Ranking the 20 best players in the NBA’s Eastern Conference
11. Kristaps Porzingis, F, New York Knicks
Porzingis’ situation in New York is mired in confusion. It was clear he was not on the same page as Phil Jackson, but now that the Zen Master is out as team president, perhaps the Knicks can patch things with the Latvian Unicorn. The organization would certainly be wise to try to hang onto Porzingis.
At 7-foot-3 with practically a guard’s skill set, Kristaps is a rare talent. He could be the centerpiece of a franchise, and as far as I’m concerned the Knicks should give him the keys and tell him to drive.
12. Hassan Whiteside, C, Miami Heat
It’s rare to find a dominant center these days in the NBA, but that’s exactly what Whiteside is. The 28-year-old nicknamed “Count Blockula” continues to improve. Last year he averaged a career-best 17.0 points and 14.1 rebounds per game. Perhaps most importantly, he played nearly a full season, appearing in and starting 77 games.
It’s an impressive redemption story for a guy who was out of the league for two years (2012-14).
13. Joel Embiid, C, Philadelphia 76ers
Embiid dazzles with the promise of “what could be.” That’s why he’s nicknamed The Process. We just need to trust it. Trust The Process.
Last year Embiid saw the court in the NBA for the first time, appearing in 31 games before shutting it down to have minor arthroscopic surgery on his left knee; he had torn his meniscus. Still, some argued The Process should have earned Rookie of the Year honors. Embiid was a finalist, but that honor went to Malcolm Brogdon. Health is the only thing keeping Embiid from being higher on this list.
14. Kemba Walker, G, Charlotte Hornets
In addition to being one of the most gregarious and well-liked players in the association — Walker won the 2016-17 Sportsmanship Award — the former UConn star is an explosive scorer. This year he made his first All-Star team.
His offensive game has improved every year since he entered the league in 2011. This year he averaged 23.2 points per game, the 17th-highest average in the league. His three-point shot has improved greatly, too; he’s now shooting at a 40 percent clip.
It will be interesting to see him paired with Dwight Howard and Malik Monk this season.
15. Al Horford, F, Boston Celtics
Horford is another guy who gets knocked because his game isn’t sexy, but he does so many things well. There’s a reason the Celtics gave the man a max contract last summer — and many teams were disappointed they missed out on him.
The former Florida Gator was his usual self in his first year in Boston, averaging 14.0 points, 6.8 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game. He’s also developed a semi-reliable outside jumper (36 percent this season).
16. Andre Drummond, C, Detroit Pistons
Drummond is a beast in the middle, but he hasn’t taken the leap into star status because he simply cannot hit free throws. It’s sad to see at this level — a true Achilles’ heel.
The 7-foot, 24-year-old center is still improving. Drummond posted averages of 13.6 points, 13.8 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game this year. The most important number: 39 percent from the free throw line. This year was a slight step back for Drummond, who made the All-NBA third team in 2016.
17. Myles Turner, F, Indiana Pacers
The 6-foot-11 Pacers forward is only 21, and now that Paul George has left town, the team belongs to Turner. The former Texas Longhorn, a five-star recruit out of high school, has shown promise.
Last year he averaged 14.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game. He wasn’t at his best during Indiana’s first-round loss to the Cavaliers, but he’s still coming into his own. At a time when there’s little to get Pacers fans fired up, Turner gives them hope.
18. Khris Middleton, G, Milwaukee Bucks
Middleton got some pub this offseason when Sports Illustrated ranked him the 35th-best player in the league — ahead of DeRozan. That might be a stretch, but Middleton is one of the most valuable two guards in the East.
At 6-foot-8 with a nice post game and lethal outside shot, Middleton, who is 26 and improving each year, provides a much-needed scoring punch for Milwaukee. He isn’t an elite athlete, but he really knows how to play the game. Last year he shot a career-best 43 percent from downtown. The Ringer calls him “secretly one of the best players in the NBA.”
19. Dwyane Wade, G
Wade is the definition of an O.G. in the NBA. The 35-year-old guard has lost a step or two, but he still packs a scoring punch; and when the game hits crunchtime, you’re OK with the ball being in his hands.
Last year in Chicago, Wade averaged 18.3 points, his lowest average since his rookie year — but the Bulls were a disaster. Being bought out by the Bulls, who are clearly rebuilding, will be a good thing for Wade’s career. Perhaps he can help a team win the championship and conclude his career with a fourth championship ring.
20. D’Angelo Russell, G, Brooklyn Nets
The Lakers made the right move dealing Russell to the Nets. It was a trade that worked for both sides. Los Angeles made room for Lonzo Ball, picked up a solid big in Brook Lopez, and cleared cap space (unloading Timofey Mozgov’s contract), and Brooklyn acquired a fascinating young asset in Russell.
Russell has all the talent in the world. With him, it’s a matter of the mental piece. If he can get his mind right and stay away from distractions, I foresee All-Star appearances in his future. But that’s a big if.
