FLOWING 2- NBA TOP 26

Inspired by one of my favorite people at FOX (Jordan Austin Timberwolves pre/post producer) and Kevin Lynch (former Gopher hooper and current FOX NBA Analyst) they have a running gimmick of the best 20 players in the league which they update pre-season then pos-season. 26 is tattooed on my a$$ (Very logical reason why, ill let reddit conspiracy theorists start....NOW) so its my favorite number + everyone does top 10/20/25 so Fu** it lets do the 26 best players GOING INTO NEXT SEASON. Not to start a franchise with (later) but for 1 season, next season, pound for pound who do I NEED on my team.

** Writing this listening to "BEST OF BARRY WHITE" Disclaimer writes itself--

1. KD

2017-18 (26.4 PPG- 6.8 RPG- 5.4 AST- 1.75 BLK 3P% .419 FG% .516)

PLAYOFFS- (29 PPG- 7.8 RPG- 4.7 AST- 1.2 BLK- 3P% .341- FG% .487)

He is the only player in the league, im my opinion, that you cannot guard anywhere on the court. Offensively he is unstoppable at the rim, mid-range, and from deep. He can ALWAYS GET A SHOT OFF ON YOU. LeBron's shooting from 3 is better and has gotten him close to this territory, but hes not at KD's 42% from deep so you can sag off LeBron and you can get lucky sometimes. But with KD he will torch you like a White Owl if you leave him open from the stripe. Hes taller than you, has more length than you, more burner accounts than you, and more haters than you do to. A very complex individual, all he really wants is to be the greatest hooper ever and hes a couple rings away from entering the conversation. He is better leader than LeBron (See gm1 how the KING acted like an 11 year old kid) or the fact that KD went to a team that was stacked and fit right in without ANY articles about how there was a "RIFT IN THE GS LOCKERROM". He is a remarkable defender, can defend 1-5 on the court if teams go small ball (if not then 1-4) and got snubbed from the ALL- NBA Defensive teams this year. He made his first 1st-TEAM NBA as a Warrior this year, his 6th 1st team in his career. A Legendary scorer and player in the league already- can he crack the Top 10 list all time (that article will be alive soon) get your popcorn ready and well see.

2. AD

2017-18 (28.5 PPG- 11.1 RPG- 2.3 AST- 1.53 STL- 2.56 BLK- 3P$ .340 FG% .534)

PLAYOFFS- (30.1 PPG- 13.4 RPG- 1.7 AST- 2 STL- 2 BLK- 3P% .272 FG% .520)

What he did vs Portland was unequivocally the best single performance in any series in the playoffs. PERIOD. Portland was the #3 seed for a reason, and the Pels treated them like the Suns. Like KD, its AD's defense that really gives him a leg up on the KING who will be entering his 16th year in the league. Respect the game, but AD plays a more complete style of basketball at his point in his career. 3x All Defensive team, and no reason to think his D will stop anytime soon. He has improved his scoring average every year DESPITE his teams always getting better as well, and would have cracked 30ppg this year if Boggie isn't there. Talking GOAT's, his fg% of .534 last year could be better, and it tells us that he takes more mid-ranges than he has to. He could make over 60% of his baskets if he played more on the blocks. Nit picking aside, for his size (6'11-255) hes the best 6'10+ Ball handler and shooter outside of KD and Giannis (hes coming). The only guy I thought had a chance to guard him was on his team, and now that the Boogie monster is in GS, I will buy NBA league pass (or just use reddit streams) to watch them go at it with pure joy on my face. Hes the best defensive player in the league, and hes top 5 in offense.- that to me, makes him the second greatest NBA player going into 2018-19.

3. KING JAMES

2017-18- (27.5 PPG- 8.6 RPG- 9.1 AST- 3P% .367 FG% .542 1.4 STL)

PLAYOFFS- (34 PPG- 9.1 RPG- 9 AST- 1.3 STL- 1 BLK- 3P% .342 FG% .54)

The only reason he isnt #2 on this list is because AD can do it night in night our easier than LeBron can. Its HARD for him to get in game shape now, to get his body primed to go into battle. He Takes possessions off defensively, HE HAS TO, but its also what makes him great. Despite that his teams win, and he knows when to put the hammer down better than anyone in the game. The most intimidating player in the league now, he is un-guard-able (3 words spellcheck?) going to the basket. He can get 2 points easier than anyone in the league, and we saw how that helped his SHITTY team stay in that GS series in gms 1 and 3. He can play some of the best defense when he wants to as well (6x ALL-DEFENSE teams to his name). He just shot his 3rd best 3p% of his career (.367%) on his second most attempts ever in a season (5) which is a number you like to see trending higher as his age and ability to get to the basket start to diminish. His game will age just fine like the Pino in his cellar(s) is his LA house(s). His distribution skills are on par with Magic for there size, along with his willingness to still get boards at age 33 (T-highest RPG average of career with 8.6 per in 17-18). My only gripe, and this will sound like Voldemort, but idk how much he makes guys around him better. HEAR ME OUT- He is so intimidating on the court you saw guys pass up easy shots because in the offs bc.. well... idk. I have to think part of it is HE IS SO GREAT, they dont want to let him down and miss- theyd rather have him pass or fail by himself. Something hell need to adjust going forward. Hes the second best player of all time- any my #3 player going into next season.

4. The BEARD

2017-18- (30.4 PPG- 5.4 RPG- 8.4 AST 1.76 STL- 3P% .367 FG% .449)

PLAYOFFS- (28.6 PPG- 5.2 RPG- 6.8 AST- 2.24 STL- 3P% .299- FG% .410)

I cant put him higher bc A. His defense is actually now average- but not nearly great/elite B. Although his team was just the #1 seed (and maybe could have beaten GS) I hate watching iso ball and I have doubts that style can win rings C. He plays for a team that allows him to take 10 3's a game and has a GM who is a genius and a coach who embraces stars... He has never shot above 40% from 3 (KAT did this year, mhm) so he isnt an elite shooter, but what he is elite at is his ability to create space and take quality shots (by his standards, which when you win an MVP you get a standard). Love his story, his charisma, and his attitude. You can tell hes is a super competitive, and his team fed off of it. Some great directing in those WEST finals- you could see on Houston's faces in the close up isos they were out for blood, could taste it in gm 5, and would do anything to win. Harden has played some of his best and worst games in the playoffs, he has to be more consistent when it matters the most (reg season lines above- 17-18 playoffs read 28.6 ppg- 5.2 rpg- 6.8 ast- 2.24 steals (WOW) 3p% .299 fg% .410). ALL OF THOSE NUMBERS ARE WORSE than his regular season numbers. THAT MEANS SOMETHING. I think this is his peak, and that isnt a bad thing. He is an amazing offensive player who is changing the game.

5. CHEF CURRY

2017-18- (26.4 PPG- 5.1 RPG- 6.1 AST- 1.57 STL- 3P% .423 FG% .495)

PLAYOFFS- (25.5 PPG- 6.1 RPG- 5.4 AST- 1.7 STL- 3P% .395 FG% .451)

We are watching the best shooter of all time and I will embrace the conversation when someone of his caliber comes along and challenges his throne, bc idk if or when that person will exist. He has shot above .410% from 3 HIS ENTIRE CAREER. He is the perfect player in todays game when we talk pg's. He isnt like Harden where he dribbles 12,000 times a game. He moves the ball up, passes, then runs like wild coyote until hes open for a tre (or KD, Klay, or Boggie... wow). Currently 7th all time in 3's made (hes 30 years old)- He has 4 of the top 5 seasons ever in 3's made (Klay 4th all-time in his 15-16 season). As hes gotten a better cast his assists have dropped. Started at 5.9 in 09-10, built up to his appex of 8.5 in 12-14, then has essentially gone down every year sense. Not to mention his abilities as a re-bounder with a career average of 4.4. He led the league in steals during the 2015-16 season with 2.1- and has somehow not been on an All-Defense team despite his great instincts on that end. Not who he used to be defensively, but it shows up occasionally. His 3 on Kevin Love in Gm3 says it all about his abilities and willingness as a shooter. Maybe the first player with unlimited range, who used it in a game, and was still widely considered a good shot in NBA circles haha. 3x Champ- 2-time MVP (see last blog about players with only one, KOBE is on that list) and a scoring title in that 2015-16 MVP season to. Hes amazing, think hell get to 6? 7????!

6. THE FREEK

2017-18- (26.9 PPG- 10 RPG- 4.5AST- 1.45 STL- 3P% .307- FG% .529)

PLAYOFFS- (25.7 PPG- 9.6 RPG- 6.3 AST- 1.46 STL- .8 BLK- 3P%.286 FG% .570)

In his basketball reference hes had a different position every year, and the only one he doesn't have is center. What a talent, the things he can do, the chaos he creates. When hes on hes unstoppable going to the rim. Hes dunked farther away from the basket than anyone ive ever seen. He lacks 3p shooting but it isnt terrible either. Has strength and a willingness to get boards as he reached double figs for the first time ever in his career playing primarily the 4 (position best suited for him, although im not done seeing him at point). Yet to crack an NBA 1st team but he will soon, he has won the Most Improved award and was All-Defense team in 2016-17. His length causes real problems for anyone, if your quick and beat him he can disrupt your shot from behind- or he'll just use his length and speed to keep you in front of him. In transition he is unstoppable, and thats also when his passing really shines. Hes not an elite pass maker (Rubio, Curry, Simmons) but hes great at knowing where the open man is and finding him when he crashes to the basket. I just want to see him on a good team, with a cast that fits him, and a coach that knows how to use him (Budenholzer could be the answer). He is amazing now, but he has more untapped potential than anyone on this list. If he could shoot 35% from 3, with his defense, on-top of his career .509 fg% (thats elite) he can be the best player in the league. Done. HES ALSO AS OLD AS I AM AT 24. He might just take over the NBA, lets wait and see.

7. KAWHI

2016-17- (25.5 PPG- 5.8 RPG- 3.5 AST- 1.8 STL- 3P% .380- FG% .485)

INJ 2017-18 PLAYOFFS

This is assuming he comes back rusty, but then by the All-Star break is back to full strength. From 2015-2017 he was arguably the best player in the league. Hes shot as high as .443% from 3 (for a guy who was labelled as a poor shooter coming out of San Diego State) and he has the strength to finish at the rim. Not a remarkable ball handler but what he lacks in creativity he makes up for in ball protection and his strength to bully guys down. He is a 4x All-Defense team player and has won the Def. POY 2x which tells us he can defend anyone 1-4 on the court, and has a chance vs 5's. Could go small ball 4- can play the 2 or even bring the ball up if he can master the pick and roll a little better. But... his image was aided by simply being a "SPUR" but now there are certainly questions about A. His Health, is this a chronic quad issue? B. From the outside looking in, he is not a team player (not showing up to playoff games- not "battling threw" injury). C. Does he become a Laker and how does that affect his career on an individual performance level or D. Does he dare sit out 2018-19 if hes not traded? Lots of questions with this guy, but at his peek hes been a rich mans Scottie Pippin who has great nerve for the big stage and is a proven champion. Kawhi, we miss you-

8. UNCLE DREW

2017-18- (24.4 PPG- 3.8 RPG- 5.1 AST- 1.08 STL- 3P% .408 FG% .491)

In my top 3 of I will pay whatever it takes to see you on a good night. What he did in Cleveland's Championship run in 15-16 was truly amazing. Kyrie vs Curry and Kyrie won. Former Blue Devil which I love (he only played like 6 games, but they were amazing) and Coach K said leading up to the draft the only player with more pure talent than Bagley for him was Irving (ouch Grant Hill). I put Kyrie ahead of Russ because A. Hes won a championship (dont give me "Russ hasn't had a good enough team" He had KD and Harden and good Ibaka) B. Hes 10x the 3p shooter which is the most important shot in the game rn. 3. Kyrie is a much better passer in a creativity/pass making type of way (I know Russ had 10 ast/per/gm). But on the contrary, he's never averaged more than 25.2 ppg in a season, and for a player that also hasnt averaged above 6.1 assists or 3.8 rebounds per game in ANY SEASON that is somewhat alarming when we talking GOATS of 2018-19. But his ability to make tough shots is seriously unparalleled, hes unanimously considered the best finisher at the rim in the league, he just shot above 40% from 3 for consecutive seasons, and most of all he made a young team really fu***** good with him as the captain who abandoned ship at seasons end. Only 1 All-NBA selection, but thats mostly due to a surplus of great pg's but also a habit of getting injured. He has never played 82 games (most is 75) and has only played 70+ games 3x out of his 7 year career so far. I hope he stays healthy bc the league needs its stars to play. Celts are my #1 team in the East and that is mostly because of good Old Drew.

9. RUSS

2017-18- (25.4 PPG- 10.1 RPG- 10.3 AST- 1.84 STL- 3P%.298 FG% .449)

PLAYOFFS- (29.3 PPG- 12 RPG- 7.5 AST- 1.5 STL- 3P% .357 FG% .398)

I have a hard time putting him 9th because he isnt an efficient player- but I have the utmost respect for how this man plays. NO ONE PLAYS HARDER THAN RUSS and his teammates love him for it. Look up Enes Kanter's playerstribune article talking about how he makes his teammates better. PGIII obviously believes in Russ and this team if he was willing to sign a multi-year max deal to stay. He is the 2nd player ever to average a triple double, 2x scoring champ, 2016-17 MVP, 2x All-Star game MVP (underrated award- players respect ASG MVP's). The guys trophy case is huge, but can he win the one that matters. I love the .357% from 3 in the postseason following the 5th time in his career where he finished with a sub .30% mark from 3 in the reg season. BUT- he only shot .398 from the field in the playoffs which is bad- VERY BAD. PGIII didn't help him much and Melo couldn't score, so he had to jack it up which I dont think most people realize. Who else is going to shoot on that team? Stats alone he is contending for #1 on this list, but, obviously, he isnt the best player in the NBA. So stats dont tell the whole story but he has a chance to re-write his history book with some finals appearances and maybe a win. Get him a better team, some shooters for drive and kicks, and I believe in his ability to win. Guy is a legend, already HOF, but can he and PGIII make a finals in the next 3 years? Itll be awfully tough.

10. KAT

2017-18- (21.3 PPG- 12.3 RPG- 2.4 AST- 1.4 BLK- 3P% .421 FG% .545)

PLAYOFFS- (15.2 PPG- 13.4 RPG- 2.2 AST- .4 STL- .4 BLK- 3P% .272- FG% .467)

Couple numbers for you- Who had the highest FG% of all NBA players who averaged at least 20ppg? KAT.. Who had the highest 3p% of all players to average atleast 15 ppg not named Klay or Steph? KAT... Who was the only player in the league to have ATLEAST 20ppg- 10rpg- shoot over .50% from the field- 40% from the 3- and 85% from the ft line? KAT.... This guy is doing things on offense, for guys his size, that nooone has done EVER. He is a much better 3p shooter than AD, its not close, and has the ability to be as much of a menus inside the stripe as well. Last year he unveild the baseline fade-away as a reliable shot. Hes had the hook sense Kentucky, he can lag behind the play and pop an open tre, or if you bite dribble into the lane and HAMMERTIME. Offensively there isn't much this guy cant do, and hes doing it at an incredibly efficient rate for how much he scores and shoots. His playoff numbers are trash, with the steals and block numbers unacceptable for a guy with his size and length, but he will learn. This dude wants to be great, he wants to be the best and his shwoing at this years All-Star game was telling-- he belongs. If I am Ben Simmons, Kyrie, or even Harden, this is the guy I wanna play with. Put KAT with a + passer or in a pick and roll and its unstoppable. His defense should be better, and some nights it is, but to many times does he accept being bullied with the mindset hell get them back on the other side of the court. Whats interesting with KAT, personally, is I actually think hes just about reached his peak, I just think he needs to have more volume to be considered an MVP. Also, did I mention hes never missed a game so far in his 3 years in the league, bc ya, he hasn't. What hes already doing is great, but can he rally the troops in Minnesota or does he go West coast on the bit and be a Star. Well see..

11. OLADIPO

2017-18- (23.1 PPG- 5.2 RPG- 4.3 AST- 2.36 STL- 3P% .371 FG% .477)

PLAYOFFS- (22.7 PPG- 8.3 RPG- 6 AST- 2.43 STL- 3P% .404 FG% .417)

This guy led his team in Points-Rebounds-Assists-Steals- and Grit during these last playoffs. HE WAS GREAT, like almost single handedly beat LeBron in the FIRST ROUND great. This is a guy who keeps getting better. Hes improved his 3p% and fg% every year of his 5 year career so far. Hes still only 25 years old, and he took Kawhi's place in his absence as the best two way wing player in the game (sorry Jimmy, PGIII). Victor wants to burn you on defense just as bad as he wants to on offense, something very few players have in the league. He isnt a flashy scorer, but it doesn't matter. His handle is really good, but it doesn't look exceptional because he doesn't fake you out with his torso like a Curry or Kyrie do, his dribble is more controlled and precise. Taking almost 6 3's a game he made 37% of them, a very good percentage and a great trend going forward. PLUS, he just shot 477% from the floor, guess WHO NEVER SHOT THAT % FROM THE FLOOR....KOBE!! For a legit 2 guard that is seriously a REALLY REALLY good fg%.This year he got his first All-Star appearance, won Most Improved Player, named to the All-Defense team, was the Steals Champ, and he was 3rd-Team all NBA (but should have been second over DeRozan). This was his breakout year, the question is can he build on what he just did and become a dependable Star in the league. Playing in a State where he wore a Hoosiers jersey, he couldn't be in a more fitting place to do so.

12. DAME

2017-18- (26.9 PPG- 4.5 RPG- 6.6 AST- 1 STL- 3P% .361 FG% .439)

PLAYOFFS- (18.5 PPG- 4.5 RPG- 4. AST- 1.25 STL- 3P% .300 FG% .352)

#1 on my list of guys who could seamlessly transition to the NFL that the general public doesn't no about (short list). He is HUGE in person, like HULK HUGE. He shot .394% from 3 in his second season, but hasnt been over .375% sense. He is one of the highest volume 3p shooters in the league right now (#2 in attempts and #6 in makes last year) but his numbers dont scream elite player. Was 1st Team All-NBA bc Chef and Kyrie got hurt, not because he won the spot. He has never shot above a .444 fg% in his career, and yes hes a guard so he should have a lower percentage, but I still dont like his lack of efficiency. Hes a baller, has a fadeaway from anywhere on the court, and is a guy with unlimited range that certainly tests the limits. But getting swept by the Pels was embarrassing, and what Jrue Holiday and E'Twan Moore did to him is hard to explain, and by averaging basically 10ppg worse than the reg season his team had no shot (pun intended). He is a ok defender, but ive never heard hes great. The one game I sat court-side at he played in and dropped 40 on the 15-16 Wolves on their home opener. He can beat you off the dribble, can always pullup from 3, and can create separation near the basket or 12 feet out for a mid-range. His scoring is diverse and I really respect the 1st-Team NBA regardless of injuries, thats exclusive company. Can he be the best player on a team that makes a Conference Final? If he can he might just win an MVP.

13. JIMMY BUCKETS

2017-18- (22.2 PPG- 5.3 RPG- 4.9 AST- 1.97 STL- 3P% .350 FG% .474)

PLAYOFFS- (15.8 PPG- 6 RPG- 4 AST- .8 STL- 3P% .471 FG% .444)

This is a player who will win a championship, "I feel it coming". He is the most competitive player ive ever been around sense KG. I love the mentality he brought to Minnesota, and hes also one of the best with the media ive ever seen in ANY sport. He is incredibly smart which is a bad thing for Wolves fans, he will leave if he doesn't think he can win or the players dont take on his mentality/effort on the court. As a player he can do everything- and the guy he reminds me of... Kobe Bryant. Delete Jimmys rookie year were he didnt play at all- and the first 6 years of their careers look very similar (minus Kobe's volume of shots in years 5&6). Jimmy has the baseline fade away like Mamba- is a good but not great 3p shooter (career average .339%- Kobe... .329%) and they have very similar career fg% (Buckets .452%- Kobe .447%). Both altra competitive, and they have a similar style of scoring. They take a good amount of shots where in the air your like "WTF IS THAT?!?!" but then it goes in and your chanting "MVP..MVP". He is a 4x All-Defensive team player and just had a career high with 2 steals a game. Won most Improved in 2014-15 and is an elite player in the league. With his body, strength, and size (6'8-240) I'd like to see him play more low post at the 4 this year for a killer small ball lineup. Gets enough rebounds but not a shit ton and is a pretty good passer for a wing- both areas I think he has to be better at to move up this list. If the Wolves are a top 3 seed in the West the rankings of KAT and Buckets are legit, if they fall anywhere from 5-8 both have to move down.

14. PGIII

2017-18- (21.9 PPG- 5.7 RPG- 3.3 AST- 2.04 STL- 3P%.401 FG% .430)

PLAYOFFS- (24.7 PPG- 6 RPG- 2.7 AST- 1.33 STL- 3P% .365- FG% .408)

On this list of guys who have a 60% chance of being remembered for an injury rather than a career (Joe Thiesman). He took a (in retrospect) mediocre Indiana team to consecutive East Finals. 4x All-NBA on the 3rd team (just for shits and gigs- the 2012-13 3rd team included- David Lee, PGIII, Dwight, D-Wade, and Harden--2nd team had Tony PARKER-Melo- and Blake Griffin) oh how times have changed. At 6'9 220 he can play basically every position in todays NBA. He is a remarkable 3p shooter hitting over 40% 2 of the last 3 years. 2012-13 Most Improved (trendz) 5x All-Star (should have a ASG MVP) 3x All-Defense Team- this guy is incredibly versatile. When hes on, which was sporadic last year, he is on the list of "Guys who can be un-guardable". Most important, he can guard the likes of LeBron, Harden, Giannis, and Jimmy. In todays NBA you need elite wings who can play D coupled with high end scoring and PGIII is one of the best at just that. For someone his size, his career .432 fg% is lower than expected, but again hes not Lebron (career .504). Love this player and I hope him and Russ can make some magic with the 3 guaranteed years (contractually) they will play together.

15. KLAY

2017-18- (20 PPG- 3.8 RPG- 2.5 AST- 3P% .440 FG% .488)

PLAYOFFS- (19.6 PPG- 4.1 RPG- 1.8 AST- 3P% .427- FG% .465)

His numbers alone dont necessarily justify this spot- but the number that screams at me is CAREER 42% FROM 3. In the modern NBA Holy fu** do I want this guy, BAD. He just shot .440% from deep last year and didnt blink in the playoffs (.427%). This is even more impressive when you take into account roughly 50% of his shots he takes are 3's (16 fga/per- 8 3pa/per). I thought about Draymond here, but you can find another Draymond, you cant just draft or pluck the second best shooter in NBA history from a tree. Hes unltra consistent to- he has played atleast 70+ games sense his rookie year- has always averaged double figures scoring- never shot below .401% from 3- career .458 fg%- his stats dont fluctuate much over the last 4 years- and thats just fine by me. 3x Champ 2x All-Star (which is a joke) won a 3p shooting contest and still rocks a Goatee. Taller than most expect (6'7) and with length (buzz word- wingspan) makes him an above average defender on the wing although its doesn't translate to many steals/blocks. He could go to a shitty, team jack up 11 3's a game and average 27 ppg- but instead hell play with the best team possibly ever and continue to be the favorite to win the big Ships. Klay is also top 12 on the list of "Pro's who I wanna be best friends with"... Please..

16. BOOGIE (NIGHTS)

2017-18- (25.2 PPG- 12.9 RPG- 5.4 AST- 1.6 STL- 1.6 BLK- 3P% .354 FG% .470)

PLAYOFFS- N/A

#1 on the freeking list of guys you do not want to piss off in the club and then later bump into alone in the ally. Also on the (very) short list of players who can be the best player in any game at any time in the league. Also on the (even) shorter list of guys who can put up 50 point 20 rebound games and its not the lead on Sport Center because we expect a couple of those out of Sir DeMarcus. Somehow hes never led the league in rebounds, and its probably because he was to busy shooting for garbage teams he could never get his own misses for. Hes averages atleast 27 ppg twice in his career, has averaged over 12 rpg 3x in his career, and has even averaged over 4.5 ast/per the last 2 seasons as well. Injuries have and are currently are a big problem (playing over 70 gms 1x in the last 4 years) and is coming off an injury few have conquered yet (torn Achilles, not Brad Pitt). If he wasnt such a good 3p shooter for his position (career .34%- over 36% last 2 years) I would be VERY rattled about this injury. But he will be 28 next year and I expect him to be just fine at some point, and when your on GS all they'll need you for is the playoffs and I cannot wait. He is this era's Shaq, he can be un-defendable at times and hes already on a team with essentially 3 of those guys to (Curry and Klay off screens- KD everywhere). This is partially a reward for his efforts so far, and good faith he will return to form. I love KAT and his numbers, but head 2 head im taking Boggie- you have to. Where will he be in 2 years? Maybe right back is GS, while KD is chilling with the Knicks.. :)

17. CP3

2017-18- (18.6 PPG- 5.4 RPG- 7.9 AST- 1.66 STL- 3P% .380 FG% .460)

PLAYOFFS- 21.1 PPG- 5.8 AST- 5.9 RPG- 2 STL- 3P% .374 FG% .459)

He is one of the first 5 jerseys I ever asked for--The first 5 are.. 1. Emmitt Smith (The Boys) 2. Mike Vick (Falcons) 3. Randy Moss (Vikes) 4. Johan (Twins) 5. CP3 (Hornets). He is a crazy player for me bc his draft year was the first year I really started to pay attention to basketball and I've followed his career sense the G-TECH days. I was a good hooper (Second Unit Travelling basketball- 3 and D off the bench guy complain bc he cant score guy), and I was undersized so I really looked up to him as a player. 10 years ago, literally, hes top 6 on this list (23ppg-11ast-3.2rpg-2.7stl-37%3p-49%fg). He will be 33 next year and here are his accolades so far- 9x All-Star, 6x Steals Champ, 2012-13 ASG MVP, 2005-06 ROY, 8x All-NBA (3 1st-Team), and hes the 4x Assists Champ. WOW. But hes never played in the finals, and I believe this past year was his first Conference Finals even! Hes been a top 5 player in the league, but at age 33 he isnt anymore. Some of the 3's he made in these playoffs were insane over taller defenders. His creativity in the paint is unmatched for guys his size and his mid-range is money. Career fg% of .472% for a pg, let alone his size (6'- more like 5'11), is truly impressive. He fit with Harden great and thats a credit to him. Another current legend of the game, He HAS to win a ring next year or he wont be able to as a focal point of a team..

18. PROCESS

2017-18- (22.9 PPG- 11 RPG- 3.2 APG- 2.5 blk- 3P% .308 FG% .483)

PLAYOFFS- (21.4 PPG- 12.6 RPG- 3 APG- 1.75 blk- 3P% .276 FG% .435)

One of the toughest players I had ranking in this post. He's only played two years, and year 1 he played only 31 games and this past year still only 61! But after playing sparingly for Bill Self at Kansas, declaring his first year, sitting out TWO YEARS with the Sixers, and then comes back and magically averages 20-8-2 shooting 37% from 3 and 47% from the floor. That is SO fu***** hard to do. Thats like being the best player on your HS golf team- declaring pro, sit out two years, practice on the range and then go win the Players Championship. Like wtf, when you say it (or see it) I dont understand how he did it, thats how much of a talent this Cameroon native is. Good ft% (career 75%) and I think hell be better shooting the 3 going forward (career .327%). He has the fortune of playing with this generations Magic (hes coming soon) and already has post-season success. His Twitter is great, and I think it is so because coming from where he does he realizes how fake or irrelevant social media is in the scope of the real world. Good teammate from what ive seen, this man is a FREEK athlete. Lost a step at points last year (especially post-season) so another guy who needs better health. Red flag is the fg%, for someone with his size (7' 250) and athletic ability he should be finishing better and taking (and making) higher % shots. His ceiling is as high as anyone's if he can stay healthy, what he can do in the pick and roll + fast break is riveting basketball. Hes another guy who has owned Towns so far in there match ups and its bc of his D. Top 3 finalist for Defensive Player of the Year, he lost to Gobert (hes coming), I love how personally he takes his match ups and it shows in his effort. If he can be more efficient on offense he has unstoppable potential in this league.

19. "DO THE" JOHN WALL

2017-18- (19.4 PPG- 3.7 RPG- 9.6 AST- 1.4 STL- 3P% .371 FG% .420)

PLAYOFFS- (26 PPG- 5.7 RPG- 11.5 AST- 2.33 STL- 1.33 BLK- 3P% .190 FG% .441)

Top 10 favorite college basketball player of all time and one of my favorite pros. Problem has been his health playing in 70+ games only 4 of his 8 years pro. Look at his playoffs numbers (when he was finally fully healthy LY), besides the horrible 3p shooting that is an ELITE stat line. Last year was suppose to be his "I might just be an MVP Candidate Year" but injuries and recovery got in the way. His talent is undeniable, arguably the fastest player in the league and a superb defender. What he needs help with is control. He takes some wild shots in transition when hes going to fast and cant finish. But on the same point hes only averages 20+ ppg in 1 season, he should be taking more shots (just better ones). He had 3 consecutive years averaging double digit assists until last year and belongs on the list of best passers in the game that people dont usually put in the conversation. He and Beal play very well together and had a chance to take down a very good Raptors team. At 6'5 195, again talking GOAT's, his career .432 fg% is lower than it should be, his talent and height for the position should have him firmly in the .45%-.49% range (told you CP3 fg% was GOD). Stay healthy, maybe shoot 40% from 3, feed Dwight, and get a top 5 seed in the East and he might just contend for NBA 2nd team (3rd 2 years ago). And dont forget, do the JOHN WALL.

20. DRAYMOND

2017-18- (11 PPG- 7.6 RPG- 7.3 AST- 1.3 STL- 1.3 BLK- 3P% .301 FG% .454)

PLAYOFFS- (10.8 PPG- 10.6 RPG- 8.1 AST- 1.95 STL- 1.5 BLK- 3P% .266 FG% .432)

SI.com did a 100 top players and had Green 10th. Here is why he shouldn't be. 1. He isnt a player who, going to a worse team, would see his scoring volume go up, he isnt a great scorer. 2. He is a poor 3p shooter (under 31% last 2 years) which is the most important shot in basketball. 3. Every player listed above him has a higher ceiling than him by a foot. 4. He is a flopper and hits people in their junk, like C'MON MANNN 5. If he was on a bad team, the little things that make him shine is GS wouldn't exists on other teams, his style fits great teams well but wouldn't transfer great to poor squads. That all said- HES A TOP 21 PLAYER, thats pretty damn good. Again, on the flip side, the "gritty" stuff he does for GS allows the faness players to floss it up. In the playoffs he led the team in rebounds-assists-steals- and blocks. Thats some crazy shit. Again, hes limited offensively and has a pretty poor .438 career fg%. DRAY, YOU CANT SHOOT. Work on the hook shoot and floater, bc the jumper is broke. Love his D though (not like that) having 4 All-Defensive Team selections and D POY in 2016-17. 2x All-NBA so the league likes what he does to, and so do I. #1 shit talker in the league, and he might just get more rings than anyone on this list not named Curry or Klay. Hmmmmmm..

21. BEN

2017-18- (15.8 PPG- 8.1 RPG- 8.2 AST- 1.73 STL- .545 FG%)

PLAYOFFS- ( 16.3 PPG- 9.4 RPG- 7.7 APG- 1.7 STL- FG% .488)

There is a conversation to be had that he could be 16 on this lists, but I have to see more. If the 76ers would have gotten past the Celts, I put him top 12. But he got exposed that series and has some things to work on. He needs atleast the threat of a jumper (kinda like Giannis). The whole regular season, and the first 2 rounds of the playoffs, I've never seen a player with such an Alpha mentality and ora the way Ben did as a rook. Incredible stats in the regular and post season- the one exception, 3's. He took 11 and missed every... single... one. Supposedly he might switch his shooting hand (has that ever happened?) which I've heard is a better looking stroke than his left dominant shot now. He shot a BRUTAL .56% from the ft line- and for a player that will and is making a living converting shots in the paint that is a SERIOUS problem going forward. Ben from Australia won the ROY and he should have- no questions asked. What he did few in this game have ever done (Mitchell can score, welcome to the club). Ben can rebound- get in transition- find open shooters- or dunk- or euro step- or anything else besides a jump shot. His command of the game is borderline historic for a 22 year old and is the clear on court leader of his team. If he develops a jump shot (not necassarily a 3 shot), hell be higher, but I dont want him shooting 3's if he cant make 32% of them. He doesn't need it, but I want it. Less people have averaged a triple double in the NBA than people who have walked on the moon- Ben is the odds on favorite to join the two man party, and wouldnt that be something.

22. new BIG AL (Horford)

2017-18- (12.9 PPG- 7.4 RPG- 4.7 AST- 1 BLK- 3P% .429% FG% .489)

PLAYOFFS- (15.7 PPG- 8.3 RPG- 3.3 AST- 2 STL- 1.26 BLK- 3P% .349 FG% .544)

#1 on the list of guys who do way more for their team than the stats show. He was probably the best player on a Hawks team that somehow won 60 games only a few seasons ago. To put that in perspective- NO TEAM IN THE EAST won 60 games last year, and Houston was the only team to do so in the West. He takes good shots, although his jumper from mid-range could use some work (reg season fg % 2nd lowest of career LY). He is a creative passer on the blocks and at the top of the key. He also mastered the pick and roll with Kyrie and Scary Terry, making opponents respect his pick and pop game with a career high .429 3p%. Also, Al is a guy who has adjusted to the times- he never took more than .5 3's a game in his first 8 seasons, and took ZERO 3's 2 of those years. But over the past 3 season hes averaged around 3.5 attempts per game and is making more than enough for it to be a quality tool in his arsenal of goods. Guy is a 5x All-Star- was on All-Defensive Team this past season and even snuck into All-NBA in 2010-11. He is the biggest reason the season wasn't derailed in light of the Hayward and Kyrie injuries. A guy that is just a freeking winner, the Celts might be winning like its 1983 pretty soon.

22.b. LMA? (Aldridge)

2017-18- (23.1 PPG- 8.5 RPG- 2 AST- 1.2 BLK- 3P% .292- FG% .510)

PLAYOFFS- (23.6 PPG- 9.2 RPG- 2.4 AST- 3P% .600 FG% .463)

22 is my third favorite number and LaMarcus could not sneak out of the "TOP 22". Love this guys game, and possibly #1 on the list of guy who would be great in any era. Been doing it for over 10 years and still finds ways to get it done. Simple resume- 6x All- NBA and 5x All-Star. You get what you pay for in LMA; hes going to take his 18 shots, always make half of them, he's gunna get to the line 5ish times a game and get your team in foul trouble, and then im going to make countless shots off the glass bc im a Spurs forward. He has scored atleast 17.3 ppg every year in the league sense he was 22. He has the shimmy, the fadeaway, hook, back down, hell give you it all on the block. Never heard a peep about him being a bad teammate (except 2016 when he had his worst season ever, but it worked itself out) and the guy is a consummate winner. SA was not a good team this year, and at 32 Pop had to put a lot more on this power forwards shoulder than he would have licked. But he came through and they got the #7 seed IN THE WEST with Rudy Gay, a 37 year old Pau Gasol, Patty Mills, and a 39 year old Manu Ginobili the next leading scorers behind him.... that is not a typo.... I mean SHIIIIIIIIIT. He is on his way down, but you cant tell me this guy isnt a winner, hes a player who can go up against flashier players but hes team comes home with the W. He is the not as good as the elite playmakers in the league, but hes better than than the young players who are coming but dont know how to win yet. LM(F)A(O) WINS BABY.

23. BOOK(ER)

2017-18- (25 PPG-4.5 RPG-4.5 AST .383% 3 FG% .432)

PLAYOFFS- N/A

Another guy who for me was tough to measure. Hes just always been on such a bad team and you worry hes a great stats bad team guy. Hes only 21 and has a 70 pt game to his name, which is cooler than it is a novelty personally (its about opportunity). But he is very talented, although for how "great" of a shooter people call him his career 3p% of .365-while very good- is not elite. That said he has improved his % every year and shot close to 39% last year. He is a player fit for the modern game, and he might even have a little bit more versatility offensively than his player comparison in sir Klay. Bigger than some think (6'6 206) a core of "Book"- Bridges- Ayton-Jackson- I even like euro rookie guard Okobo- save Bender and Chriss, this team resembles what the Wolves had 3 seasons ago. Is he the best player on a contender? idk. Does he have shutdown wing defender potential? probably not. Will he join up with a super team as Mr. shoot 8 3's a game and lets see how many go in? I'd think so down the road. He will enter his 4th season at age 22 (2 months younger than 1st round pick Bridges) so he has a lot of room for growth still. Honestly I haven't seen him play much (can you blame me..) but from what little I have he has exceptional shooting mechanics and seems like a good teammate. "Should I Stay or Should I Go"- thats his question going forward.

24. RUDY "THE FRENCH REJECTION" "THE STIFLE TOWER" THE GOBERT REPORT"

2017-18- (13.5 PPG- 10.7 RPG- 1.4 AST- 2.3 BLK- .622 FG%)

PLAYOFFS- (13.2 PPG- 10.7 RPG- 1 AST- 2.27 BLK- FG% .655)

Basketball Reference has nicknames for every player and this dude tops the charts. He just won Defensive POY, is a 2x All-Defensive team player, and has a block title to his name plus hes been top 5 in FG% every over his first 5 years besides his rookie campaign. #1 on the list of guys who said f*** it I am great at dunking, I like dunking, I could maybe work a little harder and give this whole shooting thing a try, but ahhhh screw it I make 20+ mil a year and work hard enough, plus, boy do I love to dunk. In business classes economics teachers say "Do what you do best and outsource the rest" well he dunks, blocks, get some rebounds and then says hey teammates you guy do all those weird shooting and assists stuff. His strength is underrated, but also have Favors as a companion to typically take the beefier post player is an underlying reason why hes been so effective: he can always matchup with someone he can dominate with how the Jazz are built. Could only fit one Jazz player on this lists, but I an a real fan of Mitchell, Ingles, and Favors. Elite Defense, incredibly efficient offense, and someone who is a slight bad boy who gives his team an edge. Every team wishes they have a "Rudy Rousy"??

25. DRAGON "DRAGIC"

2017-18- (17.3 PPG- 4.1 RPG- 4.8 AST- 3P% .370- FG% .450)

PLAYOFFS- (18.6 PPG- 2.6 RPG- 4.6 AST- 1 STL- 3P% .381- FG% .467)

Right behind Big Al of guys whos games speak louder than their stats. I also dont know how China hasnt jumped all over this guy with his nickname.. Lets get on that... He just won a Euro League National title alongside Luka (can I put him like 17th on this list even though he hasnt played?) for a Slovenia team who coming into the tourney was not nearly the favorite. I love this guys tempo, how he manages a game, his ability to free up his teammates, im a sucker for this guy. He got a team of; cashing checks 36 year old D-Wade, Kelly ill be the aggressor Olynyk, Hassan I must have slept with Spoelstra's wife bc he hates me Whiteside, James nooone knows who I am Johnson, Justice I never got a shot Winslow, and Josh I cant stay with a hair style Richardson. Any of those names ring a bell? Probably not, but leave it to good ol Dragon to bring the best out of all of them. Loved betting the Heat this year, everyone (and team) underrated them and the toughness they played with killed a lot of teams. Over the last two years hes averaging roughly .385% from 3 but only takes 4 a game- bump that up- dont get old at 32, get Whiteside to become the player he should be, and the Heat might just be a sneaky team that grabs a max guy at the deadline and could unseat a young Sixer or Celts team in the offs.

26. THE JOKER

2017-18- (18.5 PPG- 10.7 RPG- 6.1 APG- 3P% .396- FG% .499)

PLAYOFFS- N/A

As you will see, I initially left him off this list but he is literally my favorite player in the league and his STATS ARE SICK! Copy and pasted from below..."This guy is a geny in a bottle. Top 3 on the list of guys who would have a cool marketing job at Google if he wasn't 7'1. Saw him and person and I've never seen someone take warm ups so .. well. not serious. He was joking around, shooting crazy fadeaways, making everyone laugh. A guy you can tell is great for the lockeroom. But then you watch him play, and you realize what, he just plays really slow, while everyone is all fast, but he make sit work. He just shot close to 40% from 3 shooting 3 a game- fg% of .499 is good- his passing is right up there with Gasol, big AL, and Draymond as the guys who can facilitate offense down low- and his creativeness around the rim is spectacular to watch. He has the up and under, master of the hook, pump fake mid range, and a little hesi step back too. He rebounds well for his position garnering 10 rpg this past season (can you believe Big ASS Steven Adams have never gotten to 10 per? I know russ but like that dudes a freek). That point elimnates a couple point: 1) Rebounds are about effort and timeliness, not size. 2) Jokic might not be as "soft" as some say. 3) Ill twist words and names as much as possible to make Joker better. His defense is an issue, and really his teams issue to. I have them as the 7th seed in the West right now. That team can score as much as any and its because of Nikola, can they just stop other teams from scoring 128 points as well. He is also putting on the full court press on Towns, if (Nikola's) defense gets better and his team does to, looks aside there numbers are closer than people think.

26b. LOWRY

2017-18- (16.2 PPG- 5.6 RPG- 6.9 AST- 1.1 STL- 3P% .399- FG% .427)

PLAYOFFS- (17.4 PPG- 4.3 RPG- 8.5 AST- 1.5 STL- 3P% .444 FG% .508)

Did you know Kyle will be 32 next year?! #4 on my list of guys who I thought were 28 and had a little time but now are actually running out of it. This guy has had a very interesting career arc: Drafted to Memphis and wasnt great playing 20ish minutes but not scoring in double figs. He then goes to Houston in a bench role for 2 seasons (still not scoring) and isnt even taking 7 shots a game! In his first 6 seasons he NEVER AVERAGED DOUBLE FIGURES, he also never shot above 28% from 3 (besides his rookie year when he took .8 a game), and then in 2010-2011 everything changed. He went from taking 7 shots a game to 11- from 24 minutes a game to 34- from shooting 27% from 3 to 37%- from scoring 9 points a game to 13- from 4.5 ast a game to 6.5- you get the trend. Rick Adleman coached the 2010-11 Rockets- followed by McHale for the following 3 years. He would leave Houston and venture to Toronto in 2012-13 and hes been great for Team Canada. Sense 2010-11 his career 3p% is roughly 39% (Elite) taking close to 8 a game these days. This dude screams chip on the shoulder guy. From disappointing playoff performances, to staying in the gym following playoff losses that went viral, to not being a huge talker with the media, I feel like this is a dudes who's gone through some shit. Hes undersized (6' 205) but is strong and doesnt back down defensively- but his lack of height is a huge problem in the modern pick and roll era of switching. Very good scoring, incredible 3p efficiency, good fg% for his size, Kyle Lowry is a damn good player who got his team the #1 sead in the East. At what point does Toronto stop running it back and change things, and if they do, does Lowry pull a Jason Kidd on the 2011 Mavs? He deserves that, and I hope so.

GUYS WHO JUST MISSED

BEAL: Exceptional Shooter, built for todays NBA. One of those guys who, on a team that advances farther in the playoffs, his stats will be "considered" more impressive. A career .393 3p% shooter, if he and Klay switched places would be even notice? I mean ya... but you get my point. Some poeple like him better than Booker and I see why, but again next year Booker has some real room to grow where I think Beal is Beal at this point. Booker is off to a better start in his career than Beal, and that means something to me.

CONLEY- Sooooo when your doing lists like this you need to just a couple of references, right? I dont know everything, same thing with people who write books, you need to look at other info. I have used SI (great source) and their newly published TOP 100 lists and they have Conley 18th. I really didnt even consider him, but then when I looked, oh man, I like this guys numbers. Unanimous for being the pg alongside GREG ODEN at Ohio State- exactly 1/10 people would have said small Mike would have a better NBA career than the later yet he has. Remarkable career .377% from 3 (music to my ears) and a respectably average career .441 fg% as well, he is just solid. Biggest contract in the league two years ago signing a 5 yr- 152 MILLION! Need finds, send him a dm my GOD. Has played well with Marc (another great player, but im running out of space) but he also missed almost all of last year and is returning to one of the worst teams recently. With that said, If Jaren Jackson is who some people think, Mike comes back healthy, and Marc stays Marc, who knows..

DeROZAN- I do like this guys game, and hes a player who on any given night has the ability to put up 40. But when the rubber meats the cement he can never get past the other elite wings in this league in the playoffs. His numbers are very much below average from 3 (career 29%), his fg% is good but not amazing, same can be said about his rebound and assist numbers. Needs a better deep ball, or abandon it all together. One of the final elite mid-range jump shooters, and he gets to the line at a good clip, and hes talented as well but im just not high on him. Im sorry DeRozan, some people probably have you like 13 but I just cant. Maybe in Texas you will be great.

HAYWARD: I PERSONALLY HATE GORDAN HAYWARD. I saw him, in person, deny a 8 year old and his wilted father an autograph, AND AS IF THAT WASNT ENOUGH, he signaled security over and they like might have gotten in some trouble. I also think hes overrated in general. I would rather have.......

TATUM- Going forward id rather have Tatum than Mitchell. THE DUDE JUST SHOT .475% FROM THE FIELD AND .434 FROM 3!! There is a gigantic list of people who havent achieved those number who are exceptional hoopers (Kobe never shot above 40% from 3, nor AI). He even upped his scoring to around 18 ppg in the playoffs. For all the good 76ers brass has received the last year or so, a serious miss fire was GIVING AWAY A FIRST to trade up for Fultz instead of either A. Staying at 3 and still probably getting him or B. Maybe just draft the Tall dude from Duke whos a lights out shooter? But, I do still believe in Fultz, but holy shit is Tatum a player.

JOKIC- This guy is a geny in a bottle. Top 3 on the list of guys who would have a cool marketing job at Google if he wasnt 7'1. Saw him and person and I've never seen someone take warmups so .. well. not serious. He was joking around, shooting crazy fadeaways, making everyone laugh. A guy you can tell is great for the lockeroom. Yano what.. Screw Lowry lets throw him up there! ^^^^