I started this post about seven or eight games into the season, but as always, I got distracted by life and never got back to it. Things have already changed since then. Before I get to the players, here's a quick overview of my criteria:
1. Is the player sound fundamentally and/or extremely explosive? Ideally, they are both. Furthermore, can the player be contained by the opposition or are they so good that they can only stop themselves?
2. Can the player consistently create his own shot and/or create easy opportunities for his teammates, specifically down the stretch of tight games?
3. Does the player stay healthy and/or avoid getting "rest" from their head coaches?
4. Does the player at least attempt to thrive on both ends of the floor?
5. Does the player contribute to a winning culture? The NBA has developed beautifully into a team-first, individual-second league, so is the player's style timely?
6. The current season holds the most weight, but the previous two years also garner some consideration (if applicable). Okay, let's get to it...
Excluded due to injury: Kyrie Irving (PG, Cavs)
TIER 5: HONORABLE MENTION(S)
In no particular order: Kyle Lowry (PG, Raptors), Kevin Love (PF, Cavs), Paul Millsap (F, Hawks), Brook Lopez (C, Nets), LaMarcus Aldridge (PF, Spurs) and Hassan Whiteside (C, Heat):
Lowry, Love, Millsap, Lopez and Aldridge are all pretty safe picks, so I'll talk about the surprise in this group, Whiteside.
Hassan Whiteside had been brushed aside by NBA execs for a couple of years because of disciplinary concerns, but now he's certainly found a home in Miami with Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra. Riley spotted him and Spo has allowed him to develop on his own terms.
Whiteside is simply an eraser in the paint. He is super long, athletic and unafraid to challenge any shot from any angle. He's an excellent rebounder and coordinated finisher, a la Dwight Howard, DeAndre Jordan and/or Tyson Chandler. If this list was entitled the "20 Most Talented Players in the NBA," there is absolutely no question that Whiteside would be on it.
TIER 4: TOO YOUNG, TOO OLD OR TOO BEAT UP
20. Karl-Anthony Towns (C, Wolves): Yup, I'm putting a rookie on this list. I've watched parts of
five Wolves games early this season, and I have been completely blown away by Towns' all-around ability. This kid has the potential to be the best player in the world within three or four years.
Here's what he can do: Completely shut down his man on the ball with length, size, strength, excellent footwork and astonishing quickness. Block shots weak side. Dribble, crossover and spin like a point guard. Attempt and make threes. Get in the low post and score with ease with either hand. Hit mid-range jump shots. What else is there to do?
This kid is just an incredible all-around player. The sky is the limit and the future is mighty bright for Ricky Rubio, Andrew Wiggins and the rest of the Wolves.
19. Bradley Beal (SG, Wizards): One of the premier pure scorers in the NBA. Good penetrator with either hand, aggressive attacker with unlimited range. He could definitely average 25+ points per game, but he's unselfish and does a nice job keeping his teammates involved along with his backcourt mate, John Wall.
18. Chris Bosh (PF, Heat): A pro's pro. Here's a guy who transformed his game to fit alongside LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, and now he has a little more offensive freedom with LeBron out of the picture. Has always been an excellent ballhandler and driver for his position, and he has really committed to stretching out beyond the three-point arc in recent years. He's a fine all-around player and great teammate.
17. Dwight Howard (C, Rockets): When he's actually on the court, he's closer to the top 10. However, far too often he's hurt or being rested. Dwight is currently averaging 17, 13 and two and is one of the most technically sound rebounders and defenders in the world.
16. Carmelo Anthony (SF, Knicks): Melo is one of my favorite players, but he continues to hog the ball and struggle to involve his teammates.
Kristaps Porzingis,
Jerian Grant and
Langston Galloway need to develop organically and in order to do that, Melo needs to share the rock and keep them engaged. Also, I'm not particularly happy with his FG% thus far.
15. Paul George (SF, Pacers): It's always been close between Melo and George, but PG is a much better individual and team defender. With Melo struggling with his shot consistency, I'm giving PG the nod here because the separation between their offensive games has been negligible.
TIER 3: TWO DEFENDERS, A SHARPSHOOTER AND A PIZZA PLACE
14. Andre Drummond (C, Pistons): Drummond, though a fellow UConn Husky, isn't generally my kind of player. As many of you know, I don't place immense value on players who are unable to create their own shot or generate offensive opportunities for their teammates. However, simply put, Drummond has been a MONSTER this season.
Drummond is not just a great rebounder; he's the BEST rebounder in the world. He boxes out with consistency, showcases excellent hands, secures possessions beautifully and grabs the tough boards in traffic. A lot of bigs pad their stats with easy rebounds early in lightly-contested games, but Drummond isn't one of those guys. He's in there with the big boys, snatching critical bounds when the Pistons need it the most.
Additionally, he swipes balls like a quick and tiny guard. His timing and hands are incredible. Obviously he blocks shots as well. I know it's early, but he's been a top five MVP candidate.
13. Jimmy Butler (SG, Bulls): If you wouldn't want this guy as your teammate, then you don't know anything about basketball.
A few seasons ago, Butler emerged as one of the premier defensive players in the game, but his rapid offensive improvement has been even more impressive to witness. He drives to the rack aggressively, takes contact with ease and also thrives in the mid-range. He's a capable three-point shooter who can also be found diving on loose balls, jumping in the passing lane and pulling in boards with the strength of a power forward. This guy's a world-class competitor.
12. Damian Lillard (PG, Blazers): One of the smoothest players on earth, Lillard has unlimited range and a killer offensive instinct. He's one of the top five or six scorers, but I'd like to see improvement in both his distribution and defense. If I see that, he'll likely crack the top 10.
TIER 2: NOT AS GREAT AS YOU THINK?
11. John Wall (PG, Wizards): Not much to update here. Wall is one of the best drivers, passers and point guard defenders in the NBA. Still not a great shooter, but an explosive all-around performer.
10. Kevin Durant (SF, Thunder): I may go as far as to say that Kevin Durant is the most overrated athlete in the four major sports. Cue the angry attacks of my opinion? Well, here's why I feel that way:
1. He's shown zero commitment to using his scoring talent as a gateway to easy opportunities for his teammates. If you ever watch a Thunder game, essentially any time Durant touches the ball, he shoots it. I rarely ever see him even look at his teammates, and that's a shame with surrounding offensive talent like Russell Westbrook, Enes Kanter, Dion Waiters and Serge Ibaka. Durant is not a willing passer, and it's very frustrating to watch.
You'd think he would learn from LeBron James and/or James Harden, two world-class scorers who willingly involve their teammates on a nightly basis.
2. He gets pushed around at the end of close games. Strong defenders like LeBron and Kawhi Leonard can guard him without help. Durant gets funneled into very low percentage shot attempts.
3. He started to make a defensive impact a few seasons ago, and seems to have forgotten about that aspect of his game now. With his length, speed and athleticism he should be a nightmare for opposing scorers.
4. Inability to stay healthy may end up being an ongoing issue for him.
I'm sorry, Durant is not as good as people think.
9. Chris Paul (PG, Clippers): In terms of pure basketball IQ and technical execution, CP3 is closer to the top five. However, he's really starting to show his age. Can't seem to stay on the court and doesn't have the same burst off the dribble. He's one of the greatest all-around point guards I've ever seen, but his time as a superstar may be coming to an end (a la Tony Parker in the past year and a half).
8. DeMarcus Cousins (PF, Kings): "Boogie" would probably be in the top five if he wasn't such a cancer in the locker room and problem off the court. Also, it would help if the Kings won a few games.
But on the court, Boogie is an absolute stud. Unstoppable in the post, excellent off the dribble for his size, a very underrated passer and serviceable shooter. He's an immense talent. I wonder what it would take to get his head on straight. Maybe only Gregg Popovich or Rick Carlisle.
7. Anthony Davis (PF, Pelicans): Like Durant, I'm anti-Davis this season. I don't like his attitude. I've watched five or six Pelicans games and all I see is whining and poor body language. I don't see a superstar who is trying to keep his teammates positive in the absence of Tyreke Evans, their second-best player. He needs to elevate the play of his teammates, not put them down.
Also like Durant, he gets pushed around down the stretch of tight games. Neither guy will be able to fix this, unless they bulk up in the weight room or take steroids. They can't be in the group with LeBron, Westbrook, Harden or Kawhi because they don't have the strength or toughness to dominate physically when it matters the most.
TIER 1: THE SIX BEST PLAYERS IN THE UNIVERSE, ACCORDING TO JOHNNY FRO
6. Kawhi Leonard (SF, Spurs): I f**king love this guy. This guy is the ultimate teammate. He never says a word; all about the team and never himself. He is the perfect
Gregg Popovich creation.
Kawhi is currently the best all-around defensive player on the planet -- and has the hardware to prove it as the reigning Defensive Player of the Year -- but he's also a terrific all-around offensive performer. Kawhi drives strong both right and left, is virtually automatic in the mid-range, posts up like a world-class big and stretches out to the three-point line with ease. As was once said about the great Jimmy Kelly, "He's the total package."
Kawhi embodies the Spurs' storied franchise and culture. All young players should aspire to play and carry themselves like Kawhi Leonard. Pop once said, "I've never heard him speak."
5. Blake Griffin (PF, Clippers): Blake Griffin just gets it. He understands what it takes to become a superstar at the game's very highest level. His repertoire has developed exponentially on a yearly basis. Like reigning NBA champion Stephen Curry, this guy is a gym rat.
Once known only for his highlight-reel dunks, Blake is now the premier passing big man in the NBA and a shockingly effective mid-range shooter. His coordination and athleticism make him a nightmare in pick-and-roll situations with Chris Paul. He's a determined and tenacious competitor. I love this guy, he's a beast. Another player anyone would be lucky to go to war with.
4. James Harden (SG, Rockets): James Harden could probably average 35 points per night, but he consistently chooses to keep his teammates involved and engaged. His offensive leadership promotes a free-flowing offense, which allowed the Rockets to come back from a 3-1 series deficit against Blake's Clippers in last season's Western Conference semi-finals.
If Kawhi Leonard is the ultimate teammate, then Harden is the ultimate offensive weapon. Gets to the foul line regularly with strength and craftiness, shoots threes with no fear and creates plays off the dribble as well as anyone in the history of the game. He's the best passing two-guard in the world.
So what are my knocks on him? Inconsistency at the defensive end and 12 turnovers in an elimination game in the Western Conference Finals. That was an unacceptable, embarrassing and alarming performance. His postseason numbers have always been far worse than his regular season stats. I'm worried about his psyche going forward.
3. Russell Westbrook (PG, Thunder): Those of you who know me the best, know that I think Russell Westbrook is the best basketball player on the planet. I think he is physically UNSTOPPABLE. Only Russell Westbrook can stop Russell Westbrook. There is nothing opposing defenses can do to contain him in transition or keep him from dictating the attempts he wants. He's a hungry, fearless and angry athletic freak. He's my favorite player. So why the hell is he ranked third?
Well, um, I guess it's kind of hard to explain. I THINK he's the best player in the game, but do I really have the proof? I'm not sure. The Thunder never quite seem to get over the hump when they have the opportunity. Westbrook's assist average has improved in recent years, but is he simply passing when he can't get the shot he wants? Is he ever actually looking for his teammates, and how much does that actually matter?
Westbrook and Durant need to lock themselves in a room for a week and watch film of the Spurs. They are the reason the Thunder are as good as they have been the past six or seven seasons, but they are also the problem. This season is their last chance to find a solution. I don't love what I've seen from them thus far.
2. LeBron James (SF, Cavs): Do I really have to write a synopsis for LeBron James? He's a living legend. He's the second-best teammate in the NBA, behind
Kawhi Leonard. The only reasons he's behind Kawhi are because he occasionally shows up
Dave Blatt and also says strange things in the media. On the court, he's the model of unselfishness. We are all familiar with his many basketball gifts. We are all witnesses.
1. Stephen Curry (PG, Warriors): What he's doing right now is just plain silly. He has the ball on a string and opposing defenders on ice skates. He can't miss in the mid-range or behind the arc. He's connecting on all of his entertaining floaters off the bounce. He's hitting bank shots from impossible depths and angles.
He's playing the best in the world right now, but on a final possession I would still go to Westbrook or LeBron. As we saw in the NBA Finals -- where Andre Iguodala took home the MVP trophy, not Steph -- Steph can be rattled and contained by relentless, physical and aggressive defense. Matthew Dellavedova outplayed Steph through three games of the NBA Finals. Westbrook and LeBron would never allow something as embarrassing as that. That only happened because Steph lacks the necessary strength and physicality, just like Kevin Durant and Anthony Davis.
But, right this very second, he's the best in the game. We'll see what happens when the postseason rolls around.
As always, all debates are welcome. Thanks for reading.
