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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  • http://slamonline.com Allenp

    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

    and the scoring title dont forget that lol but thats a good way to put i though

  • tony knorr

    @ 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

    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

    if i might add BRoy keeps exiting the playoff in the 1st round…

  • http://thetroyblog.com Teddy-the-Bear

    Good spot… Derrick Rose on the other hand…

  • AKR

    1.Kobe
    2.lebron
    3.durant
    4.wade
    5.cp3
    6.dwight
    7.deron
    8.melo
    9.dirk
    10.pau

  • permaculture james

    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.

  • http://Slamonline.com Nbk

    @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

    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

    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

    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

  • http://www.twitter.com/TheDiesel Anton

    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

    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

    I totally agree with the top-10.

  • johnny

    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

    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.

  • http://www.nba.com jessdogg

    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

    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

  • http://www.kb24.com The Seed

    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!!

  • http://google c_cantrell

    lol at JTaylor21

  • http://www.facebook.com B-Moore

    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

    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

    @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.

  • http://www.nba.com jessdogg

    With you dog.. I get what your getting at.

  • TrailBlazing&SportingLisbon

    @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!

  • http://slamonline.com nbk

    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

    @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

    Nahh JTaylor tried too hard. Anton is still the funny one here.

  • http://Slamonline.com Caboose

    10. Dirk
    9. Pau
    8. Paul
    7. Deron
    6. Carmelo
    5. Dwight
    4. Wade
    3. Bron
    2. Durant
    1. Kobe

  • tavoris

    Roy is plenty athletic…he just paces himself.
    Joe Dumars was a master at that.

  • http://thetroyblog.com Teddy-the-Bear

    I have a feeling Pau Gasol is going to be overrated like crazy.

  • TrailBlazing&SportingLisbon

    @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

    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

    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

    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

    @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

    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

    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

    Substitute Gasol for Nash *correction*

  • burnt_chicken

    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

    brandon roy over nash, td and pierce? come on?

  • clayton

    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..

  • http://www.slamonline.com J

    cosign anony mous

  • http://www.twitter.com/jtrain73 Jono

    @TrailBlazing&SportingLisbon You’re the first Kobe fan here to not acknowledge him as no1. Finally someone with a fair view of things.

  • http://whitlow_jack@yahoo.com Jdx

    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

    gotta be honest, this list is pretty legit.

  • http://www.nba.com jessdogg

    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

    Stat wise……KD, KB, CP3, D12, Melo, Wade, LBJ, Pau, Dirk. Stat wise……

  • rob

    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.

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