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OTG's Top 50 NBA Players: 50-41
- Jac Manuell
- Oct 2, 2018
- 3 min read
Kory Waldron and I have been hard at work whittling down the game's elite talent to just the 50 best players. There's been plenty of toing and froing but we've finally come to a consensus. We'll be releasing the results over the coming week in increments of 10 players each. With all that considered here's 50-41 of OTG's Top 50 Players going into the 2018-19 season. Let us know your thoughts by hitting up Off the Glass on Twitter.
50. Tobias Harris
Clips Nation
Following the Blake Griffin trade, Harris proved himself as the Clippers most consistent late season performer. In his 32 games with the team he averaged 19.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game. Those steal and block numbers proved he’s not just a one-way player. With a possible extension on the horizon look for another big season from the forward.
49. Gary Harris
SB Nation
Another young gun on the rise is Denver’s shooting guard. Among all players in that position, Harris was 4th in field goal percentage (48.5%) and 3rd in steals (122). His defensive acumen can’t be underestimated and his offensive game isn’t too shabby either (17.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists last season). His game compliments his backcourt partner, Jamal Murray, perfectly. Harris will be a significant part of the Denver’s hopes of reaching the postseason next year.
48. Kristaps Porzingis
Metro US
The only thing stopping Porzingis from being higher on this list is health. You could make an argument that the big man is a top-25 player when fully fit. Questions remain whether he returns at all this season and if he does at what capacity. The extent to which he does will determine how much he climbs this list in years to come.
47. Lou Williams
Sports Illustrated
Lou Williams has overtaken Jamal Crawford as the game’s ultimate 6th man. He was unlucky not to make the All-Star team last season, especially with Jimmy Butler’s lack of commitment to the weekend. He won many games for the Clippers off the back of his talents and will likely do more of the same in 2018-19.
46. DeAndre Jordan
Mavs Moneyball
The new Mavs center has almost become underrated as a player. His consistency as a rebounder and force in the pick and roll will make him a serious threat for his new team next season. We could see a return of lob city of sorts with the Euro sensation, Luka Doncic, sure to find Jordan for alley oops on many occasions this season.
45. Mike Conley
Yardbarker
When healthy, Conley has such an effect on the Grizzlies. His injury history is a worry but if he can find some semblance of fitness and form he could bring Memphis back into playoff contention. In 2016-17 he played 69 games and averaged over 20 points and 6 assists. He may not reach those heights but somewhere near those numbers will have a massive effect on the Grizzlies getting back to their winning ways.
44. DeMarcus Cousins
Sports Illustrated
Boogie is one of the league’s most talented and productive big men. His recovery from an achilles injury affected his stock but he’s found the perfect home in Golden State. When he returns look for him to bully 2nd units with his presence inside and outside the paint. Even half a season of Cousins is good enough to crack the top 50 players in the league.
43. Robert Covington
Liberty Ballers
3-and-D wings are a coveted commodity in today’s game. Covington is the perfect representation of that archetype. He’s the perfect 3rd guy that can play high-level defense while also nailing perimeter shots at a regular clip. With talk that the forward has been working on his off the dribble game, he’s set to make himself an even greater weapon for the up and coming Sixers.
42. Paul Millsap
Denver Stiffs
Millsap is so important to Denver and not just as a defensive force. In the 45 games he missed last season the Nuggets barely scraped above .500 (24-21). His role in the front court is the perfect foil for franchise big man Nikola Jokic. Along with Harris’ rise, Millsap’s integration into this Denver team will play a massive part in them making another jump in 2018-19.
41. Jaylen Brown
CelticsLife
Boston has such a wealth of riches at their disposal. It speaks volumes to their team that a player with the upside of Jaylen Brown is where he is on this list. The experience the young wing got in the absence of Gordon Hayward will be invaluable for him continuing his ascendance in 2018-19. His scoring and defensive skills still have plenty of room for growth as his team looks to challenge for a title next year.
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