Last time we checked out the best player at each number from 00-10, so today we’re keeping it going with 11-20. Let’s jump right into it!
#11: Trae Young
Season Stats: 28.2 PTS | 3.0 REB | 9.4 AST | 0.8 STL | 3.5 TO | 40.5% FG | 31.4% 3PT
There were quite a few questions going into the season about how Trae Young would mesh with the newest Hawks star, Dejounte Murray. The results haven’t been perfect, but Young in particular has looked strong. He’s averaging close to a double-double with assists as he has throughout his career, and Atlanta is currently fifth in the East after a disappointing eight-seed finish last season. Young would certainly benefit from raising his shooting percentage, and maybe getting a better haircut, but besides that it’s been another great season for Ice Trae.
HM: DeMar DeRozan
#12: Ja Morant
Season Stats: 28.5 PTS | 6.4 REB | 7.6 AST | 1.1 STL | 3.8 TO | 47.2% FG | 37.0% 3PT
Talk about a career year. In his fourth pro season - it’s hard to believe it’s been that long - Ja Morant is averaging career highs in points, rebounds, assists, and three-point percentage, leading his Grizzlies to a 12-8 mark, good for third in the West. The ultra-athletic point guard’s speed and explosiveness have made him tough to stop ever since he first entered the league. Adding a reliable three-point shot makes him lethal. Morant should be firmly in the MVP race this year as long as he stays healthy. Added bonus: he’s cut down drastically on the “almost” highlights.
HM: Kelly Oubre Jr.
#13: Paul George
Season Stats: 23.6 PTS | 6.0 REB | 4.3 AST | 1.6 STL | 3.6 TO | 45.8% FG | 37.2% 3PT
A four time All-NBA Defense selection, George has consistently been among the best two-way players in the league. While he has dealt with his fair share of injury issues over the past few years, when George is on the court he’s a difference maker. He can flip a game on it’s head from either end of the floor, something most stars can’t do, whether it’s because of lack of effort or lack of skill. Regardless George does it, and he’s proved time and time again that the days of Pandemic P are well behind him. He looks as good as he ever has as a Clipper.
HM: Bam Adebayo
#14: Brandon Ingram
Season Stats: 20.8 PTS | 5.1 REB | 4.7 AST | 0.9 STL | 0.7 BLK | 2.8 TO | 47.2% FG | 46.7% 3PT
Brandon Ingram has flown under the radar ever since his trade from Los Angeles to New Orleans, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been performing. Ingram is having a down year in terms of scoring output, but seeing as his efficiency has gone up that can safely be credited to the return of fellow Duke product Zion Williamson taking a few shots from him. Regardless of who’s on the floor with Ingram, however, he’s one of the best pure scorers in the NBA. Unlike many of the top superstars who are always looking for contact and foul calls, Ingram simply uses his length and athleticism to get buckets however possible, a refreshing contrast from today’s typical scorer.
HM: Tyler Herro
#15: Nikola Jokic
Season Stats: 22.4 PTS | 9.7 REB | 8.8 AST | 1.4 STL | 3.3 TO | 62.1% FG | 28.1% 3PT
Back-to-back reigning MVP. That’s all that should need to be said, but I’ll elaborate just in case. Jokic is the most consistent walking triple-double since prime Russell Westbrook, and pretty easily the best passer the modern NBA has ever seen at the center position. No, he’s not fast, he doesn’t have a crazy vertical, and he can’t break you down off the dribble, but none of that matters for the Joker. His ability to score in the post, step out and make a three, or drop a ridiculous dime from any angle at any time make him one of, if not the best player in the Association.
HM: Clint Capela
#16: Caleb Martin
Season Stats: 11.4 PTS | 5.2 REB | 2.2 AST | 1.4 STL | 1.2 TO | 48.6% FG | 40.9% 3PT
Martin is enjoying a nice year in Miami, having started all 20 games he’s played in. Averaging career highs in points, rebounds, and assists, Martin is an embodiment of the famed Heat culture. He won’t be caught lacking effort, he hustles defensively, and he does a little bit of everything to win by any means necessary. Martin has only been a pro for four seasons now, but he plays like a grizzled veteran, looking like a guy MIami can trust at all times.
HM: Cedi Osman
#17: Jonas Valanciunas
Season Stats: 13.2 PTS | 9.0 REB | 2.1 AST | 1.8 TO | 54.3% FG | 46.2% 3PT
The 11th year veteran is on a slight decline, but is still a very solid contributor. Valanciunas mans the middle for an otherwise young, up and coming Pelicans team, providing not only solid play, but important veteran leadership for an inexperienced unit. While Valanciunas is a stellar rebounder, and a good inside scorer, perhaps his most valuable skill in his current situation is his ability to stretch the floor. The volume isn’t huge, but he’s shooting 46% from beyond the arc this season, preventing what would otherwise be a major spacing issue with Zion Williamson.
HM: Aleksej Pokusevski
#18: Shake Milton
Season Stats: 10.8 PTS | 3.5 REB | 3.3 AST | 1.9 TO | 55.0% FG | 41.7% 3PT
Milton has always been a solid bench piece for Philadelphia, but with a barrage of various injuries to Philly stars Joel Embiid, James Harden, and Tyrese Maxey, Milton has had his number called much more as of late. It’s safe to say he’s been answering the bell. Milton has put up six straight games of at least 15 points on 50% or better from the field. He’s also notched at least five rebounds and five assists in five of those six games.
HM: Yuta Watanabe
#19: Raul Neto
Season Stats: 3.0 PTS | 0.9 REB | 1.2 AST | 0.5 STL | 0.5 TO | 43.8% FG | 33.3% 3PT
Neto hasn’t gotten much run with the Cavs this season, as he’s stuck behind a plethora of ball handlers, including Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, and Caris LeVert. He’s been fine in his limited minutes, though, and he was a decent contributor in Washington last season. Moral of the story: If you ever go league and want to be on this list, 19 is a good number for you to wear.
HM: Chima Moneke
#20: Gordon Hayward
Season Stats: 16.3 PTS | 4.3 REB | 4.4 AST | 0.6 STL | 2.5 TO | 44.5% FG | 38.1% 3PT
Hayward has been a consistent entity for the better part of a decade, regardless of what team he’s played for. You always know what you’re going to get from him; about 15 or so points, and somewhere between three and seven rebounds and assists. Hayward won’t wow anyone with anything he does, but he’s a fundamental player who you can rely on to play low-risk basketball.
HM: John Collins
Stay tuned for #21-30 coming soon!
Comments