NBA All-Star Power Rankings: 2016 stars from worst to first
The All-Star Game is like the dessert of All-Star weekend: Some people enjoy it, others wish it had more substance, and the rest are full from the appetizers (Friday night) and main course (Saturday night).
Really, the most interesting part of the All-Star Game is what comes before it -- namely, who makes the team.
Fans, media members and NBA folks all love to debate, and All-Star rosters stir up arguments, as it's a time of comparing player statistics, creating rankings and determining value. As misguided as it might sound, the All-Star Game can also have a historical impact, helping (or hurting) a player’s case to make the Hall of Fame (and affecting their perception in NBA history, to an extent). This stuff matters.
We've known about the selections for a few weeks now. Most people love to discuss snubs, and then who shouldn't have made the roster, but both are futile exercises. We can't change who the fans, and then coaches, voted for. What we can do, however, is evaluate the rosters, rank them and leave room for conversation.
Because of their respective injuries, Jimmy Butler and Chris Bosh are not among the 24 players ranked. (Though, for the record, Butler would’ve ranked No. 12 and Bosh would've ranked No. 15.)
Here is an ascending ranking -- from worst to first -- of the 24 All-Stars playing on Sunday:
24. Kobe Bryant, SG/SF, Los Angeles Lakers
Key stats (per game averages): 16.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.0 steals, 2.0 3-pointers
No surprise here. Bryant’s selection is on legacy alone -- he’s the one player on this list who has no All-Star case whatsoever. Though he's gradually improved throughout the season, especially as of late, he's been far too inefficient and is basically just a gunner at this point. With that said, it’s understandable why he was voted into the game. His contemporaries refer to him as this generation’s Michael Jordan, and that’s the type of reception he’s received during his final season. All-Star Weekend should be no different, if not on a grander scale. It’s expected that Bryant will try to shoot his way to All-Star Game MVP.
23. Dwyane Wade, SG, Miami Heat
Key stats: 18.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.0 steals
Wade has looked rejuvenated at times this season, flashing the athleticism and finishing ability that made him so impossible to defend in his prime. But he's also looked older at other times -- especially on defense -- and is no longer capable of shouldering a massive offensive load. Had Wade developed a reliable 3-point shot earlier in his career, he could’ve potentially extended his prime -- or at least continued producing like an elite player late into his career. With Bryant’s legacy selection virtually not counting, Wade is the real All-Star with the most borderline case.
22. Pau Gasol, C, Chicago Bulls
Key stats: 17.0 points, 10.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.0 blocks
Gasol, who is filling in for Butler, should've probably made the roster originally. He’s gone back to his roots in Chicago, using his length and footwork to roast defenders on the block, and then popping out for mid-range jumpers when unsuspecting defenders divert their attention elsewhere. He can be a defensive liability given his lack of athleticism and foot speed, but when opposing players meet him at the rim, Gasol usually wins that battle. He remains one of the most skilled big men in the league at 35 years old.
21. Isaiah Thomas, PG, Boston Celtics
Key stats: 21.5 points, 6.6 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.9 3-pointers
The casual fan may scoff at Thomas’s All-Star selection -- and there's a case to be made that he might not even be the best player on his team -- but the third-place Celts would be out of the postseason without for his offensive brilliance. Thomas has been putting up All-Star-caliber numbers for years, but it's finally translating to winning, and he’s being rewarded. He's emerged as one of Boston’s leaders, and seems to have finally found a home. If he were a few inches taller, and less of a defensive liability, he’d be as many as half a dozen spots higher.
20. Klay Thompson, SG, Golden State Warriors
Key stats: 21.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 3.2 3-pointers
If not for the Warriors’ historic record, Thompson would likely be watching the All-Star Game from home. He's having a fine season, but there were more deserving candidates (i.e. Damian Lillard) out West who were cast aside in order to honor the Warriors’ otherworldly dominance. Thompson, of course, is an elite marksman -- perhaps the best non-Curry shooter in the league -- and one of the game’s premier 3-and-D players. He's a top-25 player, and isn't a bad selection by any means. It's just that his inclusion seems to have more to do with his team’s success than his own.
19. Carmelo Anthony, SF, New York Knicks
Key stats: 21.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 0.9 steals
This may seem a bit low for Anthony, but only if you look past his defensive shortcomings and the Knicks’ record. In 'Melo’s defense, he's been a willing passer this season and made more of an effort on the glass. This could be the best all-around basketball he's played since his first full year in New York. And, most importantly, he's taken rookie sensation Kristaps Porzingis under his wing, which shows growth and maturity from the way he handled Linsanity. However, he’s still a ball-stopper at his core, and there have to be legitimate questions now if you can build a title contender with him as your franchise guy.
18. Al Horford, PF/C, Atlanta Hawks
Key stats: 15.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.5 blocks, 50.7 FG%
Al Horford, who was selected to replace Bosh at the last minute on Friday, isn't a sexy pick. The Hawks aren't as good as they were last season, and Horford's slight drop in production is certainly a factor. But like his teammate, Paul Millsap, Horford's steadiness is a valuable skill. Regardless of the opponent, he can slide between the four and the five, spot up -- he's extended his range beyond the arc this season -- or operate from the post/elbow, and then switch onto quicker players in pick-and-rolls or bang on block defensively. His skill set is rare and, as always, underappreciated.
17. DeMar DeRozan, SG, Toronto Raptors
Key stats: 23.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.0 steals
DeRozan is enjoying a career season which, coupled with Kyle Lowry’s career year, has made the No. 2-seeded Raptors the biggest threat to Cleveland in the East. He has stopped taking as many long 2-pointers and head-scratching shots, and started driving more and getting to the charity stripe at a higher rate. With DeMarre Carroll out for an extended period of time, DeRozan has had to be effective on both ends of the floor, often defending the opponent’s best scorer, and he's done an impressive managing the load.
16. LaMarcus Aldridge, PF/C, San Antonio Spurs
Key stats: 17.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.0 blocks, 50.4 FG%
Similar to Thompson, it's tough to separate Aldridge’s selection from his team's success. The Spurs have been nearly as good as the Warriors, and giving them only one All-Star seemed unfair. The difference, though, is that as recently as last year Aldridge was the No. 1 option on a fringe contender. He’s still a two-way force who commands attention because of his elite post play and mid-range shooting. Defensively, Aldridge has has grown from a solid defender to a good one in the Spurs' system. Overall, the fit has been awkward at times, but it's understandable given the compromises from both Aldridge and San Antonio.
15. John Wall, PG, Washington Wizards
Key stats: 20.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 9.9 assists, 2.1 steals
With apologies to the Rockets and Pelicans, it's the Wizards -- who’ve made back-to-back Eastern Conference finals, yet are currently out of the playoffs -- who’ve actually been the most disappointing team this season. It’s not Wall’s fault, though. He’s been producing at the same rate he was last season, and is a few assists away from being the special 20-10 club. Wall’s skill set is tailor-made for the All-Star Game: He's fast, athletic and loves to pass. This may be the most fun he has all season, though, unfortunately.
14. Andre Drummond, C, Detroit Pistons
Key stats: 17.0 points, 14.9 rebounds, 1.6 steals, 1.5 blocks, 51.8 FG%
The general consensus is that dominant centers are no longer a thing in the NBA, but Drummond is changing that misguided perception with every 20-20 game he puts up. He's a flat-out beast. No, he can’t make free throws. But so what? How many other big men can control the real estate around the rim like he does? Block as many shots? Finish as emphatically? Drummond has let his free-throw woes get the best of him at times, and the Pistons have reportedly been displeased with his inconsistent effort on defense. But Detroit is on the verge of making the playoffs for the first time since 2009, and Drummond is the key to it all.
13. Paul Millsap, PF, Atlanta Hawks
Key stats: 17.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.9 steals, 1.4 blocks
The Hawks may have come back down to earth this season, but don’t blame that on Paul Millsap. He continues to put up career numbers while on the wrong side of 30, and is the East’s version of Draymond Green in some ways (there are differences, of course). He’s just a solid, all-around big man who can fit into any lineup and provide spacing, rebounding, playmaking and crafty defense. Though his raw numbers don’t necessarily wow you, Millsap’s versatility and consistency is unquantifiable -- and his advanced stats suggest he should be ranked higher, anyway.
12. Kyle Lowry, PG, Toronto Raptors
Key stats: 21.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 2.2 steals, 2.8 3-pointers
Kyle Lowry has been criminally underrated the past couple seasons, perhaps no moreso than this one. It’s difficult for casual fans to consider him among the likes of a DeMarcus Cousins or a James Harden or a Paul George, but he’s there. “Skinny” Kyle Lowry is a legitimate thing. His ability to make 3s and get to free-throw line routinely make up for his inefficient shooting, and he’s an otherwise well-rounded player with no glaring weaknesses besides his size. The Raptors are a top-five team and, while DeRozan deserves a ton of credit for his continued improvement, Lowry is the franchise player.
11. DeMarcus Cousins, C, Sacramento Kings
Key stats: 26.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.3 blocks
The drama and dysfunction in Sacramento has unfortunately taken away from what has been an otherwise awesome season from DeMarcus Cousins. There’s no more debating it: He’s the best center in the league. Sure, he sulks a lot, complains too much, and generally has a bad attitude. At times, he can lollygag on defense and settle for jumpers. But Cousins is an unstoppable monster in the post, and his mere presence on offense creates chaos with which his teammates can thrive. He’s expanded his range to behind the 3-point line now, and his passing has always been underrated. Cousins is a top-five talent hindered by bad habits, but a franchise player nonetheless.
10. James Harden, SG, Houston Rockets
Key stats: 28.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 1.6 steals, 2.8 3-pointers
James Harden, much like the other players in this range, has been a polarizing player given his team’s underachievement and the rumors that he’s a large part of the locker-room issues. Still, he remains a devastating offensive force, and at some point you have to look past certain flaws -- like him showing up to training camp out of shape, refusing to play defense and continuing to flop -- because of sheer ability to get buckets for himself and his teammates. He’s too talented and popular to have been left off the All-Star team, as some suggested he should be, though the case against him has a lot of validity.
9. Paul George, SF, Indiana Pacers
Key stats: 23.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.8 steals, 2.8 3-pointers
If there was a Comeback Player of the Year award in the NBA like there is in the NFL, Paul George would win it by a landslide. No one was sure how he’d return from the gruesome leg injury he suffered in August 2014, but George has quickly proved that any concerns over his return were unnecessary. He’s back, and he’s better, taking on more of an offensive burden as the Pacers’ primary option and battling inside as a small-ball 4. Indiana has been an inconsistent bunch this season, and George’s two-way brilliance has been the lone thing that keeps them in the East playoff hunt.
8. Anthony Davis, PF, New Orleans Pelicans
Key stats: 23.4 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 2.2 blocks, 49.9 FG%
What’s been more disappointing: The Pelicans’ season as a whole, or Anthony Davis’ failure to meet the historic expectations set for him? Davis, not Curry, was projected to be atop this list, yet here’s where he is almost 2/3 of the way through the season. Davis has undeniably been stellar, but he hasn’t taken the jump we all expected him to, and expectations usually dictate the way a player is perceived. Not unlike Blake Griffin early in his career, Davis has somewhat plateaued and is experiencing some backlash. New Orleans’ bottom-five defense isn’t all on Davis -- just look at who he's surrounded by -- but at some point he has to be held accountable.
7. Draymond Green, PF, Golden State Warriors
Key stats: 14.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.3 blocks
If NBA players were commodities on the stock market, no player’s stock would’ve risen more this season than Draymond Green’s. Even he’s surprised by his emergence as a top-10 player. He’s broke a walking triple-double, and the ideal complement to Curry -- on and off the court. Green’s passing and basketball I.Q. make him a special offensive player even when he's not scoring, as does his ability to shape-shift and defend positions one through five. He’s the heart and soul of the one of the greatest regular-season teams ever, and though some have trouble accepting it, he’s the best and most versatile big man in the league right now.
6. Chris Paul, PG, Los Angeles Clippers
Key stats: 19.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 9.4 assists, 2.1 steals
Though Chris Paul is no longer the league’s alpha point guard, he’s still an elite floor general who almost ensures you a top-five offense. In Blake Griffin’s absence, he has stepped up his scoring when appropriate, and has willed the undermanned Clippers to a handful of victories against teams they have no business beating. He’s lost a step defensively against elite guards, but can still lock up basically everyone else, and has an uncanny knack for reading offenses and anticipating passes when in help. Paul is often forgotten about in the conversation of top-five players, yet he’s right on the cusp.
5. Kawhi Leonard, SF, San Antonio Spurs
Key stats: 20.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.8 steals, 51.0 FG%, 48.2 3PT%
Kawhi Leonard has tapered off somewhat after a dominant start to the season, but he’s still in the conversation for the most impactful non-Curry player (Everyone's just fighting for No. 2 at this point). He’s the actualized version of the 3-and-D prototype -- only on steroids and with octopus arms and bear claws. Leonard entered the league with a shaky jumper; now he’s the league-leader in 3-point percentage and has developed into a go-to guy. Combine that with his all-world defense -- he’s the only player on this list who can shut down the four guys ahead of him -- and you have the recipe for a special two-way player.
4. Russell Westbrook, PG, Oklahoma City Thunder
Key stats: 24.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 10.0 assists, 2.3 steals
Lost in the shadow of Durant’s return and Curry’s Showtime reincarnation is the fact that Russell Westbrook is playing the best basketball of his career -- with Durant beside him, for a change. Westbrook’s levels of athleticism, ferocity and explosion are something the league has never seen from a point guard -- or almost any player -- before. Despite standing just 6-foot-3, he’s arguably the NBA’s most physically imposing force. He just cares more than everyone else. He can still be turnover-prone and take ill-advised shots -- the fact that he still shoots more than Durant is obviously blasphemous -- but Westbrook has become so effective that it’s easy to look past his warts.
3. Kevin Durant, SF, Oklahoma City Thunder
Key stats: 27.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.2 blocks, 50.6 FG%, 2.4 3-pointers
Kevin Durant is back, folks. Any questions about how he would hold up over a full season have to be put to rest. There’s a legitimate case to be made that he should be No. 2 on this list, but No. 3 feels safe for now. At his apex, Durant is perhaps the most unguardable player in the league -- his size, footwork, speed and ability to create space from anywhere basically makes him a 6-foot-11 version of Curry. No one is talking about the Thunder given the Warriors’ and Spurs’ dominance, but as he demonstrated against Golden State a couple weeks ago, this summer’s most coveted free agent can make OKC competitive against anyone.
2. LeBron James, SF, Cleveland Cavaliers
Key stats: 25.0 points, 7.1 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.4 steals, 50.4 FG%
For the first time in a half-decade, LeBron James doesn’t seem invincible. His numbers have been in line with his career averages for the most part, but something feels off. He’s still the game’s most talented and best all-around player, but he no longer dominates the way he used to. With that said, he’s done an admirable job continuing to carry the Cavs despite their myriad injuries and David Blatt’s firing. We’re just eight months removed from him putting up one of the greatest Finals performances ever, so it's far too early to write him off. But he's trending the wrong way on this list . . . for now.
1. Stephen Curry, PG, Golden State Warriors
Key stats: 29.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 2.1 steals, 50.8 FG%, 4.9 3-pointers
What's there to be said that hasn't been said already? Stephen Curry is simply the greatest shooter the league has ever seen. Over the past year and a half, he’s put up historic numbers that can rival your favorite player, including Michael Jordan. Few have ever commanded the defensive attention he does -- and no one has out to as far as 30 feet (and sometimes beyond). He’s the most entertaining and popular player in basketball right now, and is revolutionizing the way youth play the game. There aren't enough superlatives to explain his season, making the soon-to-be two-time MVP the most obvious All-Star selection of them all.
Jovan Buha covers the NBA for FOX Sports. Follow him on Twitter: @jovanbuha.
