucker). But playing with Chris Paul will force him to take much better shots this year.

120. J.J. Redick - Orlando Magic

Really has found a groove in Orlando, but will be affected largely by Howard's absence. In fact, it kills him because they brought in Afflalo who will steal his playing time.

121. Gordon Hayward - Utah Jazz

One of the more likable players in the NBA, Hayward needs to actually develop more of a killer instinct. If he can, his IQ and athleticism could jump him ahead 30 spots in these rankings.

122. Spencer Hawes - Philadelphia 76ers

I believe he should and could be higher on this list, but it will be interesting to see how he meshes with Bynum now on the squad. Will they play together or will Hawes be a backup?

123. Thomas Robinson - Sacramento Kings

I think he'll be a great fit alongside Cousins inside. He may struggle early as he gets adjusted to the NBA, but he could thrive late in the year.

124. Udonis Haslem - Miami Heat

He's one of those gritty, tough players that every coach loves to have. That toughness really helped them in their title run.

125. Dion Waiters - Cleveland Cavaliers

Was selected in a questionable spot in the draft, but was put into a fantastic situation and will run alongside Kyrie Irving. His athleticism should allow him to produce fairly quickly.

Feel free to let us know your thoughts in the comment section!

By: The Sports Guys

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