For the first time, Notinhalloffame.com is awarding our first ever NBA Regular Season Cup, which generates the automatic question…what the hell is that?
With every single regular season game, we anointed the best five players in the game with descending points, 5-4-3-2-1. Nearly 400 players received at least one point, with over a dozen cracking at least 200.
The top players for the NIHOF Cup are not always the best in the league, as injuries keep players out of games, and a premium on staying healthy can help pile up points. It also does not hurt to be a top player on an average or mediocre team, as they can amass Cup points easier that elite players on loaded squads.
So, NBA players! Get your agents to work winning this into your contracts!
The inaugural winner is Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets Center from Serbia.
1. Nikola Jokic: Denver Nuggets, Center:
279 PTS, 72 Games, 3.88 Cup Points per Game, 26.4 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 6.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 31.3 PER
Jokic was healthy all season and had career-highs in Points, Rebounds, Assists, and he led the NBA in PER, Win Shares and VORP. The Serbian star did everything for the Nuggets, and while he has a reputation for being a plodding defender, that should have been erased by this year’s performance as he blossomed into an upper-tier rebounder. Jokic went to his third consecutive All-Star Game, and was the Player of the Month twice this year.
2. Luka Doncic: Dallas Mavericks, Guard:
260 PTS, 66 Games, 3.94 Cup Points per Game, 27.7 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 8.6 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 25.3 PER
Doncic is only in his third season in the NBA, and while his stats are slightly lower than his sophomore campaign, the Slovenian finished in the top ten in Points, Assists and PER. This is also the season he firmly established himself as the top player in Dallas ahead of Kristaps Porzingis. Doncic was a three-time Player of the Week this season, and went to his second All-Star Game. We expect he will only get better.
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo: Milwaukee Bucks, Forward:
254 PTS, 61 Games, 4.16 Cup Points per Game, 28.1 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 5.9 APG, 1.2 SPG, 1.2 BPG, 29.2 PER
Antetokounmpo won the 2019 and 2020 MVP, and is still arguably the best player in the NBA. The “Greek Freak” has no weakness in his game, and the Bucks go as far as he can take him. Antetokounmpo was in the running for the Cup this year, but missing a few games was all it took for him to fall behind his fellow Europeans. He also went to his fifth All-Star Game and was a three-time Player of the Week this season. Antetokounmpo’s Cup Points per Game were higher than the two fellow Europeans above him.
4. Julius Randle: New York Knicks, Forward:
252 PTS, 71 Games, 3.55 Cup Points per Game, 24.1 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 6.0 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 19.7 PER
Randle posted career-highs in his second year in New York, and he went to his first All-Star Game, while also earning a Player of the Week and Player of the Month accolade for the first time in his career. Randle took the Knicks to the playoffs for the first time since 2013 and led the NBA in Minutes Played. We are more intrigued to see where his career goes next year more than any other player in this top 100. Also of interest, it took until the four hole before we got our first American.
5. Steph Curry: Golden State Warriors, Guard:
248 PTS, 63 Games, 3.94 Cup Points per Game, 32.0 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 5.8 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 26.3 PER
Curry came back from injury to reclaim the scoring title for the second time in his career. The Point Guard still missed a few games that cost him a spot or two for the Cup but he was again an All-Star, and earned his eighth Player of the Month Award this year, along with scoring 50 Points in a Game three times. Curry does not have the teammates he once had, but the scoring touch has yet to leave him.
6. Damian Lillard: Portland Trail Blazers, Guard:
238 PTS, 67 Games, 3.55 Cup Points per Game, 28.8 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 6.6 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 25.6 PER
Lillard was an All-Star for the sixth time this year, and while his stats are slightly lower than they were last year, they are still among the best offensively in the NBA. Twice the Player of the Week this year, Lillard won’t dazzle you with his defense, he has competent teammates on Portland for that purpose.
7. Russell Westbrook: Washington Wizards, Guard:
236 PTS, 65 Games, 3.63 Cup Points per Game, 22.2 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 11.7 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 19.5 PER
The first instinct is that this is slightly low, especially considering that Westbrook gained copious attention made history, surpassing Oscar Robertson as the all-time leader in triple doubles. It should be remembered that this is his first season in Washington, and he had a slow start. Westbrook added to his accolades with his third Assists Title, ninth All-Star Game and another Player of the Week Award.
8. (Tie) Jayson Tatum: Boston Celtics, Forward:
222 PTS, 64 Games, 3.47 Cup Points per Game, 26.4 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 21.3 PER
Tatum is in his fourth season in the NBA, and he had career-bests in Points, Rebounds, Assists and PER. Adding a second All-Star Game, Tatum is now without question the top player for Boston, and by far their most complete player. He also was a three-time Player of the Week this year.
8. (Tie) Nikola Vucevic: Orlando Magic & Chicago Culls, Center:
222 PTS, 70 Games, 3.17 Cup Points per Game, 21.5 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 3.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 22.9 PER
As good a scorer and rebounder as Vucevic was, the rebuilding Magic traded his services to Chicago. An All-Star for the second time this season, Vucevic racks up stats, but whether it was with Orlando or Chicago, it was on an average to lousy teams. Vucevic posted a career-high in Points and his defense remains strong, though he is far from a traditional Center. From Montenegro, Vucevic is the fourth European in the top ten.
10. (Tie) Joel Embiid: Philadelphia 76ers, Center:
209 PTS, 51 Games, 4.10 Cup Points per Game, 28.5 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.4 BPG, 30.3 PER
The Center from Cameroon was an All-Star for the fourth straight year, with “The Process” and he had not missed 20 Games, he could have easily won the Cup. Embiid, who has been a great rebounder since he entered the NBA, had a personal best PPG this year and earned his fourth consecutive All-Star Game and his sixth Player of the Week Award. Embiid’s four-plus Cup Points per Game and 30-plus PER reflects an MVP-type year, had he been healthy throughout.
10. (Tie) Bradley Beal: Washington Wizards, Guard:
209 PTS, 60 Games, 3.48 Cup Points per Game, 31.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 22.7 PER
Beal looked to have the scoring title at one time, before it was grabbed by Steph Curry, but he did secure back-to-back 30-plus seasons in Points per Game. An All-Star for the third time, Beal also earned his fourth Player of the Week accolades. Injuries took him out of the season for over twenty games, but when he and Westbrook are on the court together, they form one of the best backcourts in basketball. Despite the losing record, it is the Wizards that are the first to have two players on this list, but they won’t have a third. In fact, nobody came close, which explains the Wizards record perfectly.
10. (Tie) Domantas Sabonis: Indiana Pacers, Forward:
209 PTS, 62 Games, 3.37 Cup Points per Game, 20.3 PPG, 12.0 RPG, 6.7 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 20.6 PER
Sabonis was an All-Star for the second straight year, with him doing the bulk of the work for the Pacers. Posting personal bests in Points, Assists and Steals, Sabonis was a Player of the Week for the first time this season, and as good as he was this year, should have better seasons to come.
13. Zion Williamson: New Orleans Pelicans, Forward:
205 PTS, 61 Games, 3.42 Cup Points per Game, 27.0 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 3.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 27.1 PER
The NBA’s best sophomore, Williamson was an All-Star for the first time and increased his rookie averages substantially. Williamson might prove to be injury-prone over his career, and a late-season finger injury cost him a top ten spot in Cup rankings.
14. Trae Young: Atlanta Hawks, Guard:
202 PTS, 63 Games, 3.21 Cup Points per Game, 25.3 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 9.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 23.0 PER
Young is the top scorer for the Hawks, and he has been instrumental in their turnaround this year. The team’s offensive spark plug can struggle defensively, but he is improving and can generate steals.
15. Devin Booker: Phoenix Suns, Guard:
201 PTS, 67 Games, 3.00 Cup Points per Game, 25.6 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 4.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 19.2 PER
The Suns climbed to the elite of the West this year, and it was built around Booker, their young Shooting Guard who was an All-Star for the second time this season. Booker reached 25 in PPG for the third year, and for the first time, he won Player of the Month honors. Arguably, the ascension of the Suns this year has propelled Booker to one of the top ten names in the NBA.
16. Kawhi Leonard: Los Angeles Clippers, Forward:
194 PTS, 52 Games, 3.73 Cup Points per Game, 24.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 5.2 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 26.0 PER
“The Claw” was an All-Star for the fifth time this year, and the Clippers leader missed a plethora of games due to rest and minor injuries. Leonard is among the best ten players in basketball, and is game managed for the post-season and not the regular one.
17. Jonas Valancuinas: Memphis Grizzlies, Center:
193 PTS, 62 Games, 3.12 Cup Points per Game, 17.1 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 24.4 PER
We will make the argument that Valancuinas is the best player on Memphis, which might not have been expected going into this season. The Lithuanian Center has had his best numbers this year in regards to PER and Rebounds, and his high finish has to be considered a surprise to anyone who didn’t see much of the Grizzlies this year.
18. Rudy Gobert: Utah Jazz, Center:
187 PTS, 71 Games, 2.63 Cup Points per Game, 14.3 PPG, 13.5 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.6 SPG, 2.7 BPG, 23.5 PER
The Jazz are a loaded team, but in the same token, this is a great example as how that works against you in a Cup chase like this. Gobert is our Defensive Player of the Year, and the Frenchman also won his second Blocks Title, while also leading the NBA in Field Goal Percentage and Effective Field Goal Percentage. Gobert was an All-Star for the second time this year, and the lack of respect he had from fans and media two years ago, seem like a lifetime ago.
19. Zach LaVine: Chicago Bears, Guard:
186 PTS, 58 Games, 3.21 Cup Points per Game, 27.4 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 3.8 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 21.5 PER
LaVine was in the tail end of the top ten through most of the year, but the trade for Vucevic ate into his numbers a bit and minor injuries dropped him late in Cup standings. Regardless, this has been his best season where he recorded career-highs in Points and PER, while also earning his first All-Star Game nod.
20. Karl-Anthony Towns: Minnesota Timberwolves, Center:
182 PTS, 50 Games, 3.64 Cup Points per Game, 24.8 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 4.5 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 23.1 PER
Towns missed a lot of games, and it cost him his third All-Star Game. Nevertheless, he is the star of a dreadful Timberwolves team that has sputtering for over a decade.
21. Collin Sexton: Cleveland Cavaliers, Guard:
180 PTS, 60 Games, 3.00 Cup Points per Game, 24.3 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 3.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 18.0 PER
Sexton is in his third NBA year, and he is continuing his ascent to become an upper-tier scorer. He isn’t there yet, but he is a bright spot on what is a horrible NBA club, and it allowed him to compile Cup points.
22. Kyrie Irving: Brooklyn Nets, Guard
179 PTS, 54 Games, 3.32 Cup Points per Game, 26.9 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 6.0 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 24.4 PER
The Nets have three future first ballot Hall of Famers on their 2020/21 roster but we had to get past to the first twenty before we got to one. All three missed significant time due to injury, with Kyrie being the healthiest, and going to his seventh All-Star Game. Stat wise, Irving has been as good as he has ever been, and joined the 400/.500/.900 Club.
23. LeBron James: Los Angeles Lakers, Guard
174 PTS, 45 Games, 3.87 Cup Points per Game, 25.0 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 7.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 24.2 PER
James was narrowly leading the standings through most of the first two-thirds of the season, but he went down to injury from a high ankle sprain, which not only cost him this award, but the MVP and the Lakers many spots in the standings. When James was healthy this year, he was phenomenal despite his age, and earned his 17thstraight All-Star.
24. Donovan Mitchell: Utah Jazz, Guard
173 PTS, 53 Games, 3.26 Cup Points per Game, 26.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 5.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 21.3 PER
Gobert is the defensive stud of the Jazz with Mitchell acting as the team’s primary scoring option. Mitchell led Gobert in Cup Points through most of the year before injuries kept him out of the lineup, but the four-year veteran has watched his numbers increase annually. He was an All-Star for the second time this season.
25. Bam Adebayo: Miami Heat, Center
169 PTS, 64 Games, 2.64 Cup Points per Game, 18.7 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 3.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 22.7 PER
Adebayo’s PPG and PER went up this season, but he posted lower numbers in Rebounds and Blocks, and received less print as the Heat were not capturing as much national attention. The former Kentucky Wildcat was not an All-Star like he was in 2020, but he was Miami’s MVP this year.
26. Clint Capela: Atlanta Hawks, Center
165 PTS, 63 Games, 2.62 Cup Points per Game, 15.2 PPG, 14.3 RPG, 0.8 APG, 0.7 SPG, 2.0 BPG, 24.3 PER
As good as the Hawks have been this year, Capela has not received much press. He really should, as in every game he appears in, he is often the top board crasher, scores respectably, and he won his first Rebounding Title. This is Capela’s first year in Atlanta, and while many players left the Rockets last year, Capela’s departure went largely under the radar in Houston. Those in the know, understood how big a loss that it really was.
27. Paul George: Los Angeles Clippers, Forward
162 PTS, 54 Games, 3.00 Cup Points per Game, 23.3 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 5.2 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 20.5 PER
An All-Star for the eighth time this year, George added another Player of the Week accolade to his trophy case (ninth overall) and has been a great partner to his long-time friend, Kawhi Leonard. Like Leonard, George will occasionally sit for the long-term gain.
28. James Harden: Houston Rockets & Brooklyn Nets, Guard
161 PTS, 44 Games, 3.66 Cup Points per Game, 24.6 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 10.9 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 24.5 PER
Harden forced a trade out of Houston early in the season, and his landing place of Brooklyn made a super team with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Harden, who had been maligned defensively over his career, had the best rebounding numbers of his life this year, but he missed nearly twenty games this year as a Net due to hamstring issues, but still had two Player of the Week and two Player of the Month Awards this year. Considering the number of games he played, this is an excellent finish.
29. Jimmy Butler: Miami Heat, Guard
160 PTS, 52 Games, 3.07 Cup Points per Game, 21.5 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 7.1 APG, 2.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 26.5 PER
The Heat have been flying under the radar, even though they have “Jimmy Buckets”. Butler did not make the All-Star Game this year, but is a more balanced player, who will win his first Steals Title this season.
30. Brandon Ingram: New Orleans Pelicans, Forward
155 PTS, 61 Games, 2.54 Cup Points per Game, 23.8 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 4.9 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 19.2 PER
Ingram is a great half to Zion Williamson, and while Ingram did not make the All-Star Game, his production echoes that of his All-Star season a year ago.
31. De’Aaron Fox: Sacramento Kings, Guard
154 PTS, 58 Games, 2.66 Cup Points per Game, 25.2 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 7.2 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 20.7 PER
In Fox’s fourth NBA season, he increased his PPG by slightly more than four.
32. DeMar DeRozan: San Antonio Spurs, Forward
151 PTS, 61 Games, 2.48 Cup Points per Game, 21.6 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 6.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 22.0 PER
It is possible that DeRozan’s All-Star days might be behind him, but this is his eighth straight year going over the 20 mark in PPG.
33. Jerami Grant: Detroit Pistons, Forward
140 PTS, 54 Games, 2.59 Cup Points per Game, 22.3 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 2.8 APG, 0.6 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 16.9 PER
Grant was not expected to be Detroit’s leading scorer, and his PPG rocketed up by over 10. Grant was in the top twenty for most of the year before a slump and injuries brought him back down to earth.
34. Jaylen Brown: Boston Celtics, Guard
139 PTS, 58 Games, 2.40 Cup Points per Game, 24.7 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 19.9 PER
Brown was an All-Star for the first time this year, but his play declined slightly before an injury took him out of the rest of the season. This was Brown’s best year to date.
35. Tobias Harris: Philadelphia 76ers, Forward
138 PTS, 62 Games, 2.23 Cup Points per Game, 19.5 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 3.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 20.0 PER
The Sixers are Harris’ fifth team, but he has never been on a team this good, and he meshes well with Embiid and Ben Simmons.
36. Chris Paul: Phoenix Suns, Guard
137 PTS, 70 Games, 1.96 Cup Points per Game, 16.4 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 8.9 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 21.4 PER
Paul remains one of the great distributors in basketball, and he helped change the culture in Phoenix, leading them to a high seed in the West. He was an All-Star for the 11thtime this season.
37. C.J. McCollum: Portland Trail Blazers, Guard
134 PTS, 47 Games, 2.85 Cup Points per Game, 23.1 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 4.7 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 20.8 PER
McCollum is productive when he played but, but he missed more than 20 games due to injury. This is his sixth consecutive year with a PPG over 20.
38. Michael Porter Jr.: Denver Nuggets, Forward
131 PTS, 61 Games, 2.15 Cup Points per Game, 19.0 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 20.6 PER
Porter Jr. became the number two option behind Jokic following Jamal Murray’s injury, and he more than doubled his PPG from last season. He could be a future All-Star.
39. Kevin Durant: Brooklyn Nets, Forward
125 PTS, 35 Games, 3.57 Cup Points per Game, 26.9 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 5.6 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.3 BPG, 26.4 PER
After missing the entire 2019-20 Season, Durant was only able to compete is slightly less than half of this year’s games. When he did play, Durant maintained the same level of offensive power that you would expect from the former MVP.
40. (Tie) Khris Middleton: Milwaukee Bucks, Forward
123 PTS, 68 Games, 1.81 Cup Points per Game, 20.4 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 5.4 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 18.2 PER
The second banana to Giannis is no slouch in his own right, though he slipped slightly from last season.
40. (Tie) Pascal Siakim: Toronto Raptors, Forward
123 PTS, 56 Games, 2.20 Cup Points per Game, 21.4 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 17.7 PER
The Raptors were a disappointment this year, and Pascal Siakim, was unable to build upon last year’s All-Star campaign. He is still Toronto’s best player.
42. Terry Rozier: Charlotte Hornets, Guard
119 PTS, 69 Games, 1.72 Cup Points per Game, 20.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 17.1 PER
This is Rozier’s best season in the NBA to date, and he was the Hornet’s leading scorer.
43. Deandre Ayton: Phoenix Suns, Center
116 PTS, 69 Games, 1.68 Cup Points per Game, 14.4 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.2 BPG, 20.3 PER
Ayton has not had as good a season as last year, but the Suns have a lot more prominent names around him than before.
44. (Tie) Malcolm Brogdon: Indiana Pacers, Guard
115 PTS, 56 Games, 2.05 Cup Points per Game, 21.2 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 5.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 17.9 PER
Brogdon is well regarded, and could be a future All-Star. This was his fifth year, and he has been a decent compliment to Sabonis.
44. (Tie) Anthony Edwards: Minnesota Timberwolves, Guard
115 PTS, 72 Games, 1.60 Cup Points per Game, 19.9 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 13.9 PER
Edwards is the highest rated rookie in the Cup standings, and his playing time and usage rate rocketed up throughout the season. Saying that, the advanced metrics are not good for Edwards, and he is the first player on this list with a sub-15 PER.
46. Ja Morant: Memphis Grizzlies, Guard
108 PTS, 63 Games, 1.71 Cup Points per Game, 19.1 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 7.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 16.7 PER
A future All-Star, many thought that Morant might emerge as Memphis’ best player but that didn’t happen. It will.
47. (Tie) Christian Wood: Houston Rockets, Center
107 PTS, 41 Games, 2.61 Cup Points per Game, 21.0 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.2 BPG, 20.0 PER
The Rockets were not very good this year, but it allowed Wood (who is in his first season in Houston) to log significant minutes and he made the most of the opportunity. He would have been a lot higher, had he not missed significant games this year due to injury.
47. (Tie) R.J. Barrett: New York Knicks, Guard
107 PTS, 72 Games, 1.49 Cup Points per Game, 17.6 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 3.0 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 13.4 PER
This is only Barrett’s second season, and he is showing the progression you would expect form a third overall pick.
49. Kristaps Porzingis: Dallas Mavericks, Center
106 PTS, 43 Games, 2.47 Cup Points per Game, 20.1 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.3 BPG, 21.3 PER
Porzingis got a late start to the season, but matched his output when he returned healthy.
50. (Tie) Anthony Davis: Los Angeles Lakers, Guard
101 PTS, 36 Games, 2.81 Cup Points per Game, 21.9 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 22.1 PER
Davis only played 36 Games this year, which was the least he suited up for in a season, but he made the All-Star Game for the eighth time.
50. (Tie) Dejounte Murray: San Antonio Spurs, Guard
101 PTS, 67 Games, 1.51 Cup Points per Game, 15.7 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 5.4 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 16.5 PER
Murray became a much larger part of the Spurs offense, raising his PPG by roughly fifty percent and exceeding 32 Minutes per Game.
52. (Tie) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Oklahoma City Thunder, Guard
100 PTS, 35 Games, 2.86 Cup Points per Game, 23.7 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 5.9 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 16.5 PER
Gilgeous-Alexander only played 35 Games, but has the most Cup points of any Thunder player. Statistically, SGA rose his game and his future looks good.
52. (Tie) Andre Drummond: Cleveland Cavaliers & Los Angeles Lakers, Center
100 PTS, 46 Games, 2.17 Cup Points per Game, 14.9 PPG, 12.0 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 19.4 PER
Drummond’s contract was bought out by the Cavaliers mid-season, and he joined the Lakers to provide a defensive presence.
54. Andrew Wiggins: Golden State Warriors, Forward
98 PTS, 71 Games, 1.38 Cup Points per Game, 18.6 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 2.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 15.0 PER
Wiggins might not have been the perennial All-Star he was projected to be when he was drafted first overall in 2014, but the NBA world accepts what he is now, and a lot of pressure is off the current Warrior. This season reflects precisely who Wiggins is as a player.
55. (Tie) Ben Simmons: Philadelphia 76ers, Guard
97 PTS, 58 Games, 1.67 Cup Points per Game, 14.3 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 6.9 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 18.3 PER
Simmons went to his third straight All-Star Game this season.
55. (Tie) Bogdan Bogdanovic: Utah Jazz, Forward
97 PTS, 72 Games, 1.35 Cup Points per Game, 17.0 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 14.0 PER
It feels like most people outside of Salt Lake have no idea how much Bogdanovic is part of the Jazz’ success. That might not change even if Utah wins it all.
57. Jamal Murray: Denver Nuggets, Guard
95 PTS, 48 Games, 1.98 Cup Points per Game, 21.2 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 18.3 PER
Murray was Denver’s second best player behind Jokic, before tearing his ACL and prematurely ending his season.
58. Norman Powell: Toronto Raptors & Portland Trail Blazers, Forward
91 PTS, 69 Games, 1.32 Cup Points per Game, 18.6 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 18.3 PER
Powell was traded during the season, and for the first time over his six-year career; he exceeded 30 Minutes per Game.
59. John Collins: Atlanta Hawks, Forward
89 PTS, 63 Games, 1.41 Cup Points per Game, 17.6 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 20.6 PER
Collins has played four seasons in the NBA, all with Atlanta.
60. Gordon Heyward: Charlotte Hornets, Forward
87 PTS, 44 Games, 1.97 Cup Points per Game, 19.6 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 17.6 PER
Injuries kept Heyward out of half of the season, but when he was on the court, he was a top player for the Hornets.
61. Richaun Holmes: Sacramento Kings, Center
83 PTS, 61 Games, 1.36 Cup Points per Game, 14.2 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 20.2 PER
Holmes set career-bests in Points, Rebounds, Blocks and PER this season.
62. Fred VanVleet: Toronto Raptors, Guard
82 PTS, 52 Games, 1.58 Cup Points per Game, 19.6 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 16.8 PER
VanVleet’s PPG rose an even two points this year.
63. John Wall: Houston Rockets, Guard
80 PTS, 40 Games, 2.00 Cup Points per Game, 20.6 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 6.9 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 15.4 PER
Wall missed all of last year with many injuries, and he missed a large chunk of this one, in what was his first year in Houston. Still a productive player, his peak seems like a generation ago, though we know that isn’t true.
64. Jordan Clarkson: Utah Jazz, Guard
78 PTS, 68 Games, 1.14 Cup Points per Game, 18.4 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 17.1 PER
Clarkson was named our Sixth Man of the Year.
65. Jrue Holiday: Milwaukee Bucks, Guard
74 PTS, 59 Games, 1.25 Cup Points per Game, 17.7 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 6.1 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 20.0 PER
Holiday is in the back nine of his career, but is still a large part of his team’s mission statement.
66. Kelly Olynyk: Miami Heat & Houston Rockets, Center
73 PTS, 70 Games, 1.04 Cup Points per Game, 13.5 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 16.4 PER
A trade from Miami to Houston during the season, did wonders for Olynyk’s stat line, as his Rockets number (19.0 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 4.1 APG) dwarfed his that in Miami (10.0 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 2.1 APG).
67. Buddy Hield: Sacramento Kings, Guard
70 PTS, 71 Games, 0.99 Cup Points per Game, 16.6 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.6 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 12.8 PER
Hield might have passed his peak, as his numbers are trending in the wrong direction. He is only 28.
68. Kemba Walker: Boston Celtics, Guard
69 PTS, 43 Games, 1.61 Cup Points per Game, 19.3 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 4.9 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 17.7 PER
Walker’s four-year streak of All-Star Games ended this year.
69. (Tie) Kyle Lowry: Toronto Raptors, Guard
68 PTS, 46 Games, 1.47 Cup Points per Game, 17.2 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 7.3 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 16.5 PER
Lowry’s run of six straight All-Star Games ended this year, and the signs of decline have arrived.
69. (Tie) Dennis Schroeder: Los Angeles Kings, Guard
68 PTS, 61 Games, 1.12 Cup Points per Game, 15.4 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 5.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 13.8 PER
This was Schroeder’s first year in L.A., and he had a career-high in Minutes per Game (32.1), but did not have personal bests in any other major traditional metric.
69. (Tie) Dillon Brooks: San Antonio Spurs, Forward
68 PTS, 67 Games, 1.02 Cup Points per Game, 17.2 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 12.1 PER
Brooks’ traditional numbers are increasing, but it has not translated to the advanced stat sheet.
69. (Tie) Tim Hardaway Jr.: Dallas Mavericks, Guard
68 PTS, 70 Games, 0.97 Cup Points per Game, 16.6 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 15.7 PER
This is Hardaway’s third year with Dallas, and arguably his best since he began play for the Mavericks.
73. (Tie) D’Angelo Rusell: Minnesota Timberwolves, Guard
65 PTS, 42 Games, 1.55 Cup Points per Game, 19.0 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 5.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 17.6 PER
It can be argued that we still don’t know what type of player that D’Angelo Russell is, who was an All-Star two years ago with Brooklyn, though that seems a lot longer than that.
73. (Tie) Caris LaVert: Brooklyn Nets & Indiana Pacers, Guard
65 PTS, 47 Games, 1.38 Cup Points per Game, 20.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 5.2 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 17.8 PER
LaVert’s trade to Indiana might have saved his life as in the physical he was diagnosed with carcinoma of the kidney, and received the necessary treatment. He returned, and had his best per game averages this year.
73. (Tie) Jarrett Allen: Brooklyn Nets & Cleveland Cavaliers, Center
65 PTS, 63 Games, 1.03 Cup Points per Game, 12.8 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 20.1 PER
Allen went from the penthouse to the outhouse in a trade from Brooklyn to Cleveland early this season.
73. (Tie) Enes Kanter: Portland Trail Blazers, Center
65 PTS, 72 Games, 0.90 Cup Points per Game, 11.2 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 22.4 PER
Kanter was used off of the bench half of the season, and in terms of efficiency, this is his eighth year with a PER over 20.
77. (Tie) LaMelo Ball: Charlotte Hornets, Guard
64 PTS, 51 Games, 1.25 Cup Points per Game, 15.7 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 6.1 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 17.5 PER
Our runner-up for the Rookie of the Year, Ball was the more efficient player than our winner, Anthony Edwards, but he missed over twenty games. Ball is a superstar in the making.
77. (Tie) Miles Bridges: Charlotte Hornets, Forward
64 PTS, 66 Games, 0.97 Cup Points per Game, 12.7 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 14.7 PER
Bridges’ third year did not yield any significant improvement; though he has more than proven he belongs as an NBA player.
77. (Tie) Coby White: Chicago Bulls, Forward
64 PTS, 69 Games, 0.93 Cup Points per Game, 15.1 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 4.8 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 12.0 PER
White completed his sophomore season with a move to the starting rotation.
80. (Tie) Malik Beasley: Minnesota Timberwolves, Guard
63 PTS, 37 Games, 1.70 Cup Points per Game, 19.6 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 14.6 PER
Beasley served a 12-game suspension this year stemming from a guilty plea for terrorizing another person. Since his trade from Denver last year, Beasley has been recording his best offensive numbers
80. (Tie) Myles Turner: Indiana Pacers, Center
63 PTS, 47 Games, 1.34 Cup Points per Game, 12.6 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.9 SPG, 3.4 BPG, 15.3 PER
Turner led the NBA in Blocks per Game for the second time over his career.
80. (Tie) Harrison Barnes: Sacramento Kings, Forward
63 PTS, 58 Games, 1.09 Cup Points per Game, 16.1 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 3.5 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 15.4 PER
Barnes completed nine NBA seasons, roughly contributing at the same level for the past seven.
80. (Tie) Mikal Bridges: Phoenix Suns, Forward
63 PTS, 72 Games, 0.88 Cup Points per Game, 13.5 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 16.4 PER
Bridges had career-highs this year in Points, Rebounds and Blocks per Game.
84. (Tie) P.J. Washington: Charlotte Hornets, Forward
62 PTS, 64 Games, 0.97 Cup Points per Game, 12.9 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.2 BPG, 13.4 PER
Washington’s sophomore NBA year was only minimally better than his rookie year.
84. (Tie) Kyle Kuzma: Los Angeles Lakers, Forward
62 PTS, 68 Games, 0.92 Cup Points per Game, 12.9 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 12.7 PER
Kuzma has only played four seasons, but has regressed statistically since his second campaign
84. (Tie) Mike Conley: Utah Jazz, Guard
62 PTS, 68 Games, 0.92 Cup Points per Game, 12.9 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 12.7 PER
We think Conley is on pace to become the best player never to make an All-Star Game. Save for Marcus Camby.
87. Darius Bazley: Oklahoma City Thunder, Forward
60 PTS, 55 Games, 1.09 Cup Points per Game, 13.7 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 9.7 PER
Bazley’s traditional stats were decent, but he had a negative number in Win Shares. As OKC was a poor team, Bazley received a lot of minutes, and it will be interesting to see how he progresses from here.
88. Chris Boucher: Toronto Raptors, Center
59 PTS, 60 Games, 0.98 Cup Points per Game, 13.6 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.9 BPG, 21.9 PER
At 28, Boucher is only in his fourth season, but he had the most playing time of his career by far (24.2 MPG), and was one of the top bench players of the season.
89. Montrezl Harrell: Los Angeles Lakers, Center
57 PTS, 69 Games, 0.83 Cup Points per Game, 13.5 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 22.7 PER
Last year’s NBA Sixth Man of the Year, was the runner-up for our Award.
90. Draymond Green: Golden State Warriors, Forward
56 PTS, 63 Games, 0.89 Cup Points per Game, 7.0 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 8.9 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 13.3 PER
Green is not the player he once was, but he knows his role (defense), and does it well. He is a five-time All-Defensive Player.
91. Kelly Oubre Jr.: Golden State Warriors, Forward
55 PTS, 55 Games, 1.00 Cup Points per Game, 15.4 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 1.3 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 13.3 PER
92. Mason Plumlee: Detroit Pistons, Center
54 PTS, 56 Games, 0.96 Cup Points per Game, 10.4 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 3.6 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 18.7 PER
Plumlee started all 56 of his games in what is his first year in Detroit. This year saw him break his personal best in RPG.
93. Victor Oladipo: Indiana Pacers, Houston Rockets & Miami Heat, Guard
53 PTS, 33 Games, 1.61 Cup Points per Game, 19.8 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 14.3 PER
Injuries held the former All-Star to 33 Games this year, but he played for three teams and is entering vagabond territory.
94. Terrence Ross: Orlando Magic, Guard
52 PTS, 46 Games, 1.13 Cup Points per Game, 15.6 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 13.2 PER
Ross remains a threat from behind the arc, and posted a career-best in PPG.
95. (Tie) Darius Garland: Cleveland Cavaliers, Guard
51 PTS, 54 Games, 0.95 Cup Points per Game, 17.4 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 6.1 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 14.2 PER
Garland is an NBA sophomore, and logged good numbers on a derelict Cavaliers team.
95. (Tie) Lonzo Ball: New Orleans Pelicans, Guard
51 PTS, 55 Games, 0.93 Cup Points per Game, 15.6 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 13.2 PER
Ball is in the shadow of Zion, but seems to be fine with it. This is his fourth season in the NBA, and had career-highs in Points.
98. Evan Fournier: Orlando Magic & Boston Celtics, Forward
49 PTS, 42 Games, 1.17 Cup Points per Game, 17.1 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 16.7 PER
Traded to the Celtics during the season, Fournier saw less of the rock than he did in Orlando, but was brought in to be more of a supporting piece.
99. (Tie) Bogdan Bogdanovic: Atlanta Hawks, Guard
48 PTS, 44 Games, 1.17 Cup Points per Game, 16.4 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 17.6 PER
Bogdanovic joined Atlanta after three years with the Kings, and his stats continue to climb.
99. (Tie) Tyler Herro: Miami Heat, Guard
48 PTS, 54 Games, 0.89 Cup Points per Game, 15.1 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 3.4 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 13.3 PER
A lot was expected from Herro, who made a name for himself during last year’s playoffs, and that led to perceived diminished returns.
99. (Tie) Kendrick Nunn: Miami Heat, Guard
48 PTS, 56 Games, 0.86 Cup Points per Game, 14.6 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.6 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 14.2 PER
While Nunn had a good second season, he slipped statistically from his rookie campaign.
Thank you for reading, and look for more content like this in the future.
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