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This is OTG’s second edition of the Top 50 NBA Players of the 2018-19 season. With the NBA Playoffs on the horizon, Kory Waldron & Jac Manuell revisit the rankings.
Key reminders for this top 50 list; It is based solely on this current season. As well any player with a season ending injury is excluded.
Enjoy and feel free to debate afterwards: @otgbasketball/@Kwalhoops/@TheJmanJBT
40. Luka Doncic
2018-2019 Stats: 20.9 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 5.5 APG, 43/35/72
SB Nation
The likely Rookie of the Year’s form has been stunning for a first year player. He’s a House of Highlights darling and has already established himself as a foundational player for a franchise with less than a season’s body of work behind him. It’s only onwards and upwards for the baby-faced Euro sensation.
39. Mike Conley
2018-2019 Stats: 20 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 6.3 APG, 43/35/85
USA Today
Mike Conley may go down as one of the best players ever to not make an All-Star team. He’s scoring at a rate that’s only matched by his 2016-17 campaign and is continuing to produce in all facets of the game. The Grizzlies may be on a downward trajectory but the form of Conley will always make them a competitive, watchable team.
38. Chris Paul
2018-2019 Stats: 15.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 8.3 APG, 42/35/85
Chicago Tribune
Injury and age has taken a toll on CP3. At his best though, he’s still a premier playmaker and guard defender in the league. His form has picked up of late and has coincided with a strong vein of form for the Rockets. This may be the highest we see Chris Paul on this list again. However, on his night he still remains one of the best point guards in the league.
37. De’Aaron Fox
2018-2019 Stats: 20 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 6.3 APG, 43/35/85
Sports Illustrated
Fox has experienced anything but the sophomore blues. He’s been the key reason for the surprising rise of the Sacramento Kings this season. His speed, shooting and all-round energy have transformed this team into one of the most entertaining in the league. The young point guard is going to be a must watch for years to come.
36. Donovan Mitchell
2018-2019 Stats: 23.3 PPG, 4 RPG, 4.2 APG, 42/33/80
Washington Post
Spida Mitchell has been on a tear of late. The feisty guard has so much talent on both ends of the floor and has already proven it on the biggest state of all as a rookie. He’s had his fair share of ups and downs but recently his much improved form has coincided with greater team success. The playoffs will very likely be on the cards again for Utah. No doubt Mitchell will be ready to step up again when it matters most.
35. Eric Bledsoe
2018-2019 Stats: 15.9 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 5.5 APG, 49/31/77
Sportsnet
Milwaukee have been a revelation this season. Giannis has been the major force behind it but don’t discount the importance of Eric Bledsoe. His ability to play alongside the Greek Freak, play elite defense and create off the dribble is the perfect foil to the MVP favourite. Bledsoe’s consistent play earned him a well deserved contract extension that should give him security and comfort to continue his sizzling play.
34. D'Angelo Russell
2018-2019 Stats: 20.4 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 6.8 APG, 44/37/83
Newsday
D’Lo has been ice cold this season, earning his maiden All-Star appearance. With Caris LeVert out for an extended period, Russell stepped up and lifted the Nets into playoff contention. His shooting and passing combined with the consistency and impact he’s had are just some of the reasons he’s skyrocketed into the top-40 players for OTG.
33. Al Horford
2018-2019 Stats: 13 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 4 APG, 53/36/81
CelticsBlog
It’s a mystery as to why Al Horford still goes under the radar. While Boston have had a whirlwind season, Horford for the most part has been super solid. Only injuries have prevented from having the same requisite impact that make him one of the most versatile bigs on both ends of the court. Horford’s value will only increase as the Celtics look to get back on solid footing before the all-important playoffs.
32. Khris Middleton
2018-2019 Stats: 17.4 PPG, 6 RPG, 4.3 APG, 43/38/84
Sports Illustrated
Khris Middleton is gonna get paiddddddddd. Whether it’s his current team or an opposing franchise, the skillset Middleton possesses is so valuable to today’s NBA. He plays great defense and is a proven bucket getter from the mid range and deep. Plenty of teams with cap space could do worse than throw a big offer sheet at the All-Star forward.
31. Nikola Vucevic
2018-2019 Stats: 20.6 PPG, 12 RPG, 3.9 APG, 52/39/77
Orlando Pinstriped Post
All-Star Nikola Vucevic, who would’ve thought you’d see that writing before the start of this season? Vucevic has been one of the most potent offensive centers around the league. He’s a beast down low and a major threat for the perimeter. The Magic will need him to continue firing if they want to push their way into the playoff race out East.