Starting Five: Who Would You Have?

The point guard is the "coach on the field" he usually starts plays, and leads the team on the court. A point guard is a team player, he has great court vision, and superb ball handling skills, and a high basketball I.Q. A great team usually starts with this position, it's a vital part to any team.

Chris Paul—N.O. Hornets

CP3 might be the best young point guard in the league. He is the face of the New Orleans Hornets, and on a nightly basis, chants of MVP can be heard. He shows great leadership and gives back to his community.

In 78 games this year he averaged 23 points, 11 assists, three steals, and five rebounds a game. All excellent numbers.

Honorable mentions:
Deron Williams—Utah Jazz
Derrick Rose—Chicago Bulls

Shooting guards are usually the best shooters on their teams (i.e. Richard Hamilton, Ray Allen, etc.), while others attack the rim and are labeled as slashers (Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, etc.). Many of the greatest of all time have played this position, and have paved the way for the future players (Michael Jordan).

Dwayne Wade—Miami Heat

This years' scoring champion, he has revitalized a team who won 15 games last season to a playoff birth. He's shown unbelievable leadership and superb perseverance.

In 79 games played this year, he averaged 30 points, five rebounds, seven assists, and two steals. Oh and he could win an MVP award this year.

Here's some food for thought: He averaged more points than Kobe this year, had a higher FG percentage, totaled more assists, and was a better defender. Nothing against Kobe at all, he's a great player, but he has a way better team than Dwayne Wade does.

Notable mentions:
Kobe Bryant—L.A. Lakers
Brandon Roy—Portland Trailblazers

The middle man you could say, small forwards are very versatile players, too short to be a power forward or center, but too big to be a point guard or shooting guard. A small forward has great range (Peja Stojakavic, Danny Granger) and can slash to the basket or do the dirty work down in the paint (LeBron James, Danny Granger, Kevin Durant). One thing is special about small forwards: their ability to draw the foul and get to the line.

LeBron James—Cleveland Cavaliers

I think this is a no-brainer, "The King" is virtually unstoppable. He's on the team with the best record in the NBA, and he's one of the most dominant players in the league.

In 81 games this year, he's averaged 28.4 points, seven rebounds and assists, and two steals. Did I mention he's virtually unstoppable?

He is possibly the new face of this era, the "next" Jordan. It's a joy watching him and an honor to have seen him play live. If this guy isn't on your team, something must be wrong with you, there's not a better player out there right now.

Honorable mentions:
Kevin Durant—OKC Thunder
Danny Granger—Ind. Pacers

Power forwards do a lot of the dirty work, grab rebounds, and go up strong to the hoop. Usually, a PF plays closer to the basket and has limited range. They go for blocks rather than steals, and are a last resort on defense if the guards are beat on the outside. Not many big men shoot the ball well outside the arc. Power forwards and Centers usually are interchangeable (Amare Stoudemire, Tim Duncan, Chris Bosh, Al Jefferson). A good big man is an absolute necessity to spread out the court

Al Jefferson—Minnesota Timberwolves

Before Jefferson's untimely injury, he was one of the hottest PF's in the league. He's the star player on his lowly team, and he has a bright future barring any injuries. This kid will play in more than his fair share of all-star games.

In 50 games this season, he averaged 23 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and one block. Compare those numbers to Dirk Nowitzki's 26 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and one block. They are somewhat similar right?

Notable mentions:
Dirk Nowitzki—Dallas Mavericks
Chris Bosh—Toronto Raptors
Tim Duncon—San Antonio Spurs

Like I said: Power forwards and centers are usually interchangeable on the court.(See Above)

Dwight Howard—Orlando Magic

Howard is a freak of nature, the tallest man to ever win a slam dunk contest. The kid has hops, and a great basketball I.Q. He get's "big" down in the post, and is a great scorer, rebounder, and defender. A natural athlete. The potential he possesses is a thing of envy and the sky is the limit for him.

In 79 games played this season he's averaged 21 points, 13 rebounds, one assist, and three blocks.

Honorable mentions:
Tim Duncan—San Antonio Spurs
Yao Ming—Houston Rockets
Andrew Bynum—L.A. Lakers
Pau Gasol—L.A. Lakers