NBA Predictions: Statistical Projections for the NBA's Top 50 Players

With the NBA coming back into the national scope within the next few weeks, it's time to start seriously looking at what's going to happen on the court. 

The biggest questions remain. Who is going to win the NBA Championship? Who will be this year's MVP? Rookie of the Year? Which team is going to be this year's underdog? How will Miami do this season?

All those questions and more will only be answered with time this season, and we'll have to watch the season play out to get the answers. However, one question that I always tend to concern myself with is who will do what throughout the course of the year, that is, how will statistics unfold?

I've taken a look at my top-50 list from a few weeks back, tweaked it a bit to my thinking of the day and predicted what each player will do statistically.

Feel free to use this as an excuse to yell at me over the internet, build your fantasy team or just read for your entertainment.

50. Carlos Boozer

Points: 19.3

Rebounds: 9.7

Assists: 2.2

Steals: 1.0

Blocks: 0.2

Carlos Boozer had a season that was looked at by many as a disappointment, mostly because of how short he came up in the playoffs. However, he still nearly averaged a double-double for the season.

His defense is weak, that's for sure, but with the improvement of the Bulls as a team overall, this should be less apparent this season, and I think he'll have a bounce-back year, although his statistics won't improve dramatically.

49. Tyreke Evans

Points: 18.9

Rebounds: 5.1

Assists: 6.1

Steals: 1.8

Blocks: 0.7

As the Kings trot out a completely different lineup this season compared to last year, I think they are the team with the biggest variation in terms of possible outcomes. They could sneak into the playoffs if everything falls into place, but they could also be a bottom five team if they don't fit together well.

Most of this depends on the leadership of young Tyreke Evans, who will have to be more of an all-around leader, rather than just an offensive leader as he was last season. I think he'll try to take on this role, but struggle at times.

48. Luis Scola

Points: 20.2

Rebounds: 8.8

Assists: 2.3

Steals: 0.7

Blocks: 0.6

The Houston Rockets have a few holes to fill between now and December 25th (namely that starting center spot, because if they give it to Hasheem Thabeet I'll go ahead and write them off now), but I still see their most important player as Luis Scola.

Sure, Kevin Martin is more explosive on offense, but Scola does so much more. He sets a tempo on defense that the team seems to feed off of at times and has a low-post and mid-range offensive combination that give the team their unique style. I think he'll take a bigger role than he ever has this season.

47. Lamar Odom

Points: 15.8

Rebounds: 9.2

Assists: 3.2

Steals: 0.5

Blocks: 0.7

Lamar Odom could end up being one of the most important players on the Lakers if they end up trading Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum for Dwight Howard, which I think will eventually happen. In that scenario he'll likely be bumped up into the role of starting power forward, which will give him a statistical boost.

If he ends up starting alongside Dwight Howard, he should continue to score with efficiency, as he'll continue to be less focused on when he's on either side of the court.

46. David West

Points: 17.8

Rebounds: 7.8

Assists: 2.4

Steals: 1.0

Blocks: 1.0

David West will end up on the Hornets again this season because they are going to overpay him, that means when Chris Paul gets traded away he'll get more looks, but fewer open looks that Paul generates.

West will be the focal point of the offense, but I still think his production is going to drop.

45. Kevin Martin

Points: 25.4

Rebounds: 3.5

Assists: 2.2

Steals: 0.9

Blocks: 0.3

Kevin Martin will continue to be the focal point of the Houston Rockets offense, so nothing should change to dramatically for him.

His offense will still be sharp while his defense remains leaving something to be desired.

44. Gerald Wallace

Points: 14.4

Rebounds: 8.0

Assists: 2.5

Steals: 1.7

Blocks: 0.9

Gerald Wallace will continue to have a big role on the Blazers, but with the changes on the team (the addition of Raymond Felton and Greg Oden staying healthy for three-quarters of the season, it's going to happen, mark my words) his statistical production may drop, but that shouldn't mean he'll be a worse player this season.

Wallace will continue to dive for loose balls and be an absolute monster on defense, which should help the Blazers to a four or five seed in the Western Conference.

43. Luol Deng

Points: 17.0

Rebounds: 6.2

Assists: 3.0

Steals: 1.0

Blocks: 0.7

While I got some guff for putting Luol Deng so high in my top-50 rankings a while back, I'm sticking with it and leaving him where he was. No other player on the Bulls works so hard with so little recognition.

He'll continue to play stellar defense, take his shots when he's given them and just help the team win games. If that's not a top-50 player I don't know what is.

42. Eric Gordon

Points: 24.4

Rebounds: 3.6

Assists: 4.7

Steals: 1.6

Blocks: 0.6

This is the year that Eric Gordon goes from being one of the most underrated players in the game to getting the recognition he deserves. Gordon has been like Kevin Martin with the ability to play defense over the past two years, but he still gets very little love.

No more of that.

41. John Wall

Points: 19.4

Rebounds: 4.9

Assists: 10.1

Steals: 2.0

Blocks: 0.4

The guy that would have been the 2011 Rookie of the Year had it not been for Blake Griffin's injury could also compete for the Most Improve Player Award this season.

With the immense amount of raw talent around him, it's inevitable that one of the guys he plays with gets better, if not three or four of them, leading to a huge increase in output for such a good passer.

Look for Wall to compete for the lead in assists this season and stay away from that sophomore slump.

40. Josh Smith

Points: 16.8

Rebounds: 8.8

Assists: 4.0

Steals: 1.6

Blocks: 2.2

Most of Josh Smith's statistics are going to be dependent on where Smith gets traded, if he gets traded at all.

If he is expected to go to a lesser team and be one of their top options he should end up with big numbers but the team could have a low win total, however if he goes to a good team as a third option his numbers should drop, but the teams should be better for it.

39. Stephen Curry

Points: 20.1

Rebounds: 4.2

Assists: 6.5

Steals: 1.8

Blocks: 0.2

If and when Monta Ellis gets traded, the Golden State Warriors could look like a completely different team, especially if they make a big splash in the free agent market.

If they end up signing a center like Nene or even Samuel Dalembert and then trading Monta Ellis for Andre Iguodala, they could turn into a much better defensive team overnight, leading to a much different role for Stephen Curry.

38. Danny Granger

Points: 22.4

Rebounds: 6.1

Assists: 3.0

Steals: 1.3

Blocks: 1.3

Danny Granger seems to be stuck between very good small forward and star small forward taking a step backward in the past two seasons with poor shooting, but I think this season is the season when he finally steps up into that star status and makes the Pacers a dangerous five or six seed in the East.

With the addition of George Hill behind Darren Collison at the point guard spot, Granger is looking at having two very capable young point guards passing the ball to him and making the team that much better.

37. Monta Ellis

Points: 24.5

Rebounds: 4.0

Assists: 5.5

Steals: 2.0

Blocks: 0.3

The mystery that is Monta Ellis will continue to grow in the coming months as the trade rumors swirl like the rabid Warriors offense.

Trade talks have been present all summer and now all fall long, and it looks like Golden State will flip him for the right price, but what is the right price?

36. Ray Allen

Points: 16.0

Rebounds: 3.3

Assists: 2.5

Steals: 1.0

Blocks: 0.3

He's older, but that doesn't mean he's on the decline just yet. Great players like Ray Allen can go from superstars to stars to good players slowly, compared to the rapid decline of some players that peak seven years into their career and are out of the league in another six.

Allen will have another stellar season for a 36-year-old, especially with Rajon Rondo getting him three open looks a game.

35. Tyson Chandler

Points: 11.4

Rebounds: 10.2

Assists: 0.4

Steals: 0.5

Blocks: 1.2

It's amazing how many things have to go right for a championship to come together. Had Tyson Chandler not failed his physical two years ago when he was traded (and later sent back) from the Hornets to the Thudner, he may have stayed in Oklahoma City, never to come to Dallas.

Had that happened, who knows if Dallas would have had the big man they needed to win the title last season. While rumors are swirling that Chandler could be leaving and that Dallas is interested in a sign-and-trade for Nene, it seems like a long shot. Chandler should be back in Dallas by the time the season starts.

34. Andre Iguodala

Points: 16.4

Rebounds: 6.0

Assists: 6.2

Steals: 1.4

Blocks: 0.8

To me, one of the most interesting players over the past few years has been Andre Iguodala. HIs development has been so unusual, going from a phenomenal athlete in his first few years in Philadelphia as A.I 2.0, to a reluctant, but serviceable leader after Allen Iverson was traded in 2006, then turning into a great defender and leader last season.

Iguodala has all the tools to be the leader of a championship caliber team, he just needs the right guys around him, the only question left is where he ends up, or if the 76ers trade him at all.

33. Joe Johnson

Points: 17.9

Rebounds: 4.2

Assists: 4.5

Steals: 1.2

Blocks: 0.2

Joe Johnson is going to have to start living up to that huge contract he signed last season, otherwise the Hawks could decide to use their amnesty clause on him if he continues to decline down the road.

For the first time since he's come to Atlanta, Johnson averaged fewer than 20 points a game last season, and just didn't look like himself, and I don't see that turning around anytime soon.

32. Andrew Bynum

Points: 13.4

Rebounds: 10.2

Assists: 1.2

Steals: 0.5

Blocks: 2.3

Andrew Bynum has gone from being an immature kid in the league to an immature man, a title he needs to shake to continue to improve. People would rather play basketball with guys who have rational emotions compared to those that let their emotions get the better of them, and happier teammates leads to better teams.

Still, Bynum is an immensely talented young fellow who still has room to become a better player, which he should continue to do. 

31. Joakim Noah

Points: 12.2

Rebounds: 11.1

Assists: 2.3

Steals: 1.2

Blocks: 2.0

A guy who was once just a high-energy player now has a legitimate case to be considered one of the top-30 players in the NBA, which is very impressive.

He's still the high-energy guy he always was, but he adds an improved offensive ability and a higher basketball IQ to that energy.

30. Chris Bosh

Points: 19.0

Rebounds: 9.0

Assists: 2.2

Steals: 0.7

Blocks: 1.1

I don't think this really has anything to do with Chris Bosh as a player, but if he were to change two things about himself I would probably put him in my top five favorite players in the NBA. First, he would have to not be on the Heat, which is my least favorite aspect of the guy, and second, he would have to stop doing that dinosaur screech after every mildly positive play.

Otherwise, Bosh seems like a genuinely good guy with an impressive offensive game. Still, this season shouldn't change much for Bosh, as he should be playing the same role for the Heat.

29. Nene

Points: 15.5

Rebounds: 8.0

Assists: 2.1

Steals: 1.2

Blocks: 1.2

People out there who think the Heat are going to land Nene are nuts, as there are plenty of teams out there with more to offer than Miami. 

Realistically, I see him ending up in Golden State, Indiana or possibly Houston, automatically making him one of the two (or three depending on your view I suppose) best players on each of those teams.

28. Andrew Bogut

Points: 14.7

Rebounds: 12.0

Assists: 1.7

Steals: 0.6

Blocks: 3.0

Andrew Bogut is entering his seventh year in the league, and for my money he is one of the three best centers in the league at any given time.

Bogut has become one of the best defensive centers in the league and does so with constant aggression and just knowing where to be on the floor. I see no reason that he can't continue to improve.

27. Tony Parker

Points: 18.2

Rebounds: 3.3

Assists: 6.9

Steals: 1.4

Blocks: 0.1

As the San Antonio Spurs prepare to move on from the Tim Duncan Era (who knows what happens to the big guy after this season), Tony Parker becomes even more important, especially after they traded away George Hill.

26. Rudy Gay

Points: 18.8

Rebounds: 6.3

Assists: 3.1

Steals: 2.0

Blocks: 1.1

Coming off an injury and putting himself back into a lineup that nearly made it to the Western Conference Finals without him is going to be tough for Rudy Gay, but it definitely seems possible. After all, Memphis was 30-24 with Rudy Gay and 16-12 without him, which isn't much of a difference.

So long as he can come back in and not change their defense too much, they should be a better team with the talented small forward.

25. Marc Gasol

Points: 13.4

Rebounds: 8.8

Assists: 2.3

Steals: 1.0

Blocks: 2.1

Near the end of the season and in the playoffs, Marc Gasol showed the league a bit of a preview for what he can be.

Teamed up with a much-improved Zach Randolph down low turned Marc Gasol into a beast on defense, leading to the Spurs and Thunder having trouble getting much going on the inside.

24. Al Horford

Points: 15.9

Rebounds: 9.8

Assists: 3.3

Steals: 0.7

Blocks: 1.5

If the Hawks would get a true center, moving Al Horford and Josh Smith down to their correct positions, it could pay dividends for them, as it would put two of their players into their rightful spots. 

Still, even though he was out of position most of the time he was on the court, he was still one of Atlanta's two players, something that shouldn't change this season.

23. Kevin Garnett

Points: 14.6

Rebounds: 9.4

Assists: 2.6

Steals: 1.4

Blocks: 1.0

While Kevin Garnett sort of lost his edge after Kendrick Perkins was sent away, the Celtics still played quite well until they ran into the Heat in the playoffs.

Garnett is still playing at quite a high level defensively, and while his offensive production has dropped, his efficiency has not, as the Celtics are a more balanced and spread out team.

22. Paul Pierce

Points: 19.1

Rebounds: 5.5

Assists: 3.0

Steals: 1.7

Blocks: 0.5

The Celtics season is going to mostly on Rajon Rondo and Paul Pierce as the season goes along, as Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen play important roles.

They need these two to set the tone for the rest of the team and hope that they can come together as a team and roll into the playoffs with momentum.

21. Tim Duncan

Points: 15.7

Rebounds: 9.8

Assists: 3.3

Steals: 0.6

Blocks: 2.1

Tim Duncan's decline has obviously started as his stats and role on the Spurs have taken a hit, but with the shortened season, Duncan should have a bit of a reprieve this year.

Fewer games on his knees and fewer minutes in those games should leave him fresh for the playoffs, something that he didn't seem to be last season.

20. LaMarcus Aldridge

Points: 20.4

Rebounds: 8.4

Assists: 2.5

Steals: 1.3

Blocks: 1.4

Of all the players in the NBA last season, there wasn't one that impressed me more than LaMarcus Aldridge.

In the past few years, the Blazers have dealt with the loss of Brandon Roy and Greg Oden, two players who were supposed to lead their team into the future. They easily could have given up, but LaMarcus Aldridge took this team under his wing and became their leader.

Half the time he was playing out of position at center, and the team was still able to nab the sixth seed in the West, and if it weren't for those pesky Mavericks, who knows what they could have done.

I think he'll produce a bit less this season, as I expect Oden to finally play most of the season, but he'll still be the leader of this team.

19. Kevin Love

Points: 22.4

Rebounds: 14.8

Assists: 2.7

Steals: 0.5

Blocks: 0.5

The rebound machine that is Kevin Love finally has some decent teammates to play with, and while his offensive production may go up if Ricky Rubio is anything near what they say he could be, he may end up with a few fewer rebounds with Derrick Williams potentially taking the place of Michael Beasley.

I still expect him to lead the league, it just might not be as much of a runaway.

18. Zach Randolph

Points: 19.5

Rebounds: 12.8

Assists: 2.4

Steals: 1.0

Blocks: 0.4

Big Z-Bo showed off a combination of maturity and excellent play that we've never seen from him before last season, and I can easily see him continuing on that path.

So long as the team can incorporate Rudy Gay in seamlessly, they should be impressive yet again this season.

17. Manu Ginobili

Points: 18.5

Rebounds: 4.1

Assists: 5.0

Steals: 1.6

Blocks: 0.4

The most unique player in the NBA and the most important player on the Spurs is looking to keep the team together and attempt another deep playoff run this season.

Much like last season, Ginobili will have to shoulder quite a big load for the Spurs, which should mean, if anything, an improvement in his statistics.

16. Rajon Rondo

Points: 12.1

Rebounds: 4.9

Assists: 10.9

Steals: 2.4

Blocks: 0.3

While the trade rumors swirl, it doesn't change the fact that the most important player for the Celtics success this season will be Rajon Rondo.

While he hasn't got a trace of a jumper in his game, he's one of the best facilitators in the NBA and an amazingly gifted defender. Look for him to continue to keep up his high rate of play. 

15. Russell Westbrook

Points: 22.4

Rebounds: 4.8

Assists: 8.9

Steals: 2.0

Blocks: 0.4

While the Thunder continue their ravenous stampede toward the top of the Western Conference, the only thing that has threatened to derail Oklahoma City is the impending struggle for supremacy between Westbrook and Kevin Durant.

While Durant is still unequivocally the number one player on the Thunder, Westbrook is rapidly improving and looks to keep doing so.

14. Amar'e Stoudemire

Points: 24.3

Rebounds: 8.5

Assists: 2.4

Steals: 0.8

Blocks: 1.8

As the Knicks put their team together, hoping that Chris Paul can join them at some point during the season, Amar'e Stoudemire is going to have to continue to anchor the team's frontcourt.

Amar'e picked up his defense (statistically speaking) last season while continuing his torrid pace on offense. If anything, he's a great option for your fantasy team's starting power forward.

13. Blake Griffin

Points: 24.6

Rebounds: 13.7

Assists: 4.0

Steals: 1.0

Blocks: 1.0

Last year's Rookie of the Year Award winner Blake Griffin was so good a season ago that he could easily jump to being one of the league's top ten players this year.

The only question that remains is how much is he going to jump, and if he does jump high enough could he end up in both the Most Improved Player Award talks and MVP talks. Only time will tell.

12. Carmelo Anthony

Points: 26.7

Rebounds: 6.9

Assists: 3.0

Steals: 1.0

Blocks: 0.6

After a tumultuous year for Carmelo Anthony, he should finally be looking forward to having a nice calm season in New York.

Now that the trade rumors aren't going to be swirling around him, he'll have all his time to focus on basketball.

11. Steve Nash

Points: 14.9

Rebounds: 3.0

Assists: 11.2

Steals: 0.5

Blocks: 0.1

Good old Steve Nash should be doing what he always does this year, making bad teams look good.

While Nash is entering the final year of his contract, it seems as if Phoenix is keen on keeping him, so I do expect him to play out the season with the Suns.

10. Pau Gasol

Points: 19.2

Rebounds: 10.7

Assists: 3.5

Steals: 0.7

Blocks: 1.5

While Pau Gasol came up short in the playoffs last season, especially on defense, he could be incredibly valuable to the Lakers this season.

Gasol could end up in a package deal that would bring Dwight Howard to the Lakers, and while going to Orlando might not be very attractive to Gasol, that exchange would undoubtedly help the Lakers. 

9. Deron Williams

Points: 18.7

Rebounds: 4.1

Assists: 10.1

Steals: 1.4

Blocks: 0.3

Deron Williams could very well stay in New Orleans (Brooklyn) beyond this season, but that all depends on who they add to their team.

One must imagine that New Jersey will surround him with the best talent they can get this season, which should boost his numbers and the team's win total.

8. Derrick Rose

Points: 24.2

Rebounds: 4.5

Assists: 8.2

Steals: 1.4

Blocks: 0.8

This year's reigning MVP should benefit from less weight on his shoulders as Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer should start the year healthy. Also, he should have a new shooting guard to deal to once the Bulls use their mid-level exception.

His stats may drop, but his value to the Bulls should be no different.

7. Kevin Durant

Points: 26.8

Rebounds: 7.4

Assists: 2.4

Steals: 1.4

Blocks: 1.2

The reigning NBA scoring champion Kevin Durant is more concerned with leading his team to the Finals this season, more than he is concerned about scoring more points than anyone else this season.

Because of that, I'm assuming that he and Russell Westbrook will have no problem trying to play alongside one another.

6. Chris Paul

Points: 16.7

Rebounds: 4.4

Assists: 10.6

Steals: 2.8

Blocks: 0.1

Chris Paul should continue to be the best point guard in the league this year, playing stellar defense and passing the ball with pinpoint accuracy.

Whether he stays on the Hornets (fat chance) or ends up with another team (Knicks? Clippers?), he should continue to put up substantial numbers.

5. Kobe Bryant

Points: 24.9

Rebounds: 5.1

Assists: 5.2

Steals: 1.3

Blocks: 0.2

The league's most controversial player continues to make people either love or hate him, with pretty much no in between. Along with controversy, Kobe should continue to stumble into stellar stats on his way toward another deep playoff run.

4. Dwyane Wade

Points: 24.8

Rebounds: 6.4

Assists: 5.4

Steals: 1.7

Blocks: 0.9

So long as an injury doesn't sideline Dwyane Wade, he should continue to play the game like he always has.

Wade will continue to be the emotional leader of the Heat, while LeBron puts up superior numbers. 

3. Dirk Nowitzki

Points: 22.5

Rebounds: 7.4

Assists: 2.8

Steals:  0.4

Blocks: 0.6

Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks don't get the luxury of easily coming back and defending their title this year, they still have to put their team back together before free agency totals them.

Nowitzki will of course be pivitol to the success of the Mavericks yet again, as the big German is not only the offensive leader, but the emotional leader of the team.

2. Dwight Howard

Points: 23.9

Rebounds: 13.7

Assists: 1.5

Steals: 1.6

Blocks: 2.6

If (once) Dwight Howard ends up on the Lakers, he should see very little change in his statistical output, although he will no longer be relied on to lead his team.

Howard will continue to block shots, grab rebounds and score no matter what team he is on.

1. LeBron James

Points: 27.1

Rebounds: 7.6

Assists: 7.2

Steals: 1.4

Blocks: 1.2

The NBA's most hated player will continue to hold that title, as the sympathy for LeBron James is still years away, but his stats should continue to hold strong.

Although, none of that really matters at this point. The only important thing to the Heat right now is how LeBron James plays once the team gets deep into the playoffs.

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