Best NBA Stars Not in the Playoffs

The 2013 NBA playoffs continue to rage on, with some of the best players in the world competing for the ultimate crown. That, of course, is being crowned the 2013 NBA champions and, potentially, the Finals MVP.

With that being said, there are equally as elite players sitting on the outside looking in.

It's rare that superstars are left viewing the postseason from the confines of their home, specifically after the first round. With that being said, more than a fair share of the league's best are watching the postseason action.

Whether they were eliminated in the first round, fell victim to injury or missed the playoffs altogether, here are the stars that we wish were still playing.

LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland Trail Blazers

Position: Power Forward

Age: 27

Experience: 7th Season

2012-13 Season Averages: 20.45 PER, 21.1 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.2 BPG

Damian Lillard may have won the Rookie of the Year award, but the star of the Portland Trail Blazers remains LaMarcus Aldridge. Not only is he a nightly double-double threat, but he's developed into one of the most well-rounded power forwards in the game.

That was evident in Aldridge's final game of the regular season, as he dropped 30 points, 21 rebounds and three blocks against David Lee and the Golden State Warriors.

Aldridge finished in the top 10 in scoring for the second consecutive season, which displays his prowess in that regard. Unlike a majority of today's power forwards, however, Aldridge scores primarily with his back to the basket and with his mid-range game.

Per Synergy Sports, 69.2 percent of Aldridge's field-goal attempts came out of the post or on spot-up jumpers—the old school is back with Aldridge.

Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 34

Experience: 17th Season

2012-13 Season Averages: 23.10 PER, 27.3 PPG, 6.0 APG, 5.6 RPG, 1.4 SPG

On Apr. 12, 2013, the NBA world went into a collective shock as Kobe Bryant sustained a torn Achilles tendon. As a result of the injury, the NBA playoffs were left on unfamiliar ground.

A postseason without Kobe is like Christmas without presents.

Prior to going down, Bryant was having an MVP-caliber season at the age of 34, averaging 27.3 points, 6.0 assists, 5.6 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. More importantly, he led a furious rally and guided the Lakers to a postseason berth after beginning 17-25.

They closed out on a 28-12 run and did the improbable, reaching the playoffs when their season appeared to be lost.

After the All-Star Break, Kobe did his best LeBron James impression by averaging 28.5 points, 7.0 assists, 6.1 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. The difference, of course, is that Kobe is 6'6" on a good day and in his 17th year in the league.

I believe I speak for all of the NBA community when I wish Bryant a complete recovery.

Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics

Entering the 2012-13 NBA playoffs, the general public had written Kevin Garnett off as a player that was too old to help lead a team. After the postseason, it appeared as if we ignored what happened on the court and carried on with that belief.

Garnett responded by averaging 12.7 points, 13.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.0 block on 50.0 percent shooting—all without having a facilitator to set him up.

Paul Pierce is in that same boat, as many have claimed that he's just not athletic enough to continue playing. The truth of the matter is, Pierce played at an elite level all season but suffered once the Knicks realized that, without Rondo, "The Truth" was the source of Boston's offense.

Regular season averages of 18.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists confirm the notion that Pierce still has it.

Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers

Position: Power Forward

Age: 24

Experience: 3rd Season

2012-13 Season Averages: 22.44 PER, 18.0 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.2 SPG

The Los Angeles Clippers may have lost in the first round, but Blake Griffin's reputation as a star is safe. Despite seeing his numbers take a hit in 2012-13, Griffin managed to produce at a high level and significantly improve his fundamentals on both ends.

Per Synergy Sports, Griffin was 11th in the NBA in defending the pick-and-roll dive man.

Offensively, the explosive leaper has complemented his world-class dunking ability with an improved low-post attack. More times than not, Griffin went with his back to the basket to generate offense, which displays an effort to improve his half-court attack.

As long as his work ethic remains steady, Griffin could emerge as the class of today's power forward position.

Dwight Howard, Los Angeles Lakers

Position: Center

Age: 27

Experience: 9th Season

2012-13 Season Averages: 19.48 PER, 17.1 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 1.4 APG, 2.4 BPG, 1.1 SPG

Playing through severe injuries and a head coach that didn't quite understand how to use him, Dwight Howard had a down season in 2012-13. By down season, of course, I mean to say that he led the league in rebounding and ranked in the top five in blocks per game.

The trials and tribulations of being the most decorated center in the NBA.

Howard was a key player in the Lakers' ability to overcome a 17-25 start and, somehow, reach the playoffs. After the All-Star Break, Howard averaged 18.4 points, 13.6 points, 1.3 assists, 2.6 blocks and 1.2 steals.

Did we mention that Howard finished the season with the highest field-goal percentage of any player to attempt at least 7.0 shots per game?

As D-12 enters free agency, there's likely to be a negative reputation that follows him around. The truth of the matter is that, even when he's battered by injuries and marred by inconsistency, he's still the most productive big man in the NBA.

That's a matter of numbers, not opinion.

James Harden, Houston Rockets

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 23

Experience: 4th Season

2012-13 Season Averages: 23.00 PER, 25.9 PPG, 5.8 APG, 4.9 RPG, 1.8 SPG

A case could be made that James Harden is the most difficult player in the NBA to defend one-on-one. In fact, most teams will tell you that they had no answer for The Bearded One during the 2012-13 NBA regular season.

Not only did Harden average 25.9 points and 5.8 assists per game, but he also led the league in free throw attempts.

Even when you close off the driving lanes, Harden can step back and drain a three-pointer at a clip of 36.8 percent. When you press up on him, he'll drive the lane and finish in traffic or draw a foul.

Pick your poison.

During the Houston Rockets' first-round series loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Harden averaged 26.3 points per game. His shooting percentages fluctuated, but his all-around numbers spoke for themselves.

Averages of 26.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.0 block per game is evidence enough of Harden's star power.

Andre Iguodala, Denver Nuggets

Position: Small Forward

Age: 29

Experience: 8th Season

2012-13 Season Averages: 15.27 PER, 13.0 PPG, 5.4 APG, 5.3 RPG, 1.7 SPG

The numbers are of little relevance here, as Andre Iguodala remains one of the league's elite all-around players. Not only did his arrival transform the Denver Nuggets from a postseason team to a top-three contender in the Western Conference, but he was—oftentimes—their lone source of defense.

After struggling to find his niche within the Nuggets' system, Iguodala became aggressive during the playoffs—it paid off.

Iggy posted postseason averages of 18.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 2.0 steals per game. Most impressively, he did all of this on a slash line of .500/.483/.720.

Are you still questioning his star status?

Iguodala is a dominant on-ball defender, a creative facilitator and, when his feet are set, a lethal three-point shooter. With free agency looming, that certainly makes him a hot commodity on the open market.

Regardless of who gets Iguodala, they'll be landing a legitimate two-way star.

Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers

Position: Point Guard

Age: 21

Experience: 2nd Season

2012-13 Season Averages: 21.51 PER, 22.5 PPG, 5.9 APG, 3.7 RPG, 1.5 SPG

Kyrie Irving has seen one of the most meteoric rises in popularity in recent memory, going from a questioned No. 1 overall draft choice to a fan favorite across the globe. It certainly doesn't help that he's dominated All-Star weekend, winning the 2012 Rising Stars Challenge MVP and the 2013 Three-Point Shootout.

Did we mention that he was an All-Star in just his second season?

The Eastern Conference may be weak in the backcourt due to the injury sustained by Rajon Rondo and the temporary fall of Deron Williams, but Irving deserved his spot. He was eighth in the NBA in scoring and made strides as a facilitator and on-ball defender.

With a slash line of .452/.391/.855, it's hard to do anything but praise his efficiency.

Per NBA.com, the Cavaliers averaged 100.4 points per 48 minutes in which Irving was on the court. In that same breath, they scored just 93.2 per 48 when he was on the bench.

Irving is a few steps away from being a postseason leader, but he's certainly made the individual leap to elite.

Al Horford and Josh Smith, Atlanta Hawks

Josh Smith has developed a reputation as one of the most well-rounded players in the NBA, mainly due to his ability to produce in every statistical category. With averages of 17.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.8 blocks and 1.2 steals, the evidence is in the numbers.

Chances are, that'll generate a hefty salary this offseason.

Smith may garner all of the headlines for the Atlanta Hawks, but Al Horford is the model of star consistency. Not only does he produce on both ends of the floor, but he does so while shooting well above 50.0 percent.

During the 2012-13 regular season, Horford averaged 17.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.1 blocks and 1.1 steals on 54.3 percent shooting from the field.

Per NBA.com, Horford shot 44.3 percent on an average of 4.5 mid-range jump shots per game. More importantly, the Hawks were absolutely helpless when Horford was on the bench.

According to NBA.com, the Hawks averaged 97.7 points scored and 94.1 points allowed per 48 minutes with Horford on the floor. Those numbers dip to 92.2 points for and 99.8 points allowed per 48 when Horford is on the bench.

How's a difference of 10.0 points for star status?

Brook Lopez, Brooklyn Nets

Position: Center

Age: 25

Experience: 5th Season

2012-13 Season Averages: 24.81 PER, 19.4 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 2.1 BPG

Brook Lopez had himself a coming-out party during the 2012-13 NBA regular season, leading all centers in PER, Estimated Wins Added, Value Added and scoring. Lopez was also a dominant force defensively, thus overcoming his rebounding woes.

You know, those woes that have him ranked 15th in the NBA in offensive rebounds per game.

Per NBA.com, the Brooklyn Nets allowed 91.8 points per 48 minutes that Lopez was on the court and 94.7 points per 48 when he wasn't. Paired with his average of 2.1 blocks per game, that's evidence enough that Lopez has made the leap defensively.

Scoring 19.4 points per game certainly doesn't hurt his stock on the other end.

During the Nets' seven-game-series loss to the Chicago Bulls, Lopez did all he could to help Brooklyn advance. He averaged 22.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game and shouldered the scoring load in virtually every game.

Unfortunately, it just wasn't enough for the dysfunctional Nets to move on.

Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves

Position: Power Forward

Age: 24

Experience: 5th Season

2012-13 Season Averages: 17.97 PER, 18.3 PPG, 14.0 RPG, 2.3 APG

Kevin Love may not be a superstar, but he's certainly one of the most productive players of our generation. Not only does he rebound at an extraordinary level, but he's a dynamic offensive player that can space the floor.

A stretch 4 that rebound as well as anyone else in the league? That's what you call a star.

Love struggled with injuries during the 2012-13 regular season, playing in just 18 games. This led to yet another season in which Love and the Minnesota Timberwolves failed to reach the NBA playoffs.

Even still, we can't help but believe that Love's production could be enough to make that happen in future seasons.

Despite shooting 35.2 percent from the field, Love did average 18.3 points and 14.0 rebounds in limited playing time. The previous season, Love posted 26.0 points and 13.3 rebounds per game.

The production is there—will the leadership be in 2013-14?

Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks

Position: Power Forward

Age: 34

Experience: 15th Season

2012-13 Season Averages: 19.88 PER, 17.3 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 2.5 APG, 41.4% 3PT

The 2013 NBA playoffs have an odd feel about them, and a major reason why is the absence of Dallas Mavericks power forward Dirk Nowitzki. Not only is Dirk a surefire Hall of Famer, but he's a former league MVP.

More importantly, he led the Mavericks to the 2011 NBA championship and won the Finals MVP award.

Dirk missed 29 games due to injury, which was enough time for Dallas to play its way out of the postseason. After the All-Star Break rolled around, however, we saw the player that we've grown accustomed to.

Nowitzki posted averages of 18.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists on a slash line of .505/.433/.913—what's your case that he's not elite anymore?

Nowitzki struggled during his first nine games back, failing to see his shot fall and playing through injuries and inconsistent minutes. After losing eight of their first nine with Dirk back, however, Dallas turned things around.

The Mavs closed out the season on a 28-18 run and proved that, led by Nowitzki, this team can still contend.

Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers

Position: Point Guard

Age: 28

Experience: 8th Season

2012-13 Season Averages: 26.43 PER, 16.9 PPG, 9.7 APG, 3.7 RPG, 2.4 SPG

Chris Paul has all but solidified his status as the greatest point guard of our generation. Not only is he productive, but the 2013 All-Star Game MVP is one of the greatest leaders of our time.

That's evident in the numbers.

Per NBA.com, CP3 led the league in clutch points per game and did so while shooting 49.2 percent from the field. In turn, Paul has elevated his star status to a new level by entering the conversation of the best closers in the NBA.

Did we mention that he led the league in steals for the fifth time in 2013?

CP3 is an elite defender, one of the greatest facilitators in the world and a lethal scorer. In other words, there isn't a fault in his game worth noting in this conversation.

Whomever lands Paul via free agency will be a very happy general manager.

Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics

Position: Point Guard

Age: 27

Experience: 7th Season

2012-13 Season Averages: 18.12 PER, 13.7 PPG, 11.1 APG, 5.6 RPG, 1.8 SPG

Rajon Rondo posted more triple-doubles in 38 games than LeBron James did in 76 games this season. Rondo also led the league in assists, saw his team collapse due to his absence and corrected his biggest flaw.

During the 2012-13 NBA regular season, Rondo shot 48.0 percent on an average of 3.9 mid-range jump shot attempts per game.

With his jump shot falling, his defense remaining elite and his facilitating at the top of the food chain, all appeared to be coming together for Rondo. Unfortunately, he suffered a slightly torn ACL and thus missed the remainder of the season.

Chances are, he'll pick up where he left off in 2013-14.

Rondo's absence ultimately doomed the Celtics, as they closed out the regular season by going 5-10. They proceeded to forget what offense is in a first-round loss to the New York Knicks.

Rondo's comeback can't come soon enough.

Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls

Position: Point Guard

Age: 24

Experience: 5th Season

2011-12 Season Averages: 23.10 PER, 21.8 PPG, 7.9 APG, 3.4 RPG, 0.9 SPG

Love him or hate him, Derrick Rose remains one of the best players in the NBA. He won the 2011 NBA MVP award to prove just that.

Unfortunately, he remains sidelined, and our dreams of watching him play in the postseason remain just that—dreams.

Even still, we'd be remiss to ignore the fact that Rose was one of the most dynamic play makers in recent memory prior to his slew of injuries. Not only could he attack the basket and finish in a creative fashion, but he was a budding drive-and-dish facilitator.

Paired with mesmerizing athleticism and paralyzing change-of-direction skills, Rose had it all.

Fortunately, Rose is still just 24 and should be able to return to form during the 2013-14 regular season. That, of course, is a statement that only holds weight if Rose opts to remain sidelined throughout the playoffs.

Whether they admit it or not, every NBA fan is still holding out hope.

John Wall, Washington Wizards

Position: Point Guard

Age: 22

Experience: 3rd Season

2012-13 Season Averages: 20.91 PER, 18.5 PPG, 7.6 APG, 4.0 RPG, 1.3 SPG

The Washington Wizards played 33 games without John Wall during the 2012-13 NBA regular season. In that time, they were 5-28 while possessing virtually every other key piece on the roster.

Once Wall came back, they went 24-25—what more do we need to say?

Dating back to the 2011-12 regular season, the Wizards are 30-25 in their past 55 games with Wall in the lineup. That's an above .500 record with Wall and a .152 win percentage without him in the lineup.

Again, what more do we need to say?

Wall has entered the realm of the elite point guards, as his numbers are now complemented by postseason caliber leadership. As for his glaring weakness as a jump shooter, Wall's work ethic has proven to be effective.

Wall shot 7.7 percent from three-point range before the All-Star break and 34.4 percent after—constant improvement, elite athleticism and postseason leadership.

That's what you call a star.

Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder

Position: Point Guard

Age: 24

Experience: 5th Season

2012-13 Season Averages: 23.98 PER, 23.2 PPG, 7.4 APG, 5.2 RPG, 1.8 SPG

The Oklahoma City Thunder sustained a blow that they'd never experienced before, as Russell Westbrook was lost for the season with a torn right meniscus. After years of complaints that Westbrook held Kevin Durant back, we finally have our answer.

Without Westbrook, OKC is nothing but an average postseason contender.

Serge Ibaka has forgotten how to play basketball since Westbrook went down, shooting 30.8 percent from the field during the Thunder's series against the Memphis Grizzlies. A major reason for this dip in production is the fact that Westbrook was the team's lead facilitator.

Contrary to the belief that he doesn't pass, Westbrook's drive-and-dish abilities were the key to OKC's role players contributing on offense.

Beyond his facilitating, the Thunder have missed Westbrook's uncanny ability to light up the scoreboard. Not only can he slash, but his ability to knock down a jump shot helps space the floor for Kevin Durant to work.

Durant remains sensational, but OKC just isn't the same without its dynamic floor general.

Deron Williams, Brooklyn Nets

Position: Point Guard

Age: 28

Experience: 8th Season

2012-13 Season Averages: 20.38 PER, 18.9 PPG, 7.7 APG, 3.0 RPG, 1.0 SPG

Since the All-Star Break, Deron Williams has been, arguably, the best point guard in the NBA. He posted post-All-Star Game averages of 22.9 points, 8.0 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game to validate that.

If that's not enough, he did all of this on a slash line of .481/.420/.866.

This may seem like production that he cannot sustain over the course of the season, but that's exactly what D-Will did with the Utah Jazz. After posting 20.6 points and 8.4 assists during the Brooklyn Nets' first round loss to the Chicago Bulls, it's clear production isn't an issue.

It's all about consistency.

If Williams can get on the page with his Brooklyn teammates, there's no reason to believe he won't be an All-Star in 2014. In fact, chemistry appears to be the one thing separating Brooklyn from reaching the postseason and making a title run.

If anyone can bring it together, one of the greatest pick-and-roll facilitators of our generation appears to be the one.