2017-2018 NBA Preview: Player Rankings 80-71
Welcome back to my list of the top 100 players in the NBA. Last week, I unveiled the first 20 players on my list which included some notables like Derrick Rose, Pau Gasol, and Dirk Nowitzki. Today, we focus on players 80-71 so let’s continue the countdown.
80 Marcin Gortat—Washington—C: Ever since arriving in Phoenix and now Washington, Gortat has been one of the most consistent big men in all of basketball. He’s averaged at least 10 points and 8 boards the last 7 seasons.
79 Nerlens Noel—Dallas—C/PF: After an injury plagued and contentious time in Philadelphia, Noel will finally get his chance to start at center for a team. With him expecting to get at least 30 minutes a night and in a contract year, Noel should have a career season.
78 Wilson Chandler—Denver—SF/PF: Similar to Gortat, Wilson Chandler has quietly been one of the more consistent wings in the league and had his best year in 2017. He, along with newcomer Paul Millsap hope to lead the young Nuggets to the playoffs.
77 Markelle Fultz—Philadelphia—PG: There is a lot of pressure and expectations for Fultz going into this season. But considering that he’s number one pick in the draft, it’s fair. He’s already a gifted offensive player and playmaker, but the development of his defense will determine if he becomes a superstar.
76 Elfrid Payton—Orlando—PG: For everything that Payton does well (which includes passing and driving) he still struggles with his shot. During his 3 year career, he’s only shot 29% from 3 and 61% from the line. To become a true elite guard, he needs to learn how to shoot.
75 Otto Porter Jr.—Washington—SF: Otter Porter Jr. has gotten better every single year he’s been in the league. If you don’t believe me, in his 4 years in the NBA; his points, rebounds, steals, blocks, field goal percentage, three point percentage, and free throw percentage have gone up everything single year. Yep, that’s progress.
74 Julius Randle—LA Lakers—PF: Julius Randle is one of the more physical young players in the league. He’s got a lot of post moves and is already a fantastic rebounder. But Randle doesn’t have a good jump shot. He doesn’t have to extend out to 3 (27% last year), but that 15 footer would be perfect for him.
73 Jonas Valanciunas—Toronto—C: Jonas Valanciunas is a monster. He’s listed at 7’0” and 255 pounds; but many people believe he’s closer to 280 pounds. For Jonas to become a truly elite big, he has to become a shot blocker. Like Randle, he’s already got the post moves and the rebounding.
72 Greg Monroe—Milwaukee—C: Since Monroe arrived in Milwaukee, he really hasn’t been a good fit. He has a more old school game and he’s on a team that plays a lot of position-less basketball. Maybe it will click for him during his 3rd year with the team.
71 George Hill—Sacramento—PG: After coming off a career year in Utah, Hill signed a 3 year $57 million dollar deal with the Kings. He’s quietly become one of the most underrated point guards in all of basketball. With Sacramento expected to be a dumpster fire this year, Hill could be a valuable trade chip out there.
Written By: Steven Santoro (SVS_1993)
