Ranking the 25 Most Untouchable Players in the NBA Entering Deadline Week
Just days away from the 2015 NBA trade deadline (Thursday, Feb. 19, at 3 p.m. ET), we can hope for a scattering of trades involving the most readily offered players around the league.
What we shouldn't expect is a flurry of deals for the following group of practically untouchable targets.
These guys are about as close to off-limits as it gets, because it would take a boatload of assets to land them. We're talking about some of the most untradable players in the league.
They're either (A) so valuable that teams wouldn't trade them for even the most enticing compensation, (B) extremely valuable in proportion to their contracts and/or (C) are great franchise building blocks.
In order to sift through some of the most obvious untouchable superstars, we skipped the charade of nominating All-Stars. These rankings are comprised of ballers who did not earn 2015 All-Star selections.
We also left out players who have already been traded between NBA teams earlier this season, such as Timofey Mozgov or Rajon Rondo.
Our rankings are based on how untouchable these players are currently for their clubs. The higher-ranked players are more unobtainable due to their importance to their team's rotation, their upside and the team's current financial and roster situation.
Note: Contract information does not include "qualifying offer" years.
25. Joakim Noah, Chicago Bulls C
1 of 25
Age: 29
2014-15 Salary: $12.7 million
Remaining (Including 2014-15): 2 years, $26.6 million
2014-15 Stats: 30.4 MPG, 7.7 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 3.7 APG, .439 FG%, .651 FT%
Few players would be able to retain the "untouchable" label after slogging through an offensive season as ugly as the one Joakim Noah is enduring.
He's that important to the Chicago Bulls.
Derrick Rose is still the team's most captivating star, and Jimmy Butler is currently the Bulls' best player. But Noah is the team's soul. Whether he's taking the team's defense up a notch on the floor or picking everyone up in the locker room, he's the spiritual leader of the club.
Just ask Butler, who talked to CSNChicago.com's Jimmy Toscano about what Noah means to the team:
"Jo don't ever shut up, but I think it's for the better...We need that when he's on the floor or when he's not on the floor. He's our leader and he's emotional whether he's in the jersey or he's on the sideline. If I didn't have Jo on my team I would hate him, so hopefully he's on my team for forever, because I really would not like him if I'm going up against him.
"
Noah is more than just a talker, though. He's holding opponents to 41.7 percent shooting, and the Bulls are a better defensive unit when he's on the floor. According to Basketball Reference's on/off statistics, Chicago's opponents generate a better offensive rating (105.8) when he's on the bench compared to when he's playing (104.5).
24. Jonas Valanciunas, Toronto Raptors C
2 of 25
Age: 22
2014-15 Salary: $3.7 million
Remaining (Including 2014-15): 2 years, $8.3 million
2014-15 Stats: 26.2 MPG, 12.0 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 1.2 BPG, .562 FG%, .806 FT%
In his third season with the Toronto Raptors, Jonas Valanciunas has yet to truly break out and become a star in the paint. His role has not really expanded much this year.
Despite his lack of crunch-time minutes and underwhelming box-score progress, the Lithuanian big man is one of the most untouchable prospects in the Eastern Conference.
There are two reasons for that: He's still really young, and he is, in fact, improving.
Valanciunas' per-36-minute stats have gone up in several key areas (points, rebounds, free-throw attempts). His field-goal percentage and free-throw percentage are also at career highs. And the advanced stats suggest progress as well: key stats like true shooting percentage, rebounding percentage and turnover percentage have all improved.
His defensive development has been frustrating at times, but he's made some encouraging strides recently. In a recent win against the San Antonio Spurs, they shot just 1-of-8 from the field when guarded by him, per Greg Mason of Raptors Republic.
Considering his youth, steady offensive upgrades and willingness to protect the paint, the Raptors should be excited about the next couple of years.
23. Jabari Parker, Milwaukee Bucks F
3 of 25
Age: 19
2014-15 Salary: $4.9 million
Remaining (Including 2014-15): 4 years, $22.2 million
2014-15 Stats: 29.5 MPG, 12.3 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.7 APG, .490 FG%, .250 3FG%
Unless the Milwaukee Bucks are able to trade for a star-caliber featured scorer on the cheap, don't expect Jabari Parker's name anywhere near the bartering table.
That's what Parker represents for Jason Kidd's squad: a promising frontcourt thoroughbred who's signed on a rookie-scale deal through the 2017-18 season.
Just because Andrew Wiggins is emerging as the prize of the 2014 draft doesn't mean Parker is without star potential. Prior to his ACL tear, Parker was picking up steam in December. In the seven games leading up to the injury, he averaged 13-plus points on 58.9 percent shooting in fewer than 30 minutes per night.
It's not a stretch to think he'd be scoring 15 per night by now and giving Wiggins some pressure for Rookie of the Year honors.
Some players simply pass the eye test. Watch Parker torch every single member of the Cleveland Cavaliers frontcourt, including LeBron James, back in December. He possesses the footwork, strength and soft scoring touch to anchor a team ranked in the bottom half of the league in scoring.
22. Ricky Rubio, Minnesota Timberwolves PG
4 of 25
Age: 24
2014-15 Salary: $4.7 million
Remaining (Including 2014-15): 5 years, $59.7 million
2014-15 Stats: 27.3 MPG, 10.8 PPG, 7.8 APG, 4.9 RPG, .418 FG%, .412 3FG%
Ricky Rubio is a middle-to-upper tier point guard without a reliable jump shot, and he might not have the highest ceiling on the Minnesota Timberwolves.
However, he cracks our list of "untouchable" targets because of what he currently means to this rebuilding squad. It would be tricky for the Wolves to trade him and replace the kind of impact he makes.
Thanks to his elite court vision and deft passing accuracy, Rubio creates a whopping 32.3 points off assists per 48 minutes, the league's fourth-highest mark.
His talent for creating opportunities and converting them is abundantly apparent when we examine Minny's offensive effectiveness. According to 82games.com, the Wolves average 113.8 points per 100 possessions when he's on the floor, and they plummet to 102.5 when he's sidelined.
Rubio's drastic impact isn't confined to the offensive end. His peskiness and perimeter stoppage turns Minnesota into a respectable unit, yielding just 102.4 points per 100 possessions (compared to 113.8 when he's sitting).
21. Tyson Chandler, Dallas Mavericks C
5 of 25
Age: 32
2014-15 Salary: $14.8 million
Remaining (Including 2014-15): 1 year, $14.8 million
2014-15 Stats: 30.7 MPG, 10.7 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 1.3 BPG, .684 FG%, .737 FT%
As the stalwart anchor of the Dallas Mavericks' defense and their primary pick-and-roll finisher, Tyson Chandler and his expiring contract aren't going anywhere. The New York Knicks dealt him this past summer for salary reasons, but the Mavs will hang onto him for championship reasons.
Just like Joakim Noah in Chi-town, Chandler is the energetic lifeblood of the frontcourt.
He's snatching rebounds at a career-high rate; never before has he corralled 4.7 offensive boards and 9.2 defensive boards per 36 minutes. Chandler is among the NBA's top five in contested rebounds per game with 5.2 (6.1 per 36 minutes).
Defensively, his value can't be overstated. His positioning and presence holds opponents to 54.4 percent shooting within six feet of the rim, which is 4.9 percent better than the rest of the league.
Lastly, he's an offensive weapon, despite not being a featured piece or highly skilled player. Chandler is a pick-and-roll master, and he keeps opposing defenses honest when they stretch out too far to contest shooters. The Mavs score 114.6 points per 100 possessions when he's on the floor (per 82games.com).
Rick Carlisle and Co. won a title with Chandler in 2011, and they're hoping he can deliver as a key role player again this spring.
20. Zach Randolph, Memphis Grizzlies PF
6 of 25
Age: 33
2014-15 Salary: $16.5 million
Remaining (Including 2014-15): 3 years, $36.5 million
2014-15 Stats: 32.5 MPG, 16.8 PPG, 12.0 RPG, 1.8 APG, .492 FG%, .756 FT%
Few ballers on the planet have a feel for the power game and interior play like Zach Randolph.
He's so untouchable for potential suitors because he puts the "Grit" in the Memphis Grizzlies' "Grit 'n' Grind" mantra. He's one of the main components of their DNA.
But how exactly does he play with grit?
For starters, battling for position is one of his biggest strengths. Whether he's carving out low-post real estate on offense or boxing out challengers when a shot is in the air, he usually succeeds at moving opponents where he wants to. Part of the reason he leads the league in rebounding chances per game (20.1) is that he boxes out so effectively.
When you add the scoring repertoire, superb instincts and long arms, it's no wonder he's a double-double machine and constantly dictates the complexion of games.
19. Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz C
7 of 25
Age: 22
2014-15 Salary: $1.1 million
Remaining (Including 2014-15): 3 years, $4.4 million
2014-15 Stats: 21.9 MPG, 6.9 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 2.2 BPG, .629 FG%, .612 FT%
It's crazy to think that Rudy Gobert was drafted 27th in what is widely considered a weak draft (2013).
He was viewed as a raw, risky pick (which he was) because he hadn't shown much of a skill set or consistent control of the paint in France. After scant minutes his rookie year with the Utah Jazz, the jury was still out on him.
Throughout his sophomore season, however, he's displayed a good feel for the game, an elite ability to protect the rim and more confidence on offense.
Thanks to his otherworldly long arms and instincts, his block percentage of 7.9 is tops in the NBA, and his presence also prevents many shots from even happening. The Jazz give up 8.2 fewer points per 100 possessions when he's on the floor compared to when he's sitting (per 82games.com).
Between his defensive dominance, pick-and-roll skills and encouraging offensive development, Gobert has quickly become a highly regarded center prospect. He's not Utah's best player, but he's certainly on their "do not trade" list.
18. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers C
8 of 25
Age: 20
2014-15 Salary: $4.4 million
Remaining (Including 2014-15): 4 years, $20.0 million
2014-15 Stats: N/A
Scrappy as they may be, the Philadelphia 76ers are still rebuilding, and the franchise is still in flux. No one who has played for them over the last couple of years should be considered un-shoppable.
However, one particular prospect who has not yet played should be safeguarded.
There's too much mystery and intrigue surrounding rookie center Joel Embiid. He could grow into a force in the paint. Once he fully returns from his foot fracture, we'll start to remember his appeal.
If he recovers smoothly from the injury, it won't be a question of "will he be a star?" It will be "what level of stardom can he attain?"
Don't forget, this is the stud who was rivaling (and perhaps edging out) Andrew Wiggins for the No. 1 spot last June prior to his injury. He can handle the low-post game, score and pass with a variety of footwork moves and blanket the rim on defense.
For now, he's set aside, away from the trade table.
17. DeAndre Jordan, Los Angeles Clippers C
9 of 25
Age: 26
2014-15 Salary: $11.4 million
Remaining (Including 2014-15): 1 year, $11.4 million
2014-15 Stats: 33.8 MPG, 10.7 PPG, 13.8 RPG, 2.4 BPG, .725 FG%, .414 FT%
DeAndre Jordan is just too good at owning the airspace around the rim.
He's not an elite NBA center, and he's still pretty much a one-dimensional player. But he's so good in that dimension, it would be foolish for the Los Angeles Clippers to trade him for anything less than a star.
Jordan makes a living out of battling with his strength and out-jumping opponents for rebounds, blocks and putbacks. His post-up skills have improved only marginally over the years, yet his PER has bumped up every year since 2010.
His ability to gobble up boards (4.6 offensive, 9.2 defensive) and score above the fray make Los Angeles a scoreboard-lighting juggernaut. He's a big reason why they notch the second-most points per game in the Association.
Jordan still makes some positional mistakes defensively, but his energy and athleticism help him protect the rim at a high level when he's dialed in. Among players who see 25-plus minutes per game, he has the league's best block percentage (5.9 percent) and defensive rebounding percentage (30.7).
16. Julius Randle, Los Angeles Lakers PF
10 of 25
Age: 20
2014-15 Salary: $3.0 million
Remaining (Including 2014-15): 4 years, $13.5 million
2014-15 Stats: N/A
Much like the Joel Embiid situation in Philadelphia, the Los Angeles Lakers aren't about to part ways with their 2014 lottery pick.
Even though a tibia fracture prevented him from finishing his first NBA game, L.A. is committed to developing him as a cornerstone for the franchise. Like the Sixers, they're in rebuilding mode, and they won't easily give up a special rookie whom they handpicked in last June's draft.
They're so committed to Randle, in fact, that they deemed him untouchable during a potential Rajon Rondo swap with the Boston Celtics in December (per Marc Spears of Yahoo Sports).
He's powerful and aggressive as a face-up slasher, yet he's a willing passer and a decent mid-range jump-shooter. The Lakers also know they're going to get plenty of energy from him on the boards and on defense. And don't forget, he's only 20 years old.
15. Monta Ellis, Dallas Mavericks SG
11 of 25
Age: 29
2014-15 Salary: $8.4 million
Remaining (Including 2014-15): 2 years, $17.1 million
2014-15 Stats: 33.6 MPG, 19.8 PPG, 4.5 APG, .454 FG%, .329 3PT%
Dirk Nowitzki is untouchable for obvious reasons (being the face of the franchise, taking a pay cut to make room for others, etc.).
Monta Ellis is the other can't-have piece of the puzzle, because he's the dual-threat playmaker that makes Rick Carlisle's offense truly dynamic. The Dallas Mavericks can use him as a primary ball-handler when Rajon Rondo rests, and he's also a scorer to be reckoned with even when he's off the ball.
In their upcoming playoff run, he's the type of combo guard who can shoulder the load and generate offense. Ellis can slash to the rim, pull up from mid-range or rifle the rock to open teammates.
He's on the back end of his prime, yet he's underrated at this juncture. Ellis is posting his best two-point shooting percentage (49.0 percent) since the 2007-08 season, committing fewer turnovers per minute than any season since 2008-09 and enjoying the third-best PER (18.3) of his career.
14. Hassan Whiteside, Miami Heat C
12 of 25
Age: 25
2014-15 Salary: $769,881
Remaining (Including 2014-15): 2 years, $1.8 million
2014-15 Stats: 19.6 MPG, 10.0 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 2.4 BPG, .642 FG%, .538 FT%
Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside has already wrapped up the "Diamond in the Rough" award for 2015, and it looks like he's just rounding into the prime of his basketball career.
Therefore, his worth is lofty, even if it's hard to pinpoint.
Since returning to the NBA after two-plus years abroad, the 7'0" skyscraper has proved he can produce as a rebounder, interior defender and scorer. Whiteside demonstrates a nice feel for the game, superb fluidity for his size and excellent timing on both ends of the court.
Kevin Pelton of ESPN.com noted Whiteside's rare company in the shot-blocking department: "He's swatting 10.3 percent of opponents' 2-point attempts so far, reaching a double-digit threshold only two players ever have in 1,000-plus minutes (Manute Bol and Alonzo Mourning)."
In addition to his unavoidable shot-rejecting prowess and his vacuum-like rebounding abilities, Whiteside shows some tangible polish and scoring touch to become a dependable frontcourt option. His multidimensional value as a stopper and bucket-getter makes him a prized possession who won't be easily attained.
13. Andrew Bogut, Golden State Warriors C
13 of 25
Age: 30
2014-15 Salary: $13.0 million
Remaining (Including 2014-15): 3 years, $36.0 million
2014-15 Stats: 24.2 MPG, 6.6 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 2.8 APG, .566 FG%, .559 FT%
The Golden State Warriors have such a good thing going when Andrew Bogut is in the mix.
When he enters the game, he turns the Dubs' defensive unit into Fort Knox. His mobility, size, awareness and toughness make for an imposing blend. Foes scarcely score on him in one-on-one scenarios, and he's also a phenomenal help-side stopper.
His offense isn't glamorous, but he fits exactly what Golden State needs in a role player. Bogut converts pick-and-rolls, crashes the offensive boards and collaborates seamlessly with his comrades.
The Warriors' success with him in the fold is striking. According to 82games.com, they score 116.3 points per 100 possessions when he's on the floor, and they hold opponents to just 97.0 points.
Their title chances are better than they've been in decades, and he's a huge part of it. Despite his intermittent injuries, he's a long shot to be shopped.
12. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks SF
14 of 25
Age: 20
2014-15 Salary: $1.9 million
Remaining (Including 2014-15): 3 years, $6.8 million
2014-15 Stats: 29.6 MPG, 12.0 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 2.5 APG, .507 FG%, .167 3FG%
Greek prospect Giannis Antetokounmpo isn't an NBA star, but he appears to be on the express train for that destination.
Fans and opponents alike are discovering how dangerous his physical tools are—especially with instincts and rapidly growing skills fueling those tools.
Antetokounmpo's unselfish awareness and increased scoring skills only further complement his rangy defense and uncontainable slashing. He's not yet efficient enough from long range to be a high-volume outside shooter, but the Bucks believe in his mid-range improvement.
"As he continues to grow and understand the game—we've put him in a lot of different situations that he's succeeded in," Bucks coach Jason Kidd told Andrew Gruman of Fox Sports Wisconsin. "He's getting comfortable shooting the ball and making plays for his teammates. He's a guy that fills up the stat sheet."
It's too early to trade this future star for anything less than a current star, or more.
11. Wesley Matthews, Portland Trail Blazers SG
15 of 25
Age: 28
2014-15 Salary: $7.2 million
Remaining (Including 2014-15): 1 year, $7.2 million
2014-15 Stats: 34.0 MPG, 16.4 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 2.3 APG, .453 FG%, .398 3FG%
When the Cleveland Cavaliers were shopping Dion Waiters in December, the Portland Trail Blazers declined their repeated offers for Wesley Matthews, according to Chris Haynes of the Northeast Ohio Media Group.
"Barring an unexpected plummet, the Trail Blazers are dismissing all overtures for Matthews," Haynes wrote. "He is a free agent at the end of the season and they have every intention of re-signing him next summer, a league source said."
What about him makes the Blazers so protective? He's a bulldog on defense and a cagey, efficient contributor on the other end. Such proficient two-way shooting guards are exceptionally rare in today's NBA.
He's shooting nearly 40 percent from three-point land, and he's holding opponents to just 31.5 percent from beyond the arc. That's an excellent trade-off for Terry Stotts and Co.
Matthews relishes the task of wearing down the opponents top guard or wing, and he produces an important chunk of points within the flow of the game.
10. Gordon Hayward, Utah Jazz SF
16 of 25
Age: 24
2014-15 Salary: $14.7 million
Remaining (Including 2014-15): 4 years, $63.0 million
2014-15 Stats: 35.2 MPG, 19.7 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 4.3 APG, .460 FG%, .392 3FG%
The Utah Jazz know that versatile swingmen don't grow on trees, and they knew it back when they re-signed Gordon Hayward for $60-plus million last summer. The gigantic payday caught many NBA observers off guard, especially after Hayward had a relatively underwhelming 2013-14 season.
So far, he has made the Jazz brass look smart. Hayward is driving more effectively and shooting more accurately than he did last season. He's an upgraded weapon.
2013-14 was his first campaign as the featured engineer of Utah's offense. Now he has some seasoning as the leader, and he knows how to tactically approach situations. Hayward looks the part of an alpha dog now, putting up the first back-to-back 30-point games of his career right before the All-Star break, per ESPN Stats & Info.
"I think it's one of those things where you just have a year of experience under your belt," Hayward told Zach Harper of CBS Sports. "I kind of know how the defense is going to play a little bit more. I kind of know where I can get my shots, when to be aggressive, and where to swing [the ball]."
When the rest of the roster catches up to him, the Jazz will be much more than a feisty also-ran.
9. Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors PF
17 of 25
Age: 24
2014-15 Salary: $915,243
Remaining (Including 2014-15): 1 year, $915,243
2014-15 Stats: 32.0 MPG, 11.1 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.6 SPG, .432 FG%, .330 3FG%
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green is arguably the most impactful role player on any title contender in 2015.
His strength, toughness and leadership are crucial to the Dubs' two-way success, but he does much more than supply energy and dirty work. The Michigan State product has also become a polished offensive weapon who can stretch the floor with his three-point shooting, handle the rock and dish assists.
And his defense is much more than just power and hustle. It's calculated footwork, well-timed positioning and a penchant for cleanly forcing turnovers. He has superb awareness on and off the ball, and consequently he's atop the league in defensive win shares with 3.6. Green's defensive field-goal percentage is also outstanding, as he holds opponents to 38.5 percent shooting from the field.
B/R's Grant Hughes explains that these kinds of advanced stats help make Green such an untouchable asset, a potential max-contract player.
"Change is on the horizon," said Hughes. "Thanks to new stats and, just as importantly, a trend toward valuing defensive metrics, we can look past the anecdotes and middling conventional numbers to see the real worth in players like Green."
8. Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls PG
18 of 25
Age: 26
2014-15 Salary: $18.9 million
Remaining (Including 2014-15): 3 years, $60.3 million
2014-15 Stats: 31.1 MPG, 18.9 PPG, 5.0 APG, 3.1 RPG, .415 FG%, .294 3FG%
Knee injuries famously derailed the prime of Derrick Rose's career, and he's still trying to find his nightly rhythm on the road back to stardom. He's now a risky asset who's slated to earn more than $60 million through the next three seasons.
Nevertheless, he's one of the most untouchable trade targets in the league because of what he means to the Chicago Bulls.
With him running the show, there's at least a chance of them making a deep run and pursuing a title this year.
Without him, they're just a really good team with no shot to hoist a trophy.
He's been inconsistent all season, but when he delivers a masterpiece like his 30-point, seven-assist outing against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Feb. 12, it's impossible to downplay his spark for this club. It's too early to give up on him.
7. Andre Drummond, Detroit Pistons C
19 of 25
Age: 21
2014-15 Salary: $2.6 million
Remaining (Including 2014-15): 2 years, $5.8 million
2014-15 Stats: 29.5 MPG, 12.6 PPG, 12.8 RPG, 1.8 BPG, .500 FG%, .406 FT%
Andre Drummond isn't necssarily the best player on the Detroit Pistons. That mantle likely goes to Greg Monroe or Brandon Jennings.
But he's the most untouchable trade target on the roster because he's young, rising and affordable. The 6'10" behemoth is enjoying his third year in a row of physically overwhelming opponents on the glass and in the paint.
His playing style and role are generally the same, but he's become more effective this season. Drummond is more devastating on pick-and-rolls because he's a better finisher, and he's mastered the art of offensive rebounding (he leads the NBA in offensive rebounding percentage and overall rebounding percentage).
He's improving his post moves, not so much to pad his stats, but to make him a more effective weapon for the team. As Rob Mahoney of Sports Illustrated explains:
"Drummond has no delusions of being a high-usage option on offense. He simply aspires to work from the post as a means to diversify. Some might use a back-to-the-basket game to gun for 20 points a night. For Drummond, it's simply a means to push back against the scouting report and keep defenses honest.
"
This simultaneous commitment to the dirty work and skill refinement is what makes him a special young resource for Detroit.
6. Mike Conley, Memphis Grizzlies PG
20 of 25
Age: 27
2014-15 Salary: $8.7 million
Remaining (Including 2014-15): 2 years, $18.1 million
2014-15 Stats: 31.7 MPG, 16.9 PPG, 5.3 APG, 3.2 RPG, .455 FG%, .401 3FG%
The "underrated" or "underappreciated" labels are such tiresome terms for those who cherish Mike Conley's impact for the Memphis Grizzlies. He continues to guide the offense, supply perimeter defense, score productively and improve his shooting. All on a top-tier Western Conference unit.
Grantland's Jonathan Abrams notes that Conley's sustained excellence should render the "underrated" tag obsolete.
"Today, it's nearly impossible to imagine the Grizzlies’ success without Conley. [Lionel] Hollins has moved on (he now stalks the sideline for the Brooklyn Nets), but the 'underrated' label that has long been attached to Conley is outdated and no longer applicable. He is one of the league's best orchestrators for one of the league's best teams, and he serves as the guiding, steadying influence on an emotional roster.
"
Even though this list is comprised of non-All-Stars, it's almost cheating to include Conley, who's playing at an All-Star caliber this season. He constantly steers the Grizzlies into the playoff hunt, often helping the squad overcome roster flaws to compete with the premier franchises of the West. They would be foolish to entertain offers for him.
5. Dwight Howard, Houston Rockets C
21 of 25
Age: 29
2014-15 Salary: $21.4 million
Remaining (Including 2014-15): 3 years, $67.1 million
2014-15 Stats: 32.2 MPG, 16.3 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 1.4 BPG, .575 FG%, .527 FT%
It's been a down year for Dwight Howard, and nothing symbolizes that more than his absence during this past All-Star Weekend. He's banged-up and on the back end of his prime.
As the adage goes, "stick a fork in him, he's done," right?
Not quite.
When he's fully healthy and integrated into the Houston Rockets' system, he's still a top-tier center. Alongside James Harden, he remains one of the pillars of the team's success.
The Rockets are a sturdy defensive unit when he's patrolling the paint (surrendering just 101.4 points per 100 possessions, according to 82games.com). On offense, they have a powerful, albeit unrefined anchor.
Will he ever lead Houston to trophy-land? It's a tall order. But he could be a bruising, forceful sidekick to Harden on some deep runs. After all, he's been to the NBA Finals with less talent around him before.
4. Nikola Vucevic, Orlando Magic C
22 of 25
Age: 24
2014-15 Salary: $2.8 million
Remaining (Including 2014-15): 5 years, $50.8 million
2014-15 Stats: 34.3 MPG, 19.6 PPG, 11.3 RPG, 1.9 APG, .536 FG%, .776 FT%
His playing style isn't electrifying, and he plays in a small market, so you don't see Nikola Vucevic in headlines or highlight reels.
But if you're a fan of good basketball, there's nothing boring about him. The Orlando Magic certainly aren't sleeping on his efforts, as he's flirting with a 20/10 year to anchor the team in the paint.
He uses excellent positioning and solid footwork to control the middle as a rebounder and scorer, and his dependable mid-range jumper helps enhance his contributions. Josh Cohen of Magic.com explained one of the keys to Vucevic's efficient work:
"Vucevic’s skills stem from his understanding of the game. He reads defenses extremely well and makes quality decisions. In contrast to several of the other elite centers in the NBA, including Dwight Howard, DeMarcus Cousins and Andre Drummond, Vucevic doesn’t commit many turnovers. In fact, he averages just two a game, while his aforementioned adversaries all average more than three per contest.
"
As an inside-out offensive threat and rebounding machine, Vucevic is the foundation for Orlando's hopes to return to the playoffs soon.
3. Eric Bledsoe, Phoenix Suns PG
23 of 25
Age: 25
2014-15 Salary: $13.0 million
Remaining (Including 2014-15): 5 years, $70.0 million
2014-15 Stats: 33.9 MPG, 17.2 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 5.9 APG, 1.7 SPG, .450 FG%, .333 3FG%
Eric Bledsoe is the most dynamic player on the Phoenix Suns' roster, and he's also their most valuable two-way contributor. Hence the $70 million contract he inked in September 2014.
Including his electrifying scoring and slashing, he also hauls in 5.2 rebounds per night from the point guard spot and swipes 1.7 steals. His speed and strength can change the game at times.
Randy Hill of Fox Sports Arizona broke down some of the factors that have turned Bledsoe from a dangerous backup in Los Angeles into a full-fledged beast in Phoenix:
"There has been more evidence of effort-accrued skill, carefully articulated leadership, wall-to-wall energy and increased commitment to defensive detail. Consistently applying these attributes has transformed Bledsoe into the team leader across several categories of statistics. He is, for example, at the top of the Suns' list in something known as Value Over Replacement Player.
"
Unless you're willing to offer the world in exchange for Bledsoe, be prepared to be scoffed at. Goran Dragic could opt out of his 2015-16 player option this summer, and both he and Isaiah Thomas have been linked to trade talks this past week, per ESPN's Marc Stein. These front-office stirrings could make Bledsoe all the more unreachable for suitors.
2. Andrew Wiggins, Minnesota Timberwolves SG/SF
24 of 25
Age: 19 (turns 20 on Feb. 23)
2014-15 Salary: $5.5 million
Remaining (Including 2014-15): 4 years, $24.9 million
2014-15 Stats: 34.5 MPG, 15.2 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.9 APG, .431 FG%, .358 3FG%
When he was still an unproven prospect and Kevin Love was on the table, the Cleveland Cavaliers deemed Andrew Wiggins available and tradable last summer.
Whether the Cavs would do it over again doesn't matter. All that matters is that the Minnesota Timberwolves have their building block for the future. The young, explosive Canadian prospect is looking much more like an upcoming star than an overrated disappointment.
It would take a mountainous reward to pry Wiggins away from the Wolves, because he's already promising and isn't even close to tapping into his prime yet. The worries about him being an unrefined risk or a tentative also-ran are things of the past.
"Whether he's been operating out of the post, using his quick first step to blow by primary defenders or catching and shooting in rhythm, Wiggins' arsenal has expanded rapidly for a player who supposedly possessed a passive demeanor," wrote B/R's Alec Nathan.
With a ceiling that isn't calculable at the moment, Wiggins is one of the most unattainable assets for the other 29 teams in the league.
1. Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs F
25 of 25
Age: 23
2014-15 Salary: $2.9 million
Remaining (Including 2014-15): 1 year, $2.9 million
2014-15 Stats: 32.0 MPG, 15.4 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 2.5 APG, 2.1 SPG, .443 FG%, .339 3FG%
Although he's set to become a restricted free agent this summer, the San Antonio Spurs won't be dangling Kawhi Leonard on the trade market. They want to keep him in the fold for a long time, even if it means shelling out a hefty sum for him this offseason.
His development as a jump-shooter and rise to NBA Finals MVP last year was magnificent, and he's building his skills even more this year.
Leonard's shooting percentages are down because he's a more ambitious shooter than ever before, but his per-minute numbers are up across the board.
He's earning free throws more often, grabbing more rebounds, dropping more dimes, snatching more steals and scoring more points than ever before. And his sweeping defensive presence noticeably boosts San Antonio's output: Opponents register a 99.3 offensive rating when he's on the floor, and they spike to 105.0 when he's benched.
The Spurs outdueled the Miami Heat thanks to his versatility, and they'd like him to spearhead more championship runs. They won't let him go easily.
Note: Unless otherwise indicated, all stats come from Basketball-Reference.com and NBA.com and are current as of the All-Star break. All salary information comes from Basketball Insiders.
