Top-10 Players in the NBA

[Freak123]

I just wanted to make a thread to see other people's opinions on who the top-10 players in the NBA are. So just give a list and, if you feel like it, leave a reason next to each listed player. Let's keep it nice and clean and have some fun.

1. LeBron James (Not the best, but the most versatile player in the history of the game, simply dominant. The best when it comes to today's game though.)

2. Dwyane Wade (Next to LeBron he is the most versatile player in the NBA, except is a better scorer but not as good in rebounding or passing as LeBron.)

3. Dwight Howard (The most dominant traditional big-man in the game today. Fantastic defensive player.)

4. Chris Paul (Runs a team like hardly anyone else has been able to in the history of the game. He has incredible leadership skills, now if only he had talent and a fan base to share that with.)

5. Kobe Bryant (Only this low because age has slowed him down a bit as was shown in the playoffs. Still a dominant offensive player and an incredible defensive player, but he shoots too many jumpers now for my liking and he just isn't a great shooter.)

6. Dirk Nowitzki (His offense is just so good it makes up for his iffy defense at times. Can make a jumper from anywhere inside the half-court line, contested or not, and has finally learned how to take it all the way to the rim.)

7. Derrick Rose (He finally grew on me in the playoffs as he showed his stuff and showed how great of a leader is. Needs serious work on his shooting, defense, and conditioning though, but I believe he is the best leader at this young of an age in the history of the game other than MJ and Russell.)

8. Kevin Durant (Other than Dirk, the best scorer in the game, while also maintaining a defensive mindset, though his defense and ball-handling still needs work.)

9. Deron Williams (Good shooter, passer, leader, defender, and an all-around extremely solid player, does everything very well. Just not that great at anything though, which is why he is #9 for me.)

10. Russell Westbrook (Bad shooter and has terrible shot selection, just not a true point guard. But what he does do well, he does extremely well. He drives to the rim and finishes very well, is as intense as anyone in the league on the defensive end of the floor, and demands more out of himself and his teammates night in and night out. Still needs to grow out of the bad shot selection phase, but there is no doubt this man is a top-10 player in the NBA.)

Honorable Mentions: Amar'e Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony, Blake Griffin, Pau Gasol, Chris Bosh, Steve Nash, and Rajon Rondo.

[ex carrabba fan]

Re: Top-10 Players in the NBA

Insert TDK Joker gif

Russell WB

[TheMatrix31]

Re: Top-10 Players in the NBA

Right now?

1. Dirk
2. Wade
3. LeBron
4. Howard
5. Durant
6. Kobe
7. Paul
8. Rose
9. Amare
10. Williams/Nash

....without much thought put into it, because top 10 lists are pretty whatever.

[ex carrabba fan]

Re: Top-10 Players in the NBA

Melo has to be top 10 with Amare

Deron Williams and Nash fall out to join Gasol, Randolph, Westbrook etc etc

[TheMatrix31]

Re: Top-10 Players in the NBA

Eh, I don't care much for Carmelo.

[Weeks]

Re: Top-10 Players in the NBA

1. LeBron
2. Howard
3. Wade
4. Dirk
5. Durant
6. Paul
7. Kobe
8. Rose
9. Melo
10. Amare

It's hard because all these players are so close to each other in terms of skills, that even though Durant is #5, and Melo is #9. They are almost just as good as each other, with durant being slightly better IMO.

The difference from #1 to #10 is minimal.

Later today I'll rank them using the system thing I developed and see how that turns out...

[da ThRONe]

Re: Top-10 Players in the NBA

1. LeBron James- As much as I hate to admit it after just quiting like he did he's still the best right now.

2. Chris Paul- Sure you can say it's the homer pick, but he showed just how elite he is when healthy.

3. Dwayne Wade- Just gets it done on both ends

4. Dwight Howard- Still needs some improvement offensively

5. Kobe Bryant- Still top 5, but declining.

6. Dirk Nowitzski- Mental toughness no longer a question, defense improved just not enough to be top 5 IMO.

7. Carmelo Anthony- Has top 3 talent. Maybe the best scorer in the league now that Kobe's aging. Not enough consistent effort.

8. Kevin Durant- Has to get better defensively and stronger. Scoring potential unlimited.

9. Derrick Rose- More experience alone should have him in the top 3 in a few years. Needs to work on defense.

10. Amare Stoudmire- Showed he was his own man this year.

[Gibbz]

Re: Top-10 Players in the NBA

1A) LeBron
1B) Dirk
1C) Wade

4) Kobe Bryant
5) Dwight Howard
6) Kevin Durant
7) Chris Paul
8) Melo
9) Derrick Rose
10) Deron Williams/Stat

[AlexBrady]

Re: Top-10 Players in the NBA

I'll give my thoughts on where the top players' games are at.

Kobe Bryant: Is still a creative and dynamic scorer. However his defense and domination in the clutch has seriously declined.

Dwyane Wade: A lightning quick scorer and a dynamic finisher. He can play lockdown defense and he makes much quicker decisions with the ball than LeBron does. An inconsistent jump shot is the only thing holding him back from legendary status.

Derrick Rose: Powerful, quick, and has plenty of upside. His crossovers are tight and he is a good finisher. What are his flaws? His jump shot is unreliable, he forces shots, overhandles, and he makes alot of bad decisions in the paint.

Dirk Nowitzki: A spectacular scorer with all the head fakes, step backs, and fadeaways. His quickness has diminished so his rebounding and man to man defense are below average.

Pau Gasol: One of the smartest players in the game. He can handle which makes him dangerous from the high post where he can shoot, pass, or face and go. His great footwork allows him to execute tight spins. His passing is terrific and his length makes him a solid rebounder. His off the ball play is active. Strikes against him? Man to man defense and he is coming off a pathetic post season.

LeBron James: An amazing combo of speed and power. His defense has improved and his passing is unselfish and usually accurate. Too bad his post game is rudimentary, his off ball play is non existent, his jump shot is streaky, and he handles more than a massuse. Most importantly, he fires too many blanks in the clutch.

Kevin Durant: A tremendous shooter with unlimited range. At 6 foot 10 he is mobile, can penetrate, and is a willing passer. He is skinny as a rail so stronger defenders can bully him and he can't really post up. His defense is lengthy but his lack of mass hurts him.

Steve Nash: Is still a great passer, a drop dead shooter, and he sees everyone on the court. Unfortunately, his defense is awful and he loves to overhandle (thanks Dan Toni). You have to feel bad that he is stuck with such mediocre teammates.

Deron Williams: His strength, size, and speed always allows him access to the paint. His crossovers are tight, he can post up, and his mid range game is reliable. Unlike Chris Paul, he doesn't always need a screen to start his offense. On the minus side, he makes alot of poor passes when surrounded by bigs.

Manu Ginobli: He is the man who makes the Spurs go. His first step is quick, his spot shooting accurate, and he is super creative with the ball. His lefty finishes at the basket are lethal and he is the dagger who puts the opponent away. Defensively, he is mediocre and his style of play makes him an injury risk.

Dwight Howard: Is the best rebounder and shot blocker in the game. He can make sweeping hooks and offensive rebounds are automatic points. But he has plenty of weaknesses. His post game is crude, he can't pass or handle, and he can't defend face and go players. More, he routinely looks confused against veteran teams and he usually only focuses on offense or defense in games (not both). Maybe the most overrated player in the league.

Chris Paul: A speed merchant and a great screen and roll player. His passing, handling, and court vision are top notch. He has alot of flaws though. He is basically 5 foot 10 which means he is easily double teamed, posted, and trapped. His incredible numbers are the product of his sticky fingers. Defensively, he just gambles for steals and usually gets burned. Whenever I watch him, it seems like he is always taking short cuts. An overrated player.

Carmelo Anthony: He is one of the most versatile scorers in the game. He can post, drive and finish, and shoot pull ups. Thats all he does though. His defense is awful, he only passes under heavy pressure, and he does nothing without the ball. He needs too much ball time to score his points. Most disturbing is his total inconsistency in big time games.

Amare' Stoudamire: He is a great face up scorer. Can shoot, drive and finish, and dive cut. His defense is awful and he rarely looks to pass. When teams play Stoudamire aggressively, he usually checks out mentally. Oh, and he folds in the clutch.

Chris Bosh: A great open jump shooter with quickness. He doesn't have strength which means his defense can be had. His rebounding is mediocre and he can't pass. His reliance on finesse makes him an average star.

To the OP. LeBron is not the most versatile player in history. He still hasn't figured out how to make set up passes or play in the post. Ever hear of guys like Magic Johnson, Dennis Rodman, and Scottie Pippen?
Dwight Howard is a fantastic defender? He sells out for blocks, can't defend face up players, and is suckered out of position by swift ball movement. His DPOY awards are mostly bogus. And where has Chris Paul ever led the Hornets?

[da ThRONe]

Re: Top-10 Players in the NBA

I'll give my thoughts on where the top players' games are at.

Kobe Bryant: Is still a creative and dynamic scorer. However his defense and domination in the clutch has seriously declined.

Dwyane Wade: A lightning quick scorer and a dynamic finisher. He can play lockdown defense and he makes much quicker decisions with the ball than LeBron does. An inconsistent jump shot is the only thing holding him back from legendary status.

Derrick Rose: Powerful, quick, and has plenty of upside. His crossovers are tight and he is a good finisher. What are his flaws? His jump shot is unreliable, he forces shots, overhandles, and he makes alot of bad decisions in the paint.

Dirk Nowitzki: A spectacular scorer with all the head fakes, step backs, and fadeaways. His quickness has diminished so his rebounding and man to man defense are below average.

Pau Gasol: One of the smartest players in the game. He can handle which makes him dangerous from the high post where he can shoot, pass, or face and go. His great footwork allows him to execute tight spins. His passing is terrific and his length makes him a solid rebounder. His off the ball play is active. Strikes against him? Man to man defense and he is coming off a pathetic post season.

LeBron James: An amazing combo of speed and power. His defense has improved and his passing is unselfish and usually accurate. Too bad his post game is rudimentary, his off ball play is non existent, his jump shot is streaky, and he handles more than a massuse. Most importantly, he fires too many blanks in the clutch.

Kevin Durant: A tremendous shooter with unlimited range. At 6 foot 10 he is mobile, can penetrate, and is a willing passer. He is skinny as a rail so stronger defenders can bully him and he can't really post up. His defense is lengthy but his lack of mass hurts him.

Steve Nash: Is still a great passer, a drop dead shooter, and he sees everyone on the court. Unfortunately, his defense is awful and he loves to overhandle (thanks Dan Toni). You have to feel bad that he is stuck with such mediocre teammates.

Deron Williams: His strength, size, and speed always allows him access to the paint. His crossovers are tight, he can post up, and his mid range game is reliable. Unlike Chris Paul, he doesn't always need a screen to start his offense. On the minus side, he makes alot of poor passes when surrounded by bigs.

Manu Ginobli: He is the man who makes the Spurs go. His first step is quick, his spot shooting accurate, and he is super creative with the ball. His lefty finishes at the basket are lethal and he is the dagger who puts the opponent away. Defensively, he is mediocre and his style of play makes him an injury risk.

Dwight Howard: Is the best rebounder and shot blocker in the game. He can make sweeping hooks and offensive rebounds are automatic points. But he has plenty of weaknesses. His post game is crude, he can't pass or handle, and he can't defend face and go players. More, he routinely looks confused against veteran teams and he usually only focuses on offense or defense in games (not both). Maybe the most overrated player in the league.

Chris Paul: A speed merchant and a great screen and roll player. His passing, handling, and court vision are top notch. He has alot of flaws though. He is basically 5 foot 10 which means he is easily double teamed, posted, and trapped. His incredible numbers are the product of his sticky fingers. Defensively, he just gambles for steals and usually gets burned. Whenever I watch him, it seems like he is always taking short cuts. An overrated player.

Carmelo Anthony: He is one of the most versatile scorers in the game. He can post, drive and finish, and shoot pull ups. Thats all he does though. His defense is awful, he only passes under heavy pressure, and he does nothing without the ball. He needs too much ball time to score his points. Most disturbing is his total incosistency in big time games.

Amare' Stoudamire: He is a great face up scorer. Can shoot, drive and finish, and dive cut. His defense is awful and he rarely looks to pass. When teams play Stoudamire aggressively, he usually checks out mentally. Oh, and he folds in the clutch.

Chris Bosh: A great open jump shooter with quickness. He doesn't have strength which means his defense can be had. His rebounding is mediocre and he can't pass. His reliance on finesse makes him an average star.

To the OP. LeBron is not the most versatile player in history. He still hasn't figured out how to make set up passes or play in the post. Ever hear of guys like Magic Johnson, Dennis Rodman, and Scottie Pippen?
Dwight Howard is a fantastic defender? He sells out for blocks, can't defend face up players, and is suckered out of position by swift ball movement. His DPOY awards are mostly bogus. And where has Chris Paul ever led the Hornets?

Your break down of Paul is all wrong. CP3 has never been a "speed merchant" even before his injuries. He is crafty and his ball handling, change of direction, and speed gears are what makes him so unique. The idea that he need screens to initiate anything is ridiculous and down right laughable. He's been injuried the last few years and when got healthy at the tail end of this season he lead his team in points, rebounds, assist and steals in the post season.

Before the injuries he lead a very mediocre Hornets team to the second best record and one game away from the WCF.

[Weeks]

Re: Top-10 Players in the NBA

Rankings

1. LeBron James
2. Dirk Nowitzki
3. Dwyane Wade
4. Dwight Howard
5. Chris Paul
6. Kobe Bryant
7. Carmelo Anthony
8. Kevin Durant
9. Derrick Rose
10. Amare Stoudemire

EDIT:

DEF=Defense (which was my opinion)
EYE=How they looked watching them IMO, so it isn't all stats ex. Durant has better stats, but Melo's game looks better
Clutch=My Opinion
Imapct=How they impact games in my opinion ex. Dwyane Wade is a better overall player than Dwight Howard, but Dwight has a greater impact on the result of a game

The rest are stat based, and the players are ranked by how certain stats compare to the other players in the top 10 pool

[AlexBrady]

Re: Top-10 Players in the NBA

Your break down of Paul is all wrong. CP3 has never been a "speed merchant" even before his injuries. He is crafty and his ball handling, change of direction, and speed gears are what makes him so unique. The idea that he need screens to initiate anything is ridiculous and down right laughable. He's been injuries the last few years and has must been healthy at the tail end of this season and lead his team in points, rebounds, assist and steals in the post season.

Before the injuries he lead a very mediocre Hornets team to the second best record and one game away from the WCF.

Some good points. When I say speed merchant I mean he has quick hands, jumps passing lanes, can steal entry passes, and turn the corner tight on screens. He doesn't need screens to initiate offense? Then why do the Hornets run 25 screen and rolls every game for him? Thats half the offense!

Considering how much he handles the ball, he better lead the team in points and assists. One of the reasons the Hornets were mediocre was because their go to plays were easily stopped (screen/rolls for Paul). The Spurs jumped and cornered Paul all day and forced his teammates to make the decisions that he usually makes.

[da ThRONe]

Re: Top-10 Players in the NBA

Some good points. When I say speed merchant I mean he has quick hands, jumps passing lanes, can steal entry passes, and turn the corner tight on screens. He doesn't need screens to initiate offense? Then why do the Hornets run 25 screen and rolls every game for him? Thats half the offense!

Considering how much he handles the ball, he better lead the team in points and assists. One of the reasons the Hornets were mediocre was because their go to plays were easily stopped (screen/rolls for Paul). The Spurs jumped and cornered Paul all day and forced his teammates to make the decisions that he usually makes.

Clearly you must not have watch the Hornets much this year. CP involvement in the offense was the lowest of his career this year. The reason why he controlled the ball so much is because Bryon Scott had no concept of an offense outside of the pick and roll. Even with him dominating the ball he still has the best assist to turnover ratio year in year out. Why wouldn't you want him in control of things?

The one thing I will say is Chris has a tendency to pick up his dribble too soon and allows himself to get trapped at times.

[iAM-IncReDiBLe-]

Re: Top-10 Players in the NBA

Everything Alexbrady said sounds about right.

[AlexBrady]

Re: Top-10 Players in the NBA

Clearly you must not have watch the Hornets much this year. CP involvement in the offense was the lowest of his career this year. The reason why he controlled the ball so much is because Bryon Scott had no concept of an offense outside of the pick and roll. Even with him dominating the ball he still has the best assist to turnover ratio year in year out. Why wouldn't you want him in control of things?

The one thing I will say is Chris has a tendency to pick up his dribble too soon and allows himself to get trapped at times.

I saw quite a few Hornets games and I thought they were very basic. They love the high screen/rolls, they run West and Okafor into the post, catch and shoots for Belinelli and a little bit of everything for Ariza. The non screen/roll plays don't really generate alot of points though. And when the good teams force the ball away from CP3 who is going to step up?

His assist to turnover ratio will always be great because he is a good handler and caretaker. What he needs to do is develop an off the ball game and curl, pop, or drive off weak side screens. I wouldn't mind Paul at the controls of my club, provided he is surrounded by some serious firepower.