Post by beatonz on Jan 15, 2022 12:08:11 GMT -6
Now that we have reached the mid way mark of Season 2, lets have a look at the rise and fall of the leagues top PGs. Let me know how terrible my pre season predictions were and what you think of my mid season rankings.
Green - Ranking Improved
Red - Ranking Worsened
Black - Pre Season Analysis
#1 (Previous Rank Unranked) Luke Jackson - B+ A- C+ C+ C B
I think we are all aware of the player Luke Jackson has become. A little oversight on my part prior to the season not predicting his dominance coming into this season but I did not expect his passing capabilities to hold up with others on this list with a C+ rating. His turnovers per game are much higher than others considered but he more than makes up for that with scoring. He currently leads the league in ppg while remaining in the top 10 apg leaders all being done efficiently, shooting close to .500 from the field. He is widely considered the favourite for league MVP at this point in the season and if he can improve on his defensive capabilities he should find himself in the MVP race for many years to come. Picked in the fourth round of the re-draft, Luke Jackson is my pick for the steal of the draft, making the rest of the GMs in the league look silly. The Bulls currently own the leagues highest win percentage which can largely be attributed to the blow up season Luke has had to this point in the season.
2001 Actual Stats: 32 ppg, 7 apg, 6 rpg, 1.3 spg, 4.1 tpg
#2 (Previous Rank #4) Marcus Smart (Trailblazers) - C+ A- A- B+ C- A
Marcus should shine in 2001 on a Portland team without other #1 options. Although, Portland doesn't have the most impressive players, the team should be able to be compete with a solid distributor. We are all aware of Marcus' defensive and stealing capabilities but has now emerged as a perennial offensive threat as well.
Expect Marcus to make an all NBA team and demonstrate his capabilities as a potential all defensive PG. Marcus has clearly become a PG to build a team around and is the perfect building block for a developing Portland team.
2000 Stats: 15 ppg, 7 asp, 5 rpg, 2.2 spg, 2.7 tpg
2001 Projected Stats: 20 ppg, 8 apg, 2.5 spg, 3.0 tpg
2001 Actual Stats: 23 ppg, 7 apg, 2.4 spg, 3.0 tpg
As predicted, Marcus is putting up a great defensive season. What I did not expect was his impressive scoring improvement from 15 ppg to 23 ppg. He has clearly, put himself in discussion for the top PG in the league with predicted jumps to be made in the future with solid potential.
In my eyes, he is the type of PG I would like to build a team around, scoring is obviously no issue and steal and defense are already there. With improved passing I could see Smart head lining this list for many years.
#3 (Previous Rank #2) Bogdan Bogdanovic (Knicks) - C+ A- B B+ C- B
Bogdan may not look like the sexiest player in the league based on his attributes but the man can play. Although listed as a SG, I suspect he will continue to take the PG reigns in the big apple. Bogdan's 2000s season saw him awarded a position on the All-League 2nd Team putting up great all around numbers leading the squeaking the Knicks into a playoff spot.
Similar numbers should be expected in the upcoming season, however unlike others on this list expect less growth moving forward. Bogdan currently sits #2 but this may be his last appearance on this list based on the growth and development around the league. Long term he may be better suited at the SG position but there is no question he is currently a top ITP PG.
2000 Stats: 21 ppg, 7 asp, 5 rpg, 1.8 spg, 3.5 tpg
2001 Projected Stats: 21 ppg, 6 apg, 5 rpg 1.5 spg, 3.5 tpg
2001 Actual Stats: 22 ppg, 8 apg, 5 rpg, 2.1 spg, 2.9 tpg
Bogdan has improved in every statistical category since last season and currently has his Knicks in a strong playoffs spot. Although the Knicks have a solid team, on paper I don't think they match up to many of the Eastern Conference teams which they currently sit above in the standings. This is due in large part because of the play of Bogdan and this should be recognized when considering the top PGs in the league. He still has some of the sexiest PG numbers out there with some of the least sexy player attributes compared to other players on this league.
#4 (Previous Rank #5) Tony Parker (Kings) - C+ B- A- B+ D+ A
Expect big things from Tony Parker this year with a very impressive training camp, coming into the 2021 season looking like a potential all star. After a rough first season, it looks like the Kings have their star of the future. The Kings have a log jam of solid PGs including Tony, Gilbert and Livingston all of which are capable starters meaning one of them will need to play out of position, likely Gilbert, which isn't expected to be an issue.
The Kings, acquired Parker via trade for a couple of 1sts, 2nds and cash. This may have been one of the best trades during the 2000 season.
Tony's handling is exceptional, which will aid with low turnovers while providing great assist numbers. If his scoring can keep up, expect a break out season for him. Continue to expect exceptional growth over the the next seasons with a very high potential.
2000 Stats: 7.9 ppg, 5 asp, 3 rpg, 1.1 spg, 1.9 tpg
2001 Projected Stats: 14 ppg, 8 apg, 3 rpg 1.5 spg, 2.0 tpg
2001 Actual Stats: 23 ppg, 7 apg, 4 rpg, 1.4 spg, 2.1 tpg
The Kings stellar start to the season appears to be no fluke and the main reason why is the play of young PG Tony Parker. As predicted prior to the season, statistical improvements have been seen across the board but most impressively in his scoring, passing and defense. Similar to Smart, Parker is the type of PG you build your team around. With another great training camp there is no reason Parker can't be at the top of this list. Parker has to be considered for the most improved player this season and a player that far exceeded most members of the leagues expectations.
#5 (Previous Rank Unranked) Spencer Dinwiddie (Nuggets) C+ B A B- C- A
Dinwiddie may have been considered a snub from the top 5 PG in the preseason review, but with his low scoring (in comparison to other PGs) last season it was difficult to place him in the top 5. Spencer has demonstrated that he is the leagues top passer, putting up close to 2 apg higher than any other on this list at 9.8 apg. With the fall of Lillard, this opened up a spot for the well deserving, underappreciated Dinwiddie. With his high assist numbers and good scoring, fully expect a repeat appearance on an all league team.
2001 Stats: 17 ppg, 10 apg, 5 rpg, 1.9 spg, 2.7 tpg
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#6 (Previous Rank #1) Tomas Satoransky (Nets) - C B A- A- C- B
Hard to pick anyone other than the 2000 ITP MVP who lead the Nets to the inaugural season championship. Although, Tomas did not take a major step forward as many other PG on this list have, if the Nets PG puts up similar numbers to his 2000 MPV season he will be in the running for the not only the top PG in the league but potentially a back to back MVP. A repeat MVP season may be a stretch considering the improvements to other players across the league but it should not be considered out of the question.
With so many scoring options on the Nets roster, it is difficult to tell if Tomas will be top 3 option this season which may impact his statistics and in turn impact his ability to repeat such a season but any team would be lucky to have a PG of his caliber.
2000 Stats: 20 ppg, 7 apg, 5 rpg, 1.7 spg, 2.8 tpg
2001 Projected Stats: 16 ppg, 7 asp, 4 rpg, 2.0 spg
2001 Actual Stats: 17 ppg, 8 asp, 5.5 rpg, 1.7 spg, 2.2 tpg
The projected stats for Tomas are right about where to be expected. Impressively, this is not good enough for the new Nets GM and he has been removed from the starting PG position for none other than Raef Lafrentz... the 6'11" big man. Quite the surprise, but Raef is playing well, putting up big personal scoring numbers, just not sure if removing the league MVP from position has helped the league champions. We will have to wait and see but expect Tomas stats to drop significantly, specifically the asp and ppg numbers as his value to much lower without the ball in his hands.
#52 (Previous Rank #3) Damian Lillard (Hornets) - B- A- B+ A- C A
Giving up a promising Terrance Ross, three 1st round picks in 2001, 2002, and 2003 the Hornets went all in on Lillard with and as expected it has payed off. The young PG impressed in season 1 putting up impressive scoring and assist numbers.
Surprisingly, Lillard did not make an all NBA team in 2000 but expect that to change in 2001. With a great team surrounding the young PG, his assists are certain to be at the top of the league.
If Damian can improve on turnovers he is pushing for the #1 spot on this list. The turnovers will improve with time and continued camping so expect him to be at #1 by as early as next season.
2000 Stats: 15 ppg, 8 asp, 5 rpg, 1.6 spg, 4.4 tpg
2001 Projected Stats: 18 ppg, 8 apg, 2.0 spg, 3.5 tpg
2001 Actual Stats: 23 ppg, 8 apg, 5 rpg, 2.2 spg, 3.7 tpg
I under estimated Lillards scoring abilities during the preseason article but did accurately predict the remainder of the his stats. Despite being a complete goon (see Day 35 - Hornets vs. Raptors game - Lillard intentionally broke star Ben Gordons leg) he is regarded as one of the top PGs in the league. Unfortunately for Lillard, this article is being written by a Toronto based author and Toronto natives don't feel the same way as the rest of the league. He will no longer find himself in the top 5 PGs. If Lillard can manage to not break another players leg for remainder of the season, maybe we can expect him on next years list.
Green - Ranking Improved
Red - Ranking Worsened
Black - Pre Season Analysis
#1 (Previous Rank Unranked) Luke Jackson - B+ A- C+ C+ C B
I think we are all aware of the player Luke Jackson has become. A little oversight on my part prior to the season not predicting his dominance coming into this season but I did not expect his passing capabilities to hold up with others on this list with a C+ rating. His turnovers per game are much higher than others considered but he more than makes up for that with scoring. He currently leads the league in ppg while remaining in the top 10 apg leaders all being done efficiently, shooting close to .500 from the field. He is widely considered the favourite for league MVP at this point in the season and if he can improve on his defensive capabilities he should find himself in the MVP race for many years to come. Picked in the fourth round of the re-draft, Luke Jackson is my pick for the steal of the draft, making the rest of the GMs in the league look silly. The Bulls currently own the leagues highest win percentage which can largely be attributed to the blow up season Luke has had to this point in the season.
2001 Actual Stats: 32 ppg, 7 apg, 6 rpg, 1.3 spg, 4.1 tpg
#2 (Previous Rank #4) Marcus Smart (Trailblazers) - C+ A- A- B+ C- A
Marcus should shine in 2001 on a Portland team without other #1 options. Although, Portland doesn't have the most impressive players, the team should be able to be compete with a solid distributor. We are all aware of Marcus' defensive and stealing capabilities but has now emerged as a perennial offensive threat as well.
Expect Marcus to make an all NBA team and demonstrate his capabilities as a potential all defensive PG. Marcus has clearly become a PG to build a team around and is the perfect building block for a developing Portland team.
2000 Stats: 15 ppg, 7 asp, 5 rpg, 2.2 spg, 2.7 tpg
2001 Projected Stats: 20 ppg, 8 apg, 2.5 spg, 3.0 tpg
2001 Actual Stats: 23 ppg, 7 apg, 2.4 spg, 3.0 tpg
As predicted, Marcus is putting up a great defensive season. What I did not expect was his impressive scoring improvement from 15 ppg to 23 ppg. He has clearly, put himself in discussion for the top PG in the league with predicted jumps to be made in the future with solid potential.
In my eyes, he is the type of PG I would like to build a team around, scoring is obviously no issue and steal and defense are already there. With improved passing I could see Smart head lining this list for many years.
#3 (Previous Rank #2) Bogdan Bogdanovic (Knicks) - C+ A- B B+ C- B
Bogdan may not look like the sexiest player in the league based on his attributes but the man can play. Although listed as a SG, I suspect he will continue to take the PG reigns in the big apple. Bogdan's 2000s season saw him awarded a position on the All-League 2nd Team putting up great all around numbers leading the squeaking the Knicks into a playoff spot.
Similar numbers should be expected in the upcoming season, however unlike others on this list expect less growth moving forward. Bogdan currently sits #2 but this may be his last appearance on this list based on the growth and development around the league. Long term he may be better suited at the SG position but there is no question he is currently a top ITP PG.
2000 Stats: 21 ppg, 7 asp, 5 rpg, 1.8 spg, 3.5 tpg
2001 Projected Stats: 21 ppg, 6 apg, 5 rpg 1.5 spg, 3.5 tpg
2001 Actual Stats: 22 ppg, 8 apg, 5 rpg, 2.1 spg, 2.9 tpg
Bogdan has improved in every statistical category since last season and currently has his Knicks in a strong playoffs spot. Although the Knicks have a solid team, on paper I don't think they match up to many of the Eastern Conference teams which they currently sit above in the standings. This is due in large part because of the play of Bogdan and this should be recognized when considering the top PGs in the league. He still has some of the sexiest PG numbers out there with some of the least sexy player attributes compared to other players on this league.
#4 (Previous Rank #5) Tony Parker (Kings) - C+ B- A- B+ D+ A
Expect big things from Tony Parker this year with a very impressive training camp, coming into the 2021 season looking like a potential all star. After a rough first season, it looks like the Kings have their star of the future. The Kings have a log jam of solid PGs including Tony, Gilbert and Livingston all of which are capable starters meaning one of them will need to play out of position, likely Gilbert, which isn't expected to be an issue.
The Kings, acquired Parker via trade for a couple of 1sts, 2nds and cash. This may have been one of the best trades during the 2000 season.
Tony's handling is exceptional, which will aid with low turnovers while providing great assist numbers. If his scoring can keep up, expect a break out season for him. Continue to expect exceptional growth over the the next seasons with a very high potential.
2000 Stats: 7.9 ppg, 5 asp, 3 rpg, 1.1 spg, 1.9 tpg
2001 Projected Stats: 14 ppg, 8 apg, 3 rpg 1.5 spg, 2.0 tpg
2001 Actual Stats: 23 ppg, 7 apg, 4 rpg, 1.4 spg, 2.1 tpg
The Kings stellar start to the season appears to be no fluke and the main reason why is the play of young PG Tony Parker. As predicted prior to the season, statistical improvements have been seen across the board but most impressively in his scoring, passing and defense. Similar to Smart, Parker is the type of PG you build your team around. With another great training camp there is no reason Parker can't be at the top of this list. Parker has to be considered for the most improved player this season and a player that far exceeded most members of the leagues expectations.
#5 (Previous Rank Unranked) Spencer Dinwiddie (Nuggets) C+ B A B- C- A
Dinwiddie may have been considered a snub from the top 5 PG in the preseason review, but with his low scoring (in comparison to other PGs) last season it was difficult to place him in the top 5. Spencer has demonstrated that he is the leagues top passer, putting up close to 2 apg higher than any other on this list at 9.8 apg. With the fall of Lillard, this opened up a spot for the well deserving, underappreciated Dinwiddie. With his high assist numbers and good scoring, fully expect a repeat appearance on an all league team.
2001 Stats: 17 ppg, 10 apg, 5 rpg, 1.9 spg, 2.7 tpg
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#6 (Previous Rank #1) Tomas Satoransky (Nets) - C B A- A- C- B
Hard to pick anyone other than the 2000 ITP MVP who lead the Nets to the inaugural season championship. Although, Tomas did not take a major step forward as many other PG on this list have, if the Nets PG puts up similar numbers to his 2000 MPV season he will be in the running for the not only the top PG in the league but potentially a back to back MVP. A repeat MVP season may be a stretch considering the improvements to other players across the league but it should not be considered out of the question.
With so many scoring options on the Nets roster, it is difficult to tell if Tomas will be top 3 option this season which may impact his statistics and in turn impact his ability to repeat such a season but any team would be lucky to have a PG of his caliber.
2000 Stats: 20 ppg, 7 apg, 5 rpg, 1.7 spg, 2.8 tpg
2001 Projected Stats: 16 ppg, 7 asp, 4 rpg, 2.0 spg
2001 Actual Stats: 17 ppg, 8 asp, 5.5 rpg, 1.7 spg, 2.2 tpg
The projected stats for Tomas are right about where to be expected. Impressively, this is not good enough for the new Nets GM and he has been removed from the starting PG position for none other than Raef Lafrentz... the 6'11" big man. Quite the surprise, but Raef is playing well, putting up big personal scoring numbers, just not sure if removing the league MVP from position has helped the league champions. We will have to wait and see but expect Tomas stats to drop significantly, specifically the asp and ppg numbers as his value to much lower without the ball in his hands.
#52 (Previous Rank #3) Damian Lillard (Hornets) - B- A- B+ A- C A
Giving up a promising Terrance Ross, three 1st round picks in 2001, 2002, and 2003 the Hornets went all in on Lillard with and as expected it has payed off. The young PG impressed in season 1 putting up impressive scoring and assist numbers.
Surprisingly, Lillard did not make an all NBA team in 2000 but expect that to change in 2001. With a great team surrounding the young PG, his assists are certain to be at the top of the league.
If Damian can improve on turnovers he is pushing for the #1 spot on this list. The turnovers will improve with time and continued camping so expect him to be at #1 by as early as next season.
2000 Stats: 15 ppg, 8 asp, 5 rpg, 1.6 spg, 4.4 tpg
2001 Projected Stats: 18 ppg, 8 apg, 2.0 spg, 3.5 tpg
2001 Actual Stats: 23 ppg, 8 apg, 5 rpg, 2.2 spg, 3.7 tpg
I under estimated Lillards scoring abilities during the preseason article but did accurately predict the remainder of the his stats. Despite being a complete goon (see Day 35 - Hornets vs. Raptors game - Lillard intentionally broke star Ben Gordons leg) he is regarded as one of the top PGs in the league. Unfortunately for Lillard, this article is being written by a Toronto based author and Toronto natives don't feel the same way as the rest of the league. He will no longer find himself in the top 5 PGs. If Lillard can manage to not break another players leg for remainder of the season, maybe we can expect him on next years list.
