NBA Power Rankings: Selecting and Ranking Every NBA Team's Best Player This Year
The 2011-12 NBA season hasn't disappointed, from Linsanity all the way to Lob City, this season has been full of memorable moments and historical performances.
With the 2012 NBA All-Star Game less than one week away, there's no better time than now to look at which players are the best on their respective teams and where those players rank in relation to each other.
In the slides ahead, you'll find rankings of every NBA team's best player, based solely on their performance during the 2011-12 NBA season so far.
Rankings are based on the players value to his respective team, overall offensive and defensive production and player efficiency.
Enjoy.
No. 30 Charlotte Bobcats SG Gerald Henderson
1 of 30Picking the best player on the Charlotte Bobcats isn't an easy task, and it's not because there's so much incredible talent on their roster. It's because there's just not enough.
Gerald Henderson is a sleeper candidate for the Most Improved Player of the Year award, averaging 15.0 PPG, 4.4 RPG and 1.8 APG, which are all impressive increases in production when compared to his career totals. The only problem with Henderson is that he's playing at a very inefficient level, with a PER of 13.41. You can't really blame him though—he's playing on the worst team in the NBA.
The Bobcats don't really have much going for them, with an NBA worst 4-27 record overall. The good news for Charlotte is that they have some athletic players in Henderson and rookie Kemba Walker, that they'll be able to build around, especially with the number one all but guaranteed lottery pick in this year's upcoming draft.
Gerald Henderson, you're the best player on the Bobcats—but that's not really saying much.
No. 29 New Orleans Hornets C Omeka Okafor
2 of 30I wanted to give this spot to Eric Gordon, but seeing that he's played in only two games as a New Orleans Hornet, I just couldn't do it.
So who's the next best player on the Hornets' roster? It was a toss up between point guard Jarrett Jack and center Emeka Okafor, but the nod ultimately went to the dominant big man, Okafor. While Okafor's production is down this year as compared to his career totals, averaging 9.9 PPG, 7.9 RPG and 1.0 BPG, with a PER of 15.68, he's still producing at a high enough level to warrant being the best player on an pretty underwhelming team.
The one thing that Okafor does bring to the Hornets is excitement, enthusiasm and hard work, which will pay off for him and the Hornets in the long run.
There's not much Okafor can do to make the Hornets a better team, unless he can magically heal Eric Gordon and get him back on the court. Even with Gordon, the Hornets aren't going to be a legitimate playoff contender because of their inexperience as a unit. However, with the right pieces in place, including Jack, Okafor and Gordon, the Hornets will be a team to keep your eyes on in the coming year or two.
No. 28 Sacramento Kings PG Tyreke Evans
3 of 30There isn't much going right for the Sacramento Kings this year, winning only six out of their 21 games so far.
The one bright spot for the otherwise underwhelming Kings is that they have one of the brightest young talents at the point guard position in Tyreke Evans. While Evans' production has been in decline since his rookie season, averaging only 17.0 PPG, 5.2 RPG and 5.1 APG, with a PER of 16.53, he's still the best player on a lacking Sacramento Kings' roster.
Evans is without a doubt the Kings' best player, but until they bring in some legitimate veteran leadership, he won't be able to take the Kings to that "next level" in the Western Conference.
Evans must mature and become an even more complete player to help the Kings win; when he does that, there's no limit to how successful of an NBA player he can become.
No. 27 Toronto Raptors C Andrea Bargnani
4 of 30Andrea Bargnani has been the one bright spot for a Toronto Raptors' team that has been all but underwhelming the past few years.
The good news for the Raptors is that Bargnani is the kind of franchise talent they can build a successful team around moving forward—as long as they make the right moves.
This season alone, Bargnani has developed into an All-Star caliber player, averaging 23.5 PPG and 6.4 RPG, with a PER of 22.24. While Bargnani hasn't turned the Raptors into a legitimate contender yet, in the next few years he could do it, as long as the Raptors compliment him with some legitimate talent.
DeMar DeRozan and Jose Calderon are both players that could have taken this spot, but they've never quite reached their potential. If DeRozan and Calderon can pick up some of the slack on the offensive side of the ball, the Raptors can become a legitimate playoff contender in the Easter Conference, with Bargnani as their franchise talent.
No. 26 Denver Nuggets SF Danilo Gallinari
5 of 30Ever since trading away Carmelo Anthony, the Nuggets have looked like a more complete team, with the best player being Danilo Gallinari.
Gallinari is having the best statistical year of his career, with averages of 17.0 PPG, 5.2 RPG and 2.6 APG, with a PER of 20.04. Gallinari has filled right in for Carmelo Anthony, and while he isn't the same type of player, he's more of a team player than Carmelo will ever be, resulting in the Nuggets becoming a better team.
This spot realistically could have gone to Ty Lawson. However, Gallinari plays at a higher level of efficiency, which means more to a Nuggets team that lacked efficiency and consistency over the past few years.
The Nuggets are starting to build a solid team around Gallinari, Lawson and Nene, resulting in a team that will undoubtedly be a legitimate contender in the West for the next few years.
No. 25 Washington Wizards PG John Wall
6 of 30JaVale McGee almost stole this spot away from John Wall, but he just doesn't have enough polish on the offensive side of the ball to do so just yet.
Once McGee becomes a more complete player, he might very well become the best player on the Wizards' young roster.
Wall is one of the best young talents in the NBA; it's just a shame that he plays on arguably the NBA's worst team. Wall is averaging 16.9 PPG, 7.5 APG, and 4.9 RPG, with a PER of 18.02. That's some serious production for a guy who's only been in the league for two years.
The future is bright for Wall, and whenever he gets some legitimate talent around him in Washington, or he takes his talents elsewhere, he will be well on his way to becoming one of the best true point guards in the league.
No. 24 Milwaukee Bucks PG Brandon Jennings
7 of 30With center Andrew Bogut out for at least the next six weeks, the Bucks lost one of their best players, placing more pressure on third-year point guard Brandon Jennings. Lucky for the Bucks, Jennings is more than capable of handling that pressure.
Jennings is having the best year of his young career, averaging 18.2 PPG, 5.2 APG and 3.5 RPG, with a PER of 18.23, and he's the main reason the Bucks are still relevant this season. Jennings has also increased his shooting percentage, from a career average of 38.8 percent to this year's average of 40.8 percent.
Brandon Jennings is undoubtedly the future of the Milwaukee Bucks, and for good reason. He's also the best player on their roster, sans Andrew Bogut.
The Bucks have a bright future with Jennings at the point guard position, and as long as they're able to add some talent around him and Bogut returns to 100 percent, they could turn into a legitimate playoff contender in the Eastern Conference.
No. 23 Detroit Pistons C Greg Monroe
8 of 30There aren't many that thought Monroe would be this good in only the second year of his career, but the Pistons sure are happy that he is—without him on the team, they might still be looking for their first win of the season.
Monroe is averaging 16.2 PPG and 9.7 RPG, with a PER of 22.74. The main reason Monroe is playing at such an efficient rate is because he's also shooting above 50 percent, with a field goal percentage of 51.8 percent.
Monroe is without a doubt the future of the Detroit Pistons; with players like Ben Gordon, Brandon Knight and Charlie Villanueva, the Pistons future isn't as dark as it might seem.
There's no doubt that Monroe can't carry the entire Piston's franchise, but if the Pistons are able to make some smart moves moving forward in both the draft and free agency, the Pistons might be able to build a solid team around Monroe, the Pistons' best player.
No. 22 Memphis Grizzlies C Marc Gasol
9 of 30While the Grizzlies aren't necessarily lighting the basketball world on fire, they are a respectable 18-15 overall, and that record is in large part due to the dominant play of All-Star center Marc Gasol.
Gasol is averaging a double-double on the year with averages of 15.1 PPG, 10.0 PPG and 2.1 BPG. In addition to that production, Gasol is also playing at an efficient level with a PER of 19.38, which is bringing a level of consistency to a Grizzlies team that desperately needs it.
Gasol's 2011-12 season is the best of his now four year career, and if he continues to develop the way he has so far, the Grizzlies are going to be a dangerous team in the Western Conference.
With a solid trio of young talent in Memphis with Marc Gasol, Mike Conley and Rudy Gay, there is a lot of reason to be excited if you happen to be a Grizzlies fan.
No. 21 Philadelphia 76ers PG Lou Williams
10 of 30This spot was a real tossup between Andre Iguodala, Elton Brand and Lou Williams, but ultimately Lou Williams gets the nod, which undoubtedly will cause some debate.
The reason why Lou Williams is the best player on the impressive Sixers is because for the first time in the past few years, he's brought a spark off the bench to a Sixers team that's desperately needed one.
Williams is averaging 15.9 PPG, 3.8 APG, and 2.2 RPG, with a solid PER of 22.36. That production should be enough to earn Williams the starting point guard gig over Jrue Holiday, but Williams is most efficient when he's coming off the bench. He's helped the Sixers become one of the surprises of the 2011-12 season with a 20-12 overall record.
Maybe the Sixers should switch things up and start Williams. It might just be the spark they need moving forward in the 2011-12 season.
No. 20 Indiana Pacers C Roy Hibbert
11 of 30While this spot could go to Danny Granger, I think Hibbert's presence in the paint is more important for the Pacers, and the fact that he is a more efficient player makes him the better player, but just by a little bit.
Hibbert is averaging nearly a double-double this year, with averages of 13.4 PPG, 9.6 RPG and 1.7 BPG, with a PER of 18.95. Hibbert's ability to control the paint defensively and produce at a consistent rate on the offensive side of the ball is one of the main reasons why the Pacers are a contender in the East.
Hibbert's play this year has taken the offensive pressure off Granger, and it's helped the Pacers become a serious playoff contender in the Eastern Conference, showing how important he truly is to the team.
No. 19 Golden State Warriors PF David Lee
12 of 30David Lee gets the nod here over guards Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry, because he's hands-down the more complete player of the bunch.
Without David Lee's presence on the boards, the Golden State Warriors would be even worse than they currently are—specifically because Ellis doesn't do much more than score.
David Lee is 0.1 rebounds per game away from averaging a double-double on the year, with averages of 19.0 PPG and 9.9 RPG. Lee is also playing at a relatively efficient level, with a PER of 19.37, higher than court-mate Monta Ellis who has a PER of only 17.48.
David Lee, in his seventh NBA season, is becoming one of the best power forwards in the league. If the Warriors can find some talent in the paint to compliment Lee, the Warriors could be a dangerous team.
No. 18 Boston Celtics PG Rajon Rondo
13 of 30I know, Rondo, I'm shocked I picked you too. While I hate to do it, the nod here goes to Rondo. He's the most talented player out of the four of them, and he has the most potential moving forward.
Rondo is currently riding the bench with a wrist injury, but before that he was averaging 14.8 PPG, 9.5 APG and 4.9 RPG, with a solid PER of 19.07. While a lot of people knock Rondo for his "inability" to score, just know that this year he was shooting at 51.7 percent from the field before going down with a wrist injury.
Rondo is the kind of player that will succeed and make a team better, no matter what kind of talent you bring around him, and that's what makes him so special.
While this spot could arguably go to Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo or Paul Pierce, I think Rondo's franchise ability is what sets him apart from the others. No matter what the fate of the big three is, whether it's retiring as Celtics or being traded away at some point, the Celtics future is in good hands with Rondo running the point.
No. 17 Utah Jazz C Al Jefferson
14 of 30Al Jefferson has had quite a career, playing for three different teams over the span of eight seasons in the NBA.
While Jefferson's career has never really taken off to the level many thought it would, he's quietly accumulated impressive career totals of 15.9 PPG, 8.8 RPG and 1.4 BPG.
This year, Jefferson is improving on that production with averages of 19.1 PPG, 9.3 RPG and 1.6 BPG, with a PER of 23.69. That kind of production should have been enough to give Jefferson the first All-Star appearance of his career, but he got snubbed again.
The Utah Jazz don't have incredible depth on their roster, and they don't really have a superstar, but Jefferson has done a great job of making all of that irrelevant. The Jazz roster around him needs to step up if the Jazz are going to make a serious run at a spot in the Western Conference Playoffs.
No. 16 Houston Rockets PG Kyle Lowry
15 of 30If the season ended right now, the Houston Rockets would be the sixth seed in the Western Conference playoffs, and that's in large part because of the way Kyle Lowry's been playing this season.
Lowry is playing like the NBA's most improved player this year, averaging 15.4 PPG, 7.7 APG and 5.2 RPG with a PER of 20.48.
The Rockets' success this season hinges on the productivity of Lowry, and it appears that he's more than capable of handling that pressure. The Rockets have lost both games Lowry's missed, which just goes to show how valuable he is to his team.
If Lowry keeps playing at the high caliber that he has so far this season, there's no reason why he won't be hoisting the 2012 NBA Most Improved Player Award at the end of the 2011-12 NBA season.
No. 15 Cleveland Cavaliers PG Kyrie Irving
16 of 3012-17 wouldn't be a great record for most teams, but for the Cleveland Cavaliers it's a nice start to the 2011-12 NBA season.
WIthout doubt, the best player on the Cavaliers is rookie point guard Kyrie Irving, who is playing at a "Rookie of the Year" caliber so far. While Irving is impressive, averaging 18.3 PPG, 4.8 APG and 3.5 RPG, those aren't even the most impressive statistics of the rookie's stellar year.
What's most impressive about Irving is that he's playing at a thoroughly efficient rate, with a PER of 21.31. When you look at what Irving is doing, with the talent that is around him, it's more than impressive.
After losing LeBron James to South Beach, many thought the Cavaliers were doomed to struggle for the next bazillion years. While Irving isn't the next LeBron, he's doing a solid job of helping Cleveland move on—something not many people thought he could do in his first year in the NBA.
One thing is for sure: Irving is the future of the Cavaliers, and he's quite an impressive talent to build around. Watch out for Irving and the Cavaliers come playoff time
No. 14 Phoenix Suns PG Steve Nash
17 of 30Even at the age of 38, Steve Nash still has it, averaging 14.2 PPG, 11.0 APG, and 2.6 RPG, with a solid PER of 22.74.
It's just a shame that the Phoenix Suns weren't able to ever help Nash out after Stoudemire left, failing to acquire legitimate talent for the star point guard time and time again. Nash isn't just one of the best true point guards in the game.
He is the absolute best point guard when it comes to running the pick-and-roll offense, which is why the Suns were so good when they had Amar'e Stoudemire. In reality, Nash is the guy that made Stoudemire such a high-profile player; it wasn't the other way around.
Nash can still run the break with the best of them, and the Suns need to get back to that kind of offense; while Nash is hands-down the best player on the Suns roster, he can't help the Suns win without some help.
No. 13 Atlanta Hawks PF Josh Smith
18 of 30Joe Johnson should be the best player on the Hawks roster, mainly because he's making $6 million more than any other player on the team; unfortunately for the Hawks, he's not the best player.
That honor goes to power forward Josh Smith. Smith, who's only 26 years old, is slowly developing into a complete player, averaging nearly a double-double on the year.
Smith is currently averaging 16.0 PPG, 9.5 RPG and 2.1 BPG, with a PER of 19.93, an impressive feat for the often trigger happy Smith. Smith's athleticism at the power forward position is also one of the reasons why the Hawks have done well in the past, and are doing well this season, with a 19-13 overall record.
While Johnson scores at a higher rate than Smith, he doesn't defend or crash the boards nearly as well as Smith does, and that's what really sets the two players apart.
No. 12 New York Knicks PG Jeremy Lin
19 of 30I had to pick Linsanity as the Knicks best player. Before he stepped foot on the court, the Knicks were struggling to find an identity; now they're relevant in the Easter Conference.
In his first 10 starts of his career, Lin is averaging 24.6 PPG and 9.2 APG with a PER of 24.25. Even more impressive is Lin shooting at 49.7 percent on the year, which is one of the reasons why he's such a dangerous player.
While the jury is still out on whether or not Carmelo Anthony and Lin can successfully co-exist and make the Knicks a legitimate contender in the Easter Conference, there's no doubt that Lin can help the Knicks win by himself.
If Lin can manage to get the Knicks out of the first round of the playoffs this year, for the first time in the past 11 years, Lin could very well move his way up this list.
No. 11 New Jersey Nets PG Deron Williams
20 of 30The one bright spot on the Nets underwhelming team is the play of Deron Williams, who just so happens to be the one piece of the puzzle the Nets have in solving the conundrum that is making a legitimate trade offer for Dwight Howard.
Williams is the most consistent player on the Nets roster, averaging 21.7 PPG, 8.3 APG and 3.4 RPG, with a PER of 20.67, and that's why he is also the Nets' best player. The one thing holding Williams back from becoming a better player and helping the Nets win more games is his consistently low shooting percentage, with his current average being 41 percent.
The Nets aren't going to get much better this year, with their main focus being figuring out how to keep Williams and while luring Howard to New Jersey. Picking Williams as the Nets' best player is as easy as deciding whether or not to take free money.
Hands down, Williams is the best player on the Nets' roster; however, that could change if a miracle happens and Howard takes his talents to New Jersey.
No. 10 Dallas Mavericks PF Dirk Nowitzki
21 of 30I know it shouldn't be, but this was a toss up between Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry, with Nowitzki ultimately getting the nod because of the incredible career he's had in Dallas. .
Nowitzki isn't having the best year of his career, averaging only 19.1 PPG and 6.3 RPG, with a PER of 20.58, but luckily for the Mavericks that isn't holding them back from winning games.
The fact that Nowitzki is 7'0'' and plays the game like a small forward is really what makes Nowitzki such a great player. He consistently creates defensive mismatches, which helps makes those around him better.
There's no doubt that Nowitzki will go down as one of the best Dallas Mavericks of all time, but you have to wonder if his best years are now behind him, nearing 34 years of age. Either way, unless someone on the Mavericks really steps up their game, Nowitzki will be the best player on the team for at least the next few years.
No. 9 San Antonio Spurs PG Tony Parker
22 of 30This spot could realistically go to any of the Spurs "big three"—Manu Ginobli, Tim Duncan or Tony Parker, but Parker is continuing to be one of the most productive and most consistent players for an aging San Antonio Spurs team.
Parker is delivering right around his career averages this year, with averages of 19.4 PPG and 7.8 APG with a PER of 22.23. That production is one of the reasons why the Spurs—without Ginobli—have been able to maintain their wining ways, earning a 23-9 overall record.
With the consistent play of Parker at the helm and the emergent play of DeJuan Blair and Kawhi Leonard, the Spurs' future is looking bright.
On a team with three All-Star players, it's hard to stand out, but Parker has done just that by being the most consistent of the trio throughout his years with the Spurs.
No. 8 Portland Trailblazers PF LeMarcus Aldridge
23 of 30When the Trailblazers lost Brandon Roy to retirement and Greg Oden to yet another season-ending injury, many thought the Trailblazers would quickly become one of the worst teams in the NBA.
LeMarcus Aldridge made sure that wasn't going to happen, however, stepping in as the leader of a young team and helping the Trailblazers remain relevant with a 17-16 record overall.
Aldridge is well on his way to his first All-Star appearance, averaging 22.5 PPG, 8.3 RPG and 0.7 BPG, with a PER of 24.00. There aren't many players in the league playing at that high level of efficiency, and that's why Aldridge is not only the best player on the Trailblazers—he's also one of the best overall players in the league.
With Aldridge alone, the Trailblazers won't ever be a true contender for the Western Conference title. However, if the Blazers are able to add the right pieces to compliment Aldridge, they have the potential to become a dangerous team in the next year or two.
No. 7 Minnesota Timberwolves PF Kevin Love
24 of 30Ricky Rubio is playing at a stellar rate for a rookie, averaging 11.4 PPG, 8.9 APG and 4.7 RPG, but it's too early in his career to peg him as the best player on the T'Wolves roster.
Kevin Love, on the other hand, has produced at an absurd double-double rate this year and last, which gives him the nod. Love, just like last year, is averaging a double-double per game, with averages of 25.6 PPG and 14.6 RPG, and a PER of 25.72, which ranks fourth in the entire NBA.
The Timberwolves were smart to lock Love down for at least the next four years with their recent contract extension. Unfortunately for Love, that contract extension might keep him from becoming the best player on a much better team in the next year or two.
Kevin Love is a machine, grabbing a double-double in 29 out of the 31 games he's played in, and that's more than enough to make him one of the most dominant players in the entire NBA, nevertheless just the Timberwolves roster.
No. 6 Los Angles Lakers SG Kobe Bryant
25 of 30The Kobe show in Los Angeles is going as expected, with Kobe leading the league in scoring and the Lakers as a team playing above average, sitting at 13-9 overall.
Kobe is the main reason why the Lakers are currently above .500, but he's also the main reason why the Lakers aren't doing better than they currently are. Kobe is averaging 29.0 PPG, 5.9 RPG and 5.0 APG, with a PER of 24.52, which is solid production for the now 16-year NBA veteran.
The only problem with Kobe's play is that he's jacked up a league-leading amount of field goal attempts, with 742 on the year. That amount of field goals is nearly 137 more attempts than the next player, Kevin Durant, who has 605 on the year.
The way Kobe plays will always help the Lakers be a playoff contender in the Western Conference, but it will always be one of the main reasons why the Lakers struggle. With Kobe on the roster, who is undoubtedly the best player on the team, players like Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol don't get as many touches as they need, which results in the Lakers losing games they shouldn't.
No. 5 Los Angeles Clippers PG Chris Paul
26 of 30While Blake Griffin was just as dominant of a player without Chris Paul on the roster, Paul is doing what Griffin couldn't do alone—win games.
Paul's ability to help the Clippers win games is what makes him the best player on the roster. Paul missed a few games with a hamstring injury, but when he's been on the court he's been an absolute force to be reckoned with. Paul is averaging 18.3 PPG, 8.7 APG and 3.7 RPG, with a PER of 25.42, which is all around his career averages.
What's most impressive about Paul this year has been his ability to take over games, which is what the Clippers lacked last season.
The Clippers haven't necessarily taken over as the best team coming out of Los Angeles, but with Paul at the helm they are definitely one of the best teams in all of the Western Conference. While you can make an argument for Griffin being better than Paul, there's no doubting the fact the latter is more complete of a player, which in my mind makes him the best player on the Clippers' impressive roster.
No. 4 Chicago Bulls PG Derrick Rose
27 of 30This one is about as clear cut as they come. When you've got the reigning NBA MVP on your roster, that all but proves who the best player is, and Derrick Rose is just that. The Bulls are off to an impressive 18-6 record, which is in large part due to the explosive and consistent play of point guard Derrick Rose.
Rose isn't having quite the year he did last year, currently averaging 22.8 PPG, 7.8 APG and 3.4 RPG, but he's not that far away from his MVP numbers of 2011.
What makes Rose stand out from other point guards in the league is his rare combination of speed and strength, making him a nightmare to defend. Rose also plays with the second highest level of efficiency at the point guard position (behind CP3) with a PER of 24.90.
The Bulls are set for the next few years with Rose at the helm, and players like Carlos Boozer, John Lucas, Ronnie Brewer and Luol Deng fitting nicely into the roles that the Bulls need them to fit into. If the Bulls can add a more legitimate offensive center than Joakim Noah, they might be able to turn the corner and get back to the NBA Finals.
No. 3 Orlando Magic C Dwight Howard
28 of 30Love him or hate him, there's no doubting that Dwight Howard is one of, if not the best center in the NBA. Putting all of his trade talk aside, he's also the best player that the Orlando Magic have, which is mainly why they're having such a hard time letting him go.
Dwight Howard is absolutely dominating opponents this season, averaging 20.1 PPG, 15.3 RPG and 2.2 BPG, with a PER of 23.70. Some could argue that Ryan Anderson, who is also playing at a dominant rate, is making a case for himself to be one of the best players on the Magic, and he could very well be the best player if Howard actually leaves Orlando.
I personally don't think Howard is handling the whole "I want to be traded" situation that well, but there's no doubting the fact that he's one of the most dominant players in the NBA, and without a doubt the most dominant player on the Orlando Magic's otherwise underwhelming roster.
It's just a shame there's a high likelihood he won't stay in Orlando.
No. 2 Oklahoma City Thunder SF Kevin Durant
29 of 30Picking between Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook for the best player on the Oklahoma City Thunder's roster is not an easy task. Durant, with a career-high 51 points against Denver this past Sunday night, gets the nod because he's a more efficient player
Durant is playing at a much more efficient level than Westbrook, with a PER of 27.25, as compared to Westbrook's PER of only 22.81. What this debate comes down to is which player I'd take to build a franchise around, and that player is hands down Kevin Durant.
Durant is averaging, 27.6 PPG, 8.2 RPG and 3.3 APG this year, which is an increase in every major statistical category over his career averages.
While the debate between whether Durant or Westbrook is the better player will rage on, I'm taking Durant 99 percent of the time, mainly because he plays at a more efficient and controlled rate than Westbrook does.
No. 1 Miami Heat SF LeBron James
30 of 30The Miami Heat are the most star-studded team in the NBA, and while it may seem difficult to pick the best player between LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, in reality it's as easy as a decision as the one LeBron made when he took his talents to South Beach.
LeBron is the most complete player in the NBA, and he's also the most efficient—that's what makes him the best player on the Miami Heat's stellar roster.
LeBron is averaging the highest point/rebound/assist combo in the league, with an average of 27.9 PPG, 8.2 RPG and 6.8 APG. He also has the highest PER in the NBA at 32.89. We could sit here all day talking about LeBron's "clutch issues," but there's no doubt that he's the best player on the Miami Heat.
The most impressive part about LeBron's production this year is that he's also shooting a career-high from the field, with a 54.8 field goal percentage. This debate may have been closer before Wade missed nine games, but without Wade, LeBron was able to lead the Heat to a 8-1 record, which just proves who the best player in South Beach really is.
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