1983-84 Top 30 Player Rankings
Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2025 11:04 pm
Top 30 player rankings of 1983-84
Here we are back again to give my rankings of the top 30 players in NPBSL from the 1983-84 season.
I used my same 100% accurate formula from last season again. I created my own formula for this that essentially ranks players based on where they finish in each category compared to the league average. I will say that points are favored more since you can’t be called a top “player” if you aren’t able to score points. And this game is all about winning and the only way to win is to score more points than your opponent. For instance, players who scored 20+ pts/game this season all got a boost in the rankings. But that’s not to say it’s the only thing I looked at. I took into account multiple categories, as well as, season awards.
First, how did I come up with these rankings? Well first I removed all players who didn’t play in any games this season (seems pretty obvious). This left me with 233 players. Of the remaining players that got some time on the court, I then found the league average for minutes played, which is ~23.5 minutes/game. Anybody who didn’t meet the league average for minutes played, I removed them from the list as well. This left me with 122 players to go through. I then took the remaining players and averaged out multiple categories. I used this number as my standard for grading the players. Anybody who finished below the average in every category, or only finished above average in 1 category, was also removed from the list, obviously you aren’t considered a top player if you are below average in almost every category. This left me with 64 players. From there, I used a made up grading scale for these remaining players. As I said, I took into account multiple statistical categories, as well as, awards throughout the season and league leaders. I also factored in Games Played and Games Started, while being aware that some people may have missed time due to injuries. I did not dock many points for players missing time, especially if they were able to come back and perform like they were before they got injured.
And remember that this is only for the 1983-84 season. This is NOT saying this is where I think players are ranked for their career nor is it a ranking for going forward. Strictly the 1983-84 season. We will start at #30 and then work our way to #1. So let’s get into some rankings!!!
#30 Adrian Dantley- Indiana Pacers (Last Season Rank: #9)
While this was certainly a down year for Dantley, it was by no means a bad year. The Pacers gave up during the season once they realized they weren’t making the playoffs and the players suffered. Still he averaged 28.7 points per game which was enough to put him back on this list this season.
#29 Reggie Theus- San Diego Clippers (Last Season Rank: NR)
Averaging 20.2 points per game and 10.2 assists per game, Theus jumps into the top 30 rank this season. His defensive play hurt his rankings this season but he’s still young enough to where he can improve upon this ranking and come back even better next season. Maybe then, Chad will give him his respect as a purple potential.
#28 Danny Schayes- Seattle Supersonics (Last Season Rank: NR)
Schayes took a big jump this season, including winning Most Improved Player, after being given the starting role at C. Averaging 16 points per game, 7.9 rebounds per game, over 1 block per game. This is another young player that looks to keep getting better and better.
#27 James Worthy- Portland Trailblazers (Last Season Rank: #17)
Worthy got slightly better on offense, in terms of scoring, but mostly stayed the same player as he was last season. The drop in the rankings could be an indicator of other players taking a step forward. He’s still a force to be reckoned with on defense, as evidenced by his 1st Team All Defense selection, but he needs to do a little bit more in order to climb these rankings
#26 Cliff Robinson- New Jersey Nets (Last Season Rank: NR)
Cliff Robinson improved in pretty much every aspect of his game since last season. And as a result, this Nets team looked to be heading on their way to getting back to playing like the championship team they were a few seasons again. He was so close to averaging a double double this season with 24.5 points and 9.7 rebounds per game, but at age 24, this man is going to be a problem for seasons to come.
#25 Jim Paxson- Cleveland Cavaliers (Last Season Rank: #23)
Paxson’s defense got a little worse but his offense stayed about the same even though he shot the ball better this season. He’s very consistent but I wonder if he may be playing out of position a little bit. Unless the Cavs to start really featuring him more, he probably won’t climb too much higher in the rankings.
#24 Alex English- Chicago Bulls (Last Season Rank: #6)
While he dropped significantly in the rankings, this could be more of a product of him playing on a good team and not being needed to carry the load as much. Still, he averaged 25.1 points per game and was fantastic on defense with a 97.6 D EFF rating.
#23 Dominique Wilkins- Seattle Supersonics (Last Season Rank: #15)
Averaging 26.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, Wilkins improved in nearly every aspect of his game from last season. The Supersonics added some talent around him and had plenty of help so Wilkins still isn’t asked to do too much but when he is called upon, he shows up.
#22 Michael Ray Richardson- Detroit Pistons (Last Season Rank: NR)
Given a larger role this season with a new team, MRR proved to be a very solid PG in this league. 16.6 points per game to go with 7.2 assists per game. Maybe with another year of being on this team, we can see him take another step forward as the Pistons may look to start becoming a perennial playoff contender
#21 James Donaldson- Los Angeles Lakers (Last Season Rank: #9)
Here is a player who really regressed in almost every category but still finds himself on this list. It’s likely it’s because of the Lakers adding Magic to the team and having Donaldson take a step back. If that’s gonna be the case moving forward, and it’s very likely it is, I don’t see him moving up the rankings too much. But even still, he did average a double double and that is no easy feat
#20 Rickey Green- Seattle Supersonics (Last Season Rank: NR)
Another player who just keeps getting better and better. Averaging a double double (14.7 points and 10.4 assists), Green was a great addition to the Supersonics and helped them to an even better season than last season. Still, if he wants to break into the elite tier of PGs, he’s going to have to figure out a way to score more points. Or at least help his teammates score even more points.
#19 Sidney Moncrief- Cleveland Cavaliers (Last Season Rank: #29)
Our first player who was on this list last season that actually moved up. Moncrief had a really great season. He helped lead the Cavaliers to another playoff berth with 26.6 points per game as he earned a spot on the 2nd Team All League. Hopefully the Cavaliers can bring him back and try to make another run.
#18 Bernard King- Kansas City Kings (Last Season Rank: #26)
King of the Kings. Or at least that would be a cool nickname if he was the best player on his team. But it could still be used for him since he led the Kings in scoring as he averaged almost 30 points per game and was a key piece in the Kings trying to defend their title this season. Another All League bid this season but he moved up to 2nd team. Going to be interesting to see how the Kings handle the cap space moving forward.
#17 Larry Bird- Philadelphia 76ers (Last Season Rank: NR)
Bird will forever be the “what if” player. What if he played on a team with an active GM? What if he was insured his first season? While he did play better this season, it’s still another season wasted. Hopefully he decides to go play for a contender next season and not re-sign with the Rockets, if they even bid for him.
#16 Terry Cummings- Detroit Pistons (Last Season Rank: #2)
This drop in the rankings is purely because the Pistons got a little bit better and added some talent around Cummings. He still showed he’s an elite PF by averaging 29.5 points per game. But just like his teammate Michael Ray Richardson, I believe another year on this team with the help of some new additions can really help unlock Cummings potential
#15 Terry Tyler- Milwaukee Bucks (Last Season Rank: #23)
While his scoring went down, his O EFF and D EFF both got better. But offense isn’t even the Bucks strength, even though they are top 7 in scoring offense. Their defense is where it’s at and Terry Tyler is a big part of that, as proven by his 1st Team All Defense status. You’re not gonna find too many people who can stop the other team from scoring as well as Terry Tyler.
#14 Kiki Vandeweghe- Utah Jazz (Last Season Rank: #26)
Once again sitting close to the top of the leaderboard in points per game at 30.8, Kiki remains one of the best scorers in the game. If he can find a way to improve on his defensive side of the game, we will see him jump into the top 10, maybe even top 5. But for now, good luck trying to stop him from scoring.
#13 Clyde Drexler- Denver Nuggets (Last Season Rank: NR)
Rookie of the Year Runner-up (probably), Clyde put together a pretty good year averaging 18.1 points and 7 rebounds per game. Especially on a team that wasn’t really trying this year. We’ll see how he progresses once the Nuggets add some pieces around him.
#12 Calvin Natt- Kansas City Kings (Last Season Rank: #7)
2nd best scorer on the defending champs, Natt put together another stellar season. It was a bit of a regression from last season but the Kings a whole took a slight step back. But that didn’t stop him from still being named ! Team All-League. And what’s even crazier about this Kings team is that Natt wasn’t even the best player on the team.
#11 Joe Barry Carroll- Indiana Pacers (Last Season Rank: 16)
So close to a 30pt double double average for the season. Probably took a bit of a hit once the Pacers realized they weren’t making the playoffs. Even still, JBC remains one of the best scorers in the league and even improved on his totals from last season. I’m sure the Pacers won’t stay down for long and looking forward to seeing JBC lead this team back to the playoffs.
#10 Alton Lister- Milwaukee Bucks (Last Season Rank: #14)
What Lister lacks in scoring, he more than makes up for it in defense. I believe Wig used the phrase “offensively disinterested” and Lister is exactly that all this dude wants to do is kick ass and play defense. If he ever decides to put up points…
#9 Maurice Cheeks- Chicago Bulls (Last Season Rank: #12)
One of the best PGs in the game AND he can play defense. Mo Cheeks is exactly the type of player you want playing PG for your team. 3rd Team All-League, 1st Team Defense. This guy does it all. Would love to see him back on the Bulls to help them make another run next season.
#8 Robert Parish- Golden State Warriors (Last Season Rank: #15)
While he technically has declined in terms of pure stats, he still finds a way to get better. Still putting up almost 22 points per game but his “decline” is still largely due to the fact that Moses Malone is the top dog on this team. So playing second fiddle to a player like that and still playing at this high of a level is impressive.
#7 Darryl Dawkins- New Jersey Nets (Last Season Rank: 27)
It’s no surprise that Dawkins played better this season and the Nets got better. Dawkins improved on his points per game (27.6 to 28.8) as well as his efficiency. Nets have him locked up for the rest of his prime years so look for Dawkins to continue to be on this list
#6 Moses Malone- Golden State Warriors (Last Season Rank: #6)
Consistently one of the top players in the league, he was close to making a case for top 3 player this season. 2nd Team All-League and another player who was close to averaging a 30 point double double. It will be interesting to see how this offseason goes if the Warriors try to retain the Twin Towers or do some sign and trade deals after FA.
#5 Larry Nance- Washington Bullets (Last Season Rank: #10)
Offensively, Nance took a huge jump this season going from 22.4 points per game to 29.6. The Bullets went out and got him in the offseason and that might have been the best move they could have made. Easily the best player on this team and still on a cheap deal. I’m sure the Bullets will look to re-sign him after next season so be sure to expect the Bullets to be contenders for a while.
#4 Ralph Sampson- Boston Celtics (Last Season Rank: NR)
You would think that there wouldn’t be much to say about the best player on one of the worst teams, but the Celtics made sure to let everyone know just who exactly this man is. Averaging 29.2 points per game on his way to winning Rookie of the Year is a solid start to the career. I’m sure the Celtics will be looking for some help around but it might be foolish to not make him a focal point of this team.
#3 Mike Gminski- Kansas City Kings (Last Season Rank: #4)
Once again, Gminski finds himself close to the top of this list. 21.6 points and tied for the league lead in rebounds per game at 10.7, This man can do it all. 1st Team All Defense and if he just scores some more points, he will easily be 1st Team All League. But with teammates like his, he can focus more on stopping the opposing team than having to put up all the points. But the fact that he’s one of the best defenders and great at scoring just shows how incredible he truly is.
#2 Kevin McHale- Milwaukee Bucks (Last Season Rank: #3)
I’ll be honest, if it were up to me, McHale would have been MVP and he’d be sitting at #1. But the algorithm is the algorithm and this is where we’re at. League leading 32.1 points per game, 1st Team All-League, 2nd Team All-Defense, on the best team with the best defense. Kevin McHale was truly special this season.
#1 Magic Johnson- Los Angeles Lakers (Last Season Rank: #1)
Death, taxes, Magic Johnson winning MVP. All this man has done is average 30+ points and 10+ rebounds per game his entire career. And he’s only 24 years old so it’s not like he’s due for a decline anytime soon. I’m not sure how many different ways we can say that he is the best player in the league, but he really is the best player in the league. I’m looking forward to watching this FA unfold and see who the Lakers decide to keep to build around Magic.
Well I appreciate you taking the time to read this, or at least just look at the rankings. Let me know what you think in the comments.
Here we are back again to give my rankings of the top 30 players in NPBSL from the 1983-84 season.
I used my same 100% accurate formula from last season again. I created my own formula for this that essentially ranks players based on where they finish in each category compared to the league average. I will say that points are favored more since you can’t be called a top “player” if you aren’t able to score points. And this game is all about winning and the only way to win is to score more points than your opponent. For instance, players who scored 20+ pts/game this season all got a boost in the rankings. But that’s not to say it’s the only thing I looked at. I took into account multiple categories, as well as, season awards.
First, how did I come up with these rankings? Well first I removed all players who didn’t play in any games this season (seems pretty obvious). This left me with 233 players. Of the remaining players that got some time on the court, I then found the league average for minutes played, which is ~23.5 minutes/game. Anybody who didn’t meet the league average for minutes played, I removed them from the list as well. This left me with 122 players to go through. I then took the remaining players and averaged out multiple categories. I used this number as my standard for grading the players. Anybody who finished below the average in every category, or only finished above average in 1 category, was also removed from the list, obviously you aren’t considered a top player if you are below average in almost every category. This left me with 64 players. From there, I used a made up grading scale for these remaining players. As I said, I took into account multiple statistical categories, as well as, awards throughout the season and league leaders. I also factored in Games Played and Games Started, while being aware that some people may have missed time due to injuries. I did not dock many points for players missing time, especially if they were able to come back and perform like they were before they got injured.
And remember that this is only for the 1983-84 season. This is NOT saying this is where I think players are ranked for their career nor is it a ranking for going forward. Strictly the 1983-84 season. We will start at #30 and then work our way to #1. So let’s get into some rankings!!!
#30 Adrian Dantley- Indiana Pacers (Last Season Rank: #9)
While this was certainly a down year for Dantley, it was by no means a bad year. The Pacers gave up during the season once they realized they weren’t making the playoffs and the players suffered. Still he averaged 28.7 points per game which was enough to put him back on this list this season.
#29 Reggie Theus- San Diego Clippers (Last Season Rank: NR)
Averaging 20.2 points per game and 10.2 assists per game, Theus jumps into the top 30 rank this season. His defensive play hurt his rankings this season but he’s still young enough to where he can improve upon this ranking and come back even better next season. Maybe then, Chad will give him his respect as a purple potential.
#28 Danny Schayes- Seattle Supersonics (Last Season Rank: NR)
Schayes took a big jump this season, including winning Most Improved Player, after being given the starting role at C. Averaging 16 points per game, 7.9 rebounds per game, over 1 block per game. This is another young player that looks to keep getting better and better.
#27 James Worthy- Portland Trailblazers (Last Season Rank: #17)
Worthy got slightly better on offense, in terms of scoring, but mostly stayed the same player as he was last season. The drop in the rankings could be an indicator of other players taking a step forward. He’s still a force to be reckoned with on defense, as evidenced by his 1st Team All Defense selection, but he needs to do a little bit more in order to climb these rankings
#26 Cliff Robinson- New Jersey Nets (Last Season Rank: NR)
Cliff Robinson improved in pretty much every aspect of his game since last season. And as a result, this Nets team looked to be heading on their way to getting back to playing like the championship team they were a few seasons again. He was so close to averaging a double double this season with 24.5 points and 9.7 rebounds per game, but at age 24, this man is going to be a problem for seasons to come.
#25 Jim Paxson- Cleveland Cavaliers (Last Season Rank: #23)
Paxson’s defense got a little worse but his offense stayed about the same even though he shot the ball better this season. He’s very consistent but I wonder if he may be playing out of position a little bit. Unless the Cavs to start really featuring him more, he probably won’t climb too much higher in the rankings.
#24 Alex English- Chicago Bulls (Last Season Rank: #6)
While he dropped significantly in the rankings, this could be more of a product of him playing on a good team and not being needed to carry the load as much. Still, he averaged 25.1 points per game and was fantastic on defense with a 97.6 D EFF rating.
#23 Dominique Wilkins- Seattle Supersonics (Last Season Rank: #15)
Averaging 26.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, Wilkins improved in nearly every aspect of his game from last season. The Supersonics added some talent around him and had plenty of help so Wilkins still isn’t asked to do too much but when he is called upon, he shows up.
#22 Michael Ray Richardson- Detroit Pistons (Last Season Rank: NR)
Given a larger role this season with a new team, MRR proved to be a very solid PG in this league. 16.6 points per game to go with 7.2 assists per game. Maybe with another year of being on this team, we can see him take another step forward as the Pistons may look to start becoming a perennial playoff contender
#21 James Donaldson- Los Angeles Lakers (Last Season Rank: #9)
Here is a player who really regressed in almost every category but still finds himself on this list. It’s likely it’s because of the Lakers adding Magic to the team and having Donaldson take a step back. If that’s gonna be the case moving forward, and it’s very likely it is, I don’t see him moving up the rankings too much. But even still, he did average a double double and that is no easy feat
#20 Rickey Green- Seattle Supersonics (Last Season Rank: NR)
Another player who just keeps getting better and better. Averaging a double double (14.7 points and 10.4 assists), Green was a great addition to the Supersonics and helped them to an even better season than last season. Still, if he wants to break into the elite tier of PGs, he’s going to have to figure out a way to score more points. Or at least help his teammates score even more points.
#19 Sidney Moncrief- Cleveland Cavaliers (Last Season Rank: #29)
Our first player who was on this list last season that actually moved up. Moncrief had a really great season. He helped lead the Cavaliers to another playoff berth with 26.6 points per game as he earned a spot on the 2nd Team All League. Hopefully the Cavaliers can bring him back and try to make another run.
#18 Bernard King- Kansas City Kings (Last Season Rank: #26)
King of the Kings. Or at least that would be a cool nickname if he was the best player on his team. But it could still be used for him since he led the Kings in scoring as he averaged almost 30 points per game and was a key piece in the Kings trying to defend their title this season. Another All League bid this season but he moved up to 2nd team. Going to be interesting to see how the Kings handle the cap space moving forward.
#17 Larry Bird- Philadelphia 76ers (Last Season Rank: NR)
Bird will forever be the “what if” player. What if he played on a team with an active GM? What if he was insured his first season? While he did play better this season, it’s still another season wasted. Hopefully he decides to go play for a contender next season and not re-sign with the Rockets, if they even bid for him.
#16 Terry Cummings- Detroit Pistons (Last Season Rank: #2)
This drop in the rankings is purely because the Pistons got a little bit better and added some talent around Cummings. He still showed he’s an elite PF by averaging 29.5 points per game. But just like his teammate Michael Ray Richardson, I believe another year on this team with the help of some new additions can really help unlock Cummings potential
#15 Terry Tyler- Milwaukee Bucks (Last Season Rank: #23)
While his scoring went down, his O EFF and D EFF both got better. But offense isn’t even the Bucks strength, even though they are top 7 in scoring offense. Their defense is where it’s at and Terry Tyler is a big part of that, as proven by his 1st Team All Defense status. You’re not gonna find too many people who can stop the other team from scoring as well as Terry Tyler.
#14 Kiki Vandeweghe- Utah Jazz (Last Season Rank: #26)
Once again sitting close to the top of the leaderboard in points per game at 30.8, Kiki remains one of the best scorers in the game. If he can find a way to improve on his defensive side of the game, we will see him jump into the top 10, maybe even top 5. But for now, good luck trying to stop him from scoring.
#13 Clyde Drexler- Denver Nuggets (Last Season Rank: NR)
Rookie of the Year Runner-up (probably), Clyde put together a pretty good year averaging 18.1 points and 7 rebounds per game. Especially on a team that wasn’t really trying this year. We’ll see how he progresses once the Nuggets add some pieces around him.
#12 Calvin Natt- Kansas City Kings (Last Season Rank: #7)
2nd best scorer on the defending champs, Natt put together another stellar season. It was a bit of a regression from last season but the Kings a whole took a slight step back. But that didn’t stop him from still being named ! Team All-League. And what’s even crazier about this Kings team is that Natt wasn’t even the best player on the team.
#11 Joe Barry Carroll- Indiana Pacers (Last Season Rank: 16)
So close to a 30pt double double average for the season. Probably took a bit of a hit once the Pacers realized they weren’t making the playoffs. Even still, JBC remains one of the best scorers in the league and even improved on his totals from last season. I’m sure the Pacers won’t stay down for long and looking forward to seeing JBC lead this team back to the playoffs.
#10 Alton Lister- Milwaukee Bucks (Last Season Rank: #14)
What Lister lacks in scoring, he more than makes up for it in defense. I believe Wig used the phrase “offensively disinterested” and Lister is exactly that all this dude wants to do is kick ass and play defense. If he ever decides to put up points…
#9 Maurice Cheeks- Chicago Bulls (Last Season Rank: #12)
One of the best PGs in the game AND he can play defense. Mo Cheeks is exactly the type of player you want playing PG for your team. 3rd Team All-League, 1st Team Defense. This guy does it all. Would love to see him back on the Bulls to help them make another run next season.
#8 Robert Parish- Golden State Warriors (Last Season Rank: #15)
While he technically has declined in terms of pure stats, he still finds a way to get better. Still putting up almost 22 points per game but his “decline” is still largely due to the fact that Moses Malone is the top dog on this team. So playing second fiddle to a player like that and still playing at this high of a level is impressive.
#7 Darryl Dawkins- New Jersey Nets (Last Season Rank: 27)
It’s no surprise that Dawkins played better this season and the Nets got better. Dawkins improved on his points per game (27.6 to 28.8) as well as his efficiency. Nets have him locked up for the rest of his prime years so look for Dawkins to continue to be on this list
#6 Moses Malone- Golden State Warriors (Last Season Rank: #6)
Consistently one of the top players in the league, he was close to making a case for top 3 player this season. 2nd Team All-League and another player who was close to averaging a 30 point double double. It will be interesting to see how this offseason goes if the Warriors try to retain the Twin Towers or do some sign and trade deals after FA.
#5 Larry Nance- Washington Bullets (Last Season Rank: #10)
Offensively, Nance took a huge jump this season going from 22.4 points per game to 29.6. The Bullets went out and got him in the offseason and that might have been the best move they could have made. Easily the best player on this team and still on a cheap deal. I’m sure the Bullets will look to re-sign him after next season so be sure to expect the Bullets to be contenders for a while.
#4 Ralph Sampson- Boston Celtics (Last Season Rank: NR)
You would think that there wouldn’t be much to say about the best player on one of the worst teams, but the Celtics made sure to let everyone know just who exactly this man is. Averaging 29.2 points per game on his way to winning Rookie of the Year is a solid start to the career. I’m sure the Celtics will be looking for some help around but it might be foolish to not make him a focal point of this team.
#3 Mike Gminski- Kansas City Kings (Last Season Rank: #4)
Once again, Gminski finds himself close to the top of this list. 21.6 points and tied for the league lead in rebounds per game at 10.7, This man can do it all. 1st Team All Defense and if he just scores some more points, he will easily be 1st Team All League. But with teammates like his, he can focus more on stopping the opposing team than having to put up all the points. But the fact that he’s one of the best defenders and great at scoring just shows how incredible he truly is.
#2 Kevin McHale- Milwaukee Bucks (Last Season Rank: #3)
I’ll be honest, if it were up to me, McHale would have been MVP and he’d be sitting at #1. But the algorithm is the algorithm and this is where we’re at. League leading 32.1 points per game, 1st Team All-League, 2nd Team All-Defense, on the best team with the best defense. Kevin McHale was truly special this season.
#1 Magic Johnson- Los Angeles Lakers (Last Season Rank: #1)
Death, taxes, Magic Johnson winning MVP. All this man has done is average 30+ points and 10+ rebounds per game his entire career. And he’s only 24 years old so it’s not like he’s due for a decline anytime soon. I’m not sure how many different ways we can say that he is the best player in the league, but he really is the best player in the league. I’m looking forward to watching this FA unfold and see who the Lakers decide to keep to build around Magic.
Well I appreciate you taking the time to read this, or at least just look at the rankings. Let me know what you think in the comments.