Post by nova on Jul 28, 2010 20:07:02 GMT -5
Continued...
20. Amare Stoudamire PF 20 6'10'' 248 A- C C C+ B- A Warriors
After the Warriors made a huge blunder by signing Sherrell Ford to a contract so outrageous that it easily goes down as the worst BBS contract ever handed out, they decided to compound that error by trading Zach Randolph for Amare Stoudamire. Now, it may be harsh to say Amare is not in ZBo’s ballpark, but he’s just not. However, he’s still a very good young prospect. He’s had two great TC’s to start his career, and isn’t having a bad season. He’s still raw though, so expect him to continue to improve at a pretty rapid pace. It’ll take him a long ways to be as good as Zach Randolph, but he has the potential, and he’s definitely still a very valuable commodity.
19. David West PF 22 6'9'' 240 B+ C+ C- B C+ B Clippers
The front-runner for the ROY award, West is putting any doubts about his talent to rest. Averaging 28 and 9 as a rookie, West is the reason the Clippers aren’t the worst team in the league. He’s been nasty, and while most GM’s liked him and thought he’d be a very good player, I’m sure no one expected him to come in and ever average 28 and 9, let alone as a rookie. Now, those stats are definitely inflated, but again, he’s a ROOKIE. He may be best suited as a SF, but he’s shown that he can successfully play PF. Long-term, he won’t be a star, but he should be a very very good player nonetheless.
18. Dajuan Wagner PG 20 6'2'' 203 B A- B B- C- A Spurs
After a tremendous High School career, Wagner came into the 2002 BBS Draft with a lot of questions about his BBS potential. Less than two seasons later and he’s answered virtually all of them. Wagner’s off to a great start in his career, with two strong TC’s and two solid seasons under his belt. He’s on his way to being a lethal player, but there is a question of whether he’ll play PG or SG in the future. He’s turnover prone at PG, but there’s a question of his ability to defend 2 guards. Either way, he’s a stud, and knowing Jah’s record of hanging onto his players, he’ll probably spend most of the next decade in a Spurs uniform.
17. Chris Bosh PF 19 6'10'' 228 B C C B B- A Magic
This is a tough one. Based on ratings and hype alone, Bosh would be significantly higher. However, he’s simply not having a very good rookie season, and really, it’s not like he’s been on strong teams thus far, as Minny was middle-of-the-road before they dealt him, and Orlando is now a very mediocre team. It’s probably harsh to rank him this low, but the production just hasn’t been there yet. He didn’t have a great first TC, and while there’s no doubt Bosh will be a very good player, there are questions about how good. He seems like he might just end up being a 20/11 player, which while good, doesn’t really distinguish him from a lot of other bigs on this list.
16. Eddy Curry C 20 6'11'' 285 B C- D+ B- A- B Lakers
Curry might be the toughest player to project on this list, as he could be way higher or way lower on this list. He’s having a ridiculous season for the Lakers, averaging 28.7 PPG and 11.5 RPG on 51.4% shooting, and based on stats alone, there’s no reason he’s not a top 10 player. However, he’s doing it on a poor Lakers team, and the fact is, his progression ratings-wise hasn’t been amazing. He’s probably going to be one of those guys who plays above his ratings his entire career, but his defensive mediocrity and his perceived weight problem are big reasons why he’s only 15th on this list.
15. Shawn Marion SF 25 6'7'' 222 B B+ C A- B+ B Suns
The first Sun on this list, but most definitely not the last, Marion was a great addition for the Suns, and is having an outstanding season in the desert. A very good all-around player, Marion’s one of the league’s best SF’s, averaging 22.8 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 2.6 APG, 2.4 SPG and 1.4 BPG on great percentages. A former #3 pick, Marion has developed well and cashed in on that development signing a 7 year $115.5 million contract last off-season. Most impressive is his effectiveness on the defensive side of things as well as his rebounding. A guy who grabs 10 boards a night and causes turnovers like Marion does is invaluable.
14. Jason Terry PG 25 6'2'' 185 C A+ B- A- C- B Timberwolves
After reaching the championship last season with the Warriors as a back-up, Terry made the decision to leave in Free Agency and join the Timberwolves, where he would start. At the time, all they had was Chris Bosh. Now, they’ve got one of the best trios in the league in Shaq, Terry, and Vince Carter. They are among the best teams in the league, and Terry is a big reason why. He’s having a great season, and is showing that he is capable of being a great starting PG. Terry’s having an off-the-charts season shooting wise, with a shooting % line of 50/90/49. His value is unquestionable, and if the TWolves are going to go deep in the playoffs, JET is going to need to continue to produce at this pace.
13. Gerald Wallace SF 21 6'7'' 218 A- C+ C A- B A Thunder
Most expected Wallace to turn into a very good player one day, but not this good and not this soon. In only his third season in the league, GWall is putting up great numbers, averaging 23.7 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.5 SPG, and 1.8 SPG, he’s an all-around player who really excels on both ends of the floor. The Thunder are in a rebuilding phase, and it seems safe to say that Wallace is the player they are going to build around. He’s already scary good, and he’s still only 21 and still has A scouted, so even more improvement is probably likely.
12. Andrei Kirilenko PF 22 6'9'' 229 B+ C C+ A+ B A Knicks
A very exciting young player, AK47 is taking The Big Apple by storm this season. With a championship ring in hand, AK bolted from the Magic in Free Agency and signed with the Knicks, and boy, is he having a break-out season. He’s averaging 15.8 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.7 SPG, and 3.7 BPG. He’s arguably the best defensive player in the entire league, and his offense and rebounding are nothing to scoff at either. He’s the type of player any team would absolutely kill for, and with his A scouted, he’s quite possibly not done improving yet.
11. Chris Kaman C 21 7'0'' 268 B+ C- D+ B B+ B Jazz
After the Jazz dropped from 2nd to 3rd in the last draft and lost out on Chris Bosh, the Utah organization was concerned, they didn’t know how good Chris Kaman would be. As it turns out, less than a year later, Kaman’s value seems to be higher than Bosh’s. A legitimate ROY candidate, Kaman’s having a terrific season for Utah, averaging 22.3 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 2.0 APG, and 2.7 BPG. Most impressive has been his shot-blocking and overall defensive ability, he’s given Utah reason to think he can be more than just a great scorer and rebounder. He’s probably not gonna turn into a star, but he should be a great big man for a long time to come.
10. Zach Randolph PF 22 6'9'' 253 A- B- D- C A- B Celtics
ZBo is a beast. That’s really all there is to it. Perhaps the best late-lotto pick in BBS history, Randolph has evolved into a dominant big in only three seasons. The Warriors GM received a barrage of criticism for trading him, and that trade is the primary reason why Boston GM Jeff will easily survive the Contract Year. He’ll never be much of a defensive post player, which is a concern, but he’s just so consistently dominant, and on competitive teams mind you, that one can’t help but admire his talent.
9. Rip Hamilton SG 25 6'6'' 193 B A B- A- D+ A Heat
A very similar player to Redd, Rip is only slightly worse. A very good shooter and a solid passer and defender, Rip isn’t exactly a franchise player, but he’s still an all-star caliber player. He’s part of an intriguing young trio in South Beach along with Baron Davis and Caron Butler, who are also both on this list. Whether he remains in Miami long-term or not, his value is undeniable, as he’s one of the best shooting guards in the league. The fact that he still has A scouted potential is also very impressive, and a possible indicator that he’s not done growing, which is a scary thought.
8. Larry Hughes SG 24 6'5'' 185 B+ B B A C B Suns
Talk about a player that makes scouts drool. Hughes is everything you could ever want in a shooting guard. He’s a very good scorer, a quality ball handler, a great rebounder, and a fantastic defender. While the rest of the Suns quartet is also supremely talented, Hughes might just be the most important player on the team. His all-around production really helps bring things together for that team, and assuming he continues to produce at this pace for the rest of his career, he’ll be one of the most sought-after guards on the trade market, year in, year out.
7. Tony Parker PG 21 6'2'' 180 B+ B A A- D+ B Wizards
Yes, he’s more turnover prone then one would like, and yes, he’s a brutal rebounder, but he’s a terrific scorer, a very good defender, a good passer, and at age 21, still very young. Parker is the Wizards’ cornerstone piece, and without him, they basically have very little of value. If he can cut down the turnovers in the next few seasons, he’ll probably win an MVP award or two, simply because PG’s are that important in BBS. An expiring contract, Parker might look to test FA, and if he does, he’ll command MAX offers. No matter where he is in the future, he’ll be one of the best PG’s in the BBS in the next decade.
6. Dwyane Wade SG 21 6'5'' 215 A- C+ B- B- C A Nuggets
The second Nugget in the top 25, DWade is an exciting young guard who is a huge part of the Nuggets future. The Nuggets drafted him ahead of Yao, which was questionable considering they already had Kobe and Arenas, but nonetheless, Wade is still a great looking young player. His first two TC’s haven’t been great, but he seems to be on the verge of having a breakout one. He’s already very productive, but given a few more TC’s, he could end up being a true star. And with Arenas’ slower-then-expected development, the Nuggets are hoping the same doesn’t happen with Wade.
5. Pau Gasol C 23 7'0'' 227 B+ C C A- A- B Jazz
There’s a case to be made that Gasol is more valuable then Yao, as he’s a much better passer and rebounder, but Yao has more upside left, which is why he’s ranked above Pau. As the Jazz’s franchise player, Gasol has only played in twelve games this season due to injury, but has been phenomenal in those twelve games. He’s only been through 3 TC’s, and he should be a consistent all-star whose only real flaw is that he’s not a very good shot blocker. The Jazz have a great young trio of bigs, and Gasol is definitely the best of the bunch.
4. Michael Redd SG 24 6'6'' 225 B A B- A- C B Blazers
Perhaps the most underappreciated player in the league, Redd is a flat out stud. Averaging 28.2 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 4.5 APG, 2.2 SPG, and only 1.0 TPG on 48/86/45% shooting is absolutely insane. He’s just a beast. And he’s probably not done developing yet, as he’s only 24. The Blazers really need him to resign, because if he bolts in FA, they’ll be in serious trouble. He’s that good, and that valuable. He’s definitely the best SG in the league right now behind Kobe, and is a hugely valuable piece for Portland.
3. Yao Ming C 23 7'6'' 310 B+ C D+ A- B- A Suns
Yet another Sun. Fuck Mark. Yao is certainly making his mark on the BBS. Averaging 23/10 in only his second season on an outstanding Suns team, Yao is the cornerstone of the team and along with Marion, Hughes, and Chauncey, looks to lead the Suns to multiple championships. He won’t be a superstar most likely, but turning into a 26/12 player who plays lockdown defense is what the Suns expect, and there’s no reason to think he won’t get there soon. A slight concern is that he’s been a very good shot blocker, which is slightly disappointing, but nonetheless, he rounds out the top 3, and is the most valuable young big in the league.
2. Kobe Bryant SG 25 6'7'' 212 A- A+ C+ A- B- C Nuggets
Kobe is already in his seventh BBS season, despite being only 25 years old. Perhaps surprisingly, he still has zero championships and zero MVP awards. However, he’s just now starting to enter his prime, which is a scary thought. Averaging 31.2 PPG, 8.4 RPG, and 4.4 APG on phenomenal %’s, Kobe is without a doubt the best SG in the league, and is part of an exciting young Nuggets team that should be great for many seasons to come. The case could be made that he should be 1st, as he’s already an absolute star, but, he’s not, because of...
1. LeBron James SF 18 6'8'' 240 A B- C+ C+ B A Hornets
King James has arrived. After the tank-a-thon that was the 2003 BBS season, the Hornets came away with the top prize in the ’03 draft, in the form of LeBron James. And what a prize it is. At age 18, LeBron is already a phenom. He’s having a very impressive rookie season averaging 23.2 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.1SPG, and 1.0 BPG. He’s tremendously well rounded, and appears to be on the path for greatness. An unbelievably gifted player, LBJ is already one of the league’s best post players, and he could become an A A- B A- A- player, or the most dominant all-around player the league has seen. He is the future of the Hornets. They just better hope the Heat don’t have cap room in the 2007 off-season.
Enjoy!
20. Amare Stoudamire PF 20 6'10'' 248 A- C C C+ B- A Warriors
After the Warriors made a huge blunder by signing Sherrell Ford to a contract so outrageous that it easily goes down as the worst BBS contract ever handed out, they decided to compound that error by trading Zach Randolph for Amare Stoudamire. Now, it may be harsh to say Amare is not in ZBo’s ballpark, but he’s just not. However, he’s still a very good young prospect. He’s had two great TC’s to start his career, and isn’t having a bad season. He’s still raw though, so expect him to continue to improve at a pretty rapid pace. It’ll take him a long ways to be as good as Zach Randolph, but he has the potential, and he’s definitely still a very valuable commodity.
19. David West PF 22 6'9'' 240 B+ C+ C- B C+ B Clippers
The front-runner for the ROY award, West is putting any doubts about his talent to rest. Averaging 28 and 9 as a rookie, West is the reason the Clippers aren’t the worst team in the league. He’s been nasty, and while most GM’s liked him and thought he’d be a very good player, I’m sure no one expected him to come in and ever average 28 and 9, let alone as a rookie. Now, those stats are definitely inflated, but again, he’s a ROOKIE. He may be best suited as a SF, but he’s shown that he can successfully play PF. Long-term, he won’t be a star, but he should be a very very good player nonetheless.
18. Dajuan Wagner PG 20 6'2'' 203 B A- B B- C- A Spurs
After a tremendous High School career, Wagner came into the 2002 BBS Draft with a lot of questions about his BBS potential. Less than two seasons later and he’s answered virtually all of them. Wagner’s off to a great start in his career, with two strong TC’s and two solid seasons under his belt. He’s on his way to being a lethal player, but there is a question of whether he’ll play PG or SG in the future. He’s turnover prone at PG, but there’s a question of his ability to defend 2 guards. Either way, he’s a stud, and knowing Jah’s record of hanging onto his players, he’ll probably spend most of the next decade in a Spurs uniform.
17. Chris Bosh PF 19 6'10'' 228 B C C B B- A Magic
This is a tough one. Based on ratings and hype alone, Bosh would be significantly higher. However, he’s simply not having a very good rookie season, and really, it’s not like he’s been on strong teams thus far, as Minny was middle-of-the-road before they dealt him, and Orlando is now a very mediocre team. It’s probably harsh to rank him this low, but the production just hasn’t been there yet. He didn’t have a great first TC, and while there’s no doubt Bosh will be a very good player, there are questions about how good. He seems like he might just end up being a 20/11 player, which while good, doesn’t really distinguish him from a lot of other bigs on this list.
16. Eddy Curry C 20 6'11'' 285 B C- D+ B- A- B Lakers
Curry might be the toughest player to project on this list, as he could be way higher or way lower on this list. He’s having a ridiculous season for the Lakers, averaging 28.7 PPG and 11.5 RPG on 51.4% shooting, and based on stats alone, there’s no reason he’s not a top 10 player. However, he’s doing it on a poor Lakers team, and the fact is, his progression ratings-wise hasn’t been amazing. He’s probably going to be one of those guys who plays above his ratings his entire career, but his defensive mediocrity and his perceived weight problem are big reasons why he’s only 15th on this list.
15. Shawn Marion SF 25 6'7'' 222 B B+ C A- B+ B Suns
The first Sun on this list, but most definitely not the last, Marion was a great addition for the Suns, and is having an outstanding season in the desert. A very good all-around player, Marion’s one of the league’s best SF’s, averaging 22.8 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 2.6 APG, 2.4 SPG and 1.4 BPG on great percentages. A former #3 pick, Marion has developed well and cashed in on that development signing a 7 year $115.5 million contract last off-season. Most impressive is his effectiveness on the defensive side of things as well as his rebounding. A guy who grabs 10 boards a night and causes turnovers like Marion does is invaluable.
14. Jason Terry PG 25 6'2'' 185 C A+ B- A- C- B Timberwolves
After reaching the championship last season with the Warriors as a back-up, Terry made the decision to leave in Free Agency and join the Timberwolves, where he would start. At the time, all they had was Chris Bosh. Now, they’ve got one of the best trios in the league in Shaq, Terry, and Vince Carter. They are among the best teams in the league, and Terry is a big reason why. He’s having a great season, and is showing that he is capable of being a great starting PG. Terry’s having an off-the-charts season shooting wise, with a shooting % line of 50/90/49. His value is unquestionable, and if the TWolves are going to go deep in the playoffs, JET is going to need to continue to produce at this pace.
13. Gerald Wallace SF 21 6'7'' 218 A- C+ C A- B A Thunder
Most expected Wallace to turn into a very good player one day, but not this good and not this soon. In only his third season in the league, GWall is putting up great numbers, averaging 23.7 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.5 SPG, and 1.8 SPG, he’s an all-around player who really excels on both ends of the floor. The Thunder are in a rebuilding phase, and it seems safe to say that Wallace is the player they are going to build around. He’s already scary good, and he’s still only 21 and still has A scouted, so even more improvement is probably likely.
12. Andrei Kirilenko PF 22 6'9'' 229 B+ C C+ A+ B A Knicks
A very exciting young player, AK47 is taking The Big Apple by storm this season. With a championship ring in hand, AK bolted from the Magic in Free Agency and signed with the Knicks, and boy, is he having a break-out season. He’s averaging 15.8 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.7 SPG, and 3.7 BPG. He’s arguably the best defensive player in the entire league, and his offense and rebounding are nothing to scoff at either. He’s the type of player any team would absolutely kill for, and with his A scouted, he’s quite possibly not done improving yet.
11. Chris Kaman C 21 7'0'' 268 B+ C- D+ B B+ B Jazz
After the Jazz dropped from 2nd to 3rd in the last draft and lost out on Chris Bosh, the Utah organization was concerned, they didn’t know how good Chris Kaman would be. As it turns out, less than a year later, Kaman’s value seems to be higher than Bosh’s. A legitimate ROY candidate, Kaman’s having a terrific season for Utah, averaging 22.3 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 2.0 APG, and 2.7 BPG. Most impressive has been his shot-blocking and overall defensive ability, he’s given Utah reason to think he can be more than just a great scorer and rebounder. He’s probably not gonna turn into a star, but he should be a great big man for a long time to come.
10. Zach Randolph PF 22 6'9'' 253 A- B- D- C A- B Celtics
ZBo is a beast. That’s really all there is to it. Perhaps the best late-lotto pick in BBS history, Randolph has evolved into a dominant big in only three seasons. The Warriors GM received a barrage of criticism for trading him, and that trade is the primary reason why Boston GM Jeff will easily survive the Contract Year. He’ll never be much of a defensive post player, which is a concern, but he’s just so consistently dominant, and on competitive teams mind you, that one can’t help but admire his talent.
9. Rip Hamilton SG 25 6'6'' 193 B A B- A- D+ A Heat
A very similar player to Redd, Rip is only slightly worse. A very good shooter and a solid passer and defender, Rip isn’t exactly a franchise player, but he’s still an all-star caliber player. He’s part of an intriguing young trio in South Beach along with Baron Davis and Caron Butler, who are also both on this list. Whether he remains in Miami long-term or not, his value is undeniable, as he’s one of the best shooting guards in the league. The fact that he still has A scouted potential is also very impressive, and a possible indicator that he’s not done growing, which is a scary thought.
8. Larry Hughes SG 24 6'5'' 185 B+ B B A C B Suns
Talk about a player that makes scouts drool. Hughes is everything you could ever want in a shooting guard. He’s a very good scorer, a quality ball handler, a great rebounder, and a fantastic defender. While the rest of the Suns quartet is also supremely talented, Hughes might just be the most important player on the team. His all-around production really helps bring things together for that team, and assuming he continues to produce at this pace for the rest of his career, he’ll be one of the most sought-after guards on the trade market, year in, year out.
7. Tony Parker PG 21 6'2'' 180 B+ B A A- D+ B Wizards
Yes, he’s more turnover prone then one would like, and yes, he’s a brutal rebounder, but he’s a terrific scorer, a very good defender, a good passer, and at age 21, still very young. Parker is the Wizards’ cornerstone piece, and without him, they basically have very little of value. If he can cut down the turnovers in the next few seasons, he’ll probably win an MVP award or two, simply because PG’s are that important in BBS. An expiring contract, Parker might look to test FA, and if he does, he’ll command MAX offers. No matter where he is in the future, he’ll be one of the best PG’s in the BBS in the next decade.
6. Dwyane Wade SG 21 6'5'' 215 A- C+ B- B- C A Nuggets
The second Nugget in the top 25, DWade is an exciting young guard who is a huge part of the Nuggets future. The Nuggets drafted him ahead of Yao, which was questionable considering they already had Kobe and Arenas, but nonetheless, Wade is still a great looking young player. His first two TC’s haven’t been great, but he seems to be on the verge of having a breakout one. He’s already very productive, but given a few more TC’s, he could end up being a true star. And with Arenas’ slower-then-expected development, the Nuggets are hoping the same doesn’t happen with Wade.
5. Pau Gasol C 23 7'0'' 227 B+ C C A- A- B Jazz
There’s a case to be made that Gasol is more valuable then Yao, as he’s a much better passer and rebounder, but Yao has more upside left, which is why he’s ranked above Pau. As the Jazz’s franchise player, Gasol has only played in twelve games this season due to injury, but has been phenomenal in those twelve games. He’s only been through 3 TC’s, and he should be a consistent all-star whose only real flaw is that he’s not a very good shot blocker. The Jazz have a great young trio of bigs, and Gasol is definitely the best of the bunch.
4. Michael Redd SG 24 6'6'' 225 B A B- A- C B Blazers
Perhaps the most underappreciated player in the league, Redd is a flat out stud. Averaging 28.2 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 4.5 APG, 2.2 SPG, and only 1.0 TPG on 48/86/45% shooting is absolutely insane. He’s just a beast. And he’s probably not done developing yet, as he’s only 24. The Blazers really need him to resign, because if he bolts in FA, they’ll be in serious trouble. He’s that good, and that valuable. He’s definitely the best SG in the league right now behind Kobe, and is a hugely valuable piece for Portland.
3. Yao Ming C 23 7'6'' 310 B+ C D+ A- B- A Suns
Yet another Sun. Fuck Mark. Yao is certainly making his mark on the BBS. Averaging 23/10 in only his second season on an outstanding Suns team, Yao is the cornerstone of the team and along with Marion, Hughes, and Chauncey, looks to lead the Suns to multiple championships. He won’t be a superstar most likely, but turning into a 26/12 player who plays lockdown defense is what the Suns expect, and there’s no reason to think he won’t get there soon. A slight concern is that he’s been a very good shot blocker, which is slightly disappointing, but nonetheless, he rounds out the top 3, and is the most valuable young big in the league.
2. Kobe Bryant SG 25 6'7'' 212 A- A+ C+ A- B- C Nuggets
Kobe is already in his seventh BBS season, despite being only 25 years old. Perhaps surprisingly, he still has zero championships and zero MVP awards. However, he’s just now starting to enter his prime, which is a scary thought. Averaging 31.2 PPG, 8.4 RPG, and 4.4 APG on phenomenal %’s, Kobe is without a doubt the best SG in the league, and is part of an exciting young Nuggets team that should be great for many seasons to come. The case could be made that he should be 1st, as he’s already an absolute star, but, he’s not, because of...
1. LeBron James SF 18 6'8'' 240 A B- C+ C+ B A Hornets
King James has arrived. After the tank-a-thon that was the 2003 BBS season, the Hornets came away with the top prize in the ’03 draft, in the form of LeBron James. And what a prize it is. At age 18, LeBron is already a phenom. He’s having a very impressive rookie season averaging 23.2 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.1SPG, and 1.0 BPG. He’s tremendously well rounded, and appears to be on the path for greatness. An unbelievably gifted player, LBJ is already one of the league’s best post players, and he could become an A A- B A- A- player, or the most dominant all-around player the league has seen. He is the future of the Hornets. They just better hope the Heat don’t have cap room in the 2007 off-season.
Enjoy!
