The Guys Just Outside Of The Elite (Klay Thompson, Monta Ellis and Demar Derozan)
These guys are a step up above the previous pecking order. How big of a step up is it? Consider this—all three guys are more than capable of being the go-to scorer on their respective teams. In fact, that’s what two of these three guys are—scorers who are/have led their teams in scoring. Derozan led the Toronto Raptors to their first division title in six seasons by averaging 22.7 a game. Ellis helped lead the Dallas Mavericks to a playoff berth by averaging 19.0 points per game. The only reason Thompson doesn’t lead his team in scoring is because he plays alongside the best pure shooter in the NBA in Steph Curry.
All three players share something in common, and that’s the trait of being able to carry a team by putting shots through the hoop. For years, Monta was his team’s best scorer in Golden State and Sacramento. In 2007-08, he shot a career-high .531 from the field while scoring 20 a night. Not bad for a 6’3”, 175-pound off-guard. Derozan is just coming into his own as a scorer at the age of 25. In two of the past four seasons, he has led the Raptors in total points scored. At the age of 24, Thompson averaged 18.4 points per game while shooting 42 percent from beyond the arc last season.
With the exception of Ellis, both Thompson and Derozan have room to grow, and will continue to improve as players. While these guys are knocking on the door of ‘the elite,’ they are best used as No. 2 options on a championship-winning team. Think Scottie Pippen, except this trio are more complete as scorers than the Chicago Bulls great.
Because these guys are best suited as No. 2 options on great teams, Wade is above this echelon.
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