nba power rankings 45 - 41

45.  Kyle Lowry

Kyle Lowry finally got paid after a solid season as Toronto’s starting point guard. And even with whispers that the Raptors tried to shop him last season, he was the leader of this young ball club. His determination, grit, toughness at the point guard position is what every team desires out of their floor leader. Kyle is not a stat stuffer, but he belongs in the top 50. It will be difficult to talk him up higher because the “Point guard” position may be the deepest position in the league, and it only gets tougher from here.

44. Paul Millsap

Paul Millsap is a model of consistency, it is hard to determine if he has reached his potential/prime of his career because his numbers are relatively the same year in year out. Since leaving Utah he has emerged as an All-Star and he was invited to participate in US world competition. Paul Millsap may not have the deadly low post game that Zach Randolph possesses but he has the ability to stretch the floor farther than Zach is able to making him a valuable asset in the stretch 4 role.

43.  Monta Ellis

Monta has found a nice niche in Dallas playing the combo guard spot. Having Dirk Nowitzki on the floor has allowed him to truly excel. He has always been a great offensive talent, but in Golden State he was the main attraction throughout most of his career causing teams to focus on him defensively. With Dirk on the floor he has really blossomed into an elite second option and has given Dallas fans hope for a deep playoff run. Monta is still in the prime of his career but unless he takes over this Mavericks’ team as the leading scorer I don’t see much room for improvement.



42.  Zach Randolph


Zach continues to defy Father time with his consistent level of production. His level of play mimics Tim Duncan’s high level of consistency. Zach Randolph is easily top 3 when it comes to low-post, back to the basket scoring in the NBA. The duo of Randolph and Gasol has caused Memphis to remain relevant in championship conversation and he always manages to remain relatively healthy throughout the season. I don’t see Zach moving up at all in his last few NBA seasons, but you can count on him giving you Top 50 production.



41. Isaiah Thomas


Isaiah has proven in his first 3 NBA seasons that he is fully capable of matching the statistical output of the league’s top point guards. He averaged 20.6 ppg as well as 6.3 assists and you can match those numbers against anyone. The question remains, will this production equal wins in Phoenix. He will be sharing ball handling duties with an extremely talented but crowded backcourt with Goran Dragic and Eric Bledsoe. In order to move up this list, the Suns may have to shop one of their guards because Thomas’ production will be hard to duplicate with limited minutes and ‘point guard by committee’ role.