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NBA Player Power Rankings: Who’s Hot, Who’s Not?

By Maxwell Ogden

January 4, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after shooting a three-point shot during the fourth quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Hornets 111-101. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 4, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after shooting a three-point shot during the fourth quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Hornets 111-101. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 12, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) runs back up court after making a three point shot against the Dallas Mavericks during the first half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) runs back up court after making a three point shot against the Dallas Mavericks during the first half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

2. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

Last Rank: No. 2

Position: Small Forward

Age: 31

Slash Line: .501/.297/.718

Season Averages: 35.9 MPG, 25.8 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 6.1 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 1.2 3PM

Verdict: Hot

Since Kyrie Irving returned to the starting lineup, LeBron James has reverted back to being one of the most dynamic facilitators in the NBA. He’s wavered in his aggressiveness as a scorer, but when openings have existed, James has attacked.

All in all, James is looking like the four-time MVP that we know him to be.

The 31-year-old started the week in pedestrian—by his standards—form, recording 13 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, two blocks, and a steal in a 125-99 blowout of the Minnesota Timberwolves. He followed that low-scoring affair with 37 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, and two steals in a 95-85 win over the Philadelphia 76ers.

For good measure, James had a game-tying dunk at the end of regulation, 10 points accounted for in overtime, and 27 points, 10 boards, seven dimes, and two steals overall in a 110-107 victory against the Dallas Mavericks.

James has caught fire since John Schuhmann of NBA.com reported that James had the worst field goal percentage outside of the paint in the NBA. He’s shooting 44.4 percent from 3-point range over that seven-game stretch, and is sinking 57.1 percent of his field goals.

Stephen Curry still has the clear advantage, but if James performs at this level from hereon out, then there may be a race for MVP after all.

Next: Beyond Compare