NBA Power Rankings (Week 23)

With most teams either settled into their playoff spots, or mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, there isn't all that much to play for. Most teams have less than 10 games remaining and pretty much know where they will be when the regular season comes to an end. However, this is not the case for the few teams fighting for the remaining playoff spots. Expect to see a lot of movement over the next week in the East and some movement among the 6-9 seeds in the West. Teams competing for the final playoff spots are shown in bold.

(Brackets indicate previous ranking)

1. Golden State Warriors (66-7) [1]
2. San Antonio Spurs (61-12) [2]
3. Cleveland Cavaliers (52-21) [3]
4. Oklahoma City Thunder (51-22) [5]
5. Toronto Raptors (49-23) [4]
6. Atlanta Hawks (44-30) [6]
7. Los Angeles Clippers (45-27) [7]
8. Boston Celtics (43-30) [10]
9. Charlotte Hornets (42-31) [8]
10. Miami Heat (42-30) [9]
11. Indiana Pacers (39-34) [11]
12. Detroit Pistons (39-35) [13]
13. Portland Trailblazers (38-36) [12]
14. Utah Jazz (36-37) [18]
15. Washington Wizards (36-37) [16]
16. Houston Rockets (36-38) [15]
17. Chicago Bulls (36-36) [14]
18. Memphis Grizzlies (41-32) [19]
19. Dallas Mavericks (35-38) [17]
20. Denver Nuggets (31-43) [21]
21. Orlando Magic (30-43) [22]
22. Sacramento Kings (29-44) [23]
23. Milwaukee Bucks (30-44) [20]
24. New York Knicks (30-44) [24]
25. Minnesota Timberwolves (24-49) [25]
26. Brooklyn Nets (21-51) [28]
27. Phoenix Suns (20-53) [27]
28. New Orleans Pelicans (26-46) [26]
29. Los Angeles Lakers (15-58) [29]
30. Philadelphia 76ers (9-65) [30]

Grayson Gold-Garvey

This Week in the NBA

Anthony Davis' Injury As I’m writing this, I have the T.V. on and just saw back to back commercials featuring Anthony Davis. So it’s official…Davis is a superstar. It’s a good thing he is making money for his acting because his pockets might be about to take a huge hit.

Davis has been officially shut down for the rest of the season and will require surgery on both his torn labrum and for an undisclosed injury to his left knee. Not only will Davis miss the remainder of the season, but he will also be unavailable for the 2016 Olympics in Rio. Davis was figured to be a huge piece for the U.S. and his presence will certainly be missed.

This brings us to the financial implications of Davis’ injury. Due to the Derick Rose Clause, Davis could lose around $24 million over the length of his contract. In layman’s terms, if Davis doesn’t make one of the three All-NBA teams this season than he won’t see that $24MM. With LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, and Draymond Green all seemingly locks to make All-NBA teams, this leaves two open forward spots. Davis has an argument for this spot (24.3 PPG, 10.3 RPG), but he has played just 61 games this season and plays on a team that is a lackluster 26-44. Players on winning teams such as Paul Millsap, Paul George, and LaMarcus Aldridge could cause Davis to miss out on his lucrative bonus.

Chandler Parsons The 27 year-old Mavericks swingman will be shut down for the rest of the season. According to ESPN staff writer Tim MacMahon, Parsons will require surgery on a torn meniscus in his right knee. This is the 2^nd consecutive yeah Parsons’ season has ended prematurely. It comes at the worst time for the 35-35 Mavericks, as they fight for a playoff spot. Parsons has been playing great basketball over the span of the last 2 months and will be missed down the stretch.

This injury could affect Parsons’ contract situation this off-season. It has been widely believed that Parson will opt out of the final year of his contract. If Parsons turns down the $16 million owed to him, he will become an unrestricted free agent. With the rise in cap Parsons could be looking at a huge raise if offered a max contract. Parsons’ health could be a concern, but he is expected to be ready to go for off-season workouts.

Race for the Playoffs (West) It looks like the race to make the playoffs will go down to the wire this year. In both conferences you have teams clawing for a spot in the playoffs. In the West there are four teams fighting for three playoffs spots. Portland, Dallas, Houston, and Utah are all separated by 1.5 games with 11 games remaining. Utah is currently on the outside looking in, but they are only a half-game behind the Rockets. On Wednesday night Utah travels to Houston and Dallas will be in Portland. Hopefully you have League Pass, because these are pivotal games that will impact the playoff race.

Race for the Playoffs (East) In the Eastern Conference there are four teams fighting for two remaining playoff spots. The Pacers, Bulls, Pistons, and Wizards are all separated by just 2 games. These teams are fighting hard to make the playoffs and have been playing some great basketball this past week. The Bulls and Pistons are on three game winning streaks, while the Wizards have won five straight. It will be worth monitoring these squads down the stretch. Keep an eye on the Bulls as they attempt to reintegrate Jimmy Butler into their offense following his return from injury.

Grayson Gold-Garvey

NBA Top 5: Point Guards

Point guard is without a doubt the deepest position in the NBA. There are 10-15 point guards in the league that are difference makers and All-Star caliber players. Here are the five point guards that are playing the best basketball right now.

5) Damian Lillard (25.8 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 6.9 APG, .427/.379/.890) Lillard was an All-Star snub this year, after playing in the contest the past two years. Lillard is the face of the Blazers and is the primary reason why they are still in playoff contention. Picked by most to finish towards the bottom of the West, Portland has overachieved thanks to Lillard’s play. He is in the midst of a career year, ranking 5^th in the NBA in scoring. His ability to hit the long ball, make clutch shots, and get his teammates involved has been a key to his team’s success. There is no question that Lillard can be the franchise player that Portland payed him to be.

4) Kyle Lowry (21.9 PPG, 5 RPG, 6.4 APG, 2.2 SPG, 44.2% FG, 39.5% 3PT) Lowry is another guy that is having a career year. After getting swept in the first round by Washington a season ago, Lowry got himself into shape during the off-season and really focused on improving his game. The results have been impressive, as the Raptors sit just 1.5 games back of Cleveland for the 1^st seed in the East. The backcourt combo of Lowry and DeRozan is almost as good as the backcourt in Golden State and the Raptors will go as far as they take them.

3) Chris Paul (20 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 9.9 APG, 2.2 SPG, .466/.379/.891) Chris Paul is still probably the best pure point and game manager in the NBA. He knows what it takes to win games and always gets his teammates involved. He runs the pick and roll better than anyone and is constantly getting DeAndre Jordan and J.J. Redick open looks. Paul and the Clippers have been playing without one of the most dynamic players in the league for most of the season, (Blake Griffin) but have still managed to lock up the 4^th seed in the West. CP3 will continue to have skeptics until he can get his team further in the playoffs, but there is no denying his greatness.

2) Russell Westbrook (23.8 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 10.4 APG, 2.1 SPG, 45.6% FG, 81.3% FT) Westbrook is a spark-plug and one of the most difficult players in the league to defend. He runs the fast break as well as anyone and gets to the cup with little difficulty. Westbrook has arguably the best pull up, mid-range shot in the game and he can get to his spots whenever he wants. He has expanded his game this year and is a triple double machine, leading the league with 14 of them. ESPN's Royce Young reports that Westbrook is the first player in the past 25 years to post 14 triple doubles in a season (Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson). He has become a more efficient scorer and his increased his assist numbers (2^nd in NBA). Westbrook is putting up unreal numbers this year and has a case to be a 1^st team All-NBA guard.

1) Stephen Curry (30.3 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 6.5 APG, 2 SPG, .509/.457/.906) Curry is arguably the best player in the league. The run-away MVP is killing it this year, on pace to lead his team to the best record in league history. The offensive dynamo is having one of the greatest seasons in recent memory and is about to become the 7^th member of the elusive 50/40/90 club. Curry has already shattered the record he set last year for made threes in a season and every time he attempts one, we all expect it to go in. Another MVP award and championship run could solidify Steph’s spot as an all-time great at the point guard position.

Honorable mention: John Wall, Isaiah Thomas, Kyrie Irving

(Image from Russell Westbrook's Twitter)

Grayson Gold-Garvey

NBA Power Rankings (Week 22)

While we were all watching the tournament this weekend, the NBA season continued. The match-up of the week was Saturday's game between the Warriors and the Spurs in San Antonio. The Spurs handed Golden State their 7th loss of the season in a closely contested game. The Warriors seemed tired on the second night of a back to back and their fourth game in six nights. Even so, the Spurs have to be satisfied and encouraged with the outcome.

The biggest moves of the week are the red-hot Hawks moving up to the 6th spot after winning their fifth straight game. The biggest loser this week has to be the Memphis Grizzlies. While the Grizzlies are still ten games over .500 and remain entrenched in the 5th seed of the Western Conference playoff race, they are a shell of the team they were at the start of the season. Tony Allen and Zach Randolph are the only key pieces currently playing for the Grizzlies. With point guards Mike Conley and Mario Chalmers sidelined, the Griz have been forced to play trade deadline addition Lance Stephenson at the point guard position. The Grizzlies seem to have little hope going into the playoffs, where they will more than likely face Chris Paul and the Clippers.
(Brackets indicate previous rankings)

1. Golden State Warriors (62-7) [1]
2. San Antonio Spurs (59-10) [2]
3. Cleveland Cavaliers (49-20) [3]
4. Toronto Raptors (48-21) [4]
5. Oklahoma City Thunder (48-22) [5]
6. Atlanta Hawks (41-29) [9]
7. Los Angeles Clippers (43-26) [6]
8. Charlotte Hornets (39-30) [8]
9. Miami Heat (40-29) [10]
10. Boston Celtics (40-30) [7]
11. Indiana Pacers (36-33) [13]
12. Portland Trailblazers (36-35) [12]
13. Detroit Pistons (36-34) [14]
14. Chicago Bulls (35-33) [17]
15. Houston Rockets (35-35) [15]
16. Washington Wizards (34-35) [19]
17. Dallas Mavericks (35-35) [16]
18. Utah Jazz (34-36) [18]
19. Memphis Grizzlies (40-30) [19]
20. Milwaukee Bucks (30-40) [20]
21. Denver Nuggets (29-41) [21]
22. Orlando Magic (29-40) [22]
23. Sacramento Kings (27-42) [25]
24. New York Knicks (28-43) [23]
25. Minnesota Timberwolves (22-47) [26]
26. New Orleans Pelicans (26-43) [24]
27. Phoenix Suns (19-50) [29]
28. Brooklyn Nets (19-50) [27]
29. Los Angeles Lakers (14-55) [28]
30. Philadelphia 76ers (9-61) [30]

(Image provided by Soobum Im, USA TODAY Sports)
 
Grayson Gold-Garvey

Bracket Breakdown

It's that time of the year again, a time of year where people bet way too much money on a bracket and pick a team who likely will get bounced in the second round. It's a time of year that is almost better than Christmas. If your team didn't make it, it's probably because they didn't deserve it or the selection committee hates them. Nonetheless, the brackets are out and the picks are being made. Here is what we here at Sideline Sports Report think about this years field. (Not all of us, just Stephen) 

*We're going to skip ahead to the Sweet 16*

*Teams in bold are predicted winners*

SOUTH REGION:
Sweet 16: (1) Kansas vs. (5) Maryland 
                 (3) Miami vs. (10) Temple 
- Kansas is the overall number one seed in this years tournament and might be one of the few higher seeded teams without an NBA player. Bill Self looks to capture his second NCAA title in Lawrence but might have to go through a very athletic Maryland team and a potential Miami team that surprised a lot of people this year in the powerful ACC. 

WEST REGION:
                 (1) Oregon vs. (5) Baylor
                 (6) Texas vs. (2) Oklahoma
- Oklahoma has the potential Player of the Year in Buddy Hield who averages 25 PPG. If the Sooners are going to make a Final Four run they're going to need Hield to play like an All-American.

EAST REGION:
                 (1) North Carolina vs. (5) Indiana 
                 (3) West Virginia vs. (2) Xavier 
- A lot of people picked North Carolina to win it all back in November when Roy and his guys were preseason number one. The last time the Tar Heels were preseason number one they won a National Championship.

MIDWEST REGION:
                (1) Virginia vs. (13) Iona 
                (6) Seton Hall vs. (2) Michigan State
- Perhaps no one is better in March than Tom Izzo. He might not always have the best team but somehow Izzo's teams always come to play. This year, he has Denzel Valentine who is also up for the Player of the Year. The senior is averaging 19 PPG, 7 RPG, and 7 APG. Much like Oklahoma, Michigan State will rely on Valentine to be that guy and lead the Spartans. 


ELITE EIGHT

SOUTH REGION: 
             (1) Kansas vs. (3) Miami

WEST REGION: 
            (1) Oregon vs. (2) Oklahoma 

EAST REGION: 
           (1) North Carolina vs. (2) Xavier 

MIDWEST REGION:
           (1) Virginia vs. (2) Michigan State 

FINAL FOUR: 

(1) Kansas Jayhawks vs. (2) Oklahoma Sooners 

(1) North Carolina Tar Heels vs. (2) Michigan State Spartans 

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 

(1) Kansas Jayhawks vs. (1) North Carolina Tar Heels 


              
 
Stephen Springer, Follow him on Twitter @Stephen_Springs

NBA Top 5: Shooting Guards

5. Dwyane Wade (19.1 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, 44.8% FG, 78.2% FT) D Wade may have passed his prime a few seasons ago, but he is still one of the best in the game. He’s no longer the player that he was when he won the scoring title in 2009 and he typically won’t light up the score sheet these days. But Wade is still one of the best all-around players at the 2 and is close to 20 PPG on the season. I still trust Wade more than most players in the league, because he has proved himself time and time again.

4. Klay Thompson (22 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.1 APG, .470/.413/.866) Thompson is arguably the best pure shooter in the NBA. This year’s three point competition winner absolutely lights it up from long range. Thompson’s shot is a thing of beauty and every shot he takes looks identical. Thompson isn’t just a shooter and has become one of the better wing defenders in the league.  Thompson is a versatile guard and when his shot starts to fall, he is as dangerous as any player in the league.

3. DeMar DeRozan (23.8 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.1 SPG, 44.7% FG, 84.4% FT) DeRozan has staked his claim as one of the best guards in the league. The Raptors, led by the backcourt duo of DeRozan and Lowry, have become one of the best teams in the NBA and currently sit 2^nd in the Eastern Conference. DeRozan has a unique skill set for a 2 guard in today’s NBA. He is not really a three point shooter, but he has an incredibly effective mid-range jumper. He’s also a great slasher and has a knack for getting to the free throw line (8.7 FTA/G).

2. Jimmy Butler (22.2 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.7 SPG, 45.4% FG, 82.9% FT) Butler is my favorite 2 guard in the league. He is the best two way player at the position and arguably the best two way player in the league. Butler is a workhorse. He is the Bulls primary option on offense and he typically guards the opposing team’s best wing player. Butler is on pace to lead the league in minutes per game for the third consecutive season and seemingly never gets fatigued. He has steadily improved his game every season and is a supreme competitor.

1. James Harden (28.6 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 7.1 APG, 1.6 SPG, .430/.338/.868) Harden is without a doubt the best offensive 2 guard in the league. He can score with the best of them and is carrying a bad Rockets team this year. Say what you want about his defense and you will probably be right, but his offensive game is undeniable. Harden is 2^nd in the league in assists for a non-point guard and 2^nd in the league in MPG. There are few players I trust with the ball in their hands down the stretch of a close game than Harden.

Honorable mention: C.J. McCollum, Bradley Beal, J.J. Reddick, Wes Matthews, Khris Middleton

(Image provided Soobum Im, USA TODAY Sports)

Grayson Gold-Garvey

NBA Power Rankings (Week 21)

1. Golden State Warriors (59-6) [1]
2. San Antonio Spurs (56-10) [2]
3. Cleveland Cavaliers (47-18) [3]
4. Toronto Raptors (44-20) [5]
5. Oklahoma City Thunder (43-20) [4]
6. Los Angeles Clippers (42-23) [6]
7. Boston Celtics (39-27) [7]
8. Charlotte Hornets (37-28) [11]
9. Atlanta Hawks (38-29) [10]
10. Miami Heat (38-28) [8]
11. Memphis Grizzlies (39-27) [9]
12. Portland Trailblazers (35-32) [12]
13. Indiana Pacers (35-31) [14]
14. Detroit Pistons (34-32) [15]
15. Houston Rockets (33-33) [18]
16. Dallas Mavericks (33-33) [13]
17. Chicago Bulls (32-32) [17]
18. Utah Jazz (31-35) [19]
19. Washington Wizards (30-35) [16]
20. Milwaukee (29-38) [20]
21. Denver Nuggets (28-38) [21]
22. Orlando Magic (28-37) [22]
23. New York Knicks (28-40) [24]
24. New Orleans Pelicans (24-41) [25]
25. Sacramento Kings (25-40) [23]
26. Minnesota Timberwolves (21-45) [27]
27. Brooklyn Nets (18-48) [26]
28. Los Angeles Lakers (14-53) [28]
29. Phoenix Suns (17-49) [29]
30. Philadelphia 76ers (9-57) [30]

Grayson Gold-Garvey

One and Done, Again

Every year there are a handful to several college basketball players who will declare for the NBA Draft after just one year in college. This will spark debate every year about whether or not those players should have to stay in college for more than a season or if they should lift the 'One and Done' rule and allow them to make the jump from high school to the NBA. The reason for debate is that many believe, myself included, the rule that requires players to be in college for a year diminishes the college game and if those players are actually going to class. Which, you would think, should be required in order for those players to be eligible for competition. 

LSU freshman sensation Ben Simmons, and potential lock for the number one overall pick in the NBA Draft, is tearing it up on the floor for the Tigers this season although they're likely to not make the big dance. Simmons is averaging 19.6 PPG, 11.9 RPG, and 5.0 APG. But is he tearing it up in the classroom like he is on the court? All indications are no. The 6'10" Australian-born big man was not on the Wooden Award Finalist list because he did not meet the GPA requirement needed to be on the list. Does that mean he's not going to class? Does it mean he's just not book smart? To be honest, what difference does it make? Simmons is done before the semester will even end. He doesn't have to maintain a GPA after the season is over because he isn't coming back for a sophomore year (an assumption he declares), so why should he be criticized for having a poor GPA? Basketball isn't like football where players are there for 3 years and must maintain that certain GPA point. 

The argument can be made for the other side for players who aren't going to the NBA after one season, and likely will not go to the NBA at all, who have to maintain a GPA and have to go to class. If you look at a Division 1 men's college basketball team roster, how many players will end up playing professional basketball either in the NBA/NBA D-League or overseas? Maybe one. Most teams won't have any. So the argument is this; what should the rule be, should players be allowed to go the NBA right from high school or should they be forced to go to college?

Here's how I've always looked at it: If a player is capable of going from the high school level to the NBA level, have them go through a combine-style event for teams and get an evaluation. If that evaluation lists them as a lottery pick or top 15 pick then let them make the decision to either put their name in the draft or sign with a school. If they sign with a school they must remain at the school for 2-3 FULL years. And they have to maintain a strong GPA. If after two season the players evaluation provides better insight, then they can be allowed to enter the NBA Draft. 

This isn't a perfect system but it's a system that going forward would allow those great young players to make the jump and not worry about having to go through the antics that are the NCAA.

NBA Power Rankings (Week 20)

Things haven’t changed much this week. The Warriors somehow lost a game to the Lakers, but they’re still 55-6. San Antonio is only 2.5 games back of the Warriors and they still have 3 games left against Golden State. It’s crazy to think about how good the Warriors and Spurs have been this year. In any other season we would be talking about the greatness of the Spurs, but that has been overshadowed by the record setting pace of the Warriors.

The last 20 odd games of the season are shaping up to be great as teams fight for playoff spots and seeding. The race to watch in the West is between the Blazers, Rockets, and Jazz for the 7^th and 8^th spots in the playoffs. And the race to watch in the East is a heated five team battle for the last three playoff spots. Currently the Pistons and Wizards are on the outside looking in, but are right there in the race. I hope you guys enjoy these last few weeks as much as we do at Sideline Sports Reports.
(Brackets indicate prior ranking)

1.  Golden State Warriors (55-6) [1]
2. San Antonio Spurs (53-9) [2]
3. Cleveland Cavaliers (44-17) [3]
4. Oklahoma City Thunder (43-20) [4]
5. Toronto Raptors (41-20) [5]
6. Los Angeles Clippers (40-21) [6]
7. Boston Celtics (38-26) [7]
8. Miami Heat (37-26) [10]
9. Memphis Grizzlies (37-25) [8]
10. Atlanta Hawks (35-28) [11]
11. Charlotte Hornets (33-28) [15]
12. Portland Trailblazers (33-31) [9]
13. Dallas Mavericks (33-30) [12]
14. Indiana Pacers (33-30) [14]
15. Detroit Pistons (32-31) [13]
16. Washington Wizards (30-32) [16]
17. Chicago Bulls (31-30) [17]
18. Houston Rockets (31-32) [19]
19. Utah Jazz (29-33) [18]
20. Milwaukee Bucks (26-37) [24]
21. Denver Nuggets (25-38) [22]
22. Orlando Magic (27-34) [20]
23. Sacramento Kings (25-36) [21]
24. New York Knicks (26-38) [25]
25. New Orleans Pelicans (23-38) [23]
26. Brooklyn Nets (18-45) [26]
27. Minnesota Timberwolves (20-43) [27]
28. Los Angeles Lakers (13-51) [28]
29. Phoenix Suns (17-46) [30]
30. Philadelphia 76ers (8-55)

Grayson Gold-Garvey

NBA Top 5: Small Forwards

Small forward is one of deepest and most talented positions in the league right now. Arguably three of the top five players in the league are listed at the 3 position. If you wanted to include Paul George and Draymond Green as small forwards it would be even more loaded and would make my job that much more difficult. The top 4 small forwards were pretty easy for me to choose but the 5^th one took some time to decide on. Here are the top 5 small forwards in the NBA.

5. Giannis Antetokounmpo (16.5 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.3 BPG, 50% FG, 74.9% FT) Giannis is one of the best young players in the league and has improved in each of his 3 seasons with the Bucks. While Milwaukee has taken a step back this year, Antetokounmpo has been labeled as one of the few “untradeable” players in the game. As of late, the Greek Freak has been playing point forward for the Bucks and has excelled in his new role. Over the past 10 games the 21 year old has posted averages of 19.6 PPG, 11.1 RPG, and 7.1 APG while shooting 47% from the field. Giannis has unlimited potential to be a star in the league.

4. Carmelo Anthony (21.7 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 4.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 42.8% FG, 81.5% FT) While Melo might be on the decline, there is no denying that he is still one of the most dangerous scorers in the game. His scoring has decreased this year, but he has improved his overall game to become a better teammate and his assist numbers reflect this. His 4.2 APG are a career high and his supporting cast is not very talented. If I needed a player to hit a key shot at the end of a close game, Melo would be towards the top of my list.

3. Kawhi Leonard (20.8 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.8 SPG, .510/.478/.881) Leonard is another player that has continuously improved throughout his career. Two years ago he was the Finals MVP, last year he was the defensive player of the year, and this year he will most likely finish in the top 3 of the league MVP voting. Leonard is the most feared individual perimeter defender in the league and has a good shot at winning back to back defensive player of the year awards. Leonard has become the best player on the Spurs who have a ridiculous 53-9 record. His 47.8 three point percentage puts him at number one in the league from behind the arch and he has a good opportunity to lead the Spurs to another championship this season.

2. Kevin Durant (28.1 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.3 BPG, .507/.391/.895) Durant is probably the most difficult player in the NBA to defend. He is 6’11”, shoots the 3, is deadly out of the triple threat, can run the fast break, is a vicious slasher, and can post up. The dude is a freak offensively and has become a very efficient distributer and rebounder. Durant would be top 5 on every GMs fantasy draft board. The 4 time scoring champ has bounced back well from last year’s injury riddled campaign and has put together another great season. The 7 time All-Star has a legitimate claim to win this season’s MVP award.

1. LeBron James (24.8 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 6.6 APG, 1.5 SPG, 50.4% FG, 71.3% FT) LeBron is simply the best all-around player in the NBA, making this a no brainer for me. LBJ is a force on both sides of the ball and is one of the most versatile players in the history of the game. His knowledge of the game and his passing ability makes the players around him instantly better. Due to the play of Steph Curry, LeBron has gone somewhat under the radar this year. LeBron manages the game so well and is the reason why the Cavs will most likely make their second straight, and his sixth straight, Finals appearance this season.

Honorable Mention: Gordon Hayward, Chandler Parsons, Danilo Gallinari

Grayson Gold-Garvey, Follow on Twitter @TheGraygo

NBA Top 5: Power Forwards

After unfortunately missing my post yesterday, due to a long day of travel down to Florida, I will be posting my top 5 power forwards today. The power forward spot was definitely more difficult to narrow down than the center position. The top 4 were pretty easy for me, but the 5th spot was tough. There are a lot of quality power forwards that have already solidified their place as All-Stars and there are a few currently approaching All-Star status. Anyway, here is my list of the top 5 power forwards in the league.

5. LaMarcus Aldridge (17.1 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 1.1 BPG, 50.1% FG, 84.7% FT) If you asked me a year ago if Aldridge were a top 5 power forwards in the league, I would tell you of course, and something along the lines of you're crazy if you disagree. However, this was before he took a lesser role in San Antonio. I know it's unfair to criticize a player for taking a smaller role in something greater, but we naturally do it when we see that player's production decrease. Aldridge was a 23 and 10 guy last year and was one of the most dominant low post scorers, with a variety of moves and a killer face up game. But while his scoring and rebounding averages have dropped, his shooting percentage has increased from 46.6% to 50.1%, his highest since the 2011-2012 season. Aldridge is still a great player, he is just doing things the "Spurs" way.

4. Draymond Green (13,8 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 7.4 APG, 1.5 SPG, 48% FG, 39.5% 3FG) Draymond isn't your traditional low post power forward. He does most of his damage in the open court or as the screen man in the high pick and roll. Green is an exceptional decision maker, often leading the fast break with on-point outlet passes and one man fast breaks. As one of the most versatile big men in the league, Green is 6th in the NBA in assists, leading non-point guards in that category. Green is a tenacious rebounder and is a main reason why the Warriors are on a record setting pace.

3. Paul George (23.2 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.8 SPG, .412/.376/.854) Paul George is a big reason why LaMarcus Aldridge is down at 5 in my power forward rankings. George would be a top 5 small forward if he hadn't switched positions this off-season in the Pacers attempt to go small. George is the driving force of a fringe playoff team and has recovered nicely from his gruesome leg injury. As one of the best defenders in the league, George has the capability to guard 3 or 4 positions. He consistently guards the opposing team's best offensive player, while still putting up number offensively. His field goal percent could be improved, but he has no choice but to shoot a ton due to his mediocre supporting cast. 

2. Anthony Davis (23.8 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 2.2 BPG, 50.1% FG, 74.9% FT) Arguably the best big man in the NBA and the player most GMs would select as their number one guy to build their franchise around, Davis has still not reached his prime. Set to turn 23 this March, the sky is the limit for Anthony Davis. He has continuously improved year after year, adding different dimensions to his game. If Davis can continue on his current trajectory and the Pelicans can add quality players around him, then they could be a force for years to come. 

1. Blake Griffin (23.3 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 5 APG, 50.8% FG, 72.5% FT) Injury aside, Griffin is a force in both the fast break and in half court sets. He has developed into an extremely versatile player and continues to grow his offensive game. He can face up due to his athleticism and mid range shooting and he can back down defenders due to his size and strength. When Chris Paul missed time last year, we got a great look at what Griffin can do as a point forward. He posted a near triple double every game and carried that play making ability into the first stretch of this season, averaging 5 assists per game. If Griffin can return to his pre-injury form, than the Clippers could be a tough second round match-up for either the Warriors or the Spurs.

Honorable Mention: Chris Bosh, Paul Millsap, Karl-Anthony Towns, Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Love

Grayson Gold-Garvey, Follow on Twitter @TheGraygo

NBA Top 5: Centers

Over the next five days, I will be posting my top 5 list for each position in the NBA. We will start at center and work our way through the positions, with point guards wrapping it up on Monday. There are more than five guys that should be considered at each position, but these lists are composed of the players that I believe are the best in the league. Here is my list of the top 5 centers in the NBA.

5. Dwight Howard (14.9 PPG, 12 RPG, 1.5 BPG, 61.2% FG) Dwight Howard gets the nod at number 5 because he is still a top 3 rebounder in the NBA. Howard takes a ton of heat for both his attitude and his declining play. While I completely agree that he is a shell of his former self, he is clearly not a total bum. Find me 2 other guys in the league that average 15 and 12. It's just Dwight and Drummond.

4. DeAndre Jordan (12.2 PPG, 14.1 RPG, 2.3 BPG, 68.6% FG) DeAndre is having another great year. He once again leads the league in field goal percentage and ranks second in both rebounds and blocks. Jordan is a menace on defense and runs the pick and roll with Chris Paul as well as any big in the league. Jordan is probably the most athletic center in the league.

3. Marc Gasol (16.6 PPG, 7 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.3 BPG) Gasol was having another All-Star caliber year before his season was cut short due to injury. He is one of the most versatile centers in the league and is extremely effective on both sides of the ball. The former Defensive Player of the Year locks it down in the low post. He also has some of the best post moves for a 7-footer and possesses elite passing skills for a player of his size.
2. Andre Drummond (16.7 PPG, 15 RPG, 1.5 BPG, 1.6 SPG, 52% FG) Drummond is scary good, especially if you consider that he is only 22 years old. The 4^th year player leads the NBA in rebounds and is a beast down low. Staff writer Stephen Springer pointed out that if Drummond shot 60% from the free throw line, he could average 25 and 15. Unfortunately Drummond is one of the worst free throw shooters in the game at 35.5% from the line. If Drummond can get near the 50% mark he will be a much more effective player and will be able to remain in the lineup at the end of close games.

1. DeMarcus Cousins (27.1 PPG, 11.4 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.3 BPG, 1.4 SPG) Cousins is nearly impossible to guard. The Kings center is 4^th in the league in scoring and 5^th in the league in rebounding. He has the ability to take over games with his offense and has even stretched his range behind the three point line this year (35.7%). Cousins has continued to improve throughout his career and is currently having his best season. Character concerns will always be an issue with Cousins, but there's no denying that he is outplaying the rest of the centers in the NBA this season.

Honorable Mention: Al Horford, Hassan Whiteside, Nikola Vucevic

Grayson Gold-Garvey, Follow on Twitter @TheGraygo