Most people would agree that Durant and CP3 are 2nd and 3rd, with LeBron obviously being in 1st.... But it seems to get blurry after that... Who do you have in 4th?
Paul George [SF] - Need to see more James Harden [SG] - No defense Dwight Howard [C] - doesn't dominate night in and night out Kevin Love [PF] - no defense Stephen Curry [PG] - inconsistent with what he does at times Anthony Davis [PF] - big time potential, give him a year or 2 LaMarcus Aldridge [PF] - One year wonder? Russell Westbrook [PG] - Currently injured but shoots way too much.
I chose westbrook also. He has been dominating the past 2 years and does everything. Only knock on him is he chucks too much at times.
He hasn't been healthy in over 2 years, and is highly unlikely to ever be again. I think the phrase "Rose when healthy" has worn out it's legitimacy by now. I see George is winning the poll, but I think his scoring/shooting efficiency won't hold up as the season progresses. He's still far from polished on that end, and his shot-selection and overall shot-creation still are far from elite (he's been knocking down tough shots at an unsustainable rate). But his 2-way ability does still make him a viable option here.
Kevin Love, easily. Paul George is great, but when push comes to shove this is still his breakout year. Such distinctions shouldn't be awarded based upon one season.
Yeah I think George right now is a clear #4, then it gets blurry. He does so many things well, and has become a go to scorer, which was his main drawback.
For a player that routinely scores among the league's highest in EWA this an extremely lazy argument to use.
I listed the options based on who is making the best case for 4th this year. And unless you think TP or Melo is the 4th best player (rather than say, 9th), there's no real point in complaining. I personally think a guy like Wade (low-key having an efficient year) is still "better" than Aldridge, but far more would vote for LA in a poll like this.
Maybe, but in 6 seasons he can't even get a team above .500. It's certainly not all his fault, but really how great can he be. Unlike baseball, Basketball isn't a team of individuals, one man effects averything, so individual stats only carry some weight.
4th best? Paul George [SF]: Keep it up and he may just be the 4th best. James Harden [SG]: Defend and stay healthy and he IS the 4th best, about as efficient and talented an offensive player there is in the NBA. Dwight Howard [C]: No, but he is the best center. Kevin Love [PF]: Doesn't defend and gives up position to get rebounds. Also, he doesn't seem to help his team make the playoffs. Stephen Curry [PG]: No for many reasons. Anthony Davis [PF]: Stay healthy and he could break up the LBJ/KD/CP3 strangle hold on the top spots. LaMarcus Aldridge [PF]: No. Russell Westbrook [PG]: No. Other: John Wall? Dirk Nowitzki? Tony Parker? Carmelo Anthony? DeMarcus Cousins?
Uhh yeah by a WIDE margin.... he defends, can score inside, outside, driving to the basket... he rebounds, can block shots, can pass, is now a very efficient player, is an excellent off the ball player, excellent on the ball player, can play 4 positions on the floor and sacrifices his game for the good of his team. Honestly, what can he not do?
