NBA: Player Rankings Week 4 – The Status Quo Has Changed

It is the dawn of a new day. What do I mean by that exactly? Well, we have a new king among us in the NBA; a new player reigns supreme. This season has been strange to say the least. With almost half of the teams in the league being taken over by new coaches and new systems overall, teams we all thought would succeed are now in deep trouble (Brooklyn Nets). Still, that doesn’t change the fact that the league’s best players are still performing at an incredibly high level. Be careful, though, what you see may not be what you expected. As I said before, the status quo has changed.

20. DeAndre Jordan (C, Los Angeles Clippers) 

DeAndre Jordan is one of the most underrated players in the league and, believe it or not, has been and will continue to be an integral part of the Clippers success. This season, Jordan has averaged 10.1 points and 13.2 rebounds per game. While these are not incredibly flashy numbers, Jordan leads the league in offensive rebounds per game with almost five per contest. His rebounding per game mark places him third in the league and his field goal percentage of 57.1 percent earns him the seventh-best in the league. While his God-given gift is not putting the ball in the basket, Jordan finds other ways to put his stamp on the game and boy does he ever. Being possibly the most athletic center in the league helps him to get many put-back layups, alley-oops and other hustle points simply off his greater will than his opponent. Yes, DeAndre Jordan is a top 20 player in this league.

19. Tony Parker (PG, San Antonio Spurs) 

It baffles me how the Spurs continue to fall under the radar year after year while still having a collection of some of the best players in the league combined with their consistent success in the playoffs. Nonetheless, their name is constantly left out of the Finals discussion every year. What’s interesting about Tony Parker, is that, on paper, he is the least attractive player on this entire list, but the leader of this veteran-clogged and cunningly savvy team definitely deserves a spot on this list. So far this season TP has averaged 18.7 points and six assists per game. He leads all points guards in shooting percentage, putting up 54.1 percent. While Parker is getting older (31), it seems like anyone that has Spurs across their chest is impervious to aging (just ask Tim Duncan). Parker has been one of the league’s best point guards since entering the league 12 years ago. As long as he’s healthy, he has a spot on this list. Tony Parker comes in at No. 19.

18. Michael Carter-Williams (PG, Philadelphia 76ers) 

I keep expecting this kid to fall off and prove that all of his success was just a fluke, but he continues to prove me wrong. To all of you who are not sold on MC Dubs yet, pay close attention to the next few bits of information. He is averaging 16.1 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game, as a rookie. He’s in the top 10 in assists per game. He’s second in steals per game (2.6). He has done all of this as a rookie! Unlike many young players in the NBA, MKG is very well-rounded. He his a proficient scorer and a lock-down defender. As I watched him play for the first time, I could not help but compare his movement and style to Hall of Famer George Gervin. Yes, The Iceman. The sky is the limit for this young man, who at this point, is almost a 100 percent lock for Rookie of the Year. Do not continue to sleep of MC Dubs.

17. Stephen Curry (PG, Golden State Warriors) 

Steph is really making it hard for me to give him a better rating, which I would really love to do. Stephen Curry is one of most dynamic shooters this game has ever seen, but his inability to stay healthy has presented problems for the future of his career. Whether it be his ankle giving him consistent problems or his recent concussion, Curry has struggled to stay healthy during the past two seasons. As I’ve said before, when healthy he is one of the best players this league has to offer, but because he scores most of his points but running off of two, three and four screens, a healthy ankle is vital to his effectiveness. Curry has to stay healthy in order to be consistently productive as the Warriors need him to be.

16. John Wall (PG, Washington Wizards) 

Apparently John Wall has chosen to channel his inner Magic Johnson with all of the double-digit assist games he’s been having of late. In his last 10 games, Wall has averaged 9.2 assists while, over the entire season, posting an average of 17.4 points per game. He and his partner in crime, Bradley Beal, are simply torching teams with their offensive power. The only negative I can find (and this is a big one) is the Wizards’ record, 5-8. Oddly enough this record gives them the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference at this point and with the conference being incredibly top-heavy, the Wizards just might make the playoffs if they finished the season three games under .500. Regardless of what the Wizards record is, Wall is playing fantastically and definitely deserves a spot on this list. Few point guards in the league have the ability to score almost 20 points and dish out more than eight assists night in and night out. John Wall earns the No. 16 spot.

15. Kyrie Irving (PG, Cleveland Cavaliers) 

I’m still waiting for Kyrie to make that jump for good player to great player. Having said that, he still is a very, very good player and one of the best at his position. So far this season, Irving has averaged 21.8 points, 6.5 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game. While Kyrie has had many explosive games this season, he also has been lackluster at times, which usually results in a loss for Cleveland, who have been disappointing with their 4-10 record to start the season. It feels somewhat strange to have to encourage or tell an NBA player that he needs to score more, but more points for Kyrie equals more wins for the Cavs. Someone ought to let him know.

14. Russell Westbrook (PG, Oklahoma City Thunder) 

Everyone stand and welcome Russell Westbrook back to the top 20 list! After starting the season in a suit and tie on the end of the bench, Westbrook has worked his way back to healthy and once again solidified his position as one of the best players in the league. In nine games this season, Westbrook has averaged 21.6 points, 5.1 assists and 5.3 rebounds per game. It was very clear how important he was to the Thunder after he went down with a knee injury during the playoffs last season. While teams double- and triple-teamed Kevin Durant, Westbrook was forced to remain on the bench while watching his team get bounced in the second round by a team that simply was not better than them. This season the formula is simply, Westbrook and Durant take around the same amount of shots per game and everything will be fine. So far, so good for the 8-3 Thunder. If they wish to continue their success, Russell Westbrook needs the ball in his hands.

Don’t do it to ’em, Russ …

13. Monta Ellis (SG, Dallas Mavericks) 

I don’t know what happened, but something about the change to Dallas revitalized Monta Ellis. So far this season, Ellis is averaging 23.5 points, 5.7 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game. This is the first time in a while that Ellis has both averaged more than 20 points per game and been in the top 10 in scoring average. Only twice in his eight-year career has he averaged more points than he’s averaging now (2009-10 and 2010-11). With Ellis and Dirk Nowitzki leading the offensive front for the Mavs, the team has been doing quite well, posting a 9-4 record to start the season. If Ellis continues his high scoring spree, who knows what could happen in Dallas. I’m sure Mark Cuban has something up his sleeve, though.

12. LaMarcus Aldridge (PF, Portland Trail Blazers)

As LaMarcus Aldridge continues to produce stellar numbers, the Blazers continue to win games. So far this season Aldridge has averaged 21.7 points and 8.8 rebounds per game while posting a Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 19.39 (league average is 15). He, along with Damian Lillard, have led the Trail Blazers to the second best record in the Western Conference at 11-2 while winning their last nine games. Aldridge is a one of a kind player in this league. Being a score first power forward in something that very few teams have (probably Minnesota and Clippers being the only others), and the Blazers use this to their advantage every single night. Yes, LaMarcus Aldridge is definitely a top player in this league; and if the numbers I gave you earlier didn’t suffice, try this one coming from the Blazers win over the Warriors Saturday night.

11. Dwight Howard (C, Houston Rockets) 

While the help of Kevin McHale and Hakeem Olajuwon have not seemed to help Dwight Howard’s post game, he definitely has regained his lost mobility during his short and injury-prone stint with the Lakers last season. Dwight continues to dominate the glass as he leads the league in rebounds per game with a whopping 13.7 and even though his post game is not where a lot of people wish it was, he still is posting 18.4 points per game and is tied for eighth in double-doubles this season with 8eight. It remains to be seen how the Rockets will fair in the playoffs as the team ownership has assembled will be expected to not only contend, but win a championship. Dwight Howard has no post game. I will keep saying it until this is not true anymore. In order for him to reach his true potential, he needs a go-to post move. Go watch some old Shaq videos, Dwight; I’m sure that’ll help.

10. Carmelo Anthony (SF, New York Knicks) 

Can anyone explain to me what the heck is going on in New York? What’s the problem? Mike Woodson? Melo? Ownership? Well whatever it is, someone better figure it out quickly or bad, bad things are going to happen. Now, onto Mr. Anthony. Melo has definitely had a rough start to the season while the Knicks tumble further and further down the Eastern Conference standings. While Melo is getting his due on the offensive end (26.1 ppg) and rebounding the ball quite well (9.5 rpg), he is still shooting the ball well below average at 41.6  percent per game, almost 5 percent lower than his career average. For the Knicks, it’s not about whether Carmelo gets his due diligence, he’s going to get that every night. Now it’s about making the people around you better, which Anthony has struggled to do ever since he stepped on an NBA floor. What can Carmelo do to help? Well it sure isn’t score more points. He needs to do something more in order to save the Knicks season. What could that be? Who knows …

9. Anthony Davis (PF, New Orleans Pelicans) 

It seems redundant to say this, but Anthony Davis is a monster and if you didn’t know that, I suggest you come out of that cave you live in. Davis continues to take down all that oppose him this season while averaging 20.7 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks per game. He does all this while posting a PER of 29.9, which leads the league. Davis is the Pelicans’ biggest offensive and defensive threat, which is extremely rare in the NBA. Next to Kevin Love and Blake Griffin, Davis stands as the third best power forward in the league. Considering that Griffin and Love are in their fourth and sixth years in the league, respectively, I’d say Davis is well on his way to becoming one of the best players in the game.

8. Blake Griffin (PF, Los Angeles Clippers) 

Blake Griffin has been a vital part of the Clippers success so far and the team’s continued success will be in large part determined by the consistency of Griffin’s play throughout the rest of the season. Blake has averaged 23 points and 10.8 rebounds per game so far this season and has improved the regularity of his superior play a great deal. If records mean anything to Chris Paul, he should thank Blake for being the recipient of so many assists that have contributed to basket after basket. The Clippers run the pick-and-roll almost to perfection as CP3 and Blake Griffin are almost mere images of John Stockton and Karl Malone. Now poised to make a very serious run deep into the playoffs, Griffin has elevated his play to likes of which we’ve never seen. If only he could make a free throw.

7. DeMarcus Cousins (C, Sacramento Kings) 

I have absolutely no problem with calling DeMarcus Cousins the best center in the league. Cousins has started the season off remarkably while posting averages of 21.5 points and 10 rebounds per game. He also has posted a PER of 25.54, which is second in the league among centers. His play alone has kept the Sacramento Kings in games that they had no business being in. He leads his team in points, rebounds, steals and blocks per game. He has some of the best post moves in the league for a big man and has even worked on developing an outside jump shot. The one thing that has been most impressive about Cousins’ game has been his ability to control his temperament. Obviously the guidance of new minority owner Shaquille O’ Neal has helped Cousins in more ways that one.

6. James Harden (SG, Houston Rockets) 

It seems almost comical at this point that the Thunder traded away James Harden two years ago because they did not want to give him a max contract. Someone go ask Sam Presti (OKC general manager) if he wants a do over, I’m sure the Rockets would oblige. After leaving the Thunder, James Harden proved he was a superstar in this league. So far this season Harden has averaged 24.2 points, 5.4 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game. With all the drama surrounding Dwight Howard, I don’t think it has affected James too much. Harden is one of the most dynamic scorers in the league who can get to the basket any time he wants. But what makes him so great is that he constantly makes the players around him better (take notes Melo). The goal for the Rockets will always be to capture that ring; James Harden is certainly doing his part.

5. Paul George (SF, Indiana Pacers) 

Paul George will not be denied this season as he has led the Pacers to the best record in the Eastern Conference and tied for the best record in the league at 12-1. The Pacers are rolling as of late and George, while not the sole reason of their success, is certainly the main cause of their great start this season. So far, George has averaged 24.6 points, 3.2 assists and 6.5 rebounds per game while posting a PER of 23.91 which ranks 11th in the league.  As the leader of an Indiana Pacers team that could go very far in the playoffs, George certainly has come to play this season and it does not look like he has any intentions of slowing down. As one of the best young players in the league, Indiana will be privileged to have him wearing their uniform for many years. Watch out, Miami.

4. Kevin Durant (SF, Oklahoma City Thunder) 

It seems strange to have the league’s leading scorer all the way down at No. 4, but hear me out on this one. Having Kevin Durant at this position has absolutely nothing to do with his skill level or production this season, but rather the three people ahead of him on this list. This season KD has 29.5 points, 5.5 assists and 6.9 rebounds per game while posting 27.27, which ranks fifth in the league. His production has been matched and bettered by few in this league while the Thunder have been rolling to start the season, posting an 8-3 record. Some say the championship window for this young group is closing or has closed, Kevin Durant looks like he has other plans for OKC.

3. Chris Paul (PG, Los Angeles Clippers) 

Just another week at the office as Chris Paul breaks Magic Johnson’s record for consecutive double-doubles with 12 to start the season. This impressive feat is just the start of the Clippers’ success this season. They have had consistent production from almost everyone from their team as they have started 10-5. Chris Paul is a very big part of their success. He has recorded a double-double in 14 of the Clippers’ 15 games this season and is a serious candidate for MVP. Total this season, Paul has averaged 19.5 points, 12.2 assists and 5.3 rebounds per game while posting a PER of 26.65, which is tops among point guards. The Clippers have a serious chance to be very dangerous in the playoffs this year, and it’s all because of Chris Paul. Without CP3, they’re not one of the best teams in the West, they’re not 10-5 and they may not even have Doc Rivers on the bench.

2. LeBron James (SF, Miami Heat) 

WHAT?! LEBRON ISN’T NO. 1? That’s right everyone. As I said in the very beginning, the status quo has changed. LeBron has been absolutely spectacular this season, but what’s new, right? It would be more newsworthy if Bron Bron scored seven points in a game rather than 70; it’s just another day at the office for LeBron. This season the self-titled “King” has averaged 25.3 points, 6.8 assists and 5.8 rebounds per game while posting a PER of 29.35, which ranks second in the league. His points per game total ranks third in the league, his rebounds total ranks 11th in the league for small forwards, he has the fourth highest field goal percentage in the league (59.7 percent) and his assists average is the highest for small forwards. What is not to love about the four-time MVP? Honestly, not much. I will go on record right now saying that LeBron James for sure, 110 percent, WILL NOT, win the MVP this season. It’s not his year. He is not the top player in the league.

1. Kevin Love (PF, Minnesota Timberwolves)

Although it’s not LeBron’s year, it IS Kevin Love’s year. Kevin Love has been nothing short of dominant as the T-Wolves have started 8-7 this season. Love has recorded a double-double in all but one game this season and has done so in an ever so authoritative way. This season Love has averaged 24.9 points, 13.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. While doing this, he has posted a PER of 28.16, which ranks third in the league. He ranks tied for the league lead in rebounds and fourth in points. He has been a one man wreaking crew and will for sure be the most sought after free agent when the season ends. Love is now leading the very tight race for MVP, which includes CP3, Bron Bron, KD and Paul George. Kevin Love has put in all the work and has put up the numbers this season to be named the No. 1 player in the league.

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