This was a difficult list to create, I think I have it pretty accurate, but am always enjoy getting comments and feedback so let me know what you think. This is not a list of who deserves MVP. It is a list of who I think are the best of the best in the league TODAY. Note: Injuries this season won't necessarily be taken off of this list P.S. there are formatting problems and the Tim duncan #8, is at the ninth spot instead of 8 where steve nash is, so its supposed to be nash 9, and duncan 8.
10. Dirk Nowitzky, Dallas Mavericks: Disco Dirk, defending MVP. Last years MVP had to be on the list. He is the star player on one of the top teams in the tight Western conference. He contributes 23.6 points, and 8.6 rebounds. On the defensive end, he gives the Mavs almost a block and almost a steal a game. Being a 7 foot tall three point shooter is almost enough to get you on the list by itself.
8. Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs: At first, Tim wasn't on this list. But people argued it. As a read on those arguements my eyes were opened. He doesn't have the best stats in the world, but he is a flat out winner. He lead the spurs to 4 championships in the last 8 years. He is now leading them in the very tight western conference with 19.4 points and 11.3 boards. On the defensive end, he gives them 2 blocks and almost a steal a game. There is no way that this winner shouldn't be on this list.
9. Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns: Kid Canada would be higher on this list if he could play defense. He is probably the worst MVP in history at defense. But, let's face it, no one can pass better. He gives the Suns 17.1 ppg and 11.2 assists. He is one of the most clutch players in the league and shoots 47% from 3. Although he isn't good at defense, this 2 time MVP deserves to be on the list.
7. Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic: There is only one way to put this, Dwight Howard is a beast. He leads the league in rebounds at 14.3 a game, and also pitches in 20.9 ppg as the all-star, leader and big man of the 3rd place Orlando Magic. (Eastern Conference) He is almost unstopable to guard considering how athletic he is even though he is 7 feet tall. He is one of the most difficult players to guard in the entire league. I think Dwight could be number 5-6 years if Lebron isnt.
6. Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat: I know already I will get criticized for this pick. People will say, he has been out the whole year how can you put him there? And he is on such a bad team! But face it people, he is awesome. In games he has played this season, he has averaged 24.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg and 6.9 apg. Not to mention he added 1.7 spg. He is also one of the most explosive players in the league. He comes through time and time again in the clutch and we all know on a better team, he would be insane. Dwyane Wade when healthy, is a top 3 or 4 player.
5. Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix Suns: Amare is one of the most underrated players in the league. He is the backbone of the Suns. Not Steve Nash, Amare. This season, Amare has produced well. He gives the Suns 25.3 ppg and 9.2 rpg. Not as good of stats as some of the others on this list, but that'sbecause there was no one else inside to cover, he was getting double teamed 24/7. Now with Shaq in a Suns uniform he can show his true colors. If you ask a coach for an opposing team, and you ask them who they are the most scared of on the Suns, they wont say Steve Nash, they will say Amare Stoudemire.
4. Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics: The big ticket, enough said. He sells tickets with his offensive skill, defensive skill and athleticism. Now, KG only averages 19 ppgand 9.3 rebounds per game, but those stats are very misleading. The Boston Celtics were one of the worst teams in the league last season. This year, they are first in the league, KG is the main reason for that, not the only reason, but definitely the main one. It is also hard to get more points then that in a game when you are on a team with Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo. There is no question either that KG is the best out of those players as well.
3. Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets: CP3. This guy is amazing. There is no question that he deserves to be here. This year, he is the NBA assist leader at 11.6 assists a game while also scoring 21.1 ppg. Now, some people that don't know much about him might say, well, those stats are barely better then Steve Nash's. But no, see, Paul is a great defender to. He is a lock down defender, Paul leads the league averaging 2.7 spg. He rebounds to, he averages 4 boards a game, not bad for a point guard. This year Paul is one of the leading candidates for MVP and will be on this list for MANY years to come.
And now its for the obvious big 2. Kobe Bryant and Lebron James. But the question is, who is the best? The answer to me is simple.
2. LebronJames, Cleveland Cavaliers: LBJ leads the league this year in points with30 a game. But he doesn't quite have what it takes to be number one. Along with those 30 points, LBJ pitches in 7.9 rebounds and 7.2 assists a game. Not to mention 1.8 steals and 1.1 blocks. But the thing that doesn't quite make him number 1, is his mind. He does not have the mind of an NBA all time great. Lebron has the talent to score 40-10-10 every game, but he doesn't put himself in the right spot at the right time, and doesn't use his ability to the fullest, and that's why he isn't number one.
1. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers: Words do not describe him. The best way to, is a number. 81. The second highest scoring game in NBA history. (Wilt Chamberlin 100) Kobe is unreal, he is the leader of a team who is first place in the VERY tight western conference. He contributes to his team by giving them 28.4 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.6 assists. His stats are sort of misleading considering he has had to dump some of his scoring off to Pau Gasol. Kobe also is one of the best defenders in the league. No one can blow by him, he also gives the Lakers 2 steals a game. He is the most fun player to watch in the league and there is no one I would rather have on my team then him if I were a GM. There is no question to all of us that there is no other person we would want to take the last shot of the game for our team then KB24. 3 words. Kobe is king.
Now, I feel bad because there were so many fabulous players that I had to leave off this list, so I would like to give an honourable mention to: Tracy Mcgrady, Chris Bosh, Gilbert Arenas, Allen Iverson, Deron Williams and Carmelo Anthony.
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2 months ago
Ok Teej, i know that Kobe is unreal and scored 81 points but you should face this...it was against the raptors. A team whos defence has been their downfall from Day 1
2 months ago
The only problem that I have with the list is the fact that the greatest power forward in the history of the league in Tim Duncan is no on the list. He may be the most boring player to watch but he is still effective. And T-mac should get some consideration over AI.
2 months ago
matt, the fact that the raptor's defense was bad is no excuse for kobe being able to score 81. if it were, many more in the history of the nba would have scored near the century mark. the fact that kobe was able to score that many points primarily off of jump shots is what makes the feat that much spectacular. this case isn't really even an exception/fluke for kobe: take his 62 points against the dallas mavericks (whose defense i doubt you would critique) in LESS than 3 quarters amount of time. he personally outscored the entire dallas team by the end of the 3rd quarter.
2 months ago
I love D-Wade, but at the present moment he is not top 10. And Nick, T-Mac doesn't do all that Iverson does on a night to night basis, so no he shouldn't get any consideration over Iverson. I like Chris Paul too, but I feel like people are just jumping on the bandwagon. He's a good team player, yes, but he is not a better player then half those people listed under him and if he gets love like that, then D-Will should be right up there too. Carmelo is a cool dude, but i'm starting to think he is overrated. He is too big to not play defense and he doesn't on a nightly basis. I also agree that Tim Duncan should be in the top ten, but hey Timmy gets disrespected and overlooked for what he does almost every year anyway. All and all, I respect your opinions.
2 months ago
Chris Paul gets a lot of steals, but that has little to do with man-to-man defense... No way is he a "lock down" defender, although it isn't for lack of trying; it's that he's just too small. If you don't believe me, just ask D-Will.
2 months ago
Williams has shot 57% against Paul this season. Parker and Nash have shot 50% against him.
1) Kobe
2) LeBron
3) Duncan
4) Paul
Duncan is extremely underrated.
2 months ago
Duncan is underrated I agree, but he just cant get is done as well anymore, Im a Duncan fan and I think hes great, but, I just dont think hes there anymore, hes at like 11 or 12, he woulda been there last year, just not anymore.
from 2 months ago
How do you say he can't get it done anymore, he clearly has the Spurs right where they want to be going into the playoffs, and he may not be putting up the same number as he once did, but the fact is he is the backbone of a team that has won it the last 2 years.
2 months ago
It doesn't surprise me that you would give Chris Paul so little love, and yet he still thrives in the face of adversity. And how could you not place Tim Duncan on this list. Here's your proof. Kobe was 3-13 in his final game of the season and got 20 points mainly from the free throw line. Regardless, I wouldn't expect you to be fair since you say that "Duncan can't get it done anymore."
2 months ago
Duncan has very similiar statistics this season to his career stats. How can you say he can't get it done anymore? Have you been watching at all? His team won the title last year!! Duncan should be in the top three, and you could argue him being number one because the game is played inside out. 9 out of the last 10 titles had either Shaq or Duncan on their team.
2 months ago
Chris Bosh needs to be on the list! 9th-6th because he is one of the few people who can slow down Dwight.
How you put Kobe over Lebron makes me think you need to go to a mental asylm!
First of all Lebron is a one man team and still manages to get more assist than Kobe. 2nd Lebron gets more assist and points than Kobe so I don't understand how Kobe is better. If you didn't relize Kobe is getting 5 assist and he has Pau. 3rd Kobe is a ball hog and until he learns to pass he will never be number 1.
4th Lebron gets triple doubles when needed so don't say he could always be 40-10-10 because that's imposible for anyone.
5th and final Lebron has lead his team to victory by doing everything all around, Example he 40 points 10 assists and 10 rebounds.
A.J.
from 2 months ago
He hasnt lead his team to squat yet, they are 4th in the week eastern conference, Kobe has already lead his team to a championship, obviously with shaq, but still, Lebron isnt as good as Kobe, yet..i do believe he will be.
from 2 months ago
TJ Lebron puts up better stats with no one good on his team I mean he has Ben but he's not a wepon like Odom or Pau
2 months ago
Kobe is a ballhog? Are you serious? Have you not watched any Laker games this season? He averaged almost 6 assists this season and in the triangle that is more than enough. No one in Phil Jackson's offense has averaged over 7 assists per game.
LeBron averages more assists because he has the ball in his hands more than 90% of the time in that offense. There's many people would average the same amount like that.
Kobe is considered a better player because of his skill. Basketball isn't all stats. Kobe has the most complete offensive arsenal in the NBA. He can shoot from way outside to crazy shots inside, he can dribble, he can postup(which is non-existant in LeBron's game), and the variety of his fakes and hesitations is incredible. That is why he's better than LeBron and why he's compared to Jordan.
from 2 months ago
agreed agreed, lebron only cuts and dunks, alley-oops, his game is basic though he's an excellent player. kobe can do everything. He is MJ. (michael jordan) lol
from 2 months ago
Lol Lebron doesn't need to post up and Kobe can't post up so.... Yeah.
2 months ago
Exactly, thats why I have him over Lebron at 1.
2 months ago
Allen Iverson # 10 are you High or something. There is no way a man that plays with his heart EVERY SINGLE GAME!!!!!! should be # 10 on anybodies list. That man has played with the same passion since he stepped foot in the NBA. There is not one other player in the game that puts it on the line like he does. Kobe is great , Garnett is great, Nash is a force, CP is a great young talent I am so excited for him, But to put him over a future hall of famer like Iverson is insane. Don't get me wrong I think that Chris Paul is on his way to being the best point gaurd that the league has seen in some time, but he is still very young and has a few more years to reach that status. Is he in my top 10.....Absolutely but you gotta give respect were respect is due. You even put him in front of Garnett???????
from 2 months ago
have to agree with this one
AI is in his 13th season and playing at this level,go check his career numbers this is as good a season as he eva had.this i his 5th best season by the points.his second best in assists steals 6th
this dirks 3rd worst season for rebounds 2nd worst for steals and his least minutes played in last 8 years
so if you have to bump someone from list not the Answer.his career adverage minutes per game 41.8 and this year he played 41.8 he is giving his hall of fame effort once again
I will look forward to see how CP is performing 10 years from this year.
took MJ 3 years to have his best ppg season the Answer took till his 10th
till then AI the real AI is top 10
2 months ago
best players of the game today is the article not best of last 11 years
the double double or triple double is how players play all season
1 Dwight Howard , ORL 81 38.0 20.9 14.3 1.4 .9 2.2 69 0
2 Chris Paul , NOH 79 37.6 21.1 4.0 11.6 2.7 .1 55 1
3 Al Jefferson , MIN 81 35.7 21.1 11.1 1.4 .9 1.5 54 0
4 Tim Duncan , SAS 77 34.1 19.4 11.3 2.8 .7 1.9 52 0 lowest minutes played out of top 7 and still does this
4 Deron Williams , UTA 81 37.5 19.0 3.0 10.6 1.1 .3 52 0
6 Carlos Boozer , UTA 80 35.0 21.2 10.4 2.8 1.2 .5 51 1
7 Steve Nash , PHX 80 34.6 17.1 3.5 11.2 .7 .1 48 0 nash still does this in 10% less court time than Paul
out of these top 7 this year only CP and Mr fundamental have a triple double hard to believe Duncan is underrated by some 52 dds this year
lets give some up for the jazz duo too
16 Jason Kidd , DAL-NJN 79 36.3 10.6 7.5 10.1 1.7 .3 34 12 how about 12 triple doubles for this man the triple double machine
19 LeBron James , CLE 75 40.4 30.0 7.9 7.2 1.8 1.1 31 7
check out the minutes on jose 30 min per game and still 25 dds
29 Jose Calderon , TOR 81 30.3 11.3 2.9 8.3 1.0 .1 25 0
a top 10 of last 5 or ten years would look different tho
2 months ago
nice article man, but c'mon we all know dirk is a top 10 player. it's a tough list to make, but the guy is having a superb season quietly. i'd say dirk #10, AI #11.
from 2 months ago
Yeah, he could very easily be there, it was just so hard to decide between dirk, AI and CB4
from 2 months ago
Dirk was MVP last year.... He leads his team!
2 months ago
Ya Dirk should be up there. But I'm extremely glad you put Kobe first. It really irratates me when people say LeBron is better than Kobe. This one idiot i came across said Kobe isn't even in the top 5 of the NBA right now.
2 months ago
Duncan is on the list at 8 and Dirk was ten??? why are you people complaining that they're not on the list???? Good job TJ you make a good argument for them all!!!!! I hate him, but one might argue that Ginobili belongs on the list. maybe atleast honorable mention!!!! he's got crazy skills!!!! and he's really been the driving force in sa this year!!!!!GO BOLTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2 months ago
Isn't Lebrons nick name King not Kobe?
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