As the NBA Season has officially closed and the Spurs were named champions, I took a few moments to reflect on the year as a whole. I also wanted to compile a list of some of the best players in the league, and grade them on their performances during the regular season and/or the postseason. Here are the results:
Courtesy: ESPN
1. Kevin Durant (B-)
I’m probably the only member of the media who didn’t cast my vote for KD to be the MVP of the league. There is a simple explanation for this and I’m sure no one else will agree with it. Sure Durant was lights out for well over a month and a half with his scoring binge, but does that alone constitute what the Most Valuable Player is? In my opinion, he didn’t elevate the players around him. Also without the emergence of Reggie Jackson, the Thunder would not have been the number 2 seed in the West nor would they have been able to defeat the Grizzlies in the postseason. Durant was down right TERRIBLE in that series! With his performance he was definitely Mr. Unreliable in my eyes and I’m not retracting that statement.
Courtesy: Sporting News
2. Paul George (C+)
Great talent, unbelievable ceiling for growth, and a consummate professional. On the other hand, he needs to improve his range on defense and also his on-court leadership. Instead of smiling and shaking Lebron’s hand during the Pacers vs. Heat series, George should’ve been finding ways to shut James down and get his team to the Finals. With his size and ability, Paul George at this point in his career should be use to hearing comparisons between himself and the great Scottie Pippen. Pippen defended all five positions, rebounded on both ends of the floor, set up less talented teammates, scored the ball, and saved Michael Jordan’s butt on more than one occasion. Yes, that Michael Jordan! Remember the 1991 NBA Finals? Magic Johnson spanked Michael Jordan in game 1 as the Lakers went up 1-0. Phil Jackson put Scottie on Magic starting in game 2 and the rest is HISTORY!! George went to Coach Frank Vogel and asked to guard Hawks point guard Jeff Teague, only to be embarrassed by Teague for the remainder of the series.
Courtesy: ESPN
3. James Harden (B-)
Ever since he left OKC, Harden has been a lights out scorer and playmaker. He’s earned two consecutive All-Star births and has been mentioned as the top shooting guard in the league. I absolutely agree with all of the praise being heaped on Harden. I also believe that in order for the Rockets to take that next step, Harden has to become MORE of a playmaker and less of a scorer. He needs to understand that in having the most dominant big man in the league, the offense should run through Dwight Howard with Harden, Beverly, and Parsons being the outlet options. The sooner he realizes that a happy big man means a more active big man, the sooner the Rockets will take that next step toward their NBA championship dreams.
Courtesy: Bleacher Report
4. Russell Westbrook (C+)
Where do I begin? Best athlete at his position and in my opinion probably the second best athlete in the league, only trailing Lebron James by just a hair. Problem here is that Westbrook thinks he’s the best player on the team. Of course without his services the Thunder would probably be a number 5 seed at best in the Western Conference. Without KD, the Thunder would not make the playoffs because Westbrook isn’t a consistent jump shooter or great playmaker. His constant desire to pull up on the break and shoot that flat jumper and the fact that he doesn’t want to defer to Durant, keeps him on the borderline of greatness and very good. Westbrook has to understand that working on his jump shot during the off-season and elevating his teammates play, will ultimately get the Thunder back to the finals and possibly a title.
Courtesy: Yahoo Sports
5. Klay Thompson (C-)
I absolutely love the fact that Thompson works so tirelessly on his shot, but he also have to understand that there are other aspects to his game. With his size (6’7″) and athletic pedigree, Thompson should be a nightmare matchup for opposing players. Instead, when his shot isn’t falling, he tends to get into a funk and other parts of his game suffers. Mainly his ability to stop the player he’s guarding. Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, and Carmelo Anthony, are all players over the 6’5 range, who all have developed some sort of low post game. Carmelo uses his post moves less than anyone on that list but that’s mainly because his jumper is more lethal than the rest. Yes even the G.O.A.T. Michael Jordan. Jordan didn’t become a consistent jump shooter until midway through his 7th season in the league. Melo has had that jumper working since he arrived in the league. Thompson needs to develop a more consistent handle to assist him on his drives to the basket, as well as a go to move on the blocks. Until he improves his offensive arsenal, he will continue to be a guy who the league respects as a shooter and not much more.
I would’ve added more players to the list but frankly who would care? I mean really, the players listed above could conceivably own the league for years to come. Lebron isn’t on this list because in my opinion he already owns the NBA. The guy has averaged 26ppg 7rpg 6apg for the length of his career, with the ability to lead the league in scoring every season. His versatility and ability to make his teammates better, will keep him at the top of the league for years to come.
