2016-17 NBA Superstar Rankings: Season's Start Edition
With gravity-defying dunks, momentum-swinging jumpers, dazzling dribbles and flashy feeds, the NBA's leading superstars seem to put on a show every night.
You can almost always tune in to see LeBron James or Russell Westbrook threatening for triple-doubles, Anthony Davis rejecting shots or Kyrie Irving breaking down a defender. A member of the Golden State Warriors is always going to be lighting up the scoreboard, while Blake Griffin might be posterizing an overmatched foe.
Night in and night out, these guys, as well as the others you'll see in these superstar rankings, bring plenty of entertainment.
But how do the sport's leading studs stack up at the beginning of the year?
We're not concerned with the level they'll reach by the end of the 2016-17 campaign, though some speculation is necessary when ascertaining current abilities with such limited data. The distant past doesn't matter, either. This is about who's the best on the floor right now, and we're considering all facets of the game.
Honorable Mentions
1 of 26
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
The transition to point guard continues to work wonders for Giannis Antetokounmpo, though his lack of an outside shot remains troubling. If he can ever force defenders to fight over screens instead of sagging off and daring him to shoot jumpers, it's terrifying to think of the damage he could do with such a theoretically well-rounded offensive game.
Andre Drummond, Detroit Pistons
Andre Drummond's actual impact lags a bit behind what his box-score statistics might indicate. He needs to become a more disciplined defender around the rim rather than chasing blocks and steals, and his inability to knock down shots from the charity stripe or convert his post touches devalues his otherwise excellent offensive contributions.
Kemba Walker, Charlotte Hornets
It's important for Kemba Walker to prove his success in 2015-16 wasn't a fluke. He had a career year while guiding the Charlotte Hornets to the playoffs, and there's no telling whether his three-point shooting (37.1 percent) and finishing ability (59.8 percent within two feet) will stick.
Also Receiving Consideration (in alphabetical order): Nicolas Batum, Eric Bledsoe, Mike Conley, Jae Crowder, DeMar DeRozan, Derrick Favors, Mark Gasol, Rudy Gobert, Gordon Hayward, Reggie Jackson, Nikola Jokic, C.J. McCollum, Dirk Nowitzki, Kristaps Porzingis, Isaiah Thomas, Dwyane Wade
25. Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks
2 of 26
Age: 32
Position: SF
2015-16 Per-Game Stats: 21.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.5 blocks
2015-16 TPA: 127.99
Preseason Stats: 16.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.4 blocks
Carmelo Anthony has sacrificed his own individual glory for the betterment of his teammates, and it's made the New York Knicks a superior squad. That might not have been readily apparent against the Cleveland Cavaliers' suffocating defense on opening night, but the trend undoubtedly existed throughout 2015-16 and should continue now that he's surrounded by stronger running mates.
Despite looking to involve everyone, Anthony's scoring game remains the living embodiment of smoothness. His knack for rising and firing in a single motion allows him to fight through the tightest coverages, and Father Time hasn't yet taken away his accuracy.
At this stage of his career, however, Anthony's ceiling is capped.
He's not going to average close to 30 points, and it's far too late for him to become a facilitating point forward or a stud defender. But his offensive efficiency and noticeable improvements in other areas have ensured he maintains a high floor. Even if he falls out of the top 25 in later editions, it won't be by much.
24. Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors
3 of 26
Age: 26
Position: SG
2015-16 Per-Game Stats: 22.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.6 blocks
2015-16 TPA: 38.61
Preseason Stats: 18.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.3 blocks
Perhaps Klay Thompson could rise higher if he were allowed to serve as a primary or secondary offensive option. He is, after all, one of the few two-way studs at his position, capable of throwing up a 20-spot and playing lockdown defense against the opponent's best guard or wing on any given night.
But Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant are Golden State's clear-cut alphas, and Draymond Green's versatility makes him third in line. It's Thompson who's left picking up the scraps in the offense and remaining in constant motion as he tries to extricate himself from a defender and knock down a quick triple. That role caps his value more than his skills ever will.
However, let's not call it a sacrifice.
"I feel kind of disrespected that people keep using the term 'sacrifice' to describe me and describe us," the shooting guard told Phil Taylor of the San Francisco Chronicle. "We all want to see each other do well. But I'm not sacrificing s--t, because my game isn't changing. I'm still going to try to get buckets, hit shots, come off screens. I want to win and have a fun time every game we play."
23. Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls
4 of 26
Age: 27
Position: SG/SF
2015-16 Per-Game Stats: 20.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.6 steals, 0.6 blocks
2015-16 TPA: 197.32
Preseason Stats: 13.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.2 blocks
Jimmy Butler is still seeking the right balance in his two-way game. Early in his career, he was a limited offensive contributor who thrived on the defensive end—to the point he received fringe consideration for Defensive Player of the Year. Recently, he's become more involved as a scorer and has seen his defense decline correspondingly.
Butler is too skilled to be pushed to the fringes of Chicago's offense, but he's not a strong enough shot-creator or shooter to be the Bulls' No. 1 source of points. Forcing him primarily to be a defender would be a mistake, but so too is asking him to eschew defense in James Harden-esque fashion.
Fortunately, the presence of Rajon Rondo and Dwyane Wade may finally allow him to find equilibrium.
It's not inconceivable to imagine Butler limiting his volume and becoming an efficient three-point marksman while shutting down the opposition's strongest wing. In fact, he did exactly that in Chicago's season opener against the Boston Celtics, keeping Jae Crowder and the Boston guards in check while knocking down four of his six three-point attempts.
The lack of established shooting in the Windy City remains disconcerting. But if Butler proves to be a good fit in this new-look outfit, he should easily go on to establish himself as a top-20 player.
22. Hassan Whiteside, Miami Heat
5 of 26
Age: 27
Position: C
2015-16 Per-Game Stats: 14.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, 0.4 assists, 0.6 steals, 3.7 blocks
2015-16 TPA: 103.6
Preseason Stats: 14.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.5 steals, 2.3 blocks
Everything clicked for Hassan Whiteside in 2015-16. He realized he was allowed to pass the ball rather than serve as a black hole who would either shoot or turn it over on every possession. He learned how to use his athleticism in conjunction with a deft touch from the post and on mid-range jumpers. Most importantly, he understood he didn't have to chase every block opportunity.
By the end of the year, Whiteside's newfound defensive acumen made him one of the league's most impactful stoppers. Now, he's ready to build upon that while still competing for a second straight rejection crown.
But his offense could get even better.
Without Dwyane Wade or Chris Bosh, Whiteside is the unquestioned alpha dog for the Miami Heat. The offensive schemes should run through him, whether he's taking touches in the high post or working constant pick-and-roll/pop action with Goran Dragic. As such, he could compete for Defensive Player of the Year while breaking into the conversation about the league's best rebounders and scoring upward of 16 points per game.
Whiteside is a late bloomer, sure. But he's blooming nevertheless.
21. Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers
6 of 26
Age: 27
Position: PF
2015-16 Per-Game Stats: 21.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.5 blocks
2015-16 TPA: 77.06
Preseason Stats: 16.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.2 blocks
The Los Angeles Clippers might have coalesced into a solid unit without Blake Griffin, but they were still far better when the star power forward was A) healthy and B) not suspended for punching a team equipment manager. Their net rating rose 3.9 points per 100 possessions when he was playing, thanks to improvements on both ends.
It's easy to forget how good Griffin was, even though he suited up in only 35 games during the regular season and then made just four playoff appearances before succumbing to another injury against the Portland Trail Blazers. But we're still talking about an uber-athletic big man who's learning how to play more effective defense, become more efficient in the post and grow as a mid-range shooter.
A full return to health should allow Griffin to lessen his focus on elbow jumpers, which he took too frequently in 2015-16. Instead, he'll attack the hoop with ferocity while torturing defenders with his inside-out ability and deadly knack for passing on the move.
This rank may seem low, and it probably is. But the NBA is a "what have you done for me lately" league, and we need to see a few standout showings in 2016-17 before we move Griffin closer to the top 10.
20. LaMarcus Aldridge, San Antonio Spurs
7 of 26
Age: 31
Position: PF/C
2015-16 Per-Game Stats: 18.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.5 steals, 1.1 blocks
2015-16 TPA: 79.53
Preseason Stats: 12.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.5 blocks
How in the world are you supposed to stop LaMarcus Aldridge?
A 6'11" power forward isn't supposed to have this much touch on his mid-range jumpers. But Aldridge is able to connect as he fades away no matter how strong the defensive presence in his face may be. We saw it time and again as he tortured the Golden State Warriors for 26 points on 10-of-20 shooting during the season opener and then once more down the stretch against the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night.
Aldridge does have his weaknesses. He's an improving but limited defender who shouldn't often be left as the last line of defense around the basket. He's also not a gifted distributor and isn't a natural fit in the San Antonio Spurs' ball-sharing schemes.
But his offense is ridiculous, and his rebounding is quietly effective. Wes Goldberg expounded upon that for Today's Fastbreak, focusing on the damage Aldridge did against last year's Western Conference champions in the season opener:
"Aldridge — not known as a dominating offensive rebounder — used his size to dominate the glass and create second chance opportunities for the Spurs. Of his eight offensive rebounds, six of them were contested, three of which he grabbed over at least two Warriors, per NBA.com’s tracking data. Aldridge pulled in an insane 57 percent of the contested rebounds he was involved in.
In one game, Aldridge built on what the Thunder bigs were able to do against the Warriors in the conference finals.
"
Aldridge's strengths still outweigh his flaws by a wide margin, especially as he continues to develop under the watchful eyes of head coach Gregg Popovich.
19. John Wall, Washington Wizards
8 of 26
Age: 26
Position: PG
2015-16 Per-Game Stats: 19.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 10.2 assists, 1.9 steals, 0.8 blocks
2015-16 TPA: 182.82
Preseason Stats: 12.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 2.4 steals, 0.2 blocks
If it seems like we make this prediction every year, it's because we do: John Wall will become the newest point guard to average 20 points and 10 assists, joining an exclusive fraternity that has only enrolled Russell Westbrook, Deron Williams and Chris Paul in the last two decades.
This is the year. We promise. Maybe.
After all, he's been tantalizingly close before and never closer than the previous go-round:
| 2010-11 | 16.4 | 8.3 |
| 2011-12 | 16.3 | 8.0 |
| 2012-13 | 18.5 | 7.6 |
| 2013-14 | 19.3 | 8.8 |
| 2014-15 | 17.6 | 10.0 |
| 2015-16 | 19.9 | 10.2 |
Last season saw Wall set career highs in both relevant categories, and there's no reason to believe he's done improving. The 26-year-old is slowly become a more capable marksman while maintaining his athletic gifts, and the Washington Wizards are adding pieces around him.
No player is better at finding open shooters on the perimeter while driving toward the hoop at full speed. His help defense may also be better than any other NBA point guard, given his recovery time and willingness to dart across the court.
18. Al Horford, Boston Celtics
9 of 26
Age: 30
Position: C
2015-16 Per-Game Stats: 15.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.5 blocks
2015-16 TPA: 218.2
Preseason Stats: 10.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.4 steals, 0.8 blocks
Al Horford isn't a go-to scorer and rarely produces huge outbursts. He doesn't thrive on the glass. He doesn't even post big steal or block numbers.
To gauge his full impact, you either have to watch his well-rounded excellence or dive deeper than the per-game stats allow. Only then can you see a player who thrives in virtually every facet of the game, whether setting tough screens to free his teammates, recording secondary assists out of the high post, pulling a defense apart with the mere threat of his unorthodox shooting from mid-range or using his remarkably quick hands to shut down passing lanes.
As for the metrics, let's turn to NBA Math's total points added and see how he stacked up against the league's other elite centers in 2015-16:
- Al Horford, 218.20
- Pau Gasol, 182.72
- DeAndre Jordan, 176.29
- Nikola Jokic, 165.84
- Karl-Anthony Towns, 145.83
In spite of that evidence, we're not willing to call Horford the league's best center. His age, as well as his new role with the Boston Celtics, prevent him from maintaining that same level of all-around excellence. But he's pretty darn good all the same.
17. Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves
10 of 26
Age: 20
Position: C
2015-16 Per-Game Stats: 18.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.7 blocks
2015-16 TPA: 145.83
Preseason Stats: 17.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.3 steals, 0.7 blocks
"The Big KAT can be as good as he wants to be," Kevin Garnett said during an appearance on TNT's Inside the NBA, per TwinCities.com's Jace Frederick. "The sky's the limit for this kid. He does everything—posts up, handles the ball, passes well, willing passer."
Maybe we're jumping the gun here by listing Karl-Anthony Towns ahead of so many other established studs. But he already seems to deserve such recognition after a fantastic rookie season during which he contributed in every area imaginable. Perhaps the sky is too low a ceiling for this 20-year-old.
It's by no means inconceivable that he could push his way into top-five conversation by the end of his sophomore season. Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes selected him at No. 8 in this year's re-draft, providing the following justification:
"Karl-Anthony Towns at No. 8 overall is a forward-looking pick, and I made it by asking myself a simple question: Would I be surprised if Towns wasn't considered one of the NBA's 10 best players at the end of the 2016-17 season?
The answer was yes, and that set my floor. It meant he shouldn’t slip past 10th.
It's even possible that Towns will become the unquestioned best big in the league this year, and you can effectively build any kind of team you want around him: big, small, space-based, post-up based, pick-and-roll based...
"
If anything, we're being conservative by listing him down at No. 17, but he first has to consistently prove what we're all assuming is possible.
16. Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers
11 of 26
Age: 24
Position: PG
2015-16 Per-Game Stats: 19.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.3 blocks
2015-16 TPA: 51.84
Preseason Stats: 9.3 points, 1.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.3 blocks
Raise your hand if you've ever seen an NBA ball-handler more effective at creating shots than Kyrie Irving.
Seriously? Put down your hands. There's no way anyone stacks up in this particular category, no matter how many of you throw out names such as Pete Maravich, Stephen Curry, Chris Paul, Isiah Thomas or Allen Iverson.
Irving has yo-yo handles—he's able to put together strings of ridiculous dribbling moves that leave defenders grasping at air while he creates an easy path to the basket. And it doesn't even look that hard when he does so; he's just that smooth.
This 24-year-old remains a lackluster defender and doesn't often function as a primary distributor for the Cleveland Cavaliers. But it's easy to overlook those flaws when the scoring prowess reaches a level this ridiculous. His breakout in the Finals (27.1 points per game while shooting 46.8 percent from the field, 40.5 percent from downtown and 93.9 percent from the stripe) may even be sustainable.
Don't be surprised when LeBron James serves as Cleveland's leading MVP candidate (and perhaps the NBA's leading contender for the premier individual award), but Irving paces the team in points per game. He already got off to a strong start by dropping a 29-spot on the New York Knicks while going 12-of-22 from the field and 4-of-7 from beyond the arc.
15. DeAndre Jordan, Los Angeles Clippers
12 of 26
Age: 28
Position: C
2015-16 Per-Game Stats: 12.7 points, 13.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.7 steals, 2.3 blocks
2015-16 TPA: 176.29
Preseason Stats: 7.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.4 blocks
According to NBA.com's SportVU data, DeAndre Jordan allowed opponents to shoot just 46.4 percent at the rim while facing an even eight attempts per game last season, putting him in the elite stratum of basket-protecting bigs.
It was a departure from previous seasons, when Jordan could be caught out of position and exploited. For the first time, the Clippers were comfortable funneling players toward him and letting him do the heavy lifting, rather than trying to contain their perimeter assignments.
Now, Jordan enters the year as a legitimate Defensive Player of the Year candidate, and that's in addition to his immense production on offense.
Don't sell him short because he only dunks and produced a mere 12.7 points per game in 2015-16. Rarely missing shots is a skill in and of itself, and it's telling that he remains so efficient even though every defense knows his style. He might not have much shooting range, but he exhibits a strong gravitational pull just because of his rim-crashing ability, requiring constant attention whenever he's on the floor.
Above all else, it should be telling that a third of the NBA's general managers, per the annual survey from NBA.com's John Schuhmann, believed Jordan was the league's best center heading into the start of 2016-17. He may not have the majority—and we think he slots in below two players trailing him on that list—but he does boast the insider plurality.
14. Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors
13 of 26
Age: 30
Position: PG
2015-16 Per-Game Stats: 21.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 2.1 steals, 0.4 blocks
2015-16 TPA: 375.23
Preseason Stats: 14.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.4 blocks
Finishing 2016-17 at No. 14 would indicate significant regression for Kyle Lowry, though it's not hard to see that happening when he's entering his 30s, playing alongside a more impressive version of DeMar DeRozan and staying fresh by handing more minutes to Cory Joseph and Delon Wright.
In 2015-16, he was one of the league's 10 best contributors, however. NBA Math's total points added actually showed his two-way abilities pushing him up into that group with room to spare:
| Stephen Curry | 692.66 | 5.59 | 698.25 |
| Russell Westbrook | 420.89 | 132.91 | 553.8 |
| LeBron James | 363.35 | 121.12 | 484.47 |
| James Harden | 451.13 | Minus-25.42 | 425.71 |
| Kevin Durant | 363.58 | 46.75 | 410.33 |
| Kawhi Leonard | 255.81 | 130.23 | 386.04 |
| Chris Paul | 352.59 | 24.15 | 376.74 |
| Kyle Lowry | 342.12 | 33.11 | 375.23 |
| Draymond Green | 116.18 | 226.55 | 342.73 |
| Paul Millsap | 58.91 | 224.91 | 383.82 |
Everything clicked for a svelte version of Lowry that got off to his typical hot start and then kept performing at a high level. There was no midseason decline or late-season fall from grace, as he continued pestering ball-handlers on defense while using his quickness and physicality to create plenty of open shots for himself.
But the playoffs were (yet again) a different story, raising serious questions about which direction he's trending.
13. Paul Millsap, Atlanta Hawks
14 of 26
Age: 31
Position: PF
2015-16 Per-Game Stats: 17.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.8 steals, 1.7 blocks
2015-16 TPA: 283.82
Preseason Stats: 12.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 0.7 steals
Paul Millsap is capable of knocking down spot-up triples for the Atlanta Hawks, but he can also bruise a defender's chest as he goes to work in the post. His pump fake remains devastating, allowing him to get the opposition up in the air before bursting into the newly vacated territory. His passing completes his all-around offensive game, allowing him to serve as a hub in head coach Mike Budenholzer's ball-sharing schemes.
Oh, and he's even better at defense: Millsap was actually a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year in 2015-16, even if his defensive excellence often went unnoticed by casual fans. He finished fifth in the official voting, trailing only Kawhi Leonard, Draymond Green, Hassan Whiteside and DeAndre Jordan.
The 31-year-old's defensive work is often ignored because he doesn't have league-leading marks in either of the two relevant box-score stats. But his ability to clean the glass, switch onto virtually any player and disrupt passing lanes with hands as quick as anyone's make him integral to the Atlanta system.
At some point, Millsap will begin declining. He's moving beyond his athletic prime, after all. But his versatility and ability to thrive in the modern NBA should help him stave off any negative trends for at least another year.
12. DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings
15 of 26
Age: 26
Position: C
2015-16 Per-Game Stats: 26.9 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.6 steals, 1.4 blocks
2015-16 TPA: 121.65
Preseason Stats: 18.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.6 blocks
Apparently, DeMarcus Cousins is still evolving. Last year's version was already ridiculous—overpowering smaller players and using his finesse to work around bigger opponents. We haven't seen a player merge those two types of talent this seamlessly in quite some time, and it makes it nearly impossible for any lone man to guard the Sacramento Kings center.
Then throw in his improving defensive work and ability to function as a playmaker. It wasn't at all uncommon for the Kings to let Cousins run the fast break, keeping his head on a swivel as he attacked the basket and looked for his teammates to fill passing lanes. In the half-court set, he was similarly able to grab the rock on the elbow and direct traffic.
Now, he appears to be blossoming as a three-point marksman.
In 2015-16, Cousins took an unnecessary 3.2 shots per game from beyond the arc and connected at just a 33.3 percent clip. He would've been more valuable had he stuck to his strengths and avoided lofting up so many shots with reckless abandon.
But in his second game this season—a close loss to the San Antonio Spurs—he took five shots from downtown and drilled three of them. He looked comfortable stepping into his looks and wasn't overextending himself; his form looked no different than from a few paces closer.
If that three-point efficiency is no fluke, this ranking will look silly in a few weeks.
11. Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
16 of 26
Age: 26
Position: PG
2015-16 Per-Game Stats: 25.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.4 blocks
2015-16 TPA: 198.03
Preseason Stats: 19.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 0.4 steals, 0.1 blocks
If Damian Lillard is going to continue putting up such spectacular numbers, it won't matter that while playing defense, he navigates screens about as well as your typical ACC freshman. Defense is wholly irrelevant when you can average 34.0 points, 9.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists on 54.5 percent shooting from both the field and beyond the arc through a game apiece against the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Clippers.
Lillard has produced those outlandish numbers to begin his 2016-17 campaign, showing no conscience as he fires away from well into three-point territory and creating plenty of his own shots. And why should he hold off when he's achieving such great results?
Consciences are for people who can't score like this.
After the Utah game, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts made an interesting comparison, per CBS Sports' Ananth Pandian:
"He reminded me of Damian Lillard. He had a good flow offensively. He made big plays for us obviously down the stretch. I thought he played in a really good rhythm all night. It's kind of the way he's been playing in preseason. He's healthy, he feels good. I thought he managed the game well. Obviously his stat line speaks for itself.
"
These numbers aren't sustainable (we think). But even some regression will leave Lillard as one of the league's most dangerous offensive weapons, and he's still getting better.
10. Paul George, Indiana Pacers
17 of 26
Age: 26
Position: SF/PF
2015-16 Per-Game Stats: 23.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.9 steals, 0.4 blocks
2015-16 TPA: 255.29
Preseason Stats: 13.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 2.2 steals, 0.2 blocks
As Andrew Sharp hinted at for Sports Illustrated, we still need to figure out which version of Paul George is the real one:
"He was so, so good through the first month of last year. He put 29.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game on 47.5% shooting. It was MVP-level. But whether it was natural regression or fatigue from carrying the offense every night, his numbers by January were down to 21.8 points and 6.5 boards on 40% shooting. This year, assuming he's somewhere between those two extremes—say, 25 and 7 on 45% shooting—he's a top-10 player in the league and a dark horse MVP candidate.
"
Even the lower set of numbers would leave George in impressive territory, since he remains one of the league's better wing stoppers and can guard so many different positions. But the truth really should be somewhere in the middle, and perhaps even closer to 2015-16's early-season results because the Indiana Pacers are now built to function with him as the central figure.
They spent the offseason getting faster and installing uptempo schemes that best utilize George's immense athleticism. Swapping George Hill for Jeff Teague will give the team another creator who takes away some of the forward's offensive load. Plus, Myles Turner's growth could help relieve George of some defensive duties.
9. Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
18 of 26
Age: 26
Position: PF
2015-16 Per-Game Stats: 14.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.4 blocks
2015-16 TPA: 342.73
Preseason Stats: 5.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.2 blocks
If you haven't accepted that Draymond Green is one of the NBA's 10 best players, you need to reevaluate.
Sure, it might be easy to dislike the way he plays the game, constantly pounding his chest, talking trash from start to finish and occasionally allowing his foot to connect with an opponent's nether regions. It's similarly simple to look at his lack of scoring and assume he's not as impactful as he's made out to be.
But Green is pretty darn good at this whole basketball thing, even if he's only the No. 4 scorer on the Golden State Warriors.
Few players have ever been able to knock down triples, finish plays around the rim, thrive on the glass, serve as their team's leading distributor and dominate on defense like Green does. In fact, he's now the only man in NBA history to average at least 12 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block across an entire season, and he cleared those benchmarks with room to spare.
Not everyone may care for the way Green plays. But the Warriors certainly do, because he makes them a lot better.
8. Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers
19 of 26
Age: 31
Position: PG
2015-16 Per-Game Stats: 19.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 10.0 assists, 2.1 steals, 0.2 blocks
2015-16 TPA: 376.74
Preseason Stats: 8.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, 7.8 assists, 2.4 steals
Point guards are typically supposed to decline as they move into their 30s. Just take a gander at the number of All-Star guards (not just floor generals) at each age throughout NBA history:
| 27 | 42 |
| 28 | 43 |
| 29 | 42 |
| 30 | 39 |
| 31 | 26 |
| 32 | 18 |
| 33 | 20 |
| 34 | 10 |
The number is steady until age-31, when it declines substantially and continues the free-fall for another year. It's like black magic.
But Chris Paul is poised to buck the trend; he's shown no signs of slowing down. He may be slightly less effective on defense, but his ability to run pick-and-rolls to perfection, get to his preferred spots and create space all game long have allowed him to remain an offensive genius.
Don't expect anything less than greatness, even if asking him to challenge for a top-five spot at this stage of his career is a bit too much.
7. James Harden, Houston Rockets
20 of 26
Age: 27
Position: PG/SG
2015-16 Per-Game Stats: 29.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 1.7 steals, 0.6 blocks
2015-16 TPA: 425.71
Preseason Stats: 20.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 10.7 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.3 blocks
"He's more or less responsible [for] giving rhythm to the team; that's what a point guard does," Houston Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni said about his team's star player, per ESPN.com's Calvin Watkins. "He's going to be on the ball and he's going to be distributing the ball and it will take some adjusting. He's got a lot more responsibilities as a point guard."
The transition is working: James Harden averaged a league-best 10.7 assists during the preseason, thriving as he ran pick-and-rolls in the uptempo offense. He was surrounded by a bevy of shooters (most notably, free-agent signees Ryan Anderson and Eric Gordon) and a pick-and-roll partner in Clint Capela who was eager to crash the rim rather than establish himself in the post.
The real games are proving that wasn't a fluke.
Harden made his season debut against the Los Angeles Lakers with 34 points and 17 assists, joining Rajon Rondo, Tim Hardaway, Jason Kidd and John Stockton as one of just five players to tally that many dimes in an opener. At this point, we can officially consider him a point guard—and a dominant one, at that.
6. Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans
21 of 26
Age: 23
Position: PF/C
2015-16 Per-Game Stats: 24.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.3 steals, 2.0 blocks
2015-16 TPA: 96.01
Preseason Stats: 16.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.4 blocks
Fifty points. 16 rebounds. Five assists. Seven steals. Four blocks.
Some players would be happy to accumulate those statistics over the course of an entire week. Others might need a few games.
But Anthony Davis logged those tallies in just a single outing against the Denver Nuggets, beginning his 2016-17 campaign in style as he dominated every facet of the game. Whether shooting jumpers, crashing the paint, reaching into passing lanes or elevating for a rejection, he was wholeheartedly unstoppable and simultaneously impenetrable.
The New Orleans Pelicans may have lost. But as Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes explained, the performance allowed him to reclaim his former status:
"With a historically unprecedented opening-night eruption, Anthony Davis bellowed at the fickle basketball world that had forgotten him.
It was a 107-102 loss to the Denver Nuggets, but Davis did everything imaginable to reestablish his status as the game's best young talent—a status he'd lost following a disappointing 2015-16 campaign.
"
Let's not forget how much of a once-in-a-generation talent this big man remains. As Kevin Durant said, per ESPN.com's Chris Haynes, "He can score from any area on the floor, and he's probably going to lead the league in scoring easily."
The Pelicans have put lackluster pieces around him—pieces that can't stay healthy—and Davis himself can't seem to avoid those nagging injuries that knock him out of action for substantial durations. But when he's healthy, Davis is as good as it gets at his position. And that's true regardless of whether you consider him a power forward or center.
5. Kevin Durant, Golden State Warriors
22 of 26
Age: 28
Position: SF
2015-16 Per-Game Stats: 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.2 blocks
2015-16 TPA: 410.33
Preseason Stats: 20.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.4 blocks
It borders on unfair that Kevin Durant is this good at scoring.
Last year, he competed for the league lead in points per game while shooting 50.5 percent from the field, 38.7 percent from downtown and 89.8 percent at the stripe. He's already a member of the elusive 50/40/90 club, and he nearly gained entry again.
Now he plays in a system that should provide even easier opportunities.
That was on full display during the preseason, as he averaged an eye-popping 29.9 points per 36 minutes with a field-goal percentage of 54.3, a three-point percentage of 55.9 and a free-throw percentage of 96.4. No longer needing to create his looks in isolation, he's playing in a ball-sharing system with teammates who draw an immense amount of defensive attention. He's virtually unguardable.
It remains to be seen how much of an adjustment period Durant will need in his new home now that games actually matter, but there's little doubt he'll continue functioning as a superstar. This No. 5 ranking is basically his floor, unless the new superteam is a complete disaster.
4. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
23 of 26
Age: 27
Position: PG
2015-16 Per-Game Stats: 23.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 10.4 assists, 2.0 steals, 0.3 blocks
2015-16 TPA: 553.8
Preseason Stats: 16.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.3 steals
So begins the Russell Westbrook Tour: "Unrelenting Fury and Unabashed Dominance".
Without Kevin Durant and, more importantly, with a feeling he was spurned by his ex-teammate's free-agency decision, the dynamic point guard is going off. There will be plenty of triple-doubles; there were enough even while he shared the court with his fellow superstar. There will be 40-point explosions. There will be everything imaginable, from a statistical standpoint.
As James Herbert explained for CBS Sports, his playmaking is now unreal:
"Westbrook has evolved into one of the premier playmakers in basketball. While the criticisms about his shot selection still haven't gone away, anyone assessing his game must acknowledge that he averaged 10.4 assists last year, good for second in the league. It's almost impossible to keep him out of the paint, and, once he's in there, he throws crisp passes to open shooters and cutters.
"
And Westbrook is already coming off a historic year. According to NBA Math, he added a ridiculous 553.8 points to the Oklahoma City Thunder cause in 2015-16, thanks to his two-way prowess. Throughout the database, only 31 individual seasons have ever been superior, and they were produced by just 15 different players.
3. Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs
24 of 26
Age: 25
Position: SF
2015-16 Per-Game Stats: 21.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.8 steals, 1.0 blocks
2015-16 TPA: 386.04
Preseason Stats: 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.6 steals
The two-time reigning Defensive Player of the Year isn't supposed to be this good on offense. And yet, Kawhi Leonard makes his scoring look effortless with his ability to calmly rise and fire over the arms of outstretched defenders.
In a San Antonio Spurs system typically designed to share the rock and create easy opportunities, it's Leonard who is allowed to break down a defense and operate in isolation. Plenty of plays are called for him to take control with time left on the shot clock, then embarrass his defender and score two points.
Through his first two games, Leonard averaged 32.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 5.0 steals. He shot 50 percent from the field and didn't miss any of his 22 free-throw attempts. Despite handling the ball so often and carrying such a heavy offensive load, he only turned it over three times. And that's all happening while he continues to play excellent defense.
At this point, Leonard may be closer to moving into the top two than dropping out of the top three.
2. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
25 of 26
Age: 28
Position: PG
2015-16 Per-Game Stats: 30.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 2.1 steals, 0.2 blocks
2015-16 TPA: 698.25
Preseason Stats: 19.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 2.0 steals, 0.4 blocks
You already know what Stephen Curry did last year—set all sorts of three-point records, helped carry his team to 73 victories and won MVP unanimously for the first time in NBA history.
You also know what he did at the end of the postseason, as he was part of the infamous blown lead that prevented the Golden State Warriors from capturing their second consecutive title.
Had the Warriors preserved that 3-1 advantage, perhaps you wouldn't be seeing Curry's name until the end of this countdown. He might also not be playing alongside Kevin Durant, which now threatens his ability to win a third MVP in a row or compete for back-to-back scoring titles.
But it's not like that last disheartening loss prevents Curry from emerging as one of the sport's two best players. He's still an underrated defender who can funnel his assignments into the teeth of the Golden State defense. He remains one of the NBA's best rebounding guards, as well as a creative distributor who sets up his teammates for success—though he does occasionally get careless with the ball.
And above all else, his shooting hasn't changed. He may not break his own three-point record with Durant in town, but he's still the one player opponents don't want shooting a triple with the game on the line.
1. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
26 of 26
Age: 31
Position: SF/PF
2015-16 Per-Game Stats: 25.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.6 blocks
2015-16 TPA: 484.07
Preseason Stats: 13.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.0 steals, 0.3 blocks
LeBron James was not the world's best basketball player last regular season. He knew he could coast through the first 82 games and still lead his team to the top seed in the Eastern Conference, then turn on the jets during the playoff run.
The strategy worked, and it was his heroics against the Golden State Warriors that earned the Cleveland Cavaliers a title, thereby ending Northeast Ohio's championship drought. Highlighted by his chase-down block of Andre Iguodala, he averaged 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 8.9 assists, 2.6 steals and 2.3 blocks on the sport's biggest stage while shooting 49.4 percent from the field and 37.1 percent from downtown.
His performance was immaculate. It's the only adjective that works.
Now, James has reclaimed his "best player in the world" title and seemed eager to prove coasting isn't in his vocabulary during his season debut against the New York Knicks.
While showcasing his defensive excellence, age-defying verticality and pinpoint accuracy on cross-court passes, he led off his year with a cool triple-double: 19 points, 11 rebounds and 14 assists. His ability to contribute in so many areas is unparalleled, making him the easy choice for top billing—at least for the time being.
Adam Fromal covers the NBA for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter @fromal09.
Unless otherwise indicated, all stats are from Basketball-Reference.com, NBA.com or NBA Math and are accurate heading into games on Oct. 28.
.jpg?w=600 "New NBA Mock Draft 📝")
