NBA Primetime's Top 25 Heading Into The 2009-10 Season

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Check out the full article on NBA Primetime!

Since NBA Primetime is fairly new, this will be the official part one of a four part series which will include power rankings from No.1 through No.100.

In addition, the top 100 rankings will also be updated periodically throughout the '09-'10 NBA season.

These rankings are based on the players impact to their team, career averages, potential and upside, and overall championship swagger.

"Victory belongs to the most persevering."
-- Napoleon Bonaparte

1. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers

After winning last season's championship without Shaq, Bryant has finally proven to the world of haters that he is the best player in the game today. Nobody in the NBA comes even close to matching the Mamba's toughness and passion for basketball and until someone does, Bryant will remain as No.1 on the list.

2. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

Being only 24 years old, James has potential to become one of the best players to have ever played in the NBA. With his extreme physique and incomparable awareness on the court, LBJ ranks as No.2 on the list until he can win his first championship.

3. Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat

Despite injuries, Wade's success in the NBA has been no short of spectacular. With a ring already on his finger, D-Wade's mindset of winning another championship will never decease.

After capturing his first scoring title during last season, Wade head's into the upcoming year with every intention to making a repeat.

4. Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic

At the age of 23, Howard has already captured his first Defensive of the Year Award, lead the league in RPG and BPG, and has also made an NBA Finals appearance. Pretty good for a 23-year-old huh?

D-Howard will continue to grow and formulate into one of the biggest beasts that the NBA has ever encountered. With videos showing No. 12 working on a jump-shot this offseason, will any athlete be humanly capable of defending Superman in the upcoming years?

5. Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets

There is no other point-guard in the NBA that can be compared to Chris Paul. With career averages of 19.4 PPG, 9.9 APG, 4.8 RPG, and 2.4 SPG, CP3 ranks as the most elite point-guard both offensively and defensively.

Being just 24 years of age, Paul will continue to improve his arsenal and evolve into arguably one of the best PG's to have ever played the game.

6. Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs

Without a doubt, Tim Duncan is the best power forward to have ever played in the NBA. Heading into his thirteenth season in the league, Duncan continues to produce Hall of Fame averages and persistently brings his team to victory.

7. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks

Standing 7'0" tall and shooting the way he does, Nowitzki is certainly a rare commodity in the NBA today. Whether it's getting two front teeth knocked out or losing to the eighth seed in the first round of the playoffs, Nowitzki continues to keep his head up, bringing everything that he has got to the table each and every night.

With a revamped roster, the German assassin will look for another chance at winning his first NBA title.

8. Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics

When it comes to primetime players, Paul Pierce ranks up with the best of the best. After watching last postseason's Celtics vs. Bulls series, Pierce proved that he is arguably the most clutch athlete in the NBA today.

Whether there is 8 seconds left on the shot clock or .8 seconds left, if the ball is in Pierce's hands, the chances are in favor that he will knock down the shot.

9. Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics

Although Garnett's numbers have declined significantly since his Timberwolves days, his impact, experience, and arsenal places him at No.9 on the list. When at full strength, KG has potential to not only lead a team to victory mentally, but physically carry them as well.

10. Chris Bosh, Toronto Raptors

Being only 25 years old, Chris Bosh still has massive room for improvement to his already established and impressive game. Standing just under 7'0" tall, CB4 has the ability to knock down the open jumper, grab every rebound in site, score the winning basket, and ultimately carry his team on his shoulders.

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