NBA Player Rankings

3. Dwight Howard. Athleticism is off-the-charts. Can control the paint. Can score in bunches near the basket. Overpowers defenders for dunks. Blocks shots and rebounds among the best in the league. Leads the league in dunks. Scares the boogeyman to sleep with his dunks. And Chuck Norris runs like a little girl from his dunks. Oh, and did you see the Slam Dunk contest? WOW...  So other than his dunks ("run away, run away"), this monster of the hard court is blessed with a ferocious ability to rebound and block shots. He actually leads the league in rebounds this season in addition to his...DUNKS. If you're old enough to remember Shaq in his first few seasons, then you'll be delighted to hear that Dwight Howard is actually better at the same point in his career. He's more athletic and has more basketball sense at this relatively early stage in the game than Shaq. So watch out for Dwight Howard. Because if you don't, don't come crying to me when your entire family tree is DUNKED on. 

2. Kobe Bryant. I know, I know. I'll get the "Kobe hater" label. But that said, Kobe can score by going to the rim, shooting the three, or anything in between. Can defend like no other. Competitiveness and desire to win are unmatched by any other player.  His FG%, 3PT%, RPG, and steals per game are all up. And, guess what? His scoring is down. Yet, his Lakers are in first place in the West. And just a few months ago, he was wanting/not wanting/wanting/not wanting to be traded. Instead, Pau Gasol was invited to the party. And I think the party has just begun for these Lakers. Kobe has been in the league for 12 seasons now. He knows what it takes to win and has been through this many times before. And believe it or not, he actually might make a good team leader. 

1. LeBron James. Can get to the rim even if double-teamed. Can score even if the other team focuses all of their defense on him. Shooting ability may not be as good as Kobe, but athleticism is through the roof. Is extremely fast, strong, and agile. Should be MVP. There's not much more to be said. His numbers are up this season in EVERY category. He still might not have much of a team around him (even after the trades), but that won't stop LeBron. Just ask the Detroit Pistons about last year's playoff debacle.

Debate the list all you want. But one fact remains strong: The NBA is back and as big as ever. These superstars bring excitement to every game and the playoffs this year could be the best in recent memory.

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