The Final Lap. Thanks for the reads! Here’s the NBA Rankings 10-1!!!
10. Tim Duncan- It’s tough not to put Tim Duncan in the top 10 for many reasons. One, he’s boring AND old. That’s never a good combo. Duncan cannot defend power forwards anymore either. The best thing about Duncan? He’s doing his damage even though he’s slowing down a little bit. Last season, Duncan averaged 18- 10 and 1.5 for San Antonio while logging 31.3mpg ( the lowest in his career). Duncan has made everything possible for San Antonio last year. Had Duncan missed any amount of time last season- San Antonio would have missed the playoffs.
Is it fair to say Duncan is old and might drop into the 11-20 range next season? Yes. Might Duncan have another consistent season and keep his spot in the top 10? I wouldn’t be surprised.
9. Dirk Nowitzki– Dirk is seen as potentially a overrated/underrated candidate. He’s not a great rebounder for his size ( 7.7 rebounds per game last season) and defensively? Meh. He’s underrated because he’s been the #1 guy for Dallas for years and ALWAYS steps up in the playoffs. Dirk is one of four players with career playoff averages of 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Some people say Dirk cannot be a number one on a title team where I totally disagree. Unlike some other players- Dirk actually steps up in the playoffs by leaps and bounds. Other then the 2005-2006 Finals season, Dirk was missing that robin next to him. Micheal Finley and Steve Nash weren’t the guys and Caron Butler and Shawn Marion aren’t those guys either. With Dallas’ expiring contracts, Dallas should look for someone to play next to Dallas.
8. Deron Williams- Williams finally did 2 things for me. A) He played in his first playoff game and B) He stepped up in the playoffs. When first planning out the top 20, I didn’t know where Williams would fit. Would he be a top 10 player was more of the debate. Deron has a killer crossover, he’s a strong defender and is a top playmaker in the NBA. What’s I’m interested is how he will use Al Jefferson. Jefferson isn’t as mobile as Carlos Boozer is. Paul Milsap isn’t a ideal pick and roll partner either. Can Williams and Jerry Sloan use the flex offense to benefit? Time will tell.
I’m willing to go on the record in saying when Milsap, Jefferson, AK47 AND Okur are all healthy: Utah might be contending for a #1 seed in the West . I went back and forth on the Chris Paul- Deron Williams debate. When I look at some old games ( Thanks NBATV) of Williams’ playoff games in 2009 and 2007, Williams was dominant. We will see how close Paul and Williams are on this lise.
7. Chris Paul– Yes, Chris Paul just a smudge over Deron Williams. I think it got to that point in this debate. The only reason I lean Paul over Williams is because when Paul had his team around him and they were healthy: Paul averaged 21.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, 11.6 assists and 2.7 steals. That’s one of the best NBA seasons from a point guard in NBA history. What did Paul do the next season? 22.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 11.0 assists and 2.8 steals. That means in a 2 year span, Paul put up 2 of the best seasons we ever seen from a point guard NOT named Magic.
Last season, Paul only played 45 games but he looked to have another great all around season when he played: 18.7 points, 10.7 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 2.1 steals. Paul has the lean for me over Williams. Now Paul had a couple ” I’m the only guy playing hard” injuries and had he played 82 games, I think New Orleans would have been dangerous in the playoffs.
6. Carmelo Anthony- My Favorite player in the NBA today. I fell in love with his game when he played at Syracuse and watched almost all 82 games his rookie season. I also remember for the 2-3 year period, Carmelo was the ” I wish he got it” guy. Fighting in New York, Suspensions, DUI’s and more, Melo clearly needed guidance. Add in a Chauncey Billups and that fact he got the love on the national stage ( All Star Game MVP in 2006) and Carmelo has become a better overall player.
Carmelo has developed everything in his game. He’s become a stronger rebounder, a more deadly scorer and even a even better leader. My only question is this upcoming season: What lies ahead for Carmelo? I think Denver is probably the 4th best team in their division behind Oklahoma City, Portland and Utah. Carmelo has to make the choice of either staying in Denver and probably never getting to that Championship.
If the NBA settles this lockout issue before the 2011 season, I think Carmelo should move East. EVERYONE compares Melo to Bernard King, just like King, How many people in the East could guard Melo? In the East, Carmelo could play some 3 and 4 and be a mismatch almost every night.
5. Dwight Howard- The most dominant big man in the NBA clocks in at number 5. Alot could be said about Howard: He’s the biggest defensive presence in the NBA (career average- 2.1 blocks per game) , he’s a fantastic rebounder ( career 9.1 defensive rebounds per game) and has the small jumphook in his game. Around the basket, Howard is always efficient ( Career 60% from the field) He’s mobile and is always active in the low post. With all that Howard does, he allows Orlando to play Rashard Lewis at the PF.
However, There are a couple issues in Howard’s game. He’s a terrible free throw shooter ( Career 60% FT) Howard is 6 seasons in and has not developed the low post game he needs. Bringing in Patrick Ewing had little to NO impact on his low post game. Now in 2010, Howard decides to bring in Hakeem Olajuwon after 6 years of terrible post play on offense. Another problem: Howard has not shown that he’s the lead guy. In 2008, the Magic made the Finals but that was matchup problems Cleveland had guarding Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis. When they made it to the Finals…Howard has problems scoring against Gasol and Bynum and they would wear his down or just draw fouls to get him off the court.
The Upside in all this? He’s just gonna be 25 years old.
4. Kevin Durant- In all honesty, this is probably a little too high for young superstar. Durant is only 3 years in but is he top 5 worthy? In a sense..Yes. In Durant’s first season, he played the shooting guard position and clearly looked out of place. Durant looked out of place trying to attack from the wing and defending them made him look bad but yet, Durant averaged 20.3 points and 4.4 rebounds and won rookie of the year.
2 years later, Durant is possibly sitting on top of the world. With the help of Russell Westbrook, Jeff Green, Serge Ibaka and Thabo Sefolosha- Durant led OKC to the playoffs and lead the NBA in points with 30.1 points per game ( becoming the youngest player to ever lead the league in scoring). Where do we go with Durant? Last season, he also averaged 7.6 rebounds per game and he’s deadly to defend. He could shoot over you or slash to the basket. His offensive game is just smooth.
I think Durant and Oklahoma City will make a steady climb within the West.
3. Dwyane Wade- Wade could be second on this list. He was the first player to ever be in the top 16 in points, rebounds, assists, blocks and steals for a season. He’s always been a playoff performer and does it all.
Wade also played with THE worst supporting cast since 2008. Micheal Beasley, Carlos Arroyo? DeQuan Cook? Jermaine O’ Neal? Little to no help there. Yet, Wade let his team to the playoffs in back to back years AND posted crazy numbers (29-5-5 in 2008 and 33-5-7 in 2009). Overall, the addition of Bosh and James will lower his numbers but Wade should be good enough to remain a top 5 player.
2. Kobe Bryant- Earned his 5th ring this past season, showing NO signs of slowing down either. Overall, Kobe Bryant is the total package for the Lakers. He’s already a top 10 player all time hands down and another championship could lock him into the top 5. One of the most clutch players as well. I believe he had 4 game winners last season off the top of my head and just has that want to dominate and make all the tough decisions on the court.
I don’t think he’s that all defender we remember. He can do it in spurts but not 7 times in a 7 game series. He’s also a smarter scorer. Kobe can’t go for 40 like he used to but he’s still going to give you dominate performances. His playoff numbers were a little inflated due to the fact Jason Richardson and Grant Hill could not guard him in the Phoenix series. His Game 7 vs Boston was terrible ( He had the 3rd best game out of all the lakers) to some people even though they got the win. Some fans even argued Pau Gasol should have gotten the Finals MVP. I think Kobe earned it.
I doubt Kobe will slow down anytime soon and it’s fair to say he shouldn’t be ranked this low but I have to argue for my #1 player now.
1. LeBron James- You Surprised?
Don’t be- Unlike most people, LeBron has my respect and I’m not letting his interview cloud my opinion. All the Things LeBron do on the court makes him the best player in my eyes. Let’s look at it like this: If you removed LeBron, how many wins would you predict for Miami? 45? 50? Add LeBron to Miami and the potential of a 70 win season is right there. LeBron won 66 games without players like Wade or Bosh around him.
Not only that, LeBron could play 2 roles for this Miami team next season. He could be the power forward for a small ball lineup and the Magic Johnson role. Most likely, James should be a starting SF for the team next season.
I also seen people eliminate LeBron from the MVP race when in fact- It might have gotten even stronger. We all know LeBron could score BUT what about his assists numbers. With D-Wade and Bosh PLUS knockdown shooters like Mike Miller, Eddie House and James Jones? He could average 10-12 assists as well as 20-22 points next season.
Not to Mention- LeBron steps it UP in the playoffs. LeBron averaged 29-9-7 in 2009 and kept Cleveland in the playoffs with that Game 3 performance against Boston. The Game 5 performance is the one everyone harps on because to some, he quit. The Game 6 vs Boston- He had a terrible shooting night.
Between Kobe and LeBron- It’s not what Kobe doesn’t do but LeBron does in my eyes.
Hope you enjoyed the Top 50 rankings and be on the lookout for the season previews and predictions!