NBA: Analysis Of Sports Illustrated’s Top 100 NBA Players (30-21)

This is part five of a seven-part series on my analysis of Sports Illustrated’s top 100 NBA players of 2014. We are getting into the heart of the NBA’s best here and every statistic can set one player apart from another. From here on out, all of these players mentioned can be considered elite, but what I am here to determine is who stands out above and beyond the elite. To see my first four installments, you can click below.

Players 100-76

Players 75-51

Players 50-41

Players 40-31

 30. John Wall (PG, Washington Wizards) 

I have no choice but to give John Wall the nod in the top 30, he is simply too good to leave out. Last year, in only his third year, John Wall averaged 18.5 points, 4 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game while finishing the season with a Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 20.9, which ranks 6th among the league’s point guards and 22nd in the league overall. Wall shined on a Wizards team that, frankly, desperately needs talent. He has the uncanny ability to use his deadly speed to get to the basket and at the same time find his open teammates for easy baskets, which is not the easiest thing to do due to their aforementioned lack of talent. With the Wizards drafting potential superstar Otto Porter Jr. in the 2013 Draft, the team looks to improve on their talent pool and add another player for Wall to dish to. Having said that, Wall will continue to be the go-to scorer and now back to full health after suffering an injury that limited him to only 49 games last year, Wall will look to have another impressive year. The only knock

John Wall’s shooting ability is keeping him from being a top player in the NBA.

(Photo Credit: NBA.com/stats

against John Wall’s game that I can find is his ability, or lack there of, to shoot from deep 2-point range and outside the perimeter. On a whole, Wall shot 44% from the field last season, which ranks 16th in the league among point guards, but he struggles greatly to make jump shots consistently from around the basket and outside the perimeter. The shot chart here is Wall’s attempts and percentages from the 2012-13 season. As you can see he falls below the league average in most areas inside the arc, this simply cannot happen for a guard like Wall who relies on getting his points from aggressive driving to the basket. If he wants to be considered one of the best point guards he must improve his shooting. John Wall comes in at No. 30.

29. Chris Bosh (C, Miami Heat) 

No…Chris Bosh is not the 17th best player in the league, sorry SI. Last season was Bosh’s worst since his rookie year. Last year Bosh averaged 16.6 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. His only high point (besides getting another championship) was finishing the year with a PER of 20, which ranks 9th amongst centers. Bosh is one of the worst rebounders among starting centers in the league. His 6.8 rebound average per game puts him at 38th in the league. In addition, Bosh’s performance during the playoffs made his regular season number look like that of an all-star. During the playoffs, Bosh averaged a mere 12.1 points per game while watching his PER drop to 16.8. In addition, his field goal percentage dropped nearly 10% from his regular season average. His lack of performance nearly cost the Heat their second straight championship (you can thank Ray Allen for saving you, Chris). Despite all of this, Bosh still remains a threat on the outside due to his ability to knock down outside jumpers and his range makes it difficult for opposing center to cover him. His presence draws away attention from both LeBron James and Dwyane Wade or opposing defenses focus on the two superstars too heavily and fail to recognize Bosh as a threat. But, no, Chris Bosh is not the 17th best player in the league. He does not have the tenacity nor show the consistency to be at that spot. However, I have no problem placing him at No. 29.

28. Brook Lopez (C, Brooklyn Nets) 

Although Brooklyn has acquired some serious talent over the offseason, Brook Lopez remains the anchor of the team. While the job of the other four players on the floor will be to score and score often, Lopez’s job will be to secure rebounds, play hard-nose defense, and provide low post scoring and definitely when mismatches present themselves. Last season Lopez averaged 19.4 points and 6.9 rebounds per game while posting a PER of 24.7, which ranks highest in the league among centers and 5th in the league overall. He also provided as a serious defensive threat by averaging 2.1 blocks per game, which ranks 6th in the league overall. His presence will definitely be a key factor in the success of the Nets this year. With all the offensive talent they have, an intimidating defender in Brook Lopez is exactly what they need. Clearly, Lopez is one of the league’s most effective and productive players, however he does have his downfalls. Although Lopez remains incredibly efficient on the offensive end, he struggles greatly rebounding the ball, especially for a center his size (7’0”). His average of just 6.9 rebounds per game ranks him tied for 15th in the league amongst centers and tied for 36th overall. If Brook Lopez can become a better rebounder, a case could be made for him being the best center in the league. For now, he ranks No. 29.

27. Dirk Nowitzki (PF, Dallas Mavericks) 

It might be time for Dirk Nowitzki to call it quits soon; he just is not the player he used to be. Last season Dirk averaged 17.3 points (his lowest since his rookie year) and 6.8 rebounds (almost 2 rebounds lower than his career averaged). In addition, his PER at the end of the season was 19.8, and while that ranks 10th in the league among power forwards, it was his first time with a sub-20 PER since the 1999-2000 season. He has also been chronically injured since the Mavs hoisted the championship trophy a few years ago. In the last 2 seasons, Dirk has missed 69 games which has had a great impact in his diminished production; he just cannot stay healthy. With all that said, if Dirk can get back to full health he still remains one of the most intimidating scoring threats in the league. As a 7′ sharp shooter, he is extremely difficult for defenders to guard as he has a incredibly high release and naturally fades away to create more space to shoot. If Dirk can get back to full health, the Mavericks could make an improbable playoff run. Combined with explosive guard Monta Ellis and ageless Vince Carter, Dirk and the Mavs could make some noise come this season. However, if Dirk continues to have problems with his health, the Mavs will stay in no mans land. Dirk Nowitzki is a first ballot hall-of-famer, but he is simply not what he used to be. At 35 years old he does not have the quickness nor the ability to quickly recover from injuries that he once had. Sorry SI, you got another one wrong. Dirk Nowitzki gets the No. 27 spot.

26. Paul George (SF, Indiana Pacers) 

We saw during the playoffs just how special of a player Paul George is. With Danny Granger gone for the season, George took it upon himself to step up and make up for the lost production. Last season, George averaged 17.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4 assists per game. His points average improved over 10 points from his rookie campaign 2 years ago and 5 points from the 2011-12 season. Not only did Paul George perform very well during the season but he greatly increased his level of play during the postseason. He rose to the occasion and posted 19.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 19 postseason games.George’s superior athleticism also allows him to be a menace on defense. Being younger, quicker and stronger than most of the small forwards in the league allows him to impose his will on most that he goes against.  Going into his fourth season, George has high expectations surrounding both him and the Pacers, who nearly took down the defending champion Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals last year. If the Pacers hope to continue their success, Paul George must continue to elevate his game and become the superstar that so many in Indiana believe him to be. Paul George is a special player; he earns the No. 26 spot.

Remember this?

25. Marc Gasol (C, Memphis Grizzlies) 

So SI originally had Marc Gasol ranked at No. 14, I think that is a bit overzealous. If Marc Gasol were to stay at No. 14, he would be the only player in that group to not average either 20+ points a game or a double-double in either points and rebounds or points and assists. Last season Gasol averaged 14.1 points and 7.8 rebounds per game while finishing the season with a PER of 19.5, those are not exactly the numbers of a top 15 player in the league. Having said that, I have no problem giving Gasol the title of a top 25 player. Similar to his brother Pau Gasol, Marc has the ability to stretch the floor with his outside shooting prowess but unlike his brother, Marc has more aggressive post game that allows him to score more points in the paint and at average more rebounds. Complemented by Zach Randolph in the front-court, these two make for a very intimidating combination and have collectively accounted for a majority of the points scored since the departure of Rudy Gay. Although I will not recognize him at a top 15 player, his performance is key to the success of the Grizzlies. He provides as a double scoring threat, being able to score in both inside and outside the paint, he has proven to be a strong defender and, shooting close to 50% per game, he has shown he can be effective once given the ball. Marc Gasol comes in at No. 25.

24. Al Horford (C, Atlanta Hawks)

Al Horford is another player high on this list who in underrated. During his time in Atlanta he has been outshone by more-popular Josh Smith, but in actuality, Horford has been the most productive Hawk in recent years. Last season Horford averaged 17.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game while finishing with a PER of 19.8, which ranks him 8th in the league among centers. His rebound mark of 10.2 ranks him 6th in the league among centers and 12th overall. Being one of the best rebounders in the league and one of the highest scoring centers is incredibly impressive and will be desperately needed on the Hawks next year with Josh Smith moving on to Detroit. Now as the go-to scorer, Horford has the potential to have the best season of his career as a majority of the offensive weight will fall on his shoulders. Al Horford comes in at No. 24.

23. Rajon Rondo (PG, Boston Celtics) 

Rajon Rondo is the closest thing we have to Magic Johnson in today’s game. His court vision is bay far the best in the league and his ability to find his teammates for easy scores is beyond comparison. Last season Rondo averaged 13.7 points and 11.1 assists per game while finishing the regular season with a PER of 18.1 which ranks 12th among the league’s point guards. He has led the league in assists the last 2 years and has averaged double-figures in the same category for three straight years. His unselfish and pass-first attitude allows for everyone around him to be a better player. In addition, Rondo has the innate ability to get to the basket at will while at the same time finishing with accuracy or finding his teammates for the best possible shot. His devastating ACL tear sprung more problems for the Celtics who looked completely lost without their floor general in uniform. Rondo presence on the court represents an organized unit that makes few mistakes and works hard to find the open man to take the best shot possible. Rondo is also one of the best defenders in the league; last season he averaged 1.8 steals per game which ranks 7th among point guards. He is one of the games ultimate playmakers. However, like John Wall, Rondo struggles with consistency in his shooting. While Rondo is a serious threat when he drives to the basket, he makes himself extremely easy to guard due to his inconsistent shooting ability. If Rondo can hone his shooting game and combine that will his incredible passing ability, he will be the best point guard in the league. Rondo now becomes the true leader of a Boston Celtics team that just cleaned house and is now in rebuilding mode. His teammates will now look to only him to facilitate and create offensive opportunities for the team. That is a big responsibility for a single player to take on, but as talented as Rondo is, he can handle it. Rajon Rondo gets the No. 23 spot.

22. Serge Ibaka (PF, Oklahoma City Thunder) 

What a special young player Serge Ibaka is and how lucky the Thunder are to have him on their side. Once known as just one of the best defenders in the league early in his career, Ibaka has elevated his game to be both an offensive and defensive threat. Let’s start with his defense. Last season Ibaka once again led the league in blocked shots as he did during the 2011-12 season. With 3.7 and 3 blocks over the last 2 season, respectively, Ibaka is one of the most feared defenders in the league; opposing players certainly think twice about entering the lane while he stands guard. He also takes fairly good care of the ball once he gets it. His average of just 1.6 turnovers per game is quite impressive considering the amount of touches he gets per game. Now on to his improved offense. During his first year in the NBA, Ibaka merely served as a defender but last year, he averaged 13.2 points per game. This mark is 7 points higher than his rookie year and 4 points higher than his second and third year. In addition, Ibaka led the league in field goal percentage at 57%. Not only has Ibaka improved on his conversion of shots in the paint, but he has also developed a mid-range jump shot that he uses quite often when team double-team both Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. This drastic improvement shows Ibaka has committed to improving his game and will only continue to get better as he develops. Serge Ibaka earns the No. 22 spot.

21. Joakim Noah (C, Chicago Bulls) 

With the absence of Derrick Rose, I think it is fair to say that without Joakim Noah, the Bulls would not have even sniffed the playoffs last year let alone take down an extremely talented Brooklyn Nets team in the first round. Last season, Joakim Noah averaged 12 points and 11.1 rebounds per game while finishing the season with a PER of 18.1 which ranks 17th in the league. In addition, Noah averaged 2.1 blocks per game which ranks him 6th in the league. Joakim Noah is one  aggressive player, which has earned him some enemies in the league (mostly on the Heat) but the fact still remains that Noah anchored the Bulls in the absence of their superstar last year. His aggressive play encouraged his teammates to play just as hard as he was and push them towards a playoff berth. Now with Rose back at full health, the combination of Rose’s unmatched tenacity and athleticism and Noah’s pure will to be better, the Bulls could go very far this year and possibly give the defending champion Heat a run for their money. Joakim Noah may not be the most attractive player in the league (or maybe he is if the caveman look is your thing) but he sure has the respect of all in the league; and he definitely defines “nasty”.

Let the debating continue.