NBA 2K15 Point Guard Ratings (12/31/14)

Last week there were 21 rating changes for point guards.  This week there were only four.  Granted a lot of that is due to 2K addressing many key issues with the ratings, but there are still plenty of high-profile targets that need adjusting.

Happy New Year everyone!

RATING CHANGES
93 Russell Westbrook (+3)
86 Kyrie Irving (-1)
83 Jeff Teague (+1)
66 Russ Smith (-2)

RATING TIERS
95-99: All-Time Great
90-94: Superstar
85-89: All-Star
80-84: Above average starter (or elite backup)
75-79: Average NBA player (Mediocre starter, quality backup)
70-74: Specialist (1-2 skills keeping player in league)
65-69: Fringe NBA player

POINT GUARDS (74)
1-10
93 (+5) Russell Westbrook (32.0 PER, 55 TS%, 41 USG%, 50 AST%, 32 MPG)
91 (+2) Stephen Curry (26.2 PER, 62 TS%, 29 USG%, 38 AST%, 33 MPG)
90 (-1) Chris Paul (25.1 PER, 59 TS%, 23 USG%, 44 AST%, 31 MPG)
88 (+3) Kyle Lowry (24.4 PER, 56 TS%, 27 USG%, 37 AST%, 35 MPG)
88 (+2) John Wall (20.8 PER, 53 TS%, 26 USG%, 47 AST%, 36 MPG)
87 (NC) Damian Lillard (23.0 PER, 60 TS%, 26 USG%, 30 AST%, 36 MPG)
87 (-1) Derrick Rose (16.7 PER, 52 TS%, 32 USG%, 33 AST%, 28 MPG)
86 (+3) Mike Conley (20.8 PER, 58 TS%, 25 USG%, 30 AST%, 33 MPG)
86 (NC) Kyrie Irving (19.9 PER, 58 TS%, 24 USG%, 24 AST%, 38 MPG)
86 (-2) Tony Parker (17.2 PER, 59 TS%, 24 USG%, 30 AST%, 31 MPG)

Russell Westbrook had a "bad" night against the Mavericks, shooting 6-23 from the field en route to 18 points.  It marked the first time this season Westbrook failed to score 20 points (excluding his injury game of 2 points in 8 minutes).  He still filled the stat sheet with 9 rebounds, 9 assists, and 5 steals.  Everyone's allowed one off-night.  He's been nothing short of incredible this season.  The only other player in NBA history who might be able to match his production is Michael Jordan.

THE WESTBROOK WATCH
2015 Russell Westbrook: 55.2 TS%, 41.1 USG% (93 Overall)
2006 Kobe Bryant: 55.9 TS%, 38.7 USG%
1987 Michael Jordan: 56.2 TS%, 38.3 USG%
2002 Allen Iverson: 48.9 TS%, 37.8 USG%
2015 Kobe Bryant: 48.1 TS%, 35.8 USG% (85 Overall)

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I'm going to sound like a broken record every week but Derrick Rose is no longer a superstar.  Every OVR point that Jimmy Butler goes up should be a point taken away from Rose.  For every good game Rose has (24.7 PPG, 58 FG% vs TOR, WAS, LAL) he has just as many dreadful ones (13.3 PPG, 28 FG% vs NOP, IND, BRK).  Being a superstar is an every night thing.  Hell, being an all-star is an every night thing.  Rose is MAYBE the 3rd best player on his Bulls team.  That's a far cry from a Top-15 player.  It's frankly embarrassing that 2K has him rated on par with Damian Lillard or Kyle Lowry because they're not even in the same galaxy at this point.

Kyle Lowry's last five games: 27 PPG, 7 APG, 62 TS% (30 USG%).  BEAST.  I've said it before and I'll say it again.  He's been the best PG in the Eastern Conference for a full year now, and his play is directly responsible for his team's 24-8 record (3rd in the NBA).

11-20
85 (+1) Deron Williams (16.3 PER, 52 TS%, 23 USG%, 33 AST%, 32 MPG)
85 (-2) Rajon Rondo (15.0 PER, 43 TS%, 20 USG%, 45 AST%, 32 MPG)
83 (+5) Jeff Teague (21.5 PER, 59 TS%, 25 USG%, 38 AST%, 31 MPG)
83 (+3) Isaiah Thomas (19.9 PER, 57 TS%, 27 USG%, 25 AST%, 25 MPG)
83 (-1) Ty Lawson (17.6 PER, 51 TS%, 22 USG%, 44 AST%, 37 MPG)
82 (NC) Jrue Holiday (18.6 PER, 52 TS%, 23 USG%, 34 AST%, 32 MPG)
82 (+1) Eric Bledsoe (18.6 PER, 55 TS%, 24 USG%, 27 AST%, 33 MPG)
82 (-2) Goran Dragic (17.7 PER, 59 TS%, 22 USG%, 20 AST%, 33 MPG)
81 (+2) Brandon Knight (17.9 PER, 57 TS%, 27 USG%, 28 AST%, 32 MPG)
80 (+1) Darren Collison (18.5 PER, 57 TS%, 21 USG%, 29 AST%, 35 MPG)

Deron Williams has been been benched in favor of Jarrett Jack (18 PPG, 5 APG, 52 FG% as the starter).  While Williams (7 PPG on 26 FG% off the bench) is recovering from a calf injury, he isn't exactly on a minutes restriction and Jack definitely deserves the time right now.  This is just your weekly reminder that Williams is the 11th highest rated PG in NBA 2K15.

The Mavericks are 4-2 since adding Rajon Rondo to their lineup, but it's not because Rondo is playing any better than he did in Boston (14.3 PER in 6 games w/ Dallas).  With 79 points to show for his 84 FGA as a Maverick, Rondo still can't put the ball in the hole, from the field or at the line.  What's scary is he's shooting more than he ever did as a Celtic, and if he keeps this up the team's record will suffer before too long.

Jeff Teague continues to play at a high level, which is why the Hawks are 2nd in the East.  That's better than the teams in Chicago, Washington, and Cleveland, for those who might be keeping track at home.

Jason Kidd has begun starting Brandon Knight at SG, so he may not be long for the PG list.  His assist rate has taken a hit as a result (hasn't topped five assists in a game since December 2nd).

21-30
80 (-2) Kemba Walker (18.0 PER, 50 TS%, 25 USG%, 27 AST%, 36 MPG)
80 (NC) Brandon Jennings (16.2 PER, 50 TS%, 24 USG%, 38 AST%, 29 MPG)
80 (+2) Reggie Jackson (16.1 PER, 52 TS%, 24 USG%, 28 AST%, 33 MPG)
79 (NC) Ricky Rubio (15.8 PER, 46 TS%, 20 USG%, 56 AST%, 29 MPG)
79 (+1) Patrick Beverley (13.4 PER, 55 TS%, 16 USG%, 16 AST%, 33 MPG)
79 (-1) Michael Carter-Williams (11.4 PER, 44 TS%, 27 USG%, 40 AST%, 35 MPG)
78 (NC) Jose Calderon (12.6 PER, 53 TS%, 16 USG%, 21 AST%, 32 MPG)
77 (+1) Kirk Hinrich (7.9 PER, 48 TS%, 15 USG%, 18 AST%, 28 MPG)
76 (+3) Aaron Brooks (15.8 PER, 57 TS%, 26 USG%, 28 AST%, 20 MPG)
76 (+1) C.J. Watson (15.4 PER, 57 TS%, 20 USG%, 26 AST%, 27 MPG)

It's no surprise to me that Kemba Walker is playing much better with Lance Stephenson sidelined.   Kemba went off for a career high 42 points against the Magic on December 27th, and could be in for many nights like that with Al Jefferson sidelined at least a month with a groin injury,

Michael Carter-Williams shot 11-47 in his last three games.  He also recorded 13 turnovers to his 17 assists.  He's having a rough sophomore season and desperately needs to improve upon his outside shooting.  It's safe to say he still has a long way to go as a player.

31-40
76 (NC) Andre Miller (15.4 PER, 62 TS%, 15 USG%, 37 AST%, 13 MPG)
76 (+1) Dennis Schroder (14.9 PER, 52 TS%, 25 USG%, 31 AST%, 18 MPG)
76 (+2) Tony Wroten (14.8 PER, 50 TS%, 29 USG%, 35 AST%, 30 MPG)
76 (-1) Jeremy Lin (13.5 PER, 54 TS%, 20 USG%, 27 AST%, 27 MPG)
76 (+1) Mario Chalmers (13.3 PER, 53 TS%, 21 USG%, 23 AST%, 31 MPG)
76 (NC) Greivis Vasquez (12.7 PER, 47 TS%, 24 USG%, 25 AST%, 21 MPG)
75 (+1) J.J. Barea (17.1 PER, 51 TS%, 21 USG%, 31 AST%, 17 MPG)
75 (NC) Devin Harris (15.1 PER, 56 TS%, 16 USG%, 22 AST%, 23 MPG)
75 (-1) Mo Williams (12.8 PER, 48 TS%, 22 USG%, 41 AST%, 26 MPG)
75 (-1) D.J. Augustin (12.6 PER, 50 TS%, 20 USG%, 28 AST%, 23 MPG)

Dennis Schroder recorded 22 points and 6 assists in a win against the Mavericks but then shot 3-20 with 8 turnovers to his 6 assists in the following three games.  Consistency will occasionally be an issue for the 21-year old phenom.

Mario Chalmers is struggling as the Heat starting PG right now (8.3 PPG, 40 TS%, 17 USG%).  Chalmers' starting stint earlier in the year had him producing 18.5 PPG and 5.8 APG (62 TS% on 24 USG%).  What happened?  Chalmers did all that filling in at SG for Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh was healthy.  Next to Wade and without Bosh down low I suspect Chalmers' outside looks have not been the quality he's used to.

41-50
75 (NC) Trey Burke (11.9 PER, 46 TS%, 21 USG%, 26 AST%, 32 MPG)
75 (-1) Jameer Nelson (10.2 PER, 49 TS%, 16 USG%, 24 AST%, 25 MPG)
75 (-1) Nate Robinson (9.9 PER, 43 TS%, 23 USG%, 23 AST%, 14 MPG)
74 (NC) Beno Udrih (16.4 PER, 56 TS%, 19 USG%, 30 AST%, 18 MPG)
74 (NC) Brian Roberts (13.2 PER, 53 TS%, 19 USG%, 21 AST%, 17 MPG)
74 (-1) Norris Cole (10.2 PER, 45 TS%, 16 USG%, 21 AST%, 27 MPG)
74 (-2) Marcus Smart (9.3 PER, 49 TS%, 16 USG%, 16 AST%, 19 MPG)
74 (+2) Matthew Dellavedova (5.3 PER, 44 TS%, 12 USG%, 19 AST%, 20 MPG)
73 (NC) Cory Joseph (16.3 PER, 59 TS%, 18 USG%, 19 AST%, 26 MPG)
73 (-1) Jarrett Jack (14.3 PER, 53 TS%, 21 USG%, 23 AST%, 27 MPG)

Jameer Nelson's rating will probably drop shortly, if for no other reason than Marcus Smart is starting over him (2K works like that).

I don't know who told 2K otherwise, but Matthew Dellavedova is a bad player.  Over his last 10 games he's shooting 35 TS% on a mere 13 USG%.  He is the anti-3PT specialist.

Cory Joseph has been straight killing it this year.  Unlike Dellavedova, he can actually contribute on offense while playing stellar defense.

Jarrett Jack is averaging 18 PPG, 5 APG, and shooting 52% as the Nets starting PG.  He ranks 50th among PGs while Deron Williams ranks 11th.

51-60
73 (-1) Shaun Livingston (13.1 PER, 56 TS%, 16 USG%, 23 AST%, 18 MPG)
73 (+1) Isaiah Canaan (12.7 PER, 58 TS%, 19 USG%, 13 AST%, 19 MPG)
73 (-1) Kendall Marshall (10.9 PER, 56 TS%, 15 USG%, 28 AST%, 16 MPG)
73 (-1) Elfrid Payton (10.5 PER, 42 TS%, 19 USG%, 32 AST%, 25 MPG)
73 (-1) Ramon Sessions (9.6 PER, 45 TS%, 21 USG%, 23 AST%, 17 MPG)
73 (-1) Shabazz Napier (9.5 PER, 56 TS%, 16 USG%, 14 AST%, 21 MPG)
73 (+1) Jordan Farmar (8.4 PER, 49 TS%, 17 USG%, 18 AST%, 14 MPG)
72 (NC) Pablo Prigioni (13.6 PER, 59 TS%, 13 USG%, 21 AST%, 20 MPG)
72 (NC) Luke Ridnour (10.2 PER, 50 TS%, 14 USG%, 26 AST%, 16 MPG)
72 (+1) Steve Blake (9.4 PER, 51 TS%, 12 USG%, 25 AST%, 22 MPG)

Average Shooting Distance (Feet) under Doc Rivers
Jordan Farmar: 20.2 (Career 15.9)
Jared Dudley: 19.0 (Career 15.5)
Nate Robinson: 18.8 (Career 15.6)

Doc's coaching is held in high-regard but he always seems to kill at least one of his player's production by pigeon-holing them into a role that doesn't suit them.  He's taken Farmar's strength (athleticism) and completely negated it.  With 77 Standing 3PT and 90 Moving 3PT ratings entering the year, all Doc would have had to do is turn on NBA 2K to figure out turning Farmar into a spot-up shooter would be an exceptionally bad idea (In all seriousness, the Clippers have access to the stats those ratings are based on - Doc just chooses to ignore them).

61-74
72 (-2) Dante Exum (7.7 PER, 50 TS%, 15 USG%, 16 AST%, 18 MPG)
72 (-3) Nate Wolters (4.5 PER, 38 TS%, 12 USG%, 10 AST%, 12 MPG)
71 (+6) Donald Sloan (13.1 PER, 49 TS%, 20 USG%, 27 AST%, 27 MPG)
71 (NC) Shelvin Mack (11.7 PER, 46 TS%, 19 USG%, 29 AST%, 14 MPG)
71 (-1) Shane Larkin (10.5 PER, 51 TS%, 13 USG%, 15 AST%, 23 MPG)
71 (-3) Ray McCallum (6.5 PER, 42 TS%, 17 USG%, 17 AST%, 12 MPG)
70 (NC) Jordan Clarkson (13.1 PER, 49 TS%, 19 USG%, 9 AST%, 11 MPG)
70 (NC) Phil Pressey (9.2 PER, 40 TS%, 14 USG%, 24 AST%, 13 MPG)
70 (-2) Zach LaVine (9.1 PER, 48 TS%, 20 USG%, 24 AST%, 25 MPG)
69 (NC) Ronnie Price (11.0 PER, 49 TS%, 13 USG%, 23 AST%, 22 MPG)
68 (NC) Ish Smith (11.5 PER, 43 TS%, 17 USG%, 30 AST%, 6 MPG)
68 (-4) Jimmer Fredette (4.7 PER, 35 TS%, 15 USG%, 14 AST%, 9 MPG)
67 (NC) Leandro Barbosa (14.5 PER, 55 TS%, 21 USG%, 12 AST%, 12 MPG)
66 (NC) A.J. Price (14.4 PER, 49 TS%, 23 USG%, 24 AST%, 13 MPG)

Ronnie Price is playing well right now, averaging 11.8 PPG and 5.8 APG on 66 TS% (17 USG%) over his last five games.  His Steal rate (3.3%) also ranks 5th in the NBA.  After nearly falling out of the league he's playing nearly twice as many minutes as he's ever played.  I guess it pays to be liked by Kobe Bryant!

Leandro Barbosa had 17 points in a 40-point blowout of the Sixers, but he's been quiet since Shaun Livingston recovered from injury.

LESS THAN 100 MINUTES (13)
78 (NC) George Hill (18.6 PER, 60 TS%, 23 USG%, 21 AST%, 24 MPG)
77 (NC) Patrick Mills (7.9 PER, 44 TS%, 31 USG%, 17 AST%, 19 MPG)
76 (NC) Steve Nash (DNP)
74 (NC) Raymond Felton (DNP)
72 (NC) Nick Calathes (9.0 PER, 43 TS%, 16 USG%, 36 AST%, 8 MPG)
71 (NC) Tyler Ennis (13.6 PER, 58 TS%, 23 USG%, 32 AST%, 9 MPG)
69 (NEW) Spencer Dinwiddie (9.1 PER, 40 TS%, 17 USG%, 30 AST%, 11 MPG)
68 (NEW) Erick Green (11.8 PER, 52 TS%, 21 USG%, 19 AST%, 9 MPG)
67 (NEW) Darius Morris (8.8 PER, 40 TS%, 21 USG%, 28 AST%, 5 MPG)
67 (NC) Jannero Pargo (15.0 PER, 57 TS%, 25 USG%, 20 AST%, 8 MPG)
67 (NC) Jared Cunningham (5.6 PER, 42 TS%, 24 USG%, 19 AST%, 5 MPG)
66 (-3) Russ Smith (-19.3 PER, 28 TS%, 28 USG%, 0 AST%, 5 MPG)
66 (NC) Toure Murry (DNP)

George Hill will qualify for the main list with his next game played.

FREE AGENTS (21)
72 (+2) Will Bynum (DNP)
69 (NC) Sebastian Telfair (11.8 PER, 48 TS%, 22 USG%, 23 AST%)
69 (NC) Marquis Teague (DNP)
69 (NC) Diante Garrett (DNP)
69 (NC) John Lucas (DNP)
68 (NC) Nando De Colo (DNP)
67 (NC) Will Cherry (5.9 PER, 35 TS%, 17 USG%, 16 AST%)
67 (NC) Gal Mekel (0.6 PER, 15 TS%, 23 USG%, 40 AST%)
67 (NC) Kalin Lucas (-0.6 PER, 0 TS%, 8 USG%, 0 AST%)
67 (NC) Nemanja Nedovic (DNP)
67 (NC) Julyan Stone (DNP)
66 (NC) Dwight Buycks (DNP)
66 (NC) Casper Ware (DNP)
66 (NC) Peyton Siva (DNP)
65 (NC) Jorge Gutierrez (11.1 PER, 52 TS%, 19 USG%, 27 AST%)
65 (NC) Lorenzo Brown (DNP)
65 (NC) Seth Curry (DNP)
65 (NC) Josh Akognon (DNP)
65 (NC) Sherron Collins (DNP)
65 (NC) Mike James (DNP)
60 (NC) Orien Greene (DNP)

NBA 2K15 Shooting Guard Ratings (12/29/14)

The moment I've been waiting ten years for finally happened....

RATING CHANGES (since 12/15/14)
93 James Harden (+4)
88 Dwyane Wade (+1)
85 Jimmy Butler (+1)
85 Kobe Bryant (-4)
81 Jamal Crawford (+1)
80 Louis Williams (+1)
80 Lance Stephenson (-1)
79 Courtney Lee (+1)
78 Danny Green (+1)
77 Rodney Stuckey (+1)
77 Iman Shumpert (-1)
76 Vince Carter (+1)
76 O.J. Mayo (-2)
75 Randy Foye (+1)
74 Jeremy Lamb (+1)
74 Ben McLemore (+1)
73 Andre Roberson (+1)

RATING TIERS
95-99: All-Time Great
90-94: Superstar
85-89: All-Star
80-84: Above average starter (or elite backup)
75-79: Average NBA player (Mediocre starter, quality backup)
70-74: Specialist (1-2 skills keeping player in league)
65-69: Fringe NBA player

SHOOTING GUARD (68)
1-10
93 (+5) James Harden (26.2 PER, 59 TS%, 32 USG%, 37 AST%, 38 MPG)
88 (+2) Dwyane Wade (24.5 PER, 56 TS%, 35 USG%, 38 AST%, 33 MPG)
85 (+1) Jimmy Butler (22.7 PER, 61 TS%, 22 USG%, 14 AST%, 40 MPG)
85 (+3) Klay Thompson (19.8 PER, 58 TS%, 27 USG%, 16 AST%, 34 MPG)
85 (-4) Kobe Bryant (17.4 PER, 48 TS%, 36 USG%, 25 AST%, 35 MPG)
85 (NC) DeMar DeRozan (16.8 PER, 49 TS%, 29 USG%, 13 AST%, 34 MPG)
83 (+1) Monta Ellis (18.4 PER, 53 TS%, 29 USG%, 22 AST%, 34 MPG)
83 (NC) Manu Ginobili (16.8 PER, 54 TS%, 26 USG%, 33 AST%, 25 MPG)
83 (+1) Joe Johnson (15.9 PER, 55 TS%, 23 USG%, 19 AST%, 35 MPG)
81 (+2) Kevin Martin (21.3 PER, 65 TS%, 25 USG%, 12 AST%, 30 MPG)

James Harden has left no doubt that he is the best shooting guard in all of basketball.  He's leading the league in scoring (27.2 PPG) and is playing much better defense than he has the last few years (2.2 BLK% is more than double his previous best).

Dwyane Wade is playing even better, averaging 30 PPG on 50% shooting over the last two weeks.  Unfortunately, the Heat are only 2-4 in those games as they've been beset by a slew of front court injuries.

Since my last shooting guard posting two weeks ago, Jimmy Butler scored a career high 35 points against the Knicks, scored 31 the following night against the Grizzlies, and most recently scored 33 against the Pelicans.   He will win Most Improved Player in a landslide and is right there with Dwyane Wade as a top two SG in the eastern conference.  He'll be an easy All-Star selection for the coaches (NO MORE JOE JOHNSON).

In a bold, but blatantly necessary stroke, 2K Sports finally lowered Kobe Bryant's Overall rating by 4 points.  The truth is Kobe should and could see his rating drop even further.  He shot 19-71 (26.7%) from the field over three games before shutting it down to rest the next three.  He is shooting 33.5% from the field in December, yet continues to lead the league in Usage rate.  Kobe needs to let go and accept that he is no longer an elite player.

The Raptors are 10-4 since DeMar DeRozan's injury.  Given his decline in production before the injury and the team's continued success without him, I'm hopeful that his rating gets dropped upon his return to game action

11-20
81 (+1) Jamal Crawford (18.6 PER, 57 TS%, 28 USG%, 18 AST%, 27 MPG)
81 (NC) Bradley Beal (13.8 PER, 53 TS%, 22 USG%, 14 AST%, 33 MPG)
80 (+3) Louis Williams (20.9 PER, 58 TS%, 27 USG%, 11 AST%, 24 MPG)
80 (+2) Kyle Korver (15.8 PER, 71 TS%, 15 USG%, 14 AST%, 33 MPG)
80 (-4) Lance Stephenson (10.5 PER, 43 TS%, 20 USG%, 24 AST%, 33 MPG)
79 (+1) Nick Young (16.8 PER, 56 TS%, 25 USG%, 5 AST%, 25 MPG)
79 (+1) Wesley Matthews (16.6 PER, 61 TS%, 20 USG%, 11 AST%, 34 MPG)
79 (+3) Courtney Lee (13.6 PER, 62 TS%, 14 USG%, 11 AST%, 33 MPG)
78 (NC) Danny Green (16.4 PER, 61 TS%, 18 USG%, 10 AST%, 31 MPG)
78 (NC) Victor Oladipo (13.3 PER, 56 TS%, 23 USG%, 20 AST%, 33 MPG)

Bradley Beal continues to dodge justice from 2K Sports, while Wesley Matthews, Danny Green, and Courtney Lee are among the best two-way guards in the league and are all rated less than 80 Overall.

Lou Williams has been nothing short of incredible for the Raptors as he fills DeMar DeRozan's scoring void, and is beating Jamal Crawford in the race for Sixth Man of the Year.  He scored 31 points (11-18 FG) last night, the second time he's cracked 30 this year.

After leading the league with 65.3 TS% last season, Kyle Korver is out to break shooting records this year, as his 71.3 TS% would set the all-time mark (though he's got competition from centers Tyson Chandler and Brandan Wright).  James Harden's 65.9 TS% with the Thunder in 2012 is the highest mark by a guard in the modern era (excluding 1995-97, due to the shortened 3pt line), so Korver's current level of play is without precedent.  It might be safe to consider him the greatest spot-up shooter of all-time.

Lance Stephenson got hurt and the Hornets promptly went on a 4-game winning streak (though the schedule was soft, they did win three of these games by double figures).

Beyond a 23 point game against the 76ers (a game the Magic LOST), Victor Oladipo has been awful the last two weeks, averaging 11 PPG and shooting 37.5% from the field (2-12 3PT).

21-30
77 (NC) J.J. Redick (14.9 PER, 63 TS%, 20 USG%, 9 AST%, 30 MPG)
77 (+2) Rodney Stuckey (14.3 PER, 50 TS%, 24 USG%, 21 AST%, 26 MPG)
77 (+1) Alec Burks (13.0 PER, 52 TS%, 21 USG%, 15 AST%, 33 MPG)
77 (0) Iman Shumpert (12.2 PER, 48 TS%, 20 USG%, 20 AST%, 26 MPG)
77 (-1) Arron Afflalo (11.5 PER, 53 TS%, 20 USG%, 9 AST%, 33 MPG)
77 (-1) Avery Bradley (10.1 PER, 50 TS%, 20 USG%, 7 AST%, 30 MPG)
77 (-2) Eric Gordon (8.6 PER, 49 TS%, 16 USG%, 16 AST%, 31 MPG)
76 (NC) Marcus Thornton (15.3 PER, 54 TS%, 23 USG%, 8 AST%, 15 MPG)
76 (+1) Marco Belinelli (12.4 PER, 55 TS%, 19 USG%, 10 AST%, 23 MPG)
76 (+2) Jerryd Bayless (13.3 PER, 58 TS%, 18 USG%, 20 AST%, 21 MPG)

It's hard to believe this is the same Arron Afflalo who was a borderline all-star candidate last season, averaging 18 PPG (43 3PT%) in a larger offensive role.  He seemed like a sure bet to opt out of his contract (7.9M) but that seems less likely with each passing day.

31-40
76 (+1) Gary Neal (12.8 PER, 50 TS%, 24 USG%, 14 AST%, 24 MPG)
76 (-2) Dion Waiters (12.4 PER, 48 TS%, 24 USG%, 15 AST%, 23 MPG)
76 (-1) Vince Carter (12.0 PER, 48 TS%, 21 USG%, 12 AST%, 17 MPG)
76 (-1) O.J. Mayo (11.9 PER, 51 TS%, 23 USG%, 20 AST%, 24 MPG)
75 (+1) Jodie Meeks (16.9 PER, 57 TS%, 20 USG%, 12 AST%, 23 MPG)
75 (-2) Tim Hardaway Jr (12.9 PER, 51 TS%, 25 USG%, 13 AST%, 22 MPG)
75 (+3) Evan Fournier (12.5 PER, 54 TS%, 21 USG%, 12 AST%, 33 MPG)
75 (+1) Thabo Sefolosha (12.2 PER, 47 TS%, 15 USG%, 12 AST%, 19 MPG)
75 (+1) Randy Foye (11.9 PER, 52 TS%, 20 USG%, 17 AST%, 19 MPG)
75 (-3) J.R. Smith (11.5 PER, 49 TS%, 23 USG%, 22 AST%, 25 MPG)

A lot has been made of the Pistons winning two games since Josh Smith's release, but the truth is they are 4-4 since Jodie Meeks returned to action.  As much as Smith was a spacing killer, not having Meeks hurt just as much.

Dion Waiters is playing better, averaging 15 PPG (46 FG%) in 25 MPG over his last 6 games.  The Cavs need that kind of production from their sixth man if they have any hopes of contending.

Vince Carter got off to a slow start, but is starting to pick it up now.  He's scored double figures in 6 straight games after accomplishing that only ONCE in his first 21 games.  He trails Charles Barkley for 24th on the all-time scoring list by 372 points.

O.J. Mayo received some credit early on for the Bucks turnaround but he had been dreadful since his insertion into the starting lineup.  It's probably not a coincidence that the Bucks beat the Hawks by 30 as soon as he was removed from the starting lineup.

41-50
75 (+1) Mike Miller (6.1 PER, 58 TS%, 9 USG%, 8 AST%, 16 MPG)
74 (+1) Jeremy Lamb (14.7 PER, 54 TS%, 20 USG%, 12 AST%, 21 MPG)
74 (+5) K.J. McDaniels (11.7 PER, 52 TS%, 19 USG%, 8 AST%, 25 MPG)
74 (NC) Jason Terry (11.0 PER, 55 TS%, 16 USG%, 13 AST%, 24 MPG)
74 (+1) Ben McLemore (10.2 PER, 59 TS%, 16 USG%, 7 AST%, 33 MPG)
74 (+2) Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (10.2 PER, 51 TS%, 19 USG%, 5 AST%, 32 MPG)
73 (NC) Anthony Morrow (13.8 PER, 57 TS%, 17 USG%, 7 AST%, 26 MPG)
73 (-1) Jared Dudley (13.6 PER, 60 TS%, 13 USG%, 12 AST%, 21 MPG)
73 (+1) Austin Rivers (11.4 PER, 49 TS%, 17 USG%, 17 AST%, 23 MPG)
73 (+5) Andre Roberson (10.2 PER, 50 TS%, 10 USG%, 9 AST%, 24 MPG)

Mike Miller is hitting 54% of his threes since entering the Cleveland starting lineup ten days ago.  He's still just a one-trick pony, though, as evidenced by his usage rate (Miller did not attempt a 2PT FG over this stretch).

Jared Dudley has really stepped up his game since the Bucks lost Jabari Parker to injury.  Dudley is averaging 13.5 PPG on 59% shooting (52 3PT%) and was a mind-blowing 10-10 FG (4-4 3PT) in a 30-point victory over the Hawks (24 points in only 24 minutes!).  After a lost season with the Clippers it looks like Dudley is back to his usual self.

Anthony Morrow has shot the ball well (48 3PT%) over his last 8 games.

51-68
73 (NC) C.J. Miles (9.5 PER, 46 TS%, 25 USG%, 9 AST%, 24 MPG)
73 (+1) Tony Snell (3.8 PER, 43 TS%, 11 USG%, 3 AST%, 9 MPG)
72 (NC) Ben Gordon (13.5 PER, 59 TS%, 22 USG%, 11 AST%, 16 MPG)
72 (NC) C.J. McCollum (11.2 PER, 55 TS%, 18 USG%, 12 AST%)
72 (+4) Garrett Temple (9.8 PER, 49 TS%, 14 USG%, 10 AST%, 14 MPG)
72 (-2) Nik Stauskas (6.3 PER, 45 TS%, 14 USG%, 8 AST%, 14 MPG)
72 (+1) Willie Green (3.4 PER, 36 TS%, 17 USG%, 8 AST%, 16 MPG)
71 (NC) P.J. Hairston (9.3 PER, 43 TS%, 21 USG%, 6 AST%, 16 MPG)
71 (NC) Gary Harris (3.5 PER, 33 TS%, 19 USG%, 7 AST%, 14 MPG)
70 (NC) Alexey Shved (18.8 PER, 54 TS%, 26 USG%, 31 AST%, 16 MPG)
70 (-1) Wayne Ellington (13.8 PER, 56 TS%, 16 USG%, 9 AST%, 18 MPG)
70 (-1) Nick Johnson (4.2 PER, 43 TS%, 17 USG%, 5 AST%, 11 MPG)
69 (-2) Troy Daniels (8.7 PER, 53 TS%, 22 USG%, 7 AST%, 6 MPG)
69 (-1) Will Barton (8.6 PER, 44 TS%, 20 USG%, 15 AST%, 11 MPG)
69 (NC) Brandon Rush (-0.8 PER, 24 TS%, 11 USG%, 6 AST%, 8 MPG)
68 (+1) Allan Crabbe (9.6 PER, 57 TS%, 11 USG%, 9 AST%, 15 MPG)
68 (NC) Joe Harris (5.4 PER, 56 TS%, 13 USG%, 9 AST%, 10 MPG)
64 (NC) Justin Holiday (10.0 PER, 52 TS%, 19 USG%, 9 AST%, 8 MPG)

C.J. Miles had a 28 point explosion against the Pelicans but will need a few more games like that to turn his season around.

Tony Snell hasn't hit a shot in one month (0-13 FG with 13 of 16 games played).  Wayne Ellington on the other hand averaged 12 PPG (41.7 3PT%) in his three starts for Kobe and his OVR is three points worse.

It's pretty crazy that Ben Gordon and Willie Green have the same Overall rating.  To Jacque Vaughn's credit, Green hasn't played in 17 days.

Troy Daniels is already maximizing his opportunity with the Timberwolves, scoring 14 points (5-6 FG, 4-4 3PT) against the Warriors in a mere NINE MINUTES.

It should be obvious that Justin Holiday is a better player than whatever Brandon Rush has left in the tank.

LESS THAN 100 MINUTES (16)
74 (+1) Martell Webster (DNP)
73 (NC) Jason Richardson (DNP)
71 (NC) E'Twaun Moore (11.1 PER, 51 TS%, 13 USG%, 11 AST%, 6 MPG)
70 (-1) Jordan Adams (12.5 PER, 59 TS%, 12 USG%, 13 AST%, 9 MPG)
70 (NC) Zoran Dragic (-13.1 PER, 0 TS%, 15 USG%, 0 AST%, 2 MPG)
69 (NC) Archie Goodwin (10.9 PER, 41 TS%, 24 USG%, 11 AST%, 8 MPG)
69 (+1) Markel Brown (4.5 PER, 46 TS%, 23 USG%, 16 AST%, 5 MPG)
69 (NC) Glen Rice (-3.6 PER, 31 TS%, 21 USG%, 6 AST%, 9 MPG)
68 (NC) James Young (22.3 PER, 65 TS%, 20 USG%, 10 AST%, 4 MPG)
68 (NC) John Jenkins (9.8 PER, 52 TS%, 21 USG%, 0 AST%, 9 MPG)
68 (-2) Cartier Martin (1.8 PER, 38 TS%, 15 USG%, 8 AST%, 10 MPG)
67 (NC) C.J. Wilcox (37.4 PER, 90 TS%, 21 USG%, 34 AST%, 4 MPG)
67 (NC) Ian Clark (9.7 PER, 52 TS%, 15 USG%, 6 AST%, 5 MPG)
67 (NC) Ricky Ledo (DNP)
65 (NC) Patrick Christopher (2.4 PER, 0 TS%, 8 USG%, 0 AST%, 6 MPG)
64 (NC) Andre Dawkins (-1.4 PER, 50 TS%, 15 USG%, 0 AST%, 4 MPG)

FREE AGENTS (18)
78 (NC) Ray Allen (DNP)
74 (NC) Jordan Crawford (DNP
71 (NC) James Anderson (DNP)
71 (NC) MarShon Brooks (DNP)
70 (NC) Elliot Williams (DNP)
69 (NC) Malcolm Lee (-19.6 PER, 0 TS%, 22 USG%, 0 AST%)
69 (NC) Jamaal Franklin (DNP)
69 (NC) Ronnie Brewer (DNP)
69 (NC) Doron Lamb (DNP)
68 (NC) Chris Johnson (5.9 PER, 43 TS%, 17 USG%, 3 AST%)
68 (NC) Shannon Brown (4.4 PER, 48 TS%, 14 USG%, 5 AST%)
68 (NC) Carrick Felix (DNP)
68 (NC) Keith Bogans (DNP)
65 (NC) Othyus Jeffers (DNP)
65 (NC) Jason Kapono (DNP)
65 (NC) Dionte Christmas (DNP)
65 (NC) Kim English (DNP)
64 (NC) Vander Blue (DNP)

NBA 2K15 Center Ratings (12/28/14)

Finishing off the position rating lists are the centers.  Data is a few days old (12/24) as I was half-done writing the article but haven't been home the last two days to finalize it.  Stats may be slightly off, and a few ratings may have changed (there was a big update within the last 48 hours).

CENTER (65)
1-10
89 (+3) DeMarcus Cousins (27.9 PER, 59 TS%, 33 USG%, 18 AST%)
89 (+4) Marc Gasol (23.2 PER, 57 TS%, 26 USG%, 18 AST%)
89 (+1) Dwight Howard (21.4 PER, 58 TS%, 25 USG%, 10 AST%)
86 (+2) Chris Bosh (22.4 PER, 57 TS%, 29 USG%, 12 AST%)
86 (-1) Al Jefferson (20.7 PER, 52 TS%, 28 USG%, 12 AST%)
85 (-2) Joakim Noah (15.3 PER, 51 TS%, 15 USG%, 20 AST%)
84 (+1) Al Horford (19.8 PER, 57 TS%, 22 USG%, 16 AST%)
83 (+4) Tyson Chandler (22.4 PER, 71 TS%, 13 USG%, 6 AST%)
82 (+4) Derrick Favors (22.7 PER, 59 TS%, 23 USG%, 9 AST%)
82 (+2) Nikola Vucevic (20.6 PER, 55 TS%, 25 USG%, 11 AST%)

DMC WATCH
There are eight centers in the modern era (1980 and beyond) who have posted 26+ PER in a season. Here are their all-time best marks.

1994 David Robinson (30.7 PER, 58 TS%, 32 USG%, 22 AST%)
2000 Shaquille O'Neal (30.6 PER, 58 TS%, 31 USG%, 19 AST%)
2015 DeMarcus Cousins (27.9 PER, 59 TS%, 33 USG%, 18 AST%)
2008 Amare Stoudemire (27.8 PER, 66 TS%, 28 USG%, 8 AST%)
1993 Hakeem Olajuwon (27.3 PER, 58 TS%, 29 USG%, 16 AST%)
1982 Moses Malone (26.8 PER, 58 TS%, 30 USG%, 7 AST%)
2007 Yao Ming (26.5 PER, 60 TS%, 34 USG%, 12 AST%)
2011 Dwight Howard (26.1 PER, 61 TS%, 27 USG%, 7 AST%)

26+ PER SEASONS
Shaquille O'Neal: 11 (1994-2003, 2005)
David Robinson: 8 (1990-1992, 1994-1998)
DeMarcus Cousins: 2* (2014, 2015*)
Amare Stoudemire: 2 (2005, 2008)
Hakeem Olajuwon: 2 (1993, 1995)
Moses Malone: 1 (1982)
Yao Ming: 1 (2007)
Dwight Howard: 1 (2011)

DMC is clearly in some special company as a select few have ever been this good, particularly on the offensive end.  I'm not suggesting that Cousins is on par with two-way players like The Dream and The Admiral, but he is essentially "Shaq-lite".

Before you freak out over my comparison, Shaq was never anywhere close to the 80 FT%(!) DMC is shooting right now, which equated to many lost possessions over the years.  Unfortunately, I don't think Nik Stauskas or Ben McLemore qualify as "Kobe-lite", so I don't think DMC will be contending for five championships anytime soon.

11-20
82 (+1) Marcin Gortat (18.6 PER, 57 TS%, 20 USG%, 7 AST%)
82 (+2) Roy Hibbert (15.4 PER, 50 TS%, 22 USG%, 10 AST%)
81 (+3) Jonas Valanciunas (19.7 PER, 61 TS%, 19 USG%, 3 AST%)
81 (NC) DeAndre Jordan (18.9 PER, 66 TS%, 11 USG%, 3 AST%)
81 (-2) Andre Drummond (18.8 PER, 49 TS%, 21 USG%, 2 AST%)
81 (-2) Brook Lopez (17.6 PER, 54 TS%, 26 USG%, 5 AST%)
81 (+1) Andrew Bogut (17.2 PER, 54 TS%, 15 USG%, 16 AST%)
81 (NC) Nikola Pekovic (16.0 PER, 51 TS%, 21 USG%, 4 AST%)
79 (NC) Larry Sanders (15.4 PER, 51 TS%, 17 USG%, 6 AST%)
78 (+1) Tiago Splitter (20.4 PER, 68 TS%, 17 USG%, 19 AST%)

Roy Hibbert's offensive woes continue to plague him, one of the reasons why the Pacers have continued to lose despite all their non-George players getting healthy.

Conversely, Jonas Valanciunas' high level of play has been a key ingredient to the Raptors success this season.  They haven't missed a beat even in the absence of DeMar DeRozan.

Splitter's sample is a little low due to injury, but he's been perhaps the most underrated Spur for a few years now.

21-30
78 (+1) Mason Plumlee (19.4 PER, 52 TS%, 22 USG%, 8 AST%)
78 (+3) Anderson Varejao (17.6 PER, 58 TS%, 18 USG%, 9 AST%)
77 (+2) Brandan Wright (25.5 PER, 75 TS%, 15 USG%, 3 AST%)
77 (+1) Jordan Hill (17.8 PER, 52 TS%, 19 USG%, 8 AST%)
77 (NC) Robin Lopez (15.9 PER, 54 TS%, 16 USG%, 7 AST%)
76 (+3) Ed Davis (18.7 PER, 63 TS%, 13 USG%, 6 AST%)
76 - Chris Kaman (16.5 PER, 52 TS%, 26 USG%, 8 AST%)
76 - Omer Asik (16.2 PER, 54 TS%, 14 USG%, 5 AST%)
76 (+1) Chris Andersen (11.3 PER, 53 TS%, 11 USG%, 4 AST%)
75 (+5) Tyler Zeller (21.8 PER, 70 TS%, 17 USG%, 9 AST%)

It's not often that we see a bench player in the top 20 of league PER, but that's exactly what Brandan Wright has been able to do based on an unprecedented level of efficiency.

WRIGHT STUFF
2015 Wright (DAL): 25.9 PER, 76 TS%, 15 USG%, 8 TO%
2015 Speights (GSW): 21.9 PER, 57 TS%, 29 USG%, 11 TO%
2014 Wright (DAL): 23.5 PER, 70 TS%, 17 USG% 9 TO%
2013 Blatche (BRK): 21.9 PER, 55 TS%, 27 USG%, 14 TO%
2013 Wright (DAL): 21.0 PER, 61 TS%, 19 USG%, 7 TO%
2013 McGee (DEN): 20.7 PER, 59 TS%, 21 USG%, 13 TO%
2012 Wright (DAL): 21.6 PER, 63 TS%, 17 USG%, 7 TO%

Most players with high PER ratings get there on the sheer volume of their Usage rate (as we can see with Speights and Blatche).  Wright however has done it by maximizing every single opportunity that he gets.  His 76 TS% would finish as an NBA record and it wouldn't be close (ironically enough, Tyson Chandler, who Wright backed up in Dallas has the record - 70.8 TS%, achieved in 2012 w/ the Knicks).

2015 Wright (DAL): 25.9 PER, 76 TS%, 15 USG%, 8 TO%, 6.8 BLK%
2015 Chandler (DAL): 22.3 PER, 71 TS%, 14 USG%, 16 TO%
2012 Chandler (NYK): 18.7 PER, 71 TS%, 13 USG%, 17 TO%

Wright does not need the ball to get efficient scores, which keeps his turnover rate obscenely low.  Even though Wright's usage is slightly higher than Chandler's, he has HALF the turnover rate.  For what it's worth, Chandler is also on pace (71.3 TS%) to beat his record (70.8 TS%), and seems more likely to do it as I don't think Wright is likely to keep up his mind-boggling level of production in the Celtics system.  Playing next to Dirk Nowitzki offers a different kind of freedom that Wright won't find next to Kelly Olynyk and Jared Sullinger (although the success of Tyler Zeller certainly leaves the window open).  It's a shame as I really would have liked to see Wright's full season numbers as his production was truly unique to NBA history.

31-40
75 (+4) Rudy Gobert (20.8 PER, 64 TS%, 13 USG%, 6 AST%)
75 (+3) Gorgui Dieng (18.5 PER, 59 TS%, 14 USG%, 11 AST%)
75 (+1) Kelly Olynyk (17.0 PER, 60 TS%, 20 USG%, 12 AST%)
75 (NC) John Henson (17.0 PER, 59 TS%, 16 USG%, 7 AST%)
75 (+1) Steven Adams (13.5 PER, 54 TS%, 16 USG%, 5 AST%)
75 (-1) Spencer Hawes (13.2 PER, 52 TS%, 18 USG%, 11 AST%)
75 (NC) Ian Mahinmi (13.1 PER, 57 TS%, 13 USG%, 5 AST%)
75 (-3) Miles Plumlee (11.7 PER, 54 TS%, 11 USG%, 4 AST%)
74 (NC) JaVale McGee (17.3 PER, 62 TS%, 20 USG%, 0 AST%)
74 (NC) Timofey Mozgov (15.2 PER, 58 TS%, 15 USG%, 3 AST%)

It's this portion of the top 10 where it becomes clear centers are considerably underrated compared to other positions.

Rank 31-40,  Average PER and 2K Rating
PG: 14.7 PER = 75.6 OVR
SG: 11.0 PER = 75.4 OVR
SF: 12.0 PER = 75.3 OVR
PF: 16.8 PER = 75.1 OVR
C: 15.7 PER = 74.8 OVR

At the higher levels, most of the NBA's top players are perimeter players.  This is reflected in 2K's ratings.  However once we get to the middle tiers it's easily seen that PF/C dominate the middle tiers yet rate lower than any other position.  This gap was even larger prior to NBA 2K15, when the vast majority of centers all rated about 3-6 points worse Overall.

41-50
74 (NC) Elton Brand (12.3 PER, 55 TS%, 13 USG%, 7 AST%)
74 (-2) Samuel Dalembert (12.1 PER, 46 TS%, 15 USG%, 9 AST%)
74 (NC) Kendrick Perkins (7.8 PER, 46 TS%, 14 USG%, 6 AST%)
73 (NC) Bismack Biyombo (17.7 PER, 60 TS%, 13 USG%, 2 AST%)
73 (+1) Kosta Koufos (14.6 PER, 55 TS%, 14 USG%, 6 AST%)
73 (X) Ryan Hollins (12.7 PER, 70 TS%, 12 USG%, 6 AST%)
73 (-1) Kevin Seraphin (12.6 PER, 55 TS%, 21 USG%, 9 AST%)
72 (+3) Jusuf Nurkic (13.8 PER, 47 TS%, 24 USG%, 8 AST%)
71 (X) Aron Baynes (16.0 PER, 64 TS%, 18 USG%, 6 AST%)
71 (+4) Alex Len (14.7 PER, 58 TS%, 13 USG%, 3 AST%)

The only reason Kendrick Perkins was rated 74 OVR was to ensure the CPU would start him over Steven Adams during season modes.  Now that Perkins is no longer starting it's safe to tank his rating to an appropriate level.

Aron Baynes has been much more productive this year compared to his last two seasons (9.5 PER, 48 TS%).  Gotta love Pop's ability to max out his players and keep the machine running regardless of who is hurt/resting.

51-65
71 (+4) Festus Ezeli (12.0 PER, 59 TS%, 18 USG%, 3 AST%)
71 (+2) Zaza Pachulia (11.7 PER, 50 TS%, 17 USG%, 14 AST%)
70 (+1) Jeff Withey (20.0 PER, 63 TS%, 16 USG%, 6 AST%)
70 (+1) Henry Sims (14.4 PER, 54 TS%, 19 USG%, 9 AST%)
70 (+4) DeWayne Dedmon (13.9 PER, 51 TS%, 15 USG%, 3 AST%)
70 (+1) Pero Antic (9.6 PER, 53 TS%, 17 USG%, 8 AST%)
70 (+1) Justin Hamilton (7.7 PER, 47 TS%, 12 USG%, 4 AST%)
69 (NC) Chuck Hayes (10.1 PER, 53 TS%, 11 USG%, 12 AST%)
69 (NEW) Joey Dorsey (8.4 PER, 40 TS%, 11 USG%, 5 AST%)
68 (NC) Alexis Ajinca (18.2 PER, 72 TS%, 18 USG%, 4 AST%)
68 (X) Jerome Jordan (16.5 PER, 66 TS%, 15 USG%, 6 AST%)
68 (NC) Meyers Leonard (13.7 PER, 59 TS%, 16 USG%, 6 AST%)
68 (+1) Robert Sacre (11.8 PER, 47 TS%, 16 USG%, 7 AST%)
67 (NC) Cole Aldrich (16.9 PER, 57 TS%, 16 USG%, 12 AST%)
67 (NC) Jeff Ayres (11.4 PER, 56 TS%, 15 USG%, 7 AST%)

I've been on the #FreeColeAldrich train for four years and I'm not about to jump off now.

#FreeColeAldrich
Starter: 11.8 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.3 BPG, 75.7 TS%, 15.9 USG%, 25.5 MPG (6 career games)
Reserve: 2.0 PPG, 7.6 MPG (159 career games)

He's one of the few Knicks I expect to last with the team beyond next season.  Cole has started four of the last five games and should continue to get opportunities.  Which probably means he shouldn't be the lowest rated center in the NBA.

LESS THAN 100 MINUTES (16)
77 (NC) Joel Embiid (DNP)
71 (X) Nazr Mohammed (4.6 PER, 32 TS%, 14 USG%, 4 AST%)
70 (-2) Andrea Bargnani (DNP)
69 (NEW) Hassan Whiteside (21.7 PER, 68 TS%, 19 USG%, 0 AST%)
69 (+1) Ronny Turiaf (4.3 PER, N/A TS%, 0 USG%, 14 AST%)
68 (NEW) Mike Muscala (22.0 PER, 63 TS%, 21 USG%, 7 AST%)
68 (NC) Ekpe Udoh (3.8 PER, 29 TS%, 10 USG%, 3 AST%)
68 (NEW) Furkan Aldemir (3.0 PER, 33 TS%, 17 USG%, 17 AST%)
67 (NC) Ognjen Kuzmic (2,9 PER, 50 TS%, 10 USG%, 3 AST%)
67 (-2) Lucas Nogueira (-11.8 PER, 15 TS%, 31 USG%, 4 AST%)
66 (-1) Greg Smith (14.1 PER, 67 TS%, 10 USG%, 3 AST%)
66 (NC) Greg Stiemsma (12.2 PER, 87 TS%, 11 USG%, 7 AST%)
66 (NC) Joel Anthony (7.3 PER, 55 TS%, 5 USG%, 2 AST%)
66 (+1) Brendan Haywood (6.2 PER, 44 TS%, 19 USG%, 0 AST%)
65 (NEW) Alex Kirk (26.4 PER, 69 TS%, 27 USG%, 22 AST%)
65 (NEW) Shayne Whittington (23.6 PER, 59 TS%, 18 USG%, 11 AST%)

FREE AGENTS (27)
75 (NC) Andray Blatche (DNP)
73 (NC) Jermaine O'Neal (DNP)
73 (NC) Emeka Okafor (DNP)
73 (NC) Andrew Bynum (DNP)
73 (NC) Isaiah Austin (DNP)
72  (NC) Vitor Faverani (DNP)
68 (NC) Josh Harrellson (DNP)
68 (NC) Greg Oden (DNP)
67 (NC) Miroslav Raduljica (DNP)

67 (NC) Aaron Gray (DNP)
66 (NC) Gustavo Ayon (DNP)
66 (NC) Hilton Armstrong (DNP)
66 (NC) Bernard James (DNP)
66 (NC) Jason Collins (DNP)
66 (NC) Andris Biedrins (DNP)
65 (NC) Kwame Brown (DNP)

65 (NC) Hasheem Thabeet (DNP)
65 (NC) Melvin Ely (DNP)
65 (NC) Earl Barron (DNP)
65 (NC) Dexter Pittman (DNP)
65 (NC) Fab Melo (NC)
64 (NC) Viacheslav Kravtsov (DNP)
63 (NC) Daniel Orton (DNP)
63 (NC) Kyrylo Fesenko (DNP)
63 (NC) D.J. Mbenga (DNP)
63 (NC) Solomon Jones (DNP)
63 (NC) Solomon Alabi (DNP)

NBA 2K15 Power Forward Ratings (12/23/14)

Power Forward has been a controversial position in the past decade for NBA 2K.  The evolution of the stretch-four these last 15 years had largely out-dated 2K's Overall rating formula for the position.  This problem was not rectified until NBA 2K15. Despite that, Overall ratings across the position are still a mess.  I feel like the top 10 is the most accurate of the five positions, but from 11-60 the ratings are quite muddled.  Many quality players are not given due credit, while others who are barely effective still reside in the upper-middle tiers.

It might seem odd for me to list AST% on a Power Forwards I think it's best to know who the absolute best offensive players are and work from there.

POWER FORWARD (73)
1-10
94 (+6) Anthony Davis (33.4 PER, 63 TS%, 27 USG%, 9 AST%)
89 (-1) Tim Duncan (22.8 PER, 53 TS%, 25 USG%, 16 AST%)
89 (NC) Blake Griffin (22.4 PER, 55 TS%, 31 USG%, 23 AST%)
89 (+1) Dirk Nowitzki (21.1 PER, 57 TS%, 27 USG%, 13 AST%)
88 (NC) LaMarcus Aldridge (22.8 PER, 52 TS%, 29 USG%, 10 AST%)
87 (-2) Kevin Love (18.0 PER, 57 TS%, 21 USG%, 10 AST%)
86 (+2) Zach Randolph (20.5 PER, 53 TS%, 25 USG%, 7 AST%)
84 (+2) Pau Gasol (19.8 PER, 53 TS%, 25 USG%, 12 AST%)
84 (-1) Paul Millsap (18.9 PER, 55 TS%, 24 USG%, 15 AST%)
81 (+1) Greg Monroe (18.5 PER, 54 TS%, 24 USG%, 11 AST%)

The gap between Anthony Davis and Duncan/Griffin/Dirk (5 OVR to 11-12 PER) is the same gap between those players and Gasol/Millsap (5 OVR to 2-3 PER).  That obviously doesn't make much sense.  Davis is in a class by himself right now.  His PER would finish as the highest mark in NBA history, and while it's unlikely he sustains THAT level over the course of the season he is still going to finish  28-30 PER range, among the greatest to ever play the game.

30 PER CLUB
Michael Jordan: 4 (1988, 1989, 1990, 1991)
LeBron James: 4 (2009, 2010, 2012, 2013)
Wilt Chamberlain: 3 (1962, 1963, 1964)
Shaquille O'Neal: 3 (1999, 2000, 2001)
David Robinson: 1 (1994)
Dwyane Wade: 1 (2009)
Tracy McGrady: 1 (2003)

Clearly exclusive company for 21-year old Anthony Davis.

--------------------

Dirk Nowitzki is simply not playing as well as he did last season, and his scoring is more in line with his 2012 and 2013 levels.  Dallas has been able to maintain their stellar play because Tyson Chandler has been playing out of this world.

Kevin Love has not been able to stay productive as the 3rd option in Cleveland despite a smaller role.  Predictably, relegating Love to the perimeter has hurt his offensive rebound game.

11-20
81 (+1) Taj Gibson (17.7 PER, 56 TS%, 19 USG%, 8 AST%)
81 (+1) David West (16.7 PER, 48 TS%, 23 USG%, 20 AST%)
81 (-3) Serge Ibaka (15.9 PER, 54 TS%, 20 USG%, 5 AST%)
80 (+3) Amare Stoudemire (20.2 PER, 60 TS%, 23 USG%, 8 AST%)
80 (+2) Jared Sullinger (17.7 PER, 52 TS%, 22 USG%, 13 AST%)
80 (-1) Kenneth Faried (15.4 PER, 54 TS%, 20 USG%, 8 AST%)
79 (+2) Ryan Anderson (18.0 PER, 54 TS%, 24 USG%, 5 AST%)
78 (+1) Terrence Jones (19.1 PER, 56 TS%, 22 USG%, 10 AST%)
78 (X) Markieff Morris (17.3 PER, 55 TS%, 23 USG%, 12 AST%)

David West is not shooting the ball well and is barely getting to the FT line.  The Pacers are only 3-13 since West returned to the lineup (6-9 without him) and his decline in play is the core reason for that.

Serge Ibaka has seen his efficiency shrivel up since expanding his range to the 3PT line.  Similar to Kevin Love's situation, fewer offensive rebounds has lead to fewer quality looks on the interior.

Amare's play has been one of the lone bright spots on a brutal Knicks team (though it's worth noting he has done most of his damage at center).

Kenneth Faried is having his worst offensive season to date, and rumors are he is clashing with teammates and coach Brian Shaw.  A trade could be inevitable.

Terrence Jones has only played 4 games due to injury but his production was equivalent to what he was doing last season.

21-30
78 (-2) Nene (14.4 PER, 50 TS%, 22 USG%, 13 AST%)
78 (NC) Boris Diaw (13.2 PER, 54 TS%, 17 USG%, 20 AST%)
78 (NC) Thaddeus Young (12.8 PER, 48 TS%, 22 USG%, 11 AST%)
77 (+2) Enes Kanter (18.0 PER, 56 TS%, 25 USG%, 5 AST%)
77 (+1) Tristan Thompson (16.7 PER, 58 TS%, 15 USG%, 4 AST%)
77 (NC) Amir Johnson (16.1 PER, 59 TS%, 16 USG%, 9 AST%)
77 (NC) J.J. Hickson (14.4 PER, 48 TS%, 20 USG%, 9 AST%)
77 (NC) Kevin Garnett (14.2 PER, 48 TS%, 18 USG%, 14 AST%)
77 (+1) Channing Frye (9.0 PER, 56 TS%, 12 USG%, 6 AST%)
76 (-1) Luis Scola (16.1 PER, 51 TS%, 21 USG%, 13 AST%)

Age and perennial injuries are starting to catch up to Nene, and he's coming off the bench now in an effort to keep him healthier.  Boris Diaw is shooting only 30% from 3PT range, down from last year's 40%.  In Thaddeus Young's first season outside of Philadelphia he's having the worst season of his career.  He's just not meant to be a high-usage player.  Channing Frye is the rare player who decided to take a big payday for a SMALLER role on a LOSING team.  8 million to be a 3pt specialist???

31-40
76 (+1) Carl Landry (15.6 PER, 60 TS%, 19 USG%, 5 AST%)
75 (+3) Marreese Speights (23.5 PER, 58 TS%, 30 USG%, 8 AST%)
75 (+2) Ersan Ilyasova (18.7 PER, 57 TS%, 23 USG%, 9 AST%)
75 (NC) Nikola Mirotic (18.1 PER, 62 TS%, 18 USG%, 10 AST%)
75 (NC) Patrick Patterson (16.7 PER, 63 TS%, 13 USG%, 10 AST%)
75 (-3) Carlos Boozer (16.5 PER, 52 TS%, 22 USG%, 10 AST%)
75 (NC) Brandon Bass (16.1 PER, 55 TS%, 21 USG%, 7 AST%)
75 (+3) Mike Scott (15.7 PER, 60 TS%, 23 USG%, 10 AST%)
75 (+1) Trevor Booker (13.8 PER, 56 TS%, 18 USG%, 8 AST%)
75 (+2) Cody Zeller (13.5 PER, 54 TS%, 16 USG%, 8 AST%)

Speights is the main reason the Warriors haven't missed David Lee one bit.  It's rare to get a backup big this good at creating his own offense.  Ilysasova is back to his usual self with Larry Drew out as coach.  Mirotic is the league's best rookie, though he'll need more minutes to have a shot at Rookie of the Year.  Patterson is likewise a pretty good player, have we noticed a trend yet with stretch-fours being underrated?

Boozer and Bass are solid starting caliber players. Compare the 75 OVR players on the PF list to the ones on the PG list (Jameer Nelson, D.J. Augustin, Mo Williams, Trey Burke) and it's clear the position as a whole is pretty underrated.

41-50
75 (+1) Reggie Evans (11.6 PER, 50 TS%, 13 USG%, 5 AST%)
75 (NC) Thomas Robinson (11.6 PER, 53 TS%, 19 USG%, 2 AST%)
75 (NC) Jason Thompson (7.7 PER, 47 TS%, 12 USG%, 6 AST%)
74 (+4) Kyle O'Quinn (20.0 PER, 59 TS%, 21 USG%, 14 AST%)
74 (+6) Lavoy Allen (17.3 PER, 53 TS%, 15 USG%, 9 AST%)
74 (NC) Glen Davis (13.8 PER, 57 TS%, 16 USG%, 6 AST%)
74 (+1) Kris Humphries (13.0 PER, 48 TS%, 19 USG%, 5 AST%)
74 (+1) Matt Bonner (12.5 PER, 58 TS%, 14 USG%, 8 AST%)
74 (+2) Jason Smith (11.5 PER, 52 TS%, 22 USG%, 9 AST%)
74 (-2) Nerlens Noel (10.6 PER, 47 TS%, 16 USG%, 10 AST%)

O'Quinn and Lavoy Allen haven't gone unnoticed by 2K but with this list we can see they should be rated even higher.  Robinson is rated 6 points higher than Joel Freeland (the guy he plays behind).  How this trio of Kings PFs is anywhere close to Carl Landry is beyond me.

51-60
74 (NC) Josh McRoberts (10.3 PER, 61 TS%, 13 USG%, 18 AST%)
74 (+1) Marvin Williams (9.1 PER, 56 TS%, 12 USG%, 7 AST%)
74 (+1) Anthony Tolliver (7.8 PER, 52 TS%, 14 USG%, 5 AST%)
73 (+1) Udonis Haslem (10.2 PER, 48 TS%, 16 USG%, 6 AST%)
73 (-1) Nick Collison (8.6 PER, 44 TS%, 14 USG%, 12 AST%)
72 (+1) Jonas Jerebko (16.0 PER, 58 TS%, 17 USG%, 9 AST%)
72 (+1) Mirza Teletovic (14.6 PER, 57 TS%, 20 USG%, 11 AST%)
72 (-1) Tyler Hansbrough (9.4 PER, 50 TS%, 9 USG%, 3 AST%)
71 (NC) Jeff Adrien (16.3 PER, 52 TS%, 12 USG%, 13 AST%)
71 (+2) Darrell Arthur (15.4 PER, 51 TS%, 21 USG%, 13 AST%)

After the top 50 we get to specialist territory, though Jerebko, Teletovic, and Arthur are certainly better than that.

61-73
71 (+1) Anthony Bennett (13.3 PER, 47 TS%, 18 USG%, 9 AST%)
71 (+2) Donatas Motiejunas (12.7 PER, 54 TS%, 19 USG%, 9 AST%)
71 (NC) Andrew Nicholson (3.8 PER, 36 TS%, 20 USG%, 7 AST%)
70 (+1) Jon Leuer (13.2 PER, 49 TS%, 19 USG%, 8 AST%)
70 (NC) Drew Gooden (10.7 PER, 49 TS%, 17 USG%, 8 AST%)
70 (+3) Quincy Acy (10.2 PER, 55 TS%, 13 USG%, 8 AST%)
69 (NEW) Tarik Black (11.9 PER, 55 TS%, 13 USG%, 3 AST%)
69 (+1) Joel Freeland (11.8 PER, 54 TS%, 16 USG%, 4 AST%)
69 (+4) Brandon Davies (10.7 PER, 48 TS%, 19 USG%, 12 AST%)
69 (X) Hedo Turkoglu (9.9 PER, 66 TS%, 12 USG%, 8 AST%)
68 (NC) Dante Cunningham (10.4 PER, 58 TS%, 11 USG%, 3 AST%)
68 (NC) Jason Maxiell (4.5 PER, 39 TS%, 12 USG%, 2 AST%)
66 (NEW) Travis Wear (7.5 PER, 46 TS%, 18 USG%, 10 AST%)

Leuer has been underrated for a few years.  Ditto for Cunningham.  Nicholson has lost all his playing time to Channing Frye, which doesn't bode well for his future in the league.

LESS THAN 100 MINUTES (19)
82 (NC) David Lee (14.3 PER, 46 TS%, 27 USG%, 0 AST%)
76 (NC) Julius Randle (-7.4 PER, 26 TS%, 15 USG%, 0 AST%)
72 (NC) Noah Vonleh (14.9 PER, 51 TS%, 15 USG%, 0 AST%)
72 (-2) Andrei Kirilenko (2.8 PER, 22 TS%, 10 USG%, 4 AST%)
71 (NC) Jarnell Stokes (25.9 PER, 61 TS%, 21 USG%, 9 AST%)
71 (NC) Ryan Kelly (19.4 PER, 63 TS%, 15 USG%, 6 AST%)
71 (NC) Adreian Payne (DNP)
70 (NC) Jeremy Evans (9.2 PER, 42 TS%, 14 USG%, 5 AST%)
69 (NC) Charlie Villanueva (21.9 PER, 59 TS%, 31 USG%, 5 AST%)
69 (+1) Mitch McGary (12.7 PER, 80 TS%, 25 USG%, 0 AST%)
69 (-2) DeJuan Blair (0.7 PER, 43 TS%, 11 USG%, 4 AST%)
67 (NEW) Dwight Powell (34.2 PER, 77 TS%, 38 USG%, 0 AST%)
67 (NC) Johnny O'Bryant (7.9 PER, 68 TS%, 18 USG%, 6 AST%)
67 (NC) Louis Amundson (5.7 PER, 49 TS%, 10 USG%, 7 AST%)

67 (+1) Cameron Bairstow (-2.7 PER, 17 TS%, 14 USG%, 4 AST%)
67 (NEW) Grant Jerrett (-7.0 PER, 30 TS%, 30 USG%, 17 AST%)
67 (NEW) Clint Capela (-25.5 PER, 0 TS%, 46 USG%, 12 AST%)
66 (NEW) Cory Jefferson (12.7 PER, 51 TS%, 19 USG%, 6 AST%)
64 - Shavlik Randolph (7.8 PER, 31 TS%, 15 USG%, 5 AST%)

FREE AGENTS (21)
73 (NC) Rashard Lewis (DNP)
70 (NC) Kenyon Martin (DNP)
69 (+1) Arnett Moultrie (DNP)
67 (NEW) Patric Young (DNP)
67 (NC) Jeremy Tyler (DNP)
67 (NC) Jarvis Varnado (DNP)
67 (NC) Josh Powell (DNP)
67 (NC) Earl Clark (DNP)
67 (NC) Lamar Odom (DNP)
66 (NC) Malcolm Thomas (14.7 PER, 74 TS%, 12 USG%, 10 AST%)
66 (NEW) Drew Gordon (3.6 PER, 43 TS%, 17 USG%, 5 AST%)
66 (NC) Jan Vesely (DNP)
66 (NC) Chris Singleton (DNP)
65 (NC) Erik Murphy (DNP)
65 (NC) D.J. White (DNP)
65 (NC) Brian Cook (DNP)
64 (NEW) Ronald Roberts (DNP)
64 (NC) Jon Brockman (DNP)
63 (NC) Justin Harper (DNP)
62 (NC) Luke Harangody (DNP)
58 (NC) Darnell Jackson (DNP)

NBA 2K15 Small Forward Ratings (12/21/14)

*Editor's Note: Accidentally replaced some data with 1/5/15 data.

As with their shooting guard brethren, small forwards can be difficult to evaluate statistically. Some may be ball-dominant scorers while others are defensive/shooting specialists.  At press-time there are only 22 SFs with 15.0 PER or higher, which means this is primarily a position for specialists.  As such, a two-way player is an especially valuable find.

SMALL FORWARD (84)

1-10
97 (-1) LeBron James (24.9 PER, 58 TS%, 31 USG%, 38 AST%)
95 (NC) Kevin Durant (28.3 PER, 65 TS%, 33 USG%, 27 AST%)
89 (NC) Carmelo Anthony (21.5 PER, 54 TS%, 31 USG%, 18 AST%)
86 (+1) Kawhi Leonard (19.3 PER, 54 TS%, 23 USG%, 13 AST%)
84 (+2) Rudy Gay (20.3 PER, 55 TS%, 27 USG%, 24 AST%)
82 (+3) Gordon Hayward (19.9 PER, 58 TS%, 25 USG%, 20 AST%)
81 (+5) Tobias Harris (18.5 PER, 56 TS%, 24 USG%, 10 AST%)
80 (-1) Paul Pierce (16.9 PER, 57 TS%, 21 USG%, 14 AST%)
80 (-2) Andre Iguodala (9.9 PER, 50 TS%, 13 USG%, 13 AST%)
79 (NC) Luol Deng (17.5 PER, 59 TS%, 20 USG%, 10 AST%)

The world's greatest player (LeBron James) continues to struggle (for his standards) and after two months it's probably time for his ratings to dip.  For what it's worth, I made a few attribute adjustments and it put LeBron at 95 Overall.  That seems exceptionally fair given his decline in production and the relative lack of success of his team.

---------------------

Carmelo Anthony has seen his scoring efficiency suffer despite taking fewer shots in the triangle. While he might have a sterling reputation as an "elite" scorer, the truth of the matter is that ball-stopping Melo has never been as good offensively as what James Harden, Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook are doing right now.

Andre Iguodala isn't even the 2nd best SF on his own team, so it goes without saying that he's not top ten in the NBA.  He's embroiled in the worst shooting season of his career, and it's not particularly close.

Luol Deng is quietly having a solid season in Miami.  In particular, Deng has never shot the ball this well from 3PT (38%) in his career.  His new-found shooting stroke makes him a premium two-way player.

It bears noting that only nine SFs crack 80 OVR (excluding the injured Paul George) while 23 PGs are rated 80 or higher, including the likes of Brandon Jennings and Reggie Jackson.  That ain't right.

POINT GUARDS
90+: Stephen Curry, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook
85+: Kyle Lowry, John Wall, Damian Lillard, Kyrie Irving, Derrick Rose, Mike Conley, Tony Parker, Deron Williams, Rajon Rondo
80+: Isaiah Thomas, Ty Lawson, Jeff Teague, Jrue Holiday, Goran Dragic, Eric Bledsoe, Brandon Knight, Darren Collison, Kemba Walker, Brandon Jennings, Reggie Jackson

SMALL FORWARDS
90+: LeBron James, Kevin Durant
85+: Carmelo Anthony, Kawhi Leonard
80+: Rudy Gay, Gordon Hayward, Tobias Harris, Paul Pierce, Andre Iguodala

Derrick Rose (87), Deron Williams (85), Rajon Rondo (85) are not having better seasons than players like Deng, Chandler Parsons, Draymond Green.... yet there is a huge gap in their ratings which is not indicative of their true value/ability. Hopefully 2K takes steps to correct this moving forward.

11-20
79 (NC) Chandler Parsons (17.7 PER, 56 TS%, 22 USG%, 11 AST%)
79 (+1) Jeff Green (15.0 PER, 55 TS%, 24 USG%, 8 AST%)
79 (+1) Tyreke Evans (15.7 PER, 48 TS%, 27 USG%, 27 AST%)
79 (+2) Draymond Green (15.3 PER, 56 TS%, 18 USG%, 14 AST%)
79 (-1) Josh Smith (14.2 PER, 42 TS%, 25 USG%, 26 AST%)
79 (+1) Tony Allen (13.4 PER, 50 TS%, 16 USG%, 10 AST%)
79 (+1) Trevor Ariza (11.6 PER, 51 TS%, 18 USG%, 9 AST%)
78 (NC) Gerald Green (16.5 PER, 55 TS%, 28 USG%, 10 AST%)
78 (+1) Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (15.1 PER, 53 TS%, 19 USG%, 8 AST%)
78 (+2) Harrison Barnes (14.7 PER, 63 TS%, 14 USG%, 7 AST%)

Parsons is doing what he can to live up to his contract, which is more than can be said for #9 SF Andre Iguodala.

The basketball community has overwhelmingly accepted that Josh Smith is not a good basketball player, and it's time for 2K to meet with those perceptions.

I don't list Tony Allen as "overrated" because he's known as an elite defensive talent (and again, compare his numbers to Iguodala).  However, I would place that upon Trevor Ariza as he's gone from an elite marksman (41 3pt%) in Washington to below average (34 3pt%) in Houston.

Gerald Green has the fourth highest usage rate among SFs after the holy trinity of Durant/LeBron/Melo.  It's easy to peg him as a highlight reel sideshow without realizing how good of a scorer he is.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist's usage is up with Al Jefferson and Lance Stephenson sidelined by injuries.  That's probably not great for his shooting percentages but at least he still hasn't taken a three this year.


21-30
78 (NC) Wilson Chandler (13.3 PER, 54 TS%, 21 USG%, 7 AST%)
78 (-1) Nicolas Batum (12.3 PER, 46 TS%, 15 USG%, 21 AST%)
77 (+3) Giannis Antetokounmpo (15.8 PER, 56 TS%, 20 USG%, 13 AST%)
76 (-2) Jabari Parker (14.6 PER, 53 TS%, 21 USG%, 10 AST%)
76 (+1) DeMarre Carroll (13.4 PER, 56 TS%, 16 USG%, 7 AST%)
76 (+1) Corey Brewer (13.6 PER, 48 TS%, 20 USG%, 18 AST%)
76 (NC) Terrence Ross (13.3 PER, 56 TS%, 19 USG%, 5 AST%)
76 (-1) Danilo Gallinari (13.3 PER, 53 TS%, 18 USG%, 9 AST%)
76 (+1) Marcus Morris (12.8 PER, 53 TS%, 19 USG%, 10 AST%)
76 (NC) P.J. Tucker (12.3 PER, 58 TS%, 12 USG%, 9 AST%)

Batum is shooting the ball far worse (23 3PT%) than he ever has in his career (36 3PT%).  Portland will need him to get his aim straightened out if they hope to go deep in the playoffs.

31-40
76 (-2) Gerald Henderson (11.4 PER, 52 TS%, 17 USG%, 13 AST%)
76 (-1) Shawn Marion (10.9 PER, 50 TS%, 13 USG%, 7 AST%)
76 (NC) Matt Barnes (10.4 PER, 59 TS%, 14 USG%, 6 AST%)
75 (+8) Shabazz Muhammad (22.4 PER, 57 TS%, 26 USG%, 9 AST%)
75 (NC) Khris Middleton (13.3 PER, 54 TS%, 19 USG%, 10 AST%)
75 (-1) Evan Turner (12.6 PER, 54 TS%, 20 USG%, 23 AST%)
75 (+1) Mike Dunleavey (11.7 PER, 59 TS%, 13 USG%, 9 AST%)
75 (NC) Tayshaun Prince (10.4 PER, 48 TS%, 15 USG%, 8 AST%)
75 (-1) Andrew Wiggins (9.3 PER, 46 TS%, 22 USG%, 7 AST%)
75 (-1) Caron Butler (8.4 PER, 53 TS%, 13 USG%, 5 AST%)

The Mavericks were okay letting Shawn Marion walk away this off-season and thus far it's tough to blame them.  While Marion's rebounding is down due to playing shooting guard, his 2PT% continues to drop which is not all that surprising considering the one-time athletic freak is now 36.

Shabazz Muhammad is embracing the touches he's getting as the sixth man of a bad Wolves team.  One can't just point to his team's poor record as a reason for his stats because Michael Carter-Williams and others haven't been anywhere near as efficient.  With the 3rd highest PER at the position (behind Durant and LeBron) it goes without saying it's safe to rate Shabazz a wee-bit higher.

Case in point, Andrew Wiggins plays for the Wolves and does not look like a #1 pick right now.  This is somewhat expected given his scouting report heading into the draft.   He's not a go-to player yet and his athletic abilities would shine in a diminished role... rather than a team experimenting with Zach LaVine at point guard.

41-50
74 (+4) James Johnson (17.2 PER, 60 TS%, 16 USG%, 12 AST%)
74 (NC) Aaron Gordon (15.5 PER, 65 TS%, 17 USG%, 7 AST%)
74 (NC) Al-Farouq Aminu (13.2 PER, 52 TS%, 16 USG%, 5 AST%)
74 (X) Shawne Williams (12.5 PER, 60 TS%, 14 USG%, 7 AST%)
74 (+1) Wesley Johnson (11.2 PER, 54 TS%, 13 USG%, 8 AST%)
74 (NC) Kyle Singler (10.5 PER, 57 TS%, 14 USG%, 6 AST%)
74 (NC) Bojan Bogdanovic (9.1 PER, 52 TS%, 16 USG%, 5 AST%)
74 (NC) Maurice Harkless (8.3 PER, 51 TS%, 13 USG%, 8 AST%)
73 (+7) Solomon Hill (11.0 PER, 49 TS%, 18 USG%, 11 AST%)
73 (+2) Chris Copeland (8.2 PER, 49 TS%, 22 USG%, 9 AST%)

James Johnson has proven that his 2014 season (18.5 PER) was no fluke.  He's one of the top backups in the league due to his extreme versatility.  Bogdanovic is basically "just there" on a bad Nets team.  Harkless has not improved since entering the league.  While still only 21 years old, the clock is ticking.  Shawne Williams should be listed at PF, the position he's played since 2010-11.

51-60
73 (+4) Perry Jones (7.9 PER, 51 TS%, 18 USG%, 5 AST%)
73 (NC) John Salmons (5.7 PER, 41 TS%, 10 USG%, 7 AST%)
73 (-2) Doug McDermott (4.1 PER, 49 TS%, 16 USG%, 2 AST%)
72 (X) Rasual Butler (18.3 PER, 67 TS%, 18 USG%, 8 AST%)
72 (NC) Omri Casspi (16.7 PER, 64 TS%, 18 USG%, 13 AST%)
72 (NC) Jae Crowder (13.5 PER, 54 TS%, 16 USG%, 7 AST%)
72 (+2) James Ennis (13.0 PER, 54 TS%, 13 USG%, 8 AST%)
72 (+4) Otto Porter (12.5 PER, 55 TS%, 14 USG%, 7 AST%)
72 (+1) Derrick Williams (12.4 PER, 53 TS%, 21 USG%, 4 AST%)
72 (NC) Richard Jefferson (10.8 PER, 53 TS%, 18 USG%, 9 AST%)

Rasual Butler is comeback player of the year.  Shooting 53% from 3PT range probably means he should be rated higher than a dreg like John Salmons or a struggling rookie who can't defend like Doug McDermott.

Omri Casspi is having a solid season but unlike Butler it's not due to his shooting stroke.  After operating as a stretch-four for Houston last season, Casspi has completely abandoned his outside shot (2-14 3PT) and is instead shooting 60% from 2PT range.  Even crazier, Casspi has abandoned his mid-range shot as well (1-3 FG from 10-23 feet).  Casspi is only attacking the rim and in the process has doubled his FT rate (where hs is shooting 85%).  In my 20 years of watching the NBA I don't think I've ever seen a player who completely made over their game in the course of six months.

61-70
72 (NC) T.J. Warren (10.8 PER, 53 TS%, 19 USG%, 5 AST%)
72 (-2) Luc Mbah a Moute (11.0 PER, 48 TS%, 18 USG%, 9 AST%)
72 (-4) Danny Granger (10.3 PER, 56 TS%, 17 USG%, 4 AST%)
72 (NEW) Kostas Papanikolaou (9.8 PER, 46 TS%, 15 USG%, 20 AST%)
72 (+5) Kyle Anderson (8.7 PER, 40 TS%, 13 USG%, 9 AST%)
72 (+1) Alan Anderson (7.7 PER, 52 TS%, 14 USG%, 5 AST%)
71 (+2) Robert Covington (15.0 PER, 58 TS%, 20 USG%, 8 AST%)
70 (+1) James Jones (14.0 PER, 58 TS%, 16 USG%, 10 AST%)
70 (+1) Alonzo Gee (13.8 PER, 52 TS%, 19 USG%, 7 AST%)
70 (+1) Reggie Bullock (9.5 PER, 61 TS%, 10 USG%, 4 AST%)

Danny Granger's PER went up six points in two weeks.  After Christmas he had a three-game stretch averaging 17.7 PPG on 69% shooting (63 3PT%), in 29 MPG off the bench.  That's about as good as it's going to get for the former all-star.  He followed that up with 2-13 shooting over his next two games.  At least he's rotation-worthy now.

71-84
70 (NC) Chase Budinger (9.1 PER, 46 TS%, 18 USG%, 6 AST%)
70 (-1) Hollis Thompson (8.3 PER, 50 TS%, 13 USG%, 8 AST%)
70 (-4) Kent Bazemore (7.6 PER, 45 TS%, 15 USG%, 9 AST%)
70 (-1) Rodney Hood (7.2 PER, 46 TS%, 17 USG%, 8 AST%)
70 (+2) Quincy Pondexter (6.9 PER, 44 TS%, 14 USG%, 8 AST%)
69 (NC) Landry Fields (12.9 PER, 64 TS%, 11 USG%, 10 AST%)
69 (NEW) Damjan Rudez (6.3 PER, 53 TS%, 13 USG%, 7 AST%)
69 (+1) Jerami Grant (6.4 PER, 35 TS%, 15 USG%, 4 AST%)
68 (NC) Robbie Hummel (9.4 PER, 51 TS%, 12 USG%, 6 AST%)
68 (+2) Luke Babbitt (8.3 PER, 64 TS%, 11 USG%, 3 AST%)
68 (NEW) Joe Ingles (8.2 PER, 49 TS%, 10 USG%, 15 AST%)

67 (NC) Austin Daye (4.5 PER, 40 TS%, 23 USG%, 6 AST%)
66 (NC) Sergey Karasev (11.4 PER, 55 TS%, 15 USG%, 9 AST%)

64 (NEW) Jakarr Sampson (6.3 PER, 47 TS%, 16 USG%, 9 AST%)

Landry Fields sighting in his contract year.  Ruh roh.

Karasev is outplaying Bogdanovic which summarizes the Nets season.

LESS THAN 100 MINUTES (15)
89 (NC) Paul George (DNP)
73 (+1) Steve Novak (11.9 PER, 64 TS%, 17 USG%, 6 AST%)
72 (NC) Jeff Taylor (0.0 PER, 0 TS%, 0 USG%, 0 AST%)
71 (-1) Dorell Wright (9.9 PER, 51 TS%, 16 USG%, 7 AST%)
71 (+1) Cleanthony Early (9.3 PER, 47 TS%, 19 USG%, 12 AST%)
70 (-3) Xavier Henry (4.9 PER, 42 TS%, 14 USG%, 5 AST%)
70 (NC) Chris Douglas-Roberts (2.8 PER, 39 TS%, 12 USG%, 3 AST%)
69 (-5) Gerald Wallace (4.1 PER, 40 TS%, 6 USG%, 3 AST%)
69 (NEW) Damien Inglis (DNP)
68 (NEW) Glenn Robinson III (10.3 PER, 48 TS%, 16 USG%, 3 AST%)
68 (NEW) Devyn Marble (10.2 PER, 41 TS%, 45 USG%, 0 AST%)
68 (NC) Tony Mitchell (DNP)
67 (NC) Luigi Datome (11.9 PER, 44 TS%, 33 USG%, 18 AST%)

66 (NC) Victor Claver (DNP)

64 (NC) Bruno Caboclo (17.8 PER, 67 TS%, 24 USG%, 0 AST%)

FREE AGENTS (17)
72 (NC) Michael Beasley (DNP)
71 (+2) Darius Miller (-5.0 PER, 14 TS%, 8 USG%, 6 AST%)
70 (NC) Jordan Hamilton (DNP)
70 (NC) Carlos Delfino (DNP)
69 (NC) Francisco Garcia (3.8 PER, 35 TS%, 16 USG%, 12 AST%)
69 (+1) Quincy Miller (+8) DEN
69 (NC) Travis Outlaw (DNP)
67 (NC) Damion James (DNP)
66 (NC) Reggie Williams (DNP)
66 (NC) Dahntay Jones (DNP)
64 (NC) Tornike Shengelia (DNP)
64 (NC) Lazar Hayward (DNP)
64 (NC) Rodney Carney (DNP)
63 (NEW) Shane Edwards (DNP)
63 (NC) Darington Hobson (DNP)
62 (NC) Sasha Pavlovic (DNP)
60 (NC) James Nunnally (DNP)

NBA 2K15 Point Guard Ratings (12/19/14)

I'm here checking back on point guard ratings as there were a number of rating changes this week.  Nearly everyone I touched on last week saw an increase/decrease and I would like to think the data I put together was able to make some kind of contribution.  While 2K took some steps in the right direction, the job is still far from complete.

RATING CHANGES
90 Russell Westbrook (+2)
88 Kyle Lowry (+2)
87 Derrick Rose (-1)
86 Mike Conley (+2)
86 Tony Parker (-1)
82 Jeff Teague (+1)
79 Patrick Beverley (+2)
79 Michael Carter-Williams (-1)
76 Dennis Schroder (+1)
76 Aaron Brooks (+1)
76 C.J. Watson (+1)
75 Nate Robinson (-1)
74 Marcus Smart (-1)
74 Matthew Dellavedova (+1)
73 Isaiah Canaan (+1)
73 Jarrett Jack (-1)
73 Elfrid Payton (-1)
73 Ramon Sessions (-1)
73 Jordan Farmar (+1)
72 Dante Exum (-2)
71 Shelvin Mack (-1)

The big movers were all the key figures from last week.  Aside from Westbrook, I'm content with their current standing.

RATING TIERS
95-99: All-Time Great
90-94: Superstar
85-89: All-Star
80-84: Above average starter (or elite backup)
75-79: Average NBA player (Mediocre starter, quality backup)
70-74: Specialist (1-2 skills keeping player in league)
65-69: Fringe NBA player

POINT GUARDS (72)
1-10
91 (+2) Stephen Curry (26.9 PER, 62 TS%, 29 USG%, 38 AST%)
90 (+2) Russell Westbrook (32.7 PER, 58 TS%, 40 USG%, 50 AST%)
90 (-1) Chris Paul (25.4 PER, 60 TS%, 22 USG%, 46 AST%)
88 (+3) Kyle Lowry (23.4 PER, 56 TS%, 26 USG%, 37 AST%)
88 (+2) John Wall (21.1 PER, 53 TS%, 26 USG%, 47 AST%)
87 (NC) Damian Lillard (22.4 PER, 59 TS%, 25 USG%, 29 AST%)
87 (+1) Kyrie Irving (20.3 PER, 58 TS%, 23 USG%, 23 AST%)
87 (-1) Derrick Rose (17.1 PER, 52 TS%, 32 USG%, 35 AST%)
86 (+3) Mike Conley (20.4 PER, 57 TS%, 24 USG%, 31 AST%)
86 (-2) Tony Parker (16.9 PER, 58 TS%, 24 USG%, 30 AST%)

THE WESTBROOK WATCH
2015 Russell Westbrook: 58.4 TS%, 39.7 USG% (90 Overall)
2006 Kobe Bryant: 55.9 TS%, 38.7 USG%
1987 Michael Jordan: 56.2 TS%, 38.3 USG%
2002 Allen Iverson: 48.9 TS%, 37.8 USG%
2015 Kobe Bryant: 48.5 TS%, 36.4 USG% (89 Overall)

Westbrook is starting to get his due from 2K and his numbers through 12 games clearly warrant even higher ratings.

Rose shot 12-35 (1-10 3PT) in his two games since last week, while recording another 7 turnovers (to 11 assists).  With a 1.57 A/T ratio and scoring numbers not even in the same ballpark as Westbrook/Curry, it's clear as day Rose is no longer an all-star, much less a superstar.

At press-time Damian Lillard's career high 43 points in tonight's triple overtime victory are not factored into his stats, so you can be sure his rating will go up shortly.

11-20
85 (+1) Deron Williams (17.1 PER, 54 TS%, 23 USG%, 33 AST%)
85 (-2) Rajon Rondo (15.1 PER, 42 TS%, 18 USG%, 47 AST%)
83 (+3) Isaiah Thomas (20.9 PER, 58 TS%, 28 USG%, 27 AST%)
83 (-1) Ty Lawson (17.2 PER, 50 TS%, 21 USG%, 44 AST%)
82 (+4) Jeff Teague (21.2 PER, 59 TS%, 25 USG%, 37 AST%)
82 (NC) Jrue Holiday (19.1 PER, 53 TS%, 22 USG%, 32 AST%)
82 (-2) Goran Dragic (17.5 PER, 58 TS%, 22 USG%, 22 AST%)
82 (+1) Eric Bledsoe (17.2 PER, 55 TS%, 23 USG%, 28 AST%)
81 (+2) Brandon Knight (18.5 PER, 57 TS%, 26 USG%, 28 AST%)
80 (+1) Darren Collison (18.0 PER, 54 TS%, 22 USG%, 31 AST%)

In the NBA season's first big shakeup, Rajon Rondo was traded to the Dallas Mavericks.  There are many questions about how Rondo will fit in Dallas, and they are giving up a substantial piece in Brandan Wright (26.1 PER, 4th in the NBA).  Offensively, Rondo's awful shooting and ball-dominant style would not seem to mesh well with Monta Ellis in the backcourt.  Defensively, Rondo has been a vastly overrated defender for a few years and the team just gave up their only backup center (though it is worth noting Jermaine O'Neal has been hanging out in Dallas).  Whether or not he can turn his season and career around with this change of scenery, all eyes are on Rondo now.

21-30
80 (-2) Kemba Walker (16.6 PER, 48 TS%, 24 USG%, 27 AST%)
80 (NC) Brandon Jennings (15.5 PER, 49 TS%, 23 USG%, 38 AST%)
80 (+2) Reggie Jackson (15.3 PER, 50 TS%, 24 USG%, 29 AST%)
79 (NC) Ricky Rubio (15.9 PER, 46 TS%, 20 USG%, 56 AST%)
79 (+1) Patrick Beverley (14.8 PER, 57 TS%, 16 USG%, 16 AST%)
79 (-1) Michael Carter-Williams (12.4 PER, 45 TS%, 28 USG%, 43 AST%)
78 (NC) Jose Calderon (12.3 PER, 54 TS%, 14 USG%, 20 AST%)
77 (+1) Kirk Hinrich (8.5 PER, 49 TS%, 16 USG%, 18 AST%)
76 (+1) Dennis Schroder (18.5 PER, 55 TS%, 25 USG%, 31 AST%)
76 (NC) Andre Miller (17.2 PER, 63 TS%, 15 USG%, 39 AST%)

It's been weird watching Jose Calderon's 3-year transformation from premier passing PG to the poor-man's Pablo Prigioni.

Hinrich was scoreless in two of his three games this week.  It's obvious he's not a top-30 PG.

31-40
76 (+3) Aaron Brooks (16.4 PER, 58 TS%, 27 USG%, 30 AST%)
76 (+1) C.J. Watson (16.0 PER, 57 TS%, 21 USG%, 29 AST%)
76 (+1) Mario Chalmers (15.2 PER, 56 TS%, 22 USG%, 24 AST%)
76 (+2) Tony Wroten (14.1 PER, 50 TS%, 29 USG%, 37 AST%)
76 (-1) Jeremy Lin (13.2 PER, 54 TS%, 19 USG%, 27 AST%)
76 (NC) Greivis Vasquez (12.7 PER, 47 TS%, 23 USG%, 24 AST%)
75 (+1) J.J. Barea (18.8 PER, 53 TS%, 22 USG%, 33 AST%)
75 (NC) Devin Harris (15.9 PER, 58 TS%, 16 USG%, 23 AST%)
75 (-1) Mo Williams (13.1 PER, 49 TS%, 21 USG%, 40 AST%)
75 (-1) D.J. Augustin (11.9 PER, 49 TS%, 21 USG%, 26 AST%)

The Rondo trade could have a deep impact on Barea and Harris.  Jameer Nelson is a little easier to beat out for playing-time.

41-50
75 (NC) Trey Burke (11.6 PER, 46 TS%, 21 USG%, 27 AST%)
75 (-1) Jameer Nelson (10.0 PER, 50 TS%, 16 USG%, 22 AST%)
75 (-1) Nate Robinson (8.1 PER, 41 TS%, 23 USG%, 23 AST%)
74 (NC) Beno Udrih (16.2 PER, 57 TS%, 19 USG%, 32 AST%)
74 (NC) Brian Roberts (13.2 PER, 51 TS%, 19 USG%, 21 AST%)
74 (-2) Marcus Smart (11.7 PER, 48 TS%, 18 USG%, 13 AST%)
74 (-1) Norris Cole (10.9 PER, 45 TS%, 16 USG%, 22 AST%)
74 (+2) Matthew Dellavedova (6.2 PER, 45 TS%, 12 USG%, 18 AST%)
73 (NC) Cory Joseph (15.8 PER, 56 TS%, 18 USG%, 19 AST%)
73 (-1) Shaun Livingston (13.5 PER, 56 TS%, 17 USG%, 22 AST%)

It's clear the Mavericks gave up on Jameer Nelson, who didn't shoot nearly well enough in his limited touches to warrant putting up with the rest of his limitations.  As much as Nelson would like to play for a contender, he'll start mentoring Marcus Smart effective immediately (who is poised for a major breakout with this news).

Dellavedova inexplicably went up 1 OVR.  He's a poor-man's Kirk Hinrich but is rated what the real-life Hinrich should be.

51-60
73 (+1) Isaiah Canaan (13.1 PER, 58 TS%, 19 USG%, 14 AST%)
73 (-1) Jarrett Jack (12.3 PER, 50 TS%, 20 USG%, 23 AST%)
73 (-1) Kendall Marshall (11.7 PER, 60 TS%, 15 USG%, 30 AST%)
73 (-1) Elfrid Payton (10.4 PER, 41 TS%, 19 USG%, 30 AST%)
73 (-1) Ramon Sessions (10.1 PER, 46 TS%, 21 USG%, 24 AST%)
73 (+1) Jordan Farmar (9.7 PER, 54 TS%, 17 USG%, 18 AST%)
73 (-1) Shabazz Napier (9.5 PER, 56 TS%, 16 USG%, 15 AST%)
72 (NC) Pablo Prigioni (14.1 PER, 64 TS%, 13 USG%, 19 AST%)
72 (NC) Luke Ridnour (11.0 PER, 52 TS%, 14 USG%, 26 AST%
72 (+1) Steve Blake (9.8 PER, 50 TS%, 12 USG%, 27 AST%)

I will take solace in that I was right about Pablo Prigoni being an effective triangle player.  It's the only enjoyment I've gotten out of the Knicks this season.

61-73
72 (-2) Dante Exum (8.8 PER, 52 TS%, 19 USG%, 18 AST%)
72 (-3) Nate Wolters (3.8 PER, 38 TS%, 12 USG%, 7 AST%)
71 (+6) Donald Sloan (12.9 PER, 48 TS%, 20 USG%, 26 AST%)
71 (NC) Shelvin Mack (12.5 PER, 48 TS%, 19 USG%, 28 AST%)
71 (-1) Shane Larkin (9.7 PER, 51 TS%, 13 USG%, 15 AST%)
71 (-3) Ray McCallum (6.4 PER, 51 TS%, 18 USG%, 11 AST%)
70 (NC) Jordan Clarkson (14.5 PER, 53 TS%, 19 USG%, 11 AST%)
70 (NC) Phil Pressey (9.5 PER, 41 TS%, 14 USG%, 25 AST%)
70 (-2) Zach LaVine (8.0 PER, 47 TS%, 20 USG%, 21 AST%)
69 (NC) Ronnie Price (8.4 PER, 39 TS%, 12 USG%, 23 AST%)
68 (-4) Jimmer Fredette (2.9 PER, 32 TS%, 15 USG%, 13 AST%)
67 (NC) Leandro Barbosa (12.4 PER, 50 TS%, 20 USG%, 12 AST%)
66 (NC) A.J. Price (16.3 PER, 52 TS%, 24 USG%, 26 AST%)

Mack had a huge game (24 points, 6-6 3PT) against Cleveland to salvage his season.  Prior to that explosion he'd only broken double figures twice.

LESS THAN 100 MINUTES (14)
78 (NC) George Hill (DNP)
77 (NC) Patrick Mills (DNP)
76 (NC) Steve Nash (DNP)
74 (NC) Raymond Felton (DNP)
72 (NC) Nick Calathes (6.7 PER, 34 TS%, 16 USG%, 36 AST%)
71 (NC) Tyler Ennis (13.6 PER, 58 TS%, 23 USG%, 32 AST%)
69 (NEW) Spencer Dinwiddie (7.4 PER, 38 TS%, 17 USG%, 29 AST%)
68 (NEW) Erick Green (13.7 PER, 56 TS%, 23 USG%, 21 AST%)
68 (NC) Ish Smith (14.0 PER, 45 TS%, 19 USG%, 20 AST%)
68 (-1) Russ Smith (-34.1 PER, 0 TS%, 25 USG%, 0 AST%)
67 (NEW) Darius Morris (13.9 PER, 45 TS%, 28 USG%, 64 AST%)
67 (NC) Jannero Pargo (13.5 PER, 55 TS%, 25 USG%, 15 AST%)
67 (NC) Jared Cunningham (2.4 PER, 36 TS%, 23 USG%, 18 AST%)
66 (NC) Toure Murry (DNP)

FREE AGENTS (21)
72 (+2) Will Bynum (DNP)
69 (NC) Sebastian Telfair (11.8 PER, 48 TS%, 22 USG%, 23 AST%)
69 (NC) Marquis Teague (DNP)
69 (NC) Diante Garrett (DNP)
69 (NC) John Lucas (DNP)
68 (NC) Nando De Colo (DNP)
67 (NC) Will Cherry (5.9 PER, 35 TS%, 17 USG%, 16 AST%)
67 (NC) Gal Mekel (0.6 PER, 15 TS%, 23 USG%, 40 AST%)
67 (NC) Kalin Lucas (-0.6 PER, 0 TS%, 8 USG%, 0 AST%)
67 (NC) Nemanja Nedovic (DNP)
67 (NC) Julyan Stone (DNP)
66 (NC) Dwight Buycks (DNP)
66 (NC) Casper Ware (DNP)
66 (NC) Peyton Siva (DNP)
65 (NC) Jorge Gutierrez (11.1 PER, 52 TS%, 19 USG%, 27 AST%)
65 (NC) Lorenzo Brown (DNP)
65 (NC) Seth Curry (DNP)
65 (NC) Josh Akognon (DNP)
65 (NC) Sherron Collins (DNP)
65 (NC) Mike James (DNP)
60 (NC) Orien Greene (DNP)

NBA 2K15 Shooting Guard Ratings (12/15/14)

Shooting guard is the most difficult position to statistically evaluate, as a metric like PER is not exactly an accurate measurement stick.  PER factors a player's Usage rate, which causes a great degree of variance.

"Shooting Guard" used to be called "Off-Guard", as in the guard who played off the ball. Michael Jordan changed all that, paving the way for ball-dominant big guards like Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Brandon Roy (gone but not forgotten), and James Harden.

Studies and have shown that teams play better with only one primary ball-handler, which is why Derek Fisher spent his career next to Kobe and why Hall of Famer Gary Payton was such a dud next to him.  Mario Chalmers has been glued to Wade his entire career, and Patrick Beverley is clearly a better compliment to Harden than a scoring PG like Jeremy Lin (which is likewise why Ronnie Price is starting next to Kobe).

The NBA is a point guard league right now, which means the stats of all SG consequently suffer.  Many starting SG are effectively defense/shooting specialists, as their shot creation ability may not be highly valued.  This is why so many quality SG become sixth men (Manu Ginobili, Jamal Crawford), where their scoring tools are better utilized (they come in when other high-usage players hit the bench).  However even those players are getting squeezed out by teams who recognize the value in running dual-PG lineups.  Reggie Jackson may very well take the court in crunch time next to Russell Westbrook, despite OKC having three capable SG.

Therefore, it takes greater knowledge of the players and their teams to understand whether that player is over or under performing.  Merely looking at stats isn't quite the end-all-be-all.  A SG could change teams and suddenly find themselves in a much different role.  This list isn't nearly as straightforward as the point guard list.  I tried to limit my usage of the "Blue Hammer", but there is simply an abundance of SG who are playing poorly.

SHOOTING GUARD (76)
1-10
89 (+1) James Harden (25.3 PER, 58 TS%, 32 USG%, 35 AST%)
89 (NC) Kobe Bryant (19.3 PER, 49 TS%, 36 USG%, 25 AST%)
87 (+1) Dwyane Wade (22.9 PER, 56 TS%, 34 USG%, 38 AST%)
85 (+3) Klay Thompson (20.1 PER, 58 TS%, 27 USG%, 17 AST%)
85 (NC) DeMar DeRozan (16.8 PER, 49 TS%, 29 USG%, 13 AST%)
84 (+4) Jimmy Butler (21.0 PER, 60 TS%, 22 USG%, 14 AST%)
83 (+1) Monta Ellis (19.2 PER, 53 TS%, 29 USG%, 22 AST%)
83 (NC) Manu Ginobili (16.8 PER, 54 TS%, 25 USG%, 30 AST%)
83 (+1) Joe Johnson (15.9 PER, 54 TS%, 22 USG%, 19 AST%)
81 (+2) Kevin Martin (21.3 PER, 65 TS%, 25 USG%, 12 AST%)

I've been lobbying for 2K to drop Kobe's ratings for over 10 years now.  He is clearly not the player he used to be, and I'm not sure I would even consider him top 5 (he's certainly not top 3) yet he is tied for the top SG rating and tied for 6th best in the NBA.  Even the most rabid Kobe supporter has to relent at some point.  For what it's worth I had Kobe at 83 OVR entering the year, which is appropriate, because the guy is a glorified Monta Ellis at this point (a chucker who'll win fantasy basketball championships but coaches/statisticians/fans know he's no star).

Harden has emerged as the best SG in the league.  For all the talk about how bad his defense is, he's played the 2nd most minutes on the #2 defense in the league.

Wade is reminding everyone that a bad series against the Spurs defense doesn't mean his career is over.

DeRozan has shot the ball poorly (back down to 25 3PT%, but also only 40% from 2PT) and Kyle Lowry has done most of the heavy lifting for Toronto.  DeRozan might have been awarded All-Star status by the coaches last season but you'd better believe in hindsight that they'd all give it to Lowry without blinking.

Jimmy Buckets has been playing out of his mind considering he's a defensive specialist playing next to ball-dominant Derrick Rose.  Players who average 20 PPG by virtue of their efficiency rather than their volume of shots are an extremely rare breed.

Joe Johnson and Kevin Martin are on two different playing fields as scorers.  When Martin is healthy, he's electric.  When Johnson is healthy, he's erratic.

11-20
81 (NC) Bradley Beal (14.1 PER, 55 TS%, 23 USG%, 16 AST%)
81 (-3) Lance Stephenson (10.5 PER, 43 TS%, 20 USG%, 24 AST%)
80 (NC) Jamal Crawford (19.5 PER, 58 TS%, 27 USG%, 19 AST%)
80 (+2) Kyle Korver (17.3 PER, 75 TS%, 14 USG%, 15 AST%)
79 (+2) Louis Williams (20.6 PER, 58 TS%, 28 USG%, 10 AST%)
79 (+1) Wesley Matthews (16.2 PER, 61 TS%, 20 USG%, 11 AST%)
78 (+2) Courtney Lee (16.2 PER, 67 TS%, 15 USG%, 11 AST%)
78 (NC) Nick Young (16.1 PER, 55 TS%, 25 USG%, 4 AST%)
78 (NC) Victor Oladipo (15.9 PER, 56 TS%, 24 USG%, 20 AST%)
78 (+1) O.J. Mayo (13.0 PER, 51 TS%, 23 USG%, 21 AST%)

Beal has been anointed a future star but he's still got a long way to go.  He just isn't a multi-faceted player - his production isn't dissimilar from young O.J. Mayo (look how that turned out).

Ditto for Lance Stephenson, who has been pushed as a future star.  Despite his versatility, it's his ugly shooting that has Charlotte collecting losses once again.

Crawford and Lou Williams are the best microwave scorers in the league.  There is a stark difference between them and the likes of O.J. Mayo (who isn't even on the same level as Nick Young).

21-30
78 (+1) Iman Shumpert (12.3 PER, 48 TS%, 21 USG%, 21 AST%)
77 (-1) Danny Green (16.0 PER, 61 TS%, 17 USG%, 9 AST%)
77 (NC) J.J. Redick (14.7 PER, 62 TS%, 20 USG%, 9 AST%)
77 (-1) Arron Afflalo (13.6 PER, 57 TS%, 20 USG%, 8 AST%)
77 (+1) Alec Burks (13.1 PER, 53 TS%, 21 USG%, 15 AST%)
77 (-1) Avery Bradley (10.2 PER, 51 TS%, 20 USG%, 5 AST%)
77 (-2) Eric Gordon (8.6 PER, 49 TS%, 16 USG%, 16 AST%)
76 (NC) Marcus Thornton (15.3 PER, 54 TS%, 23 USG%, 8 AST%)
76 (+1) Marco Belinelli (15.1 PER, 58 TS%, 20 USG%, 12 AST%)

Danny Green has improved every season and his production is rising just as the Big 3 are starting to decline. As a premier 3-N-D player,  he should be rated on the same plane as Wesley Matthews (79) and Courtney Lee (78).  I honestly wouldn't mind if the lot of these guys were rated 80 OVR, they're in the top half of starting SG thanks to their efficient shooting and quality defense.

The book is in on Iman Shumpert.  He is a bad offensive player (and injury prone, to boot).

Eric Gordon might be the worst value in the NBA, as minimum salary players could outperform this max contract player.  The Pelicans desperately need a shooting specialist because the touches simply aren't there for the ball-dominant guard (good thing they let Anthony Morrow walk, eh?).  Gordon could regain his value on the right team but as it stands he is a detriment when compared next to the likes of Marcus Thornton and Marco Belinelli.

31-40
76 (+1) Rodney Stuckey (15.0 PER, 50 TS%, 26 USG%, 20 AST%)
76 (+1) Gary Neal (14.8 PER, 54 TS%, 24 USG%, 11 AST%)
76 (+2) Jerryd Bayless (11.8 PER, 57 TS%, 17 USG%, 18 AST%)
76 (-2) Dion Waiters (10.7 PER, 47 TS%, 23 USG%, 15 AST%)
75 (-2) Tim Hardaway Jr (13.8 PER, 52 TS%, 25 USG%, 12 AST%)
75 (+3) Evan Fournier (13.0 PER, 56 TS%, 21 USG%, 12 AST%)
75 (-3) J.R. Smith (11.6 PER, 49 TS%, 23 USG%, 22 AST%)
75 (+1) Thabo Sefolosha (9.4 PER, 40 TS%, 15 USG%, 10 AST%)
75 (-2) Vince Carter (8.3 PER, 42 TS%, 22 USG%, 13 AST%)
75 (+1) Mike Miller (2.2 PER, 41 TS%, 8 USG%, 3 AST%)

Dion Waiters isn't just the Michael Beasley of SGs, he is a bad player to boot. With so many better scoring options around him and such a poor outside touch, the odds of him becoming a key contributor for the Cavaliers are slim.

It goes without saying that Sefolosha, Carter, and Miller are all shooting the ball especially poorly for their new teams.

Bayless' rating drops an appropriate degree if his position is changed to PG.

41-50
74 (+5) K.J. McDaniels (12.4 PER, 52 TS%, 19 USG%, 9 AST%)
74 (NC) Randy Foye (12.0 PER, 52 TS%, 20 USG%, 17 AST%)
74 (NC) Jason Terry (11.2 PER, 56 TS%, 16 USG%, 12 AST%)
74 (+2) Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (9.7 PER, 49 TS%, 19 USG%, 5 AST%)
73 (NC) Jeremy Lamb (16.2 PER, 56 TS%, 20 USG%, 13 AST%)
73 (NC) Anthony Morrow (12.9 PER, 54 TS%, 18 USG%, 8 AST%)
73 (-1) Jared Dudley (10.5 PER, 54 TS%, 12 USG%, 11 AST%)
73 (+1) Austin Rivers (10.4 PER, 49 TS%, 16 USG%, 16 AST%)
73 (-1) Ben McLemore (10.3 PER, 59 TS%, 16 USG%, 6 AST%)
73 (+1) Tony Snell (6.9 PER, 56 TS%, 11 USG%, 3 AST%)

KCP is the shooting specialist who can't.  Lamb is quietly having a productive season.  Snell is low-usage specialist, just not a very good one.

Austin Rivers and Eric Gordon have identical TS, USG, and AST rates which tells you how far the latter has fallen.

51-76
73 (NC) C.J. Miles (6.5 PER, 42 TS%, 25 USG%, 11 AST%)
72 (NC) Ben Gordon (13.0 PER, 57 TS%, 22 USG%, 12 AST%)
72 (NC) C.J. McCollum (11.2 PER, 55 TS%, 18 USG%, 12 AST%)
72 (+4) Garrett Temple (10.5 PER, 50 TS%, 14 USG%, 11 AST%)
72 (+4) Andre Roberson (9.5 PER, 47 TS%, 10 USG%, 9 AST%)
72 (-2) Nik Stauskas (5.3 PER, 43 TS%, 14 USG%, 8 AST%)
72 (+1) Willie Green (3.4 PER, 36 TS%, 17 USG%, 8 AST%)
71 (NC) P.J. Hairston (9.1 PER, 45 TS%, 20 USG%, 8 AST%)
71 (NC) Gary Harris (3.3 PER, 33 TS%, 19 USG%, 8 AST%)
70 (NC) Alexey Shved (19.5 PER, 55 TS%, 26 USG%, 33 AST%)
70 (-1) Wayne Ellington (13.7 PER, 55 TS%, 16 USG%, 6 AST%)
70 (-1) Nick Johnson (4.6 PER, 39 TS%, 16 USG%, 6 AST%)
69 (-1) Will Barton (4.8 PER, 43 TS%, 19 USG%, 11 AST%)
69 (NC) Brandon Rush (-1.9 PER, 21 TS%, 11 USG%, 5 AST%)
68 (+1) Allan Crabbe (10.2 PER, 62 TS%, 11 USG%, 8 AST%)
68 (NC) Joe Harris (4.8 PER, 53 TS%, 13 USG%, 10 AST%)

C.J. Miles is having a nightmare season.  Nik Stauskas has been awful.  Willie Green is even worse.  Brandon Rush is in the league out of sympathy at this point.

Ben Gordon is having a mini-comeback.  Alexey Shved is producing for a change (and should really be listed at PG).  Ellington is comfortably filling Jodie Meeks' shoes in LA. Allan Crabbe's shooting should put him a couple notches higher than the numerous SG who haven't put the ball in the hole.

LESS THAN 100 MINUTES (19)
75 (+1) Jodie Meeks (DNP)
74 (+1) Martell Webster (DNP)
73 (NC) Jason Richardson (DNP)
71 (NC) E'Twaun Moore (9.8 PER, 35 TS%, 18 USG%, 18 AST%)
70 (-1) Jordan Adams (7.4 PER, 39 TS%, 11 USG%, 16 AST%)
70 (NEW) Zoran Dragic (-19.7 PER, 0 TS%, 22 USG%, 0 AST%)
69 (+1) Markel Brown (4.7 PER, 46 TS%, 24 USG%, 17 AST%)
69 (NC) Glen Rice (-3.7 PER, 31 TS%, 21 USG%, 6 AST%)
69 (NC) Archie Goodwin (10.9 PER, 41 TS%, 24 USG%, 11 AST%)
69 (-2) Troy Daniels (1.1 PER, 41 TS%, 24 USG%, 7 AST%)
68 (NC) James Young (22.4 PER, 65 TS%, 20 USG%, 10 AST%)
68 (NC) John Jenkins (10.6 PER, 52 TS%, 24 USG%, 0 AST%)
68 (-2) Cartier Martin (1.2 PER, 37 TS%, 15 USG%, 9 AST%)
67 (NC) C.J. Wilcox (37.8 PER, 90 TS%, 21 USG%, 34 AST%)
67 (NC) Ian Clark (11.2 PER, 55 TS%, 15 USG%, 6 AST%)
67 (NC) Ricky Ledo (DNP)
65 (NEW) Patrick Christopher (DNP)
64 (NC) Justin Holiday (-1.0 PER, 35 TS%, 18 USG%, 8 AST%)
64 (NEW) Andre Dawkins (-1.4 PER, 50 TS%, 15 USG%, 0 AST%)

FREE AGENTS (18)
78 (NC) Ray Allen (DNP)
74 (NC) Jordan Crawford (DNP
71 (NC) James Anderson (DNP)
71 (NC) MarShon Brooks (DNP)
70 (NC) Elliot Williams (DNP)
69 (NEW) Malcolm Lee (-19.6 PER, 0 TS%, 22 USG%, 0 AST%)
69 (NC) Jamaal Franklin (DNP)
69 (NC) Ronnie Brewer (DNP)
69 (NC) Doron Lamb (DNP)
68 (NC) Chris Johnson (5.9 PER, 43 TS%, 17 USG%, 3 AST%)
68 (NC) Shannon Brown (4.4 PER, 48 TS%, 14 USG%, 5 AST%)
68 (NC) Carrick Felix (DNP)
68 (NC) Keith Bogans (DNP)
65 (NC) Othyus Jeffers (DNP)
65 (NC) Jason Kapono (DNP)
65 (NC) Dionte Christmas (DNP)
65 (NC) Kim English (DNP)
64 (NC) Vander Blue (DNP)