Wednesday, October 13th, 2010 at 8:00 am  |  115 responses

Top 50: Brandon Roy, no. 11

The definitive ranking of the NBA’s best players.

by Sean Ceglinsky

There’s a lot to like about Brandon Roy’s game. Dude is about as well-rounded as they come. He’s one of those a jack of all trades types, a cat you definitely want on your team, but definitely despise having to play against more than a handful of times over the course of an NBA season.

Roy can score, seemingly at will, when he puts his mind to it. He’s not afraid to mix it up inside either, down low in the Brandon Royblock against the best big men in the League. Roy is unselfish with the rock in his hands too. And believe it or not, he gets after things on the defensive end of the floor.

By most accounts, he’s the face of the Portland Trail Blazers. Roy has been largely, although not solely, responsible for helping to clean up the image of the franchise. Remember, not long ago, the Trail Blazers were known as the Jail Blazers. Times were, indeed, tough in the Pacific Northwest.

With Roy in the mix, order has been restored, and rightfully so.

Taking all of these things into consideration, it’s makes complete sense that Roy checks in at the No. 11 in the SLAMonline Top 50.

About the only knock on him is that he’s tended to be a tad bit injury prone in the past, otherwise a strong case could be made for him cracking the Top 10.

For those who aren’t believers in BRoy and are looking for further proof of his upper echelon play, one need not look any further than his consistent statistics during his four-year career. He’s averaged at least 16 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists per game in each season. In our book, that’s getting it done, straight up, on a nightly basis. The numbers don’t lie.

In his first year, he averaged 16.8 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists per night en route to winning the Rookie of the Year award.

For an encore, he averaged 19.1 points, 4.7 boards and 5.8 dimes in his second season. The third time around, Roy averaged 22.6 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.1 assists. Last year, he finished with averages of 21.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.7 assists.

What’s not to like about that kind of production?

Four years later, Roy has three NBA All-Star games on his resume, which is looking rather nice these days. And there’s no reason to think that he’s not capable of adding another selection to his growing list when the festivities take place at Staples Center in Los Angeles this season.

Again, if not for some bad luck with the injury bug, he has yet to play a full 82-game season, we’d most likely be arguing about Roy’s inclusion in Top 10 of this list. Then again, there’s always next year’s SLAMonline’s Top 50. Our guess is, he’ll take the next step sooner rather than later. If the past is any indication of what’s in store for the future, things appear promising.

SLAMonline TOP 50 PLAYERS OVERALL RANK POSITION RANK
Player Team Position 2010 2009 2010 2009
Ray Allen Celtics SG 50 36 10 9
Gilbert Arenas Wizards SG 49 34 9 8
Lamar Odom Lakers PF 48 33 14 10
John Wall Wizards PG 47 NR 13 NR
OJ Mayo Grizzlies SG 46 46 8 12
Al Horford Hawks C 45 NR 6 NR
Jason Kidd Mavs PG 44 45 12 10
Joakim Noah Bulls C 43 NR 5 NR
LaMarcus Aldridge Blazers PF 42 39 13 12
David West Hornets PF 41 31 12 8
Monta Ellis Warriors SG 40 NR 7 NR
Andrew Bogut Bucks C 39 NR 4 NR
Yao Ming Rockets C 38 NR 3 NR
Brandon Jennings Bucks PG 37 NR 11 NR
Zach Randolph Grizzlies PF 36 NR 11 NR
Stephen Curry Warriors PG 35 NR 10 NR
David Lee Warriors PF 34 NR 10 NR
Brook Lopez Nets C 33 NR 2 NR
Gerald Wallace Bobcats SF 32 NR 7 NR
Manu Ginobili Spurs SG 31 29 6 7
Tony Parker Spurs PG 30 15 9 3
Kevin Garnett Celtics PF 29 13 9 3
Rudy Gay Grizzlies SF 28 44 6 9
Josh Smith Hawks PF 27 40 8 13
Andre Iguodala 76ers SG 26 26 5 6
Al Jefferson Jazz PF 25 23 7 7
Russell Westbrook Thunder PG 24 NR 8 NR
Chauncey Billups Nuggets PG 23 19 7 5
Tyreke Evans Kings PG 22 NR 6 NR
Danny Granger Pacers SF 21 21 5 5
Carlos Boozer Bulls PF 20 32 6 9
Paul Pierce Celtics SF 19 17 4 4
Joe Johnson Hawks SG 18 20 4 4
Rajon Rondo Celtics PG 17 27 5 8
Amar’e Stoudemire Knicks PF 16 16 5 6
Steve Nash Suns PG 15 22 4 6
Tim Duncan Spurs PF 14 6 4 1
Chris Bosh Heat PF 13 13 3 4
Derrick Rose Bulls PG 12 18 3 4
Brandon Roy Blazers SG 11 10 3 3

Notes
• Rankings are based solely on projected ’10-11 performance.
• Contributors to this list include: Jeremy Bauman, Maurice Bobb, Erildas Budraitis, Sean Ceglinsky, Ben Collins, Bryan Crawford, Sandy Dover, Adam Figman, Manny Maduakolam, Eddie Maisonet, Ryne Nelson, Doobie Okon, Ben Osborne, Charles Peach, Branden Peters, Quinn Peterson, David Schnur, Todd Spehr, Kyle Stack, Adam Sweeney, Dennis Tarwood, Tracy Weissenberg, Lang Whitaker, Eric Woodyard, and Nima Zarrabi.
• Want more of the SLAMonline Top 50? Check out the archive.

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  • The Fresh Prince of Nsam Posted: Oct.13 at 10:29 am
    The quietest NBA Star

  • t-sizzle Posted: Oct.13 at 10:30 am
    not too bad of a ranking. hope he isn’t injured this year like the whole blazers team. blazers have so much potential but always manage to be underwhelming

  • Eboy Posted: Oct.13 at 10:31 am
    I like the hell out of this dude.

  • Mansonovic Posted: Oct.13 at 10:35 am
    Who’s going to be the first to take a crack at guessing the top 10?

  • hoodsnake Posted: Oct.13 at 10:36 am
    If it wasn’t for those damn injuries he would be top 10 every year till he hangs them up. Mad underrated

  • T-Money Posted: Oct.13 at 10:44 am
    First off, let me start by saying that B-Roy is a bad mutha. Now, I have two gripes with him: 1- He should be a 25+ ppg dude now. He belongs to that echelon and I felt he kind of stagnated last year. At 37 mpg, I expect him to shoot 10 or so FTs every game. Which brings me to my second point. 2- The guy is an athletic freak (trust me or youtube, whichever) but doesn’t use his gifts enough. I like how methodical and precise he is with his offensive moves but sometimes a dude just gotta sweep the ball and SMASH on cats.

  • smooth Posted: Oct.13 at 10:48 am
    slow down eboy haha. this is a good spot for him this year he’s and thats he did chang the trailblazers and if he stays healthy and aldridge plays like he should be doing, and so for miller too they could be something special. the trail blazers are a under the radar kind of team

  • alapatrick Posted: Oct.13 at 10:58 am
    1)lebron
    2)kobe
    3)wade
    4)durant
    5)williams
    6)paul
    7)howard
    8)dirk
    9)melo
    10)gasol

  • Vincenzo Posted: Oct.13 at 11:00 am
    1. Bron
    2. Durant
    3. Kobe
    4. Wade
    5. Carmelo
    6. Paul
    7. Dwight
    8. Dirk
    9. Deron
    10.Gasol

  • Bryan Crawford Posted: Oct.13 at 11:00 am
    @T-Money: I’m not sure I agree with you on his athleticism. No, he’s certainly not a stiff, but at the same time, he doesn’t have that kind of explosiveness, he really doesn’t jump all that high, and his game is similar to his personality/demeanor, laid back. The PPG’s, I’ll agree with to a degree as well as the FTA’s since both are indicative of him not being aggressive in attacking the rim and shooting a ton of jumpers.

  • Ganchan Posted: Oct.13 at 11:03 am
    Top Ten 10. Dirk
    09. Pau
    08. Dwight
    07. Deron
    06. Carmelo
    05. Chris
    04. Dwyane
    03. Kevin
    02. Kobe
    01. Lebron

  • stever3434 Posted: Oct.13 at 11:07 am
    I always think its funny the way players thay have had many injuries are labeled. Guys that have not done much in their career, or are not extremely well liked are considered injury prone (Oden, Iverson, even Donavan McNabb). But guys that have proven themselves are just considered unlucky. Just something i’ve noticed. Unless you look like Robert Trailer or Sheed in the later years….isnt each unrelated injury just unlucky?

  • Alan Posted: Oct.13 at 11:10 am
    Won’t go like this, but let’s try it
    Top Ten:
    10. Dwight
    09. Dirk
    08. Pau
    07. Deron
    06. Carmelo
    05. CP3
    04. Dwyane
    03. Lebron
    02. Durant
    01. Kobe

  • michael Posted: Oct.13 at 11:13 am
    yeah he is a good player, but dont use stats to make the case…i mean 21/5/4 on a average/good team isnt exactly earth shattering, he looks a little out of place this high to me…can someone say exactly what makes him 7 spots better than joe johnson (who from a quick glance at the list is the closest to roy in terms of stat lines)?

  • Scott Carter Posted: Oct.13 at 11:26 am
    1) Lebron James
    2) Kobe Bryant
    3) Kevin Durant
    4) Dwyane Wade
    5) Chris Paul
    6) Dwight Howard
    7) Carmelo Anthony
    8) Deron Williams
    9) Pau Gasol
    10) Dirk Nowitzki

  • Kap Posted: Oct.13 at 11:26 am
    What does Kobe have to do for SLAM to finally acknowledge him as #1?

  • Caboose Posted: Oct.13 at 11:30 am
    Agreed with Michael, his stats are nearly identical to Tyreke Evans yet Roy is what, 11 spots higher? It’s the winning/leadership aspect that separates BRoy. That said, this is still a tad high.

  • Ben Posted: Oct.13 at 11:32 am
    based on last years production….”solely”…you think al jefferson is over zach randolph?

  • Kap Posted: Oct.13 at 11:33 am
    I think if you interchange B. Roy for Joe Johnson, the Hawks become a better team bc of Roys clutchness & and leadership (intangibles). He also doesn’t settle for jumpers like JJ either. Also, the guy played in the playoffs a week after having knee surgery…RIDICULOUS

  • James the Balla Posted: Oct.13 at 11:37 am
    YES!!! DWill is top ten this year. About time.

  • Shan Posted: Oct.13 at 11:39 am
    But Roy isnt really a winner or a leader, in my opinion. He hasnt won a playoff series and he cant will his team to do so until he does either of those things he will continue to hover around the star status, not quite superstar status. Portland needs a leader and he isnt it. Sorry. Next up: Dirk. (I have predicted the past 4 rankings correctly.)

  • Ryne Nelson Posted: Oct.13 at 11:40 am
    @Kap Mamba was once acknowledged as No. 1, if you remember.

  • James the Balla Posted: Oct.13 at 11:41 am
    1. Kobe
    2. Wade
    3. Bron
    4. Durant
    5. Paul
    6. Deron
    7. Dwight
    8. Carmelo
    9. Dirk
    10.Gasol

  • Shan Posted: Oct.13 at 11:41 am
    DWill should have been top ten at least two years ago. He does so much for his team, I should know. I remember when everyone would argue with me about how CP was miles ahead of DWill and how Roy was better beacause he was selected to the all star team and DWill wasnt. Haha. It feels good to be right.

  • All net Posted: Oct.13 at 11:42 am
    Love watching the blazers play! Really hope they can put it together this year.

  • omphalos Posted: Oct.13 at 11:44 am
    Brandon Roy should have cracked the top ten. He’s a sleeper to win MVP this season IMO. His statline isn’t so impressive but he can light it up when he needs to, he just plays very well within the team is all. Reke’s numbers were on Sacramento where he had the green light to put up any shot he wants, no comparison really.

  • smooth Posted: Oct.13 at 11:45 am
    10.paul
    9.williams
    8.gasol
    7.dirk
    6.melo
    5.howard
    4.wade
    3.durant
    2.kobe
    1.james

  • Kevin Posted: Oct.13 at 11:50 am
    Wait a minute… so yall basically went on and ripped the a-hole out from bosh for not getting out of the first round or even going to the playoffs (playoffs due to injury last season, crappy team the season b4) yet you are going to give brandon roy a pass for not getting out of the first round for the same reasons? see this is why i can’t take some of yall seriously. Roy is constantly injured and when given his shot didn’t perform well vs. the rockets. he was injured last yr and his team only made the playoffs in the west bc he has a GREAT supporting cast. yet we are going to call roy a winner/leader? what has he seriously won? season games? those clearly don’t count for bosh or anyone for that matter. so what has he really lead? the injury reserve? ok… see look. i have NO PROBLEM with roy being #11 on this list. HOWEVER bosh had a much better yr last yr when u look @ the numbers. If you are going to put roy @ number 11 with the season (or lackthereof) he had last yr than how the hell are you going to criticise the bosh pick? seems BIASED to me since again bosh had a much better individual yr in almost every single way.

  • James the Balla Posted: Oct.13 at 12:03 pm
    SLAM is so f()cked up today, anyone else posting as other people, and having a hard time seeing somments?

  • J Posted: Oct.13 at 12:16 pm
    I love BRoy. One of my faves. Star for real. I guess last year’s series validated Roy’s heart for the game..The only hurdle to a Portland deep playoff run? 1. Health 2. Lamarcus Aldridge.. Pls LA, you have all the tools in you, please take the next step.

  • BH Posted: Oct.13 at 12:28 pm
    Sorry, I don’t understand this ranking. If someone could give me an evidence-based explanation, that’d be helpful because, based on the evidence, I see virtually no diffence between Joe and this dude. In fact, based on playoff victories and head-to-head matchups, one could easily argue that Joe is better…and Rose…and Rondo.

  • lexluther703 Posted: Oct.13 at 12:28 pm
    1) Lebron James
    2) Kobe Bryant
    3) Kevin Durant
    4) Dwyane Wade
    5) Dwight Howard
    6) Chris Paul
    7) Carmelo Anthony
    8) Deron Williams
    9) Pau Gasol
    10) Dirk Nowitzki

  • BH Posted: Oct.13 at 12:30 pm
    And just to be clear, I like Brandon Roy. I just don’t think he’s #11. Not if JJ is #18 and Rondo is #17.

  • smooth Posted: Oct.13 at 12:38 pm
    well bosh isnt the leader no more or dominant player of his team no more if he was on toronto he would still probly be in the twenties if he wasnt on the heat dont get me wrong bosh is a great player but he isnt better than roy

  • smooth Posted: Oct.13 at 12:39 pm
    if that made any sense and after this nba season he would probly be in the top ten

  • smooth Posted: Oct.13 at 12:43 pm
    if that made any sense

  • smooth Posted: Oct.13 at 12:43 pm
    if that made any sense

  • benno Posted: Oct.13 at 1:18 pm
    Glen Davis at no.1, remember i said that – UNO UNO

  • tealish Posted: Oct.13 at 1:34 pm
    MY RANKINGS–
    10.Howard
    9.Gasol
    8.Melo
    7.Paul
    6.Williams
    5.Dirk
    4.Durant
    3.Wade
    2.James
    1.Kobe
    My guess at SLAM’S Rankings–
    10.Gasol
    9.Williams
    8.Dirk
    7.Paul
    6.Melo
    5.Howard
    4.Durant
    3.Wade
    2.Kobe
    1.James

  • jpthewiz Posted: Oct.13 at 1:45 pm
    @Kevin: BRoy Didn’t play well in his first first playoff appearance vs the Rockets??? I guess 26-5-3 on Artest and Battier isn’t good, not to mention Artest saying he’s the hardest player he’s ever had to guard (i know, i know, coming from ron artest, but…). Also, that it was Blazers first playoff appearance in how long? In his third season? Please. Also, coming back this playoffs 8 days after knee surgery? Bosh had a better year last year, and was a better leader for his team after checking out for the last quarter of a season? Then dipping out? Really? The only thing keeping BRoy out of the top ten the last season WAS his injuries, and not being able to get into the swing of things. He’s the (one of the) most well rounded player(s) in the league, no question.

  • The Philosopher Posted: Oct.13 at 2:13 pm
    Big, big year from Roy this year, hopefully.

  • CHICAGO SAID IT YUP Posted: Oct.13 at 2:22 pm
    i like brandon roy game too BUT isnt it about time he starts to get some criticism for the blazers not winning a playoff series? Despite the injuries to oden that have become tradition they usuallu have prtty stacked teams, and he IS the leader

  • Jukai Posted: Oct.13 at 2:28 pm
    I agree with everyone saying Joe Johnson/Bosh/Rose are pretty interchangeable, but I don’t think it’s a travesty to have Roy this high. Brandon is a jack-of-all-trades master-of-none type dude who can do damage in the playoffs if his team is healthy. Trust me.
    Next up:
    10. Dirk
    9. Gasol
    8. Paul
    7. Williams
    6. Howard
    5. Melo
    4. Wade
    3. Kobe
    2. Lebron
    1. Durant <—- YES Durant is number one. Lebron is going to be sharing the scoring load, and Kobe is going to be playing less to save his body. Durant still has no legit scoring options outside of Westbrook on his team, so he’s going to be putting up POINTS. Statistically, and of value to his team, Durant is number one.
    Even though he’s not better than Wade/Lebron/Kobe.
    That’s just how it is.

  • MUBWAR Posted: Oct.13 at 2:30 pm
    what a foolish countdown…Roy is not even a top 15 player…Joe Johnson is much better…Slam needs to hire someone who lives NBA(like me) to write about this…As long as KingJames is numuro Uno im cool…

  • JTaylor21 Posted: Oct.13 at 2:34 pm
    mubwar, that’s a joke right? JJ is easily one of the most overrated players in the league today while BRoy is vastly underrated.

  • SpaceJam Posted: Oct.13 at 2:35 pm
    Roy is very deserving of this spot. He can light it up, and to all of you saying he should avg 25+ ppg, that would be the case if he didn’t play for a halfcourt offense. They rarely run the ball so that takes away easy buckets from him. He is one of the most clutch players in the league. You give the Blazers some more tempo and a fully healthy season and they would make it out of the 1st round against most teams.

  • Allenp Posted: Oct.13 at 2:36 pm
    I think he pouted to much when they brought in Andre Miller.
    That is all.

  • Allenp Posted: Oct.13 at 2:38 pm
    And I agree with Bryan Crawford of Roy’s athletic ability.
    Is he that much more athletic than Joe Johnson?
    I like Roy, but he dominates the ball a little too much, and I’m not sure if the team can be truly great with him making all the decisions.

  • Allenp Posted: Oct.13 at 2:41 pm
    Taylor
    Joe Johnson ain’t overrated.
    He’s overpaid. Big difference.

  • Elvis Freshly Posted: Oct.13 at 2:42 pm
    Somebody please explain to me why you think KD is ahead of Carmelo. Please, somebody with knowledge and not just a Kevin homer.

  • Allenp Posted: Oct.13 at 2:52 pm
    Elvis
    I would imagine it’s because people believe Durant is still growing, while Carmelo appears to have gotten to wherever he’s going.
    Durant is in year three and his game is roughly equal to Melo’s. Yet, it’s clear he’s only scratching the surface, particularly as a rebounder and defender, and he appears committed to getting much better at both.
    Melo is an outstanding scorer, passable rebounder and average to below average defender. He’s also seven years into his career. He’s pretty much what he’s going to be with some minor adjustments, you know?
    That’s why I imagine people have Durant over Melo.

  • smooth Posted: Oct.13 at 3:01 pm
    and the scoring title dont forget that lol but thats a good way to put i though

  • tony knorr Posted: Oct.13 at 3:03 pm
    @ Allenp yes he is that much more athletic than joe johnson. you need to peep some highlights of jj and broy. BRoy is more than capable of skying ten inches over everyone else for a massive put back or in your face dunk. its more rare than I would like but I dont think jj could even come close to broy in a dunk comp.

  • MUBWAR Posted: Oct.13 at 3:08 pm
    Let me get this str8
    BRoy last year stat : 21.5ppg, 4.4 rpg and 4.7apg
    JJ last year stat : 21.3ppg, 4.6rpg and 5apg So how come BRoy is soo much higher on the top 50 then JJ…

  • MUBWAR Posted: Oct.13 at 3:09 pm
    if i might add BRoy keeps exiting the playoff in the 1st round…

  • Teddy-the-Bear Posted: Oct.13 at 3:14 pm
    Good spot… Derrick Rose on the other hand…

  • AKR Posted: Oct.13 at 3:23 pm
    1.Kobe
    2.lebron
    3.durant
    4.wade
    5.cp3
    6.dwight
    7.deron
    8.melo
    9.dirk
    10.pau

  • permaculture james Posted: Oct.13 at 3:30 pm
    when I heard about Roy’s knee, I was left with the impression that there wasn’t much cartilage in there. Hope that isn’t true – hate the thought of talent unrealized due to injury rather than heart and commitment.

  • Nbk Posted: Oct.13 at 3:43 pm
    @mubwar – Because Brandon Roy’s team last year was different in one way or another all year, he played through injury a good portion of the season, they play in the west, he’s younger, they play at a slower pace, his offense isn’t built around him playing one on one 60-70% of his teams possessions….that’s why jj is not rated as high as Roy IMO but that’s me

  • ripslam Posted: Oct.13 at 3:59 pm
    Um, 16, 4, and 4 isn’t really a very good measuring stick for a No. 1 pick. I think Roy is amazing and he deserves this spot, but you guys gave some kinda crappy reasoning.

  • ab40 Posted: Oct.13 at 4:03 pm
    he’s solid but he’s a part of a great team which needs oden to be succesfull. he’s the best player on that team but he’s not an amazing player in terms of statistics. solid yes, clutch also a superstar? Let him take his team to a confrence finals first.

  • bashmo Posted: Oct.13 at 4:12 pm
    this dude Roy is smooth. Sick offensive game, reminds me of Vince Carters game with less explosiveness. However, B-Roy is destined for big things. The Blazers gon be reaaall good if they stay healthy. Next: Pau or Dirk Nowitzki

  • Anton Posted: Oct.13 at 4:13 pm
    10. Hakeem
    9. Gasol
    8. Denzel Washington
    7. Brandon Roy
    6. Boozer’s Bag
    5. Daniel Gibson
    4. Dwight’s tears
    3. LeBronimous Maximus
    2. Sean Marks
    1. Chuck Norris

  • JTaylor21 Posted: Oct.13 at 4:28 pm
    10. Lindsay Lohan’s bladder
    9. Kanye West’s politeness
    8. Carlos Boozer’s Eyebrow
    7. Snoop’s lungs
    6. Bernie Madoff’s character
    5. George Bush’s brain
    4. Dick Cheney’s accuracy
    3. Tebow’s evil side
    2. Kat Stack’s health
    1. Kim Kardashian’s canyon

  • DWill_fan Posted: Oct.13 at 5:03 pm
    I totally agree with the top-10.

  • johnny Posted: Oct.13 at 6:04 pm
    Sorry to burst all you Lakers fans bubbles but Kobe is no longer in the top five. There are at least 5 players NBA in the L that any GM would take over Kobe at the moment. Lebron, Durant, Paul, Howard, Wade, and possibly Melo. He’s still a great player, but he just isn’t on the same level as those other guys anymore.

  • BBaller Posted: Oct.13 at 6:08 pm
    Co sign Jukai- I think SLAM will have KD at number 1 this year aswell,it might save the 500+ comments if Kobe or Lebron are at #1. Its good to finally have another name to at least vary that 4 year old debate. Which has become very boring and tired.BRoy at 11 is as solid as he is, the guy is an All Star just a shame
    ( not unlucky) he has those injuries.Some may say Roy is not that athletic, but i think it’s deceptive, i remember seeing some highlights last year and then having to rewind it because it was of Roy, nose to Rim throwing it down hard,sorry i cannot remember on exactly who
    ( I’m Old) which did surprise me, i think it’s
    ( explosiveness)is there if he needs it.

  • jessdogg Posted: Oct.13 at 6:15 pm
    for anyone that actually thinks Durant is going to be number 1 on this list or deserves that spot would have to be a simpleton.

  • ai come back Posted: Oct.13 at 6:16 pm
    i completley agree with this one joe johnson cannt as slam has put it before KILL like kobe and broy can…..he just cant do u see joe johnson dominatin dwade no do u see kobe compliemtnin joe johnson on how similar they are nooooo

  • The Seed Posted: Oct.13 at 6:30 pm
    Can play, but really can he lead a team as the star to a ring. I don’t think so, but he will average about 20 pts 4 and 4 again, but he is to unselfish for my taste. I like seeing starting attempt to take over when their team needs a spark plug. I have seen too many games, where he allows others to take his big shots, then at the end he hit shots, but it is too late, but personally I am taking Joe Johnson over him. I have seen JJ play at a higher level, really when has Roy steped up his game anytime in the playoffs. Also Roy is not 11, he is more like 19 or 20, but I understand the reasoning, but Blazers will win more games if Oden is healthy or LA plays big. BOOK IT!!

  • c_cantrell Posted: Oct.13 at 6:52 pm
    lol at JTaylor21

  • B-Moore Posted: Oct.13 at 6:58 pm
    I guess the top 10 is shaping up to be pretty accurate. I probably wouldn’t put Gasol in there though. However that may just be due to personal preference rather than actual ability etc..

  • Lenwen76 Posted: Oct.13 at 7:04 pm
    Brandon Roy is the best player I ever played against – Ron Artest. Brandon Roy is the only other player in the league with no holes in his game .. other then myself – Kobe Bryant. If two NBA Champions think this .. about Roy it must be true ..

  • BBaller Posted: Oct.13 at 7:19 pm
    @jessdog, sorry if i came across simple, but the idea that KD at #1 is what i think SLAM may do this year, something different,i personally believe he would be much for fitting at the 3rd or 4th spot and that is where SLAM still could place him, just saying.Lets wait and see.The positive is that the last 3 spots may be worth debating for a change, it is still only between Kobe and Lebron i know.
    Even the Names Lebron and Kobe have been mentioned somehow in every article some way. See i’m guilty of doing it too.Damn it.

  • jessdogg Posted: Oct.13 at 7:32 pm
    With you dog.. I get what your getting at.

  • TrailBlazing&SportingLisbon Posted: Oct.13 at 7:45 pm
    @the seed, well if you take a guy who averaged like 15 vs vince carter and matt barnes i´ll take the one who put 42 on ron artest and shane battier, and the third most clutch go to player in the L after kobe and melo…Roy is the defenition of clutch!

  • nbk Posted: Oct.13 at 7:52 pm
    its really true, roy pushed portland to a win last year in the playoffs 8 days after surgery. Joe Johnson turned into a D-Leaguer against Orlando

  • TrailBlazing&SportingLisbon Posted: Oct.13 at 7:53 pm
    @MUBWWAR, you must be distracted with that bron ball su(king dude, Roy´s entering his prime while Joe is getting out of his, very similar players only today theres not even discussion bout whos best…@Kevin, I GUESS PUTTING 26,5,3 WITH BATTIER AND ARTEST GUARDING YOU AT ALL TIMES IS BAD, tou dont know sh1t dude!

  • anony mous Posted: Oct.13 at 7:54 pm
    Nahh JTaylor tried too hard. Anton is still the funny one here.

  • Caboose Posted: Oct.13 at 8:59 pm
    10. Dirk
    9. Pau
    8. Paul
    7. Deron
    6. Carmelo
    5. Dwight
    4. Wade
    3. Bron
    2. Durant
    1. Kobe

  • tavoris Posted: Oct.13 at 9:00 pm
    Roy is plenty athletic…he just paces himself.
    Joe Dumars was a master at that.

  • Teddy-the-Bear Posted: Oct.13 at 9:15 pm
    I have a feeling Pau Gasol is going to be overrated like crazy.

  • TrailBlazing&SportingLisbon Posted: Oct.13 at 9:33 pm
    @if best big in the game is not between 5 and 10 to you i guess hes going to be overrated.. AND IM SORRY, THIS WRITE UP BOMBED, PRETTY SH1TY REALLY, dont wanna be a-hole but it sucked.

  • Smith Posted: Oct.13 at 9:52 pm
    Against all the JJ vs Roy guys out there, I reckon there’s three factors that make Roy better.
    1. The intangibles, Roy’s leadership, I mean c’mon, coming back a week after such an injury! And he’s clutchness is way better than JJ. (Half-court game-winner against Rockets anybody?) 2. Playoff history. Yeah, I know he wasn’t able to get his very young team out of the playoffs, but the thing is, he still put up great stats against defensive menaces Artest AND Battier. JJ threw up stinkers against Orlando’s so-so defender. C’mon JJ Reddick and Jason Williams? You shouldn’t be bricking against them, Iso-Joe. 3. Youth. Roy is still developing and maturing as a player, JJ is basically starting his decline.

  • Ronald Posted: Oct.13 at 10:27 pm
    I do think he has one of the best jump shot in the league. He never changes his form despite contact. Tyreke NEEDS to study this guy.

  • ezra Posted: Oct.13 at 10:29 pm
    i made my own top 50 before slam released, so i could see how they compared let me know what u think 1. Kobe Bryant
    2. Lebron James
    3. Dwayne Wade
    4. Kevin Durant
    5. Chris Paul
    6. Dirk Nowitzky
    7. Dwight Howard
    8. Carmelo Anthony
    9. Deron Williams
    10. Brandon Roy
    11. Pau Gasol
    12. Amare Stoudamire
    13. Chris Bosh
    14. Manu Ginobili
    15. Steve Nash
    16. Tim Duncan
    17. Derrick Rose
    18. Joe Johnson
    19. Al Jefferson
    20. Kevin Garnett
    21. Rajon Rondo
    22. Carlos Boozer
    23. David Lee
    24. Tony Parker
    25. Andrew Bogut
    26. Andrei Igoudala
    27. Yao Ming
    28. Danny Granger
    29. Al Horford
    30. Chauncey Billups
    31. Devin Harris
    32. Josh Smith
    33. Kevin Martin
    34. Caron Butler
    35. Brook Lopez
    36. Lamarcus Aldridge
    37. Rudy Gay
    38. Russell Wesbrook
    39. Monta Ellis
    40. Ray Allen
    41. Brandon Jennings
    42. Gilbert Arenas
    43. Kevin Love
    44. John Wall
    45. Ben Gordon
    46. Chris Kaman
    47. Baron Davis
    48. Zach Randolph
    49. Tyreke Evans
    50. Rashard Lewis

  • TrailBlazing&SportingLisbon Posted: Oct.13 at 10:37 pm
    @ezra, pretty good, just a few notes: Ben Gordon should not be there until he can put 20 a game again; Yao´ll play limited minutes, 27´s to high; Rondo should be higher; Ginobili´s awsome but should be lower, like trade him with Rondo; KG a lil to high AND FINALLY KOB´S NOT Nº1 ANYMORE, and im a fan of dudes game and career.

  • ezra Posted: Oct.13 at 10:59 pm
    well i dont really like rondo’s game, and if ginobili can repeat last seasons magic then a top 15 ranking isnt so out of the question, and even in limitd minutes yao is still a top 3 centre and an amazing talent

  • VisionofGreatness Posted: Oct.13 at 11:36 pm
    Predicton for the Top 10:
    10. Nowitzki
    9. Nash
    8. Howard
    7. Williams
    6. Paul
    5. Anthony
    4. Durant
    3. Wade
    2. Kobe
    1. LeBron
    There’s going to be a lot of debate about the one and two spots. A lot of angry comments. Senseless comments. People who think their opinion is the one everyone should hold. Looking forward to it.

  • VisionofGreatness Posted: Oct.13 at 11:38 pm
    Substitute Gasol for Nash *correction*

  • burnt_chicken Posted: Oct.13 at 11:44 pm
    dear Sean’s editor:
    Can you please tell me what this means? My head hurts. and I’m not sure Sean can help:
    ” but definitely despise having to play against more than a handful of times over the course of an NBA season.” Thank you.

  • spock Posted: Oct.13 at 11:53 pm
    brandon roy over nash, td and pierce? come on?

  • clayton Posted: Oct.13 at 11:57 pm
    geeeez are people ever on the kd bandwagon. great player, gonna be extremely special, but he aint at the top yet. and i know slam is gonna rank him top 3 for sure..dudes not ahead of wade.
    10. dwight
    9.dirk
    8.pau
    7.deron williams
    6.carmelo anthony
    5. chris paul
    4. kevin durant
    3. lebron james
    2. dwyane wade
    1.kobe
    i dont know if kobes body will allow him to be the best this year though..

  • J Posted: Oct.13 at 11:59 pm
    cosign anony mous

  • Jono Posted: Oct.14 at 12:17 am
    @TrailBlazing&SportingLisbon You’re the first Kobe fan here to not acknowledge him as no1. Finally someone with a fair view of things.

  • Jdx Posted: Oct.14 at 12:46 am
    Roy deserves to be in the top five he’s a superstar damn he is underated the blazers are going to let him have the ball more and run more plays this year he’s going to suprize alot of people he’s capable of droping the three ball on every play and is auto with it check it out you will all be sorry that you doughted B-Roy.

  • Sascha May Posted: Oct.14 at 1:10 am
    gotta be honest, this list is pretty legit.

  • jessdogg Posted: Oct.14 at 3:22 am
    1. LBJ
    2. KB24
    3. D-wade
    4. KD
    5. D12
    6. D-Will
    7. CP3
    8. Melo
    9. Pau
    10. Dirk The fact Kevin Durant Can score when he wants isn’t enough. LBJ still getting better while Kobe Declining. Wade won’t shine as bright as long as LBJ on his team.

  • KB8toSG8 Posted: Oct.14 at 4:16 am
    Stat wise……KD, KB, CP3, D12, Melo, Wade, LBJ, Pau, Dirk. Stat wise……

  • rob Posted: Oct.14 at 4:36 am
    stat wise, of course KD would be number 1 this year and CP3 is also ahead of Dwill. but that is what people (SLAM) highly considers along with strength of the surrounding cast and expectations for the future. so KD does qualify very well to merit a #1 ranking. you also know why KD is going to be a top 10 all time player? because he keeps working endlessly on his game even with all that he has done, uncompared to lebron who prefers partying http://intheot.com/basketball/?p=1494 – So maybe years down the line we’ll see KD cemented as one of the alltime greats with a couple rings, while lebron is retired, ringless, and sitting where charles barkley is now.

  • C-Mac Posted: Oct.14 at 6:23 am
    1. LBJ
    2. Durant
    3. Kobe
    4. Wade
    5. Melo
    6. Dwight
    7. Williams
    8. Paul
    9. Dirk
    10. Gasol The top spot belongs to the back to back MVP until someone takes it from him.

  • Armando Posted: Oct.14 at 6:30 am
    I just find it puzzling that people always refer to PPG, RPG and APG (maybe in some cases percentages and even BPG, SPG (strangely to determine how good of a defender a player is)… but mostly the first three) to measure how good a player is, and use it as an argument when people make a case for one player. Like in this post how some bring up PPG/RPG/APG to determine how Roy is not that much better than Johnson or Evans… well, then Monta Ellis is better than all of them right? And David Lee (fast team, 100 pos/g, Zach Randolph, avg paced team, 93 pos/g must be better than Tim Duncan, right? This is why tempo (pace=team’s possesions per game), tactics, roles, systems, and a lot more than just refering to the three most easily understood stats, has to be taken into consideration when determining who the better player is. There’s just too much in the game to factor in than just the measurable: Movement off the ball, team defense, deflections, intimitadtion, leadership, good screens, communication, adaptability, influence, instinct, decision making (with and without the ball), reading game situations, etc. etc. And obviously positions, but even these are used differently by different coaches, some coaches like Spoelstra has said he sees the PF and C as interchangable, whilse Van Gundy don’t… even with stats, minutes/rating has to be taken into consideration… Noboy has mentioned Manu Ginobili’s 21/5/6 per 36min stats. Compared to Roy, Johnson and Evans he’s right there, only used differently by his team, does his 16/4/4 make him a worse player than if he played 36min/g? obviously hypothetcic, but is he saved because he’s not able to play more or because the Spurs don’t have to use him more? Are the top 10 players in the league the top ten in efficiency ranking (ranked: James, Wade, Lee, Bosh, Gasol, Howard, Paul, Boozer, Nowitzki, Wade) or ppg+rpg+apg (James, Durant, Anthony, Wade, Bryant, Bosh, Lee, Nowitzki, Ellis, Randolph) or fantasy rating (James, Durant, Kidd, Curry, Howard, Nowitzki, Lee, Nash, Williams), really? (Anyway… if you’re using stats, don’t use them as the only argument. There’s more to this beautiful and intricate game than what can be measured. Yes some will say that this is old news, but still people use the stats as the fasit.

  • runngun Posted: Oct.14 at 7:12 am
    Stats are for Losers,Winners go out and win the game.

  • thegfunk Posted: Oct.14 at 7:15 am
    Loved that buzzer over the rockets by B-roy. What was Yao doing guarding the perimeter?! Oh and quiet ya’ll. If you’ve been watching the leauge since the 90′s. Kobe came in raw, hit a few airballs. Look where the dude is now.

  • Mansonovic Posted: Oct.14 at 7:56 am
    I’m just going to come right out and say it. Dwight Howard is too high on this list already. Rebounds and put-back dunks do not make him a top-10 player. There, that feels better.

  • VisionofGreatness Posted: Oct.14 at 8:19 am
    It seems like some people judge the Kobe-LeBron debate based on their feelings about Kobe. They seem to dislike him more than LeBron, even with LeBron’s ridiculous ego show this summer. I don’t see how you can take the title away from Kobe yet…the guy has no weaknesses. LeBron still isn’t a dependable outside shooter. He’s a lot better with it, but it’s not a strength. When exactly did LeBron become better than Kobe? You can’t judge it based on Kobe’s health right now. At full strength, I would still take Kobe over LeBron especially when it’s time to win. LeBron is strong, but Kobe’s no slouch himself. He can back down LeBron too. I wonder how people would be judging this if Kobe still had that squeaky clean image he had before he cheated on his wife…I can’t wait to read some of the comments when the final 2 come out. We all know LeBron will be ahead of Kobe.

  • Allenp Posted: Oct.14 at 11:40 am
    How are we ignoring the fact that Joe Johnson gave Boston it’s hardest challenge the year they won the championship, and that’s considering the fact that the Celts played played Lebron and Kobe that year. Johnson had the best numbers and was the most dominant of those two against a ridiculously good Boston defense.
    Each of the past two years he’s gotten his team out of the first round despite a coach that rivaled Mike Brown for his offensive ineptness, and despite having a team around him with no other legit star or scorer before Crawford got there. Think about who the Hawks had to carry the scoring load after Johnson, then think about who Roy had to lean on. Exactly.
    I think Joe Johnson is better than Brandon Roy and I will continue to think that until Brandon Roy does something to prove me wrong. Constantly getting injured and complaining about touches is not proving me wrong.

  • max Posted: Oct.14 at 12:43 pm
    Some valid points Allen but:
    Brandon Roy had an amazing playoff series against the Rockets in 09.He averaged 25/5/3 on 45% from the field and 47 from 3,against Artest/Battier.Plus it was his first playoff series ever.Personally I think that series is at least as impressive as Johnsons 20/4/4 with 40% from 2 and 44% from Downtown against the Celtics.So to say he did nothing which could impress us is wrong.Despite that I would agree,B-Roy needs to get his mind and game straight before forcing the ball.

  • nbk Posted: Oct.14 at 2:05 pm
    Allen there is literally not one measure in basketball that shows Joe Johnson as better or more efficient than Roy. Game Stats might in a small way, but once its adjusted for pace its not even close.

  • Avery Posted: Oct.14 at 2:38 pm
    overrated!!! my top 10: 10.Gasol
    9. Nowitzki
    8. Williams
    7. Anthony
    6. Paul
    5. Howard
    4. Wade
    3. Durant
    2. James
    1. Bryant

  • Allenp Posted: Oct.14 at 3:00 pm
    NBK
    I’m not saying your wrong. This is strictly a gut thing and could be just a bias since I’m a big Joe Johnson fan.

  • nbk Posted: Oct.14 at 4:35 pm
    i understand, i can’t hate on the gut – (IMO if Joe is “better” it’s because of his size advantage. which to me is a very underrated aspect of his game)

  • SLAM ONLINE | » Top 50: Dwight Howard, no. 5 Posted: Oct.19 at 11:53 am
    [...] Brandon Roy [...]

  • Josh Posted: Oct.19 at 8:25 pm
    Too high. He is not better than Bosh, Rose, Johnson

  • SLAM ONLINE | » Top 50: LeBron James, no. 1 Posted: Oct.23 at 2:15 pm
    [...] Brandon Roy [...]

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