The Top 10 Left-Handed Players in the NBA

Thaddeus Young, the 6'8" small forward out of Georgia Tech, is one of the most athletic players in the entire NBA.

The guy can flat out fly.

In his second season in the NBA, he had a breakthrough year for the 76ers. He averaged 15.3 PPG and 5.0 RPG in 34.3 MPG. Those were nice increases from his rookie numbers of 8.2 PPG and 4.2 RPG in only 21.0 MPG.

If the forwards in the Eastern Conference aren't aware of him yet, they will be soon enough.

Tayshaun Prince is one of the best role players in the NBA. All 30 teams in the league would kill to have a player like him on their team.

He will never hesitate to sacrifice his game, for the good of the team. Sounds like a small thing to do, but not ever player would do it. Especially if they had his talent.

He is a phenomonal defender. He can bang with the bigs down low on the glass. He has a sick post game. He can shoot with consistency from mid range and long range.

Another member of the Redeem Team, he added a Gold Medal this past summer to his championship collection. It looks good sitting on his dresser, next to his championship ring I'm sure.

Lamar Odom a.k.a "The Goods" is one of the most complete, all-around players in the NBA.

He didn't earn that nickname for nothing.

Whether the Lakers need scoring, passing, rebounding or defense, Lamar can give it to them on any given night. He is a matchup nightmare for opposing teams.

Odom is one of the biggest keys to the Lakers success. If they want to win a title this season, they are going to need Odom to be at his top level.

Josh Smith is a freak of nature. Simple as that.

He can jump out of the gym. His athleticism is unreal.

The 2008-2009 season was another solid year for Smith. He posted solid numbers of 15.6 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 1.6 BPG and 1.4 SPG. He also was one of the key members to the Hawks playoff success.

For the first time in a long time, the Hawks won a playoff series. In the first round, Josh Smith led his Hawks to a victory over the Miami Heat. While they eventually got swept by LeBron and the Cavs, this season was still a success for him and the Hawks.

The ceiling is limitless for this guy.

One of the most underrated players in the NBA, Troy Murphy was an absolute BEAST this past season in Indiana. He and All-Star Danny Granger are the reasons why the Pacers will make a strong playoff push next year.

Murphy put up sick numbers of 14.3 PG and 11.8 RPG last year. The scariest stat however was his amazing 45.0% shooting from 3-point range. Scary.

Those numbers put him second in the NBA in rebounding per game, third in 3-point percentage and fourth in double-doubles.

I'll bet you didn't know that.

Mr. Double-Double

David Lee is one of the most underrated players in the NBA. Pretty ironic when you think about it, considering he plays in the media capital of the world, New York.

2008-2009 was an All-Star caliber year for Lee. Even though he didn't make the team, it wasn't for lack of numbers.

Check these out:

16.0 PPG, 11.7 RPG and a sick 54.9% from the floor.

Those were good enough for third in RPG, second in total rebounds, seventh in field goal percentage and of course, being Mr. Double-Double, first in double-doubles.

That's right. First in double-doubles. Not Dwight Howard.

If David Lee is Mr Double-Double, then Zach Randolph is Mr. 20/10.

In 2008-2000 Zach averaged 20.8 PPG and 10.1 RPG. Yawn. Another season of 20/10 averages. The guy can put these numbers up in his sleep.

Based on basketball talent, and nothing else, Zach would be one of the best players in the NBA. He can do it all, score, rebound, post-up, shoot the three.

However, it's his off the court stuff that causes him to not be a true "franchise" player.

If he can ever become totally focused on just basketball and nothing else, the big men of the NBA would be in trouble.

Michael Redd is one of the premier players in the NBA. When you think of the term "sharp shooter" there aren't many better than this southpaw. He has one of the quickest releases and has unlimited range.

The 2008-2009 was an injury riddled year for Redd. He participated in the Olympics and won a Gold Medal with the Redeem Team.

Did that have a factor in the injuries? Who knows. I know one thing, he'll be back next year with a vengence.

Manu Ginobili could play for my team any day of the week. One of the scrappiest and toughest players in the NBA, the 2008-2009 season was a heart breaker for him.

He only played in a total of 44 games, including missing the entire playoffs. His absence was felt too. The Spurs got eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.

Even in his 44 games, Ginobili still put up some solid, all around numbers of 15.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.6 APG and 1.5 SPG.

Knowing Ginobili's toughness and heart, I fully expect him to return with a vengeance for the 2009-2010 season.

This would be great news for his Spurs.

Drumroll please. The No. 1 left-handed player in the entire NBA is.....

Chris Bosh is a monster.

What can't he do on the court?

At 6'10" he can score with anyone. He rebounds with a mission. He can post up and he can shoot the mid range jumper. He can even step back behind the arc and drain the three ball.

He is a definition of a matchup nightmare.

This past season, he put up 22.7 PPG, 10.0 RPG and 2.5 APG. Those great numbers, on a pretty pathetic team.

That's all right though. Because during last summer, he was a key player in the "Redeem Team" quest for the Gold Medal in the Olympics. He was sensational in the games.

Because of that, he was rewarded with a Gold Medal.

When Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett walk away in a few seasons, Chris Bosh will be the best power foward in the NBA.

The only question is for what team?