We have almost made it to the start of training camp. Normal service will soon be resumed. In just over four weeks time, the players will be suiting up and readying themselves for another competitive season in the NBA. The National Basketball Association is often heralded for having superstars and tremendous athletes, but just who is the best of them all?
Can
James Hardenimprove further to become an MVP threat?
Photo Credit: Angel Blue, Flickr.com
No. 10: Houston Rockets: James Harden
The former Oklahoma City Thunder Sixth-man has emerged into a legitimate star in the last 12 months. After a disappointing NBA Finals in 2012, Harden broke out once he was traded to Houston. In the 2012-13 season, Harden averaged 25.9 points per game and dished out 5.8 assists. In other words: Harden became a star.
No. 9: Houston Rockets: Dwight Howard
I give D12 the slight edge over his teammate in this one, simply because of what he has achieved in his career so far. A three-time DPOY, Howard can change the course of games on both ends of the floor. He’s not only one of the strongest guys in the league, but the most athletic big man. A gazelle running up-and-down the floor, altering shots and finishing alley-oops. Sure, his last couple of seasons have been up-and-down, but in a league with only a few good centers, Howard is easily a top-ten player.
Derrick Rosewas the first overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft by his hometown team and by his third season, the Bulls’ point guard was the NBA’s Most Valuable Player. (Flickr.com/Keith Allison)
No. 8: Chicago Bulls: Derrick Rose
With all that has happened with Derrick Rose in the last year, many seem to have forgotten just how talented this guy is. He’s the only winner of the MVP award not named LeBron James in the last five years. That has to count for something, right?
He’s refreshed and ready to go. His body his healed. It’s time to show the fans just why the city of Chicago are pinning their hopes on him. An explosive athlete, Rose can penetrate at will; finish through contact and also dish out to his teammates. His offensive game is very well-rounded and with a little work on his shooting, Rose can become a complete threat. I suspect by the time I do this list next year, Rose will easily be in the top-five.
No. 7: New York Knicks: Carmelo Anthony
The scoring champion from the 2012-13 season, Carmelo Anthony is about as fun to watch as anyone when he lights it up. Anthony can put teams to the sword at will, whether it’s with his silky-smooth jumpshot or his bullish strength when driving to the hole.
What Melo needs to do to make the top five: increase his defensive work and take the Knicks past the second round and to a conference finals.
Until either of those happen, he’s another in a long line of exciting offensive talents that could never quite win the big one.
I’m looking at you, Tracy McGrady.
Westbrook can become one of the best two-way players in the NBA this season
(Flickr.com photo by Keith Allison)
No. 6: Oklahoma City Thunder: Russell Westbrook
In-and-around the time of the James Harden trade, many fans were debating whether it was actually Westbrook whom the Thunder should consider trading.
Westbrook shut these people up with his play in 2012-13. His PER of 23.9 was good for 2nd among point guards.
The kid just gets better and better every year. His injury will set him back some, but there’s no way I’m betting against Westbrook. He plays with so much intensity on both ends of the floor. The fact he plays on both ends of the floor is something which separates him from players Carmelo Anthony and the 2012-13 version of Kobe Bryant, in my opinion. And don’t give me the ‘‘he’s not a real point guard’’ thing. Of course he is, he dished out over 7 assists last season. Sounds an awful lot like a true point guard to me.
No. 5: Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe Bryant
Don’t let his age fool you: Kobe Bryant is still an elite level player. His defensive effort has wained in the past two years, but his overall leadership and commitment has never been better. Bryant averaged 27.3 points last season at the age of 35 and has five Championships. His place in the top-five is still warranted.
He single handedly dragged the Lakers into the seventh-seed this season, and who would bet against him doing it again this year?
Actually, I would. For reasons that surround his age and the lack of talent around him in L.A, I fear this might be the last time I have Kobe ranked in the top-five when ranking NBA players. Shame.
Tony Parkerprepares to shoot a free throw. (Photo: Mark Runyon, Basketball Schedule)
No. 4: San Antonio Spurs: Tony Parker
This was the hardest one for me to do. Tony Parker and Chris Paul are the top two point guards in the NBA, but who is better?
Parker has had more playoff success and has been an instrumental part in the Spurs winning multiple championships, but Chris Paul single-handedly turns a mediocre offense into a good one. Heck, he made Vinny Del Negro look like a competent coach.
Being second to Chris Paul in the point guard stakes is hardly demeaning. Even having Tony Parker in the top-five will be a pleasure to see for many Spurs fans. The man has been underrated for far too long.
No. 3: Los Angeles Clippers: Chris Paul
Chris Paul is the best point guard in the league and just about sneaks into the top-3 of best players in the NBA. The former Wake Forest point guard controls an offense like few have. He’s perhaps the best small point guard since Isiah Thomas. A lofty comparison? Sure. But Paul’s level of talent is certainly within that ballpark.
He’s just so versatile and can hurt you in so many ways. Want him to drop 30? He can. Be more of a facilitator? No problem. Defensive game-changer through his quick hands? Absolutely.
It’s time to put together an MVP-caliber season, followed by some postseason success, CP.
No. 2: Oklahoma City Thunder: Kevin Durant
Being second place behind LeBron James is hardly a bad thing. But it’s becoming the norm for Kevin Durant in these types of lists. Where there was perhaps a slight debate two years ago, there just isn’t one.
But that shouldn’t be a slight on KD. He’s still an offensive juggernaut and can hurt you in many ways.
He’s also adding to his game. Last season, Durant took some pages out of the Holy Book of LeBron James by beginning to improve his passing ability. His assist numbers jumped from 3.5 to 4.6 last season.
Kevin Durant is a quite clear second place now. He’s frighteningly good. Infact, he is probably the best and most versatile scorer we’ve seen since Michael Jordan.
LeBron James is the undisputed king of the NBA (Photo Credit: Keith Allison, Flickr.com)
No. 1: Miami Heat: LeBron James
The easiest selection I’ll ever have to make. LeBron James is far and ahead the best player in professional basketball. He does everything to a high standard.
Is there a weakness in his game? I can’t find one. He shoots over .40% from behind the arc; he averages close to 27 and 7 for his career and is the player every player wants to play with. The unselfish superstar, LeBron can guard the best point guard in the league, but also the best center. A true freak of nature.
Can he be the greatest of all-time when all is said and done? Sure.
[slider_pro id=”31″]