NBA Top 50 Rankings 40-31

Here’s the Rankings 40-31.

40. LaMarcus Aldridge- It’s arguable he doesn’t belong on the list. I feel he’s a good player. He should continue to make the progress he has made. Surprisingly nice numbers last season: 18 points-8 rebounds and 31% from 3, 75% from the line.  Not only that, Aldridge has also shown to maintain his numbers in the playoffs ( 19- 6).  The one question for me is: Is he tough? It’s tough to compare Aldridge to anyone because he plays somewhat of a finesse game at times. I’ve seen him go maybe 4, 5 possessions where he gets the ball and settles for a mid ranger jumper or even a hook in the low post that A) leaves you out of position for rebounds and B) shows your not wanting to bang down low.

39. Kevin Love- We could argue he’s too high on the list but I think he fits every well at 39. One of the top offensive rebounders in the NBA, underrated passer from his position as well.  The reason he’s too low? He averaged 14 and 11 off the bench. Love also only played 28 minutes per game last season. Being the 2nd big man to Al Jefferson arguably hurt him the past couple season. Now that Love is going to be main post option this season in a offense where he could flourish: What can we expect? 18-13? I think were gonna see a great season from Love this season.

38. Gilbert Arenas- I know ” Gil Missed 50 games last season, how could he be top 40?” Go look at the numbers: Gil was posting 22-4-7 before he went Red Dead Revolver on us. The fact remains: Gilbert would have been solid last season and could have mad a case for a top 25 spot here. He drops in my rankings because he’s not the main player anymore. John Wall should be taking Gil’s assists numbers so that decrease his value. His points might also decrease.

37. Al Horford- Undersized center. Cannot be the Center for Atlanta to win a title. First All Star game last season, vastly improving. It’s tough for Horford to defend a Brook Lopez and Dwight Howard but his overall man to man defense is solid. Horford is another underrated player, look at these numbers

FG %- 55% ( Top 10)

Offensive rebounds- 236 ( Top 10)

Rebounds per game- 9.9 ( Top 10)

Defensive rebounds- 563 ( Top 10)

Offensive Rating- 121.4 ( Top 5)

What does it all mean? He’s undersized and he still produces rebounds and when he gets chances to score- He’s one of the most efficient players in the NBA.

36. Monta Ellis- Too many words for this one. Monta Ellis is a enigma in the NBA. His attitude makes you dislike him. His non stop shooting sprees make you question if he gets it’s 5 on 5.

But yet, the Numbers make him look like one of the most irreplaceable players for his team.

25.5 points per game ( 6th last season)

2.2 steals per game (2nd last season)

41.4 minutes per game ( 1st last season)

So, he has a bad attitude yet, he’s giving you 40 min a night, 25 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds and 2 steals playing out of position ( Golden State loves him off the ball and Curry as the PG). What does that say?  What if Monta Ellis was traded to New York with a coach who would have given him the keys? Would we be talking 27-7-3? I don’t know but even though Ellis is a little egotistical: I think he has to be on the list.

35. Manu Ginobili– Just when I thought he was done, he comes back better then ever with a 16-5-4 season. You know he’s one of the clutch shooting guards in the NBA. Tricky on defense, Top 10 in P.E.R and at age 32, got even better in the playoffs ( 19-4-6).  Little needs to be said here. For 2010-2011 season? I expect Manu to live up to this ranking.

34. Andrew Bynum– 22 years old and already in the mid high 30. When Bynum plays, he’s truly a great player. He’s a banger, he takes up space on offense and defense. He showing that he can play well with better players around him ( 15 ppg last season regardless of Kobe and Gasol) and he’s a solid rebounder (8 rpg regardless of Gasol). His play makes people what if he were traded to become even the #2 option. Would be looking at the 22 points and 12 rebounds? I think that’s realistic.

The issue? When he plays. He’s 22 with 3 leg injuries in the back pocket. He hasn’t played 82 games since the 06-07 season and hasn’t even played 70 his whole career.

33. Gerald Wallace– Consistency pays off. Since he went from Sacramento to Charlotte, Wallace emerged into a solid player. One of the best defensive wings and made even bigger strides last season. Wallace posted 18-11 and almost 2 steals in 2009. The bigger question: What is his role on Charlotte? Is he Batman or Robin?

His numbers say Batman but last season and even # 31 on the list could argue he’s Robin.

32. Zach Randolph– Zach Attack? Kung Fu Panda? Swamp Monster? I think Zach Randolph is someone who went from being untouchable to a potential big free agent next offseason. We could argue, Randolph just made us hate him but produced. Randolph posted 23- 10 in 2006, 17-10 in 2007 ( First season playing next to Eddy Curry) , 20-10 in 2008 and 20-10 in 2009.

He’s not a winner but what does it say that he made Memphis go from a bottom feeder to a potential playoff pick next season? And Imagine: He’s in a Contract Year.

31. Stephen Jackson– Captain Jack at 31? Why? Here’s a couple reasons

Winner:  Jackson was a starter for a Championship team in San Antonio, helped Indiana to the playoffs, went to Golden State and helped turned that around, then he went to Charlotte and got them to the playoffs.

#1 personality: Jackson is a guy who won’t allow anyone else to be that number one guy. Has he gotten moved because of it? Yes but when you want a playoff team, you always need that kid of guy.

C-word: Consistent. Since leaving San Antonio- Jackson has been a 15-5-4 guy. The past 3 seasons were 20ppg seasons and this past year, he’s was top 10 in steals.

Stephen Jackson is someone I would want on my team.

What do you think? Stay tune for 30-21 tomorrow!