41. Zach Randolph, Portland Trail Blazers, 25, 6-9, 260: 18.0 pts., 8.0 reb.,
2.0 ast.
We'll see where Randolph goes with a year under his belt after microfracture
surgery. He's lost 15 pounds and remains a superb power player at the basket
with that uncanny left-hand touch. The key is keeping him in the post and away
from trouble off the court. The potential is still there for stardom.
42. Josh Howard, Dallas Mavericks, 26, 6-7, 210: 15.6 pts, 6.3 reb., 1.15
stl.
Howard was superb throughout the season on both ends of the floor in Avery
Johnson's up-tempo, pressure game. He needs to be more consistent with the ball
and figure out how to stay out of foul trouble, but if he stays healthy, he'll
be an All-Star.
43. Mike Bibby, Sacramento Kings, 28, 6-1, 190: 21.1 pts., 5.4 ast., .849
free throw pct.
Bibby had his best year as a scorer, and it helped carry the team into the
playoffs after Artest gave them energy on the defensive end and toughness. But
now Bibby has to prove to be a floor leader and clutch performer in the
postseason. He can't sit on the cusp forever, can he?
44. Brad Miller, Sacramento Kings, 30, 7-0, 260: 15.0 pts., 7.8 reb., 4.7
ast.
Miller had his healthiest season in years and was as versatile as ever. He's
not a great rebounder and doesn't block shots, but he's solid at both ends of
the floor, has great hands and touch, and is the best passing center around.
45. Marcus Camby, Denver Nuggets, 32, 6-11, 230: 12.8 pts., 11.9 reb., 3.29
blk.
Camby is one of those unappreciated players, if only because he isn't
powerful and doesn't put up highlight-reel numbers or plays. But all he does is
average a double-double, compete for the shot-blocking title every year and make
huge plays down the stretch. As long as he's healthy, he's a coach's dream.
46. Kirk Hinrich, Chicago Bulls, 25, 6-3, 190; 15.9 points, 6.3 ast. .390
3-point pct.
Hinrich clearly runs the show for the Bulls and is getting better every year
at figuring out when to take the big shot and when to give it up. His "coach's
son" mentality helps a lot, and he blends nicely with Ben Gordon in the
backcourt. Now we have to see him get to the next level as a winner.
47. Jason Richardson, Golden State Warriors, 25, 6-6, 210: 23.2 pts., 5.8
reb., 1.29 stl.
Richardson has all the attributes of a superstar, with the size, athleticism
and touch to do it all. The next step is to get his head on straight to become
consistent; we'll see if Don Nelson can flip the switch to make him an All-Star.
48. Peja Stojakovic, Oklahoma City/New Orleans Hornets, 29, 6-10, 230: 19.5
pts., 6.3 reb., .401 3-point pct.
The inclination would be to slide Stojakovic out of the top 50 were it not
for his great shooting touch and the number of great looks he'll get from Chris
Paul this season. But he's become injury-prone and seemingly apathetic about the
game in general the last three years.
49. Sam Cassell, Los Angeles Clippers, 36, 6-3, 185: 17.2 pts., 6.3 ast.,
.840 free throw pct.
Nobody made a more pronounced effect on a new team last season than Cassell.
He gave the Clippers the confidence and the big-play guy they needed to win
close games, which changed everything for the franchise. He doesn't have much
left, but he'll give whatever remains in the tank to the Clippers and mentor
Shaun Livingston at the same time.
50. Pau Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies, 26, 7-0, 260: 20.9 pts., 8.9 reb., 1.91
blk.
Gasol would be in the top 20 were it not for the broken foot he suffered
during the World Championships this past off-season. Last year, he became a
dominant factor in every game, and he'll very likely be that again, but not
until January. The only question is: Will the Grizzlies be too far gone by the
time he returns to even make a run at the playoffs?
