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Kory Waldron and Jac Manuell hit you with the top 50 NBA players for this upcoming season.
50. Kristaps Porzingis
2017-2018 Season Stats: 22.7 PPG 6.6 RPG 1.2 APG 2.4 BLKS
PER: 20.4 TS%: 53.9% WS: 3.2 - 44/36/80
The last time we saw Porzingis play it was for the New York Knicks, the next time we see him play it will be for the Dallas Mavericks. Porzingis has shown flashes of star potential with his ability to score in a variety of ways while also being an elite rim protector. Porzingis missed the entire 2018-19 season rehabbing his torn ACL, but by the look of several photos and videos he may be in the best shape of his life. The Mavericks are also the best basketball situation Porzingis has been in thus far. Now partnered with the young and promising Luka Doncic, Porzingis is court time away from proving not only that the Mavericks are coming but he’s a top 50 (or higher) talent.
49. Caris LeVert
2018- Season Stats: 13.7 PPG 3.8 RPG 3.9 APG 1.1 STLS
PER: 14.9 TS%: 50.9% WS: 1.7 - 43/31/69
LeVert was the best player on a Brooklyn Nets team that challenged the Sixers in moments throughout the 2019 playoffs. Before a shocking regular season injury he was right on track to winning Most Improved Player and a possible All-Star appearance. Heading into 2019-20 with a clean bill of health should mean only further growth for the talented utility.
48. Andre Drummond
2018-2019 Season Stats: 17.3 PPG 15.6 RPG 1.4 APG 1.7 STLS 1.7 BLKS
PER: 23.4 TS%: 55.5% WS: 10 - 53/13/59
Andre Drummond is entering his eighth season in the NBA and will be turning just 26-years old. Drummond may be limited in his offensive game but Drummond remains one of the better defensive centers in the game. Not to mention Drummond is by the numbers the best rebounding center in the NBA. Drummond has led the NBA in total rebounds for four straight years. Expect Drummond to remain a double-double machine in Detroit.
47. Zach LaVine
2018-2019 Season Stats: 23.7 PPG 4.7 RPG 4.5 APG
PER: 18.7 TS%: 57.4% WS: 2.8 - 47/37/83
LaVine is a tremendous offensive talent with incredible athleticism, even after tearing his ACL. The key for the high flyer in taking the next step is consistency and adding value to winning. He puts up nice counting stats in terms of box score and on decent efficiency. If the Bulls are a playoff contender next season expect LaVine to have played an integral role.
46. Buddy Hield
2018-2019 Season Stats: 20.7 PPG 5.0 RPG 2.5 APG
PER: 17.5 TS%: 58.7% WS: 5.9 - 46/43/87
Buddy Hield really emerged as a core piece of the Sacramento Kings' future last season. The Kings finally look to have a guy in Hield who can score in bunches. Last season, Hield showed he can finish around the rim but more importantly can shoot efficiently in volume from deep. The Kings added veterans and depth to their roster this offseason which should only help the growth of Hield.