nba rankings 35 - 31

35. DeMarr DeRozan

DeMarr is another young exciting, high flying 2-guard who made final cuts on the World National team. He is added a dimension to his game that makes him a threat from multiple areas on the court. He  is an above average defender and hits the boards which explains why I ranked him as high as I did over other flashier offensive talent. DeMarr is capable of climbing the ladder with players like Kobe, Dirk, and Tim Duncan climbing in age. Those guys are bound to retire one day...right?

34. DeAndre Jordan

DeAndre Jordan is arguably the best defensive big man in the league. Doc Rivers has elevated his game to an all star level. No question DeAndre has top 20 talent, but with minimal offensive game it is hard to place him  higher on this list. If DeAndre can develop a turnaround hook, higher free throw percentage, or a 10 foot jump shot he will easily be top 20, possibly the best big man in the league.

33. Al Jefferson

The smooth center who was drafted straight out of high school has really flourished in Charlotte. He has taken over the reign as the best big man in the eastern conference and can move even higher on this list. He is an old fashioned 7 footer who plays with his back to the basket better than anyone since the 90's had Patrick Ewing and Hakeem. With the New York City back court putting pressure on opposing guards, Al Jefferson will have plenty of room to work with 

32. Dirk Nowitzki

Who do you know that is 7 feet tall, and still can consistently knock down the wing three and is unguard-able from the post out? The German. Dirk has plenty left to show in the twilight of his career and he will certainly put it on display now that he has sufficient help in Monta Ellis and Chandler Parsons. Defensively Dirk can not do too much to alter a shot, and can barely get off the floor high enough to grab a rebound. But with 10 seconds left in the game, there is no player east of Kobe that I rather have the ball in his hands than Dirk Nowitzki.

31. Serge Ibaka

Serge has improved an aspect of his game every year since being in the league. Hands down he is the best shot blocker with an uncanny ability to time shots, and the fast twitch fibers that enables him to get off the floor quickly and easily. Ib-lock-a can step out and knock down the corner three, and consistently hits the jump shot from 15 to 20 feet out. In order for Serge to move higher on this list he would have to average 20 plus points a game, and in OKC with Russ and KD, that is pretty hard to do.

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