NBA Player Rank 2014: Nos. 30-21

30.       Eric Bledsoe (SG) - Phoenix Suns

2013-14 SEASON

PPG 17.7

REB 4.7

ASST 5.5

FG% 47.7

The fourth-year guard out of Kentucky, Bledsoe posted career-bests in points, rebounds, assists, steals and field goal percentage. Injuries limited Bledsoe to just 43 games this season. Yet, the Suns are reportedly planned to match any offer thrown at the restricted free agent guard this offseason. Phoenix's brass is steadfast on retaining the shooting guard following the club's impressive season that saw the team finish two games out of the playoffs in the ultra-competitive Western Conference, despite the Suns having one of the youngest rosters in the NBA.

29.       Paul Millsap (PF) - Atlanta Hawks

2013-14 SEASON

PPG 17.9

REB 8.5

ASST 3.1

FG% 46.1

Making his first All-Star appearance of his career, Millsap formed a formidable one-two punch in the frontcourt alongside forward/center Al Horford. A torn pectoral in late December sidelined Horford for the season, putting the burden on Millsap to furnish an inside presence for Atlanta. Millsap delivered for the Hawks, averaging a career-high 17.9 points to go with 8.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.1 blocks in 33.5 minutes. After leading the club in points, rebounds and steals in 2014, Millsap will look for a strong follow-up performance in the second season of his two year, $19 million contract with Atlanta. 

28.       Kyle Lowry (PG) – Toronto Raptors

2013-14 SEASON

PPG 17.9

REB 4.7

ASST 7.4

FG% 42.3

Arguably the biggest All-Star snub in NBA history, Lowry led the Toronto Raptors to the Atlantic Division title, earning the club its first postseason berth since 2008. The soon-to-be free agent reportedly has interest in remaining with Toronto--where he revived his career--though the Raptors will have to fend off competitors to re-sign the guard, who will likely be looking for a contract in the $9-10 million range.

27.       Chris Bosh (PF) - Miami Heat

2013-14 SEASON

PPG 16.2

REB 6.6

ASST 1.1

FG% 51.6

The unsung hero in Miami's "Big Three", Bosh continues to sacrifice personal accolades for the betterment of the team. Long known for his mid-range shot, Bosh has established himself as a threat from behind the arc, clearing more space for LeBron James and Dwyane Wade to drive the lane. Bosh, who has an early termination clause that allows him to opt out of his current contract at the end of the season, has remained adamant on his desire to stay in Miami for the long-haul.

26.       Goran Dragic (PG) - Phoenix Suns

2013-14 SEASON

PPG 20.3

REB 3.2

ASST 5.9

FG% 50.5

Dragic took the league by storm this season, spearheading the Suns to 48 wins. The 27-year-old point guard earned the Most Improved Player of the Year honors and was named to the All-NBA Third Team, despite getting snubbed from the Western Conference All-Star roster earlier in the year. Dragic averaged 20.3 points, 5.9 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game in 2013-2014.

25.       Serge Ibaka (PF) - Oklahoma City Thunder

2013-14 SEASON

PPG 15.1

REB 8.8

ASST 1.0

FG% 53.6

Ibaka led the NBA in total blocks (219) for the fourth consecutive season, earning a nod on the NBA All-Defensive First Team for the third time in as many seasons. His dramatic return to the Western Conference Finals, following what appeared to be a season-ending left calf strain injury, pulled the Thunder to consecutive victories before the Spurs ultimately finished off the intense series in six games.

24.       Dwyane Wade (SG) – Miami Heat

2013-14 SEASON

PPG 19.0

REB 4.5

ASST 4.7

FG% 54.5

Wade missed 28 games (roughly 1/3 of the season) in 2013-2014, but was highly effective in the games he suited up for, registering a 22.06 player efficiency rating. The 32-year-old guard has elevated his game this postseason, a major reason why the Heat captured their fourth consecutive Eastern Conference crown.

23.       DeMarcus Cousins (C) – Sacramento Kings

2013-14 SEASON

PPG 22.7

REB 11.7

ASST 2.9

FG% 49.6

The NBA's most underrated big man, Cousins had an impressive stat line (22.7 points, 11.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists) in 2013-2014. Despite these numbers, Cousins received just 14 total points in the All-NBA voting with only one first-team vote. Cousins remains a headcase for the Kings, picking up a league-high 16 technical fouls, which is the golden number of T's in the NBA that result in an eventual suspension. As the focal point of the Kings' future, Cousins must find a way to control his temper and be a better team leader for the struggling franchise.

22.       Damian Lillard (PG) – Portland Trail Blazers

2013-14 SEASON

PPG 20.7

REB 3.5

ASST 5.6

FG% 42.4

Following an unanimous NBA Rookie of the Year campaign, Lillard earned a 

trip to the 2014 All-Star game and a spot on the All-NBA Third Team. The duo 

of Lillard and forward/center LeMarcus Aldridge helped the Blazers win their 

first playoff series in 14 years. Lillard had the finishing touch on the 

Blazers' series-victory over the Houston Rockets as the point guard drained a 

three-pointer at the buzzer to seal a Game 6 win for Portland that sent 

the Rockets fishin' for the offseason.

21.       Dirk Nowitzki (PF) - Dallas Mavericks

2013-14 SEASON

PPG 21.7

REB 6.2

ASST 2.7

FG% 49.7

After his most disappointing season since his rookie campaign, Nowitzki returned in 2013-

2014 on a mission to reclaim his glory days, making his 12th All-Star appearance and leading 

the Mavs back to the playoffs. The German Wunderkind reestablished himself as a dominant 

scorer, nearly recording his second 50/40/90 stat line of his career. Nowitzki, who shot 49.7 

percent from the field, 39.8 percent from three-point territory and 89.9 percent from the free-

throw line, jumped all the way to 10th on the NBA's all-time scoring list.

*To be eligible for NBA Player Rank, players must appear in at least 40 games in 2013-2014 season.

NBA Player Rank 2014: Nos. 40-31

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.

NBA Player Rank 2014: Nos. 50-41

50.       David West (PF) - Indiana Pacers

2013-14 SEASON

PPG 14.0

REB 6.8

ASST 2.8

FG% 48.8

The emotional leader of the Pacers, West supplied Indiana with a much-needed post-presence. An elite interior defender, the sturdy forward helped the Pacers notch the No. 1 defensive ranking in the NBA.

   

49.       Paul Pierce (SF) - Brooklyn Nets

2013-14 SEASON

PPG 13.5

REB 4.6

ASST 2.4

FG% 45.1

After 15 storied seasons in Boston, Pierce successfully adjusted to the role of team leader in Brooklyn. Pierce was the Nets' most valuable player once the calendar flipped to January, leading the club to 34 wins versus just 17 losses following the team's dreadful 10-21 start to the season. Pierce's minutes (28.0) and points (13.5) decreased drastically from a season ago, but the 36-year-old was the usual reliable "Truth" for the Nets come crunch time, particularly in the first-round of the Eastern Conference playoffs against the Toronto Raptors. 

48.       Jamal Crawford (PG/SG) - Los Angeles Clippers

2013-14 SEASON

PPG 18.6

REB 2.3

ASST 3.2

FG% 41.6

The Sixth Man of the Year, Crawford led all bench players in scoring this season, including all players who logged at least 1,000 minutes off the bench. A two-time winner of the Sixth Man award, Crawford played arguably his best season of his career. Not only did he light it up off the bench, Crawford also scored with proficiency in 23 starts (20.6 ppg).

47.       David Lee (PF) - Golden State Warriors

2013-14 SEASON

PPG 18.2

REB 9.3

ASST 2.1

FG% 52.3

Lee had another solid season for the Warriors, narrowly missing out on averaging a double-double for the second straight season (and fifth time in his career). With Mark Jackson gone and first-time head coach Steve Kerr now on board, could Lee be on Golden State's trading block this offseason?

46.       DeAndre Jordan (C) - Los Angeles Clippers

2013-14 SEASON

PPG 10.4

REB 13.6

ASST 0.9

FG% 67.6

Jordan flourished under the tutelage of Doc Rivers, leading the league in rebounds per contest and field goal percentage. Jordan also averaged a career-best 10.4 points per game.

45.       Nicolas Batum (SF) - Portland Trail Blazers

2013-14 SEASON

PPG 13.0

REB 7.5

ASST 5.1

FG% 46.5

Batum achieved career-highs in points and assists in 2014. A pivotal component of the Blazers' surprise season, the lengthy small forward suited up for all 82 games for the first time in his career.

44.       Andre Drummond (C) - Detroit Pistons

2013-14 SEASON

PPG 13.5

REB 13.2

ASST 0.4

FG% 62.3

Drummond ranked second in the NBA in field goal percentage and rebounds per game. He also posted 57 double-doubles, the second-most in the league.

43.       Jeff Teague (PG) - Atlanta Hawks

2013-14 SEASON

PPG 16.5

REB 2.6

ASST 6.7

FG% 43.8

Teague has blossomed into the point guard of the future for the Hawks, averaging a career-high 16.5 points per contest in 2014. Teague elevated his game in the playoffs, topping 19.3 points per game, almost leading the eighth-seeded Hawks to a historic upset over the Pacers in the first-round of the playoffs.

42.       Joe Johnson (SG) - Brooklyn Nets

2013-14 SEASON

PPG 15.8

REB 3.4

ASST 2.7

FG% 45.4

Hailed as "Joe Jesus", the 32-year-old guard raised his shooting percentages to 45.5 percent and 40.1 percent from the field and three-point range, respectively. Johnson carried his efficient offensive play into the playoffs, scoring 21.2 points per contest on 53.3 percent shooting.

41.       Chandler Parsons (SF) - Houston Rockets

2013-14 SEASON

PPG 16.6

REB 5.5

ASST 4.0

FG% 47.2

A versatile 6'10 forward, Parsons stretched the floor on offense and yielded superb perimeter D for the defensively challenged Houston Rockets. Parsons' 16.6 points per contest were a career best.