sbw19
04-06-2019, 03:23 PM
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/01/Andre_Iguodala_2016_%28cropped%29.jpg/602px-Andre_Iguodala_2016_%28cropped%29.jpg
10. Andre Iguodala
Key facts: 9/4/4 48% shooting, FMVP, 83 games
What the athletic veteran lacks in sheer numbers he more than makes up for in high IQ play and defensive prowess. Add momentum-shifting 3s/stops and versatility on both ends of the floor and the 2014-15 FMVP has a solid case for appearing on this list.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/ce/James_Harden_%2830852408515%29.jpg/538px-James_Harden_%2830852408515%29.jpg
9. James Harden
Key facts: 28/5/7/2 on .572 TS%, 56 games
For all his post season struggles, Harden's numbers are solid. Losing to a Kawhi-less Spurs in a blow-out fashion will always put a dent in his resume, but the reigning MVP almost made up for it by taking the Warriors to 7 in a thriller to remember, and is poised to be their greatest challenge again this year.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ab/Kawhi_Leonard_Dunk_cropped.jpg/468px-Kawhi_Leonard_Dunk_cropped.jpg
8. Kawhi Leonard
Key facts: 20/7/3/2 on 50%, FMVP, 52 games
The 2x DPOY probably would've been ranked higher on this list had he not missed last year (and GS series) due to injury. A consistent performer taking on a bigger role in a new system this year, and injury doesn't seem to have slowed him down any. Another FMVP would catapult his stock to a different stratosphere; 2X FMVP + 2X DPOY is an exceedingly rare combination.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ac/Chris_Paul_%2831585840292%29.jpg/758px-Chris_Paul_%2831585840292%29.jpg
7. Chris Paul
Key facts: 22/5/8/2 on .588 TS%, 51 games
The 33yo veteran made the conference finals only once in his career, yet that lone appearance almost made up for all past shortcomings. Always a threat with the ball in his hands, and scrappy without it, the diminutive PG's playoff lack of success more often than not has been the result of injuries and grinding in a tough conference than anything else. Still, this might be his last shot at redemption given his age, along with a more seasoned Harden and established system.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/68/Kyrie_Irving_2015.jpg/800px-Kyrie_Irving_2015.jpg
6. Kyrie Irving
Key facts: 24/3/5/2 on .577 TS%, 52 games
It's hard to overstate Kyrie's value to Cleveland's lone title run. 30ppg on 52 FG%, 53% from 3, and making all FTs in the last 3 Finals games. And it seemed they needed everyone of them. 1.7spg/1.3bpg don't do his D on Curry justice in those games either. Injuries derailed his PO some, but when he was on the floor, at his best he was often the difference maker in the clutch.
10. Andre Iguodala
Key facts: 9/4/4 48% shooting, FMVP, 83 games
What the athletic veteran lacks in sheer numbers he more than makes up for in high IQ play and defensive prowess. Add momentum-shifting 3s/stops and versatility on both ends of the floor and the 2014-15 FMVP has a solid case for appearing on this list.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/ce/James_Harden_%2830852408515%29.jpg/538px-James_Harden_%2830852408515%29.jpg
9. James Harden
Key facts: 28/5/7/2 on .572 TS%, 56 games
For all his post season struggles, Harden's numbers are solid. Losing to a Kawhi-less Spurs in a blow-out fashion will always put a dent in his resume, but the reigning MVP almost made up for it by taking the Warriors to 7 in a thriller to remember, and is poised to be their greatest challenge again this year.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ab/Kawhi_Leonard_Dunk_cropped.jpg/468px-Kawhi_Leonard_Dunk_cropped.jpg
8. Kawhi Leonard
Key facts: 20/7/3/2 on 50%, FMVP, 52 games
The 2x DPOY probably would've been ranked higher on this list had he not missed last year (and GS series) due to injury. A consistent performer taking on a bigger role in a new system this year, and injury doesn't seem to have slowed him down any. Another FMVP would catapult his stock to a different stratosphere; 2X FMVP + 2X DPOY is an exceedingly rare combination.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ac/Chris_Paul_%2831585840292%29.jpg/758px-Chris_Paul_%2831585840292%29.jpg
7. Chris Paul
Key facts: 22/5/8/2 on .588 TS%, 51 games
The 33yo veteran made the conference finals only once in his career, yet that lone appearance almost made up for all past shortcomings. Always a threat with the ball in his hands, and scrappy without it, the diminutive PG's playoff lack of success more often than not has been the result of injuries and grinding in a tough conference than anything else. Still, this might be his last shot at redemption given his age, along with a more seasoned Harden and established system.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/68/Kyrie_Irving_2015.jpg/800px-Kyrie_Irving_2015.jpg
6. Kyrie Irving
Key facts: 24/3/5/2 on .577 TS%, 52 games
It's hard to overstate Kyrie's value to Cleveland's lone title run. 30ppg on 52 FG%, 53% from 3, and making all FTs in the last 3 Finals games. And it seemed they needed everyone of them. 1.7spg/1.3bpg don't do his D on Curry justice in those games either. Injuries derailed his PO some, but when he was on the floor, at his best he was often the difference maker in the clutch.