2012 NBA All-Average Team

What constitutes an “average” player:  someone with mediocre skills, and/or is a journeyman that is usually a salary cap filler in a trade.  This list includes the most average players in the NBA today, not players who are complete trash now and had average careers.  Could this team be better than the Charlotte Bobcats?

 Point Guard:  Luke Ridnour, Minnesota Timberwolves

Ridnour has been both a starter and a role player throughout his career on three different teams.  He lost his starting job early in the season to above-average rookie Ricky Rubio and then JJ Barea of below-average height.  He has very modest career averages of 9.9 PPG, 4.9 assists on 43% shooting.  Despite his average skills, Ridnour has proven to be a capable backup point guard in the NBA.

Honorable Mention: Beno Udrih

Shooting Guard:  Ronnie Brewer, Chicago Bulls

He started for much of the season due to Richard Hamilton’s injury, and if it wasn’t for his defensive prowess, Brewer’s offensive stats would suggest he was a below average as he only put up 7 PPG on 42.7% shooting.  Like Ridnour, Brewer has played for three different teams and has usually been the team’s weakest starter.  He averages 9 PPG for his career, and while his field goal percentage is a 50.1%, he rarely shoots from deep as he has averaged under .5 attempts per game each season.

Honorable Mention: Landry Fields

 Small Forward: Matt Barnes, Los Angeles Lakers

Matt Barnes completely matches the description of an average NBA player.  Not only has he played for 8 different teams (did anybody know he once played for the Knicks?) but he has possibly the most mediocre career averages as well.  Barnes has always been a role player who brings defense and energy off the bench.  Career averages: 7.6 PPG, 4.5 rebounds.

Honorable Mention: Marvin Williams

 Power Forward: Brandon Bass, Boston Celtics

Brandon Bass is the epitome of an average NBA power forward.  Prior to this season, Bass was always a role player on a contending team, providing big minutes off the bench and giving average production.  This season he was inserted into the starting lineup to give Boston added athleticism in the frontcourt.  Don’t give him too much credit however because he took Jermaine O’Neal’s starting job, a player who is well below average today.  Career averages: 8.4 PPG, 4.4 rebounds.

Honorable Mention: Hakim Warrick

Center: Brendan Haywood, Dallas Mavericks

Brendan Haywood is a player whose size is his best, and only strength as an NBA player.  He has only been a productive rebounder and shot blocker, and much of that has to do with the fact that he is 7 ft tall.  Haywood however, has proven to be a capable starting center on an average team, as he anchored the middle for the Washington Wizards for years, and now splits time with Ian Mahinmi.

Honorable Mention: Drew Gooden