When considering how to approach this list I was going to just check each team make a list and rank them, but that was too subjective. I figured there has to be a better (fairer) way to rank these guys.

The NLL is a league obsessed with youth and performance/rankings, so I figured i would makle a few different lists of the best 30 players and then combine them at the end for a definitive 30 over 30 list.

When trading and building our teams we all have different things we consider, overalls, fit, age, contract and ratings, not necessarily in that order.

The lists I came up with are based on NBA 2k16 overalls, ESPN and NLL Ranking and list that looks at age and overall rating combined. Finally there will be an overall 30 Over 30 list combining all of the previous rankings.

 

2K16 Overalls

 

This basic list is probably as expected, nothing too surprising here, only 16 guys rated 80+ might give some credibility to the youth obsession as there are 50 players under 30 that are rated 80+

1	Lebron James	Cle	96
2	Chris Paul	Atl	91
3	Kyle Lowry	Bos	87
4	Dwight Howard	NY	86
	Dwyane Wade	LAL	86
6	Carmelo Anthony	Was	85
	Al Horford	Pho	85
	LaMarcus Aldridge	Utah	85
	Pau Gasol	Phi	85
10	Marc Gasol	Was	84
11	Paul Millsap	NY	83
12	Goran Dragic	Bkn	81
	Zach Randolph	NY	81
14	Rudy Gay	Mia	80
	George Hill	LAL	80
	Louis Williams	Dal	80
17	Marcin Gortat	Den	79
	Deron Williams	Phi	79
19	Tony Parker	Cle	78
	Jamal Crawford	Chi	78
21	Dirk Nowitzki	Cha	77
	Tyson Chandler	Mia	77
	Rajon Rondo	Was	77
	Wesley Matthews	Min	77
	JJ Redick	Den	77
	Al Jefferson	Hou	77
	DeMarre Carroll	LAL	77
28	Taj Gibson	Min	76
29	Nick Young	Pho	76
30	Trevor Ariza	NO	76
	Joakim Noah	Pho	76
	Andrew Bogut	SA	76
	Rodney Stuckey	GS	76
	Andre Iguodala	Bos	76
	Tony Allen	NO	76
	Manu Ginobili	LAL	76
	Nene Hilario	Was	76
	David Lee	Phi	76
	David West	SA	76

 

 

ESPN and NLL Rankings

 

These are 2 key indicators that define where these players rate among their peers judged by performance, these rankings can be skewed obviously pending playing time so the first list takes both rankings and averages them to come up with the best 30 guys purely on ranking. (The lower ranking the better here)

	Name	Team	ESPN	NLL	AVERAGE RANK
1	Lebron James	Cle	4	6	5
2	Carmelo Anthony	Was	29	7	18
3	Chris Paul	Atl	16	25	20.5
4	Rudy Gay	Mia	44	13	28.5
5	Paul Millsap	NY	30	31	30.5
6	Al Horford	Pho	31	34	32.5
	Marc Gasol	Was	26	39	32.5
8	Dwight Howard	NY	38	33	35.5
9	LaMarcus Aldridge	Utah	43	51	47
	Goran Dragic	Bkn	35	59	47
11	Kyle Lowry	Bos	12	90	51
	Dwyane Wade	LAL	55	47	51
13	Marcin Gortat	Den	58	66	62
14	George Hill	LAL	33	95	64
15	Pau Gasol	Phi	69	70	69.5
16	Dirk Nowitzki	Cha	132	29	80.5
17	Taj Gibson	Min	95	69	82
18	Louis Williams	Dal	73	101	87
19	Tyson Chandler	Mia	104	80	92
20	Deron Williams	Phi	76	115	95.5
21	Rajon Rondo	Was	98	94	96
22	Wesley Matthews	Min	96	107	101.5
23	Nick Young	Pho	107	110	108.5
24	Trevor Ariza	NO	90	134	112
25	JJ Redick	Den	121	104	112.5
26	Tony Parker	Cle	115	112	113.5
	Monta Ellis	Mia	153	74	113.5
28	Zach Randolph	NY	94	137	115.5
29	Marvin Williams	LAL	141	102	121.5
30	Joakim Noah	Pho	139	120	129.5

 

So we are going to see something reguarlarly in this article, Lebron is going to be at the top of a lot (if not all) of the lists.

Lebron is far and away ahead of the rest but there some interesting ones in here. Not many would have Carmelo ahead of Paul but helped by his NLL ranking he jumps into 2^nd.

Dirk is majorly helped by his NLL ranking with is a reversal of form for the big guy on years past as his digital self never ususally lived up to expectations. 

Kyle Lowry seems to be the guy most hurt by his NLL play, ranking just inside the top 100 (90), while he is almost a top 10 player in the NBA. Hopefully this weeks change of scenery will get him going.

 

2k16 Overall and Age

 

While a basic 2k16 overall rating list is fine I felt like because the league is so age obsessed there needed to be some separation between say 2 85 rated guys, If one was 30 and the other 36 the 30 year old would likely be regarded higher in the league. This list is a ranking subtracting age from overall giving us a different prespective on the 2k16 rating list.

	Name	Team	Age	Overall	Overall - Age
1	Lebron James	Cle	32	96	64
2	Chris Paul	Atl	31	91	60
3	Kyle Lowry	Bos	30	87	57
4	Al Horford	Pho	30	85	55
	Dwight Howard	NY	31	86	55
6	LaMarcus Aldridge	Utah	31	85	54
7	Carmelo Anthony	Was	32	85	53
	Marc Gasol	Was	31	84	53
9	Paul Millsap	NY	31	83	52
	Dwyane Wade	LAL	34	86	52
11	Goran Dragic	Bkn	30	81	51
12	Rudy Gay	Mia	30	80	50
	George Hill	LAL	30	80	50
	Louis Williams	Dal	30	80	50
15	Pau Gasol	Phi	36	85	49
16	Marcin Gortat	Den	32	79	47
	Deron Williams	Phi	32	79	47
	Rajon Rondo	Was	30	77	47
	Wesley Matthews	Min	30	77	47
	DeMarre Carroll	LAL	30	77	47
21	Zach Randolph	NY	35	81	46
	Rodney Stuckey	GS	30	76	46
	Al Jefferson	Hou	31	77	46
24	Taj Gibson	Min	31	76	45
	Nick Young	Pho	31	76	45
	Trevor Ariza	NO	31	76	45
	JJ Redick	Den	32	77	45
	Joakim Noah	Pho	31	76	45
	Jeff Green	Utah	30	75	45
	Sergio Rodriguez	Utah	30	75	45

 

This list doesn’t tell us much different to the first one, it was more of an NLL ranking adjusting for age, Dwyane Wade takes a dip due to age as does Pau Gasol while a few of the ‘younger’ players jump up the list a little bit. This will be used later to calculate the final overall rankings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After all that messing around I combined these lists into a top secret formula to come up with:

The Definitive NLL 30 over 30 list of players you want on your team unless you are tanking

 

30. Marvin Williams, Los Angeles Lakers

Age: 30

ESPN Rank: 141

NLL Rank: 102

2k16 Overall: 72

Williams was sent to the Lakers in the offseason from San Antonio after he too signed a lucrative contract. The first 5 weeks of the season Williams was more than earning his keep in LA LA Land, however he recently lost his starting spot and with the Lakers new found philosophy he finds himself on the trade block along with many a Laker team mate.

 

29. Joakim Noah, Phoenix Suns

Age: 31

ESPN Rank: 139

NLL Rank: 120

2k16 Overall: 76

Noah joined the Suns just a week or so ago from the Miami Heat. Fresh off signing what some would call a bloated contract for what he brings he has started his 2^nd stint in Phoenix quite well.  Its only 1 week in so far but averages of 8.8 points per game and 16 rebounds per game in week 7 are nothing to ignore.

 

28. Monta Ellis, Miami Heat

Age: 31

ESPN Rank: 153

NLL Rank: 74

2k16 Overall: 75

Yet another guy on this list traded since the start of the season. Ellis spent the last 2.5 seasons in Phoenix racking upo the points, his stint in south beach is just 3 games old and early returns have been lesss than expected. 16 points per game on 33% shooting is not what GM proid would be after from Ellis. Once Rudy Gay returns we expect Ellis to see a lot more open looks going forward.

 

27. Tony Parker, Cleveland Cavaliers

Age: 34

ESPN Rank: 115

NLL Rank: 112

2k16 Overall: 78

Parker is a guy that likes to stick around for a while no matter which team he lands on. He has only played for 3 NLL teams and has spent the last 6 years in Cleveland riding LeBrons coat tails. Parker is seemingly on the decline but he can still have his moments. With Drummond, James and Ibaka carrying the load, Parker just needs to play his role and he will help the Cavs go far.

 

26. Zach Randolph, New York Knicks

Age: 35

ESPN Rank: 94

NLL Rank: 137

2k16 Overall: 81

Getting traded from a lottery team to a championship contender is the dream of many a 35 year old in the NLL, Zach gets to live that dream heading to the big apple right in the Knicks window. Even though he wont get to be a starter as long as Paul Millsap is healthy Randolph is proving to be a valuable piece off the pine putting up 8 and 8 in less than 20 minutes per contest.

 

25. JJ Redick, Denver Nuggets

Age: 32

ESPN Rank: 121

NLL Rank: 104

2k16 Overall: 77

Redick’s shot is as pure as they come and he really has turned himself into a good NLL/NBA starter. Redick is shooting a crazy 48% from deep so far this season attempting over 6 threes per game and next to John Wall makes one of the Wests deadliest back courts.

 

 

 

24. Trevor Ariza, New Orleans Pelicans

Age: 31

ESPN Rank: 90

NLL Rank: 134

2k16 Overall: 76

Trevor Ariza, to me is one of the most underappreciated players in the NLL. He has always been a good to great defender and his ability to hit the 3 makes him useful on that side of the ball too. You could say he is a role player in the true sense of the word and these guys are like gold in todays NLL.

 

23. Nick Young, Phoenix Suns

Age: 31

ESPN Rank: 107

NLL Rank: 110

2k16 Overall: 76

Swaggy P is one of those guys that is forever an NL (2k) beast. His scoring is lethal and he continues that to this day. Recently traded to Phoenix from Washington to fill the void left by the departure of Monta Ellis, expect Young to put up some big stat lines.

 

22. Wesley Matthews, Minnesota Timberwolves

Age: 30

ESPN Rank: 96

NLL Rank: 107

2k16 Overall: 77

Wes is another NLL 3 point shooting beast. He is now on his 3^rd NLL team this season after heading from Memphis to Boston before landing in Minnesota, how long he lasts here noone knows but you ca be sure he will help the Timberwolves on defense just as much as offense.

 

21. Tyson Chandler, Miami Heat

Age: 34

ESPN Rank: 104

NLL Rank: 80

2k16 Overall: 77

Do you think chandler misses Greenmig and those Lakers right about now? I have a feeling he might, a long way removed from back to back championships, Chandler is now anchoring the Miami defense. Tyson is having a decent season personally despite the teams struggles, if they can ever get healthy he can concentrate on defense which is about all you want him doing.

 

20. Dirk Nowitzki, Charlotte Hornets

Age: 38

ESPN Rank: 132

NLL Rank: 29

2k16 Overall: 77

The oldest man to make it into the top 30 at the ripe old age of 38. Dirk has had a colourful few yeas in the NLL, turning his back on Daz in Chicago, then having Smokey in Dallas tell him that he couldn’t find the cap room to bring him back. Being in charlotte, where the player closest to his age is a whoping 12 years younger (willie Reed) must be a strange situation. Anyone get the feel he might be heading to a contender if the Hornets drop out of playoff contention in the near future?

 

19. Rajon Rondo, Washington Wizards

Age: 30

ESPN Rank: 98

NLL Rank: 94

2k16 Overall: 77

Rondo was just traded to a team where he is one of the younger guys in Washington. Hoping he can help right the Wizards season Darko throws Rondo straight in and early returns (4 games) have been somewhat positive. With Marc Gasol and Carmelo Anthony on the team Rondo can do what he does best and that’s distribute. Almost 13 assists per game in week 7 is a good start.

 

18. Deron Williams, Philadelphia 76ers

Age: 32

ESPN Rank: 76

NLL Rank: 115

2k16 Overall: 79

It wasn’t long ago that D-Will was teamed up with Zach Randolph on a struggling Raptors squad. Now he is the backup to one of the best point guards in the league (Lillard) on a team that will be fighting deep into the playoffs. He got a start in week 7, thanks to a Lillard injury but GM VT would be much happier with him playing off the pine judging by the results from the week.

 

17. Taj Gibson, Minnesota Timberwolves

Age: 31

ESPN Rank: 95

NLL Rank: 69

2k16 Overall: 76

Taj is another guy that seems underrated arouind the league, a real work horse and role player at the power forward position. He will do the dirty work and defer when he has to all the while putting up a double double most nights.

 

16. Louis Williams, Dallas Mavericks

Age: 30

ESPN Rank: 73

NLL Rank: 101

2k16 Overall: 80

Lou Williams has been the NLL’s premier 6^th man for the last 2 seasons at least (Winning the award both years). He continues to shine for a Mavericks team that is looking to take a different direction, if he is on the Mavs past the deadline then a lot of contenders have made a big mistake by not ponying up for Lou.

 

15. Pau Gasol, Philadelphia 76ers

Age: 36

ESPN Rank: 69

NLL Rank: 70

2k16 Overall: 85

The secret formula for the overall rankings weren’t kind to Pau, we feel like he should be higher especially for an 85 overall guy. Pau has been the anchor inside for the 76ers for the last couple of seasons, but has been an NLL force since the early 2000’s. Rumors that he has no value around the league have been sprouted but he is one of the premier centers in the NLL even at 36.

 

14. Marcin Gortat, Denver Nuggets

Age: 32

ESPN Rank: 58

NLL Rank: 66

2k16 Overall: 79

Now here is a name I didn’t expect to see this high. Having looked deeper I can see why. Gortat is putting together a nice season in denver averaging a double double, now that Favors is back things should get a bit easier inside for him even if his numbers drop a little in the process.

 

13. George Hill, Los Angeles Lakers

Age: 30

ESPN Rank: 33

NLL Rank: 95

2k16 Overall: 80

George Hill is 30? I wouldn’t have believed you a couple of hours ago if you told me. I remember when the Spurs traded him for Kawhi Leonard, some Spurs fans were none too happy (how things change). Hill has carved out a nice career for himself even if he will forever be linked to Leonard. If he can get healthy he will be a big boost for the Lakers in their chase for 3.

 

12. Dwyane Wade, Los Angeles Lakers

Age: 34

ESPN Rank: 55

NLL Rank: 47

2k16 Overall: 86

Wade is another guy hurt by his age a little, but don’t let the number fool you he is still an elite NLL guard. Greenmig went al out to land his man in free agency and he has not diasppointed. Wade has the keys to the Lakers new offense that begins in week 8, can the new era continue the success that came before it?

 

11. Goran Dragic, Brooklyn Nets

Age: 30

ESPN Rank: 35

NLL Rank: 59

2k16 Overall: 81

Dragic is a somewhat under the radar NLL player. Not flashy, won’t put up ungodly numbers but will help your team win. He knows how to run an offense and now in Brooklyn in the 6^th man role he is helping to get the Nets season back on track.

 

10. Kyle Lowry, Boston Celtics

Age: 30

ESPN Rank: 12

NLL Rank: 90

2k16 Overall: 87

Will Boston be where we see the emergence of the real Kyle Lowry? Or is he just not a ‘2k guy’? Lowry is rated highly (3^rd highest on the list) and maybe Jmac can get him going in the NLL to his full potential. If not there might be something to think about for the C’s when he gets that massive contract at the end of the season.

 

9. LaMarcus Aldridge, Utah Jazz

Age: 31

ESPN Rank: 43

NLL Rank: 51

2k16 Overall: 85

I didn’t think I would see the day that Aldridge wasn’t suiting up in a 76ers uni, alas here we are. Aldridge has played just 3 weeks for his new team and while his numbers are similar the results over the past 2 weeks for the Jazz are positive. LMA remains a premier Power Forward in the league and even though he is on the wrong side of 30 he still has many years of positive production left.

 

8. Dwight Howard, New York Knicks

Age: 31

ESPN Rank: 38

NLL Rank: 33

2k16 Overall: 86

Howard has been the NLL’s premier Center for some time now, combining defense and a beastly offensive game. Now teamed up with 2 of the most potent offensive weapons in the game his numbers have dipped but his importance to the Knicks has not. Anchoring one of the best defenses in the leauge when you have Harden and Irving as your back court is no mean feat.

 

7. Marc Gasol, Washington Wizards

Age: 31

ESPN Rank: 26

NLL Rank: 39

2k16 Overall: 84

Despite teaming up with one of the NLL’s premier players it hasn’t taken long for Marc Gasol to leave his mark on the Wizards. Putting up impressive numbers across the board he could be more important to the Wizards success than Carmelo Anthony. Gasol pips his older brother on the rankings again and shows no signs of declining just yet.

 

6. Al Horford, Phoenix Suns

Age: 30

ESPN Rank: 31

NLL Rank: 34

2k16 Overall: 85

Horford is another player to benefit from the switch to 2k16. Usually seen as a good NLL player he must be in the conversation for best acquisition of the season. Now that Monta has left the building we expect Horford to get mor opportunity to score the ball, add that to his elite defense and you have yourself one of the best PF’s in the entire league.

 

5. Paul Millsap, New York Knicks

Age: 31

ESPN Rank: 30

NLL Rank: 31

2k16 Overall: 83

Millsap is overshadowed in the big apple with names like Irving, Howard, Harden but trust us when we say he holds his own on that team. Managing to put up almost 20 points per game this season with the numbers that Irving and Harden are managing is impressive. Millsap is also one of the best all round defenders in the league (on ball and post).

 

4. Rudy Gay, Miami Heat

Age: 30

ESPN Rank: 44

NLL Rank: 13

2k16 Overall: 80

Here’s a change of pace form the last few guys. Gay is a player that brings one of the most impressive offensive games in the league. He has lead this Miami team for the last 3 seasons at almost 27 points per game. His injuries have reaked havoc on the Heat this season. Now that he is back look for an upswing in Miami’s prospects.

 

3. Chris Paul, Atlanta Hawks

Age: 31

ESPN Rank: 16

NLL Rank: 25

2k16 Overall: 91

One of 2 players over 30 that are rated in the 90’s, paul is still one of the top 5 point guards in the NLL. Paul has been in Atlanta for 3 seasons now and despite a lack of team success he has been at the top of MVP discussions year in year out. A few minor injuries have slowed him this season but now healthy look for the Hawks to make a big push throughout the rest of the season with their main man on the floor.

 

2. Carmelo Anthony, Washington Wizards

Age: 32

ESPN Rank: 29

NLL Rank: 7

2k16 Overall: 85

Carmelo has been one of the premier scorers in the NLL since he joined the league. After starting the season at PF for the Wiz, he has moved back to SF the last few weeks and really upped his scoring average (over 30ppg the last 3 weeks). Eventually it seems that Melo will need to make the shift to PF permanently but this season doesn’t seem to be that one.

 

1. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

Age: 32

ESPN Rank: 4

NLL Rank: 6

2k16 Overall: 96

Was there ever any doubt. Not only is LeBron the best player over 30, he is one of the top 3 or 4 players in the entire league. LeBron seems to continue to get better as he gets older (or at least as good as he ever was) with no signs of decline, and a loyalty to his home town team look for LeBron to leading the Cavaliers deep into playoffs for years to come.