NBA Top 50: T.J. Ford (No. 45)

FanHouse's Tom Ziller argues his ranking of the top 50 players in the NBA.

The level of bidding T.J. Ford sparked this summer seems a bit of a sham. Obviously, concerns about his spine should be a factor in considering his services; proper prudence on matters of possibly dire health is key. Thirty missed games two years after a real serious neck injury -- that's unnerving enough for me, too. But Ford has come back from each injury sparkling, and the concept of "injury histories" are mostly overblown. (See: Marcus Camby, Antonio McDyess, Steve Nash.)

This is to say that when Ford is on the court (often), he is simply spectacular. For a small (demerit) guard who can't shoot (demerit) or defend (demerit), you'd be hard pressed to find a more able lead for your backcourt. Despite playing in an offense ill-suited to his unique skills, Ford tallied a PER above 20 last season ... no small feat. Toronto under Sam Mitchell runs a slow offense, predicated on a surprising amount of isolation, draw-and-kick and high pick-and-roll play. Despite the presence of Bryan Colangelo and his Nash-style point (Ford), this was no Phoenix North.

So, if under Mitchell Ford could be an excellent offensive player, how will things go in Indiana? Well, Jim O'Brien likes to play fast -- transition offense, defensive gambling, early threes encouraged. Ford loves to gamble and is at his best in the open court (so long as Al Horford's not around). By all indications, Ford is as good a fit for Indiana's up-tempo affair as anyone. I can imagine a team that guns and slips to the rim every time down, with T.J. running the show like a Broadway choreographer.

The one question, of course: will Ford himself hoist up treys? Setting up Mike Dunleavy and Danny Granger for a transition jack -- that's perfect. Pulling up yourself? No, that won't work. If Ford weren't so damn quick, he'd never get by anyone because every defender in the league would slack off him and let him miss open jumpers all day. But Ford's speed allows him to cross up and get to the rim no matter how soft you guard him. His percentage on close shots was better than ever last year. As he continues to excel at finishing the play himself, that iffy jumper becomes even less necessary.

But really, the key will be finding those sidekicks. Ford will never be an elite scorer, but Granger can. Funleavy can put in 40 any given night. Brandon Rush, if he develops an NBA three, will be a welcome receiver of Ford's outlets. Every guard on the 2007-08 Pacers shot at least one more three per 36 minutes than Ford did in Toronto. If all goes according to code, every guard on the 2008-09 Pacers will still shoot at least one more three per 36 minutes than Ford.

If he and O'Brien accept reality, Ford could be an 11-assist per game player. Mix in bonus fast break opportunities on rewarded gambles and maybe some natural, developmental improvement in his jumper for the times he must take a three, and you're looking at an All-Star. Things can go wrong, as they can with every player on this list. Betting on an injury is a fool's game, though. Embrace T.J.'s glorious potential, and don't blink.