Labeling Each NBA Team's Best Player from Weak to Elite

Every franchise has a player who they have felt at one point was the missing piece in their championship puzzle. However, after further review they are forced to come to the realization that they are not. When breaking down an NBA team it is much like breaking down a group of women you are dating.

You have your elite group of players, who you are certain to build your franchise around. These players have very few faults and you will spend 82 games—plus the playoffs—marveling at what they are capable of. This is similar to that special young lady who you are willing to marry. She does everything or what appears to be everything you have ever wanted, and you feel like nothing can separate you two.

Elite sometimes does not immediately translate into championships, but it always breeds excitement and wins. An elite player will make the magnificent look mundane. Elite takes a player from Comburhair, Montana and gives him Cali-swag or a Brooklyn-bop. There are only six truly elite players in the game today. These players cannot be stopped regardless of the day, defense or their opponents' determination. In short they do what they want when they want.

Then you have your group of All-Stars. Now with this group, reality eventually sets in and you realize there is no future in fronting. This group is good for a couple of wins and playoff runs, but you have to get better if championships are what you aspire for. Just like the young lady whose looks never seem to warrant the amount of attention she desires. Both the players and ladies are good, and possibly great at one or two things—but lack the necessary tools to build a strong future.

After these two groups is where the tragedies begin. The alright, but not real group is chuck-full of players who put up numbers but not wins. They tease you with what they could be and break your heart with what they are. This is the woman who you “meet” at the club or happy hour spot and have a great conversation with. About a week or so later after “dealing” with said young lady you realize why she is sssssooooooo single.

Lastly, is the “I’m straight” player. This is the player you would trade for a bottle of Jones Root Beer and a Honey Bun if you could. This group loses games. They alienate the fan base with their aloof play and single-handedly give meaning to the phrase: “It's cheaper to keep her." The removal of said player from the roster costs so much it becomes apparent it is just cheaper to keep him and get a nightly rendition of I'm a Loser by the Beatles. There is no need to divulge what type of woman this is, because we all know her and have spent "time" with her.

So here is a list of each team’s best player’s place on the Chart of Championship Dreams and Lottery Nightmares. This list consists of one player from each team's best player. So you know who is not going to be on this list because you know who not that team’s best player is.

Ladies and gents my thoughts beginning with your All-Stars:

LA Clippers – Blake Griffin: All-Star

Griffin is special. Blake Griffin is so special he made Donald Sterling spend money. He is so special people are buying Clippers tickets.

What Griffin has done on the court for the Clippers pales in comparison to what he has done for the Clippers brand. The Clips matter now. The people are lined up for miles to see the man who runs the floor
like a gazelle and leaps whack defenders in a single bound.

Since Griffin hit the floor for his second rookie season, he has averaged no less than 20 points and 10 rebounds, thus solidifying him as a force. Keeping him from elite is his lack of back-to-the-basket game
and poor footwork. Once he improves on that and develops a “counter move” Griffin will be unstoppable.

Philadelphia – Jrue Holiday: All-Star

Jrue Holiday has been a surprise for many—author included. His balance, body control and handle are rare in such a young player. The guard also has vision and discipline. The Sixer point has a chance
to be special if he continues to listen to Head Coach Doug Collins and works on his game.

Holiday’s lack of point guard instincts and ability to take over a game are what is keeping him from breaking into that top tier of talent. The Philly leader currently sits in the middle of the pack in all the
true passing statistical categories. Beginning with assists per game and ending in assists based on floor location, Holiday needs to distance himself from the other floor leaders in the league if he wants to be considered elite.

New York Knicks - Carmelo Anthony: All-Star

It is disappointing to see such a superior talent in an inferior group. Hands down Carmelo should be in the elite group. The player once known as the “Bully of the Block” has been regulated to ill-advised jump
shots. A player who once moved so eloquently without the ball is now “excelling” in the one-on-one arena.

Melo walked into Denver in 2003-2004 and led the Nuggets to a 26-game improvement. Denver appeared to have struck gold with the Melo selection. Now Denver is in denial and the Knicks are staring unreal expectations in the eye.  

At the conclusion of the 2008-2009, Anthony looked ready to take on the world. A playoff run that ended in the Western Conference Finals propelled Anthony to heights he has since crashed from. Despite going
for 28 points a night the following season, the forward struggled to regain that effortless flow that had been so effervescent early in his career.

Boston Celtics – Rajon Rondo: All-Star

The Boston Celtics are holding Rajon Rondo back from being one of the elite players in the league. As smart as Danny Ainge was to trade for Rondo on draft night, his stupidity would far surpass that if he were
to trade the Facilitator.

Rondo always seems to make the right pass, whether it is through penetration or reading the defense to get Ray Allen an open jump shot. Rondo is rarely out of control and always purposeful in his play.

Yes Rondo’s jump shot looks destined for failure each time he releases it, and yes he will never be a 30-point and 15-assist guard. What he is and will always be is a true point guard that if surrounded by
the right talent will lead your squad to a championship.

Atlanta Hawks – Joe Johnson: All-Star

Joe Johnson has been teetering on elite for a few years now and appears to have settled in nicely at the All-Star level. The Atlanta guard’s game is pure and simplistic. Johnson wins most of his battles
below the rim. He has one of the deadliest mid-range games to ever come through the south.

At 6’8" Johnson is one of the bigger guards in the NBA. He uses his body well to maintain room to get his shot off. Joe is still capable of using his quickness and ball handling to get to the rim. Since the 2006-2007 season Johnson was one of the league leaders in at the rim-shot attempts, but it appears father time has caught up to him.

The guard has looked a step slower this season. His at the rim attempts have dropped from 4.4 in 2006-07 to 2.1 in the 2011-12 season. He still remains one of the smartest and craftiest guards in the game.

Oklahoma City Thunder – Russell Westbrook: All-Star

Kevin Durant is the best scorer in the game today, but Russell Westbrook is the best player on the Thunder. Westbrook’s defense, passing and rebounding make him one of the better players in the league—not just guards.

Dealing exclusively with the guard position, Brook sat third in rebounding among point guards (5.0) this season. He sat fourth among points guards in defensive plays (2.33 per) last season. He was second in scoring among points (19.4) this season. He is third in the league in three-point plays (.57) this season. The list goes on and on. In short he is one of the most explosive and versatile players in the game.

Westbrook got his first taste of true scrutiny last year in the playoffs and at times looked frustrated by it. This season he has to comeback poised and mentally tougher if the Thunder is to reach that championship city everyone has them destined for.

Portland Trail Blazers – LaMarcus Aldridge: All-Star

This is the last year LaMarcus Aldridge is not an elite player. The power forward is on the cusp of taking the league by storm. The table is set for this young pup to eat with the big dogs. Few things in
life are as beautiful as watching Aldridge run the pick and roll. He is surgical in setting his man up for the Blazers high-low game.

The L-Train is a matchup nightmare for most power forwards in the league. The nightmare is becoming all too real as he jumps from forgotten All-Star to one of the top-10 players in the league. The young gunner is not without flaw—his rebounding must improve. In 81 games last season, the Texas alum had 36 double-doubles. While those numbers are not paltry, they are still far below where he should be.

Minnesota Timberwolves – Kevin Love: All-Star

Insidious best describes Kevin Love. He is a sneaky rebounder who uses positioning to get the majority of his rebounds. He is a deceptive shooter who manages to sink at least one three a game. Love can
finish with either hand and has point guard vision. He has Moses Malone-type suddenness around the basket, which enables him to finish.

Love is on his way to being an elite player, as early as this season. The center is notching a career high this season in points per game (25). He has not had fewer than 11 boards in any of the first 13 games
of the season. If the Wolves are to make the playoffs, it will be behind Love’s play. There is nothing stopping the UCLA product from reaching an elite club.

Memphis Grizzles – Marc Gasol: All-Star

Marc Gasol is a mobile home in a jersey. He is unmovable in the paint and has an extremely high basketball IQ. Gasol reminds most of a clean version of Bill Laimbeer. The difference is Gasol can finish
above the rim, which is something Laimbeer could never do.

Gasol is a crafty passer and a surprisingly good shot-blocker. The center’s athletic ability can only be described as a travesty. Nevertheless, Gasol is efficient and formidable.

Gasol can sometimes be mechanical, which keeps him from taking a seat in the elite room.  

Milwaukee Bucks: Andrew Bogut – All-Star

When healthy Andrew Bogut is one of the top five centers in the game—problem is he is rarely healthy. The Aussie has played in 82 games once in his career and has never started a full season. This has
hindered the former No. 1 overall selection's impact on his current club.

With a lineup that is void of any other true superstars, Bogut has to step his game up for the Bucks to be a playoff team. The center has averaged a double-double in his last three seasons, and that is
the type of effort needed from him.

Bogut’s inability to stay healthy and his lack of playoff success is all that is keeping him from obtaining the elite label.

Now for the Elite

New Jersey Nets - Deron Williams: Elite

Deron Williams is the best point guard in the Association. He is a better finisher than Chris Paul. Williams is a better passer than Derrick Rose. Williams is stronger than Steve Nash. Most of all, he is a better offensive player than Rajon Rondo.

The problem is Williams was like Gilligan stuck on the island of Utah, and no one ever got to see him play. Unshackled and landing in New Jersey the guard appeared ready to shine, but injuries and an
indescribable awkwardness has left Williams’ name off of the best in the game list.

True talent can never be restrained, and Williams will remind you all of his excellence. The Dallas native has everything required to be elite in this game. He was second in the league in and1s, which is a testament to his ability as a scorer. 

What separates D-Will is his ability to score and facilitate at will—pun intended. Last season he averaged 11.2 assists per game, which only tells part of the story. A better illustration of his dominance is
Williams had nine or more assists in 45 of 65 games last season. To put that in perspective, the “People’s Champion” Chris Paul had nine or more assists in 49 of 80 games last year.

Dallas Mavericks – Dirk Nowitzki: Elite

Is it the unbalanced jump shot that he can hit off one foot, on the wrong side of the floor, while looking at the cheerleader with the nicest smile?

Or the 10-plus boards he gets nightly?

Nah, it has to be the fact that since he arrived in Big D, the Mavs have mattered.

Regardless of whom or what, Dirk gets it done. Before the ring he was still Cutco sharp. His jumper is pure and his game is fluid. The Dirk is a once-in-a-lifetime player who we all should be thankful we were
able to partake in.

Orlando Magic – Dwight Howard: Elite

The seven-footer, who has an affinity for vertically challenged people’s clothes, is the greatest force in the game. He alters game plans without any offensive repertoire. Howard has given light to a
team and a coach not worthy of his abilities.

The Bill Russell clone, minus the unearthly drive, will be a welcomed addition to whoever decides to take his talents.

If you doubt Howard’s elite status, wait a year and see what the Magic are without him on the roster.  

Miami Heat – Dwyane Wade: Elite

Now some would say LeBron James is a better player than D-Wade, and I hope those are the people who I am building a team against. LeBron James has all the talent one can be given, but does not have that
competitive fire to do what champions do.

Wade would sell his mother for a rebound in the fourth quarter and slap fire out of his grandmother for a last-second stop. It means that much to him.

Wade gets the nod here because he is a “by any means necessary player," while James is a “is that really necessary player."

Chicago Bulls – Derrick Rose: Elite

Chicago’s Derrick Rose is one of the hardest players to gauge. Is he truly elite or just an unbelievable talent who is amazing to watch? The answer to that is simple—he is both. Rose cannot be stopped going
to the rim and is easy on the eyes.

One misconception is that Rose is a terrible outside shooter. During his MVP season “the Blur” shot 38 percent from 16-23 feet, which is poor. Yet, he shot 41 percent from the three-point line. Now no one will
confuse him for Mark Price, but D.R. is not Muggsy Bogues either.

What makes Rose elite is that he alone makes the Bulls a legitimate championship contender. If you were to remove D.R. from the Bulls, they would become the Washington Wizards.

Los Angeles Lakers - Kobe Bryant: Elite

No. 24 is still one of the game’s coldest assassins and does not appear to be slowing down. Knee injuries, domestic situations and a head coaching change have yet to derail one of the greatest Lakers of
all-time.

As this article is being submitted, the Bean has scored 30 or more points in five of his last six games—including dropping 40 points on back-to-back nights.

What makes Bryant elite is his insane level of consistency. No matter the venue or opponent he does his thing. Home or away 25-plus, Clippers or Wizards 25-plus, Monday or Thursday 25-plus, fried or grilled
25-plus—it really does not matter with Bryant.  

Now for the "He's Alright, but He's Not Real" Group

Houston Rockets-Kevin Martin: Alright, but not real

Kevin Martin is one of the better scorers in the NBA, and that is where it stops. Martin is surprisingly quick with the ball and has an outstanding mid-range game. He is an accomplished scorer who has averaged 20 or more points in five of his seven seasons in the league.

Unfortunately, Martin struggles late in games and his belief that passing is a sign of weakness keeps him from playing in All-Star games.

Ultimately, Martin is a classic example of a one-dimensional player whose singular dimension leaves a lot to be desired.  

New Orleans Hornets – Carl Landry: Alright, but Not Real

Gritty, undersized and crafty best describes Carl Landry’s game. Landry has surprised many, not with how well he has played, but by not being as bad as people thought he would be. The 6’9" power forward has made a name for himself as a tough player who will give maximum effort.

His performance in the 2010-2011 playoffs, 16 points and five rebounds in six games, were admirable. The forward would be a great third option on a championship club. He deserves a chance to play on the
biggest stage based on the effort and desire he has displayed thus far.  

San Antonio Spurs – Tony Parker: Alright, but Not Real

Tony Parker is a good player and he is sometimes a really good player. He is not a great player capable of carrying a team. The question with Parker is: Has he peaked?

Since being named 2006-2007 NBA Finals MVP, Parker has played well, but has failed to take the next step to a consistent All-Star level.

The Frenchman’s game is scoring through penetration, and he is not much of a facilitator. Parker’s 6.6 assists per game leads the average observer to think he is somewhat of a point guard. If one were to play Angela Lansbury, they would uncover that two of the six assists the Spurs guard obtains come from point blank range. Meaning it is not until after he has tried to score that he is willing to share.

Golden State Warriors – Stephen Curry: Alright, but Not Real

Stephen Curry is still an unknown commodity two years in his NBA career. It commences with the uncertainty of what position he plays and the new direction of the franchise. Curry is extremely talented and can flat out shoot the lights out. In the NBA the best ability is availability. Curry is finding that out the hard way this season.

Curry has missed seven games already this season due to injury. You combine that with a shortened offseason and a new coaching staff—and this could be a wash year for the combo guard.

The Warriors have high hopes this season, but most of those hopes rest squarely on the shoulders of Curry. The combo has made strides at the point guard position, but is better suited for the two-guard spot, where his playmaking and scoring prowess can flourish.

If Curry does that, he will transition from not real to elite fairly quickly.    

Indiana Pacers – Danny Granger: Alright, but Not Real

Roy Hibbert is close to taking the title as the Indiana Pacers’ best player. He has improved each year and as he has gotten better—so have the Pacers. However, at this moment Granger wins by a hair.

In Granger the Pacers have the quintessential small forward. Granger can score from the outside, put the ball on the floor and finish above the rim. There are few holes in the former New Mexico Lobos' standout's game.

It is time for the forward to elevate his game. He must take games over with his rebounding and defense. Granger has played in 459 games and has snagged 10 or more rebounds in just 31 of them. Time for a change and the time is now.

Toronto Raptors - Andrea Bargnani: Alright, but Not Real

Andrea is another example of when “scouting goes wrong". Drafted first overall by the Raptors, A.B. was adored for his versatility and jump shots, which are great attributes for a 6’6" wing. However, those are not the characteristics one looks for in a 6’11" player. Bargnani is different though because he is European.

In fact, he is the same as most European players who come to the NBA. He lacks the testicular toughness and mental intangibles to be a great player. What makes Bargnani an interesting case study is he has managed to increase his scoring average while having little to no positive impact on the game. His 6.2 rebounds per game in 2009 were a career high and are unacceptable for a 6’11" player.

Cleveland Cavaliers – Kyrie Irving: Alright, but Not Real

The Duke rookie has played well to start the season, and in turn the Cavs have won some games. However, every basketball fan from Akron to Alaska knows Cleveland will be terrible this year, so Irving’s
development is all that matters. To date he has yet to have a game with more than seven assists, which is disappointing for a point guard.

Will Irving be that impact player who carries the Cleveland Cavaliers from the depths of NBA lottery hell to respectability?

Nah, he is alright and will have some big scoring games. But a difference maker he is
not. Size and durability will keep him from consistent All-Star participation.  

Detroit Pistons – Greg Monroe: Alright, but Not Real

Few of you have heard of Greg Monroe and that’s unfortunate. The former Georgetown Hoya is actually headed in the right direction, but just is not there yet. Monroe appears to have a bright future in front of him. His game is activity more than brute force.

Monroe had a coming out party of sorts against the Milwaukee Bucks this season when he scored 32 points and grabbed 16 rebounds. The Pistons lost that game 102-93. That is the next step for the 6’11" talent, posting game-winning numbers as opposed to just getting numbers.

Utah Jazz – Al Jefferson: Alright, but Not Real

Al Jefferson is a tease. He gives you flashes of greatness and then takes it all back. The future is now for the tantalizing center.

Will he give the Utah Jazz their first playoff appearance since the 2009-2010 season? Or will he give them another 18-point, nine-board season with little to no effect on the game?

Jefferson has the talent, but is missing that certain "it" factor. He has proven incapable of carrying a team, yet Utah has hitched its wagon to the center in hopes Big Al can somehow get it done.

Sacramento Kings – Tyreke Evans: Alright, but Not Real

Tyreke Evans’ rookie season gave reason for hope in Sacramento. However, last season following his rookie of the year campaign has given reason for despair. Evans’ scoring dropped from 20.3 points per to 17.8 points per.

More importantly, the aggressive confident player had given way to a tentative player who never quite seemed comfortable. The 2011-2012 regular season will be a true gauge of where Evans is headed in his
career.

Finally the "Nah, I'm Straight" Crew

Charlotte Bobcats - Boris Diaw: I'm Straight

Boris Diaw is a skilled player who perhaps would be a valuable asset to a winning team. However, right now he is just another decent player on a really bad team. Diaw’s position in the NBA hierarchy is best described by fellow columnist Abacus Reveals here.

Washington Wizards – JaVale McGee: I’m Straight

JaVale McGee is raw and could be a different type of player under the right coach in the right system. He is explosive and has a high basketball IQ. Unfortunately, he lacks poise and the discipline needed to
be an impacting player.

Denver Nuggets - Danilo Gallinari: I’m Straight

Danilo is your typical international player. The forward lacks the aggressive game necessary to be a consistently good player in the NBA. Scouts drool over his versatility, but lose sight of the lack of
intangibles that make a great player.

Phoenix Suns – Marcin Gortat: I’m Straight

Marcin can be described simply as a more athletic Greg Kite or Joe Klein, no more and no less.