Jef
06-16-2014, 10:50 AM
2013-14 was pretty interesting in terms of some individual performances.
KD's hot streak was well documented, and Lebron was again just an insane overall player, and both will have huge expectations again next year. But guys like Paul George and Blake Griffin also really made big leaps up to the next level and will be even more scrutinized in 14-15. Kawhi is going to be under a crazy microscope for the first time in his career.
So who are the top players going into next year?
My list:
1. Lebron James - horribly disappointing finals performance, but remains the best player in the world no matter what jersey he is wearing
2. Kevin Durant - still second on the list, but has some huge facets of his game to improve on (i.e. not getting bullied 30 feet from the basket by a 400 year old Manu)
3. Russell Westbrook - will have an entire offseason to make sure knee is right, and I expect him to pick up right where he left off in the playoffs. still some work to do as far as his decision making at times, but he had 2-3 of the most insane games by anyone in the playoffs. Cemented himself as the top player at the PG position in the league (regardless of your brilliant and surely original views on what makes a PG, etc. etc. etc.), and one of the true alpha dogs of the modern era.
4. Chris Paul - another post season let down, but still a master of running a team. i hate chris paul so, so much but cannot deny that he is a beast of a player when his head is right
5. Paul George - expect him to improve more still, and you cant deny his physical talent. SHOULD be the 3rd best player in the league within 2 years
6. Anthony Davis - a bit of a projection here, and you could argue that he could be at #5, but i think 6 is a good spot for him starting next season. really hope to see him take another step. pretty undeniable talent with scary room for growth
7. Blake Griffin - one of my least favorite players in the league, but made an undeniable leap this year in improving his all around game. if he does it again, the top 5 is not far out of reach
8. Damian Lillard - already one of the best clutch players in the leage, and i think he cements himself as a clear cut top 10 overall guy next year
9. Lamarcus Aldridge - beast of a season, and i hope he stays with portland and lillard
10. Kevin Love - going to be interesting to see how it all shakes out, but i believe Love is a top 10 player still going into next year. I guess he will have a chance to actually prove it on an improved team soon.
Next 10:
Curry
Harden
Dwight
Kawhi
Carmelo
Noah
Parker
Ibaka
Wall
Rose
KD's hot streak was well documented, and Lebron was again just an insane overall player, and both will have huge expectations again next year. But guys like Paul George and Blake Griffin also really made big leaps up to the next level and will be even more scrutinized in 14-15. Kawhi is going to be under a crazy microscope for the first time in his career.
So who are the top players going into next year?
My list:
1. Lebron James - horribly disappointing finals performance, but remains the best player in the world no matter what jersey he is wearing
2. Kevin Durant - still second on the list, but has some huge facets of his game to improve on (i.e. not getting bullied 30 feet from the basket by a 400 year old Manu)
3. Russell Westbrook - will have an entire offseason to make sure knee is right, and I expect him to pick up right where he left off in the playoffs. still some work to do as far as his decision making at times, but he had 2-3 of the most insane games by anyone in the playoffs. Cemented himself as the top player at the PG position in the league (regardless of your brilliant and surely original views on what makes a PG, etc. etc. etc.), and one of the true alpha dogs of the modern era.
4. Chris Paul - another post season let down, but still a master of running a team. i hate chris paul so, so much but cannot deny that he is a beast of a player when his head is right
5. Paul George - expect him to improve more still, and you cant deny his physical talent. SHOULD be the 3rd best player in the league within 2 years
6. Anthony Davis - a bit of a projection here, and you could argue that he could be at #5, but i think 6 is a good spot for him starting next season. really hope to see him take another step. pretty undeniable talent with scary room for growth
7. Blake Griffin - one of my least favorite players in the league, but made an undeniable leap this year in improving his all around game. if he does it again, the top 5 is not far out of reach
8. Damian Lillard - already one of the best clutch players in the leage, and i think he cements himself as a clear cut top 10 overall guy next year
9. Lamarcus Aldridge - beast of a season, and i hope he stays with portland and lillard
10. Kevin Love - going to be interesting to see how it all shakes out, but i believe Love is a top 10 player still going into next year. I guess he will have a chance to actually prove it on an improved team soon.
Next 10:
Curry
Harden
Dwight
Kawhi
Carmelo
Noah
Parker
Ibaka
Wall
Rose