Ric Bucher's Top 7 NBA Players: How off Was He?

Ric Bucher's recent rankings of the top seven players in the NBA have sent shock waves across the nation almost worse than Tebowmania.

What on God's green earth is going on right now?

There is nothing better to talk about around the water cooler than debates like these, but how does he rank just the top seven?

I found it funny that the top seven and not a top ten or something simple was given. What is going to happen next, a playoff in college football for just seven teams?

Lastly, I list my very own top-10 rankings based on how they are playing right now and I even chime in on Bucher's list (feel free to dissect his list as well). 

Bucher's List

7. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder

Having Westbrook is not that big of a disgrace compared to leaving out the two-time scoring champion and arguably the biggest nightmare to go up against on nearly every night. Plus, does he really think Kevin Durant is that poor of a defender and rebounder?

6. Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks

Maybe Dirk is not having a great year thus far, but the guy is a sure-fire top-10 player with his ability to hit jumpers with more consistency than most players can at the free-throw line.

5. Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat

The nagging injuries of Wade and LeBron James have hurt them the past few nights but Wade is an elite defender and scorer when healthy. Don't judge him based on the past two nights because the guy can flat out do it all, though he is turning 30 next week.

4. Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic

The guy is worse at shooting free throws than any superstar we have seen minus Shaquille O'Neal, but the guy is a beast on the glass and in the paint on both ends of the court. I couldn't justify him being outside the top five.

3. LeBron James, Miami Heat

The King at third may sound a bit weird since he is still the most explosive athlete arguably in all of sports, but the guy needs to finish some games out with more consistency. That said, I would still move him up a spot or two.

2. Derrick Rose, Bulls

The reigning MVP is also a tad nicked up, but he can carry your team down the stretch and come through when it matters most. His freakish skills around the rim and strength/determination has to keep him in your top five.

1. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers

No doubt, right now the "Black Mamba" is still the best in the game at the moment. People were concerned about his injuries but the guy is the best for a reason. He carries a team and looks forward to doing so. He has never backed down from a last-second shot.

Maybe he drops a spot or two towards the end of the season, but it would not be safe to even think about moving him right now.

Overall, the list isn't as awful as most say it is, but not having Durant in it almost makes it brutal. Durant might win the MVP this season if his Thunder win around 45 games. 

I don't mind his top five at all, though I am not sure Dirk is deserving of being in the top seven. This is all about right now with the past having zero effect. Guys like Kevin Love, Blake Griffin, Chris Paul and Deron Williams would all be better choices in my eyes. Other than that, not much beef from me.

My Top 10 Through Seven

10. Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves

Dirk Nowitzki is deserving of this spot as well, but Love is younger and has been more productive this season. Love is underrated at shooting the rock and has been getting to the line at nearly the double the rate. Just because he plays for the lowly T-Wolves does not mean we should punish him; plus there is not a better rebounder in the game right now.

9. Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks

Is there a better pure scorer in the NBA than Mr. 'Melo? In my eyes, he can score anywhere on the court, which cannot be said for every player in the NBA. Plus, 'Melo is doing it without any help from his backcourt.

Surely, Amar'e Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler have helped but at the end of the day, Anthony is starting to play the best ball of his career.

8. Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers

CP3 may be a better pure point guard and player than Westbrook, but Paul has not been clicking on all cylinders yet. Most of that is because he is on a new team and he showed last night how dominating of a player he is.

However, Paul's defense is still questioned despite having been named All-Defense three times in his career. Westbrook is the better rebounder, defender and offensive weapon in the transition game due to his ability to finish at the rim with authority.

7. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder

I thought I was president of the Westbrook fan club, but clearly Ric Bucher currently is. First off, Westbrook cannot be ranked ahead of Durant just because he is maybe better at his position than Durant is. Guys like LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony are as good as it gets overall and Durant is right there with them.

However, Russell is the type of point guard can take over a game whenever he is under control and he is improving by the day. He may be the most inconsistent in the top 10, but he also has one of the highest upsides. 

Six Through Four

6. Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat

An electric player when healthy, Wade can do it as good as any guard in the NBA on both ends of the court. He is slowly getting longer in the tooth, but the future Hall of Famer can still get to the cup like a true point guard and he will throw dimes with the best of them.

5. Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic

"Superman" may be one of the poorest free-throw shooters in the history of the game compared to other superstars, but Dwight owns the paint. His presence alone is remarkable and he often alters game plans on a consistent basis on the defensive end of the court. 

4. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder

The two-time scoring champion could be on the verge of winning his first ring, but he has taken it one game at a time thus far. At just 23 years of age, "Durantula" is improving as both a defender and a rebounder.

He unfairly does not get the support he deserves because he is not the most outspoken guy in the league, but the "silent assassin" lets his play do the talking.

Three Through One

3. Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls

As a loyal fan of Mr. Rose, he is the one guy that could simply climb up the rankings when June rolls around (more so than anybody, including Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook). He has answered all questions about his game (free throws, three-point shooting, passing) so much that it is almost ridiculous how much he as improved since his rookie season.

Staying healthy is a must since he is a high-volume type of player, but the guy could be on his way to his second straight MVP at just 23 years old.

2. LeBron James, Miami Heat

The biggest freak in the NBA has a true knack for making highlight-reel plays in every game. James is nearly impossible to guard in the open court because you will either be run over and/or dunked on.

King James is the best talent arguably (most say undoubtedly) and just needs to be able to silence the naysayers by getting that illustrious NBA ring. It is tough to put him ahead of a guy that has been there in Kobe Bryant.

1. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers

The "Black Mamba" has really proven to the nation that he is the best in the game with his ability to will his team to victory. Plus, he has literally carried them on his back without any respectable guards (or All-Star-caliber players) around him. If Kobe's Lakers can keep up the torrid pace or at least get home court in the first round of the playoffs, No. 24 will be the main reason why.

Make Your List

Alright, time for you to give me reasons why I am wrong just like Ric Bucher, though this list is like anything in sports: fluid and always changing. 

Injuries have derailed and impacted this current list and we can count on some changes being made every month or so.

Feel free to give us your own top-10 list with a few reasons that support them. Cheers!