The Best of the Best : NBA Positions

This article will describe the top five players at each position going into the 2009-10 season.

Everybody has their own opinions on these things, but this is a standard prediction article about the season coming up describing the top players at each position.

This can be used as a fantasy basketball guide, or just for looking at other people's opinions, or maybe even just learning more about the NBA.

(P.S, I'm saying a lot of random stuff in this 1st slide because it has to be 300+ characters for some reason) Enjoy!

Point Guards

1. Chris Paul

Paul is the best point guard in the league. Period.

The way he handles the ball with his quickness and agility allows him to create plays for his teammates and he racks up the assists and points quickly.

On the defensive end he gets many steals and creates many opportunities on the break. The Hornets would be nothing without Paul.

2. Deron Williams

This guy is a wizard with the ball.

His size makes him a tough match-up for opponents to guard and he can get to the rim quite easily with his strength and size.

He takes care of the ball and makes good passes and works the Utah Jazz offense efficiently.

3. Steve Nash

There's a reason that Nash has won two MVP titles. He is a dynamic offensive player with a terrific passing game and he's easily one of the best shooters in the game.

He is a liability on defense which is the reason that he isn't higher up on this list.

4. Chauncey Billups

Look at the difference that Billups made on the Nuggets. He's physical, a great shooter, and runs an offense with confidence.

Billups was exactly what Denver needed, and they’re a much better team with him.

5. Devin Harris

I'm sorry for all of you haters on this one, but Harris can fill it up like no other point guard.

He is probably the only bright spot on the Nets, but he can score at will, has tremendous speed, and a quick crossover.

Harris does take a lot of shots but lacks a supporting cast which is the reason that the Nets are in the cellar of the East right now.

Shooting Guards

1. Kobe Bryant

I don't think anybody in their right mind would disagree with me on this one.

Kobe is a two-way player who pretty much does everything. He is clutch, a leader, and is an underrated defender. Not to mention he's an offensive magician.

2. Dwayne Wade

What can I say about Wade? He's quick, explosive, and has a very reliable mid range jumper.

Wade can score with the best of 'em and he racks up the steals on the defensive end. He could very well be the best two way player since Michael Jordan.

3. Brandon Roy

This kid just keeps getting better every year. He has officially taken over the Blazers team and is just an amazing ball player.

He has range, speed, and he can hit clutch shots. Soon enough, the Blazers will be contenders with Roy leading them.

4. Joe Johnson

Don't call me crazy just yet. This guy can just fill it up on offense.

He does everything: he can shoot, he's quick off the dribble to the rim, and he's just a clutch player.

Johnson may not be on the level of Wade or Kobe, but he's just a notch below and is a big piece of the Atlanta Hawks team.

5. Ray Allen

This guy can shoot. We all know that. But Allen also has very good ball control, and is extremely athletic.

We have all seen him catch fire beyond the arc in clutch situations. He makes incredible shots all the time and still has a few more years left. After all, age is but a number.

Small Forwards

1. LeBron James

How good is this kid? Leading the Cavs to a 66 win season, winning an MVP title, and leading them to the Eastern Conference finals all in one year? And he's only 24.

Look at LeBron's supporting cast compared to other contending teams.

Despite having one of the weakest supporting casts out of contenders, LeBron still managed to pull the Cavs all the way to the finals once, and the playoffs for three straight seasons.

This kid does everything. He's practically unstoppable with his quick speed and strength on the offensive end, and coming runner up for defensive player of the year isn't too shabby.

And the freaky part is: this kid is only 24. How good can he get?

2. Carmelo Anthony

With LeBron James and Dwayne Wade stealing all the glory from the draft class of the ages, everybody is forgetting about Carmelo.

Last year Carmelo had an incredible season and is still maturing to be a leader. Carmelo has a bright future ahead of him.

3. Danny Granger

This kid can score with the best of 'em. There's no question about it.

But on defense, his presence doesn't make much of a difference, which separates him from being one of the premier players in the league and limits him to only a premier scorer.

Even still, Granger is still growing and can fill up the stat sheet.

4. Kevin Durant

I don't think many people realize how good this kid is at the age of 20.

Durant is already taking a leadership role on the young Thunder and has more room to grow. The Thunder are indeed still growing, but with Durant leading them they have a bright future ahead of them.

5. Paul Pierce

I hate this guy, but I have to respect him because of his determination to win. He does whatever it takes for his team to come out victorious. He hits big shots, plays tight D, and even rebounds.

Power Forwards

1. Tim Duncan

You can't even talk about power forwards without mentioning this guy's name.

Mr. Fundamental is already being called the best power forward of all time by some people.

He's physical on the glass, he has range for a big man, he's an underrated defender, his post up moves are incredible, and he's a leader.

2. Kevin Garnett

There is nobody in this league that is more intimidating than Kevin Garnett.

Looking into those eyes you see a fierce competitor. He gets up in your grill on defense, he can hit the jumper, and is a furious rebounder. He's a leader, and one of the most dominant big men in this league.

3. Dirk Nowitzki

Disco Dirk is one of the best shooters in the NBA, let alone from big men.

Who else combines elite passing, ball-handling, shooting, and rebounding like Nowitzki? Nobody is as complete as Nowitzki when it comes to big men on the offensive end.

4. Chris Bosh

Yes, he shoots a lot of jumpers. Yes, he's yet to take a leadership role. But Bosh is capable of racking up 30 points a night when he's going well and being aggressive.

He creates problems for other teams because of his size and quickness, and is improving on the defensive end.

Bosh is the type of guy who wants to win. And with the determination he has, don't expect the Raptors to be out of the playoffs for long.

5. Amare Stoudamire

When, sorry IF healthy, this guy can be number three on this list. He's a high flying, explosive big man who creates problems for many defenders.

Though he's an inconsistent defender, he's an above average rebounder. Let's see if Amare can put it together this year.

Centers

1. Dwight Howard

Superman can't really be guarded inside the post by anybody. He's still young, but he's strong, physical, and kills on the glass.

He's a perfect big man for any team that misses a lot of shots and likes to jack up three's because he'll be there for the miss.

Howard is still maturing, but if he develops a shooting touch, he will be virtually un-guardable.

2. Al Jefferson

This guy is barely noticed by most people because he was injured for a while and he plays for Minnesota (no offense but they don't get much attention at the moment).

This guy averages 20 and 10 (pts, reb) and is exactly why the 'Wolves traded KG.

They got another talented big man in return, and a whole bunch of prospects. If this guy can stay healthy, he will be a player to look out for.

3. Shaquille O'Neal

Yes, this guy is old. But I have never seen anybody dominate the post like him.

Sure, he's lost some of his touch, but he'll fit in with the Cavs perfectly and support LeBron. Shaq has always been known for his horrible free throw shooting, but I'd take him on my team any day.

4. Yao Ming

Let's put him in this list while we can.

Yao's foot has been a problem, but when he's healthy, he effectively uses his size to shoot jumpers over other big men, and can easily rebound over other big men because of his size.

When healthy, Yao is hard to stop.

5. Andrew Bynum

We've heard for the last few years about this guy's potential, and let's see if this is the year he really puts it together.

He has strong post up moves, is a rugged rebounder, and has a shot blocking presence.