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The DeAnd'Rankings: Season 2, Volume IV

The Rankings are back, and the Committee has some things to talk about. While there have been some undulations in the value of the league's DeAndres, let's take a moment to talk about what's going on in the league. 

Item: An All-Star game is stupid. The only way it can be even remotely palatable is if the league breaks on Friday, holds a game Sunday, then gives every team the next week off. It's not even about COVID safety at that point (obviously - as holding the game at all proves that COVID safety is not a primary concern), it's about giving something to the players in exchange for how they've met the league's demands in bizarre ways over the last 12 months. Give them extra time off at the mid-season mark and hold a no-frills exhibition game and then get the guys out of town immediately.

Item: The Mavericks are bad? They've won 3 out of 4, but have been outscored by about 20 points over that 4-game stretch. Health is still a concern, and Luka's possible heel-turn is looming, but it also feels like they can still turn the corner. They've scored 122 or more in each of those 3 recent wins, so they're still capable of putting up monstrous offensive nights, and if Porzingis's recent hot streak is just a harbinger of things to come (he's averaging 22/10 and 2.2 blocks, shooting 42% from deep over his last 5), then maybe we don't have to worry about Dallas actually finishing in the bottom of the west.

Item: Milwaukee has the 5th best record in the NBA and their expected Win/Loss (on Basketball-reference) is #1 in the NBA. They're starting to feel a little bit regular-season inevitable again, aren't they? They've won 5 straight against mostly mediocre teams, but the closest game in there was a 13-point win against Denver. Also, they're doing it differently this season. It's not just throwing Giannis at a wall of defenders and letting him pass to the wings. Monday night saw Khris Middleton dish out 12 assists, and he's really become the team's playmaker. Would you have believed that the Bucks traded for Jrue Holiday and then Middleton led the team in assists? It's happening, and it's a nice little change of pace. 

Item: Some of these teams are bad. The Cavs suddenly look atrocious as Andre Drummond shoots more 2-pt field goals than anyone else in the league. The Pistons are playing tough against good teams but are trying to juggle 15 PF/C players and just traded their best guard (justifiably, I guess). Since January 24th the Wizards have won games by 4, 3, and 3 points but have lost games by 11, 16, 18, 19, 20, 22, and 27. The Timberwolves are getting nice production out of Anthony Edwards and staying competitive, but they just can't seem to get KAT even remotely healthy. It's really a bummer in the Twin Cities.

But that's enough around-the-league chatter. Let's get down to business. 

The DeAnd'Rankings: Season 2, Volume IV

4. De'Andre Hunter

A huge upset to start the rankings! De'Andre Hunter, who was putting together a tremendous stretch that saw him drop 33 points against Milwaukee, is injured and hasn't played in 10 days. He'll be reevaluated in another week or so, but if you're not playing, it's hard to put you ahead of guys who are active when it comes to DeAnd'Rankings. Tough break for Hunter, and we hope to see him healthy soon.

3. DeAndre' Bembry

Minutes for Bembry! And frankly, you could make the argument to bump him up a slot higher (the Committee has heard these arguments, considered them, and he has remained #3). After DNP-CDs in 9 of the Raptor's first 18 games, Bembry has averaged 20 minutes over the last 6. He's not setting the world on fire, but he's getting some steals, making a few shots, and playing an all-around game for a team full of all-around guys. Progress!

2. DeAndre Jordan

DJ has caught some guff for his current role in Brooklyn, and it's at least partly deserved. The Nets now have one of the worst defenses in the NBA since the Harden trade, and they were hoping that Jordan would be able to lock down the paint. He's had six 2-block games in their last 11, so he's not hurting Brooklyn in the middle of the defense, but he's just not bringing that much to the table. His minutes have come back down (losing minutes at center to Jeff Green is a tough look), and his rebounding has leveled off a bit. Even so, having a guy who can come in for a few minutes, finish a few lobs, and grab an offensive board or two has definite value. 

1. Deandre Ayton

This installment of the Rankings is almost Ayton's by default. Having Hunter's breakout season put on pause with an injury means the Bahamian big man has an easy hold on the #1 spot. He's 4th in the NBA in rebounding, top-10 in offensive rebounding percentage, and the Suns are winning. It's wild to consider, but Ayton is arguably underperforming this season and he's averaging 14 points and 13 rebounds. As such, he's the top-ranked Deandre in the NBA right now.


2020-2021 SEASON STANDINGS

4. DeAndre' Bembry - 5 points
3. DeAndre Jordan - 10 points
2. De'Andre Hunter - 10 points
1. Deandre Ayton - 14 points

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