The Final Four: Comparing The Top 4 Players in The NBA Amongst One Another
Alright folks, time for a new article.
In this article, I'll be discussing something that's been up for debate this entire offseason and will continue to be up for debate heading into the start of this season.
And that's the topic of who is the best player in the NBA?
While the answer may be argued several ways, no one questions the fact that it has got to be one of these four players in LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant or Dwyane Wade.
Well I'm here to put my two cents into the topic and see if I can sway your judgment a bit.
One thing to note in these rankings is that it is based on INDIVIDUAL play. Winning goes out the door for now, as we will be looking at individual statistics in depth and breaking down each category.
With that said, let's get started...
How This System Work
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I will be ranking Kobe, Durant, Wade and LeBron on the each of the following categories.
-Scoring
-Shooting (inside, outside, mid-range, 3pt shooting)
-Rebounding
-Passing
-Stealing
-Blocking
-Free-Throw Shooting
-Field-Goal Shooting
-Intangibles
-Clutch Factor
-Efficiency
-Turnover (counted as negative category, player with the least amount is the best)
This is a points system, so players will be given points based on where they are in that category. If you're first in ANY category, that's four points. Second place is three points, third place is two points and fourth is one point.
The player with the most points in the end is declared the winner.
Simple enough to comprehend, right? Let's get started.
Scoring: Kevin Durant
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1. Kevin Durant: Simply put, the best pure scorer in the game today. Kobe held this title for numerous years but is forced to succumb this spot over to the new kid on the block. While there may be several arguments as who's the best player between these four, there is little doubt amongst fans as to who will lead the lead the league in scoring this season, as Durant is the unanimous choice. And for good reason, the dude can flat out score. He's a fantastic shooter, a willing driver, can get to the charity stripe at will and much more. It should be a foregone conclusion that Durant is the best scorer in the game, period.
2. Kobe Bryant: Sure, Bryant may have lost a step or two over the past couple of seasons, but there is no questioning the fact that Bryant can still put the ball in the hole with the best of 'em. He was still able to average 27 points per game last year, at age 31. And while he may drop off more, it's not because of his talents, it's because his team doesn't need Bryant to lead the league in scoring in order for them to win.
3. Dwyane Wade: Wade, on any given night can absolutely go off. And with the roster the Heat had last year, consisting of underwhelming players such as Carlos Arroyo, James Jones and Joel Anthony, he had to go off quite a bit for his team to even have a fighting chance at winning. Case in point, the Heat vs. Celtics in the first round of the playoffs last year, when Wade averaged a playoff-best 33 points per game. The Heat lost that series 4-1, but you get the point, Wade can put the ball in the basket at will.
4. LeBron James: While LeBron did in fact lead the league in scoring a couple seasons ago, it should be noted that it doesn't come to him as naturally as the three others guys listed here. LeBron is not a scorer by nature, rather a play-maker. He thrives in setting up his teammates more than putting the ball in the hole every possession down. Unfortunately for him, he was forced to play the role of scorer with the Cavs due to their lack of star talent. Still, that doesn't take away from the fact that James can and will score with the best of 'em on a nightly basis due to his unmatched driving ability and unworldly athleticism.
Shooting: Kobe Bryant
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1. Kobe Bryant: With Kobe getting up there in age, people are starting to write him off quickly as one of the best offensive talents in the game, but make no mistake about it. Kobe Bryant is one of the best shooters in the league. His range is infinite, and quite frankly, downright scary. He can shoot from ANYWHERE on the hardwood. And I mean anywhere, so mid-range pulls ups, deep three-pointers, tough fadeaways, behind the basket, underneath the basket, you name it and Bryant can shoot from that area of the floor. He's that deadly. They don't call him the black mamba for nothing.
2. Kevin Durant: Similar to Bryant, Durant's range is pretty much limitless. The dude can stroke threes with ease, and just as well come off the screen and pull-up for a mid-range jumper. And with him being 6'9, you're not blocking that. It should go hand in hand that, since Durant is one of best scorers in the league, he's also one of the best shooters in the league.
3. Dwyane Wade: Wade, also similar to Durant and Bryant has a fantastic mid-range game. Unfortunately, he doesn't possess quite the three-point stroke that Bryant and Durant have, but can get hot from the outside and make more than a just a couple threes. He can change most of his shots in mid-air and hit highly-contested fadeaways with ease. No doubt Wade is an amazing shooter.
4. LeBron James: The problem isn't that James can't shoot, the problem is just that he's a very streaky shooter. He can get hot from just about anywhere on the field some games and you won't be able to stop him. Other days, his shot may not fall, but he can always drive to the hole. Nonetheless, LeBron's mid-range game is much improved than when he first came into the league, as well as his three-point shot. He tends to fade too much on his jumpers but at this point, there's no reason to change his shot. Still a great shooter, but not better than the three above him.
Rebounding: Lebron James
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1. LeBron James: James takes this category easily, as Durant is the only one that comes close to contention. One of the many benefits of having a physique like LeBron's is that you have the ability to do so much out on the court, and rebounding is no exception. James has a career average of 7.0 rebounds per game, but has come close to eight rebounds several times in his career. By far the best rebounder on this list.
2. Kevin Durant: Durant beats Wade for one reason, and that's Durant's length and height, which will always allow Durant to grab a handful of rebounds every game. Still, that doesn't take away from the fact that Durant is an ample rebounder and averaged a career high 7.6 rebounds per game last year and will look to build off of that.
3. Dwyane Wade: Wade is a pretty good rebounder for his height, always close to or averaging five rebounds a game. At just 6'4, Wade is able to leap over longer players and power his way to rebounders. He's one of the best rebounding guards in the game.
4. Kobe Bryant: Bryant, similar to Wade has a career average near 5.0 rebounds a game. It's not that Kobe is the inferior rebounder, it's just that Kobe no longer has a desire to rebound, and better yet, has no need to rebound quite like the other three on this list, with seven footers Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum and even Lamar Odom hogging up the rebounds on his team, Bryant is left to just stand and watch. And that's fine with him.
Passing: LeBron James
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1. LeBron James: Again, LeBron takes this category easily. Passing the rock and finding the open man on the court is LeBron's best talent outside of driving to the basket with force. It was evident last year how great of a passer James really is, as he averaged an astonishing 8.6 assists per game. That meant, he was behind only Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Rajon Rondo and Jason Kidd in assists. And it also meant that he was ahead of PGs such as Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook, Brandon Jennings and Baron Davis. James is a PG built in a small forward's body. And he'll be able to put his passing skills on display with the Heat this year as he'll look to be the team's "Point Forward."
2. Dwyane Wade: Wade is another guy who's got great passing skills. If you can recall, he began his career playing the point guard position and then transitioned over to the off-guard. However, Wade still has many of the skills that made him a viable point guard. Last year, he averaged 6.5 assists a game, which is actually right around his average. Those assists numbers are superior that what most "traditional" point guards in the league average. Wade's first game is still to put the ball in the bucket, but if you need him to facilitate your offense, he's no stranger to that role.
3. Kobe Bryant: Before the Lakers assembled their championship roster, which now surrounds Bryant, Kobe had to do it all for the Lakers. And that includes facilitating the offense. Of course, the Lakers always had a standard PG next to Kobe, but everyone knew who would handle the ball for the majority of the game. Bryant isn't crazy about passing the rock as his main job is to score, but he'll make the right pass if needed and put his team in a position to win.
4. Kevin Durant: Durant excels at a lot of things, unfortunately passing isn't one of them. It's not anything to be ashamed about, as passing isn't really Durant's role but it holds him back to a certain extent. Meaning, he doesn't have the all-around play of the other three if he doesn't become a respectable passer. LeBron James and Kevin Durant were neck and neck in every category last year, except for one: Assists. James averaged an impressive 8.6 a game, while Durant put up an underwhelming 2.8 assists a game.
Stealing: Dwyane Wade
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1. Dwyane Wade: Wade takes this category easily, as he is one of the best pick-pockets in the game today. Wade combines his ferocious one-on-one defense with quick hands to rip the ball away from his man. He also does an excellent job of playing the passing lanes. Wade's stealing talents are evident by his 1.8 career steals average. Wade has also averaged over two steals a game numerous times in his career.
2. LeBron James: LeBron is an underrated stealer. His averages are on par with Wade, as he averages 1.7 steals a game for his career. He plays the passing lanes really well, and while his man-to-man defense isn't on par with Wade or Bryant, it's improving. Still James occupies this spot for now.
3. Kobe Bryant: Bryant, at one point in his career was a ball hawking defender. Not to say that he isn't now but the thing with Kobe is that, he'll play great man defense ONLY when needed. So you won't see that ball pressuring Bryant every possession down. Still, Bryant is an above-average stealer, and now just reverts to playing the passing lanes while Ron Artest guards the best perimeter player on the other team.
4. Kevin Durant: Defense is another area Durant needs to work on, if he hopes to pass these three individuals. As of right now he averages 1.3 steals a game, which is respectable but not at the level of the other three.
Blocking: Dwyane Wade
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1. Dwyane Wade: It's simply amazing how someone of Wade's size of 6'4, could be the best shot-blocker out of these four. But it's true, and it should be noted that Dwyane Wade is probably the best shot-blocking guard in the NBA and one of the best shot-blockers, period. He can do it all, come up from weak side, block straight on or trail down his opponent and block.
2. LeBron James: Before last year, LeBron wasn't known as much of a shot-blocker, but the past season he turned it on, making his trail down blocks one of the most feared moves on the court. If you're wide open and about make a layup, make sure LeBron James isn't anywhere on the court, because if you see him, chances are, your shot's getting blocked.
3. Kevin Durant: Durant gets this spot simply because of his length. At 6'9, he should be able to block plenty of shots without even trying. This is not to take anything away from Durant, but he's an ample blocker for his size and should continue to improve.
4. Kobe Bryan: Blocking was never one of Bryant's strengths, and it never will. Sure, you'll get a highlight block or two every now and then, but if your expecting more, just don't.
Free-Throw Shooting: Kevin Durant
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1. Kevin Durant: Durant runs away with this category. Last season he got to the line almost 10x a game and attempted, as well as made, the most free-throws out of anyone in the league, shooting 90 percent from the line. Durant wins easily.
2. Kobe Bryant: Kobe doesn't get to the line as much, but that's because he doesn't drive to the basket as much as he used to. He shot 81 percent last season, so you know you can depend on him at the line.
3. Dwyane Wade: For someone who's a pretty darn good mid-range shooter, Wade isn't the best free-throw shooter. In fact he's considerably average, shooting 76 percent from the charity stripe last year.
4. LeBron James: LeBron doesn't have too many weaknesses, but you can mark down free-throws as one of the them. James can't seem to be anything more than average from the line with an average last year of 76 percent.
Field-Goal Shooting: LeBron James
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1. LeBron James: there are a ton of advantages of driving to the basket, as you can get easier shots, get to the line and shoot a higher field-goal percentage. This is where LeBron excels, because as a perimeter player, James is able to shoot 50 percent from the field, as shown last season, which is fantastic for just about any NBA player. As long he continues to power and bully his way to the basket, he should be able to keep this spot on lockdown.
2. Dwyane Wade: Wade is another player, similar to LeBron, who's game is built on driving recklessly to the basket. And if you drive enough, you're bound to get easy dunks and layups, which will allow you to shoot a high field-goal percentage like Wade, who was at a respectable 47 percent last season.
3. Kevin Durant: Durant's game, unlike the other two above him, isn't based on driving to the basket. It's more perimeter oriented, with a ton of mid-range jumpers and a handful of threes. Still Durant was able to shoot 46 percent from the field last year, which is impressive considering how many shots he took away from the basket.
4. Kobe Bryant: Bryant has completely regressed from the player who used to drive to the basket with ease and finish. His game is all finesse and all perimeter heavy, with a ton of pull-ups and fadeaways, thus lowering his field-goal percentage, which was at 45 percent last year.
Intangibles: LeBron James
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1. LeBron James: James is a walking triple double every time he steps on the court, and this season, will give James his best chance at averaging a triple double. It's simply remarkable all the things LeBron is able to do out on the court with his solid rebounding, superb passing, fantastic defense and spectacular offensive abilities. James also does much more for his team than needed, being the vocal leader, doing everything he can to make his teammates better, making the right play when needed, whether that be passing up an open look at a shot for an open teammate in the corner. James does more than required.
2. Dwyane Wade: Wade is nearly identical to James except is a little inferior in all the same categories. He can score, shoot, rebound, pass, steal, block, hustle and put him team in a position to win night in and night out. Wade isn't the leader that James is, but comes fairly close.
3. Kobe Bryant: Everyone knows how much Kobe Bryant wants to win, and at this point in his career, he'll do ANYTHING for his team to come out on top. And Kobe means ANYTHING. I wouldn't bet any money against Bryant and you shouldn't either.
4. Kevin Durant: Durant may have the most complete offensive game in the NBA in just three seasons, but lacks in other aspects of the game. But that's the beauty of it, Durant is just in his third year and has all the time in the world to improve, and you can bet he will.
Efficiency: LeBron James
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1. LeBron James: Last year, James led the league in efficiency, at an impressive number of 32.4, while racking up his second MVP award. It really wasn't even close. James brings it to the court night in and night out, and an average game for his, is a career game for most players.
2. Kevin Durant: Durant is the new kid in town, but he's making his presence felt. After breaking out and leading the league in scoring last year, Durant put up an impressive efficiency average of 28.0, only second to LeBron. He's quickly climbing up the charts of the best player in the game, and there's not a single thing anyone can do about it.
3. Dwyane Wade: Wade was the one-man show for the Miami Heat last year, and it showed. Wade had an efficiency average of 25.1, which was good enough for top 10 in the NBA. Wade brings his A game, every night.
4. Kobe Bryant: Bryant has been in a new role these past few seasons. He's not depended upon by his team nearly as much as he thinks he might be. The Lakers can still win games without Bryant, causing Bryant's efficiency average to be at 22.9 last season.
Turnovers (Least Amount): Kobe Bryant
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1. Kobe Bryant: It shouldn't be surprising that Kobe Bryant is the least turnover prone of the four. He handles the ball the least out of the other four, as Pau Gasol and the other Laker players need their fair share of the ball, thus causing his average to lessen.
2. Kevin Durant: Durant gets a ton of touches, but they are usually off of screens as catch and shoots, and so he's much less turnover prone than someone like LeBron or Wade, who handle the ball almost every other possession.
3. LeBron James: This is a close race between James and Wade for who get less turnovers and James wins slightly, with a career turnover rate of 3.29 per game.
4. Dwyane Wade: Wade handles the ball so much that it's inevitable for him to get turnovers and he averages the most out of this group with 3.71 a game.
Clutch Factor: Kobe Bryant
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1. Kobe Bryant - C'mon who else could it have been? Bryant had numerous game-winners last season and his clutch abilities shouldn't even be a question. He belongs on the top of this list.
2. Dwyane Wade - Wade thrives in clutch situations. He's had his fair share of game-winners, and if Wade's got the ball at the end of the game for your team, then your in a good position.
3. Kevin Durant - Durant will make his way to the top of this list sooner than later, and for good reason. Durant has already hit a handful of game-winners and is the Thunder's go-to-guy at the end of games. It's just a matter of time and experience for Durant.
4. Lebron James - Being clutch isn't all about game-winners, but it's certainly a big part. And I can count how many game winners James has hit over his respective career on my fingers, and that's not a good thing. James isn't a fan of taking the big shot, being criticized for passing up the big shot since his early years in the league.
So Who Is It?
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So who is the best player out of these four, and also the best in the NBA?
By my count, this is the final tally.
Lebron James - 32 points
Dwyane Wade - 31 points
Kevin Durant - 29 points
Kobe Bryant - 28 points
So as you can see, Lebron wins, but slightly over his now-teammate Dwyane Wade. Durant finishes 3rd but may climb up this ranking by season's end. Bryant finishes last, but that doesn't mean he's any worse of a player than the other three. It just means that he doesn't do nearly as much heavy-lifting these other guys do out on the court each and every night for their team to win. Bryant has the advantage of having a great supporting cast around him, and now this will be the case for James and Wade as well, as both will take a hit in their respective statistics this season. I'm predicting Durant at the top of this list by the end of this season, but I may or may not be right.
We'll see, anyway these are the final rankings. Let me know what you think?
