Previous number sets: 21-30, 11-20, 0-10

31

John Henson

Bucks

Henson is having one of his more productive seasons in Milawaukee.  He’s shooting a career-high 59% from the field and he’s leading the team with 1.5 blocks per game.  Henson doesn’t exactly stretch the floor but he has a very effective old-school hook shot and solid midrange game.  Milwaukee was reportedly interested in trading for DeAndre Jordan but the two sides couldn’t settle on a fair price.

With former coach Jason Kidd out the door, the Bucks seem content with starting Henson and further developing young prospect Thon Maker.

Honorable Mention: Mike Muscala

32

Karl-Anthony Towns

Timberwolves

Towns has been exceptional this year putting up 20 points and 12 rebounds, leading the league in double-doubles.  Karl was widely criticized for his ‘mediocre’ defense at the start of the year, but his play as of late has silenced the critics.  He’s has had a couple monster games defensively including a 16 rebound and 5 block performance in Houston.

KAT is also one of the most prolific floor-spacing big men, making a career-high 1.5 threes on 40% shooting.

Honorable Mention: Blake Griffin(now 23), Kris Dunn

33

Marc Gasol

Grizzlies

The Grizzlies have been extremely dysfunctional this year with an injured Mike Conley and a fired David Fizdale.  But Gasol hasn’t really let the issues affect his play as he’s still putting up a respectable 18/4/9 line. Big Spain is shooting a career-low 42% from the field but that’s because he’s increased his three-point attempts and he’s been asked to carry the load on offense.

Marc remains one of the best passing bigs in the league but Memphis just doesn’t have a lot of talent around him.

Honorable Mention: Myles Turner

34

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Bucks

Check recent NBA player rankings.  ‘Nuff said.

Honorable Mention; Tobias Harris

35

Kevin Durant

Warriors

Durant has over 20,000 points which is significantly more than any other player on this list.  KD is the best and most pure scorer I’ve ever seen considering he’s a 7-footer with an elite handle and unlimited range.  Durant is not only the best this season but he’s the best #35 ever…

If all that wasn’t already enough, Durant is also averaging a career-best 2 blocks per game this year.  Draymond and KD make up a scary defensive duo, anchoring an elite D in Golden State.

Honorable Mention: Trevor Booker

36

Marcus Smart

Celtics

Smart is smart and he plays a smart brand of basketball for a smart team with a smart coach.  He is the alpha and omega, the only #36 this season.

Also, we ranked him the second-best back up guard a week ago.

37

Semi Ojeleye

Celtics

Ojeleye has found a way into the juggernaut Celtic’s rotation.  Semi is a big body capable of defending and rebounding at very high levels.  He doesn’t really space the floor but Ojeleye is another wing/big contributing to Boston’s elite switchability and number one defensive rating.

38

No current players wear #38.

39

No current players wear #39.

40

Harrison Barnes

Mavericks

The Black Falcon is enjoying another productive year in Dallas, putting up 19 points and 7 boards a game.  Barnes has been a model of consistency this year, failing to score in double digits in only 3 out of 52 games.

HB is still only 25 so he may still have a couple years before reaching his prime. Critics claim that Barnes’ numbers are a product of the Maverick’s dysfunctions so as Dallas gets better we’ll see if Barnes can take the next step in his development and be a legitimate option on a winning team not named the Warriors.