Most Dominant NBA Title Teams All-Time ('47-'19)

Intro

(Skip to the section titled Top 40 Ranks if you just want to see my list of title teams without explanation)

I wanted to objectively rank all 73 NBA title teams in order of their dominance on the league for their year. I consulted four team stats evenly:

• Regular Season Win Percentage
• Playoff Win Percentage
• Regular Season Point Differential
• Playoff Point Differential

I chose these statistics because I believe they are objectively linked with the meaning of "dominance".

I compared these stats for each title team to the averages of all the title teams. The following rankings are based solely off of these relative statistical standings.

Possible Biases

• Parity & Quality Opponent Scrutiny - Teams who played in competitive leagues and faced tougher playoff opponents are short-changed here.
• Changes in Season Length and Playoff Brackets - the length of regular season schedules and format of playoff brackets have changed several times since 1947. I suspect shorter seasons and playoffs are statistically favored.
• The Data I Chose to Observe and the Choice to Weigh them Evenly - Some might consider the regular season or playoffs more important. Some might consider playoff loses less relevant. Some might not care about point differential. Some might care about a stat I did not observe.

Reference:

My Spreadsheet of work (including all 73 ranks, scores and charts).

My source of data.

Top 40 Ranks

40. 2005 San Antonio Spurs

39. 2012 Miami Heat

38. 1980 Los Angeles Lakers

37. 2000 Los Angeles Lakers

36. 1981 Boston Celtics

35. 2002 Los Angeles Lakers

34. 1960 Boston Celtics

33. 1990 Detroit Pistons

32. 1982 Los Angeles Lakers

31. 1959 Boston Celtics

30. 1993 Chicago Bulls

29. 2007 San Antonio Spurs

28. 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers

27. 2008 Boston Celtics

26. 1998 Chicago Bulls

25. 1965 Boston Celtics

24. 2013 Miami Heat

23. 2009 Los Angeles Lakers

22. 2018 Golden State Warriors

21. 1964 Boston Celtics

20. 2014 San Antonio Spurs
Regular Season Record (%): 62-20 (0.756)
Playoff Record (%): 16-7 (0.696)
Regular Season Point Differential: 7.8
Playoff Point Differential: 9.3

-San Antonio's most recent title outranks any LeBron run and is the highest showing for Tony Parker, Ginobili & Kawhi. They took more playoff losses than some but are above-average in every other statistical category.

19. 1949 Minneapolis Lakers
Regular Season Record (%): 44-16 (0.733)
Playoff Record (%): 8-2 (0.800)
Regular Season Point Differential: 7.3
Playoff Point Differential: 7.4

-Time for some Mikan love. The season and playoff bracket may have been short but these champs clocked in solid win percentages and differentials overall.

--Tier 3 - Above Average Dominance--

18. 1992 Chicago Bulls
Regular Season Record (%): 67-15 (0.817)
Playoff Record (%): 15-7 (0.682)
Regular Season Point Differential: 10.4
Playoff Point Differential: 6.2

-Chicago's fourth highest ranking title team had an impressive regular season but faced more difficulties in the playoffs.

17. 1961 Boston Celtics
Regular Season Record (%): 57-22 (0.722)
Playoff Record (%): 8-2 (0.800)
Regular Season Point Differential: 5.6
Playoff Point Differential: 11.6

-Russell's top rank and Boston's second highest title season lands here for inverse reasons of the previous team: a bland regular season and an impressive playoff run.

16. 1989 Detroit Pistons
Regular Season Record (%): 63-19 (0.768)
Playoff Record (%): 15-2 (0.882)
Regular Season Point Differential: 5.8
Playoff Point Differential: 7.7

-While each category is solid, Isiah's first championship nearly hits the top 15 mainly because of their impressive playoff record (which includes 3 sweeps).

15. 1985 Los Angeles Lakers
Regular Season Record (%): 62-20 (0.756)
Playoff Record (%): 15-4 (0.789)
Regular Season Point Differential: 7.3
Playoff Point Differential: 10.1

-While this is Magic Johnson's second highest ranking championship team, this is Kareem's third. Oddly, while this team lost more games in both the regular season and the playoffs, these Lakers had better differentials than the '89 Pistons (ranked 16th).

14. 1999 San Antonio Spurs
Regular Season Record (%): 37-13 (0.740)
Playoff Record (%): 15-2 (0.882)
Regular Season Point Differential: 8.1
Playoff Point Differential: 7.2

-This first title run for David Robinson, Popovich & Tim Duncan may get overlooked because of the shortened regular season but they won at a high rate with strong margins. The highest ranking Spurs swept a young Kobe/Shaq squad and only caught two total playoff losses.

13. 2001 Los Angeles Lakers
Regular Season Record (%): 56-26 (0.683)
Playoff Record (%): 15-1 (0.938)
Regular Season Point Differential: 3.4
Playoff Point Differential: 12.8

-Speaking of the devils, here we have the highest ranking appearance of Kobe or Shaq specifically because of their playoff run (which is arguably the second best of all time). Despite the relatively mediocre regular season, losing one playoff game and winning them by more than a dozen apiece is true dominance.

12. 1950 Minneapolis Lakers
Regular Season Record (%): 51-17 (0.750)
Playoff Record (%): 11-2 (0.846)
Regular Season Point Differential: 8.4
Playoff Point Differential: 9.1

-Another Mikan surprise. The season and playoffs were more compact so that might be skewing the data but this title team won a consistently strong amount of games with strong margins. Our final kudos to the original beast of the NBA.

11. 1972 Los Angeles Lakers
Regular Season Record (%): 69-13 (0.841)
Playoff Record (%): 12-3 (0.800)
Regular Season Point Differential: 12.3
Playoff Point Differential: 3.2

-Here's a stacked team: Riley, Goodrich, West and Chamberlain. Unfortunately, they only had Elgin Baylor for nine regular season games. The only category dragging these champs down is their unusually low playoff point differential which is a result of their series against the Milwaukee Bucks where the Lakers won despite a negative point differential.

10. 2015 Golden State Warriors
Regular Season Record (%): 67-15 (0.817)
Playoff Record (%): 16-5 (0.762)
Regular Season Point Differential: 10.1
Playoff Point Differential: 7.8

-Perhaps the most controversial ranking here, Curry's first title is top ten mainly because of this squad's dominant regular season. Winning over eighty percent by more than ten a game is significant enough to elevate the original Splash Brothers here.

9. 1997 Chicago Bulls
Regular Season Record (%): 69-13 (0.841)
Playoff Record (%): 15-4 (0.789)
Regular Season Point Differential: 10.8
Playoff Point Differential: 5.5

-This edition of Jordan's Bulls has a similar resume as the previous team listed: an elite regular season with a checkered playoff run. The slightly more impressive regular season is the edge here.

8. 1967 Philadelphia 76ers
Regular Season Record (%): 68-13 (0.840)
Playoff Record (%): 11-4 (0.733)
Regular Season Point Differential: 9.4
Playoff Point Differential: 9.4

-Possibly to the chagrin of Celtic fans, Wilt's only victory over Russell is the highest ranking title team for either player because of the dominant regular season and good differentials. Other contributors to this team where Hal Greer, Chet Walker, and Billy Cunningham.

7. 1983 Philadelphia 76ers
Regular Season Record (%): 65-17 (0.793)
Playoff Record (%): 12-1 (0.923)
Regular Season Point Differential: 7.7
Playoff Point Differential: 6.5

-Here we have our Moses Malone and Julius Erving moment. This championship team has strong numbers but what really stands out is the 12-1 playoff run. All-time, there are only three title teams to take a single lose in the playoffs.

--Tier 2 - Elite Dominance--

6. 1991 Chicago Bulls
Regular Season Record (%): 61-21 (0.744)
Playoff Record (%): 15-2 (0.882)
Regular Season Point Differential: 9.0
Playoff Point Differential: 11.7

-The top choice of Jordan's first trilogy, 1991's campaign sticks out for its elite playoff run. Beating Ewing, Barkley, Isiah Thomas and Magic Johnson in four consecutive series is amazing. Taking only two loses along the way with a margin of nearly a dozen points per game is iconic.



5. 1986 Boston Celtics
Regular Season Record (%): 67-15 (0.817)
Playoff Record (%): 15-3 (0.833)
Regular Season Point Differential: 9.4
Playoff Point Differential: 10.3

-Larry Bird & Co.'s highest ranking title team starts off the top five because of a very strong regular season and playoff run. With names like Carlisle, Ainge, Walton, Parish, and McHale on the roster, it is no wonder this team was so statistically consistent.

4. 1987 Los Angeles Lakers
Regular Season Record (%): 65-17 (0.793)
Playoff Record (%): 15-3 (0.833)
Regular Season Point Differential: 9.3
Playoff Point Differential: 11.4

-The height of Showtime, it really is remarkable just how similar these numbers are to the 1986 Celtics. Trading two less regular season wins for a point more in the playoff win differential is the statistical edge apparently (but the margin is razor thin). Either way, shout out to Scott, Worthy, Riley, and, of course, Magic and Kareem.

--Tier 1 - Outlier Dominance--

3. 1996 Chicago Bulls
Regular Season Record (%): 72-10 (0.878)
Playoff Record (%): 15-3 (0.833)
Regular Season Point Differential: 12.3
Playoff Point Differential: 10.6

-Likely the biggest shock of these rankings is seeing peak Jordan ranked only third. The greatest regular season of all title teams is surprisingly outdone here because their playoff run was slightly less dominant.

2. 1971 Milwaukee Bucks
Regular Season Record (%): 66-16 (0.805)
Playoff Record (%): 12-2 (0.857)
Regular Season Point Differential: 12.2
Playoff Point Differential: 14.5

-Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's first title run and the only championship for Oscar Robertson & Milwaukee is special for having the best playoff point differential here. All the other stats are quite impressive as well so, while it may be an obscure choice, the 1971 Milwaukee Bucks have a strong claim to the most dominant season ever.

1. 2017 Golden State Warriors
Regular Season Record (%): 67-15 (0.817)
Playoff Record (%): 16-1 (0.941)
Regular Season Point Differential: 11.6
Playoff Point Differential: 13.5

-Millennials rejoice, the first Curry/Durant Warriors' title run tops my statistical dominance rankings because they paired an elite regular season with the greatest playoff run of all time. Sporting the best playoff record and second best point differential ever ultimately trumps this list.

2018 NBA Statistical Review (Southwest Division)

Intro

Using basketball-reference.com I gathered the regular season totals of all players who logged at least 150 minutes (a set of 437 players) this 2017-18 season. I then examined each players' total output in the nine categories commonly used in the fantasy basketball community (3-points made, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, turnovers, points, field goal %, and free throw %). I calculated the z-scores (the amount of standard deviations away from the mean the datum is) of each player's category to equalize all numbers and give a clear score of how each player performed in each category on the year.

I then took the average of each players' set of nine z-scores to give them their "9-cat average". I also took averages of each players' best eight z-scores (dropping their worst category) to give them their "8-best average". I also calculated everyone's fantasy points per game (based off of FanDuel's scoring system) to give a per-game perspective.

My overall rankings (and total work) can be see here, but the highlights of the Southwest Division follow...

Also, check out the Eastern Conference (Atlantic, Central and Southeast) divisions by following the links.

Dallas Mavericks

61. Dirk Nowitzki
Age: 39 - Games: 77

Points: 927 (0.733) - Rebounds: 438 (1.022)
Assists: 120 (-0.079) - 3P Made: 138 (1.358)
Steals: 43 (-0.002) - Blocks: 45 (0.647)
Turnovers: 51 (0.424) - FT%: 0.898 (1.290)
FG%: 0.456 (-0.008)
FanDuel PPG: 23.97
9-Cat Average: 0.598

8-Best Average: 0.683

-As shocking as it may be, Dirk Nowitzki was able to be the highest ranking Maverick despite being 39 years young. Dirk played 77 games this season which allowed him to get a pleasantly high amount of rebound, threes and blocks while maintaining great efficiencies. We can't expect much from Dirk going forward but this year was great to see.

86. Harrison Barnes

Age: 25 - Games: 77
Points: 1452 (1.891) - Rebounds: 468 (1.179)
Assists: 152 (0.175) - 3P Made: 119 (1.032)
Steals: 49 (0.118) - Blocks: 14 (-0.459)
Turnovers: 118 (-0.697) - FT%: 0.827 (0.670)
FG%: 0.445 (-0.162)
FanDuel PPG: 30.03
9-Cat Average: 0.424

8-Best Average: 0.564

-Harrison Barnes can get rebounds, hit threes and score. While he does all those things well and on good efficiencies, the lack of meat in his other categories leaves his game feeling incomplete. It may be unfair to gripe about Barnes, who is a quality starter, and his youth does give space for improvement, but the absence of blocks, assists and steals are noticeable. 

129. Dennis Smith Jr.

Age: 20 - Games: 69
Points: 1048 (1.000) - Rebounds: 260 (0.089)
Assists: 358 (1.809) - 3P Made: 106 (0.810)
Steals: 71 (0.882) - Blocks: 18 (-0.317)
Turnovers: 195 (-1.986) - FT%: 0.694 (-0.490)
FG%: 0.395 (-0.864)
FanDuel PPG: 28.54
9-Cat Average: 0.104

8-Best Average: 0.365

-It was a pretty good rookie season for Dennis Smith Jr. because of his high amount of points, assists, threes and steals. DSJ's efficiencies were bad but that is to be expected from a person Smith's age. I have no doubt in my mind that Dennis Smith will be in the top 50 within the next few seasons.

Houston Rockets

3. James Harden
Age: 28 - Games: 72

Points: 2191 (3.522) - Rebounds: 389 (0.765)
Assists: 630 (3.967) - 3P Made: 265 (3.531)
Steals: 126 (2.619) - Blocks: 50 (0.826)
Turnovers: 315 (-3.994) - FT%: 0.858 (0.941)
FG%: 0.449 (-0.106)
FanDuel PPG: 53.00
9-Cat Average: 1.341

8-Best Average: 2.008

-It was another monster season for the MVP favorite, James Harden. In the thick of his prime, Harden produced outlier levels in points, assists, and threes while providing an elite number of steals as well. Considering James did this all while coming in above-average (sans one highly-droppable category) and there is no wonder why Harden is the runaway MVP candidate. 

22. Clint Capela

Age: 23 - Games: 74
Points: 1026 (0.951) - Rebounds: 802 (2.929)
Assists: 68 (-0.491) - 3P Made: 0 (-1.004)
Steals: 58 (0.472) - Blocks: 137 (3.932)
Turnovers: 103 (-0.446) - FT%: 0.560 (-1.660)
FG%: 0.652 (2.745)
FanDuel PPG: 34.76
9-Cat Average: 0.825

8-Best Average: 1.136

-Seeing Clint Capela ranked this highly may be rather surprising to many but the young man has become one of the best at what he does. Capela may be limited in three key categories but he is one of the best rebounders, blockers, and field goal shooters around. With Clint's young age, it is possible that he can still improve as well.

28. Chris Paul

Age: 32 - Games: 58
Points: 1081 (1.073) - Rebounds: 313 (0.367)
Assists: 457 (2.595) - 3P Made: 144 (1.460)
Steals: 96 (1.672) - Blocks: 14 (-0.459)
Turnovers: 128 (-0.865) - FT%: 0.919 (1.473)
FG%: 0.460 (0.049)
FanDuel PPG: 40.42
9-Cat Average: 0.818

8-Best Average: 1.029

-Chris Paul was not able to play 60 games this season but was still able to rank in the top 30 players of the year. As CP3 enters the twilight of his career, he is still able to provide elite assists, free throws, steals and threes. If Paul can ever play 70+ games again, there is a chance he could break back into the top 20, though his age/history makes that difficult to count on.

Memphis Grizzlies 

23. Marc Gasol
Age: 33 - Games: 73

Points: 1258 (1.463) - Rebounds: 592 (1.829)
Assists: 305 (1.389) - 3P Made: 109 (0.861)
Steals: 54 (0.345) - Blocks: 101 (2.647)
Turnovers: 194 (-1.969) - FT%: 0.834 (0.732)
FG%: 0.420 (-0.513)
FanDuel PPG: 36.94
9-Cat Average: 0.754

8-Best Average: 1.094

-Marc Gasol may be reaching the twilight of his career but he has done much in recent years to make his game more interesting than ever. Gasol was above-average in six categories this season while providing an elite level of blocks. Because Marc is already into his 30s, his game is bound to a step backwards eventually but the Gasols have proven to stave off father time.

118. Tyreke Evans

Age: 28 - Games: 52
Points: 1010 (0.916) - Rebounds: 265 (0.116)
Assists: 269 (1.103) - 3P Made: (-0.352)
Steals: 57 (0.440) - Blocks: 17 (-0.352)
Turnovers: 117 (-0.681) - FT%: 0.785 (0.304)
FG%: 0.452 (-0.064)
FanDuel PPG: 35.32
9-Cat Average: 0.303

8-Best Average: 0.426

-It was comeback season for Tyreke Evans who put up high quality points and assists while shooting decent percentages given his volume. As usual, the catch with Evans will always be the amount of games he is able to play. Tyreke is still in his prime but his injury history is always going to be a question for him to answer.

177. Dillon Brooks

Age: 22 - Games: 82
Points: 898 (0.669) - Rebounds: 257 (0.074)
Assists: 135 (0.040) - 3P Made: 94 (0.604)
Steals: 73 (0.945) - Blocks: 17 (-0.352)
Turnovers: 124 (-0.798) - FT%: 0.747 (-0.028)
FG%: 0.440 (-0.232)
FanDuel PPG: 18.96
9-Cat Average: 0.103

8-Best Average: 0.215

-Dillon Brooks came on strong, especially down the end of his rookie season. While the numbers may seem relatively muted, Brooks produced a surprisingly high amount of points, threes and steals while maintaining good stats everywhere else as well. Given Dillon's age and Memphis' need for production, I expect Brooks to take another step forward next season.

New Orleans Pelicans

2. Anthony Davis
Age: 24 - Games: 75

Points: 2110 (3.343) - Rebounds: 832 (3.087)
Assists: 174 (0.350) - 3P Made: 55 (-0.063)
Steals: 115 (2.272) - Blocks: 193 (5.931)
Turnovers: 162 (-1.434) - FT%: 0.828 (0.679)
FG%: 0.534 (1.088)
FanDuel PPG: 55.09
9-Cat Average: 1.695

8-Best Average: 2.086

-Anthony Davis was arguably the best individual statistical player this season due to his extreme outlier in blocks, points and rebounds. Davis was also able to produce elite steals and an above-average field goal percentage. Given that AD's is still rather young, there is a chance his best years are ahead of him (if you can imagine that).

13. Jrue Holiday

Age: 27 - Games: 81
Points: 1537 (2.079) - Rebounds: 365 (0.640)
Assists: 486 (2.825) - 3P Made: 120 (1.049)
Steals: 123 (2.524) - Blocks: 64 (1.326)
Turnovers: 213 (-2.287) - FT%: 0.786 (0.313)
FG%: 0.494 (0.526)
FanDuel PPG: 37.68
9-Cat Average: 0.999

8-Best Average: 1.410

-The underrated king this season is Jrue Holiday because he produced elite points, steals and assists with above-average threes. Holiday was also a solid source of rebounds, blocks and percentages, which makes him an all-around asset. Jrue is in the middle of his prime so this might be his career year but next season should be similar (though his injury history makes me skeptical that he can repeat 81 games).

33. DeMarcus Cousins

Age: 27 - Games: 48
Points: 1210 (1.357) - Rebounds: 617 (1.960)
Assists: 257 (1.008) - 3P Made: 104 (0.776)
Steals: 79 (1.135) - Blocks: 76 (1.754)
Turnovers: 242 (-2.772) - FT%: 0.746 (-0.036)
FG%: 0.470 (0.189)
FanDuel PPG: 53.31
9-Cat Average: 0.597

8-Best Average: 1.018

-Boogie Cousins was having a monster statistical season before it was cut short by injury. Even though he play about half the season, Cousins still produced well above-average points, rebounds, assists, threes, blocks and steals. It is safe to say that DeMarcus can do it all if he can stay on the floor. Cousins is in the middle of his prime so his return from injury should be similar to what he was before.

San Antonio Spurs

35. LaMarcus Aldridge

Age: 32 - Games: 75

Points: 1735 (2.516) - Rebounds: 635 (2.054)

Assists: 152 (0.175) - 3P Made: 27 (-0.542)

Steals: 43 (-0.002) - Blocks: 90 (2.254)

Turnovers: 111 (-0.580) - FT%: 0.837 (0.758)

FG%: 0.510 (0.751)

FanDuel PPG: 40.17

9-Cat Average: 0.820

8-Best Average: 0.995

-LeMarcus Aldridge had another strong season with powerful levels of points, blocks and rebounds on quality percentages. Aldridge may not help much in any other areas but he is not much of a negative either. Due to LeMarcus' relatively advanced age, I suspect a gradual decline to persist going forward, though San Antonio is known for prolonging careers.

66. Kyle Anderson

Age: 24 - Games: 74

Points: 585 (-0.022) - Rebounds: 396 (0.802)

Assists: 202 (0.572) - 3P Made: 19 (-0.679)
Steals: 115 (2.272) - Blocks: 60 (1.183)

Turnovers: 94 (-0.296) - FT%: 0.712 (-.333)

FG%: 0.527 (0.989)

FanDuel PPG: 24.25

9-Cat Average: 0.499

8-Best Average: 0.646

-It was a mini-breakout season for Kyle Anderson who was given a surprise amount of responsibility and handled it all well. Anderson contributes good rebounds and defensive stats while shooting well from the field. Because Kyle Anderson is only 24, there is opportunity for his game to take another step forward but that is growing unlikely.

153. Dejounte Murray

Age: 21 - Games: 81

Points: 654 (0.131) - Rebounds: 459 (1.132)

Assists: 231 (0.802) - 3P Made: 9 (-0.850)

Steals: 97 (1.703) - Blocks: 31 (0.147)

Turnovers: 134 (-0.965) - FT%: 0.709 (-0.359)

FG%: 0.443 (-0.190)

FanDuel PPG: 22.24

9-Cat Average: 0.172

8-Best Average: 0.314

-Dejounte Murray had a nice sophomore year and stepped into a bigger role well enough. Murray is good for steals, assists and rebounds but is still working on contributing in other categories. Because Dejounte is so young, it seems inevitable for his growth to continue. I am high on Dejounte Murray and believe he should be in the top 100 next year.

2018 NBA Statistical Review (Atlantic Division)

Intro

Using basketball-reference.com I gathered the regular season totals of all players who logged at least 150 minutes (a set of 437 players) this 2017-18 season. I then examined each players' total output in the nine categories commonly used in the fantasy basketball community (3-points made, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, turnovers, points, field goal %, and free throw %). I calculated the z-scores (the amount of standard deviations away from the mean the datum is) of each player's category to equalize all numbers and give a clear score of how each player performed in each category on the year.

I then took the average of each players' set of nine z-scores to give them their "9-cat average". I also took averages of each players' best eight z-scores (dropping their worst category) to give them their "8-best average". I also calculated everyone's fantasy points per game (based off of FanDuel's scoring system) to give a per-game perspective.

This exercise favors players who played more games this season as all z-scores are based off season totals. My final rankings are based off of "8-best average".

My overall rankings (and total work) can be seen here, but the highlights of the Atlantic Division follow.

Also, check out the Central and Southeast divisions by following the links.

Enjoy.

Boston Celtics

42. Al Horford

Age: 31 - Games: 72
Points: 927 (0.733) - Rebounds: 530 (1.504)
Assists: 339 (1.659) - 3P Made: 97 (0.656)
Steals: 43 (-0.002) - Blocks: 78 (1.825)
Turnovers: 132 (-0.932) - FT%: 0.783 (0.286)
FG%: 0.489 (0.456)
FanDuel PPG: 31.98
9-Cat Average: 0.687

8-Best Average: 0.890

-Horford had good season overall. He provided above-average stats in 5 categories and was solid in all the rest. At the age of 31, it may be the time in Al's career where we see declines from year to year but he is still providing a level of basketball that should be useful for a few more seasons.

43. Kyrie Irving

Age: 25 - Games: 60
Points: 1466 (1.922) - Rebounds: 227 (-0.084)
Assists: 306 (1.397) - 3P Made: 166 (1.837)
Steals: 65 (0.693) - Blocks: 17 (-0.352)
Turnovers: 140 (-1.065) - FT%: 0.889 (1.212)
FG%: 0.491 (0.484)
FanDuel PPG: 38.39
9-Cat Average: 0.671

8-Best Average: 0.889

-Kyrie missed a chunk of games this season that really set him back in the overall rankings. Checking the FanDuel PPG and Irving's elite levels in four categories, it is easy to see Uncle Drew's top 20 potential but if he continues to turn in partial seasons, he will continue to be ranked as partially elite.

51. Jayson Tatum

Age: 19 - Games: 80
Points: 1112 (1.141) - Rebounds: 402 (0.833)
Assists: 128 (-0.015) - 3P Made: 105 (0.793)
Steals: 83 (1.261) - Blocks: 58 (1.111)
Turnovers: 114 (-0.630) - FT%: 0.826 (0.662)
FG%: 0.475 (0.259)
FanDuel PPG: 26.19
9-Cat Average: 0.602

8-Best Average: 0.756

-Jayson Tatum had a very exciting 2018 season. He gaves above-average numbers in 6 categories and isn't too bad in any place. Given Tatum's age and situation, it is easy to see a lot of potential for years to come. I think Jayson could be a top 30 player as soon as next season.

Brooklyn Nets

53. Spencer Dinwiddie

Age: 24 - Games: 80
Points: 1007 (0.909) - Rebounds: 259 (0.084)
Assists: 524 (3.126) - 3P Made: 141 (1.409)
Steals: 68 (0.787) - Blocks: 23 (-0.138)
Turnovers: 128 (-0.865) - FT%: 0.813 (0.584)
FG%: 0.489 (-0.977)
FanDuel PPG: 28.11
9-Cat Average: 0.543

8-Best Average: 0.733

-Spencer Dinwiddie had a breakout season in 2018 due to his elevated stats in five categories (including an elite level of assists). Due to his age, there is reason to believe Dinwiddie will stick around for some time. It is unclear exactly how Brooklyn will proceed but Spencer should be a part of their picture.

108. Jarrett Allen

Age: 19 - Games: 72
Points: 587 (-0.017) - Rebounds: 388 (0.760)
Assists: 49 (-0.642) - 3P Made: 5 (-0.919)
Steals: 28 (-0.476) - Blocks: 88 (2.182)
Turnovers: 82 (-0.095) - FT%: 0.776 (0.225)
FG%: 0.589 (1.860)
FanDuel PPG: 19.33
9-Cat Average: 0.320

8-Best Average: 0.475

-Jarrett Allen had a very promising season for a player in his position. Although his minutes where brought along slowly, Allen provided enough rebounds and blocks on good enough percentages to be a quality rotation player. Given Jarrett's age, there is optimism that he breakout as soon as next year.

117. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

Age: 23 - Games: 68
Points: 946 (0.775) - Rebounds: 459 (1.132)
Assists: 167 (0.294) - 3P Made: 13 (-0.782)
Steals: 65 (0.693) - Blocks: 48 (0.754)
Turnovers: 121 (-0.747) - FT%: 0.788 (0.330)
FG%: 0.472 (0.217)
FanDuel PPG: 28.90
9-Cat Average: 0.296

8-Best Average: 0.431

-Rondae Hollis-Jefferson gets it done in a variety of categories and his percentages are better than most of his teammates. RHJ had muted totals due to some missed games this year, something he will need to prove he can move away from these next few years. Otherwise, there is a lot to like here.

New York Knicks

58. Enes Kanter

Age: 25 - Games: 71
Points: 1000 (0.894) - Rebounds: 780 (2.814)
Assists: 105 (-0.198) - 3P Made: 0 (-1.004)
Steals: 36 (-0.223) - Blocks: 37 (0.362)
Turnovers: 122 (-0.764) - FT%: 0.848 (0.854)
FG%: 0.592 (1.902)
FanDuel PPG: 30.85
9-Cat Average: 0.515

8-Best Average: 0.705

-The surprise pillar of the 2018 Knicks was Enes Kanter (who only played 71 games). Kanter gets rebounds, he shoots good percents and he scores enough to be a noticeable player wherever he goes. Maybe his game isn't as versatile as others but Enes' game is reliable.

76. Kristaps Porzingis

Age: 22 - Games: 48
Points: 1088 (1.088) - Rebounds: 316 (0.383)
Assists: 57 (-0.579) - 3P Made: 90 (0.536)
Steals: 36 (-0.223) - Blocks: 115 (3.146)
Turnovers: 93 (-0.279) - FT%: 0.793 (0.374)
FG%: 0.439 (-0.246)
FanDuel PPG: 39.85
9-Cat Average: 0.467

8-Best Average: 0.597

-It was a spectacular start to the season that was unfortunately cut short for Kristaps Porzingis. Before his injury, Porzingis was looking like a MIP candidate with elite paces in a handful of categories earlier this year. If Kristaps plays a full season, he has top tier potential but he will need to prove he can next season.

142. Tim Hardaway Jr.

Age: 25 - Games: 57
Points: 996 (0.885) - Rebounds: 224 (-0.099)
Assists: 155 (0.199) - 3P Made: 130 (1.221)
Steals: 62 (0.598) - Blocks: 10 (-0.602)
Turnovers: 92 (-0.262) - FT%: 0.816 (0.574)
FG%: 0.421 (-0.499)
FanDuel PPG: 28.44
9-Cat Average: 0.224

8-Best Average: 0.327

-Tim Hardaway Jr. hits threes and gets a good amount of steals. THJ also shoots a good percentage from the line. There are some signs that Hardaway could get enough assist if he played enough games as well. There are some nice things about his game but not enough to rank very high.

Philadelphia 76ers

14. Ben Simmons

Age: 21 - Games: 81
Points: 1279 (1.510) - Rebounds: 659 (2.180)
Assists: 661 (4.213) - 3P Made: 0 (-1.004)
Steals: 140 (3.061) - Blocks: 70 (1.540)
Turnovers: 278 (-3.375) - FT%: 0.560 (-1.660)
FG%: 0.545 (1.242)
FanDuel PPG: 42.14
9-Cat Average: 0.856

8-Best Average: 1.385

-Ben Simmons was an elite NBA player in the 2018 season. Simmons was a true outlier in multiple categories and above-average in almost everything. Simmons gets knocked for his clear shortcomings (shooting) but his game clearly makes up for that and more. Ben Simmons is a likely top 10 candidate for years to come.

19. Robert Covington

Age: 27 - Games: 80
Points: 1009 (0.914) - Rebounds: 433 (0.996)
Assists: 156 (0.207) - 3P Made: 203 (2.470)
Steals: 137 (2.996) - Blocks: 72 (1.611)
Turnovers: 126 (-0.831) - FT%: 0.853 (0.897)
FG%: 0.413 (-0.611)
FanDuel PPG: 28.30
9-Cat Average: 0.958

8-Best Average: 1.181

-Robert Covington had a great year in in many ways this season. His game will be overshadowed by the likes of Simmons and Embiid but it should be noted that Covington was abover-average in every counting stat this year. It was a breakout campaign for RoCo.

26. Joel Embiid

Age: 23 - Games: 63
Points: 1445 (1.876) - Rebounds: 690 (2.343)
Assists: 199 (0.548) - 3P Made: 66 (0.125)
Steals: 40 (-0.097) - Blocks: 111 (3.004)
Turnovers: 234 (-2.638) - FT%: 0.769 (0.164)
FG%: 0.483 (0.372)
FanDuel PPG: 44.29
9-Cat Average: 0.633

8-Best Average: 1.042

-It was a sensational year for Joel Embiid but his season totals don't have him as high as one might expect due to Embiid's limited game total. It is clear that Joel's limiting factor will always been his games played. The sky is the limit if he ever plays a full season.

Toronto Raptors

15. Kyle Lowry

Age: 31 - Games: 78
Points: 1267 (1.483) - Rebounds: 434 (1.001)
Assists: 537 (3.230) - 3P Made: 238 (3.069)
Steals: 85 (1.324) - Blocks: 19 (-0.281)
Turnovers: 183 (-1.785) - FT%: 0.854 (0.906)
FG%: 0.427 (-0.415)
FanDuel PPG: 34.90
9-Cat Average: 0.948

8-Best Average: 1.290

-It may have slightly flown under the radar but Kyle Lowry had another strong season. Lowry submitted two elite categories and four others that could be considered well above average. It will be interesting to see how long Kyle can keep this up given his age. I imagine he'll age more gracefully than others.

36. DeMar DeRozan

Age: 28 - Games: 80
Points: 1840 (2.747) - Rebounds: 315 (0.378)
Assists: 417 (2.278) - 3P Made: 89 (0.519)
Steals: 85 (1.324) - Blocks: 22 (-0.174)
Turnovers: 175 (-1.651) - FT%: 0.825 (0.653)
FG%: 0.456 (-0.008)
FanDuel PPG: 37.37
9-Cat Average: 0.674

8-Best Average: 0.965

-Like his running mate, it was a good campaign for DeMar DeRozan. Much noise has been made about his uptick in 3-pointers but DeRozan also added in a lot of assists and steals this season. This all helps DeMar be more than just a scorer, which he is sometimes pegged as. I imagine DeRozan is awfully close to his peak right now. 

60. Serge Ibaka

Age: 28 - Games: 76
Points: 959 (0.804) - Rebounds: 478 (1.232)
Assists: 62 (-0.539) - 3P Made: 107 (0.827)
Steals: 29 (-0.444) - Blocks: 99 (2.575)
Turnovers: 90 (-0.229) - FT%: 0.797 (0.409)
FG%: 0.483 (0.372)
FanDuel PPG: 25.26
9-Cat Average: 0.556

8-Best Average: 0.693

-Serge Ibaka can still block shots, he still gets a good amount of rebounds and he can still score with enough threes to be a quality rotation player. I sense his numbers will more likely diminish than advance next season due to what he's shown over the years but that is not a certainty.