This is probably the last NUT!20 of the year, and right now we’re going to see some major shakeups due to the possibility of studs sitting late in the year, as well as some guys who we’re looking at to be key in the clutch:

1. Kobe Bryant, SG, LAL
Surprise!  Bryant’s 65 the other night was huge, but keep in mind, he’s been on fire since the All-Star Break.  33.6/6.5/6.2 with 2.1 threes, 847% from the line on 11.3 attempts per game, and 1.7 steals, Bryant could very well average over 35 ppg over the next few weeks as he gets into playoff mode, and for that reason he’ll get the number one spot.  (It’s worth noting that I put him here before his 50-point outburst last night.  It’s also worth nothing what I said in December’s NUT!20: “If there’s one guy who’s going to go bonkers for a 15-game stretch in February and March, that guy is right here.”)

2. Gilbert Arenas, PG, WAS
Double surprise!  The Hibachi is getting fired back up.  After a completely disastrous February, Gilbert got his clavicle or whatever popped back into place and now he’s back to his old self.  He’s knocking down threes, collecting steals, and best of all he’s playing 18 more games this year, each of which will be meaningful as they jockey for playoff position.

3. LeBron James, SF, CLE
Heeeere we go.  Finally.  32.4/8.1/6.9 with 2 threes, 1.8 steals and a block in March.  LeBron said duriing the All-Star Break that he knew it was time to turn it on - and it looks like he is.

4. Dirk Nowitzki, PF, DAL
Ho-hum, just another fantastic season for the Diggler.  He’s been in a bit of a shooting slump lately, but he’s at #5 of the TPR and he’s a top-5 pick again next year.

5. Kevin Garnett, F, MIN
As if we’re going to forget how you sat out the last six games last year, Kevin.  With the Wolves struggling to stay in the playoff race, we’re going to keep a close eye on Garnett this year, and that’s why he sits this low.

6. Shawn Marion, F, PHO
Marion is very clearly still hurting.  The bruised hand that forced him out of action for 2 games a few weeks ago is apparently still bothering his shot, leading to a very-low 11.7 ppg in March.  As the gap between the Suns and Dallas widens, Marion may sit it down for a few games at the end of the year.  Even if he doesn’t, the hand is still a major concern.

7. Allen Iverson, G, DEN
The Nuggets are clearly starting to get things figured out, and Iverson’s running the show, averaging 11.3 assists drung their recent 4-game streak.  He’s also playing 18 more games this year and is locked in a playoff position race, giving him a nice bump in value.

8. Steve Nash, PG, PHO
The Suns may be struggling after their classic against the Mavs last week, but Nash seems to be just fine.  The threes aren’t there as much as they were early in the year, but eveything else looks a-ok.

9. Yao Ming, C, HOU
He’s still a little rusty, but he’s going to be working his way back into playing shape for the playoffs which means plenty of minutes for Yao over the final month.

10. Ray Allen, SG, SEA
Allen’s return to action has been one of the most unlikely things we’ve seen in the past month.  He’s not a free agent, his team isn’t very good, could it be that Jesus Shuttlesworth is in it for the love of the game?

11. Jason Kidd, PG, NJN
Solid.  The Nets are fighting for playoff position as well (as in, not being in position to play Detroit in the first round), so he’ll be going full steam.

12. Elton Brand, PF, LAC
Brand hasn’t ever shut it down early before, so there’s no reason to think he’ll do so now, despite the disappointing season for the Clips.

13. Rashard Lewis, F, SEA
He’s got one month left to convince suitors he’s worth a max deal in the offseason.  As a Rashard owner myself, I’m rooting for him.  Prediction - he’s a Bobcat next season.

14. Amare Stoudamire, C, PHO
Is he a first-rounder next year?  Guys are supposed to be even better the second year after surgery, so it’s possible he’ll be even better next time around, and this season hasn’t been shabby at all (20 on the APR).

15. Carmelo Anthony, F, DEN
The positives are the same as his teammates - he’s got a bunch of games left, they’re in a playoff push and the team is finally clicking.  He’s also 19 on the APR this year.  The scoring is down with AI around but everything else is fine.

16. Marcus Camby, C, DEN
The numbers don’t lie - he’s been a top 10 player over the past month, AND he’s got 18 games left, so even if he misses a few here or there, he’s still playing around the league average for the rest of the year.

17. Andre Iguodala, GF, PHI
Iggy’s been a Top-15 player ever since the Iverson deal, and he’s going to be one of the toughest players to peg in next year’s draft.

18. Josh Smith, F, ATL
Down goes Joe Johnson, up goes Smith: 20.7/9.3 with 3.3 bpg in March.  He’s like Andrei Kirilenko except he plays well.

19. Pau Gasol, F/C
Good: He’s a center and a top-20 guy.  Bad: His team is in the race for Oden/Durant and they only have 14 games remaining.

20.  As I do pretty often, I’ll leave #20 to you guys.  Who belongs on this list that isn’t here?