Post by Clifford "Poop" Harris on Feb 10, 2010 22:42:25 GMT -5
UOSLR Positional Rankings
This is a list of the top 5 players in every position. I took many things into account. I tried to find a balance between, this years performance so far, past years performances, age, ratings, and impact. It was tough since a lot of gm's play certain guys out of position, but i did my best. Enjoy.
Centers
1.) Shaquille O'neal, Los Angeles Lakers
34 Years Old, A D+ C A+ A- B
Season Stats: 22.9 PPG 12.4 RPG 2.1 BPG
Career Stats: 24.3 PPG 12.5 RPG 2.6 BPG
What can i say about the Big Aristotle that you guys don't already know? Dude has been a beast his entire career and is still playing at the highest level despite being 34 years old. It's a mystery as to why he's played for five teams in as many seasons, but the Lakers won't complain, they are reaping the benefits of his nightly 23 pts. and 12 rebs. performances. Shaq will go down as one of the best players in league history.
2.) Wang Zhi-Zhi, Vancouver Grizzlies
29 Years Old, B C+ C- A A- C
Season Stats: 32 PPG 11.8 RPG 1.3 BPG
Career Stats: 22.9 PPG 10.7 RPG 1.1 BPG
One of the biggest surprise careers in league history, if not the biggest. Has averaged 20+ ppg and 10+ rpg since his sophomore year and don't expect him to slow down anytime soon. At 29, he's already played 8 seasons, five of which resulted in an all star game selection. He might have saved his best for this year, jumping out to a ridiculous 32 and 12 start. Not bad for a 2nd round pick eh?
3.) Yao Ming, Los Angeles Clippers
25 Years Old, B+ C C- A- A- B
Season Stats: 22.6 PPG 14.6 RPG 3.6 BPG
Career Stats: 22.8 PPG 11.9 RPG 2.1 BPG
One of the best young Centers in the league at the ripe age of 25. It's easy to forget this is already his 6th season, in which he's averaged 21+ ppg and 11+ rpg in every season since he got drafted #1 overall by the Clippers. Don't be surprised if he surpasses his fellow Asian Wang Zhi-Zhi within the next year or two as far as being a top 2 Center.
4.) Emeka Okafor, San Antonio Spurs
23 Years Old, B C- C- A A- B
Season Stats: 17.1 PPG 11.9RPG 3.1 BPG
Career Stats: 15.2 PPG 11.8 RPG 3.0 BPG
The youngest guy in the Centers list hasn't accomplished much being only in his 4th year, but he should be able to add to his resume the next few years. He's already a DPOY candidate, if he improves at all on offense, Okafor will be a force to be reckoned with for the next 10-15 years. It's hard to find Centers in this league period, let alone 23 year-olds with the potential of Okafor.
5.) Michael Olowakandi, Atlanta Hawks
31 Years Old, B+ D+ C A- A- C
Season Stats: 16.5 PPG 13.3RPG 1.9 BPG
Career Stats: 15.4 PPG 10.4 RPG 1.0 BPG
The Center position is pretty thin as far as depth goes. I considered putting Dwight here, but he hasn't played up to his ratings yet so Olowakandi seemed like the right choice here due to his track record. The facts he's getting in 16 pts. and 13 rebs. so far didn't hurt his case either.
Power Forwards
1.) Tim Duncan, Vancouver Grizzlies
30 Years Old, A- C- C A A D
Season Stats: 18.3 PPG 11.8 RPG 1.3 BPG
Career Stats: 20.6 PPG 13.4 RPG 2.2 BPG
Hasn't jumped out to the best start in his career, but he's still the best at his position. I'd be shocked if he wasn't contributing another 22 ppg and 11 rpg by the time the year is over. Yet another #1 overall pick who has failed to disappoint, should go down as the best Power Forward in league history.
2.) Kevin Garnett, Toronto Raptors
30 Years Old, B+ C C+ A- A- C
Season Stats: 24.5 PPG 12.0 RPG 1.8 BPG
Career Stats: 18.1 PPG 11.6 RPG 1.6 BPG
Labeled a disappointment by many, Garnett came into the season with a chip on his shoulder. In his attempt to prove all his doubters wrong. He's having his best season since 2001 and he finally seems to be reaching his high level of expectations in his 9th season as a pro. He's put himself in position to have his best season ever, averaging a full 6 ppg higher than his career average.
3.) Amare Stoudemire, New York Knicks
23 Years Old, A- C D+ A- B C
Season Stats: 22.9 PPG 11.1 RPG 1.1 BPG
Career Stats: 14.4 PPG 8.7 RPG 1.2 BPG
One of the youngest bright stars the league has to offer. He has already played out his rookie contract and he's only 23!! Knicks are drooling at the thought of having this kid for the next 10 years. He'll probably be a lock for 22 and 11 for the rest of his prime. If i had to start a team w/ a PF right now, I'd probably take Amare ahead of all of them.
4.) Rasheed Wallace, Sacramento Kings
31 Years Old, B+ B+ D A- B+ C
Season Stats: 22.4 PPG 11.0 RPG 1.0 BPG
Career Stats: 16.3 PPG 9.1 RPG 1.0 BPG
He was seemingly overpaid in the off-season after receiving a max deal at the age of 31. I'm sure the Kings are a lot more willing to write the checks after Sheed's big training camp. His training camp has correlated directly with Sheed's biggest start of his career. It's still very early, but if he keeps going at this place, he'll have the best season of his career.
5.) Paul Milsap, San Antonio Spurs
21 Years Old, B+ C- C- B A- B
Season Stats: 19.0 PPG 11.2 RPG 0.8 BPG
Career Stats: 15.0 PPG 7.8 RPG 0.6 BPG
Probably doesn't have the upside of an Amare Stoudemire, but he's a top 4 Power Forward nonetheless. Coming off a 21 and 10 year in only his second year, Milsap has continued to produce at the same rate for the beginning of this year. Like i mentioned earlier, probably doesn't have high potential, but should remain at the top of everyone's "Best Power Forward" list for the remainder of his career.
Small Forwards
1.) Lebron James, Los Angeles Lakers
21 Years Old, A- B+ A- A- B+ A
Season Stats: 27.3 PPG 9.0 RPG 7.0 APG
Career Stats: 20.3 PPG 8.3 RPG 7.0 APG
I'm convinced Lebron will go down as the best player in league history. Might be a little premature, but Lebron is already putting up Etienne type numbers at the age of 21. It's just amazing the heights Lebron has already reached before even reaching his peak. He still has his outside shot to improve on and that shouldn't take him too long since he's still carrying that A pot. Everyone would pick him if they had to start a team from scratch. He'll be causing havoc unlike no other the next 10 years.
2.) Etienne Preira, Golden State Warriors
33 Years Old, A- B+ A- A- B+ A
Season Stats: 18.3 PPG 8.7 RPG 3.3 APG
Career Stats: 26.4 PPG 7.6 RPG 6.8 APG
Up until now, he's been the best player the league has ever seen. He might be the only player that could make this list at each position, he can literally do it all. He's won more championships and MVP's than anyone. He'd probably be #1 on this list if not for Lebron's ridiculous potential. He's started off slowly, but i have no doubt he'll have a big role in this years title race.
3.) Vince Carter, New Jersey Nets
29 Years Old, A- A C+ B- C B
Season Stats: 31.4 PPG 4.9 RPG 3.6 APG
Career Stats: 27.9 PPG 5.7 RPG 3.1 APG
If the criteria for this list, included solely stats, Carter would probably be at the very top. He's on this list despite never becoming a great all around player. He never develped his defensive game, which speaks volumes to the type of offensive talent he has.
4.) Dirk Nowitzki, Toronto Raptors
28 Years Old, B A C+ A- A- C
Season Stats: 24.7 PPG 8.5 RPG 3.7 APG
Career Stats: 20.0 PPG 10.4 RPG 3.3 APG
12 rpg from the SF spot is ridiculous. Sure, it's a small sample, but i wouldn't be surprised if he remained on his current pace. Dirk would've definitely been a top 5 PF if not for Garnett taking up most of the minutes at that position on the Raptors. The fact he's one of the best at a position that isn't his natural position, shows what kind of asset he is.
5.) Lamar Odom, Phoenix Suns
26 Years Old, A- B B A- B D
Season Stats: 27.3 PPG 10.5 RPG 4.5 APG
Career Stats: 16.9 PPG 8.8 RPG 4.4 APG
It's amazing the things Lamar can do at his height. If you thought Dirk was versatile, get a look at the skills Lamar possesses. He can pass, he can rebound, he can shoot, he can post, he can do everything. He's the most skilled big man in the league, with only Lebron and Etienne being more skilled in the whole league.
Shooting Guards
1.) Manu Ginobli, New York Knicks
29 Years Old, B+ A B- A- C- D
Season Stats: 31.3 PPG 5.3 RPG 3.3 APG
Career Stats: 18.1 PPG 4.9 RPG 2.9 APG
At a position with the most talent the league has to offer, Manu tops them all, so far. Has the offensive game of Vince Carter and the defensive talent of an all defensive first-teamer. There's not one flaw in his game. Considered a disappointment early on in his career Manu has proved to be a late bloomer. Not bad for a guy who didn't crack 20 ppg until his 5th year.
2.) Ray Allen, Milwaukee Bucks
30 Years Old, B A- C B+ C D
Season Stats: 27.1 PPG 6.0 RPG 3.9 APG
Career Stats: 18.2 PPG 5.8 RPG 2.3 APG
Ray Allen proved his worth in the Eastern Playoff Series against the Heat and Kobe. He vaulted himself into the discussion of best Shooting Guards in the league and he hasn't disappointed at the beginning of this year. You can probably point to his defense as his weakness, but he did well to dispel those thoughts when he contained Kobe in the playoffs.
3.) Dwyane Wade, Vancouver Grizzlies
24 Years Old, A- A- C+ A C B
Season Stats: 24.5 PPG 6.0 RPG 5.0 APG
Career Stats: 23.1 PPG 6.4 RPG 4.2 APG
Another young beast in the list from the '03 draft. It's hard to draft a guard that will get you 20+ ppg from the get go, but Grizzlies did just that as Wade has gotten at least 22 ppg every season in his career. With all that being said, his start to this season just proves he's only going to get better.
4.) Stephen Jackson, Golden State Warriors
28 Years Old, B A B+ A- C C
Season Stats: 25.7 PPG 7.0 RPG 6.3 APG
Career Stats: 23.7 PPG 6.3 RPG 3.8 APG
Jackson could very well be the best out of this entire group, but the other guys have outperformed him this year so far, with the exception of wade. The only reason i didn't put him over Wade was that age factor and potential. Who would i rather have? i think most people would say Wade. That's no disrespect to Jackson, but the SG position is just stacked.
5.) Gilbert Arenas, Los Angeles Clippers
24 Years Old, B A- A A C B
Season Stats: 27.7 PPG 6.3 RPG 5.1 APG
Career Stats: 15.1 PPG 5.3 RPG 4.8 APG
I considered putting Arenas in the PG section, and slotting Josh Howard here, but Arenas has just been too good playing the Sg spot. As and undersized Shooting Guard, Arenas has still managed to put up 27 ppg along with 6 rpg and 5 apg. Only makes me wonder how good he'd be at PG. He'll go up these rankings as his career progresses.
Point Guards
1.) Allen Iverson, Milwaukee Bucks
31 Years Old, B- A- A A- C C
Season Stats: 24.9 PPG 4.4 RPG 10.9 APG
Career Stats: 16.3 PPG 5.2 RPG 8.5 APG
Allen Iverson has been the best Point Guard so far this year. I have my doubts on whether that will continue or not, but i couldn't deny him the top spot given his longevity and current production. At 31, he's proving he can still play with the best of them. Question is, for how long?
2.) Mike Bibby, Houston Rockets
27 Years Old, C A A- A- C- C
Season Stats: 24.4 PPG 2.6 RPG 9.4 APG
Career Stats: 18.6 PPG 3.7 RPG 9.1 APG
Despite being in a rebuilding stage, Mike Bibby has still managed to put up gaudy numbers. Has consistently held averages at around 20 and 10 over the last 4-6 years and he's still only 27. He seems to be hitting his peak, so don't be surprised if he hasn't played his best ball yet.
3.) Larry Hughes, Cleveland Cavaliers
27 Years Old, B A- A- A C- C
Season Stats: 25.7 PPG 3.7 RPG 9.8 APG
Career Stats: 16.1 PPG 4.8 RPG 7.8 APG
Has failed to play up to his ratings over the last 2-3 years on a struggling Cavs team, but he is finally playing up to them as he's catapulted his team up to a top 3 seed in the East to start out the year. He's played just as good as any PG this year, but hasn't done it consistently over his career. If he plays like this the whole year, he'll jump up the rankings.
4.) Jason Terry, Golden State Warriors
28 Years Old, C+ A B C+ C C
Season Stats: 26.7 PPG 5.0 RPG 7.7 APG
Career Stats: 15.8 PPG 5.1 RPG 5.8 APG
I don't really love his game, but dude's numbers are hard to hate on. Doesn't have the best PG skills of the group, but he gets the job done. He won't be in any all defensive teams soon either, but i'm sure the Warriors don't care as long as he keeps helping his team into the Finals.
5.) Deron Williams, Philadelphia 76'ers
22 Years Old, B- A- A- B C- A
Season Stats: 25.3 PPG 3.7 RPG 5.0 APG
Career Stats: 16.9 PPG 3.9 RPG 7.4 APG
Deron will definitely climb up these rankings in the coming years, I'd be shocked if he didn't. It's amazing how quickly he's become what we all thought he'd be. We all envisioned him becoming an all star, but i doubt anyone thought it would come this quick. Come back to me next year and I'd probably put him #1 on this list. He's going to have to become a better passer though if he wants to be the best. I'm sure that won't be a problem.
