30. CJ McCollum
2018-19 Stats: 21.2 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2.8 APG, 50/37/84
Blazer's Edge
McCollum has had an up and down season. Despite only averaging 0.2 points less than he did in his last campaign, he is also averaging the least amount of assists per contest since his sophomore season in 2014-15. He is rebounding at a career-high clip and has been an integral part to a Blazers outfit that continues to succeed at a solid clip.
29. Kyle Lowry
2018-2019 Stats: 14.7 PPG 4.7 RPG 9.1 APG - 41/34/84
Yahoo
A different coach along with a different supporting cast has helped the Raptors look more dangerous than in previous years. Lowry has been a beneficiary of these changes averaging a career-high in assists per game. Despite some nagging injuries that have forced Lowry to miss time this season, the Raptors are a night and day different team when he’s out there battling. Lowry remains one of the best two-way point guards in the league.
28. DeMar DeRozan
2018-19 Stats: 21.4 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 6.1 APG, 47/17/82
Sports Illustrated
DeMar DeRozan’s fit in San Antonio has been nearly perfect, as Coach Pop has found a way to seamlessly integrate him. He’s averaging career-highs in rebounding and assists. The career-low three-point percentage isn’t a surprise but, if anything, the passing numbers and general impact make up for it.
27. Steven Adams
2018-2019 Stats: 14.4 PPG 9.7 RPG 1.6 APG - 60/0/52
ESPN
Steven Adams is a forgotten man when it comes to NBA Centers, but we over at OTG do not forget. Adams remains an iron man, rarely misses time, and is always a steady contributor to the offense. He is a solid defensive center and rim protector, but where Adams sticks out is on the glass. Adams averages just under 5 offensive rebounds a game and currently has the second most offensive rebounds in the league.
26. LaMarcus Aldridge
2018-19 Stats: 21.1 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 2.4 APG, 51/25/85
Newsweek
The Spurs big man’s productivity often goes unheralded. He consistently puts up 20-10 like no one else’s business with little to no fanfare. What he does isn’t flashy but he’s been the key part of the nucleus to San Antonio’s recent success.
25. Draymond Green
2018-2019 Stats: 7 PPG 7.4 RPG 7.1 APG - 43/25/70
USA Today
Draymond Green’s three-point shot has fallen off the map; it’s impossible to not note that loss in his game. However, Green remains a pivotal piece to the Warriors offense and defense. His ability to run the offense, run the pick and roll/pop along with his tenacious rebounding skills are the things he’s relied on heavily for. Not to mention Green remains one of the best defensive players in the NBA.
24. Tobias Harris
2018-19 Stats: 20.9 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 2.7 APG, 50/43/88
Washington Post
Tobias Harris’ form this season is going to end up with him getting a much deserved pay day. Playing in the most coveted position in today’s NBA makes him even more valuable. He may have bounced around a few teams (through no fault of his own) but he’s been a net positive in every situation he’s played in . The offensive efficiency and ability to create his own shot separates him from many other run of the mill wings around the league.
23. Klay Thompson
2018-2019 Stats: 22.3 PPG 3.9 RPG 2.3 APG - 47/40/81
The Source
Klay Thompson, perhaps the most lovable Golden State Warrior, was brutally cold to start this season. Like any shooter though, it just took some time for the shots to start falling. Thompson at times is underutilized due to the fact he plays alongside Stephen Curry & Kevin Durant, who both demand a lot of shots. Thompson remains a guy who is constantly a jump shot falling away from going off for a huge night. When he’s not scoring he remains at this junction possibly the best on-ball and perimeter defender the Warriors have.
22. Pascal Siakam:
2018-19 Stats: 16.4 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 2.9 APG, 55/37/77
Raptors HQ
This year’s likely winner of the Most Improved Player has made some MASSIVE improvements in his game. He was unlucky not to make this year’s All-Star team and has become a legitimate weapon on both ends of the floor. Watching ‘Spicy P’ is an experience in itself. His play has been massive in solidifying Toronto as a genuine Finals contender.
21. Jimmy Butler
2018-2019 Stats: 19.1 PPG 5.2 RPG 4.0 APG - 47/35/85
USA Today
Jimmy Butler is possibly the best two-way guard in the NBA today at the shooting guard position. A constant headache for whoever he’s guarding on the floor, an underrated playmaker, a decent rebounder, Butler has a very well-rounded skill set. Offensively we’ve seen what Butler can do as the guy, but his shots per game have dipped in Philly due to the talent around him. Yet, it hasn’t negatively affected his efficiency, and as things start to mesh more it’ll be interesting to see if Butler pushes his way back into the Top 20.