<hr style="color:#D1D1E1" size="1"> As the title reads. Going into the season, who do you have as the top 10 players in the NBA? We'll revisit this at the conclusion of the year. Right now, my list is as follows.
1. Dirk
2. Wade
3. LeBron
4. Durant
5. Howard
6. Paul
7. Melo
8. DWill
9. Kobe
10. Amare/Rose
Honorable mentions: Kevin Love, Blake Griffin, Russell Westbrook.
Some of you will see this list and throw a fit. Allow me to explain me rankings.
I don't believe Dirk will hold the top spot. But because of what he accomplished in the playoffs; fighting through Kobe, Durant, LeBron, and Wade en route to a title win, he deserves the title of #1 until someone takes it from him, or he proves he no longer deserves it.
Wade and LeBron, quite literally, are a toss up in my opinion. I believe LeBron to be more physically gifted, but Wade possesses the mental strength that LeBron sometimes proves he lacks. Both are great players, and interchangeable as far as I'm concerned, but if I'm in the finals and the game is on the line, I want Wade taking the shots.
Durant is on the cusp of greatness. His handle is tighter(improved floor game), and he looks a little stronger. Even added a few post moves to his game. He's highly efficient from the floor, and money from the line. He's rotating better on defense, and causes havoc in the passing lanes with his length. He needs to cut down his turnovers, see the floor better, and get his teammates more involved, but outside of that he's gravy. This could be his year.
Dwight? At 1 or 2 in the league, I find him to be a tad bit overrated. Great player, and one of the best, but his game is a little limited. He has difficulties passing out of double teams, and he's a liability at the line. His post game is improved, but he's ineffective and inconsistent outside of the painted area. That said, he's an excellent defender. By far the best in the league, and an elite rebounder. He and Durant are interchangeable at 4 and 5.
Paul can leap up this list if he plays at his 08-09 level of play. Has to prove he can stay healthy though. Despite that, he's the best PG in the league, bar none.
Melo is one of the best scorers in the league. I have him at 3 behind Dirk and Durant. Excellent rebounder relative to his position, but he needs to be more consistent on the defensive end. Also has to play better in the playoffs. What's he at, 7 first round exits? That must change.
D-Will is a monster. Has a killer handle, and see's the floor like few do. Not the most athletic player in the league, but he knows basketball.
Kobe. Well, he isn't getting any younger, and with this wrist injury, I'm not sure how good he'll be this season. We'll see though. He'll certainly have the opportunity to shoot more.
Rose, despite winning the MVP, struggled mightily during last seasons playoffs. His jumper's inconsistent, and he's a mediocre defender. If that. That said, he possesses premier athleticism, making him an excellent slasher, and is a pleasure to watch around the rim.
Amare is Amare. Great offensive player, but a liability on defense.
1. Dirk
2. Wade
3. LeBron
4. Durant
5. Howard
6. Paul
7. Melo
8. DWill
9. Kobe
10. Amare/Rose
Honorable mentions: Kevin Love, Blake Griffin, Russell Westbrook.
Some of you will see this list and throw a fit. Allow me to explain me rankings.
I don't believe Dirk will hold the top spot. But because of what he accomplished in the playoffs; fighting through Kobe, Durant, LeBron, and Wade en route to a title win, he deserves the title of #1 until someone takes it from him, or he proves he no longer deserves it.
Wade and LeBron, quite literally, are a toss up in my opinion. I believe LeBron to be more physically gifted, but Wade possesses the mental strength that LeBron sometimes proves he lacks. Both are great players, and interchangeable as far as I'm concerned, but if I'm in the finals and the game is on the line, I want Wade taking the shots.
Durant is on the cusp of greatness. His handle is tighter(improved floor game), and he looks a little stronger. Even added a few post moves to his game. He's highly efficient from the floor, and money from the line. He's rotating better on defense, and causes havoc in the passing lanes with his length. He needs to cut down his turnovers, see the floor better, and get his teammates more involved, but outside of that he's gravy. This could be his year.
Dwight? At 1 or 2 in the league, I find him to be a tad bit overrated. Great player, and one of the best, but his game is a little limited. He has difficulties passing out of double teams, and he's a liability at the line. His post game is improved, but he's ineffective and inconsistent outside of the painted area. That said, he's an excellent defender. By far the best in the league, and an elite rebounder. He and Durant are interchangeable at 4 and 5.
Paul can leap up this list if he plays at his 08-09 level of play. Has to prove he can stay healthy though. Despite that, he's the best PG in the league, bar none.
Melo is one of the best scorers in the league. I have him at 3 behind Dirk and Durant. Excellent rebounder relative to his position, but he needs to be more consistent on the defensive end. Also has to play better in the playoffs. What's he at, 7 first round exits? That must change.
D-Will is a monster. Has a killer handle, and see's the floor like few do. Not the most athletic player in the league, but he knows basketball.
Kobe. Well, he isn't getting any younger, and with this wrist injury, I'm not sure how good he'll be this season. We'll see though. He'll certainly have the opportunity to shoot more.
Rose, despite winning the MVP, struggled mightily during last seasons playoffs. His jumper's inconsistent, and he's a mediocre defender. If that. That said, he possesses premier athleticism, making him an excellent slasher, and is a pleasure to watch around the rim.
Amare is Amare. Great offensive player, but a liability on defense.
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