Top 25 Trade Assets - Presented by Majic and Druce
Apr 9, 2020 15:21:27 GMT
TimPig, 👨🏼⚕️delapandemic🚑, and 1 more like this
Post by Majic on Apr 9, 2020 15:21:27 GMT
We thought it would be a perfect time to re-introduce an old Sim League article. Please enjoy.
Tier 1: “Completely and Utterly Untouchable”
1. Lebron James
Age: 26
Position: SF / PF
3035 Stats:
35.3 31.3 11.5 4.9 2.0 1.2 2.3 .512 .921 .421
Contract:
Year 1: $18,750,000
Year 2: $20,312,500
Year 3: $21,875,000
Druce Comments: One of the most dominant sim players of all time. I don’t have access to Nick Diaz’ stats, but I’m sure he’s gotta be pretty comparable. Simply put no one else really comes particularly close.
Majic Comments: Not much to say here that everyone doesn't already know. Truly elite and easily the best we have seen in 5.0. HOF worthy in 2 different positions, worth every penny and I wouldn't trade him for anything.
2. Dominique Wilkins
Age: 26
Position: SF
3035 Stats:
32.2 24.7 7.0 1.3 1.0 0.2 1.7 .532 .792 .324
Contract:
Year 1: $10,396,910
Year 2: $11,342,083
Year 3: $12,287,257
Year 4: $13,232,430
Year 5: $14,177,604
Druce Comments: Numbers are muted a bit by his teammates but make no mistake this guy is an insane value on a non-max contract. I personally probably wouldn’t trade Cummings or Durant for him, but we had to come to some kind of consensus here.
Majic Comments: Overshadowed a bit since he plays with Lebron and Oscar but he is truly elite. Still relatively young and is signed for a couple more years on a deal that is slightly less than max. Again, another guy that no deal could match his value.
3. Terry Cummings
Age: 26
Position: PF
3035 Stats:
34.5 30.0 10.1 1.8 1.2 1.7 2.3 .520 .906 .348
Contract:
Year 1: $6,500,000
Year 2: $6,500,000
Year 3: $6,500,000
Druce Comments: Not a better value in the league in terms of contract and production. A corner stone player for less than $10 mil a season is very difficult to come by, Cummings is a complete player and an extreme value.
Majic Comments: Initially I had him a little lower on my list, but after reviewing there is alot to like with Terry. Highly efficient scoring, solid rebounding to go along with good-to-great defense. Most importantly he is signed to an extremely low contract for another couple years.
4. Kevin Durant
Age: 29
Position: SF
3035 Stats:
35.6 26.2 6.3 3.8 2.5 0.5 2.2 .523 .944 .480
Contract:
Year 1: $19,000,000
Year 2: $19,000,000
Year 3: $19,000,000
Year 4: $19,000,000
Year 5: $19,000,000
Druce Comments: Huge fan of Durant’s game. His numbers have exploded in the Couv due to management using him correctly and I have no doubt had he been healthy I’m the 1 seed in the west. It’s a shame he was plugged into an inside offense for so long, would love to see career numbers with an outside focus.
Majic Comments: Durant is a little older than the other players high on our list and a bit more expensive, but it's the price you pay for a guy of his caliber. KD has finally been unleashed with a team built around him and a GM that is invested. He is locked up long term but you should expect his scoring and defensive numbers to age nicely.
5. Tyler Ennis
Age: 23
Position: PG
3035 Stats:
38.4 21.7 4.5 11.3 1.7 0.2 1.6 .454 .872 .365
Contract:
Year 1: $8,500,000
Year 2: $8,500,000
Year 3: $8,500,000
Year 4: $8,500,000
Year 5: $8,500,000
Druce Comments: I like Ennis a lot, but feel like this may be a bit high for him. He needs to increase scoring efficiency to be truly elite in my opinion, none the less he’s a young guy on a very team friendly deal.
Majic Comments: 2 seasons ago it was hard to tell what exactly Ennis would be, now it would be nearly impossible to trade for him. Another guy that has blown up this season and has the look of an elite PG for a long time. Good PG’s are at a shortage around the league right now and having Ennis locked up for 4 more years after this is a huge bonus.
Tier 2: “The Untouchables”
6. Magic Johnson
Age: 24
Position: PG
3035 Stats:
37.9 24.2 6.9 12.9 1.7 0.1 1.8 .449 .804 .265
Contract:
Year 1: $12,500,000
Year 2: $13,750,000
Year 3: $15,000,000
Year 4: $16,250,000
Year 5: $17,500,000
Year 6: $18,750,000
Druce Comments: A little stumble this year but still a top 3 point guard in the league. Would love having him on my team. Ranks ahead of Ennis for me due to the rebounding and offensive efficiency which I expect to bounce back. Locked up on a max and thats the price you expect to pay for such a player.
Majic Comments: His effeciency has dipped a bit this year but I dont think that would scare anyone. He often flirts with a triple double, his rebounding numbers are what separate him. He is an assist machine and doesnt turn the ball over much. Again, in a league with a shortage of PG’s, Magic stands out and would be nearly impossible to get in a trade.
7. Julius Erving
Age: 23
Position: SF
3035 Stats:
36.2 21.7 9.8 3.3 0.9 0.2 1.9 .526 .781 .000
Contract:
Year 1: $2,150,000
Year 2: $2,300,000
Year 3: $2,450,000
Druce Comments:Tremendous value on a rookie deal and very good offensive numbers. Might expect a little more on a team without other great scoring options, but you definitely can’t be mad with his production. Taylor made wing for an inside offense.
Majic Comments: I love Julis and what he brings to the table. He is only in his second season and already putting up some elite scoring numbers. He doesnt shoot 3 at all, but on a team that is built around an Inside focus he is the perfect fit. Some may not like his defensive numbers but I am willing to look past that focus on what he does well.
8. Larry Bird
Age: 21
Position: SF
3035 Stats:
32.6 21.3 7.3 3.2 1.3 0.1 2.1 .491 .880 .295
Contract:
Year 1: $2,000,000
Year 2: $2,150,000
Year 3: $2,300,000
Year 4: $2,450,000
Druce Comments: Really nothing this guy can’t do. I have him a bit higher on the list but again, compromise. Like Majic said, after a couple more TCs you could see Larry Bird joining the untouchables pretty easily, and honestly I imagine it would take a kings ransom to pry him away from delap currently.
Majic Comments: There is a good chance that a year or two from now Bird could be in the top 5 of his list. As a rookie he is putting up great scoring numbers, strong defense and strong rebounding. Being that he is only 21 and locked up on a rookie deal for 3 more years, it's incredibly great value.
9.
Druce Pick: Adrian Dantley
Majic Pick: Reggie Theus
Age:
Theus 21
Dantley 23
Position:
Theus SF
Dantley SF
3035 Stats:
Adrian Dantley - 31.3 22.2 5.2 2.4 1.2 0.7 1.2 .536 .773 .000
Reggie Theus - 33.1 20.9 5.7 2.6 0.9 0.3 2.6 .471 .808 .305
Contract:
Dantley:
Year 1: $2,300,000
Year 2: $2,450,000
Theus:
Year 1: $2,000,000
Year 2: $2,150,000
Year 3: $2,300,000
Year 4: $2,450,000
Druce Comments: For me this is where things start to get murky and players could be interchangeable from 9-mid 20s. I like Dantley’s scoring prowess, he fills it up. Would like to see him grow more on the glass and defensively. Looking this over I think I’ve probably got him slotted maybe 6-10 spots too high, but he’s a very good player.
Majic Comments: Theus is another one of the stellar rookies. He is putting up great scoring numbers and still incredibly young. You will have to hope for some growth in a couple key categories, but again the value is great, a high quality starter on a rookie deal.
10.
Majic Pick: John Lucas
Druce Pick: Joel Embiid
Age:
Lucas 24
Embiid 21
Position:
Lucas PG
Embiid C
3035 Stats:
Joel Embiid - 32.5 23.7 10.1 2.5 1.1 2.3 1.2 .505 .838 .000
John Lucas - 18.2 10.5 2.0 6.1 0.5 0.1 0.6 .469 .918 .386
Contract:
Embiid:
Year 1: $2,450,000
Lucas:
Year 1: $2,300,000
Year 2: $2,450,000
Druce Comments: Really big fan of Embiid’s game. No holes what so ever. Would you like to maybe see a few more boards? Sure, but he’s no slouch. The bleals are there, low turnovers, efficient scorer. Not much more you can ask for from a big.
Majic Comments: Lucas is another guy that I love and it's a shame that he has been stuck with a non-existant GM for his couple years. That is hopefully going to change soon and the league will get to see all that Lucas has to offer. Last year as a starter he was an elite PG and still has a chance to grow more. Surround him with a good foundation and he could be another that moves up on this list.
Tier 3: “If You Mention It In Shout, I’ll Deny It to the Death … but I’m Listening”
11. David Greenwood
Age: 26
Position: PF
3035 Stats:
32.4 23.6 9.0 1.9 0.9 1.6 1.9 .539 .796 .160
Contract:
Year 1: $12,500,000
Year 2: $14,062,500
Year 3: $15,625,000
Druce Comments: The contract that Greenwood is under is one of the big selling points. He’s giving you very good production in the post at a value. Frankly I’m surprised he didn’t get max offers last offseason. Have to love how he scores and the low turnover numbers. Just a lot to like here especially for what he’s paid.
Majic Comments: Greenwood was a guy that I initially overlooked a bit, but after digging in more I really like what I see. Greenwod is able to score efficiently and plays strong defense. You would like to see higher rebounding numbers, but he more than makes up for it. He is another guy that is locked up another 2 years so you have some certainty with him.
12. Bill Cartwright
Age: 26
Position: C
3035 Stats:
37.0 22.4 13.7 1.8 0.5 0.9 1.8 .528 .676 .000
Contract:
Year 1: $12,500,000
Year 2: $13,750,000
Year 3: $15,000,000
Year 4: $16,250,000
Year 5: $17,500,000
Year 6: $18,750,000
Druce Comments: Fantastic all around post game. Could easily have him higher. The bleals are lacking a bit, but everything else is top notch. Not too concerned with the low jump shot due to how well he scores otherwise. A guy you can definitely build around.
Majic Comments: Feet to the fire I would probably pick Bill over a few of the guys that we have higher on this list, but that's likely my own bias. Bill has been, and will continue to be, one of the best bigs in the league. He is a top tier rebounder, highly efficient scorer that you can build your offense around. He was recently traded as his previous team was in tear down mode, but it would take a big package to get him this time around.
13. Jabari Parker
Age: 22
Position: PF
3035 Stats:
31.9 19.7 9.6 2.5 0.9 1.6 1.7 .501 .872 .522
Contract:
Year 1: $2,450,000
Druce Comments: No doubt max money is coming his way this offseason, but who knows if he’ll be changing locales. Would love to see him as the second head of a two headed monster. Only one ball to go around in Chicago is keeping his numbers down for sure.
Majic Comments: I haven't been the biggest fan of Parker since he came in the league, but in researching for this article I came around on him. Parker is putting up strong numbers playing 4th option behind 3 elite, ball dominant players. If given the chance on his own team it's likely he posts a lot higher numbers. Biggest drawback right now is the fact he is expiring. His market should be very interesting to monitor.
14. Purvis Short
Age: 22
Position: SF
3035 Stats:
30.8 14.8 7.9 2.9 0.9 0.2 1.7 .554 .729 .048
Contract:
Year 1: $2,000,000
Year 2: $2,150,000
Year 3: $2,300,000
Year 4: $2,450,000
Druce Comments: Just like Dantley in that he’s a very good inside offense wing player. He hits the glass hard too which is definitely nice. Will be interesting to see him grow and what he becomes. Can he increase his volume enough to be max worthy when his rookie deal is up?
Majic Comments: Short looks to be another rock solid rookie, a class that's turning out to be one of the better classes. His scoring is a bit low but he is playing on a team with alot of players scoring. He is another quality starter on a rookie deal that I think could grow into a top SF.
15. & 16.
2037 Draft Pick 1.1
2038 Draft Pick 1.1
Age: n/a
Position: n/a
3035 Stats: n/a
Contract: n/a
Druce Comments: 1.1 is always going to be super valuable, and honestly these picks could be higher on the list. The ultimate power of being able to select any player you want in a draft class is obviously big value. If you scout correctly you’re almost in a can’t miss position.
Majic Comments: This is a combo answer as we decided to include 2 upcoming draft picks. The 37 draft features Ben Simmons at the top, even if you don't like Simmons I think there are a ton of options to choose from. This pick could very well get you a lot of good players around the league. The 38 drat features Rose and Westbrook, along with a number of other well known names. Again, these are probably the 2 picks that could potentially
Tier 4: “I’m Hanging Up and Calling You Back From a Pay Phone”
17.
Majic Pick: Adrian Dantley
Druce Pick: John Lucas
Age:
Dantley 23
Lucas 24
Position:
Dantley SG
Lucas PG
3035 Stats:
Adrian Dantley - 31.3 22.2 5.2 2.4 1.2 0.7 1.2 .536 .773 .000
John Lucas - 18.2 10.5 2.0 6.1 0.5 0.1 0.6 .469 .918 .386
Contract:
Dantley:
Year 1: $2,300,000
Year 2: $2,450,000
Lucas:
Year 1: $2,300,000
Year 2: $2,450,000
Druce Comments: I’ve likely got Lucas a little low on the list here, as in doing the write ups there are definitely a few I would trade straight up if I was getting Lucas in return. Hopefully he goes somewhere in contraction that will build him up. Maybe Charlotte can increase their collection of point guards.
Majic Comments: There was strong debate at draft time between Dantley and English, looks like BK ended up being right about this. Dantley has quietly turned into a really good SF. He oddly had Shot Blocking selected as part of his Lab increases, a new GM might go about resetting that. Dantley is incredibly efficient and offers some strong defense.
18.
Druce Pick: James Donaldson
Majic Pick: Joel Embiid
Age:
Donaldson 26
Embiid 22
Position:
Donaldson C
Embiid C
3035 Stats:
James Donaldson - 69 32.0 18.4 10.4 1.6 1.3 2.3 2.3 .540 .497 .000
Joel Embiid - 66 32.5 23.7 10.1 2.5 1.1 2.3 1.2 .505 .838 .000
Contract:
Donaldson:
Year 1: $7,000,000
Year 2: $7,000,000
Year 3: $7,000,000
Year 4: $7,000,000
Year 5: $7,000,000
Embiid:
Year 1: $2,450,000
Druce Comments: I like what Donaldson brings to the table, especially with his contract. He can defend the post very well and score with high efficiency. He’s young and locked down for his prime. The free throw % is obviously a little concerning but I can live with it with everything else he does.
Majic Comments: Embiid was the hardest for me to rank. He doesn't have any major weaknesses and provides great numbers across the board. For some reason I probably rank him a lot lower than I should. I will take my loss and move on with this pick.
19. Laphonso Ellis
Age: 29
Position: PF
3035 Stats:
32.2 17.8 10.7 1.8 0.9 1.9 1.4 .559 .731 .000
Contract:
Year 1: $16,250,000
Year 2: $17,500,000
Year 3: $18,750,000
Druce Comments: Strange to see a guy that skrouse wanted to have taken from him in the expansion draft end up on this list. Yes he has a high salary, but it seems like Ellis has found his groove for the Hawks.
Majic Comments: Ellis has likely found the perfect home in Atlanta, or as the new Falcons jerseys call it; ATL. He is incredibly efficient and plays outstanding defense. Probably the biggest downside for him right now is the size of his contract. Not worth that much money, but for a team that could take the hit, he is a great fit.
20. Mitch Richmond
Age: 28
Position: SG
3035 Stats:
35.2 25.3 5.6 1.9 1.0 0.3 2.3 .517 .831 .401
Contract:
Year 1: $15,000,000
Year 2: $16,250,000
Year 3: $17,500,000
Year 4: $18,750,000
Druce Comments: A lot to love about Richmond. No problem being the lead dog on a team with a lot of talent. A little expensive but thats the cost of having a guy like him on a max. If he rebounded more that would be excellent, maybe a bit more defense from him would also be nice. Top tier scoring from a wing with an A inside grade is always going to be valued.
Majic Comments: Mitch is a great player and brings to the table everything you would want from a SG. He scores, rebounds, plays defense and does all of it with good %’s. Biggest factors that have him this low has to do with age and contract. Mitch is worth the money you just have to hope he ages nicely into his 30’s.
Tier 5: “You’re Just Lowballing Me Because You Think You Can”
21. Bradley Beal
Age: 28
Position: SG
3035 Stats:
35.9 19.9 6.1 3.0 2.0 0.9 1.4 .480 .944 .369
Contract:
Year 1: $18,750,000
Druce Comments: Super nice player who’s stats would probably look a lot better if there weren’t so many options on his team. If Beal is in an outside offense does he bloom like KD? Potentially yes. I think JHB is very happy with what he has but you have to wonder what an outside focus team would pay for a player like Beal.
Majic Comments: Beal is another guy that is in a perfect fit and playing great. He is not the biggest volume scorer but his elite defense makes up for it. Can't think of another wing in the league that locks down defenders as good as Beal. Long term, his age and contract situation dropped him on the list. He is another guy that will be interesting to see how he fairs in FA.
22. Aaron Gordon
Age: 22
Position: PF
3035 Stats:
36.3 22.0 11.0 3.0 1.0 0.4 2.6 .492 .647 .000
Contract:
Year 1: $2,450,000
Druce Comments: I’m not as high as Majic on Gordon, but he is a nice player. Would like to see more blocks in my #1 big. He scores well but not elite, rebounds well but not elite. All in all a very good player but probably not someone I’d count on to be my #1 or 2.
Majic Comments: I gave BK props earlier for his pick of Dantley so I will do the opposite here. I think he gave up way too early on Gordon. TO’s are a bit high but there is alot to like with Gordon, who is still only 22. There is alot of room for growth and already putting up great scoring and rebounding numbers. The fact he is expiring hurts, but he should be a good value in FA this year.
23. Dan Issel
Age: 23
Position: PF
3035 Stats:
28.7 22.0 9.0 1.5 0.8 0.3 1.9 .538 .772 .286
Contract:
Year 1: $2,150,000
Year 2: $2,300,000
Year 3: $2,450,000
Druce Comments: Initially I thought that Delap may have overpaid a bit for Issel. I’m backing off of that a bit now. My issue with Issel is the rebounding and defense. His scoring is great, but what else is he offering at a top tier level? Is he THAT much better than Zarko who fecta can’t even get a nibble on? Other than age of course.
Majic Comments: I could be wrong on this but Issel is a guy that not enough people are talking about. Its only his second year in the league and already putting up really strong numbers. You would hope his defense will come around a bit more, but a few more TC’s should help with that , along with his age.
24. Rik Smits
Age: 28
Position: C
3035 Stats:
35.4 23.0 11.0 1.9 1.3 1.3 2.1 .521 .675 .000
Contract:
Year 1: $7,300,000
Year 2: $7,300,000
Druce Comments: Very solid across the board is Smits. He does a bit of everything. 2.6 bleals, boards, scoring. He’s tall as fuck and white as fuck. Perfect Maverick.
Majic Comments: Smits is another of the “older” guys on this list,but you cannot deny his value. Great scoring, great rebounding to go along with strong defense. He has 1 more year on a below market deal, would love to have him locked up longer.
25. Alex English
Age: 24
Position: SF
3035 Stats:
35.0 18.3 5.1 1.3 1.1 1.2 2.0 .505 .720 .309
Contract:
Year 1: $2,300,000
Year 2: $2,450,000
Druce Comments: I like English, like what he brings to the table. Strong scorer, strong defender. Is he a perfect player? No, of course not, but he does a bit of everything relatively well, and he’s cheap and young right now.
Majic Comments: This was a hard one for me, Druce actually put him alot higher on the initial list. We settled on the 25th spot for English and I am still not confident in that. You know what you are getting from English at this point; solid and efficient scoring and good defense. He does not have large volume or put up big scoring numbers, nor does he stuff the stat sheet with rebounds. He will only ever be an inside scorer and it limits his impact a bit. Overall he is a solid player that will never be the #1 option.
Honorable Mention:
Pete Maravich
Mike Conley
Dion Waiters
Anthony Davis
Spencer Haywood
Danny Manning
Brad Holland
Druce: Conley is great but his contract gets super scary at the end. Maravich has to show some more depth to his game and grow and would probably make the next list. Waiters has no birds and is expiring so you either have to pay him again or risk losing him. Anthony Davis I think is underappreciated as I didn’t get a single offer for him, but he’s a very good player just got abused by Rik Smits in the playoffs. Haywood would be a really nice player with some points put into him. Brad Holland I see as a really good value on a non-max and he’s doing his thing w/KD out this year. Manning is a very well rounded big.
Majic: biggest name on this list is Conley. I was tempted to place him higher but in the end I think he falls in that 25-30 range. Haywood is a nice looking young player, be interested to see where he lands in contraction. Holland and Waiters are very similar to me, both players are having career years. Waiters is a tad older and expiring while Holland is locked up for many years. AD is a fine piece, but could probably be had easily.
Tier 1: “Completely and Utterly Untouchable”
1. Lebron James
Age: 26
Position: SF / PF
3035 Stats:
35.3 31.3 11.5 4.9 2.0 1.2 2.3 .512 .921 .421
Contract:
Year 1: $18,750,000
Year 2: $20,312,500
Year 3: $21,875,000
Druce Comments: One of the most dominant sim players of all time. I don’t have access to Nick Diaz’ stats, but I’m sure he’s gotta be pretty comparable. Simply put no one else really comes particularly close.
Majic Comments: Not much to say here that everyone doesn't already know. Truly elite and easily the best we have seen in 5.0. HOF worthy in 2 different positions, worth every penny and I wouldn't trade him for anything.
2. Dominique Wilkins
Age: 26
Position: SF
3035 Stats:
32.2 24.7 7.0 1.3 1.0 0.2 1.7 .532 .792 .324
Contract:
Year 1: $10,396,910
Year 2: $11,342,083
Year 3: $12,287,257
Year 4: $13,232,430
Year 5: $14,177,604
Druce Comments: Numbers are muted a bit by his teammates but make no mistake this guy is an insane value on a non-max contract. I personally probably wouldn’t trade Cummings or Durant for him, but we had to come to some kind of consensus here.
Majic Comments: Overshadowed a bit since he plays with Lebron and Oscar but he is truly elite. Still relatively young and is signed for a couple more years on a deal that is slightly less than max. Again, another guy that no deal could match his value.
3. Terry Cummings
Age: 26
Position: PF
3035 Stats:
34.5 30.0 10.1 1.8 1.2 1.7 2.3 .520 .906 .348
Contract:
Year 1: $6,500,000
Year 2: $6,500,000
Year 3: $6,500,000
Druce Comments: Not a better value in the league in terms of contract and production. A corner stone player for less than $10 mil a season is very difficult to come by, Cummings is a complete player and an extreme value.
Majic Comments: Initially I had him a little lower on my list, but after reviewing there is alot to like with Terry. Highly efficient scoring, solid rebounding to go along with good-to-great defense. Most importantly he is signed to an extremely low contract for another couple years.
4. Kevin Durant
Age: 29
Position: SF
3035 Stats:
35.6 26.2 6.3 3.8 2.5 0.5 2.2 .523 .944 .480
Contract:
Year 1: $19,000,000
Year 2: $19,000,000
Year 3: $19,000,000
Year 4: $19,000,000
Year 5: $19,000,000
Druce Comments: Huge fan of Durant’s game. His numbers have exploded in the Couv due to management using him correctly and I have no doubt had he been healthy I’m the 1 seed in the west. It’s a shame he was plugged into an inside offense for so long, would love to see career numbers with an outside focus.
Majic Comments: Durant is a little older than the other players high on our list and a bit more expensive, but it's the price you pay for a guy of his caliber. KD has finally been unleashed with a team built around him and a GM that is invested. He is locked up long term but you should expect his scoring and defensive numbers to age nicely.
5. Tyler Ennis
Age: 23
Position: PG
3035 Stats:
38.4 21.7 4.5 11.3 1.7 0.2 1.6 .454 .872 .365
Contract:
Year 1: $8,500,000
Year 2: $8,500,000
Year 3: $8,500,000
Year 4: $8,500,000
Year 5: $8,500,000
Druce Comments: I like Ennis a lot, but feel like this may be a bit high for him. He needs to increase scoring efficiency to be truly elite in my opinion, none the less he’s a young guy on a very team friendly deal.
Majic Comments: 2 seasons ago it was hard to tell what exactly Ennis would be, now it would be nearly impossible to trade for him. Another guy that has blown up this season and has the look of an elite PG for a long time. Good PG’s are at a shortage around the league right now and having Ennis locked up for 4 more years after this is a huge bonus.
Tier 2: “The Untouchables”
6. Magic Johnson
Age: 24
Position: PG
3035 Stats:
37.9 24.2 6.9 12.9 1.7 0.1 1.8 .449 .804 .265
Contract:
Year 1: $12,500,000
Year 2: $13,750,000
Year 3: $15,000,000
Year 4: $16,250,000
Year 5: $17,500,000
Year 6: $18,750,000
Druce Comments: A little stumble this year but still a top 3 point guard in the league. Would love having him on my team. Ranks ahead of Ennis for me due to the rebounding and offensive efficiency which I expect to bounce back. Locked up on a max and thats the price you expect to pay for such a player.
Majic Comments: His effeciency has dipped a bit this year but I dont think that would scare anyone. He often flirts with a triple double, his rebounding numbers are what separate him. He is an assist machine and doesnt turn the ball over much. Again, in a league with a shortage of PG’s, Magic stands out and would be nearly impossible to get in a trade.
7. Julius Erving
Age: 23
Position: SF
3035 Stats:
36.2 21.7 9.8 3.3 0.9 0.2 1.9 .526 .781 .000
Contract:
Year 1: $2,150,000
Year 2: $2,300,000
Year 3: $2,450,000
Druce Comments:Tremendous value on a rookie deal and very good offensive numbers. Might expect a little more on a team without other great scoring options, but you definitely can’t be mad with his production. Taylor made wing for an inside offense.
Majic Comments: I love Julis and what he brings to the table. He is only in his second season and already putting up some elite scoring numbers. He doesnt shoot 3 at all, but on a team that is built around an Inside focus he is the perfect fit. Some may not like his defensive numbers but I am willing to look past that focus on what he does well.
8. Larry Bird
Age: 21
Position: SF
3035 Stats:
32.6 21.3 7.3 3.2 1.3 0.1 2.1 .491 .880 .295
Contract:
Year 1: $2,000,000
Year 2: $2,150,000
Year 3: $2,300,000
Year 4: $2,450,000
Druce Comments: Really nothing this guy can’t do. I have him a bit higher on the list but again, compromise. Like Majic said, after a couple more TCs you could see Larry Bird joining the untouchables pretty easily, and honestly I imagine it would take a kings ransom to pry him away from delap currently.
Majic Comments: There is a good chance that a year or two from now Bird could be in the top 5 of his list. As a rookie he is putting up great scoring numbers, strong defense and strong rebounding. Being that he is only 21 and locked up on a rookie deal for 3 more years, it's incredibly great value.
9.
Druce Pick: Adrian Dantley
Majic Pick: Reggie Theus
Age:
Theus 21
Dantley 23
Position:
Theus SF
Dantley SF
3035 Stats:
Adrian Dantley - 31.3 22.2 5.2 2.4 1.2 0.7 1.2 .536 .773 .000
Reggie Theus - 33.1 20.9 5.7 2.6 0.9 0.3 2.6 .471 .808 .305
Contract:
Dantley:
Year 1: $2,300,000
Year 2: $2,450,000
Theus:
Year 1: $2,000,000
Year 2: $2,150,000
Year 3: $2,300,000
Year 4: $2,450,000
Druce Comments: For me this is where things start to get murky and players could be interchangeable from 9-mid 20s. I like Dantley’s scoring prowess, he fills it up. Would like to see him grow more on the glass and defensively. Looking this over I think I’ve probably got him slotted maybe 6-10 spots too high, but he’s a very good player.
Majic Comments: Theus is another one of the stellar rookies. He is putting up great scoring numbers and still incredibly young. You will have to hope for some growth in a couple key categories, but again the value is great, a high quality starter on a rookie deal.
10.
Majic Pick: John Lucas
Druce Pick: Joel Embiid
Age:
Lucas 24
Embiid 21
Position:
Lucas PG
Embiid C
3035 Stats:
Joel Embiid - 32.5 23.7 10.1 2.5 1.1 2.3 1.2 .505 .838 .000
John Lucas - 18.2 10.5 2.0 6.1 0.5 0.1 0.6 .469 .918 .386
Contract:
Embiid:
Year 1: $2,450,000
Lucas:
Year 1: $2,300,000
Year 2: $2,450,000
Druce Comments: Really big fan of Embiid’s game. No holes what so ever. Would you like to maybe see a few more boards? Sure, but he’s no slouch. The bleals are there, low turnovers, efficient scorer. Not much more you can ask for from a big.
Majic Comments: Lucas is another guy that I love and it's a shame that he has been stuck with a non-existant GM for his couple years. That is hopefully going to change soon and the league will get to see all that Lucas has to offer. Last year as a starter he was an elite PG and still has a chance to grow more. Surround him with a good foundation and he could be another that moves up on this list.
Tier 3: “If You Mention It In Shout, I’ll Deny It to the Death … but I’m Listening”
11. David Greenwood
Age: 26
Position: PF
3035 Stats:
32.4 23.6 9.0 1.9 0.9 1.6 1.9 .539 .796 .160
Contract:
Year 1: $12,500,000
Year 2: $14,062,500
Year 3: $15,625,000
Druce Comments: The contract that Greenwood is under is one of the big selling points. He’s giving you very good production in the post at a value. Frankly I’m surprised he didn’t get max offers last offseason. Have to love how he scores and the low turnover numbers. Just a lot to like here especially for what he’s paid.
Majic Comments: Greenwood was a guy that I initially overlooked a bit, but after digging in more I really like what I see. Greenwod is able to score efficiently and plays strong defense. You would like to see higher rebounding numbers, but he more than makes up for it. He is another guy that is locked up another 2 years so you have some certainty with him.
12. Bill Cartwright
Age: 26
Position: C
3035 Stats:
37.0 22.4 13.7 1.8 0.5 0.9 1.8 .528 .676 .000
Contract:
Year 1: $12,500,000
Year 2: $13,750,000
Year 3: $15,000,000
Year 4: $16,250,000
Year 5: $17,500,000
Year 6: $18,750,000
Druce Comments: Fantastic all around post game. Could easily have him higher. The bleals are lacking a bit, but everything else is top notch. Not too concerned with the low jump shot due to how well he scores otherwise. A guy you can definitely build around.
Majic Comments: Feet to the fire I would probably pick Bill over a few of the guys that we have higher on this list, but that's likely my own bias. Bill has been, and will continue to be, one of the best bigs in the league. He is a top tier rebounder, highly efficient scorer that you can build your offense around. He was recently traded as his previous team was in tear down mode, but it would take a big package to get him this time around.
13. Jabari Parker
Age: 22
Position: PF
3035 Stats:
31.9 19.7 9.6 2.5 0.9 1.6 1.7 .501 .872 .522
Contract:
Year 1: $2,450,000
Druce Comments: No doubt max money is coming his way this offseason, but who knows if he’ll be changing locales. Would love to see him as the second head of a two headed monster. Only one ball to go around in Chicago is keeping his numbers down for sure.
Majic Comments: I haven't been the biggest fan of Parker since he came in the league, but in researching for this article I came around on him. Parker is putting up strong numbers playing 4th option behind 3 elite, ball dominant players. If given the chance on his own team it's likely he posts a lot higher numbers. Biggest drawback right now is the fact he is expiring. His market should be very interesting to monitor.
14. Purvis Short
Age: 22
Position: SF
3035 Stats:
30.8 14.8 7.9 2.9 0.9 0.2 1.7 .554 .729 .048
Contract:
Year 1: $2,000,000
Year 2: $2,150,000
Year 3: $2,300,000
Year 4: $2,450,000
Druce Comments: Just like Dantley in that he’s a very good inside offense wing player. He hits the glass hard too which is definitely nice. Will be interesting to see him grow and what he becomes. Can he increase his volume enough to be max worthy when his rookie deal is up?
Majic Comments: Short looks to be another rock solid rookie, a class that's turning out to be one of the better classes. His scoring is a bit low but he is playing on a team with alot of players scoring. He is another quality starter on a rookie deal that I think could grow into a top SF.
15. & 16.
2037 Draft Pick 1.1
2038 Draft Pick 1.1
Age: n/a
Position: n/a
3035 Stats: n/a
Contract: n/a
Druce Comments: 1.1 is always going to be super valuable, and honestly these picks could be higher on the list. The ultimate power of being able to select any player you want in a draft class is obviously big value. If you scout correctly you’re almost in a can’t miss position.
Majic Comments: This is a combo answer as we decided to include 2 upcoming draft picks. The 37 draft features Ben Simmons at the top, even if you don't like Simmons I think there are a ton of options to choose from. This pick could very well get you a lot of good players around the league. The 38 drat features Rose and Westbrook, along with a number of other well known names. Again, these are probably the 2 picks that could potentially
Tier 4: “I’m Hanging Up and Calling You Back From a Pay Phone”
17.
Majic Pick: Adrian Dantley
Druce Pick: John Lucas
Age:
Dantley 23
Lucas 24
Position:
Dantley SG
Lucas PG
3035 Stats:
Adrian Dantley - 31.3 22.2 5.2 2.4 1.2 0.7 1.2 .536 .773 .000
John Lucas - 18.2 10.5 2.0 6.1 0.5 0.1 0.6 .469 .918 .386
Contract:
Dantley:
Year 1: $2,300,000
Year 2: $2,450,000
Lucas:
Year 1: $2,300,000
Year 2: $2,450,000
Druce Comments: I’ve likely got Lucas a little low on the list here, as in doing the write ups there are definitely a few I would trade straight up if I was getting Lucas in return. Hopefully he goes somewhere in contraction that will build him up. Maybe Charlotte can increase their collection of point guards.
Majic Comments: There was strong debate at draft time between Dantley and English, looks like BK ended up being right about this. Dantley has quietly turned into a really good SF. He oddly had Shot Blocking selected as part of his Lab increases, a new GM might go about resetting that. Dantley is incredibly efficient and offers some strong defense.
18.
Druce Pick: James Donaldson
Majic Pick: Joel Embiid
Age:
Donaldson 26
Embiid 22
Position:
Donaldson C
Embiid C
3035 Stats:
James Donaldson - 69 32.0 18.4 10.4 1.6 1.3 2.3 2.3 .540 .497 .000
Joel Embiid - 66 32.5 23.7 10.1 2.5 1.1 2.3 1.2 .505 .838 .000
Contract:
Donaldson:
Year 1: $7,000,000
Year 2: $7,000,000
Year 3: $7,000,000
Year 4: $7,000,000
Year 5: $7,000,000
Embiid:
Year 1: $2,450,000
Druce Comments: I like what Donaldson brings to the table, especially with his contract. He can defend the post very well and score with high efficiency. He’s young and locked down for his prime. The free throw % is obviously a little concerning but I can live with it with everything else he does.
Majic Comments: Embiid was the hardest for me to rank. He doesn't have any major weaknesses and provides great numbers across the board. For some reason I probably rank him a lot lower than I should. I will take my loss and move on with this pick.
19. Laphonso Ellis
Age: 29
Position: PF
3035 Stats:
32.2 17.8 10.7 1.8 0.9 1.9 1.4 .559 .731 .000
Contract:
Year 1: $16,250,000
Year 2: $17,500,000
Year 3: $18,750,000
Druce Comments: Strange to see a guy that skrouse wanted to have taken from him in the expansion draft end up on this list. Yes he has a high salary, but it seems like Ellis has found his groove for the Hawks.
Majic Comments: Ellis has likely found the perfect home in Atlanta, or as the new Falcons jerseys call it; ATL. He is incredibly efficient and plays outstanding defense. Probably the biggest downside for him right now is the size of his contract. Not worth that much money, but for a team that could take the hit, he is a great fit.
20. Mitch Richmond
Age: 28
Position: SG
3035 Stats:
35.2 25.3 5.6 1.9 1.0 0.3 2.3 .517 .831 .401
Contract:
Year 1: $15,000,000
Year 2: $16,250,000
Year 3: $17,500,000
Year 4: $18,750,000
Druce Comments: A lot to love about Richmond. No problem being the lead dog on a team with a lot of talent. A little expensive but thats the cost of having a guy like him on a max. If he rebounded more that would be excellent, maybe a bit more defense from him would also be nice. Top tier scoring from a wing with an A inside grade is always going to be valued.
Majic Comments: Mitch is a great player and brings to the table everything you would want from a SG. He scores, rebounds, plays defense and does all of it with good %’s. Biggest factors that have him this low has to do with age and contract. Mitch is worth the money you just have to hope he ages nicely into his 30’s.
Tier 5: “You’re Just Lowballing Me Because You Think You Can”
21. Bradley Beal
Age: 28
Position: SG
3035 Stats:
35.9 19.9 6.1 3.0 2.0 0.9 1.4 .480 .944 .369
Contract:
Year 1: $18,750,000
Druce Comments: Super nice player who’s stats would probably look a lot better if there weren’t so many options on his team. If Beal is in an outside offense does he bloom like KD? Potentially yes. I think JHB is very happy with what he has but you have to wonder what an outside focus team would pay for a player like Beal.
Majic Comments: Beal is another guy that is in a perfect fit and playing great. He is not the biggest volume scorer but his elite defense makes up for it. Can't think of another wing in the league that locks down defenders as good as Beal. Long term, his age and contract situation dropped him on the list. He is another guy that will be interesting to see how he fairs in FA.
22. Aaron Gordon
Age: 22
Position: PF
3035 Stats:
36.3 22.0 11.0 3.0 1.0 0.4 2.6 .492 .647 .000
Contract:
Year 1: $2,450,000
Druce Comments: I’m not as high as Majic on Gordon, but he is a nice player. Would like to see more blocks in my #1 big. He scores well but not elite, rebounds well but not elite. All in all a very good player but probably not someone I’d count on to be my #1 or 2.
Majic Comments: I gave BK props earlier for his pick of Dantley so I will do the opposite here. I think he gave up way too early on Gordon. TO’s are a bit high but there is alot to like with Gordon, who is still only 22. There is alot of room for growth and already putting up great scoring and rebounding numbers. The fact he is expiring hurts, but he should be a good value in FA this year.
23. Dan Issel
Age: 23
Position: PF
3035 Stats:
28.7 22.0 9.0 1.5 0.8 0.3 1.9 .538 .772 .286
Contract:
Year 1: $2,150,000
Year 2: $2,300,000
Year 3: $2,450,000
Druce Comments: Initially I thought that Delap may have overpaid a bit for Issel. I’m backing off of that a bit now. My issue with Issel is the rebounding and defense. His scoring is great, but what else is he offering at a top tier level? Is he THAT much better than Zarko who fecta can’t even get a nibble on? Other than age of course.
Majic Comments: I could be wrong on this but Issel is a guy that not enough people are talking about. Its only his second year in the league and already putting up really strong numbers. You would hope his defense will come around a bit more, but a few more TC’s should help with that , along with his age.
24. Rik Smits
Age: 28
Position: C
3035 Stats:
35.4 23.0 11.0 1.9 1.3 1.3 2.1 .521 .675 .000
Contract:
Year 1: $7,300,000
Year 2: $7,300,000
Druce Comments: Very solid across the board is Smits. He does a bit of everything. 2.6 bleals, boards, scoring. He’s tall as fuck and white as fuck. Perfect Maverick.
Majic Comments: Smits is another of the “older” guys on this list,but you cannot deny his value. Great scoring, great rebounding to go along with strong defense. He has 1 more year on a below market deal, would love to have him locked up longer.
25. Alex English
Age: 24
Position: SF
3035 Stats:
35.0 18.3 5.1 1.3 1.1 1.2 2.0 .505 .720 .309
Contract:
Year 1: $2,300,000
Year 2: $2,450,000
Druce Comments: I like English, like what he brings to the table. Strong scorer, strong defender. Is he a perfect player? No, of course not, but he does a bit of everything relatively well, and he’s cheap and young right now.
Majic Comments: This was a hard one for me, Druce actually put him alot higher on the initial list. We settled on the 25th spot for English and I am still not confident in that. You know what you are getting from English at this point; solid and efficient scoring and good defense. He does not have large volume or put up big scoring numbers, nor does he stuff the stat sheet with rebounds. He will only ever be an inside scorer and it limits his impact a bit. Overall he is a solid player that will never be the #1 option.
Honorable Mention:
Pete Maravich
Mike Conley
Dion Waiters
Anthony Davis
Spencer Haywood
Danny Manning
Brad Holland
Druce: Conley is great but his contract gets super scary at the end. Maravich has to show some more depth to his game and grow and would probably make the next list. Waiters has no birds and is expiring so you either have to pay him again or risk losing him. Anthony Davis I think is underappreciated as I didn’t get a single offer for him, but he’s a very good player just got abused by Rik Smits in the playoffs. Haywood would be a really nice player with some points put into him. Brad Holland I see as a really good value on a non-max and he’s doing his thing w/KD out this year. Manning is a very well rounded big.
Majic: biggest name on this list is Conley. I was tempted to place him higher but in the end I think he falls in that 25-30 range. Haywood is a nice looking young player, be interested to see where he lands in contraction. Holland and Waiters are very similar to me, both players are having career years. Waiters is a tad older and expiring while Holland is locked up for many years. AD is a fine piece, but could probably be had easily.
