Post by nova on Jul 28, 2010 1:21:20 GMT -5
40. Travis Outlaw SF 18 6'9'' 210 B B- C- B- C+ A Spurs
At the young age of 18, Outlaw is already one of the better ‘raw’ prospects in the league. He had a terrific first Training Camp, and while his stats aren’t exactly jaw-dropping, he’s showing some ability to produce. If he continues to progress like he has so far, he should be a very good player one day. He seems to have the talent and raw athletic ability necessary to succeed. However, it’s still early, and he does have a long way to go.
39. Nene C 21 6'11'' 263 B- C- C- B- A- B Bucks
Some may argue that Nene should be higher up, because he’s a big. However, the fact of the matter is his ratings don’t blow you away, and while he’s having a solid season for the Bucks, he doesn’t really seem to do anything great. He won’t be a great scorer, or a great defender, or an elite rebounder. He’s not even much of a shot-blocker. Probably a career 16/11 type guy, definitely solid, but nothing spectacular. Still, he’s a solid building piece for the Bucks.
38. Qyntel Woods SF 22 6'8'' 221 B+ C+ C- B+ C A Thunder
In many ways, Woods is very similar to Outlaw. However, he’s more developed and appears to be a more skilled scorer. Woods has had two very good TC’s to begin his career, and while he hasn’t really gotten a chance to play major minutes, he’s still been solid off the bench. With Gerald Wallace ahead of him on the Depth Chart in Oklahoma City, chances are Woods’ future will be with another team, but either way, it looks like he’ll be a quality starter.
37. Rashard Lewis SG 24 6'10'' 218 B- A C A- C B Warriors
A solid, but not spectacular player, Rashard has really come a far way in the last few seasons. A key contributor in the Warriors’ final run last season, Shard is just as important to their future. He’s a great second or third option type scorer who plays good defense and doesn’t turn it over too much. And there’s a decent chance that he could still improve more. Either way, Shard’s a very good player and that doesn’t look like it’ll change in the next several years, so he definitely belongs in the top 40.
36. Ron Artest SF 23 6'6'' 246 B B C+ A- C C Bobcats
A very underrated player, Artest is really having a breakout seasons for the Bobcats this year. Averaging 18.1 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 4.5 APG, and 2.3 SPG on 48% shooting, Artest has quietly helped lead the Bobcats to the fourth best record in the league. Artest isn’t spectacular at anything, but he’s a solid offensive player and a quality defender. His passing ability has also tremendously improved in the last two seasons, to the point where he’s legitimately a very good passer at the SF position. He should be a solid SF for many years to come.
35. Boris Diaw SF 21 6'8'' 215 B B- B C+ B B Celtics
Diaw is a very intriguing young prospect who is only a rookie, and yet could play a key role in the Celtics playoff push this season. After an outstanding first TC, Diaw is a key back-up for Boston. Averaging 8.8 PPG, 4.1 RPG, and 2.0 APG in 20.5 MPG, Diaw provides the Celts with some great all-around production. While he does turn it over some, and his defense appears to be suspect, the fact that he’s already contributing combined with his huge TC indicates that Diaw has more room to grow, and could turn into a very good player. A realistic long-term prediction of his production is likely a 16/8/5 type player at SF, which is something every team would love.
34. TJ Ford PG 20 6'0'' 165 C B A- B+ C- A Pacers
This may be too high for a player whose only played 14MPG as a rookie, but Ford’s first TC was that impressive. He could already start for some teams, and if he improves at even half the pace that he has already in one TC, he’ll be a very good PG soon. Ford won’t ever be a dynamite scorer, but it appears that he could very well become one of the league’s better pass-first/defensive PG’s. The Pacers are a young team for the most part, and Ford looks like he’ll play a key role in their future, whether as their PG or a very valuable trading chip.
33. Lamar Odom SF 23 6'10'' 226 B+ C+ C+ B+ B C Cavaliers
After receiving a MAX contract from the Cavs this past offseason, Odom is having a down year, as are the Cavs as a whole. However, Odom’s value is unquestionable, and most GM’s seem to think he’ll turn it around. He was hugely impressive in his first two seasons with the Cavs, and at only 23, Odom still has a very bright future. He’s a terrific all-around player, and once he gets back on track, there’s no doubt he’ll be a very valuable commodity on the trade market.
32. Xue Xuyang SF 20 7'0'' 210 B C+ C- B+ C+ A Bucks
It’s very tough to distinguish between Outlaw, Woods, and Xuyang based on ratings, but Xuyang’s production as a rookie is what separates him from the other two. That, and the fact that he’s a 7 footer who is thriving at SF. Xuyang, who has had scouts drooling for over a year, has really impressed thus far in the BBS. Averaging 15.6 PPG and 5.9 RPG, Xuyang’s one of the few bright spots on a mediocre Bucks team. Along with Nene, Xuyang is a key factor in the Bucks’ future, and he very well could turn into an all-star caliber player.
31. Leandro Barbosa PG 20 6'3'' 176 C A C C+ D A Hawks
Perhaps the biggest boom/bust player on this list, Leandro could be the next Hubert Davis or could be the next Dana Barros. No offense to Dana Barros, he was solid. Barbosa’s having a very good rookie season for Atlanta and is shooting lights out. He and Cuttino Mobley are one of the most dangerous outside combinations in the league. Barbosa had a solid first TC, and he seems to be on the right track, and in a few seasons, when this article is looked back upon, there’s a very good chance he could be one of the 20 best players on this list, but for now, he comes in at #31.
30. Carlos Boozer C 21 6'9'' 261 B+ C D C+ A- B Pacers
The second Pacer on this list, Boozer’s a bit of an enigma. He’s a very good scorer and rebounder, but he shows absolutely no interest on the defensive end of the floor. He just disappears for stretches of a game. Nonetheless, his post game is outstanding and he’s only in his second season. He’s already and 18/10 player, and chances are he’ll developed into a 23/12 type big, which many might argue should place him higher on this list. However, the fact that he’s just completely mediocre defensively hurts his value.
29. Bobby Simmons SF 23 6'7'' 213 B B C A C+ B Bulls
Simmons has been one of the most surprising players in the last few drafts. He was expected to be solid, but few expected him to develop into the player he has. And he’s only had 3 TC’s. He’s a very solid scorer and rebounder, and a lock-down defender. If he were a slightly better passer, he’d virtually be the prototype SF. If he can continue to improve, he could become an all-star level player and there’s no reason to think he won’t improve.
28. Jamal Crawford SG 23 6'6'' 191 C A+ C+ C+ D B Knicks
Talk about playing above your ratings. JCraw might be the spokesperson for that phenomenon. An outstanding shooter, Crawford is showing that he can do other things too, as he’s averaging 25.6 PPG, 3.4 RPG, and 5.9 APG for the Knicks. He’s been an absolutely dead-eye shooter this season and the way he’s playing, he’ll likely command a max contract this offseason. His defense is poor and likely always will be, but the guy can flat out score, and he’s a much better passer then his C+ passing would suggest. He should be a very good PG for many years to come.
27. Baron Davis PG 24 6'3'' 211 B- B+ A- A C B Heat
Baron’s an interesting player, as he could easily be ranked higher or lower, because he’s still kind of up in the air. There’s no doubt that he can play and should start, but there’s still some question as to whether he’s best suited at PG or SG. Thus far in his career, he’s been a bit too turnover prone at PG for most GM’s liking, while not being a good enough shooter and scorer to really be truly effective at SG. He’s having a great season for Miami averaging 20.6 PPG, 6.4 RPG, and 6.7 APG, and chances are he’ll end up at PG for the rest of his career putting up very good numbers, but still turning the ball over. Either way, he’s a stud.
26. Darko Milicic PF 18 7'0'' 250 B- C- C- B+ B+ B Jazz
Yes, DARKO. As a rookie, Darko makes up 1/3 of the Jazz’s stellar young trio of bigs, and he’s the worst of the bunch, which is saying something. After a tremendous first TC in which he improved in all aspects of his game, Milicic has been surprisingly productive as a rookie. While his scoring numbers are certainly inflated, the fact that he has any offensive game at all is a pleasant surprise. At only 18, Darko still has many years of development ahead of him and looks like he’ll be a stellar frontcourt player for the next fifteen years.
25. Caron Butler SF 23 6'7'' 220 B+ B+ C B C+ B Heat
Dude’s a stud. Caron’s the second member of the Heat roster to make this list, and certainly not the last, yeah, we’re talking to you, Rip Hamilton. Caron is only in his second season, and is already producing at an impressive clip. He’ll never be a star, but he’ll be pretty close. He’s had two impressive TC’s in a row, and ratings of A- A- C B+ C+ B are certainly not out of the question. Either way, he’ll be a 22 + PPG scorer in his prime who also plays good defense and grabs boards. Certainly good enough for the top 25 of this list.
24. Jason Richardson SG 22 6'6'' 223 B+ B+ B- B C B Celtics
Along with Diaw, JRich is a player who helps represent the future for the Celtics. After initially struggling his first two seasons, JRich is finally having a breakout season and showing that he really is a terrific player. At only 22, he’s definitely not done growing, and the fact that he’s averaging roughly 18/7/5 as a third year player has the Celtics very excited about the future. He’s a key piece in the Celtics’ future, and they’re really counting on him resigning once his contract expires next season. It would really, really suck for them if he pulled an Andre Miller. But he probably will.
23. Elton Brand PF 24 6'9'' 278 B+ C C- A- B+ B Spurs
Brand’s actually been a bit of a disappointment thus far in his career. That’s not to say he hasn’t been a good player, because he has, and he is, however, he hasn’t turned into the dominant big that many people were expecting when he was taken 2nd overall in the 1999 draft. However, he’s still very good, and he’s showing that this season, averaging 18.3 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 1.5 SPG, and 1.7 BPG for an up-and-coming Spurs team. Furthermore, he’s definitely still got some room to grow, and becoming a 22/11 player is certainly still a possibility.
22. Gilbert Arenas PG 21 6'3'' 197 B A- B- B+ C- C Nuggets
Much like Brand, Arenas is another player whose been disappointing. Drafted 2nd overall in the ’01 draft, Arenas has developed into a good young player, but not a great one. And while it’s certainly too early to write him off as becoming a star, the fact that he’s very TO prone, his scouted potential has dropped to C, and his scoring isn’t great yet are causes of concern. No matter what, he’ll be the worst of the Nuggets big three, which is saying a lot, but as of now, Agent Zero certainly doesn’t look like a star in the making. He’s still damn good though.
21. Dirk Nowitzki PF 25 7'0'' 242 B A- D+ B B B Mavericks
Another player who many believed was on the path to superstardom, Dirk now looks to be more of a very good player then a star. He’s a talented scorer, but not a great one, and the rest of his game, while solid, isn’t spectacular either. It’s a bit unfortunate, because at one point during his rookie contract, he was one of the premiere prospects in the league, but he has progressed very little since then. It’s certainly not too late, as he’s only 25 and still has that B scouted potential, but it seems like he’ll be more of a sidekick type then a franchise player.
#20-1 to come Tomorrow/Thursday
At the young age of 18, Outlaw is already one of the better ‘raw’ prospects in the league. He had a terrific first Training Camp, and while his stats aren’t exactly jaw-dropping, he’s showing some ability to produce. If he continues to progress like he has so far, he should be a very good player one day. He seems to have the talent and raw athletic ability necessary to succeed. However, it’s still early, and he does have a long way to go.
39. Nene C 21 6'11'' 263 B- C- C- B- A- B Bucks
Some may argue that Nene should be higher up, because he’s a big. However, the fact of the matter is his ratings don’t blow you away, and while he’s having a solid season for the Bucks, he doesn’t really seem to do anything great. He won’t be a great scorer, or a great defender, or an elite rebounder. He’s not even much of a shot-blocker. Probably a career 16/11 type guy, definitely solid, but nothing spectacular. Still, he’s a solid building piece for the Bucks.
38. Qyntel Woods SF 22 6'8'' 221 B+ C+ C- B+ C A Thunder
In many ways, Woods is very similar to Outlaw. However, he’s more developed and appears to be a more skilled scorer. Woods has had two very good TC’s to begin his career, and while he hasn’t really gotten a chance to play major minutes, he’s still been solid off the bench. With Gerald Wallace ahead of him on the Depth Chart in Oklahoma City, chances are Woods’ future will be with another team, but either way, it looks like he’ll be a quality starter.
37. Rashard Lewis SG 24 6'10'' 218 B- A C A- C B Warriors
A solid, but not spectacular player, Rashard has really come a far way in the last few seasons. A key contributor in the Warriors’ final run last season, Shard is just as important to their future. He’s a great second or third option type scorer who plays good defense and doesn’t turn it over too much. And there’s a decent chance that he could still improve more. Either way, Shard’s a very good player and that doesn’t look like it’ll change in the next several years, so he definitely belongs in the top 40.
36. Ron Artest SF 23 6'6'' 246 B B C+ A- C C Bobcats
A very underrated player, Artest is really having a breakout seasons for the Bobcats this year. Averaging 18.1 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 4.5 APG, and 2.3 SPG on 48% shooting, Artest has quietly helped lead the Bobcats to the fourth best record in the league. Artest isn’t spectacular at anything, but he’s a solid offensive player and a quality defender. His passing ability has also tremendously improved in the last two seasons, to the point where he’s legitimately a very good passer at the SF position. He should be a solid SF for many years to come.
35. Boris Diaw SF 21 6'8'' 215 B B- B C+ B B Celtics
Diaw is a very intriguing young prospect who is only a rookie, and yet could play a key role in the Celtics playoff push this season. After an outstanding first TC, Diaw is a key back-up for Boston. Averaging 8.8 PPG, 4.1 RPG, and 2.0 APG in 20.5 MPG, Diaw provides the Celts with some great all-around production. While he does turn it over some, and his defense appears to be suspect, the fact that he’s already contributing combined with his huge TC indicates that Diaw has more room to grow, and could turn into a very good player. A realistic long-term prediction of his production is likely a 16/8/5 type player at SF, which is something every team would love.
34. TJ Ford PG 20 6'0'' 165 C B A- B+ C- A Pacers
This may be too high for a player whose only played 14MPG as a rookie, but Ford’s first TC was that impressive. He could already start for some teams, and if he improves at even half the pace that he has already in one TC, he’ll be a very good PG soon. Ford won’t ever be a dynamite scorer, but it appears that he could very well become one of the league’s better pass-first/defensive PG’s. The Pacers are a young team for the most part, and Ford looks like he’ll play a key role in their future, whether as their PG or a very valuable trading chip.
33. Lamar Odom SF 23 6'10'' 226 B+ C+ C+ B+ B C Cavaliers
After receiving a MAX contract from the Cavs this past offseason, Odom is having a down year, as are the Cavs as a whole. However, Odom’s value is unquestionable, and most GM’s seem to think he’ll turn it around. He was hugely impressive in his first two seasons with the Cavs, and at only 23, Odom still has a very bright future. He’s a terrific all-around player, and once he gets back on track, there’s no doubt he’ll be a very valuable commodity on the trade market.
32. Xue Xuyang SF 20 7'0'' 210 B C+ C- B+ C+ A Bucks
It’s very tough to distinguish between Outlaw, Woods, and Xuyang based on ratings, but Xuyang’s production as a rookie is what separates him from the other two. That, and the fact that he’s a 7 footer who is thriving at SF. Xuyang, who has had scouts drooling for over a year, has really impressed thus far in the BBS. Averaging 15.6 PPG and 5.9 RPG, Xuyang’s one of the few bright spots on a mediocre Bucks team. Along with Nene, Xuyang is a key factor in the Bucks’ future, and he very well could turn into an all-star caliber player.
31. Leandro Barbosa PG 20 6'3'' 176 C A C C+ D A Hawks
Perhaps the biggest boom/bust player on this list, Leandro could be the next Hubert Davis or could be the next Dana Barros. No offense to Dana Barros, he was solid. Barbosa’s having a very good rookie season for Atlanta and is shooting lights out. He and Cuttino Mobley are one of the most dangerous outside combinations in the league. Barbosa had a solid first TC, and he seems to be on the right track, and in a few seasons, when this article is looked back upon, there’s a very good chance he could be one of the 20 best players on this list, but for now, he comes in at #31.
30. Carlos Boozer C 21 6'9'' 261 B+ C D C+ A- B Pacers
The second Pacer on this list, Boozer’s a bit of an enigma. He’s a very good scorer and rebounder, but he shows absolutely no interest on the defensive end of the floor. He just disappears for stretches of a game. Nonetheless, his post game is outstanding and he’s only in his second season. He’s already and 18/10 player, and chances are he’ll developed into a 23/12 type big, which many might argue should place him higher on this list. However, the fact that he’s just completely mediocre defensively hurts his value.
29. Bobby Simmons SF 23 6'7'' 213 B B C A C+ B Bulls
Simmons has been one of the most surprising players in the last few drafts. He was expected to be solid, but few expected him to develop into the player he has. And he’s only had 3 TC’s. He’s a very solid scorer and rebounder, and a lock-down defender. If he were a slightly better passer, he’d virtually be the prototype SF. If he can continue to improve, he could become an all-star level player and there’s no reason to think he won’t improve.
28. Jamal Crawford SG 23 6'6'' 191 C A+ C+ C+ D B Knicks
Talk about playing above your ratings. JCraw might be the spokesperson for that phenomenon. An outstanding shooter, Crawford is showing that he can do other things too, as he’s averaging 25.6 PPG, 3.4 RPG, and 5.9 APG for the Knicks. He’s been an absolutely dead-eye shooter this season and the way he’s playing, he’ll likely command a max contract this offseason. His defense is poor and likely always will be, but the guy can flat out score, and he’s a much better passer then his C+ passing would suggest. He should be a very good PG for many years to come.
27. Baron Davis PG 24 6'3'' 211 B- B+ A- A C B Heat
Baron’s an interesting player, as he could easily be ranked higher or lower, because he’s still kind of up in the air. There’s no doubt that he can play and should start, but there’s still some question as to whether he’s best suited at PG or SG. Thus far in his career, he’s been a bit too turnover prone at PG for most GM’s liking, while not being a good enough shooter and scorer to really be truly effective at SG. He’s having a great season for Miami averaging 20.6 PPG, 6.4 RPG, and 6.7 APG, and chances are he’ll end up at PG for the rest of his career putting up very good numbers, but still turning the ball over. Either way, he’s a stud.
26. Darko Milicic PF 18 7'0'' 250 B- C- C- B+ B+ B Jazz
Yes, DARKO. As a rookie, Darko makes up 1/3 of the Jazz’s stellar young trio of bigs, and he’s the worst of the bunch, which is saying something. After a tremendous first TC in which he improved in all aspects of his game, Milicic has been surprisingly productive as a rookie. While his scoring numbers are certainly inflated, the fact that he has any offensive game at all is a pleasant surprise. At only 18, Darko still has many years of development ahead of him and looks like he’ll be a stellar frontcourt player for the next fifteen years.
25. Caron Butler SF 23 6'7'' 220 B+ B+ C B C+ B Heat
Dude’s a stud. Caron’s the second member of the Heat roster to make this list, and certainly not the last, yeah, we’re talking to you, Rip Hamilton. Caron is only in his second season, and is already producing at an impressive clip. He’ll never be a star, but he’ll be pretty close. He’s had two impressive TC’s in a row, and ratings of A- A- C B+ C+ B are certainly not out of the question. Either way, he’ll be a 22 + PPG scorer in his prime who also plays good defense and grabs boards. Certainly good enough for the top 25 of this list.
24. Jason Richardson SG 22 6'6'' 223 B+ B+ B- B C B Celtics
Along with Diaw, JRich is a player who helps represent the future for the Celtics. After initially struggling his first two seasons, JRich is finally having a breakout season and showing that he really is a terrific player. At only 22, he’s definitely not done growing, and the fact that he’s averaging roughly 18/7/5 as a third year player has the Celtics very excited about the future. He’s a key piece in the Celtics’ future, and they’re really counting on him resigning once his contract expires next season. It would really, really suck for them if he pulled an Andre Miller. But he probably will.
23. Elton Brand PF 24 6'9'' 278 B+ C C- A- B+ B Spurs
Brand’s actually been a bit of a disappointment thus far in his career. That’s not to say he hasn’t been a good player, because he has, and he is, however, he hasn’t turned into the dominant big that many people were expecting when he was taken 2nd overall in the 1999 draft. However, he’s still very good, and he’s showing that this season, averaging 18.3 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 1.5 SPG, and 1.7 BPG for an up-and-coming Spurs team. Furthermore, he’s definitely still got some room to grow, and becoming a 22/11 player is certainly still a possibility.
22. Gilbert Arenas PG 21 6'3'' 197 B A- B- B+ C- C Nuggets
Much like Brand, Arenas is another player whose been disappointing. Drafted 2nd overall in the ’01 draft, Arenas has developed into a good young player, but not a great one. And while it’s certainly too early to write him off as becoming a star, the fact that he’s very TO prone, his scouted potential has dropped to C, and his scoring isn’t great yet are causes of concern. No matter what, he’ll be the worst of the Nuggets big three, which is saying a lot, but as of now, Agent Zero certainly doesn’t look like a star in the making. He’s still damn good though.
21. Dirk Nowitzki PF 25 7'0'' 242 B A- D+ B B B Mavericks
Another player who many believed was on the path to superstardom, Dirk now looks to be more of a very good player then a star. He’s a talented scorer, but not a great one, and the rest of his game, while solid, isn’t spectacular either. It’s a bit unfortunate, because at one point during his rookie contract, he was one of the premiere prospects in the league, but he has progressed very little since then. It’s certainly not too late, as he’s only 25 and still has that B scouted potential, but it seems like he’ll be more of a sidekick type then a franchise player.
#20-1 to come Tomorrow/Thursday
