Post by jhb on Nov 13, 2019 17:31:02 GMT
1. Greg Oden, Chicago Bulls
Center, 21 years old
Career Stats: 212 games, 31.1 mpg, 22.7 ppg, 11.5 rpg, 1.8 apg, 0.8 spg, 1.8 bpg, 1.3 topg, .560/.200/.693
2027 Per 36: 24.0 ppg, 12.7 rpg, 2.0 apg, 0.9 spg, 2.2 bpg, 1.5 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .531/.231/.723, 1.174 pts/tsa, 22.0 PER
Win Shares: 10.7 WS (38.5 career WS), .261 WS/48 (.288 career WS/48)
Remaining Upgrades: None
This guy is 21 years old and really fucking good on both ends of the court. If he weren't on such a stacked, balanced team he'd probably be putting up 30+ ppg and breaking all kinds of records in his career. Probably the best young big in the league until Shaq stakes his claim in early 2028.
2. Mike Conley, Orlando Magic
Point Guard, 21 years old
Career Stats: 183 games, 34.2 mpg, 12.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 9.6 apg, 1.3 spg, 0.3 bpg, 1.6 topg, .458/.397/.910
2027 Per 36: 19.4 ppg, 4.7 apg, 10.1 apg, 1.4 spg, 0.3 bpg, 1.5 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .489/.462/941, 1.174 pts/tsa, 20.2 PER
Win Shares: 10.4 WS (20.0 career WS), .252 WS/48 (.107 career WS/48)
Remaining Upgrades: +25, Offseason Camp
Giving him the (ever so slight) edge over LeBron here because he appears to be the only point guard in the league that may be capable of stepping into the Kyrie/Oscar level of play at the position. He has a really high ast/tov ratio and plays the point well and his defensive counting stats look much better than a C grade would indicate. He doesn't have any major holes and he still has some upgrade points to be able to continue his growth. Probably deserves Most Improved Player in 2027 and I was already low-key stalking him hoping Skrouse would never come around on him. The talent is undeniable now.
3. LeBron James, Chicago Bulls
Small Forward, 18 years old
Career Stats: 64 games, 36.3 mpg, 22.8 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 5.8 apg, 1.4 spg, 0.4 bpg, 2.1 topg, .522/.214/.812
2027 Per 36: 22.6 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 5.8 apg, 1.4 spg, 0.4 bpg, 2.1 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .522/.214/.812, 1.160 pts/tsa, 20.0 PER
Win Shares: 10.7 WS, .221 WS/48
Remaining Upgrades: Offseason Camp
Walked in on his first day and stepped immediately into the T-Mac/Stephen Jackson stratosphere that they have dominated over other wing players in the league ever since Giannis and Dave Lattin retired. He does a little bit of everything and while I think some expected his defensive counting stats to be a little better, we can't rule out continued improvement in that area. Definite franchise cornerstone and makes the list above some players with slightly better efficiency numbers because he's doing it on the wing where talent is still a little more barren (but this and the previous class may change the outlook on that position moving forward with LeBron, Wade, Dion, Beal, Barnes, Howard, etc. staking their claim).
4. Anthony Davis, Harlem Globetrotters
Power Forward, 20 years old
Career Stats: 134 games, 32.8 mpg, 19.3 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.4 spg, 0.7 bpg, 2.0 topg, .511/.056/.813
2027 Per 36: 22.3 ppg, 10.5 rpg, 3.1 apg, 1.9 spg, 0.7 bpg, 2.3 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .529/.000/.851, 1.201 pts/tsa, 20.1 PER
Win Shares: 10.0 WS (18.5 career WS), .225 WS/48 (.179 career WS/48)
Remaining Upgrades: Offseason Camp
His rebounding and shot-blocking leave a bit to be desired based on the expectations we probably all had for him but don't let that get in the way of realizing this is still a very good young player. He still has an offseason camp left to juice his build as well and should be a building block in a very loaded frontcourt for Harlem in years to come.
5. Dwyane Wade, Chicago Bulls
Shooting Guard, 21 years old
Career Stats:
64 games, 21.4 mpg, 10.9 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.0 spg, 0.2 bpg, 0.8 topg, .580/.000/.909
2027 Per 36: 18.3 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.7 spg, 0.3 bpg, 1.3 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .580/.000/.909, 1.298 pts/tsa, 16.2 PER
Win Shares: 6.1 WS, .214 WS/48
Remaining Upgrades: +10
I don't think that Wade will be able to keep up this absurd efficiency forever, but its a little bit terrifying that he is doing this in the sample that we have so far. LeBron and D-Wade are probably the leagues best wing duo outside of the veterans in Orlando and they're both rookies and both still have some upgrades left to help them continue to improve.
6. Andre Drummond, Atlanta Hawks
Center, 20 years old
Career Stats: 131 games, 29.4 mpg, 18.4 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 2.1 apg, 0.8 spg, 0.5 bpg, 1.4 topg, .544/.000/.525
2027 Per 36: 24.7 ppg, 11.7 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.0 spg, 0.9 bpg, 1.7 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .598/.000/.503, 1.188 pts/tsa, 21.4 PER
Win Shares: 7.6 WS (13.4 career WS), .217 WS/48 (.129 career WS/48)
Remaining Upgrades: None
Drummond is a throwback to Udoka Azubuike from the early days of 5.0, but is much more well-rounded and a more efficient player to boot. While his free throws are sub-ideal, he's still managing 1.188 points per true shot attempt this season. His defense could stand to improve (and hopefully will in TC), but he should form a really formidable duo with Shaq Diesel that will bully opposing frontcourts.
7. Al Horford, Harlem Globetrotters
Power Forward, 23 years old
Career Stats: 223 games, 14.7 mpg, 8.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.9 apg, 0.4 spg, 0.8 bpg, 0.7 topg, .521/.194/.812
2027 Per 36: 19.2 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 4.6 apg, 1.2 spg, 1.9 bpg, 1.5 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .503/.083/.821, 1.131 pts/tsa, 19.3 PER
Win Shares: 5.2 WS (15.3 career WS), .217 WS/48 (.227 career WS/48)
Remaining Upgrades: None
Al is an incredibly efficient player limited only by his lack of elite rebounding ability from carving out a bigger role in the Harlem frontcourt. He is a fairly efficient scorer and great defender and could be a huge addition for anyone that is willing to pry him away from Ward as he has consistently posted a WS/48 number around .225 so far in his young career, which works out to about 14 win shares per 82 games and 36 mpg.
8. Kevin Durant, Dallas Mavericks
Small Forward, 21 years old
Career Stats: 227 games, 31.2 mpg, 17.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.0 spg, 0.2 bpg, 1.2 topg, .478/.398/.832
2027 Per 36: 23.5 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 3.5 apg, 1.2 spg, 0.3 bpg, 1.8 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .479/.413/.850, 1.143 pts/tsa, 18.0 PER
Win Shares: 8.3 WS (21.4 career WS), .176 WS/48 (.131 career WS/48)
Remaining Upgrades: None
While he doesn't do anything at a truly elite level yet, Kevin Durant is clearly a well-rounded and above average player at small forward and in a league where it's hard to find much high end talent at his position, that's insanely valuable. He doesn't give away too much on the defensive end to give you efficient volume scoring on offense and his rebounds are playable (even though you'd like more from a guy with so much length at the position).
9. Dion Waiters, Atlanta Hawks
Shooting Guard, 21 years old
Career Stats: 128 games, 30.5 mpg, 15.6 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.5 spg, 0.2 bpg, 1.1 topg, .479/.335/.806
2027 Per 36: 25.1 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.6 spg, 0.3 bpg, 1.8 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .474/.349/.835, 1.097 pts/tsa, 14.7 PER
Win Shares: 5.1 WS (12.3 career WS), .157 WS/48 (.147 career WS/48)
Remaining Upgrades: Offseason Camp
Some of the shine has worn off his early season performance as his efficiency is down from really high levels early in the season. He's been a little inconsistent from the previous season in his defensive effort and his turnovers so it remains to be seen who the true Dion Waiters is. His high inside grade should fit in well as Atlanta adds Shaq to their frontcourt with Drummond and will likely pivot to a more inside oriented attack on offense.
10. Bradley Beal, Miami Heat
Shooting Guard, 20 years old
Career Stats: 137 games, 25.5 mpg, 10.4 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.0 spg, 0.5 bpg, 1.2 topg, .463/.381/.879
2027 Per 36: 18.7 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.1 spg, 0.7 bpg, 1.8 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .471/.420/.910, 1.13 pts/tsa, 15.1 PER
Win Shares: 4.5 WS (8.8 career WS), .144 WS/48 (.104 career WS/48)
Remaining Upgrades: None
Really exciting potential for Beal as we wait to see if Miami's outside oriented attack can continue to unlock some of his scoring potential. He has a bit of Bradley Bleals to his defensive game and his rebounding numbers look great for a shooting guard. I anticipate that Beal could make a huge leap on this next year as he continues to flourish next to Kyrie Irving in Miami.
11. Marc Gasol, Orlando Magic
Center, 24 years old
Career Stats: 192 games, 23.3 mpg, 12.5 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 1.5 apg, 0.6 spg, 0.8 bpg, 1.3 topg, .507/.000/.659
2027 Per 36: 18.7 ppg, 12.0 rpg, 2.0 apg, 1.0 spg, 1.2 bpg, 1.6 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .529/.000/.758, 1.17 pts/tsa, 17.6 PER
Win Shares: 7.2 WS (14.8 career WS), .207 WS/48 (.129 career WS/48)
Remaining Upgrades: None
Gasol is an efficient scorer and he doesn't give anything away with his defense and rebounding. He probably is who he is as a player at this point at 24 years old with no upgrades left. He's a starter quality big but would ideally be an elite third big on a championship team.
12. Yinka Dare, Atlanta Hawks
Center, 24 years old
Career Stats: 316 games, 26.2 mpg, 11.8 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 1.5 apg, 0.7 spg, 1.0 bpg, 1.3 topg, .481/.148/.684
2027 Per 36: 17.4 ppg, 11.9 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.2 spg, 1.6 bpg, 1.7 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .509/.111/.693, 1.123 pts/tsa, 16.8 PER
Win Shares: 7.7 WS (24.9 career WS), .184 WS/48 (.131 career WS/48)
Remaining Upgrades: Offseason Camp
Dare does everything well but nothing spectacular. He scores at a decent clip but you'd love to see more efficiency, his rebounding is solid but not elite, he gets steals and blocks but doesn't do either at a truly elite level, he doesn't turn it over too much but then again he doesn't really use a lot of possessions. Dare is another like Gasol who can start in a pinch but is ideally a third big and probably won't take another big leap at 24 years old and only an offseason camp left to help him improve.
13. Damian Lillard, Orlando Magic
Point Guard, 22 years old
Career Stats: 139 games, 27.7 mpg, 14.7 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.2 apg, 0.6 spg, 0.1 bpg, 0.8 topg
2027 Per 36: 18.6 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 3.9 apg, 0.9 spg, 0.2 bpg, 1.1 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .454/.449/.833, 1.086 pts/tsa, 14.7 PER
Win Shares: 7.3 WS (13.5 career WS), .157 WS/48 (.184 career WS/48)
Remaining Upgrades: None
Dame is in a bit of a sophomore slump with his scoring but I think he's better than this year's numbers indicate. He doesn't pass much and I'm not sure how much of his time has been truly spent playing the point so far so I'm not sure if he sticks in that position long-term. But worst case he's probably an elite option off the bench as a combo guard, but I think he still has the ability to be really good as a starting 1 or 2. Stay the course.
14. Draymond Green, Detroit Pistons
Power Forward, 23 years old
Career Stats: 144 games, 13.6 mpg, 5.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.4 apg, 0.3 spg, 0.5 bpg, 0.8 topg, .510/.556/.700
2027 Per 36: 13.7 ppg, 11.4 rpg, 4.1 apg, 0.8 spg, 1.3 bpg, 2.3 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .529/.500/.675, 1.148 pts/tsa, 14.8 PER
Win Shares: 2.6 WS (6.8 career WS), .142 WS/48 (.186 career WS/48)
Remaining Upgrades: +25, Offseason Camp
I'm almost hoping Shawn Kemp retires just so we can see more Draymond. He doesn't do a lot of scoring, but he does a little bit of everything else. His turnovers are a bit concerning since he's so low volume, but he does play a little defense and rebounds fairly well and he still has a lot of upgrades left to help him improve. Looking forward to seeing him carve out a bit larger of a role in Detroit moving forward.
15. Josh Howard, Tri-Cities Blackhawks
Small Forward, 22 years old
Career Stats: 66 games, 16.7 mpg, 6.3 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 0.6 apg, 0.7 spg, 0.1 bpg, 0.6 topg, .508/.000/.752
2027 Per 36: 13.6 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.5 spg, 0.2 bpg, 1.3 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .508/.000/.752, 1.104 pts/tsa, 13.1 PER
Win Shares: 2.0 WS, .131 WS/48
Remaining Upgrades: +25
Poor man's Dwyane Wade. It appears they were both made to come and score inside with no three point shooting, but you don't get quite the contributions on defense with Howard and his scoring isn't quite at that level. Probably a starting level wing for most of his career with some more upgrades to his coring.
16. Harrison Barnes, Tri-Cities Blackhawks
Small Forward, 21 years old
Career Stats: 148 games, 21.0 mpg, 8.4 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.0 apg, 0.7 spg, 0.3 bpg, 0.9 topg, .476/.258/.790
2027 Per 36: 15.3 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 3.5 apg, 1.2 spg, 0.6 bpg, 1.4 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .448/.192/.788, 1.006 pts/tsa, 13.6 PER
Win Shares: 3.5 WS (9.8 career WS), .137 WS/48 (.160 career WS/48)
Remaining Upgrades: Offseason Camp
Harrison Barnes is seemingly in the same sophomore slump that got Damian Lillard, but unfortunately I'm not as optimistic about his ability to bounce back from it as he doesn't have nearly the same scoring grades. Worst case he's still a fairly valuable rotation piece on the wing as his defense is passable and he's an elite rebounder for the position. Hopefully the scoring efficiency makes a comeback and we seem him operate closer to what he was as a rookie on that end.
17. Glen Davis, Dallas Mavericks
Power Forward, 23 years old
Career Stats: 227 games, 26.7 mpg, 14.2 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 1.6 apg, 0.8 spg, 0.6 bpg, 1.8 topg, .496/.200/.707
2027 Per 36: 18.4 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.2 spg, 0.8 bpg, 2.0 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .539/.250/.719, 1.175 pts/tsa, 15.9 PER
Win Shares: 5.8 WS (13.0 career WS), .161 WS/48 (.080 career WS/48)
Remaining Upgrades: Offseason Camp, 2027 Mentorship
I don't know that anyone is ever going to love Big Baby's defense or rebounding but right now he can fucking put the ball in the basket so I can foresee a very long career for him as a third big on competitive teams.
18. Corey Brewer, Miami Heat
Small Forward, 23 years old
Career Stats: 223 games, 21.0 mpg, 7.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.2 apg, 0.7 spg, 0.5 bpg, 1.0 topg, .458/.361/.706
2027 Per 36: 10.7 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.2 spg, 1.0 bpg, 1.2 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .460/.348/.696, 1.045 pts/tsa, 10.4 PER
Win Shares: 1.9 WS (8.5 career WS), .104 WS/48 (.083 career WS/48)
Remaining Upgrades: Offseason Camp
Brewer makes me think of like a rich man's Jerry Sloan. He may never be a star or even someone you trust to start all the time but I think he definitely can be an integral piece on very good teams.
19. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Chicago Bulls
Small Forward, 20 years old
Career Stats: 146 games, 16.5 mpg, 3.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 0.8 apg, 0.8 spg, 0.6 bpg, 0.8 topg, .471/.000/.617
2027 Per 36: 8.1 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.8 spg, 1.5 bpg, 1.5 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .486/.000/.603, 1.022 pts/tsa, 9.1 PER
Win Shares: 1.9 WS (3.9 career WS), .100 WS/48 (.065 career WS/48)
Remaining Upgrades: +15
I don't know if he'll ever actually be good but the defense on the wing is interesting and worth something. Let's see how he looks after he gets the rest of his upgrades. The biggest bone to pick I have here is that he could have much more versatility and be an emergency option at the 4 or 5 if his rebounding was at all worth a shit.
20. Zarko Cabarkapa, Chicago Bulls
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Power Forward, 22 years old
Career Stats:
53 games, 29.2 mpg, 19.2 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 2.1 apg, 0.7 spg, 0.6 bpg, 1.6 topg, .488/.000/.665
2027 Per 36: 23.7 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 2.6 apg, 0.9 spg, 0.7 bpg, 2.0 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .488/.000/.665, 1.071 pts/tsa, 18.0 PER
Win Shares: 3.8 WS, .118 WS/48
Remaining Upgrades: +25, Offseason Camp, 2027-2029 Mentorships
Zarko can clearly put the ball in the basket, but I'm not sure if he'll ever be more than that. His D shown potential scares me, but fortunately Tim still has a lot of points he can put into him to help continue to work his build. Between Zarko and Darko I think there is probably at least one guy here who can be the Bulls' long-term third big in the post-Jonas era.
21. Darko Milicic, Chicago Bulls
Power Forward, 18 years old
Career Stats: 49 games, 27.2 mpg, 12.3 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 1.6 apg, 0.8 spg, 1.1 bpg, 1.3 topg
2027 Per 36: 16.3 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.1 spg, 1.5 bpg, 1.7 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .448/.313/.794, 1.059 pts/tsa, 14.4 PER
Win Shares: 2.8 WS, .101 WS/48
Remaining Upgrades: +25, Offseason Camp
He can do some things and he still has another teenage TC up his sleeve to potentially blow up. I like what I'm seeing so far with the scoring, you can build on that. His rebounding needs work, but that grows fast for bigs. The defense is intriguing, especially for a big with C+ C+ D/R. He's built like someone who could potentially turn into a star with a lot of TC luck. Will be an interesting career to follow, or maybe it won't be. We'll see. Next TC will be huge.
22. Jared Sullinger, Portland Trail Blazers
Power Forward, 21 years old
Career Stats: 23 games, 5.3 mpg, 2.1 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 0.3 apg, 0.3 spg, 0.1 bpg, 0.2 topg, .630/.000/.652
2027 Per 36: 14.7 ppg, 14.0 rpg, 2.0 apg, 1.3 spg, 0.7 bpg, 1.3 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .667/.000/.684, 1.404 pts/tsa, 18.5 PER
Win Shares: 0.5 WS (0.6 career WS), .261 WS/48
Remaining Upgrades: +25, Offseason Camp, 2027-2028 Mentorship
Sullinger has starred in a (EXTREMELY) small sample size so far. Give this man some attention, Majic! His grades look pretty good to build on and you may have something here.
23. Jason Kidd, Orlando Magic
Point Guard, 24 years old
Career Stats: 374 games, 30.6 mpg, 7.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 7.4 apg, 1.5 spg, 0.1 bpg, 1.3 topg, .452/.331/.813
2027 Per 36: 8.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 9.1 apg, 1.8 spg, 0.2 bpg, 1.6 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .474/.250/.859, 1.063 pts/tsa, 13.0 PER
Win Shares: 4.3 WS (31.2 career WS), .137 WS/48 (.130 career WS/48)
Remaining Upgrades: Offseason Camp
At this point he probably is who he is and that's a decent backup point guard. His rebounding and defense are a little bit disappointing.
24. Kendall Marshall, Atlanta Hawks
Point Guard, 21 years old
Career Stats: 43 games, 17.3 mpg, 5.1 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 4.6 apg, 0.6 spg, 0.2 bpg, 0.7 topg, .420/.357/.788
2027 Per 36: 10.6 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 9.6 apg, 1.2 spg, 0.4 bpg, 1.5 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .420/.357/.788, 0.983 pts/tsa, 13.1 PER
Win Shares: 2.0 WS, .129 WS/48
Remaining Upgrades: +25, Offseason Camp
Probably a backup PG long-term but doesn't turn it over and his counting stats look better than his grade on defense. Could potentially be a low cost starter on an inside-focused team? Still has some room to grow as well.
25. Tyler Zeller, Tri-Cities Blackhawks
Center, 23 years old
Career Stats: 134 games, 29.3 mpg, 11.2 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 1.7 apg, 0.8 spg, 0.5 bpg, 1.8 topg
2027 Per 36: 13.7 ppg, 12.1 rpg, 2.1 apg, 0.8 spg, 0.5 bpg, 2.2 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .458/.000/.679, 1.039 pts/tsa, 12.4 PER
Win Shares: 3.9 WS (9.6 career WS), .121 WS/48 (.115 career WS/48)
Remaining Upgrades: +25, Offseason Camp, 2027-2028 Mentorship
Someone had to be here. I guess he rebounds well and could turn into a bit of a scorer. Maybe a third big at best. Also he needs a nose job.
*Disclaimers*
- Career WS includes current year and all prior years
- Career WS/48 only includes prior year data
- All stats current as of Sim 9, 2027 and all upgrade information based on sheet in Labs page
Center, 21 years old
Career Stats: 212 games, 31.1 mpg, 22.7 ppg, 11.5 rpg, 1.8 apg, 0.8 spg, 1.8 bpg, 1.3 topg, .560/.200/.693
2027 Per 36: 24.0 ppg, 12.7 rpg, 2.0 apg, 0.9 spg, 2.2 bpg, 1.5 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .531/.231/.723, 1.174 pts/tsa, 22.0 PER
Win Shares: 10.7 WS (38.5 career WS), .261 WS/48 (.288 career WS/48)
Remaining Upgrades: None
This guy is 21 years old and really fucking good on both ends of the court. If he weren't on such a stacked, balanced team he'd probably be putting up 30+ ppg and breaking all kinds of records in his career. Probably the best young big in the league until Shaq stakes his claim in early 2028.
2. Mike Conley, Orlando Magic
Point Guard, 21 years old
Career Stats: 183 games, 34.2 mpg, 12.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 9.6 apg, 1.3 spg, 0.3 bpg, 1.6 topg, .458/.397/.910
2027 Per 36: 19.4 ppg, 4.7 apg, 10.1 apg, 1.4 spg, 0.3 bpg, 1.5 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .489/.462/941, 1.174 pts/tsa, 20.2 PER
Win Shares: 10.4 WS (20.0 career WS), .252 WS/48 (.107 career WS/48)
Remaining Upgrades: +25, Offseason Camp
Giving him the (ever so slight) edge over LeBron here because he appears to be the only point guard in the league that may be capable of stepping into the Kyrie/Oscar level of play at the position. He has a really high ast/tov ratio and plays the point well and his defensive counting stats look much better than a C grade would indicate. He doesn't have any major holes and he still has some upgrade points to be able to continue his growth. Probably deserves Most Improved Player in 2027 and I was already low-key stalking him hoping Skrouse would never come around on him. The talent is undeniable now.
3. LeBron James, Chicago Bulls
Small Forward, 18 years old
Career Stats: 64 games, 36.3 mpg, 22.8 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 5.8 apg, 1.4 spg, 0.4 bpg, 2.1 topg, .522/.214/.812
2027 Per 36: 22.6 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 5.8 apg, 1.4 spg, 0.4 bpg, 2.1 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .522/.214/.812, 1.160 pts/tsa, 20.0 PER
Win Shares: 10.7 WS, .221 WS/48
Remaining Upgrades: Offseason Camp
Walked in on his first day and stepped immediately into the T-Mac/Stephen Jackson stratosphere that they have dominated over other wing players in the league ever since Giannis and Dave Lattin retired. He does a little bit of everything and while I think some expected his defensive counting stats to be a little better, we can't rule out continued improvement in that area. Definite franchise cornerstone and makes the list above some players with slightly better efficiency numbers because he's doing it on the wing where talent is still a little more barren (but this and the previous class may change the outlook on that position moving forward with LeBron, Wade, Dion, Beal, Barnes, Howard, etc. staking their claim).
4. Anthony Davis, Harlem Globetrotters
Power Forward, 20 years old
Career Stats: 134 games, 32.8 mpg, 19.3 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.4 spg, 0.7 bpg, 2.0 topg, .511/.056/.813
2027 Per 36: 22.3 ppg, 10.5 rpg, 3.1 apg, 1.9 spg, 0.7 bpg, 2.3 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .529/.000/.851, 1.201 pts/tsa, 20.1 PER
Win Shares: 10.0 WS (18.5 career WS), .225 WS/48 (.179 career WS/48)
Remaining Upgrades: Offseason Camp
His rebounding and shot-blocking leave a bit to be desired based on the expectations we probably all had for him but don't let that get in the way of realizing this is still a very good young player. He still has an offseason camp left to juice his build as well and should be a building block in a very loaded frontcourt for Harlem in years to come.
5. Dwyane Wade, Chicago Bulls
Shooting Guard, 21 years old
Career Stats:
64 games, 21.4 mpg, 10.9 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.0 spg, 0.2 bpg, 0.8 topg, .580/.000/.909
2027 Per 36: 18.3 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.7 spg, 0.3 bpg, 1.3 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .580/.000/.909, 1.298 pts/tsa, 16.2 PER
Win Shares: 6.1 WS, .214 WS/48
Remaining Upgrades: +10
I don't think that Wade will be able to keep up this absurd efficiency forever, but its a little bit terrifying that he is doing this in the sample that we have so far. LeBron and D-Wade are probably the leagues best wing duo outside of the veterans in Orlando and they're both rookies and both still have some upgrades left to help them continue to improve.
6. Andre Drummond, Atlanta Hawks
Center, 20 years old
Career Stats: 131 games, 29.4 mpg, 18.4 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 2.1 apg, 0.8 spg, 0.5 bpg, 1.4 topg, .544/.000/.525
2027 Per 36: 24.7 ppg, 11.7 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.0 spg, 0.9 bpg, 1.7 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .598/.000/.503, 1.188 pts/tsa, 21.4 PER
Win Shares: 7.6 WS (13.4 career WS), .217 WS/48 (.129 career WS/48)
Remaining Upgrades: None
Drummond is a throwback to Udoka Azubuike from the early days of 5.0, but is much more well-rounded and a more efficient player to boot. While his free throws are sub-ideal, he's still managing 1.188 points per true shot attempt this season. His defense could stand to improve (and hopefully will in TC), but he should form a really formidable duo with Shaq Diesel that will bully opposing frontcourts.
7. Al Horford, Harlem Globetrotters
Power Forward, 23 years old
Career Stats: 223 games, 14.7 mpg, 8.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.9 apg, 0.4 spg, 0.8 bpg, 0.7 topg, .521/.194/.812
2027 Per 36: 19.2 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 4.6 apg, 1.2 spg, 1.9 bpg, 1.5 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .503/.083/.821, 1.131 pts/tsa, 19.3 PER
Win Shares: 5.2 WS (15.3 career WS), .217 WS/48 (.227 career WS/48)
Remaining Upgrades: None
Al is an incredibly efficient player limited only by his lack of elite rebounding ability from carving out a bigger role in the Harlem frontcourt. He is a fairly efficient scorer and great defender and could be a huge addition for anyone that is willing to pry him away from Ward as he has consistently posted a WS/48 number around .225 so far in his young career, which works out to about 14 win shares per 82 games and 36 mpg.
8. Kevin Durant, Dallas Mavericks
Small Forward, 21 years old
Career Stats: 227 games, 31.2 mpg, 17.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.0 spg, 0.2 bpg, 1.2 topg, .478/.398/.832
2027 Per 36: 23.5 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 3.5 apg, 1.2 spg, 0.3 bpg, 1.8 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .479/.413/.850, 1.143 pts/tsa, 18.0 PER
Win Shares: 8.3 WS (21.4 career WS), .176 WS/48 (.131 career WS/48)
Remaining Upgrades: None
While he doesn't do anything at a truly elite level yet, Kevin Durant is clearly a well-rounded and above average player at small forward and in a league where it's hard to find much high end talent at his position, that's insanely valuable. He doesn't give away too much on the defensive end to give you efficient volume scoring on offense and his rebounds are playable (even though you'd like more from a guy with so much length at the position).
9. Dion Waiters, Atlanta Hawks
Shooting Guard, 21 years old
Career Stats: 128 games, 30.5 mpg, 15.6 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.5 spg, 0.2 bpg, 1.1 topg, .479/.335/.806
2027 Per 36: 25.1 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.6 spg, 0.3 bpg, 1.8 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .474/.349/.835, 1.097 pts/tsa, 14.7 PER
Win Shares: 5.1 WS (12.3 career WS), .157 WS/48 (.147 career WS/48)
Remaining Upgrades: Offseason Camp
Some of the shine has worn off his early season performance as his efficiency is down from really high levels early in the season. He's been a little inconsistent from the previous season in his defensive effort and his turnovers so it remains to be seen who the true Dion Waiters is. His high inside grade should fit in well as Atlanta adds Shaq to their frontcourt with Drummond and will likely pivot to a more inside oriented attack on offense.
10. Bradley Beal, Miami Heat
Shooting Guard, 20 years old
Career Stats: 137 games, 25.5 mpg, 10.4 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.0 spg, 0.5 bpg, 1.2 topg, .463/.381/.879
2027 Per 36: 18.7 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.1 spg, 0.7 bpg, 1.8 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .471/.420/.910, 1.13 pts/tsa, 15.1 PER
Win Shares: 4.5 WS (8.8 career WS), .144 WS/48 (.104 career WS/48)
Remaining Upgrades: None
Really exciting potential for Beal as we wait to see if Miami's outside oriented attack can continue to unlock some of his scoring potential. He has a bit of Bradley Bleals to his defensive game and his rebounding numbers look great for a shooting guard. I anticipate that Beal could make a huge leap on this next year as he continues to flourish next to Kyrie Irving in Miami.
11. Marc Gasol, Orlando Magic
Center, 24 years old
Career Stats: 192 games, 23.3 mpg, 12.5 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 1.5 apg, 0.6 spg, 0.8 bpg, 1.3 topg, .507/.000/.659
2027 Per 36: 18.7 ppg, 12.0 rpg, 2.0 apg, 1.0 spg, 1.2 bpg, 1.6 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .529/.000/.758, 1.17 pts/tsa, 17.6 PER
Win Shares: 7.2 WS (14.8 career WS), .207 WS/48 (.129 career WS/48)
Remaining Upgrades: None
Gasol is an efficient scorer and he doesn't give anything away with his defense and rebounding. He probably is who he is as a player at this point at 24 years old with no upgrades left. He's a starter quality big but would ideally be an elite third big on a championship team.
12. Yinka Dare, Atlanta Hawks
Center, 24 years old
Career Stats: 316 games, 26.2 mpg, 11.8 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 1.5 apg, 0.7 spg, 1.0 bpg, 1.3 topg, .481/.148/.684
2027 Per 36: 17.4 ppg, 11.9 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.2 spg, 1.6 bpg, 1.7 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .509/.111/.693, 1.123 pts/tsa, 16.8 PER
Win Shares: 7.7 WS (24.9 career WS), .184 WS/48 (.131 career WS/48)
Remaining Upgrades: Offseason Camp
Dare does everything well but nothing spectacular. He scores at a decent clip but you'd love to see more efficiency, his rebounding is solid but not elite, he gets steals and blocks but doesn't do either at a truly elite level, he doesn't turn it over too much but then again he doesn't really use a lot of possessions. Dare is another like Gasol who can start in a pinch but is ideally a third big and probably won't take another big leap at 24 years old and only an offseason camp left to help him improve.
13. Damian Lillard, Orlando Magic
Point Guard, 22 years old
Career Stats: 139 games, 27.7 mpg, 14.7 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.2 apg, 0.6 spg, 0.1 bpg, 0.8 topg
2027 Per 36: 18.6 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 3.9 apg, 0.9 spg, 0.2 bpg, 1.1 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .454/.449/.833, 1.086 pts/tsa, 14.7 PER
Win Shares: 7.3 WS (13.5 career WS), .157 WS/48 (.184 career WS/48)
Remaining Upgrades: None
Dame is in a bit of a sophomore slump with his scoring but I think he's better than this year's numbers indicate. He doesn't pass much and I'm not sure how much of his time has been truly spent playing the point so far so I'm not sure if he sticks in that position long-term. But worst case he's probably an elite option off the bench as a combo guard, but I think he still has the ability to be really good as a starting 1 or 2. Stay the course.
14. Draymond Green, Detroit Pistons
Power Forward, 23 years old
Career Stats: 144 games, 13.6 mpg, 5.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.4 apg, 0.3 spg, 0.5 bpg, 0.8 topg, .510/.556/.700
2027 Per 36: 13.7 ppg, 11.4 rpg, 4.1 apg, 0.8 spg, 1.3 bpg, 2.3 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .529/.500/.675, 1.148 pts/tsa, 14.8 PER
Win Shares: 2.6 WS (6.8 career WS), .142 WS/48 (.186 career WS/48)
Remaining Upgrades: +25, Offseason Camp
I'm almost hoping Shawn Kemp retires just so we can see more Draymond. He doesn't do a lot of scoring, but he does a little bit of everything else. His turnovers are a bit concerning since he's so low volume, but he does play a little defense and rebounds fairly well and he still has a lot of upgrades left to help him improve. Looking forward to seeing him carve out a bit larger of a role in Detroit moving forward.
15. Josh Howard, Tri-Cities Blackhawks
Small Forward, 22 years old
Career Stats: 66 games, 16.7 mpg, 6.3 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 0.6 apg, 0.7 spg, 0.1 bpg, 0.6 topg, .508/.000/.752
2027 Per 36: 13.6 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.5 spg, 0.2 bpg, 1.3 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .508/.000/.752, 1.104 pts/tsa, 13.1 PER
Win Shares: 2.0 WS, .131 WS/48
Remaining Upgrades: +25
Poor man's Dwyane Wade. It appears they were both made to come and score inside with no three point shooting, but you don't get quite the contributions on defense with Howard and his scoring isn't quite at that level. Probably a starting level wing for most of his career with some more upgrades to his coring.
16. Harrison Barnes, Tri-Cities Blackhawks
Small Forward, 21 years old
Career Stats: 148 games, 21.0 mpg, 8.4 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.0 apg, 0.7 spg, 0.3 bpg, 0.9 topg, .476/.258/.790
2027 Per 36: 15.3 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 3.5 apg, 1.2 spg, 0.6 bpg, 1.4 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .448/.192/.788, 1.006 pts/tsa, 13.6 PER
Win Shares: 3.5 WS (9.8 career WS), .137 WS/48 (.160 career WS/48)
Remaining Upgrades: Offseason Camp
Harrison Barnes is seemingly in the same sophomore slump that got Damian Lillard, but unfortunately I'm not as optimistic about his ability to bounce back from it as he doesn't have nearly the same scoring grades. Worst case he's still a fairly valuable rotation piece on the wing as his defense is passable and he's an elite rebounder for the position. Hopefully the scoring efficiency makes a comeback and we seem him operate closer to what he was as a rookie on that end.
17. Glen Davis, Dallas Mavericks
Power Forward, 23 years old
Career Stats: 227 games, 26.7 mpg, 14.2 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 1.6 apg, 0.8 spg, 0.6 bpg, 1.8 topg, .496/.200/.707
2027 Per 36: 18.4 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.2 spg, 0.8 bpg, 2.0 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .539/.250/.719, 1.175 pts/tsa, 15.9 PER
Win Shares: 5.8 WS (13.0 career WS), .161 WS/48 (.080 career WS/48)
Remaining Upgrades: Offseason Camp, 2027 Mentorship
I don't know that anyone is ever going to love Big Baby's defense or rebounding but right now he can fucking put the ball in the basket so I can foresee a very long career for him as a third big on competitive teams.
18. Corey Brewer, Miami Heat
Small Forward, 23 years old
Career Stats: 223 games, 21.0 mpg, 7.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.2 apg, 0.7 spg, 0.5 bpg, 1.0 topg, .458/.361/.706
2027 Per 36: 10.7 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.2 spg, 1.0 bpg, 1.2 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .460/.348/.696, 1.045 pts/tsa, 10.4 PER
Win Shares: 1.9 WS (8.5 career WS), .104 WS/48 (.083 career WS/48)
Remaining Upgrades: Offseason Camp
Brewer makes me think of like a rich man's Jerry Sloan. He may never be a star or even someone you trust to start all the time but I think he definitely can be an integral piece on very good teams.
19. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Chicago Bulls
Small Forward, 20 years old
Career Stats: 146 games, 16.5 mpg, 3.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 0.8 apg, 0.8 spg, 0.6 bpg, 0.8 topg, .471/.000/.617
2027 Per 36: 8.1 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.8 spg, 1.5 bpg, 1.5 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .486/.000/.603, 1.022 pts/tsa, 9.1 PER
Win Shares: 1.9 WS (3.9 career WS), .100 WS/48 (.065 career WS/48)
Remaining Upgrades: +15
I don't know if he'll ever actually be good but the defense on the wing is interesting and worth something. Let's see how he looks after he gets the rest of his upgrades. The biggest bone to pick I have here is that he could have much more versatility and be an emergency option at the 4 or 5 if his rebounding was at all worth a shit.
20. Zarko Cabarkapa, Chicago Bulls
Power Forward, 22 years old
Career Stats:
53 games, 29.2 mpg, 19.2 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 2.1 apg, 0.7 spg, 0.6 bpg, 1.6 topg, .488/.000/.665
2027 Per 36: 23.7 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 2.6 apg, 0.9 spg, 0.7 bpg, 2.0 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .488/.000/.665, 1.071 pts/tsa, 18.0 PER
Win Shares: 3.8 WS, .118 WS/48
Remaining Upgrades: +25, Offseason Camp, 2027-2029 Mentorships
Zarko can clearly put the ball in the basket, but I'm not sure if he'll ever be more than that. His D shown potential scares me, but fortunately Tim still has a lot of points he can put into him to help continue to work his build. Between Zarko and Darko I think there is probably at least one guy here who can be the Bulls' long-term third big in the post-Jonas era.
21. Darko Milicic, Chicago Bulls
Power Forward, 18 years old
Career Stats: 49 games, 27.2 mpg, 12.3 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 1.6 apg, 0.8 spg, 1.1 bpg, 1.3 topg
2027 Per 36: 16.3 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.1 spg, 1.5 bpg, 1.7 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .448/.313/.794, 1.059 pts/tsa, 14.4 PER
Win Shares: 2.8 WS, .101 WS/48
Remaining Upgrades: +25, Offseason Camp
He can do some things and he still has another teenage TC up his sleeve to potentially blow up. I like what I'm seeing so far with the scoring, you can build on that. His rebounding needs work, but that grows fast for bigs. The defense is intriguing, especially for a big with C+ C+ D/R. He's built like someone who could potentially turn into a star with a lot of TC luck. Will be an interesting career to follow, or maybe it won't be. We'll see. Next TC will be huge.
22. Jared Sullinger, Portland Trail Blazers
Power Forward, 21 years old
Career Stats: 23 games, 5.3 mpg, 2.1 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 0.3 apg, 0.3 spg, 0.1 bpg, 0.2 topg, .630/.000/.652
2027 Per 36: 14.7 ppg, 14.0 rpg, 2.0 apg, 1.3 spg, 0.7 bpg, 1.3 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .667/.000/.684, 1.404 pts/tsa, 18.5 PER
Win Shares: 0.5 WS (0.6 career WS), .261 WS/48
Remaining Upgrades: +25, Offseason Camp, 2027-2028 Mentorship
Sullinger has starred in a (EXTREMELY) small sample size so far. Give this man some attention, Majic! His grades look pretty good to build on and you may have something here.
23. Jason Kidd, Orlando Magic
Point Guard, 24 years old
Career Stats: 374 games, 30.6 mpg, 7.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 7.4 apg, 1.5 spg, 0.1 bpg, 1.3 topg, .452/.331/.813
2027 Per 36: 8.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 9.1 apg, 1.8 spg, 0.2 bpg, 1.6 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .474/.250/.859, 1.063 pts/tsa, 13.0 PER
Win Shares: 4.3 WS (31.2 career WS), .137 WS/48 (.130 career WS/48)
Remaining Upgrades: Offseason Camp
At this point he probably is who he is and that's a decent backup point guard. His rebounding and defense are a little bit disappointing.
24. Kendall Marshall, Atlanta Hawks
Point Guard, 21 years old
Career Stats: 43 games, 17.3 mpg, 5.1 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 4.6 apg, 0.6 spg, 0.2 bpg, 0.7 topg, .420/.357/.788
2027 Per 36: 10.6 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 9.6 apg, 1.2 spg, 0.4 bpg, 1.5 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .420/.357/.788, 0.983 pts/tsa, 13.1 PER
Win Shares: 2.0 WS, .129 WS/48
Remaining Upgrades: +25, Offseason Camp
Probably a backup PG long-term but doesn't turn it over and his counting stats look better than his grade on defense. Could potentially be a low cost starter on an inside-focused team? Still has some room to grow as well.
25. Tyler Zeller, Tri-Cities Blackhawks
Center, 23 years old
Career Stats: 134 games, 29.3 mpg, 11.2 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 1.7 apg, 0.8 spg, 0.5 bpg, 1.8 topg
2027 Per 36: 13.7 ppg, 12.1 rpg, 2.1 apg, 0.8 spg, 0.5 bpg, 2.2 topg
2027 Efficiency Stats: .458/.000/.679, 1.039 pts/tsa, 12.4 PER
Win Shares: 3.9 WS (9.6 career WS), .121 WS/48 (.115 career WS/48)
Remaining Upgrades: +25, Offseason Camp, 2027-2028 Mentorship
Someone had to be here. I guess he rebounds well and could turn into a bit of a scorer. Maybe a third big at best. Also he needs a nose job.
*Disclaimers*
- Career WS includes current year and all prior years
- Career WS/48 only includes prior year data
- All stats current as of Sim 9, 2027 and all upgrade information based on sheet in Labs page
