Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and the NBA Power Rankings of the Top 100 Players

The top 100 players in the NBA change on a year-to-year basis, but it's not often that there is a new name in the top 10 slots.

There is a wide range of talent in the league, and that becomes increasingly clear when one spans the premiere players on this list.

Without a consensus No. 1 player, there is certain to be plenty of debate.

Where does your favorite player rank?

100. Jose Calderon, PG Toronto Raptors

Jose Calderon might have worn out his welcome in Toronto, but it's not due to a lack of talent.

Calderon is an excellent passer with above-average court vision, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him rebound in a big way after a couple of down seasons.

He's an assist machine if given the playing time, and if Toronto decides to move him, they should be able to yield a fair return.

99. Ron Artest, SF Los Angeles Lakers

Ron Artest isn't the offensive player that he was before he joined the Lakers, but that's not the reason that Los Angeles signed him.

He's proven to be a nice defender for the small forwards that the team has had to go up against, and he was a major factor in the 2009 championship for Los Angeles.

Metta World Peace is as eccentric as they come, but there's no doubt that he's a world-class entertainer and a staunch defensive presence on the front line.

98. Taj Gibson, PF Chicago Bulls

If the Bulls were to trade Carlos Boozer before the start of next season, most fans wouldn't have an issue with Gibson seeing even more playing time.

He's been an excellent source of rebounds and blocks since being drafted out of USC, and although he's been in a reserve role for the majority of his tenure, there's no doubt that he could thrive as a starter.

The power forward averaged 10.2 points and seven rebounds in 19 games as a starter, so there's definite upside here.

97. D.J. Augustin, PG Charlotte Bobcats

Although he catches a lot of criticism, Augustin should serve as a solid point guard for the foreseeable future in the NBA.

He hasn't quite lived up to the hype that surrounded him when he was drafted, but Augustin took a major step forward last season when he averaged 14.4 points and 6.1 assists per game last season.

Augustin still has some work to do on his field-goal percentage and assist-to-turnover ratio if he wants to fulfill his potential, but that should come with consistent playing time.

96. Tyrus Thomas, PF Charlotte Bobcats

Similarly to Augustin, Thomas is another player that hasn't quite lived up to the hysteria that surrounded him when he was originally selected.

Although he is a freak of an athlete, Thomas has battled health problems recently and has vastly underperformed despite receiving the opportunity to produce.

He really needs to get up on the boards with far more regularity if he wants to sustain success down low, but he's got to be on the court with more consistency if he's going to do that.

95. Jameer Nelson, PG Orlando Magic

Jameer Nelson is often glossed over when most discuss talented point guards, and although he's not an elite passer, he's good for an awful lot of production.

Nelson actually averaged a career-high six assists per game last season, but since shoulder surgery limited him in the 2008-09 regular season, he's failed to score as regularly as he had been doing prior.

He doesn't do anything exceptionally well, but he does enough stuff solidly that his overall game remains a very attractive one to any interested team.

94. Elton Brand, PF Philadelphia 76ers

Elton Brand didn't earn a lot of fans when he inked his behemoth contract with the Sixers and spent the early part of the deal injured, but he's looking to make up for it now.

At the time of his signing, he was an elite option down low and was on the verge of becoming one of the next great power forwards in the game after an incredible run with the Clippers.

Although his best days are most likely behind him, there's a lot to like about Brand chipping in 15 points and 8.3 rebounds per night in 2010-11, even if he isn't worth the salary that he's earning.

93. Carl Landry, PF Free Agent

Carl Landry is one of the most under-appreciated players in the game, and his willingness to do whatever is asked is reflective of his team-first mentality.

Landry has shown the ability to thrive in a starting role, and although he's not the sexiest of options at the position, he knows how to get the job done.

This guy didn't even let a bullet to the leg hold him out of action for long, so there certainly won't be any questioning of his toughness when he's got to bang around with guys that are bigger than he is beneath the rim.

92. Kris Humphries, PF Free Agent

Kris Humphries really broke out in a big way for New Jersey in 2010-11, but to overvalue him would be a grave mistake for the purposes of this list.

He does the little things that may not show up in the box score, but they certainly matter to his team. Humphries averaged a double-double last season with 10 points and 10.4 rebounds per game, but his rebounds rose to 12 in 44 games as a starter.

He's got a lot of upside on the glass and as a putback artist underneath the cup, but his game doesn't extend further than 15-feet out.

91. Greg Monroe, C Detroit Pistons

Greg Monroe's inexplicable fall behind Ekpe Udoh in the 2010 draft will forever confound me, but that's a moot point now that the big man is playing in Mo-Town.

Monroe showed that he was capable of leading the team both in scoring and on the glass last season, and his promising production should only grow going forward.

He averaged 12 points and 9.1 rebounds in 48 games as a starter, and the double-doubles should only get more frequent as Monroe continues to progress as a player.

90. DeMarcus Cousins, C Sacramento Kings

Character concerns might have plagued Cousins' draft stock and rookie season at times, but he's well worth any potential distraction that he could have caused.

Cousins has the potential to be the next dominant center in the NBA, and those don't exactly come around very often.

As a starter, Cousins averaged 15.1 points and 8.8 rebounds to go along with 1.1 steals and 0.9 blocks, so there's legitimate star potential here even though he'll be just 21 when next season begins.

89. Trevor Ariza, SF New Orleans Hornets

While Ariza has struggled to find his role offensively since leaving the Lakers, he's still held plenty of value to the teams that have rostered him over the last couple of seasons.

Ariza took a step back in terms of offensive production for the Hornets than what he posted the previous season in Houston, but that's a result of a decreased role in the offense.

He's proven to be an asset on the defensive side of the ball, and although he was paid to be a primary offensive option, he's simply not that.

88. Tony Allen, SG Memphis Grizzlies

One team's trash is another club's treasure, and that was clearly the case with Tony Allen.

After the Celtics chose to let Allen walk and sign with Memphis, Allen served as the stabilizing force for a young Grizzlies team that enjoyed a surprising postseason run.

He has really carved out a niche as a defensive specialist and offensive contributor around the rim, and he is well worth the investment for a rapidly improving franchise.

87. Antawn Jamison, PF Cleveland Cavaliers

Antawn Jamison is undoubtedly on the down slope of his successful career, but he's still got something left in the tank and is eager to prove it.

While he hasn't shot with the same efficiency that he showed in earlier seasons, Jamison is still an integral offensive contributor capable of pouring in 15-20 points on a nightly basis.

Jamison is capable of stretching the floor for a young Cleveland team that desperately needs some veteran leadership in the locker room.

86. Samuel Dalembert, C Free Agent

Some veterans would complain about a decreased role and inconsistent playing time, but not Samuel Dalembert; instead, he stays ready and eager to prove himself.

Despite battling with Paul Westphal for a spot in the rotation for much of last season, Dalembert proved that he's still got a lot to offer by averaging 8.1 points to pair with 8.2 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game.

He's going to get a lot of attention and generate a ton of interest as one of the best defensive centers available in free agency, and his numbers should only improve with more time on the floor.

85. John Salmons, SF Sacramento Kings

John Salmons has produced no matter where he's gone as a scoring swingman, and he's really proven to be a nice piece to a potential championship puzzle.

While Salmons probably couldn't serve as the primary or secondary offensive option on a legitimate contender, his scoring ability and inclination to contribute in areas across the board should hardly be ignored.

Now that he's back in familiar stomping grounds with the Kings, it should be interesting to see the direction that his career takes at age 31.

84. Andray Blatche, PF Washington Wizards

There has been a lot of argument as to whether or not Andray Blatche is a top-tier power forward, but the verdict might have to wait a little bit longer.

He took a pretty serious step forward in 2010-11 and even sniffed a double-double in terms of his nightly averages by posting 16.8 points and 8.2 rebounds.

Blatche needs to work on cleaning up his off-court game as he seems to be battling issues on a regular basis, and a cleaned-up image might help to make him an even more wanted commodity league-wide.

83. JaVale McGee, C Washington Wizards

Whether you call him JaVale, Pierre or just downright nasty, it's clear that McGee is really beginning to fulfill his potential that he originally flashed for a young Washington club.

His real value is on the defensive end of the floor, where he averaged 2.5 blocks per game in his first full slate of games as a starter, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him surpass that in the near future.

With double-double potential to pair with his defensive abilities, McGee could soon be one of the most valued centers in the NBA.

82. O.J. Mayo, SG Memphis Grizzlies

After flirting with the idea of trading O.J. Mayo at the deadline last season, the Grizzlies are undoubtedly glad that they kept the prolific scorer in the fold.

Despite a demotion to the second unit, Mayo never once complained about his role and served as a team player, acclimating to any role that the team asked of him.

He'll be looking to rebound in a very big way after his scoring average dipped by more than six points from the previous season, and he should be able to do that with ease assuming that he sees enough minutes.

81. Michael Beasley, SF Minnesota Timberwolves

Acquiring Michael Beasley from Miami in exchange for two future second-round picks was the greatest move in David Kahn's tenure.

After burning out with the Heat, Beasley found his game in his first season with the T-Wolves, averaging 19.2 points per game.

He's never going to be a defensive stalwart or an excellent source of peripheral stats, but Beas should prove to be a dynamic offensive option capable of scoring 20-plus nightly for a Minnesota team that needs an assertive scorer.

80. Caron Butler, SF Free Agent

Caron Butler didn't do much to boost his stock heading into free agency after suffering a season-ending knee injury during the regular season, but his body of work should speak for itself.

A capable scorer and a plus-defender, Butler's ability to contribute in multiple areas across the board will be greatly valued by teams looking to shore up the squad with well-rounded players.

Although the stability of his knee is a legitimate concern to any interested club, he'll likely look to prove that he's past his troubles with a club that is willing to gamble.

79. Devin Harris, PG Utah Jazz

Devin Harris has caught a lot of flack for being one of the most oft-injured players at his position, but the potential that he showed during his early days in Dallas didn't evaporate overnight.

Although he struggled to facilitate the offense with the Jazz, he should improve on those numbers next season with a significantly stronger core of talent around him.

He's got a lot to prove as he looks to shed his band-aid label, as Harris is still yet to play a full complement of games since entering the league.

78. Darren Collison, PG Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers took a serious leap of faith when they acquired Darren Collison to be the point guard of the future, but the investment is already beginning to pay off.

Despite the dip in production in terms of average assists from the previous campaign, Collison's play got stronger as the season progressed and as he became more comfortable in his new surroundings.

With Roy Hibbert down low and Danny Granger on the wing, Collison could be a sneaky sleeper for a substantial increase in production during the next campaign.

77. Marcus Thornton, SG Free Agent

It's pretty remarkable that Marcus Thornton couldn't even get off the bench for the Hornets considering how he played for the Kings upon his arrival.

Thornton averaged 21.3 points per game as a starter when he arrived in Sacramento, and this volume scorer is going to be a threat as long as he continues to get enough shot opportunities.

He's widely expected to re-sign in Sacramento when free agency opens back up, but he could be a potential steal for another interested club if they are able to lure him away.

76. Rodney Stuckey, PG Free Agent

Rodney Stuckey has been classified as an in-between guard for much of his career, and he's still having trouble shedding that label a few seasons later.

Although he took a step forward in the assist department last season, he dropped off a bit in terms of his scoring, and it's clear Stuckey is still searching for the delicate balance between the two.

There's a lot to like about his overall game, but he has to be in the right offense to see it all come together in a productive manner, and I'm not sure that can happen with the Pistons.

75. Jeff Green, SF Free Agent

Jeff Green didn't really live up to his skill set during his initial tenure with the Celtics, but he's got plenty to prove to his doubters after looking like a phenomenally skilled player in Oklahoma City.

Green can hit the three, rebound the basketball and even contribute on the defensive end of the floor, but none of that will happen with any regularity if he's relegated to 20 minutes or fewer nightly once again.

There's still plenty of time for Green to tap into his potential as he'll be just 25 years old when next season begins, but let's hope his growth wasn't stunted by shifting to a new gear in Boston.

74. Kyle Lowry, PG Houston Rockets

When Aaron Brooks went down with an ankle injury early last season, Kyle Lowry was called upon and he didn't miss a beat.

He's explosive and surprisingly efficient near the rim, and his ability to find his teammates on the court with regularity helps the veteran to facilitate the offense.

There is a lot to like about Lowry's game, and it seems that he's finally getting a chance to show his skills with a large amount of playing time at his disposal.

73. Nicolas Batum, SF Portland Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers refused to include promising Nicolas Batum in any trade offer at the deadline, and it's becoming really easy as to see why that was the case.

Last season, Batum upped his averages in scoring, rebounding and assists, and although he took a step back in terms of field-goal percentage, that was a result of his attempt to force the offense at times.

He's probably not quite ready to assume the offensive burden by himself, but at just 22 years old, there is plenty to love about Batum's future in the league.

72. Shawn Marion, SF Dallas Mavericks

Shawn Marion went under the radar for several seasons after leaving Phoenix, but it appears that "The Matrix" is finally fully reloaded.

He's seemed to have found a home in Dallas, and he played an integral role in the Mavericks ascertaining their first championship in franchise history.

Clearly, Marion has plenty left in the tank and still has the ability to contribute across the board, and there's no doubt that he's got a lot to prove to his doubters.

71. Andrea Bargnani, C Toronto Raptors

While a lot of people are really ragging on Andrea Bargnani's offensive game, it's not his fault that the Raptors are wrongfully casting him as a No. 1 offensive option.

Bargnani is a smooth outside shooter with big-time size, but his inability to stay aggressive on the boards and bang around down low makes him a very non-traditional center.

There may be some doubts about his ability to stay in the middle long term, and a shift to power forward might allow him to play his more natural role on the court.

70. Roy Hibbert, C Indiana Pacers

When the Pacers traded for Hibbert's draft rights from Toronto, they knew that they were getting something big, but they couldn't have imagined it would be this good.

Hibbert has the potential to be an absolutely dominant center in the league, as he stands a legitimate 7'2" and is a beast in the low post.

If he can further harness his potential and stay out of foul trouble, he should prove to be an excellent player in his fourth full season in the league.

69. Luis Scola, PF Houston Rockets

Although he's often left under-appreciated, Luis Scola is one of the more prolific power forwards that the league has to offer.

He's never going to do much in terms of showmanship on the court, but his solid rebounding skills and ability to clean up around the rim lead to countless double-doubles.

If he can further his offensive game slightly, the veteran could be an even more dangerous weapon down the road for the Rockets.

68. Chris Kaman, C Los Angeles Clippers

"The Cave Man" doesn't get his proper due as a strong starting center in the league, but that's largely because he lost most of last season due to injury.

With the Clippers looking to commit to center DeAndre Jordan moving forward, it's very possible that Kaman might not be back in the fold.

If he can stay on the hardwood, Kaman would make an excellent addition to a contending club that is in need of a big man, but he's going to have to prove he's fully healthy first.

67. Andrei Kirilenko, SF Free Agent

Andrei Kirilenko might have some of the worst hair that the NBA has ever seen, but that doesn't mean he's not extremely talented and very capable of helping a team.

Although his play had fallen off over the last couple of seasons before 2010-11, AK-47 showed his prowess last season and looked like his old self.

There are some rumors that Kirilenko might be headed overseas in the event of a lengthy lockout, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him become a star if he does play internationally.

66. Danilo Gallinari, SF Denver Nuggets

When Danilo Gallinari was drafted by the New York Knicks, there weren't a lot of happy fans, but this kid has proven to be much more than a three-point specialist.

He's got skills both inside and out, and it's pretty clear as to why the Nuggets insisted that he be included as the headliner of the Carmelo Anthony deal.

Gallo has the potential to be a 20-plus per night scorer, and he should have no trouble asserting himself as the primary option in the Nuggets offense for several seasons.

65. Jrue Holiday, PG Philadelphia 76ers

Ladies and gentleman, allow me to introduce you to the next biggest thing at the point guard position that the league has to offer.

When Jrue Holiday was drafted No. 17 out of UCLA, it was a blessing for the Sixers team that was in desperate need of a point guard of the future.

Holiday has taken a little bit of time to develop, but he took a major step forward last season and should be in store for a full-fledged breakout in 2011-12.

64. Serge Ibaka, PF Oklahoma City Thunder

When the Oklahoma City Thunder decided to hand Serge Ibaka a prominent role on the team, there were some doubts about how he'd transition to a full-time role.

There aren't any doubts now though, as Ibaka has really blossomed into an excellent defender and one of the best shot-blockers that the NBA has to offer.

He's an excellent complement to the offensive attack led by Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, and his extraordinary athleticism will only help him further blossom in the long run.

63. Mike Conley, PG Memphis Grizzlies

When the Grizzlies extended Mike Conley's contract for five more seasons last year, there were many eyebrows being raised as to the direction of the team.

However, Conley's play effectively silenced any talks of him being overpaid, as he really took a major step forward in 2010-11, averaging a career-best 6.5 assists per game.

He really played excellently down the stretch for a surprisingly competitive Memphis club, and his stock should only continue to rise.

62. Brandon Jennings, PG Milwaukee Bucks

There's no doubt that Brandon Jennings needs to work on his shot selection moving forward, but that shouldn't be an issue as he continues to get more support on that end of the floor.

Jennings is still adjusting to the NBA game after never playing in college, and his prowess as a floor general will only continue to improve as he gets older.

If he can shoot it at a clip better than 40 percent from the field and average more than six assists per contest, it'd be a major step in his development and the success of the Bucks.

61. Chauncey Billups, PG New York Knicks

Although Chauncey Billups is on the downside of his career, there's still plenty of things that this veteran is capable of doing on the hardwood.

An excellent passer and still armed with a wet jumper, Billups' veteran presence on the floor paid major dividends for a New York club that needed a stabilizing presence.

He's proven to be an excellent leader regardless of where he has played, and Billups is the definition of a consummate professional both on and off the court.

60. Jamal Crawford, SG Free Agent

Jamal Crawford is one of the best scorers in the NBA, and it's really surprising that he hasn't been able to find a long-term home.

Although he really needs to improve on his field-goal percentage between each game, his ability to contribute consistently should come with stable playing time.

There's no questioning that he's a dynamic scorer capable of catching fire at any moment, but like any streaky shooter, he'll go through peaks and valleys.

59. Stephen Jackson, SG Milwaukee Bucks

Stephen Jackson really doesn't receive the credit that he should as a versatile player on the floor, but he really knows how to fill a stat sheet.

S-Jax can score, rebound and even dish the rock, and although he and Brandon Jennings might make for the worst shooting backcourt pairing in a long time, they should be very fun to watch.

There's a lot to love about what Jackson brings to the table, and he should be a serious asset to a very young Milwaukee club.

58. David Lee, PF Golden State Warriors

When David Lee was signed-and-traded to the Golden State Warriors, it looked like an awfully interesting pairing from the start, and it's clear that there are still a few kinks to be worked out.

Lee was a double-double machine during his tenure with the Knicks, and although he hasn't quite figured it out with the Warriors yet, there's still plenty of time for that to happen.

He's going to have to adjust his style to adapt to a different offense, but there's no doubt that Lee should improve on his 16.5 points and 9.8 rebounds from last season.

57. Ty Lawson, PG Denver Nuggets

When the Denver Nuggets acquired Ty Lawson's draft rights from the Minnesota T-Wolves, it's highly unlikely that they thought he'd be this good this fast.

Lawson made any and every other point guard on the Denver roster an afterthought, and he's really blossomed into an electric scorer and surprisingly good passer for the team.

He's going to be asked to do a lot for the rapidly improving Nuggets, but there's every indication that he'll be able to handle the extra responsibility with ease moving forward.

56. Paul Millsap, PF Utah Jazz

Although there are some rumors of the Jazz shopping Paul Millsap after drafting Enes Kanter, he's got a lot to offer to a very youthful Utah club.

The Jazz decided to match the offer sheet that Portland threw Millsap's way when he was a restricted free agent, an indication that he should be a major part of the puzzle moving forward.

He's still young and packed with potential, and he should be able to improve on his numbers from last season after taking a slight step backward.

55. Luol Deng, SF Chicago Bulls

Luol Deng was often a forgotten-about man in Chicago after battling some injury problems, but he proved last season that he's got plenty left in the tank.

The veteran small forward was an integral part of the Bulls' surprising success this season, and he really poured in a solid effort at both ends of the floor.

He's got skills to contribute across the board and emphatically in the box score, so he should continue to be an asset to the squad moving forward.

54. Mo Williams, PG Los Angeles Clippers

When LeBron James left Cleveland for Miami, Williams' Twitter account was one of the most fascinating subplots of the summer.

Now that he's found a home in Los Angeles, Williams is looking to prove that he's got a ton left and is still an extremely skilled point guard in the game.

He can score from the outside, distribute the ball with ease and even serve as a defensive presence with his ability to swipe the ball, so he should be a nice gap to Eric Bledsoe for the "other" L.A. team.

53. Raymond Felton, PG Portland Trail Blazers

When Raymond Felton signed a two-year deal with the New York Knicks, he couldn't have imagined he'd be playing with his third new team in less than two years.

Regardless, Felton has produced in a big way no matter what club he has played for, and he should be a major contributor to a new-look Portland team that is now surprisingly athletic.

He can score, pass and wreak havoc on the defensive end, and he should be a serious asset to a club that needs his stabilizing presence at the point.

52. Kevin Martin, SG Houston Rockets

Kevin Martin might be an afterthought to some people when talking about the league's top talent, but this sharpshooter earns his props in my book.

He's absolutely deadly from beyond the arc, and last season with Houston, he showed that he can be successful from inside of 23 feet as well.

Martin's skills are perfect for a Rockets team that needs to space the floor, and he's the definition of a prolific scorer when he's at his best.

51. John Wall, PG Washington Wizards

John Wall might only have a year of experience under his belt, but that's plenty to prove that he belongs on this list in a pretty big way.

Wall's explosiveness and athleticism is not in question whatsoever, and his ability to penetrate to the hoop at will is scary for the opposition.

When he develops a more consistent jumper from the perimeter, Wall will be an awfully tough person to guard, and it's pretty clear as to why he was considered a franchise-changing player when the Wiz took him first overall.

50. Jason Kidd, PG Dallas Mavericks

Jason Kidd finally won his first title with Dallas last season, and although the veteran is heavily seasoned, he's got no plans of hanging it up.

And why would he? Kidd showed that he can still fill it up from behind the three-point line, execute passes into tight windows and still contribute in a major way.

While he may not be producing statistically as he had been in the past, his presence is still largely felt on the floor with every minute he spends out there.

49. Joakim Noah, C Chicago Bulls

Joakim Noah was looking rather raw when he first entered the league with Chicago, but he's really become a solid center since his debut.

An excellent rebounder and a surprisingly efficient scorer around the hoop, Noah has the potential to be a top-tier center for several seasons in the league.

He's also got a strong prowess at the defensive end of the floor, where he can block a ton of shots in a hurry, and the Bulls have to be pleased with the return from their original investment.

48. Brook Lopez, C New Jersey Nets

Brook Lopez might not be a beast on the boards, but any center capable of scoring 20-plus per night and shooting over 80 percent from the foul line is one that will be coveted in this league.

The unquestioned better talent of the two Lopez twins, Brook has proven to be a strong stabilizing force on both ends of the floor for a young Nets team that can only improve going forward.

He's got a big-time skill set which should only help him harness his potential, and if he can improve on the glass, Lopez will be bordering on elite status for big men.

47. Jason Richardson, SG Free Agent

Jason Richardson probably won't take home $14 million this season as he approaches free agency, but whatever club signs him will be thoroughly happy with the return.

This veteran has proven to produce regardless of wherever he plays, and J-Rich is the definition of a team player when it comes to his role with the club.

He can attack the basket with regularity and can still fill it up with ease from beyond the arc, so no matter where he lands, Richardson is a sure bet to produce.

46. Tyson Chandler, C Free Agent

Before Tyson Chandler arrived in Dallas last season, many were ready and eager to write him off as another injury-prone big man who failed to live up to his potential.

Apparently, Chandler heard his critics, because he really brought his A-game in 2010-11. Chandler looked every bit like the center that Dallas had been searching for, and he may have found a home with the Mavs.

Although he's a free agent and will likely net a major contract, it's hard to imagine a scenario where he leaves Dallas considering that Mark Cuban has no shortage of funds to pay him.

45. Carlos Boozer, PF Chicago Bulls

Carlos Boozer really faltered in the postseason for the Bulls, and it's possible that this mega free-agent signing is the first one to explode.

Although Boozer showed that he can be an elite player at times, he was far too inconsistent for a Chicago team that really needed him to come through, and he was even outplayed by backup Taj Gibson at times.

He's really not worth his annual salary considering that he's paid like a superstar, and although Boozer has loads of talent, he's nowhere near superstar status.

44. David West, PF Free Agent

When David West opted out of the final year of his contract with the Hornets, many were surprised considering that he was coming off of ACL surgery and had a guaranteed $7.5 million on the table.

When West is healthy, he is an absolute force down low, and he's got the potential to really impact a contending club and push them over the top.

The Nets are expected to pursue him in free agency, and if they could land both West and Dwight Howard to play alongside Deron Williams, things could really get interesting in New Jersey.

43. Al Jefferson, C Utah Jazz

Al Jefferson's stock dropped slightly around the league when he sustained a knee injury, but the big man bounced back with the Jazz last season in a big way.

He's got big-time skills in the low post and is an elite rebounder, so there's no doubt that Utah is going to benefit majorly from a healthy Jefferson down low.

Jefferson was the key cog in the Kevin Garnett-to-Boston trade, and he still hasn't come close to scraping the surface of his sky-high potential.

42. Tyreke Evans, PG Sacramento Kings

When Tyreke Evans battled a case of plantar fasciitis last season, many were quick to forget about how talented of a point guard he really is.

Evans can score, pass, rebound and defend at a very high level, and his exciting style of play will bring instant excitement to a revamped Sacramento lineup.

He's a very big point guard and with his combination of speed and size, there are definitely bright times ahead on the horizon for the Kings.

41. Danny Granger, SF Indiana Pacers

Danny Granger isn't a superstar, but he is a very skilled player who can become a consistent star in the league with more support around him.

He's a legitimate scorer, and if he can cut down on his attempts from the perimeter and attack the bucket with more aggression, he could be even higher on this list.

His game should continue to evolve as the team around him improves, as he's been trapped on an Indiana club that lacked a lot before last season.

40. Rudy Gay, SF Memphis Grizzlies

Whether or not Rudy Gay was deserving of a max contract is a separate debate, but there's no questioning his extraordinary level of talent.

Prior to getting hurt last season, Gay was on pace to record one of his best seasons across the board since he entered the NBA.

A 20-plus per night scorer that can play a strong brand of defense, Gay's insertion back into a retooled Memphis lineup should only help the club as they look to repeat their success into the future.

39. Stephen Curry, PG Golden State Warriors

When Steph Curry entered the league, many people thought that all he'd be able to do was shoot it from deep, but he proved to be much more than a one-trick pony.

Curry is an excellent facilitator, has surprisingly quick hands on the defensive end and has shown no fear in an attempt to score from anywhere on the floor.

Although he's probably not ever going to add significant bulk to his wiry frame, Curry has shown enough to cement himself as the real deal at the point guard spot.

38. Gerald Wallace, SF Portland Trail Blazers

Gerald Wallace's ability to contribute across the board is a major plus in his game and a serious asset to his newest club in Portland.

Although he's a veteran of the game, Wallace will be just 29 years old at the end of July, meaning that he's still got several successful seasons ahead of him.

He may not be as big of a contributor on the stat sheet as he was during his tenure in Charlotte, but his presence on the Blazers roster is a serious bonus and allows them to be extremely versatile with their lineups.

37. Tony Parker, PG San Antonio Spurs

Although Tony Parker had a fairly good season in San Antonio last year, it wasn't surprising to see the team shopping him prior to the draft.

He probably won't be worth his annual salary by the time his four-year, $50 million contract expires, but he is still young and has the ability to contribute for the next few seasons at a high level.

Parker will need to find a better consistency to his game as it looked like he disappeared for stretches at a time, and it will be interesting to see how he transitions to a new era of basketball with the Spurs.

36. Andrew Bogut, C Milwaukee Bucks

Andrew Bogut needs to focus on staying healthy for a full slate of games before he can go any higher on this list, but there's no doubt that the potential is there.

When he is right, Bogut is one of the most dominant centers in the league, as it's awfully tough to guard him with any success down low.

Should his elbow hold up for a full complement of games, Bogut will be eager to prove that he's still a force on the inside and nobody should be taking him lightly.

35. Kevin Love, PF Minnesota Timberwolves

While some compare Kevin Love's game to David Lee's, that's a pretty far-fetched comparison considering the two are nothing alike.

Love was a terror for the T-Wolves last season, averaging 20.2 points and 15.2 rebounds, but most impressively, Love shot 41.7 percent from the three-point line and 85 percent from the line.

Those type of players don't exactly come around very often, if at all, and the franchise should look to lock him up before his value on the open market absolutely explodes with another season under his belt.

34. Al Horford, C Atlanta Hawks

Al Horford might be a natural power forward, but he's enjoyed a lot of success as the go-to man in the middle for a successful Hawks team.

Although Horford had struggled initially with some bigger bodies that he had to go against, he has done an excellent job at adapting to the position and does a lot in every area of the game.

He's a great passer for someone of his size, has a game that extends to about 15 feet out from the hoop, and has shown that he isn't afraid to fight for his position on the interior.

33. Marc Gasol, C Free Agent

Marc Gasol will be one of the most coveted free agents on the open market when league activities resume, and it's fairly easy as to see why when watching his postseason tape.

Despite a down year during the regular season, Gasol really tore it up in the postseason and established himself as a dominant force in the middle against some serious competition.

He still hasn't fully reached his potential quite yet, and depending on where he signs, Gasol could see a serious uptick in his averages over the next several seasons should he continue to improve.

32. Eric Gordon, SG Los Angeles Clippers

What is not to like about Eric Gordon's game? He can score with the best of 'em, pass the rock with fantastic efficiency for a shooting guard and has a perimeter game that others can only dream about.

Although his 2010-11 campaign was a little bumpy because of injury, when he was on the court, Gordon was the man for the Clippers.

He should continue to be an elite offensive weapon as Los Angeles continues to grow, and a one-two punch of he and Blake Griffin will be electric to watch.

31. Ray Allen, SG Boston Celtics

Ray Allen had a lot to prove to those that were claiming he was too old to play the game, as he had one of the best seasons of his illustrious career in 2010-11.

Allen shot the rock at career-high clips from both the field and from behind the three-point line, and that type of scoring efficiency is exactly what a veteran team like the Celtics need.

He exercised the option on his contract to return next season, but it will be interesting to see if he decides to retire when his current deal expires.

30. Josh Smith, PF Atlanta Hawks

Josh Smith has one of the most versatile skill sets that has ever graced the hardwood, but his maddening inconsistency makes it difficult to rely on him for production.

Smoove settles too often for uncontested jumpers that are out of his range, and although he's done a fair job of straying away from them in the past, the habit showed up once again last season.

This kid is a unique talent at both ends of the floor, and if he were able to play the small forward spot rather than power forward, he would absolutely dominate the competition.

29. Nene Hilario, C Free Agent

When Nene exercised his early termination option to become a free agent this season, he instantly became one of the most attractive names on the open market.

The big man shoots a sky-high field-goal percentage, rebounds the ball with ease and has even shown the ability to distribute the ball fairly well for a guy of his size.

He has been able to put his health concerns fully in the rear-view mirror, and any interested club should not hesitate in taking a serious run at this uber-talented center despite his lack of size.

28. Lamar Odom, PF Los Angeles Lakers

Similarly to Josh Smith, Lamar Odom's versatility is what gives him a definite competitive advantage above his peers.

He has displayed the ability to adapt seamlessly between a starting role and a reserve one, and there's no doubt that he has been instrumental in the Lakers' success over the last few seasons.

While Odom is still a little bit inconsistent at times, he has really matured as a player and his dedication to the game of basketball is apparent when watching him play.

27. Andre Iguodala, SF Philadelphia 76ers

The consensus in Philadelphia is fairly split on Andre Iguodala's worth, but this man is a legitimate star no matter which way you slice it.

He might not be a dynamic scorer that fans are used to seeing from someone called a "star," but Iguodala's contributions in every facet of the game don't always show up in the box score.

He is an excellent defender, a very strong rebounder and one of the best point forwards in the league, and those are skills that make him extraordinarily valuable.

26. Joe Johnson, SG Atlanta Hawks

Although Johnson is probably not worth the max contract that he received, there's no doubting his importance to the resurgence of the Atlanta Hawks in recent seasons.

Johnson has proven to be a major asset in the offensive attack, and his ability to do a multitude of things on that end of the court greatly adds to his value.

He might not be able to shed the overpaid label, but with his ability to consistently produce at a high level, nobody should be taking what he does for granted.

25. Andrew Bynum, C Los Angeles Lakers

Similarly to another center named Andrew (Bogut), Bynum could be even higher on this list if he demonstrated the ability to stay healthy for a full season.

Standing a legitimate 7'0" and blessed with some serious strength on his frame, Bynum has the potential to be a 20-and-10 guy for several seasons if he's featured in the offense.

New coach Mike Brown has already stated that his offense will flow through his big men, and that should ensure more touches for the big man as long as he can stay on the court.

24. Monta Ellis, PG Golden State Warriors

Monta Ellis still doesn't receive the proper recognition that he's due as an elite player in the league, but it's time to stand up and make some noise on his behalf.

There isn't another player in the league that has the ability to penetrate with the explosiveness that Ellis does, and that really make his already scary offensive game even more frightful for the opposition.

His defense is a bit of an issue, but he can certainly swipe the ball from anyone that's unsuspecting, and his value lies directly in his ability to produce offensively for a club, whether it's the Warriors or some other team.

23. Tim Duncan, PF San Antonio Spurs

Tim Duncan really regressed in 2010-11, but that doesn't indicate that he has nothing left in the tank whatsoever.

Although he failed to average double-digit rebounds, Duncan took several regular-season games off in an effort to preserve his knees.

Granted it's somewhat of an unknown as to how much longer his body will be able to take the pounding of an NBA season, 75 percent of Timmy D is a whole lot better than 110 percent of almost anyone else.

22. Chris Bosh, PF Miami Heat

When Chris Bosh "sacrificed" to come to the Miami Heat, it was assumed that he'd be no better than the third option in the offense, so I don't understand why everyone was so surprised with his struggles.

For the first time in his carer, Bosh had to adapt to new surrounds, new teammates and a brand-new role on a team that he was completely unfamiliar with previously.

He's going to have to do more next season if he wants to live up to the contract that he signed, but he'll only be able to do that if he can adjust his game to fit his new role.

21. Zach Randolph, PF Memphis Grizzlies

It wasn't long ago that a lot of folks were ready to write off Z-Bo as another overweight, undersized power forward, but he's proven to be a lot more than that.

Can you believe that this guy was traded straight up for Quentin Richardson? Randolph has really found a home in Memphis, evidenced by his averages of 20.1 points and 12.2 rebounds per game last year.

He should continue to improve and will have to do a lot to live up to his freshly inked four-year, $71 million deal, but that shouldn't be an issue assuming he sees the ball enough with Rudy Gay back in the fold.

20. LaMarcus Aldridge, PF Portland Trail Blazers

It's pretty rare that I have a gripe with the NBA All-Star rosters considering that it's a bona fide popularity contest, but LaMarcus Aldridge being left off last season was just downright dirty.

Aldridge absolutely blew up last season averaging 21.8 points per game and 8.8 rebounds, and there's no doubt that he's going to be the major piece for Portland moving forward.

He really improved in almost every area of his game last season, and it would not be surprising to see him take another major step forward in 2011-12.

19. Kevin Garnett, PF Boston Celtics

Although Kevin Garnett is clearly on the backside of his Hall of Fame career, he's still got plenty to contribute to a Boston club that needs everything from him next season.

Garnett averaged 14.9 points and 8.9 rebounds per game last season, and although those are very solid numbers, he was far too inconsistent between performances and really needs to improve if the C's want to win another title before their window closes.

It would shock me to see Garnett sign another deal after his current one expires, and with all the tread on his tires, the Celtics are just hoping he can stay healthy for a full season.

18. Paul Pierce, SF Boston Celtics

After the 2012 season concludes, the Celtics will have just Rajon Rondo, Avery Bradley and Paul Pierce still under contract.

Clearly, general manager Danny Ainge is attempting to have as much cap space as possible, as he knows that he'll need to bring in someone alongside an aging Pierce to transition to the next era of basketball.

While he's still producing for the C's, Pierce hasn't looked like the player that he did when the team won their title in 2008, and that's an awfully alarming sign for the future.

17. Manu Ginobili, SG San Antonio Spurs

It's safe to say that Manu Ginobili has outperformed his selection slot considering that he was taken at No. 57 overall by the Spurs when he was drafted.

Although he's battled the injury bug as he gets older, Ginobili has still shown a strong proclivity to score, pass and play elite defense when healthy.

He's had no trouble adjusting between a starter's role and serving as a sixth man, but in the effort of preserving him for late in the game, he's probably best suited to continue his sixth-man role and let the young gunner James Anderson start at the 2-spot.

16. Blake Griffin, PF Los Angeles Clippers

Blake Griffin is really that good. This kid is no one-hit wonder. He is an absolute beast in every aspect of the attack, and the Clippers have a superstar in the making.

Not only did Griffin electrify the league with his rim-rattling jams on a nightly basis, but one could almost pencil him in for a nightly double-double when he was playing his best basketball of the season.

Los Angeles might have had to wait a year, but it was clearly worth it. They finally have a franchise face and a promising future to look toward as long as Griffin remains on the court.

15. Rajon Rondo, PG Boston Celtics

Rajon Rondo won't challenge the elite point guards in this league for a higher spot on this list until he can prove that he can hit shots from the perimeter with consistency.

To his credit, Rondo has definitely improved on that aspect of his game, but it's still very much a work in progress. His ability to penetrate to the rim at will would be even more dangerous if he could knock down the outside shot.

Additionally, Rondo is a nightmare at the free-throw line, and his aggressiveness to take the ball inside would be better served if he could knock down the shots once he earns them at the charity stripe.

With all that being said, Rondo's elite court vision makes all of that an afterthought.

14. Russell Westbrook, PG Oklahoma City Thunder

Russell Westbrook is still learning how to play the point guard position after playing off the ball at UCLA, and that really showed itself when the Thunder were battling the Grizzlies in the postseason.

Westbrook is awfully talented and is a triple-double threat on almost every night, but he needs to learn to cede the control of the offensive attack to Kevin Durant when the game is on the line.

There is no reason that Westbrook should ever have more shots in a game than Durant, but this young duo will have plenty of time to figure it out and form an awfully promising future in Oklahoma City.

13. Steve Nash, PG Phoenix Suns

You don't win the MVP Award in two consecutive seasons for nothing, and Steve Nash is an elite point guard no matter which way one slices it.

Although he is one of the worst defenders in the entire league, Nash is not valued for his skills at that end of the floor. And he never has been.

Instead, Nash's value is directly in his ability to find an open teammate no matter where they are on the court, and fill it up in a hurry if the club needs him to score.

12. Amar'e Stoudemire, PF New York Knicks

When Stoudemire joined the Knicks on a $100 million ticket, many never expected that he'd live up to his annual salary of $20 million.

However, Stoudemire proved them wrong, and he really came on strong during his inaugural season in New York, averaging 25.3 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.

His knee woes are fully behind him, and although he isn't much of a defender, he is really improving his prowess on the glass and if the Knicks can get double-doubles out of him with any regularity, it's well worth the sizable investment.

11. Pau Gasol, PF Los Angeles Lakers

A lot of people were turning the page from the Pau Gasol era in Los Angeles when he failed to meet expectations in the postseason, but let's take a little bit of a closer look.

Gasol logged heavy minutes when Andrew Bynum was hurt earlier in the season, and that type of wear and tear on his body really proved to be too cumbersome by the time the Lakers needed him at his best.

He needs to rediscover the fire in his belly that he had during the 2008-09 campaign after the Celtics called him soft, because that's when the Lakers are playing at their absolute best.

10. Carmelo Anthony, SF New York Knicks

Carmelo Anthony has shown that he is much more than just an extremely talented scorer since arriving in Madison Square Garden.

Anthony's surprising contributions on the glass were a definite bonus to a New York club that had him pegged as a pure scorer, although scoring is still what he does best.

He's going to need to get used to sharing the rock with a wee bit more regularity than he was used to in Denver, but he should be ready and willing to adjust for the chance to be a title contender before long, assuming that the club can get a third member to form its "big three."

9. Derrick Rose, PG Chicago Bulls

A lot of people are going to clamor for Derrick Rose to be a little bit higher than this, but he still has some work to do on his game before that happens.

Although he took home the MVP Award this season, Rose fell in love with his new-found perimeter attack late in the season, and that cost the Bulls dearly in their chance to pursue a championship.

He has adequately adjusted his game to better his shortcomings, and Rose has the work ethic necessary to become a truly great player. Now, all he has to do is put everything together simultaneously.

8. Dirk Nowitzki, PF Dallas Mavericks

While there is an argument for Dirk Nowitzki to be even higher on this list, the German settles in comfortably at the No. 8 spot fresh off of winning his first championship.

Nowitzki is one of the best scorers that I've ever seen for someone of his size, and the big man has radically transformed the power forward position for prospects worldwide.

With the ability to score at will and rebound the basketball with a surprising ferocity, Nowitzki could go down as the greatest European to ever play in the NBA.

7. Deron Williams, PG New Jersey Nets

Deron Williams can score 20-plus points per night while handing out 10-plus assists, and that's the type of production that indicates superstar status in this league.

Williams battled wrist troubles last season that greatly hampered his shooting stroke, but his passing skills were on display from the moment that he arrived in New Jersey.

He is a definite game-changer, and if the Nets can land some of the big names that they're rumored to be targeting, this club is going to be an awfully good one in the not-so-distant future.

6. Chris Paul, PG New Orleans Hornets

As long as Chris Paul is healthy, there is no point guard in this league that is going to take the crown away from him as the No. 1 option at the position.

Paul put on a show in the postseason against the Lakers, emphatically staking his claim as the game's top distributor, even registering a triple-double in one of the contests.

He has superb court vision, a well-above-average jumper and is among the best rebounding guards in the entire league.

As long as his knee checks out medically, there's no reason to think that anyone can outproduce him.

5. Dwight Howard, C Orlando Magic

D-12, Superman or Dwight Howard—whatever you want to call him, just make sure he's at the forefront of the conversation when discussing the best centers in the league.

The reigning three-time Defensive Player of the Year, Howard is a monster in the paint at both ends of the floor and cannot readily be contained.

He is capable of clearing anyone out of his path that is standing in his way, and Howard's incredible athleticism paired with his insane strength makes for one dynamic baller.

4. Kevin Durant, SF Oklahoma City Thunder

Kevin Durant has already established himself as the game's most potent scorer at a tender age of just 22 years young, but that's really just an indication of how good this kid will ultimately be when it's all said and done.

Durant does more than just score. He has shown an ability to rebound at a solid rate, and he's even proven capable of acting as a defensive presence with his inclination to swipe the rock from an unexpected member of the opposition.

He's only going to improve as he continues to get more experience under his belt, and there is really not much holding him back from becoming the best player in the league very soon.

3. Dwyane Wade, SG Miami Heat

Dwyane Wade reminded everyone why his nickname is "Flash" last season with his remarkable play in the postseason as Miami fought Dallas in the championship round.

Wade's ability to contribute in every area of the game—whether it's scoring, passing, rebounding or on defense—really separates him from the other players at his position, and those things will only continue to improve.

It wasn't more than a few seasons ago when most were questioning as to whether or not he could ever be elite given that he had some injury problems, but we don't hear those same murmurs now.

There is no other player in the league that's comparable to Wade. He is really that unique.

2. Kobe Bryant, SG Los Angeles Lakers

Kobe Bryant is at a very interesting point in his career as he attempts to search for ways to extend it over the next few seasons.

He recently underwent a PRP-like therapy treatment to help relieve some pressure and stress off of his degenerative knee, but it's likely that Bryant will have to deal with the issue for the remainder of his playing days.

Regardless, Bryant still serves as the floor general for a Lakers team that remains very competitive, and although his scoring ability and athleticism aren't what they used to be, he has found other ways to remain the most valuable player to his team in the league.

We're going to see a very different Kobe over the next few seasons, but to assume that it would be a watered-down version would be a critical lapse in judgement.

1. LeBron James, SF Miami Heat

If this list were based on postseason performance, LeBron wouldn't even rank in the top 10. Fortunately for him, that's not the criteria with which this list was constructed.

James is the most talented player in the game. Period. He is a nightly threat to post a triple-double, he is an excellent defender capable of guarding multiple positions and he contributes in almost every category that shows up in the box score.

The one thing that is missing from James' game are intangibles, but let's not forget that even Kobe Bryant went through a maturation process before he truly reached the status of greatness.

There is a ton of pressure on LeBron to perform, but he is the most scrutinized professional athlete that the NBA has ever seen.

To question his talent would be asinine.

Let's not make that mistake.