NBA Player Rankings: 75 to 51
75. Arron Afflalo – Orlando Magic
This was the return centerpiece in the Dwight Howard trade.
He is a solid player in the NBA but that’s a huge drop-off in talent. They
better use their acquired picks well!
74. Andrei Kirilenko – Minnesota Timberwolves
AK47 was a big part of the Jazz once before. And after time
overseas, he returns this year as a key piece to the surging Wolves. He had a
big Olympics, which explains this ranking, but the NBA is a different style
altogether.
73. Tony Allen – Memphis Grizzlies
Allen is all about energy and is a great defensive player. He
is their go-to stopper on the perimeter and will now play a bigger role offensively since they
parted with OJ Mayo.
72. Paul George – Indiana Pacers
George is a young, talented player that has improved each
season. This may be his breakout year where he becomes the team’s centerpiece.
His offensive aggressiveness must increase though.
71. Anthony Davis – New Orleans Hornets
Unibrow is everyone’s choice as the best incoming rookie.
He’s the best incoming big man in some time also. His defense will play a role
immediately, but his offense may need some development.
70. Jrue Holiday – Philadelphia 76ers
The backcourt is a little less crowded this year, which will
make Holiday a centerpiece. He has a new toy to play with in Andrew Bynum, but
he will still need to be a scorer from the point guard position.
69. Danilo Gallinari – Denver Nuggets
The team is still defining his role, but this is a guy who
can stretch the floor and light it up from the perimeter. Yet, he has remained a
role player up until now and has never stepped into stardom.
68. Ray Allen – Miami Heat
If we were ranking by careers, Allen would be towards the
top of this list. But now he is a veteran that will simply come off the bench
for the defending champs. His shooting will be a key in giving Lebron and Wade
space to operate.
67. Elton Brand – Dallas Mavericks
Brand had a great season a year ago for the 76ers. He played
much younger than his age showed. I believe he will do the same thing this year
if his new team gives him the minutes. Technically, he does play the same
position though as Dirk.
66. Jason Terry – Boston Celtics
This is another veteran who found a new home. He will become
the new 6th man this year in Boston. His scoring on the perimeter
will fill the void left by Allen’s departure.
65. Marcin Gortat – Phoenix Suns
Gortat isn’t a name that is known much throughout America,
but he is a very solid and productive big man for the rebuilding Suns. He is a
great defender, rebounder, and finisher.
64. Nicolas Batum – Portland Trailblazers
His big contract he gained in the offseason was a nice
reward for the production he has had for the last few years. But I still don’t
see him as a guy that can get that much better.
63. Luis Scola – Phoenix Suns
To me, this is one of the most underrated players in the
NBA. His posts a double-double nearly every night, yet was cut despite being
one of the only producers the Rockets had. Now on the Suns, he should find a great
role alongside Gortat inside.
62. Tyreke Evans – Sacramento Kings
This former ROY hasn’t ever taken off as a player like most thought. The problem is that he doesn’t really have a position. I personally liked him best as a
big point guard, but he has played off the ball more recently. Regardless, he
has talent but just needs his team remember that and commit to him.
61. Mike Conley – Memphis Grizzlies
Conley improved his defense a year ago and his shooting also
continues to get better. His leadership was evident last year for a Grizzlies
team that struggled with injuries.
60. Nene – Washington Wizards
Nene is a big body that remains a raw talent. But all of
a sudden he plays on a team that has a dangerous starting five. His rebounding
and inside scoring must remain if they want to sniff a chance at the playoffs though.
59. Ryan Anderson – New Orleans Hornets
Anderson broke out last year as a 4-man that can
stretch the floor all the way to the 3-point line. He was also a very good
rebounder, especially on the offensive end. But instead of playing off of
Howard, he now is paired with Anthony Davis. So I don’t think he’ll be quite as
productive.
58. David West – Indiana Pacers
West provided a great veteran presence to a predominantly
young team. He gave them swagger in the playoffs and helped them believe. Plus,
he’s another year removed from his ACL surgery, so he should have more burst in his
game this season.
57. David Lee – Golden State Warriors
Due to some offseason moves, Lee has more help inside
than he’s had recently. This will allow him to be more aggressive and take
advantage of the attention his teammates will get. Expect good numbers.
56. Carlos Boozer – Chicago Bulls
I know most people are down on him more and more each year.
But I think he is still the team’s most important big man. Unlike the others,
he can be a polished scorer. I think it’s an injustice when he’s pulled at the
end of games for raw Taj Gibson. Rose and Deng can't do it alone offensively, so they need to use Boozer more.
55. Brook Lopez – New Jersey Nets
The Nets didn’t get Dwight Howard, but Lopez is still a
worthy center in the NBA. If he can stay healthy, he will prove to be a vital
piece to their vastly improved team.
54. Kyle Lowry – Toronto Raptors
Lowry started out last season playing his best basketball of his
life in Houston. His injury did hamper him midseason though. Now in a new setting, it will
be interesting to see how he is used, and if he can return to that high level
of play.
53. Andrea Bargnani – Toronto Raptors
Lowry’s teammate Bargnani is another guy that is starting to
play his best ball. When his jumper is falling, he becomes a matchup nightmare with his size.
52. Brandon Jennings – Milwaukee Bucks
Jennings began his career on fire and in that rookie season
became the youngest ever to score over 50 points in a game (55 points to be
exact). After a sophomore slump, he rebounded to have a good season last year. But he
needs to become a star again.
51. Joakim Noah – Chicago Bulls
The defensive backbone for the Bulls is this guy. He also
lifts them emotionally night after night. But my favorite part about his game
is his ability to pass the ball inside. He’s one of the best passing big man
the NBA has.
By: The Sports Guys
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