9. Paul George – Los Angeles Clippers
Given that the LA Clippers have been without their best player (Kawhi Leonard) all season due to an ACL tear, they have done very well to remain competitive and currently have a record of 17-15 after 32 games.
This is solely down to Paul George who has to carry the Clippers on a nightly basis. For the season he’s averaging 24.7 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 5.5 APG, and 2.0 SPG. PG 13 is still one of the best two-way players in the league. He gives you 25 points and great defense on a nightly basis and if the Clippers had Kawhi they’d definitely be a title contender again.
8. Ja Morant – Memphis Grizzlies
Another common occurrence we see with NBA players is that they up their play in a contract year. NBA players are people just like you and me, and they want to maximize the returns they get from their work. For NBA players, that means upping your game the season before you can sign a contract extension, which is exactly where Ja Morant is now.
In his 3rd season with the Grizzlies, Morant has increased his scoring average from 19.1 PPG to 23.6 PPG, increased his FG% (44.9% to 47.4%), and improved his 3-point shooting (30.3% to 34.8%).
Morant is maturing very nicely for Memphis and currently has them 4th in the Western Conference with a 19-14 record. He’s a great point guard who can be Memphis’s main man for at least the next decade.