The Sixer Sense
Fansided

NBA Trade Value 2017-2018

By Matt Litzenberg

(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 10
Next
STOCKTON, NJ – SEPTEMBER 27: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers stretches during practice at Stockton University on September 27, 2016 in Camden, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant NBAE via Getty Images)
STOCKTON, NJ – SEPTEMBER 27: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers stretches during practice at Stockton University on September 27, 2016 in Camden, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant NBAE via Getty Images) /

20. Damian Lillard

Lillard is the best point guard from an offensive standpoint. There’s really no one better than Lillard on the offense end, especially at the end of a close game. Remember the game winner against the Rockets in the playoffs?

Despite his offensive skills, Lillard is a below average defender, allowing average point guards to have field days against Portland. He’s another guy who really can’t be the best player on a contender.

However, Lillard is beloved in Portland and will never leave unless asked to. This makes his value higher than any point guard with a similar double the offense none of the defense playing style. Lillard has that extra gear that not many stars have, so he deserves to be top 20 in these rankings.

19. Ben Simmons

A once in a generation talent who has drawn comparisons from Grant Hill to LeBron James. Simmons is a point forward who can play any position from the one to the four with ease. Simmons ceiling is the best player in the world, which is entirely possible IF and only IF he stays healthy.
Simmons has yet to play a game or show that he can shoot well from outside, so for that reason, he can’t be higher than 19. I would not be surprised if he was in the top 10 by the end of the year though.

Related Story: Ben Simmons is a point guard, and then some

18. Chris Paul

The best point guard since 1990, Paul has adapted his game with age, turning from a blazing fast 20-10 machine to a pick my spots, creative virtuoso 18-9 player. Paul is everything you want in a point guard. He can run the floor, shoot well, pass well, defend, and lead a locker room. There’s a reason why he’s the president of the Player’s Association.

The cons of Paul, he has yet to lead his team to the conference finals, is over 30, and is on a one year deal. Paul also seems to hurt team chemistry with his militant approach to the game. I would not be surprised if the Clippers improve from Paul’s departure for this reason.
Despite the negatives, you still want CP3 on your team because it’s Chris Paul. He makes every player look like a near all star and can elevate your team’s play with ease. He’s a great locker room presence and could lead an offensive renaissance in Houston with Harden and Mike D’Antoni at his side. That will only happen if Paul stops being stubborn, which is equally likely and unlikely to happen.

Related Story: Sixers, Rockets modernizing through multiple playmakers

17. John Wall

Remember when John Wall couldn’t shoot? I remember that year fondly. Unfortunately for other teams, Wall has fixed that problem. He’s one of the fastest guards in the league and his presence alone keeps the Wizards in playoff contention every year. Wall has few weaknesses as a guard.

Poor Wall will have to waste his prime on a Washington team that thinks Otto Porter Jr.’s max deal should be matched, so it’s a shame for him. Maybe Wall will head to Miami when Dragic’s contract expires or Dallas or anywhere where the front office isn’t aggressively mediocre.

16. Paul George

He’s one of the best players in the league, but is on a one year deal and has started searching for a subletter for the summer in his OKC apartment. He got traded for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis. The guy’s good, but his trade value is low for a star.