11. Allen Iverson, Philadelphia 76ers, 31, 6-0, 165: 33.0 pts., 7.4 ast.,
1.94 stl.:
Two consecutive early exits from the playoffs and the buzzards have been
floating around the Sixers, but to place the blame on Iverson is way out of
line. They just don't have a good mix around him. Then again, how much of the
blame must fall on him because he dominates the ball so much? Regardless, he
still plays with more passion and excitement than anybody else.
12. Yao Ming, Houston Rockets, 26, 7-5, 295: 22.3 pts., 10.2 reb.
Yao's game went to an entirely different level this past season, but
unfortunately most of it was without injured Tracy McGrady; and the Rockets went
nowhere. But if his toe problems don't set him back, Yao should become the most
dominant interior force in the game this season and with a healthy McGrady,
they'll be back in the playoffs.
13. Ray Allen, Seattle Sonics 31, 6-5, 205: 25.1 points, 4.3 reb., 3.7 ast.
The unofficial best perimeter shooter in the game, Allen's ability to score
from anywhere on the floor and be such a vocal leader has always been
impressive. But the Sonics went nowhere last season; and if they don't make the
playoffs this season either, it will leave plenty of questions.
14. Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics 28, 6-6, 230: 26.8 pts., 6.7 reb., 4.7 ast.
Statistically speaking, he is as talented and productive as anybody in the
game. But there has always been a question of his priorities and attitude on the
floor. He appeared to mature leadership-wise last year on such a young team, and
we'll see just how patient and how much farther along he can help take them.
15. Jermaine O'Neal, Indiana Pacers, 28, 6-11, 250: 20.1 pts., 9.3 reb., 2.29
blk.
O'Neal was a top-10 and occasionally a top-five player and could return to
that status, but he has to stay on the floor and help the Pacers win. He still
talks a great game and has the skills to dominate inside and take it outside as
well. But being injury prone has prevented him from remaining among the NBA
elite. This is a big year for him and the Pacers.
16. Tracy McGrady, Houston Rockets, 27, 6-8, 210: 24.4 pts., 6.5 reb., 4.8
ast
All things being equal, McGrady is a top-five player. But things are not
equal because of his back and occasional knee problems that have prevented him
from being there. We can only hear and see so much about what a wonderful player
he is if he can't stay on the floor. This is the year McGrady, Yao and the
Rockets need to make some noise in the West.
17. Vince Carter, New Jersey Nets, 29, 6-6, 220: 24.2 pts., 5.8 reb., 4.3
ast.
Whatever Carter lost those last couple of seasons in Toronto, he found the
past season-and-a-half after being traded to the Nets. He not only remains
exciting going to the basket, but he hits big shots from all over the floor in
big games. He's still a big star.
18. Gilbert Arenas, Washington Wizards, 24, 6-4, 210: 29.3 pts., 6.1 ast.,
2.01 stl.
Nobody seems to have noticed that Arenas has become one of the most dominant
floor leaders in the game. He can score from anywhere on the floor and still
manage to keep his teammates involved. That will be the key to his future
success and the team's keeping everybody involved.
19. Shawn Marion, Phoenix Suns, 28, 6-7, 230: 21.8 pts., 11.0 reb., 1.98 stl.
For some strange reason, Marion has become the game's most talented player
that people hate to love. Maybe it's his unorthodox shot, or his occasional
stinkers in the playoffs. But the fact of the matter is he played out of
position last season at power forward, and his numbers should be even better
this year.
20. Chauncey Billups, Detroit Pistons, 29, 6-3, 202: 18.5 pts., 8.6 ast.,
.894 free throw pct.
Billups had his best season as the Pistons raced to the best record.
Recognized for his cool, clutch play, he consistently makes plays for the
Pistons at the most crucial times. But along with his teammates, Billups faded
badly against the Cavs and had nothing left for the Heat. We'll learn a lot
about his level of play this season.
