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 5th 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 1st 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 4th 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 (2nd in NBA). Westbrook is putting up unreal numbers this year and has a case to be a 1st 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 7th 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
No comments:
Post a Comment