By: Will Stevenson
Basketball is back! There are a few conversations within basketball that get people riled up: Jordan, Lebron, Super teams, The Warriors, and other mindless semantics that get us nowhere. The one thing I hate about sports is the fact that my mortality lives vicariously through the athletes. For instance, Richard Jefferson is still out there for the Cavaliers. I remember when he played for Arizona! Then I was like; who else played for Arizona that makes me feel old? Mike Bibby (retired), Jason Terry (still at it), Michael Dickerson (who knows). What hell happened to Miles Simon? Anyway, the yearly basketball rankings came out, which always brings joy to see who’s still in the league and productive. We also get a chance to debate who’s better than who.
I’ll be going through every single player on the rankings. 1. I need to familiarize myself with who these guys still are. 2. I only know their rankings from 2k17. I’m sure to surprise myself with who’s on the list and who’s still getting those checks.
*Each name is linked to each player’s stats*
200. JaMychal Green (2017 Salary: $980,431) 1 year remaining
Memphis Grizzlies | PF
@Jmyke1
Last year’s rank: NR
- I only know who this is because of NBA 2k17. He’s starting over Zach Randolph which either means he’s good, or new Head Coach Fizzdale wants to increase their pace of play. Looks like he can shoot, defend the post, and stretch the floor.
199. Ben McLemore (2017 Salary: $4,008,882) 1 year remaining
Sacramento Kings | SG
@BenMcLemore
Last year’s rank: 167
I don’t know if Ben is not a good player, or if this just happens to the majority of Kings players. Every year it seems he will relish, but then the Kings either draft someone at his position or bring in a vet who isn’t too old not to get playing time. Having Rudy Gay and Demarcus Cousins can have an affect on your team growth, but his individual growth is up to him. The Dave Joeger offense seems to open up for McLemore, but now it’s time to put it all together and get paid, or bounce around the league.
198. Louis Williams (2017 Salary: $7,000,000) 2 years remaining
Los Angeles Lakers | SG
@TeamLou23
Last year’s rank: 110
I didn’t know he was still in the league. I remember when the Sixers drafted him out of high school. That’s right ladies and gentlemen, he’s one of those prep to pro draftees. Can’t figure out why he went to the Lakers, but with Byron Scott gone, he’s sure to get more playing time and production.
197. Trey Lyles (2017 Salary: $2,340,600) 3 years remaining
Utah Jazz | PF
@TreyMambaLyles
Last year’s rank: 292
Something has been a trend with the Jazz for a few years now: They have established bigs on the team and also have young bigs that will eventually take their spot on the team. Trey Lyles fits the description as the replacement for Derrick Favors when the time presents itself. Favors and Gobert replaced Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap. I think Millsap replaced Carlos Boozer. Oh yeh, I have no clue who this guy is. I heard he’s a stretch four.
196. Dion Waiters (2017 Salary: $2,898,000) 2 years remaining
Miami Heat | SG
@MiamiHEAT
Last year’s rank: 219
Holy *bleep*, Dion Waiters is on the list. I don’t know why, but he is. I thought he was going to be able to sucker either the Kings or the Nets into a long-term deal, but it never happened. With Josh Richardson injured, Waiters has the opportunity to show is worth to the Heat and the league. The Heat don’t have a pure backup point guard at the moment, so this means “Heat Check” will have plenty of opportunities as the Heat go uptempo. He’s shooting 32% from the field right now. That’s funny.
195. Justin Anderson (2017 Salary: $1,514,160) 3 years remaining
Dallas Mavericks | SG
@JusAnderson1
Last year’s rank: 274
Justin Anderson went 1-8 for 2pts, 5 reb in 12 minutes against the Nuggets. That’s who he is. He can’t shoot at the moment, but he hustles and plays defense. Can’t blame his for not getting consistent minutes yet, but they say he’s 195… So, ok.
194. Dante Exum (2017 Salary: $3,940,320) 2 years remaining
Utah Jazz | PG
@daanteee
Last year’s rank: NR
He reminds me of a young Shaun Livingston; and that’s not good. He’s returning from his ACL last season, and with Mack, Neto and Hill at the same position I believe he’ll outshine Mack and Neto for minutes.
193. Buddy Hield
New Orleans Pelicans | SG
@PelicansNBA
Last year’s rank: NR
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The above table is representative of Buddy Hield’s 3pt’s this season. Welcome rookie, it’s rough out here. He’s also 6-24 from the field.
192. Iman Shumpert (2017 Salary: $9,662,922) 3 years remaining
Cleveland Cavaliers | SG
@imanshumpert
Last year’s rank: 124
Without Lebron, where would Shump be? Probably on somebody’s roster making the league minimum like Dion Waiters and Lance Stephenson. A 40 million dollar contract after losing in the Finals in which his value went up because the Cavs had nobody healthy. Last year he’s injured, but paid. This year, he’s starting slow and not the open three-point maker the Cavs paid for. Shump is more of a playoff performer.
191. Omri Casspi (2017 Salary: $2,936,814) 1 year remaining
Sacramento Kings | SF
@Casspi18
Last year’s rank: 242
He went 48% from the field and 41% from beyond the arc for the Kings last year. He always sticks around in the league and loves when the tempo is fast. The fact he’s ranked higher than Ben McLemore is saddening for Ben, and the Kings. This is not how they wanted it, but it’s exactly who the Kings have been.
190. Doug McDermott (2017 Salary: $2,483,040) 2 years remaining
Chicago Bulls | SF
@dougmcdermott
Last year’s rank: 246
Is it okay to say I’m surprised he survived the Bulls? His rookie season was abysmal mainly because it was new and the Bulls have veterans all over the place with Thibs at the helm. Last year he got more minutes and shot 45% and 40% respectively from the field and from three. This year his scoring has increased, right on time for the restricted free agency this year. Most players need time, opportunity and a system that works for them. The Bulls don’t have much shooting, so Dougie McD’s is perfect for the job.
189. Jeff Green (2017 Salary: $15,000,000) 1 year remaining
Orlando Magic | SF
@unclejeffgreen
Last year’s rank: 158
Jeff Green was a power forward for the Thunder when they lost to Lebron and the Heat in the Finals. I don’t think Jeff Green has changed since then. He’s still inconsistent. He’ll still posterize you. He’ll occasionally drop 30 and remind you of why he keeps getting paid. It’s gone downhill since Boston for Green as he’s seen his value drop as his age rises. They are starting Aaron Gordon over him. Poor Jeff. Maybe someone will fall for his “potential” at the age of 30.
188. Ish Smith (2017 Salary: $6,000,000) 3 years remaining
Detroit Pistons | PG
@ishsmith
Last year’s rank: NR
Keep getting that money Ish. He can’t shoot, but he can periodically run an offense. That’s all I have.
187. Thabo Sefolosha (2017 Salary: $3,850,000) 1 year remaining
Atlanta Hawks | SF
@ThaboSefolosha
Last year’s rank: 212
Remember when the cops broke his leg? I can’t believe that was never a big story. Thabo will keep an NBA spot until he can’t run anymore. He’s the Raja Bell of the league.
186. Jared Sullinger (2017 Salary: $5,628,000) 1 year remaining
Toronto Raptors | C
@Jared_Sully0
Last year’s rank: 141
He’s injured, but Jared is Glen Davis 2.0 after steroids wore off. Jared is the epitome of the evolution in the NBA: Sullinger was big, not the best rebounder, and undersized, so he had to develop a 3pt shot. He did. It’s not deadly, but it’s enough to keep him in the league and paid.
170. Ersan Ilyasova (2017 Salary: $8,400,000) 1 year remaining
Philadelphia 76ers | PF
@ErsanIlyasova7
Last year’s rank: 131
He just got traded to the Sixers. That bites. He’s a good percentage shooter. A below average stretch four.
169. Al Jefferson (2017 Salary: $10,314,532) 3 years remaining
Indiana Pacers | C
@Pacers
Last year’s rank: 50
Al is bowing out slowly. He’s big, and now in an offense that doesn’t particularly need him. Funny thing is he has a coach in Nate Mcmillan that wants to give him the ball in the post. From 50 to 169, that’s quite a drop.
168. Sergio Rodriguez (2017 Salary: $8,000,000) 1 year remaining
Philadelphia 76ers | PG
@SergioRodriguez
Last year’s rank: NR
Why couldn’t they get an updated picture? This is a picture from NBA Live 05. He’s starting and pushing the pace of the Sixers, which is nice for them. 13 ppg and 7 apg in two games this season. That’s cool.
167. Josh Richardson (2017 Salary: $874,636) 2 years remaining
Miami Heat | SG
@J_Rich1
Last year’s rank: 378
He’ll be returning from surgery soon, and the opportunity to get a mid-max deal in two summers. He shot 45% from the field and from three last year. He’s tall, active, plays defense and is a bright spot now that Dwayne Wade is with the Bulls.
166. Mirza Teletovic (2017 Salary: $10,500,000) 3 years remaining
Milwaukee Bucks | PF
@Teletovic33
Last year’s rank: 168
A stretch four that plays no defense. Still have no idea what the Bucks and Jason Kidd are doing.
165. Alex Len (2017 Salary: $4,823,621) (1 year remaining)
Phoenix Suns | C
@alexlen
Last year’s rank: 177
I keep hearing he’s good, but I don’t see him surviving. I do see him getting paid once they find a suitor for Tyson Chandler.
164. Terrence Ross (10 mil per year) (3 years remaining)
Toronto Raptors | SF
@T_DotFlight31
Last year’s rank: 169
This guy. Every opportunity has been given for him to be a starter. He can’t shoot, is inefficient and doesn’t give the defense you want. They brought in Demarre Carroll, and kept him. He’ll be traded soon.
163. Trevor Booker (2017 Salary: $9,250,000) (2 years remaining)
Brooklyn Nets | PF
@35_Fitz
Last year’s rank: 201
He’ll, dunk on you. He’s athletic. He can sometimes shoot. He rebounds very well. He’ll have the opportunity to play in Brooklyn.
162. Robert Covington (2017 Salary: $1,015,696) (2 years remaining)
Philadelphia 76ers | SF
@Holla_At_Rob33
Last year’s rank: 202
This guy will be unemployed soon if he doesn’t find a consistent 3pt shot. He’s been on the Sixers long enough to put up good stats, yet he hasn’t developed into the player that can stat-stuff into a contract.
161. Norman Powell (2017 Salary: $874,636) (2 years remaining)
Toronto Raptors | SG
@npowell2404
Last year’s rank: 421
Still glistening off the Raptors playoff run last year. He’ll be taking Terrence Ross’s spot and minutes. He can dunk, occasionally shoot and play tough defense; Perfect for the Raptors.
160. Patrick Beverley (2017 Salary: $6,000,000) (3 years remaining)
Houston Rockets | PG
@patbev21
Last year’s rank: 135
Ever since he took out Russell Westbrook’s knee during that sideline timeout, life hasn’t been the same. He’s injured every year, but his ability to make jumpers and play hella defense will keep him in the league. I don’t know how he fits with Mike Antoni or with Harden at the point surrounded by shooters. Whether he sits the bench or is trade bait, somebody will welcome his services.
159. Darren Collison (2017 Salary: $5,229,454) (1 year remaining)
Sacramento Kings | PG
@Darren_Collison
Last year’s rank: 145
Darren Collinson, Russell Westbrook, Luc Richard, Kevin Love, and Aaron Afflalo were all on those UCLA Final Four teams. They are all starting in the NBA, that’s pretty impressive. Collison is suspended for domestic violence. Other than that, he shot 49% from the field and 40% from threes last year. For Collison, that’s very good considering he was never looked at as a spot up shooter. With Rondo gone, he’ll have the ball to himself, so to speak.
158. Andre Roberson (2017 Salary: $2,183,072) (1 year remaining)
Oklahoma City Thunder | SG
@FlyDre21
Last year’s rank: 327
The way the Thunder are giving out contracts, Andre should be next up to get paid. If he’s able to knock down a meaningful three, he will be. I have a feeling that he and Cameron Payne will not get those dollars Kevin Durant left behind. He’ll get paid for his defense, but he could earn a lot more with a corner three or something near to it.
157. Monta Ellis (2017 Salary: $10,763,500) 3 years remaining
Indiana Pacers | SG
@Pacers
Last year’s rank: 86
Last of a dying breed. Monta Ellis is the inefficient undersized 2-guard that doesn’t play good team defense but does gamble on steals. He shoots midrange jumpers, drives to the rim, but doesn’t shoot threes well. Those 25 ppg season are over for Monta, but he still provides scoring for a team that wants to score as many points as possible.
156. Brandon Ingram
Los Angeles Lakers | SF
@B_Ingram13
Last year’s rank: NR
He’s a rookie. I guess he’s good. He’s the team’s leadership, remember.
155. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (2017 Salary: $1,395,600) 3 years remaining
Brooklyn Nets | SG
@RondaeHJ24
Last year’s rank: 273
I heard this guy was good on defense. He can’t shoot nor dribble, so he’s not useful on 2k. In real life, he can’t do either, he’s just what Brooklyn needs. They need someone to hustle and defend. He’ll get a contract somewhere else once Brooklyn changes ownership and gets the players they actually want.
154. Bojan Bogdanovic (2017 Salary: $3,573,020) (1 year remaining)
Brooklyn Nets | SG
@44Bojan
Last year’s rank: 244
This guy can score and shoot. He has a brother who even better and younger than he. If Bojan doesn’t go back overseas, he could earn a good deal with a contender, or he can be the next Peja Stojakovic and sign a big deal with a losing organization.
153. Tyson Chandler (2017 Salary: $12,415,000) (3 years remaining)
Phoenix Suns | C
@tysonchandler
Last year’s rank: 63
Why won’t thy trade him? They don’t need him, nor does he fit their scheme in Phoenix. He was duped by Lamarcus Aldridge and the Phoenix brass. Aldridge signed with the Spurs and the Mavericks couldn’t get DeAndre Jordan. Tyson is in purgatory. I hope the Suns trade him soon to a contender, he deserves it.
152. Evan Turner (2017 Salary: $16,393,443) 4 years remaining
Portland Trail Blazers | SG
@thekidet
Last year’s rank: 180
I don’t know how or why he got paid. He’s not young, not still developing, nor does he have the skills that warrant the deal. Nevertheless, he’s with Portland who took care of their backup swiss-army-knife all in one player. He can’t shoot, not efficient, plays defensive and can run an offense. He’ll be coming off the bench mostly as well. Sheesh. You see what playoff performances can do for you in a contract year.
151. Manu Ginobili (2017 Salary: $14,000.000) 1 year remaining
San Antonio Spurs | SG
@manuginobili
Last year’s rank: 125
Still ticking. He’ll come off the bench, be injured, and try to summon greatness in the playoffs while failing to do so. He’s had a good run, and now he’s getting those faithful Spurs checks. If only Jonathan Simmons were younger…
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Reblogged this on SouthernFriedSushi and commented:
Basketball stuff
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Great read … keep it up
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Thanks. I appreciate it.
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