Friday, September 7, 2012

NBA underground rank 20-16

20) Pau Gasol. Power Forward, Los Angeles Lakers.
After two disappointing playoffs by Laker standards, Gasol should flourish this season playing with Dwight Howard. The best passing big man in the league, Gasol has perfected his finesse game. He should have more open mid-range shots this year as defenses will look at him as the third option in L.A.




19) Tony Parker. Point Guard, San Antonio Spurs. 
Parker had a terrific season in 2012, leading the Spurs to the West's best regular season record. Parker has been the Spurs best player since winning Finals MVP in 2007 and he regained his All-Star form last year. He is the catalyst for a San Antonio offense that looks to be among the leaders in points-per-game this season.




18) Joe Johnson. Small Forward, Brooklyn Nets. 
Perennially underrated as a Hawk, Johnson joins the Nets this season where the spotlight will be on. As part of a formidable one-two punch in Brooklyn, he will experience the pressure from a franchise that wants to win right now. A silky smooth player who can go it all offensively, Johnson has been a consistent star for many years now. He hopes to continue that with his new team.





17) Lamarcus Aldridge. Power Forward, Portland Trail Blazers. 
A first time All-Star in 2012, Aldridge has been the face of the Blazers for some time now. While continually succeeding on a struggling Portland team, Aldridge is comparable to Chris Bosh's days in Toronto at this point in his career. A good mid-range player who can also attack the rim, Aldrige's skill set makes him a dangerous offensive player in the NBA.





16) Paul Pierce. Small Forward, Boston Celtics. 
The original Celtic can still do it at age 34. Pierce and the Celtics are looking to make another run in their seemingly endless "Boston Three Party" era. A high-volume scorer who gets to the line constantly, Pierce is still among the most clutch players in the NBA. Few players embrace the closing moments of a game like Pierce. A 10-time All-Star, Pierce has already cemented his legacy as an all-time great Celtic.





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