Per Sources’ 2019-20 NBA season preview continues. I started by giving my predictions regarding who the Western Conference playoff teams were going to be. Now, I move to my positional rankings. I’ll go through each position and give my opinion/analysis on who’ll be in the top-10 at each position. Then, I’ll cap it off by giving my top-10 players for the new season. After ranking my top-10 point guards, shooting guards, and small forwards, I continue with my top-10 power forwards for 2019-20.
#10: Kyle Kuzma
2018-19 season stats: 70 games played, 18.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 0.4 blocks, 0.6 steals, 45.6 field goal percentage, and a 30.3 three-point percentage.
In a trade for Anthony Davis, the Lakers managed to keep their best young player. Kuzma is a pure scorer with a terrific upside now that he’s playing alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. He averaged 18.7 points in an impressive 2018-19 campaign. One can only wonder what he can do now, even though he’s probably getting the ball less. Kuzma is more than capable of getting 20 points a night. However, all but one of the players on this list are. And, as great as Kuzma is right now, there are things that he doesn’t have in his game that other players on this list do.
#9: Julius Randle
2018-19 season stats: 73 games played, 21.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 0.6 blocks, 0.7 steals, 52.4 field goal percentage, and a 34.3 three-point percentage.
For now, Julius Randle is the Knicks’ best player. After averaging career-highs for the Pelicans, Randle joins the Knicks as their top free agent acquisition of the offseason. He’s only 24, but he could be a sleeper pick for the All-Star team in the East this season. I expect Randle to be a first/second option on the Knicks. In terms of his rank, he’s been steadily getting better each season. As young as he is, he has the potential to become a top-five player at his position. Randle might just be another good player on a terrible team. Nevertheless, he’ll have his best season yet. As for the Knicks, not so much.
#8: Pascal Siakam
2018-19 season stats: 80 games played, 16.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 0.7 blocks, 0.9 steals, 54.9 field goal percentage, and a 36.9 three-point percentage.
Pascal Siakam finally got paid with a huge extension. I can tell you that he didn’t deserve that contract just yet. However, considering no top free agents will be signing with the Raptors, it was the right move to make. Siakam will be another $100 million+ player in the league. For me, that means that he has to prove his worth. That means becoming an All-Star. The Eastern Conference doesn’t have nearly as much talent as their Western counterparts. That creates an opportunity for Siakam. With Kawhi Leonard out, and Kyle Lowry constantly in trade talks, Siakam will be the focus of the Raptors going forward. I expect big things.
#7: Kevin Love
2018-19 season stats: 22 games played, 17.0 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.2 blocks, 0.3 steals, 38.5 field goal percentage and a 36.1 three-point percentage.
Since being traded to the Cavaliers, Love has been a fraction of the player he was in Minnesota. He simply hasn’t been the same. After missing a large chunk of last year, Love returns with a lot of young talent around him. He probably won’t be the focus of the Cavs’ offense. However, he makes it on the list because when healthy, he’s a top-10 PF. Love has the ability to be the focal point of the Cavaliers’ offense, but he won’t be. I expect him to grow the young talent while keeping a steady and consistent 18+ PPG scoring rate.
#6: Kristaps Porzingis
2018-19 season stats: Did not play due to an ACL tear.
Should Porzingis be this high after tearing his ACL? Yes. Porzingis looks stronger, faster, and healthier than he ever did in New York. On a better team with Luka Doncic, he becomes a key player on what can be a surprise team. Porzingis can undoubtedly become an All-Star again, but it’ll take some wins by the Mavericks. In my eyes, he’ll have his best season yet. His talent is undeniable, and ever since booing him on draft night, fans know they made a huge mistake. Porzingis with the Mavericks will be something to marvel at.
#5: LaMarcus Aldridge
2018-19 season stats: 81 games played, 21.3 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.3 blocks, 0.5 steals, 51.9 field goal percentage, and a 23.8 three-point percentage.
LaMarcus Aldridge may be the least-flashy great player in the league – if that makes sense. Aldridge is an All-Decade performer who’s been one of the more consistent players in the NBA. He can give you 20 PPG with those rare, overly-great games in between. Evidence of that was his 56-point game last January. Aldridge is going to be what he’s always been – a consistent scorer and rebounder who flourishes in Gregg Popovich’s system. I don’t expect anything special from Aldridge this season, simply his usual great self. With the type of competition the NBA brings this year, the Spurs will need Aldridge at his best.
#4: Draymond Green
2018-19 season stats: 66 games played, 7.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, 6.9 assists, 1.1 blocks, 1.4 steals, 44.5 field goal percentage, and a 28.5 three-point percentage.
Draymond Green has always been a top-five PF. It’s easy to make the argument that he shouldn’t even be on this list. In hindsight, he should be. Green has been the motor that’s kept the Warriors’ dynasty going. With Kevin Durant gone and Klay Thompson injured, it only makes sense that Green has one of his best seasons as well. His stats don’t show the amount of heart that comes with a player like Green. He can fit into any team’s system and really is the glue that keeps players like Stephen Curry going. The Warriors are being called a lottery team by some. But, it’s because of a player like Green that the Warriors are going to make the postseason.
#3: Blake Griffin
2018-19 season stats: 75 games played, 24.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 0.4 blocks, 0.7 steals, 46.2 field goal percentage, and a 36.2 three-point percentage.
Blake Griffin had the quietest, yet the best season of his career. He was the leader for the Pistons all year long. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see Griffin at full strength in the playoff, leading to Milwaukee running Detroit out early. Griffin was absolutely sensational last season and was rewarded with an All-NBA selection. The once praised dunker is now an elite big man that can score from anywhere on the court while being an above-average ball-handler as well. Griffin took a massive step forward last season in his overall game, and one can only expect more of the same.
#2: Anthony Davis
2018-19 season stats: 56 games played, 25.9 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 2.4 blocks, 1.6 steals, 51.7 field goal percentage, and a 33.1 three-point percentage.
Anthony Davis isn’t a center. He’s a power forward. Davis has stated that he doesn’t want to play center but will if the Lakers need him to in the postseason. Davis is second on this list for obvious reasons. Now, he becomes the offensive focal point for the team that I believe will win the NBA Championship.
The 26-year-old is a 6’10” big man with the strengths of a 6’3″ point guard. Davis’ talent is undeniable, and alongside LeBron, he’ll have the easiest time in his career on the court. James may be a player who doesn’t actually make his teammates better. However, he does make the game easier for them. Davis will receive more open shots than he ever has and will do more while doing less. I expect a season from Davis that includes an All-Star appearance, contention for the Defensive Player of the Year Award, an NBA Finals appearance, and maybe even MVP contention. Davis is that good of a basketball player.
#1: Giannis Antetokounmpo
2018-19 season stats: 72 games played, 27.7 points, 12.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.5 blocks, 1.3 steals, 57.8 field goal percentage, and a 25.6 three-point percentage.
I’m going to be honest, Giannis Antetokounmpo probably has the best chances to win the MVP this year. I think Stephen Curry will win it, but the stars have aligned most for Antetokounmpo right now. The reigning MVP comes into the season hungrier than ever after losing in the Eastern Conference Finals to the Toronto Raptors. Antetokounmpo was the best player on the best team. There’s no evidence that suggests he can’t be again. But, Antetokounmpo should (and probably does) have only one thing in mind, and that’s winning an NBA Championship. He has all the right pieces to make it happen. He just needs to do it. If history suggests anything, Antetokounmpo will have an even better season than he did last year. If that trend continues, we’re looking at a back-to-back MVP Award winner.
I personally think this list is as accurate as they come. Unlike the point guard and shooting guard rankings, there’s not much to debate. Let me know what you think. Stay tuned, as I have 10 more players to rank by position.
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