NBA Player Power Rankings: Damian Lillard for MVP?

Feb 23, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) celebrates with teammates after defeating the Brooklyn Nets 112-104 at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Lillard finished the game with 34 points. Mandatory Credit: Godofredo Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 103-95. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

19. Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks

Last Rank: No. 20

Position: Small Forward

Age: 31

Slash Line: .426/.325/.816

Season Averages: 35.0 MPG, 21.4 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 4.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.3 3PM

True to the form displayed by DeMar DeRozan, Carmelo Anthony has transformed his game in 2015-16. While DeRozan still has recognizable weaknesses, Anthony has turned his weaker areas into strengths—and yes, that includes his defense.

Thus far in 2015-16, the New York Knicks star has held the opposition to 40.7 percent shooting from the field, per NBA.com.

Anthony is dishing out a career-best 4.2 assists per game, which is a telling sign of his selfless mentality. He’s also pulling down 8.0 rebounds per game, which is the second-highest mark of his 13-year NBA career.

The Knicks are struggling to do much of anything by way of compiling wins, but Anthony is the last man to blame for their struggles.

Anthony opened the most recent week with 22 points, seven rebounds, six assists, three steals, and one block on 8-of-16 shooting from the field. He then tallied 30 points and 11 rebounds in a win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, and had 23 points, 11 boards, and five assists against the Toronto Raptors.

Anthony struggled in his battle with Paul George and the Indiana Pacers, but he’s undoubtedly Top 20 in 2015-16.

Next: The Under-Appreciated Three-Time All-Star