40. Klay Thompson
(SG) - Golden State Warriors
2013-14 SEASON
PPG
18.4
|
REB
3.1
|
ASST
2.2
|
FG%
44.4
|
The off-guard in Golden State's "Splash Brothers" duo, Thompson helps form the NBA's premier backcourt with teammate Stephen Curry. Thompson knocked down 223 three-pointers in 2014, a career-high from behind the arc. The third-year guard registered career-bests in points per game and field goal (44.4) and three-point percentage (41.7). One of the league's top shooters, Thompson is also a steadily improving wing defender, a major reason the Warriors refuse to deal the guard in a package deal for Minnesota forward Kevin Love.
39. Kemba
Walker (PG) - Charlotte Bobcats
2013-14 SEASON
PPG
17.7
|
REB
4.2
|
ASST
6.1
|
FG%
39.3
|
Proclaimed a "bust" in his rookie season (2012) by basketball pundits, Walker has improved his game tremendously in each of his past two seasons. Walker's scoring ballooned from 2012 (12.1) to 2013 (17.7), though the Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets) remained a bottom dweller in the Eastern Conference in both seasons. Emerging as the leader of the club in 2014, Walker led the franchise to its first postseason appearance since 2010.
38. Kawhi
Leonard (SF) - San Antonio Spurs
2013-14 SEASON
PPG
12.8
|
REB
6.2
|
ASST
2.0
|
FG%
52.2
|
Leonard's prowess as a defender lands him a spot in the top-40. Though, it should be noted that the third-year forward trailed only LeBron James in shooting percentage among NBA small forwards.
37. Lance
Stephenson (SG) - Indiana Pacers
2013-14 SEASON
PPG
13.8
|
REB
7.2
|
ASST
4.6
|
FG%
49.1
|
Stephenson finished second in the voting for Most Improved Player in 2014, with the league taking notice of his strides on both sides of the ball. A surefire hot commodity in the upcoming free agency, Stephenson has shown flashes of being an elite player. The fourth-year guard will likely command upwards of $10 million on the open market this offseason.
36. Zach
Randolph (PF) - Memphis Grizzlies
2013-14 SEASON
PPG
17.4
|
REB
10.1
|
ASST
2.5
|
FG%
46.7
|
Randolph averaged a double-double for the fourth time in five seasons as a member of the Memphis Grizzlies. His 47 double-doubles were tied for fourth-most among all NBA players in 2014. With center Marc Gasol injured for 23 games this season, Randolph shouldered the load on the inside, helping the Grizzlies capture a playoff birth for the fourth consecutive year.
35. Ty Lawson
(PG) - Denver Nuggets
2013-14 SEASON
PPG
17.6
|
REB
3.5
|
ASST
8.8
|
FG%
43.1
|
One of the NBA's most under-appreciated players, Lawson finished in a second-place tie for assists per contest in 2014. Along with forward Kenneth Faried, Lawson is part of the nucleus for the rebuilding Nuggets.
34. Pau Gasol
(PF/C) - Los Angeles Lakers
2013-14 SEASON
PPG
17.4
|
REB
9.7
|
ASST
3.4
|
FG%
48.0
|
Amid the Lakers' turmoil, Gasol quietly had another strong season in Los Angeles. The free-agent-to-be ranked 11th in NBA defensive efficiency and his nightly offensive output will make him one of the most attractive big man options on the market this offseason.
33. Mike
Conley (PG) - Memphis Grizzlies
2013-14 SEASON
PPG
17.2
|
REB
2.9
|
ASST
6.0
|
FG%
45.0
|
The unheralded point guard lifted his scoring totals by nearly three points per contest in 2014. A key defensive cog in the Grizzlies' stifling defense, Conley spearheaded a near-upset over the heavily favored Thunder in the first-round of the Western Conference playoffs.
32. Monta
Ellis (SG) - Dallas Mavericks
2013-14 SEASON
PPG
19.0
|
REB
3.6
|
ASST
5.7
|
FG%
45.1
|
Ellis proved his doubters wrong with a career year in his inaugural season in Dallas. The 28-year-old guard provided Dirk Nowitzki with his most prolific sidekick since the glory days of Jason Terry. Ellis led the NBA in drives to the basket (and points on drives). He also led the Mavs in scoring (20.4) in their seven-game series against the Spurs.
31. Marc Gasol (C) - Memphis Grizzlies
2013-14 SEASON
PPG
14.6
|
REB
7.2
|
ASST
3.6
|
FG%
47.3
|
The Grizzlies went just 9-14 in the absence of Gasol,the 2013 defensive player of the year. With Gasol in the lineup, however, the Grizzlies posted a terrific 41-18 record. The driving force behind the Grizzlies' resurgence, Gasol solidified the team's daunting frontcourt, ranking 19th in defensive player efficiency.
*To be eligible for NBA Player Rank, players must appear in at least 40 games in 2013-2014 season.
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