Power Ranking Top 5 NBA Players at Every Position Heading into 2012-13

The 2012-13 NBA season is going to be special, thanks in large part to the entertaining play of these 25 players. 

After all, they're the top five options at each and every position on the basketball court, so they typically play at a fairly high level. 

Your 2013 MVP will be one of the next 25 players whose pictures you'll be shown. So will most, if not all, of your All-NBA members and your Defensive Player of the Year. 

From the No. 5 point guard through the No. 1 center, these rankings are sure to be a bit controversial. Be sure to leave your own opinions, but remember to keep it civil. 

No. 5 Point Guard: Tony Parker

Team: San Antonio Spurs

Age: 30

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 18.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, 7.7 assists, 1.0 steal

The French point guard might be on the wrong side of 30 now, but he hasn't lost any of the quickness that has made him so effective throughout his career. 

Tony Parker will still use screens and his deadly midrange game to perfection, running the Gregg Popovich offense as well as anyone possibly could. 

He'll have to play well to hold off Steve Nash and Kyrie Irving, but the No. 5 spot is currently Parker's to lose. 

No. 4 Point Guard: Deron Williams

Team: Brooklyn Nets

Age: 28

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 21.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, 8.7 assists, 1.2 steals

Deron Williams is going to have to undergo a dramatic shift in playing style to maximize the success of his Brooklyn Nets during the 2012-13 campaign. Whereas the offensive burden rested firmly on his shoulders during his first full season with the franchise, there's plenty of talent surrounding him now. 

The big floor general is a uniquely talented double-threat on offense, capable of scoring in bulk or involving his teammates if they're open. 

This year, we'll finally get to see if prime D-Will is an empty stat machine or a winner. 

No. 3 Point Guard: Rajon Rondo

Team: Boston Celtics

Age: 26

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 11.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, 11.7 assists, 1.8 steals

There's no doubt that Rajon Rondo is a winner. 

Even though his shot still isn't too great—although it looked markedly better during the postseason—Rondo contributes to the Boston Celtics' cause in so many ways. 

He's a constant triple-double threat and adds suffocating perimeter defense and quick hands to his incredible court vision. 

No. 2 Point Guard: Russell Westbrook

Team: Oklahoma City Thunder

Age: 23

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 23.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.7 steals

Russell Westbrook might not play like a traditional point guard, but he's incredibly effective and still manages to be a catalyst for the Oklahoma City Thunder. He makes the offense go with his scoring rather than his passing, unlike most other 1-guards in the league. 

Why does it matter, though? The Thunder aren't exactly struggling with Westbrook at the helm. 

This former UCLA shooting guard has improved during each and every one of his seasons at the professional level. That's a scary thought going into the 2012-13 campaign. 

No. 1 Point Guard: Chris Paul

Team: Los Angeles Clippers

Age: 27

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 19.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 9.1 assists, 2.5 steals

Chris Paul isn't just the No. 1 point guard in the league; he's the clear favorite, with a wide gap between himself and the rest of the field until Derrick Rose returns from his torn ACL. 

If there's a significant weakness in CP3's game, then the NBA has yet to figure out what it is. He plays great defense, both on the ball and off it. He scores well and passes even better. 

His midrange game is fantastic, but that's by no means the only area on the court from which he can score.

There just isn't anything this on-court coach struggles with.  

No. 5 Shooting Guard: Manu Ginobili

Team: San Antonio Spurs

Age: 35

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 12.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists

Manu Ginobili's stats from the 2011-12 season might not look too impressive, but he was dealing with injuries all season long and was ridiculously effective before he was knocked out for the first time. 

In his four games during the month of December, the Argentine shooting guard averaged 19.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game on sensational 60.5 percent shooting from the field. That's obviously a small sample size, but it still shows that Ginobili has the talent to excel, even at 35 years old. 

Ginobili proved that once more with his spectacular play in London over the offseason, and he should be a crucial cog in the San Antonio Spurs' offensive machine once more. 

No. 4 Shooting Guard: Eric Gordon

Team: New Orleans Hornets

Age: 23

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 20.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.4 steals

This is an aggressive ranking for Eric Gordon as it's entirely dependent on his health, but the young shooting guard is the future of this position and has the talent to finish the season even higher up in the rankings. 

Gordon dealt with a knee injury—one that is still bothering him—throughout his first full season with the New Orleans Hornets, and he has even more pressure on him now that he's a max-contract player. 

The success of the Hornets falls on his shoulders, and he should thrive as the true go-to scorer. Don't be surprised when Gordon is squarely in the race for second place in the league's scoring ranks when the regular season is drawing to a close. 

No. 3 Shooting Guard: James Harden

Team: Oklahoma City Thunder

Age: 23

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 16.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.0 steal

Please, please, please don't base your assessment of James Harden off the 2012 NBA Finals. He had a bad series—an awful one, really—but that doesn't mean that he's a terrible player. 

Harden is essentially an offensive energy shot off the bench. He comes off the pine and provides an immediate scoring boost with his slippery style of play, whether he's hitting three-pointers or eurostepping his way to the basket. 

The bearded shooting guard draws fouls at a ridiculously high rate, and the result is play that shows off as much efficiency as anyone in the NBA. Harden never takes a shot from midrange unless he's wide open, for example. 

As the reigning Sixth Man of the Year, a lot is expected from "The Beard" this season. He can handle it, especially as he looks to prove the horde of doubters wrong.  

No. 2 Shooting Guard: Dwyane Wade

Team: Miami Heat

Age: 30

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 22.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.3 blocks, 1.7 steals

The question isn't whether or not Dwyane Wade will stay healthy, but rather how well he'll be able to play through the inevitable aches and pains that he accumulates during the 2012-13 campaign. Wade might only be 30, but his body has taken a significant beating throughout his NBA career. 

Wade is still a terrific two-way player who is now dangerously close to falling into the underrated category. Believe it or not, he isn't done playing at an elite level. 

Whether he's blocking shots, playing lockdown perimeter defense, utilizing his passing skills or slashing to the hoop at will, Wade will be a dominant player for the Miami Heat once more. 

Think of him more as a No. 1b than a No. 2 shooting guard. 

No. 1 Shooting Guard: Kobe Bryant

Team: Los Angeles Lakers

Age: 34

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 27.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.2 steals

Kobe Bryant is about to have the best season he's produced in years now that he's surrounded by a wealth of talent in Los Angeles. 

Steve Nash and Dwight Howard will both help him tremendously, as The Black Mamba will no longer have to strike as often. The degree of difficulty on his shots will go down, and Bryant's efficiency will go up. 

Even though he'll average fewer points per game than most Lakers fans can even imagine, he'll play smarter and, more importantly, better basketball during the 2012-13 season. 

No. 5 Small Forward: Paul Pierce

Team: Boston Celtics

Age: 35

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 19.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.1 steals

Paul Pierce has one more season left as a top-five small forward before he's overtaken by Rudy Gay and Danny Granger, among others. 

"The Truth" of the matter is that his athleticism is still waning, and his age is starting to prevent him from being the dominant player that he once was. That said, Pierce can still put up points in bunches, even if they're of the quiet variety. 

The career Boston Celtic contributes in so many ways that he'll be able to make a positive impact for the C's even when his shot isn't falling. 

No. 4 Small Forward: Andre Iguodala

Team: Denver Nuggets

Age: 28

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 12.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.7 steals

Even if Andre Iguodala ends up playing more at shooting guard than small forward during his first season with the Denver Nuggets, I'm listing him as the latter because of his role with the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2011-12 campaign. 

According to 82games.com, Iguodala played 83 percent of the Sixers' available minutes at small forward and didn't even register at shooting guard. He actually played more at the 4 than the 2. 

Iggy is one of the league's best stat-sheet stuffers, as he's able to contribute to the basketball game in every way imaginable. His best attribute, though, is his perimeter defense, which is arguably the best in the league. Tony Allen might not be willing to hand him the crown, but Iggy is making a push for it after holding opposing small forwards to an 8.7 PER during his final go-round with Philly. 

No. 3 Small Forward: Carmelo Anthony

Team: New York Knicks

Age: 28

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 22.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.1 steals

Talk about a nice transition from defense to offense. 

Carmelo Anthony is one of the best scorers in all of basketball, regardless of position. He can put his back to the basket and bully smaller forwards with his arsenal of post moves, or he can fire away from the outside and drill three-pointer after three-pointer. 

I'd like to see him improve his game from 10 to 23 feet by taking smarter shots, but that's really just nitpicking. 

The bigger concern is Melo's defense. He's proven that he has the ability to be a solid defender, but he hasn't shown that necessary desire. Until that happens, he's doomed to be a few tiers below the top two players at his position. 

No. 2 Small Forward: Kevin Durant

Team: Oklahoma City Thunder

Age: 24

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 28.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.2 blocks, 1.3 steals

Kevin Durant was simply born to put orange spheres through orange circles. Although he might not have Carmelo Anthony's post game, his jump shot is just insanely smooth and borders on unblockable. 

If KD wants to score, he's probably going to. There aren't many safer bets in professional sports.

Durant needs to improve his defense and facilitating skills, but his offensive game is so solid at 24 years of age that he's already a near-consensus pick as the second-best player in the NBA, regardless of position.  

No. 1 Small Forward: LeBron James

Team: Miami Heat

Age: 27

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 27.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.9 steals

LeBron James stands head and shoulders above the rest of the basketball world after one of the greatest seasons in the sport's history. That's just what happens when you win regular-season MVP, Finals MVP, your first ring and an Olympic gold medal in just one year, all the while posting a PER that resonates on a historic level. 

Even though he's still developing his post game, James is about as complete as it gets on the hardcourt. 

Try to find an area of the game in which he truly struggles. Actually, don't; you won't find one, and I'd feel bad sending you off on a wild goose chase.

No. 5 Power Forward: Pau Gasol

Team: Los Angeles Lakers

Age: 32

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 17.4 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.4 blocks

Pau Gasol is going to have a lot of fun playing with the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2012-13 season. After all, he went from scapegoat to valuable commodity in just a matter of months following the team's early exit from the postseason. 

Although he's prone to being dunked on by Blake Griffin, Gasol is incredibly valuable due to his versatility. He can bang around on the inside or draw his man out to the perimeter to embarrass him further from the basket. 

The seven-footer is also the best passing big man in the league, and that will come into play more than ever on this Lakers squad. 

No. 4 Power Forward: Dirk Nowitzki

Team: Dallas Mavericks

Age: 34

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 21.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists

Dirk Nowitzki's age might be creeping up higher and higher, but he's still going to be a valuable asset for the Dallas Mavericks. No matter how much Father Time affects him, Dirk is still going to be able to hit that unblockable one-legged fadeaway. 

The German averaged four points per game more after the All-Star break than he did during his slump in the first half of the lockout-shortened season, and he scored at a high level during the postseason, even if the Oklahoma City Thunder swept him out of the playoffs. 

Dirk won't be the transcendent player that he was a few years ago, but you'd be kidding yourself if you don't think he's still an elite power forward. 

No. 3 Power Forward: Blake Griffin

Team: Los Angeles Clippers

Age: 23

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 20.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists

Let's just get it out of the way: Blake Griffin doesn't play elite defense, he's not a well-rounded offensive player, and he flops excessively. 

That said, he's still the No. 3 power forward in the league by a sizable margin. 

Why does it matter how Griffin scores his points, as long as he scores them? If it was so easy to put up 20.7 points per game as a second-year player by dunking the ball repeatedly, then why doesn't everyone do that? 

If Griffin didn't have any post moves, then why don't defenders manage to slow down his spin move? 

Griffin has tremendous value to the Los Angeles Clippers, and it doesn't just stem from his ability to entertain and provide highlights. 

No. 2 Power Forward: LaMarcus Aldridge

Team: Portland Trail Blazers

Age: 27

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 21.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists

There's just something about power forwards and twisted reputations. 

Even though it's commonly accepted that LaMarcus Aldridge is a terrific offensive player, why exactly is everyone convinced that he is an awful defender? He's not an elite player on that end of the court, but he's a defensive asset. 

According to 82games, Aldridge held opposing power forwards to a 15.4 PER during the 2011-12 season. That's slightly down from the 15.6 posted against him the year before. NBA.com's advanced stats show that the Portland Trail Blazers allowed 7.7 fewer points per 100 possessions when Aldridge was on the court during that 2011-12 campaign. 

Aldridge is becoming a more complete player each and every year that he spends in the NBA. 

No. 1 Power Forward: Kevin Love

Team: Minnesota Timberwolves

Age: 24

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 26.0 points, 13.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists

Kevin Love's incredible statistics haven't translated into success in the win-loss department quite yet, but he'll have a chance to change that now that he's surrounded by talent on the 2012-13 Minnesota Timberwolves roster. 

The best power forward in the world brings a truly unique set of skills to the table. 

He's one of the league's best rebounders, particularly on the defensive glass, but he can step out to the perimeter and drill three-pointers when his team has the ball. Not many players can contribute at an undeniably elite level from both the inside and the outside. 

To take the next step forward, Love will have to increase his ability to shoot from midrange and work on his post defense, but he doesn't need any more steps to be the No. 1 power forward in the Association. 

No. 5 Center: DeMarcus Cousins

Team: Sacramento Kings

Age: 22

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 18.1 points, 11.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.5 blocks, 1.2 steals

DeMarcus Cousins will not be ranked at No. 5 at the conclusion of the 2012-13 season, but until there's definitive proof during the regular season that he's improved his efficiency and decision-making skills, this is as high as he can be. 

The former Kentucky Wildcat has already established himself as one of the league's best rebounders, particularly when crashing the offensive glass and creating extra possessions for the Sacramento Kings. 

Up to this point in his career, "Boogie" has relied on his physicality and brute strength to manhandle the opposition. As he continues to improve his technique, the results will be scary. 

No. 4 Center: Marc Gasol

Team: Memphis Grizzlies

Age: 27

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 14.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.9 blocks, 1.0 steal

Marc Gasol is another versatile big man, as you might expect from a seven-footer with his last name. He and Zach Randolph will form a terrifying duo down low, particularly when passing to each other in the paint for the Memphis Grizzlies. 

The center is one of the more intelligent players in the league and is never out of position on defense. That helps Gasol overcome his limited athleticism and contribute immensely when it comes to preventing points and gathering rebounds. 

Gasol must call his own number more often during the 2012-13 season, or else he risks falling down in the center ranks. 

No. 3 Center: Tyson Chandler

Team: New York Knicks

Age: 30

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 11.3 points, 9.9 rebounds, 1.4 blocks

Tyson Chandler knows exactly what he can do on the basketball court, and he plays to his strengths. In fact, I'd argue that no player in the NBA plays to his strengths better than the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. 

That metacognition manifested itself in his league-leading field-goal percentage, true shooting percentage and effective field-goal percentage. He just doesn't take shots that he knows he might miss, which results in quite a few dunks. 

Although he's absurdly efficient on offense, Chandler's true value lies in his defensive play. He's a terrific off-the-ball defender and a great on-the-ball one as well. Herein lies the reason for the New York Knicks' remarkable turnaround in defensive play. 

No. 2 Center: Andrew Bynum

Team: Philadelphia 76ers

Age: 24

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 18.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.9 blocks

Andrew Bynum exploded during the 2011-12 campaign for the Los Angeles Lakers, staying healthy throughout the year and showing off his skills. 

Now he'll have a chance to be the No. 1 option for the Philadelphia 76ers after he was shipped over to the Eastern Conference in the Dwight Howard mega-deal. With the team at his disposal on both ends of the court, he'll have a chance to establish himself as the best player at his position. 

Note that I said "a chance." It's a small one, but it is still a chance. 

No. 1 Center: Dwight Howard

Team: Los Angeles Lakers

Age: 26

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 20.6 points, 14.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 2.1 blocks, 1.5 steals

When Dwight Howard is healthy, he's a top-five player and the most dominant big man in basketball. 

D12 can contribute at an elite level on both ends of the court, although it's his defense that truly stands out. If he'd remained on the court and motivated last season for the Orlando Magic, he almost certainly would have taken home the Defensive Player of the Year trophy for the fourth time in as many years. 

Howard is the best pick-and-roll defender in the NBA, and his off-the-ball defense is just on a different level than that of the other top defensive players in the league. 

He'll have a chance to win a championship now that he's playing in a purple-and-gold uniform. The sky is now the limit for Superman.