The NBA's Top 50 Players: Which King Reigns Supreme?
It's never easy to rank the NBA's top 50 players because it requires forced comparisons between guards, forwards and centers. Nevertheless, I'm going to take a shot at it.
The emphasis will be on the current season, but the previous two years will also be considered. My plan is to describe each player with a single sentence because, frankly, I'm not getting paid for this. Why overdo it?
OK, let's roll...
50. Al Horford, PF/C, Atlanta Hawks
1 of 50
A power forward playing out of position at center, Horford posts impressive statistics but doesn't wow during live action.
49. John Wall, PG, Washington Wizards
2 of 50
He's a rookie, and an injury has hampered his athleticism (showcased above), but Wall's production has been surprisingly impressive in lieu of the circumstances.
48. Michael Beasley, SF, Minnesota Timberwolves
3 of 50
Always an extremely talented offensive player, Beasley has been permitted to spread his wings with the Timberwolves this season (21.4 PPG).
47. Joe Johnson, SG, Atlanta Hawks
4 of 50
After signing a massive contract this offseason, JJ has battled an injury and played uninspired basketball when active.
46. Jason Kidd, PG, Dallas Mavericks
5 of 50
Provides less scoring than ever, but continues to facilitate (seventh in APG) and contribute to a winning culture.
45. Al Jefferson, PF/C, Utah Jazz
6 of 50
Won't blow you away with his '10-11 stats, but Jefferson is a crafty low-post player and solid all-around power forward.
44. Stephen Jackson, SG/SF, Charlotte Bobcats
7 of 50
"Captain Jack" is a skilled, versatile offensive player but takes too many nights off mentally to crack the top 40.
43. Josh Smith, SF/PF, Atlanta Hawks
8 of 50
"J Smooth" is the best all-around player on his team but still underperforms given his talent and sheer athleticism.
42. Jason Richardson, SG, Orlando Magic
9 of 50
"J Rich" is now a member of the Orlando Magic, but regardless of the setting he is a capable scorer with a knack for knocking down pressure shots.
41. Wilson Chandler, G/F, New York Knicks
10 of 50
"Wil the Thrill" has developed his game, harnessed his skills, and is the most improved player in the NBA.
40. Gerald Wallace, SF/PF, Charlotte Bobcats
11 of 50
He's an unorthodox player, but Wallace has undeniable ability on both sides of the ball, particularly on the defensive end.
39. LaMarcus Aldridge, PF, Portland Trail Blazers
12 of 50
A gifted post player with a seemingly endless variety of moves, Aldridge needs to be a more consistent rebounder and defensive force to ascend the list.
38. Ray Allen, SG, Boston Celtics
13 of 50
The best pure shooter in the NBA is a consistent and underrated all-around performer for the Celtics.
37. Joakim Noah, C, Chicago Bulls
14 of 50
His offensive repertoire lacks polish, but Noah joins Dwight Howard atop the list of defensive big men.
36. Paul Millsap, PF, Utah Jazz
15 of 50
Has effectively stepped into Carlos Boozer's vacated role as the second-best player on Deron Williams' Jazz.
35. Devin Harris, PG, New Jersey Nets
16 of 50
One of the elite ballhandlers and slashers in the league, Harris is a mesmerizing offensive weapon.
34. Raymond Felton, PG, New York Knicks
17 of 50
Along with Wilson Chandler and Paul Millsap, Felton is one of the most all-around improved players in the game (thanks, Mike D'Antoni).
33. Eric Gordon, SG, Los Angeles Clippers
18 of 50
Has developed into one of the most unstoppable perimeter performers in the business (ninth in PPG).
32. Luis Scola, PF, Houston Rockets
19 of 50
Scola is a well-rounded power forward who is putting up monster numbers, possessing the versatility to outwork or out-finesse his opponents.
31. Andrea Bargnani, F/C, Toronto Raptors
20 of 50
Raptors fans (all six of them) can only hope that Bargnani continues to develop similarities to Dirk Nowitzki.
30. Zach Randolph, PF, Memphis Grizzlies
21 of 50
A true stat rat, "Z-Bo" is a crafty scorer and rebounder in the paint.
29. Tony Parker, PG, San Antonio Spurs
22 of 50
An established winner who is playing inspired ball for one of the NBA's most successful teams.
28. Rudy Gay, SF, Memphis Grizzlies
23 of 50
Can be a top-20 player if he utilizes his length and athleticism to become a force on the defensive end.
27. Kevin Martin, SG, Houston Rockets
24 of 50
He has the most unusual perimeter release in the league, but Martin is a gifted scorer (10th in PPG) who always seems to find a way.
26. Brook Lopez, C, New Jersey Nets
25 of 50
Has really diversified his offensive arsenal but needs to drastically improve his rebounding to crack the top 20.
25. Kevin Love, PF/C, Minnesota Timberwolves
26 of 50
He's been one of the top fantasy performers of the season, but I'm not buying him as a potential superstar with the ability to carry a team to the playoffs.
24. Chris Bosh, PF, Miami Heat
27 of 50
Bosh has been the target of an awful lot of criticism, but the reality is that he's a consistent and talented power forward with an incredibly soft touch.
23. Rajon Rondo, PG, Boston Celtics
28 of 50
Rondo's assist numbers are ridiculous, but he won't climb any higher unless he improves his outside shooting.
22. Tim Duncan, PF, San Antonio Spurs
29 of 50
I have a bit of a soft spot for skilled big men with four championship rings and a boatload of clutch individual performances.
21. David West, PF, New Orleans Hornets
30 of 50
Does a surprisingly nice job playing the Karl Malone to Chris Paul's John Stockton.
20: Kevin Garnett, PF, Boston Celtics
31 of 50
I left "KG" for dead last year, but he's forced me to change my tune with some near-flawless basketball this season.
19. Manu Ginobili, SG, San Antonio Spurs
32 of 50
Manu's still got it, and he's a legitimate MVP candidate for the Spurs this season.
18. Blake Griffin, PF, Los Angeles Clippers
33 of 50
I may be getting a little carried away with Griffin at the 18 spot...but seriously, did you see what he did against the Knicks earlier this year?
17. Monta Ellis, SG, Golden State Warriors
34 of 50
He's probably one of the top five offensive players in the game; it's just a shame that his style isn't conducive to long-term team success.
16. Danny Granger, SF, Indiana Pacers
35 of 50
Granger is a truly pure scorer but hasn't stayed healthy enough over time to crack my top 15 (and he's pissed about that, as you can probably see in this photo).
15. Russell Westbrook, PG, Oklahoma City Thunder
36 of 50
This dude is explosive, and the match hasn't been lit...yet.
14. Steve Nash, PG, Phoenix Suns
37 of 50
He's the best passer in the NBA but isn't the league's premier point guard because of subpar defense and an unwillingness to shoot as much as he should.
13. Paul Pierce, SF, Boston Celtics
38 of 50
The best all-around player on the best all-around team in the league.
12. Pau Gasol, PF/C, Los Angeles Lakers
39 of 50
His flopping, flailing and facial expressions make people want to strangle him, but no one can deny Pau's incredible basketball ability.
11. Derrick Rose, PG, Chicago Bulls
40 of 50
If "D Rose" continues to develop at this rapid pace, it won't be long before he's the top point guard in the world and a top-five player overall.
10. Chris Paul, PG, New Orleans Hornets
41 of 50
I've always had difficulty looking past CP3's lack of size, but lately he's been able to impress me with something other than his jaw-dropping statistics: his uncanny feel for the game.
9. Deron Williams, PG, Utah Jazz
42 of 50
One of my favorite players in the league, "D-Will" is easy to summarize: He doesn't have any weaknesses.
8. Carmelo Anthony, SF, Denver Nuggets
43 of 50
I don't know how much longer 'Melo will be wearing that Nuggets uniform; regardless of location, he's a smooth and skilled baller who is an absolute joy to watch.
7. Amar'e Stoudemire, PF/C, New York Knicks
44 of 50
I've always been a huge Amar'e fan, and I'm happy that he's been able to show that he doesn't need Steve Nash to shine as brightly as the NBA's other superstars.
6. Dirk Nowitzki, PF, Dallas Mavericks
45 of 50
One of the hardest workers and most dedicated players in the league, Dirk would collect his second MVP trophy if the season ended this very moment.
5. Dwight Howard, C, Orlando Magic
46 of 50
There's no denying the improvement in his offensive repertoire, which means the sky's the limit for "Superman."
4. Dwyane Wade, SG, Miami Heat
47 of 50
"D-Wade" is a relentless two-way player who is a three-point stroke away from perfection.
3. Kevin Durant, SG/SF, Oklahoma City Thunder
48 of 50
"Durantula" is leading the league in scoring, again—if only he could muster that kind of consistency on the other end of the court.
2. LeBron James, G/F, Miami Heat
49 of 50
It's awfully difficult to watch LeBron play without thinking that he's the best basketball player in the universe...
1. Kobe Bryant, SG, Los Angeles Lakers
50 of 50
...But then I remember this one, little thing: LeBron hasn't won a single ring. If he ever gets past that hurdle, then he can rightfully challenge my boy Kobe for the top spot.
For now, the King of L.A. reigns supreme. Justice is served.
