NBA Midseason Report Card: Power Ranking the NBA's Top 50 Players
NBA Midseason Report Card: We are now just a tad over the halfway mark of the 2010-2011 NBA season. There has been some startling play by new up-and-comers. There have also been some stars that have not played to their potential.
But rest easy, NBA fan—the Clippers are still a horrible team despite the efforts of Blake Griffin.
So why do a power rankings of the top NBA players thus far in the season? It could be that I am a sucker for hate mail. Perhaps I enjoy people screaming at me that Chris Bosh should be above Lamar Odom. Perhaps it is that I am a glutton for punishment. Could be.
No, the reason is clear. We must. We must delve head first into the players' rankings to find the truth. Who is really the best player at this stage in the NBA? As we head into the All-Star Game, the NBA will have you believe that they picked the best players for the court that night. Well, unless Yao Ming got the leading votes for being the largest couch potato, that just is not true.
So here they are, folks: the best and brightest to run the hardwood in the first half of the season. Please note that numbers are not everything. Weight was also given to the boost each player gives to his team.
50. Tyson Chandler, C, Dallas Mavericks
1 of 50Sometimes it takes a while to click. Chandler has been trying to get back to his 2007-2008 form for some time now. It seems he is on the verge of doing just that.
It is always a blessing to have a man on the floor that you can almost assure will have a double-double every contest. It takes the load off some of the other players.
Most importantly, though, Chandler has decreased his turnovers. It used to be that if he was in the key, he would just tap you on the shoulder and hand the ball over. Now he can be trusted, to a point.
Per Game Averages
Points: 9.6
Rebounds: 9.0
Blocks: 1.2
49. Nick Young, SG, Washington Wizards
2 of 50The Wizards were involved in a blockbuster trade with the Magic last month. They decided it would be best to ship off Gilbert Arenas and his gun collection for some spare parts and Rashard Lewis. I tell you now that the emergence of Nick Young made that trade possible.
Young is an NBA stud in the making. Take note because this guy knows how to score, and he is only going to get better. If he can solidify his turnovers and take some better three-pointers, we could be looking at a potential All-Star for the Wizards.
At the very least he won't crazy up the joint the way Arenas did.
Per Game Averages
Points: 16.9
Assists: 1.3
Rebounds: 2.8
48. Elton Brand, PF, Philadelphia 76ers
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Do you remember when Elton Brand was a force in the NBA? I know it doesn't seem like it, but there was a time when Brand was considered the best at his position. That time period was quick-lived.
Now 76ers are left with a pretty darn good player that costs the same as an All-Star. His point totals are up this season, which is admirable. But for a man that is costing his team $16 million this year, a little more can be asked from him.
Per Game Averages
Points: 15.0
Rebounds: 8.7
Blocks: 1.1
47. Devin Harris, PG, New Jersey Nets
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Devin Harris has to feel pretty unwanted right now. The Nuggets were not exactly enamored with taking him on in a Carmelo Anthony trade, and Melo wanted Chauncey Billups in New Jersey if he was dealt.
So what gives? Why can't Harris get the type of love that is warranted by his play?
Well, his scoring is down considerably from a year ago. But that is to be expected from a prototypical point guard whose team is getting better. Harris can score; he chooses not to. His assists totals are up, and his field goal attempts are down.
This is the mark of a player trying to involve his team and a player I would want on mine.
Per Game Averages
Points: 15.9
Assists: 7.3
Steals: 1.1
46. Raymond Felton, PG, New York Knicks
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The Knicks have themselves a winning team. Now we can stop the constant whining we get from that part of the country that their management is losing it.
Most of their success can be attributed to Amar'e Stoudemire. But I submit to you that he must be spoon-fed the ball down low. Well, Raymond Felton is the man to do it. Raymond is quietly having a career year.
The Knicks got Stoudemire and then went out and got a formidable point guard. What's next, the Bobcats making the playoffs?
If that happens, I am going into my Armageddon shelter posthaste.
Per Game Averages
Points: 17.5
Assists: 8.9
Steals: 1.9
45. Rudy Gay, SF, Memphis Grizzlies
6 of 50The Grizzlies are just trying to stay alive. They are battling other mediocre teams for the final spots in the NBA postseason. They would not even be on life support if it were not for Rudy Gay. The man can score at will, when he is trying.
The only knock is that he is a one-dimensional player. He has the talent to become a 20-10 guy nightly. But his inability to test himself hurts his team, not to mention his porous defense.
Gay could be a star in this league. He is content for now being just a great scorer.
Per Game Averages
Points: 20.5
Rebounds: 6.0
Assists: 2.7
44. Andre Miller, PG, Portland Trail Blazers
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Andre Miller is not an underrated NBA player. People have it right when they fail Miller as one of the greatest guards in the league. As it is, he is a good point guard that failed to impress in the first half of the season.
He has started to turn it around as of late, just as his profile will inform you. Miller is a highly skilled passer with a jump shot that only drains when he happens to be playing your team. This adds to the frustration that is Andre Miller. He should be a lot better. At least that is what we have been told.
Per Game Averages
Points: 12.9
Assists: 7.1
Steals: 1.7
43. Brook Lopez, C, New Jersey Nets
8 of 50Brook Lopez is one half of a set of NBA twins. The only way to tell them apart is to watch them play. Brook is the good one.
Lopez reminds you of a savvy, veteran low-post player when he is on the court. He knows where his outlet passes are. He has tremendous hands and can shoot the low-post chip-in like no one. If you take him 15 feet from the basket, he can still score.
He has defense, scoring and leadership abilities. It is easy to forget that this is only his third year.
Per Game Averages
Points: 19.2
Rebounds: 5.8
Blocks: 1.5
42. Joe Johnson, SG, Atlanta Hawks
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The days of touting Joe Johnson as the next big thing are over. We must settle for who he really is. He is a great scorer that takes care of the ball. You will rarely see Johnson torch a team for 40 points. But what you will see is a leader that gives his team his all.
His point average is down a bit from last season, but his assists are up. He has made the difference on a team that is only two games back of the mighty Heat.
Now if we could just get ESPN to actually show some Atlanta Hawks highlights, people would see how well they are playing.
Per Game Averages
Points: 19.7
Assists: 5.5
Rebounds: 4.1
41. Josh Smith, PF, Atlanta Hawks
10 of 50Josh Smith has dipped a little from his magnificent campaign in 2010. Smith is again the least talked about guy in Atlanta. It is a shame too because he is the core of the team.
The man does it all. He can defend the low block and change shots coming in through the lane. He is also a great passer with fantastic hands. He also knows how to use his size to score.
The only thing he is missing is a consistent outside shot—oh, and the respect from the media and All-Star voters.
Per Game Averages
Points: 18.0
Rebounds: 8.8
Blocks: 1.8
40. Tyrus Thomas, PF, Charlotte Bobcats
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And you thought there weren't going to be any Bobcats on this list. The most overheard statement after a Bobcats game is, "Well, at least we aren't the Clippers." Well, Charlotte fans should key in on Tyrus Thomas, all three of you.
The bad news is that he may be leaving the Bobcats for good. A recent MRI showed that he has a meniscal tear and will be out at least two months. Look for Charlotte to deal their one bright spot on the team.
Per Game Averages
Points: 11.1
Rebounds: 5.8
Blocks: 1.6
39. Luis Scola, PF, Houston Rockets
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He may not be the prettiest face in the NBA, but boy is he useful. The Rockets have been without a real consistent star for some time now. With Yao Ming unable to stay healthy for any extended period of time, Scola has had to be the glue that keeps this franchise from falling into the abyss.
The man plays tough on-the-ball defense. He can also kill you on offense. One of the favorite things for me to yell when watching him play is, "Really? Really? You are going to make that shot?" I am not sure why he doesn't get more air time.
There is a little thing called a wide shot. He looks fine in these.
Per Game Averages
Points: 19.1
Rebounds: 8.4
Blocks: 0.7
38. Rajon Rondo, PG, Boston Celtics
13 of 50One day Rondo is going to get a flawless jump shot and take over the league. That really is the only missing component of his game. He is a pesky defender that can disrupt even the most headstrong of players.
He is also a brilliant slasher that can get to the hole and dish off to any number of Celtics weapons. He is a gritty player that could very well get 15 points or more a game. For the time being he is content to feed his big three players.
The Celtics' success in the early part of this season is in large part due to him.
Per Game Averages
Points: 10.5
Assists: 12.9
Steals: 2.5
37. Monta Ellis, SG, Golden State Warriors
14 of 50After his breakout season last year, it was unclear if Monta Ellis was the real deal. He is an undersized 2 guard that finds a way to score.
Well, he is throwing up near identical numbers in the 2010-11 campaign. It will be absolutely criminal if he does not make an All-Star appearance.
The knocks he receives are warranted. He is not a great jump shooter. During a seven-game series, you will be able to lock in on him, as he tends to slash to his detriment.
But as far as raw talent goes, the Warriors have a beast in Monta Ellis.
Per Game Averages
Points: 25.8
Assists: 5.6
Rebounds: 3.4
36. Joakim Noah, C, Chicago Bulls
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Noah will not return to duty until right before the All-Star break. But before he left with a thumb injury, Joakim was having one of his prototypical seasons. It was remarkable because he had to contend with the frontcourts of other teams without the help of Carlos Boozer, who was injured to start the year.
Noah will come back and not miss a beat. A hand injury rarely affects players that were already horrible at shooting. But that isn't his game. He is a physical defender that will put back the trash on offense. The Bulls have themselves a dynamo in the middle.
It is nice to know that you are getting his all each and every night. Noah rarely leaves anything on the floor.
Per Game Averages
Points: 14.0
Rebounds: 11.7
Blocks: 1.6
35. Andrew Bynum, C, Los Angeles Lakers
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Some teams would be content to have Bynum as their end all, be all on their team. For the Lakers, he happens to be the second best big man on the team, and I am not counting Lamar Odom.
Bynum finally got healthy from offseason knee surgery. He has worked himself back into game shape slowly. It is clear to the Lakers that they are a good team without Bynum. But they are unstoppable with him healthy.
There is nary a team out there that can contend with the Lakers' length inside. Unfortunately, waiting for another Bynum injury is like watching the sun set. You know it will happen eventually.
Per Game Averages
Points: 11.4
Rebounds: 7.5
Blocks: 1.9
34. Stephen Curry, SG, Golden State Warriors
17 of 50Not bad for a man that was supposed to be too small to even play Division I basketball. Stephen Curry has given the Warriors a go-to player on the wing. He has a similar stroke to Reggie Miller. It is quick, clean and precise.
His only knock is defense. That should come as he finds the best way to use his quickness and small stature to his advantage on that side of the ball.
A couple more players like Curry and the Warriors just might be able to field an actual NBA team.
Per Game Averages
Points: 18.7
Assists: 5.9
Steals: 1.9
33. Paul Millsap, PF, Utah Jazz
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Millsap is having a breakout year, and it is all thanks to offseason work he did to hone his mid-range jump shot. He is very close to becoming a 20-point-a-night scorer. As it is, he will do what is needed for the Jazz.
He is an undersized big man. That does cause issues with some bigger teams in the league. But his added jump shot makes this a non-issue on offense. Now he can spread the floor and bring the bigger guys out to guard against him.
With him on the floor, Jerry Sloan can finally take that nap he looks like he's trying to take all game.
Per Game Averages
Points: 16.9
Rebounds: 7.8
Blocks: 0.8
32. Chris Bosh, PF, Miami Heat
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Chris Bosh did not get out to the best start of the year. That is to be expected with the increased pressure of being the third best player on the team. But I jest. Bosh has come back to his old self of late.
He is bound to have a drop in production with two much better players on the team taking most of the ball touches away from him. Bosh has remained a near 20 and 10 player despite the drop in attempts. He has been asked to be the main rebounder and shot blocker down low.
He has done wonders as Miami shores up its loose ends before a late-season surge.
Per Game Averages
Points: 18.6
Rebounds: 8.2
Blocks: 0.7
31. LaMarcus Aldridge, PF, Portland Trail Blazers
20 of 50Aldridge is perfect for the run and gun tempo of the Portland Trail Blazers. He runs very well in the open court for a big man and knows how to finish. He may settle for jump shots a little more than is warranted, but his stats do not feel the burden at all.
The Blazers could easily be in the cellar after back-to-back years without their center Greg Oden. But Aldridge has kept the Blazers' frontcourt in top shape.
Per Game Averages
Points: 21.1
Rebounds: 8.8
Blocks: 1.2
30. Michael Beasley, PF, Minnesota Timberwolves
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It turns out the trade that sent Beasley out of Miami has worked out for the young power forward. He is having the best season of his career.
The one blaring knock is that he does not do much in the way of hustle production. His defense and rebounding are lacking for someone of his skill set. I will go ahead and mark it down as Minnesota is entirely too cold to think in.
Per Game Averages
Points: 20.5
Rebounds: 5.7
Blocks: 0.8
29. Lamar Odom, PF, Los Angeles Lakers
22 of 50Get this guy some more international tournaments to play in in the offseason.
Odom came into the 2010 campaign on fire. He was in shape and ready to ball. We have not seen these types of numbers from him since 2004. That is the season the Lakers shared scoring duties between Kobe, Lamar and the kid who wipes up sweat on the court.
Now he is doing it while coming off the bench. When Odom is on, he is unstoppable. He is a tall, lanky forward that runs and handles the ball like a guard. He is Magic Johnson without the consistency.
Per Game Averages
Points: 15.6
Rebounds: 9.5
Assists: 0.8
28. Kevin Garnett, PF, Boston Celtics
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The Celtics are not surprising anyone this season. They are playing the same great ball they always have; they are just doing it earlier than normal. The "old" guys team is showing the NBA how it is done—with tight defense and hustle. No one illustrates that sentiment more than Kevin Garnett.
His rebounding numbers have dipped a little, but that is to be expected for a guy that just had a near brutal knee injury. But rest assured Garnett will be banking in those fallaways for the rest of the season. He will then run down the court muttering expletives to himself. Ah, the NBA, where nothing changes.
Per Game Averages
Points: 15.1
Rebounds: 8.9
Blocks: 0.7
27. Nene, C, Denver Nuggets
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It has been a tough season in Denver. With the constant threat of their star player leaving them for good, it becomes tough to concentrate on the task at hand.
Nene has been a rock at the center position. He is the one person they can count on to bring his A game nightly. He may lack the rebounding that could set him apart as a top player, but he makes up for it in other ways.
He is a quick-footed gem at a position that touts big guys that loaf up and down the court. I have also become enamored with his passing pedigree. I just wish he would decide to shoot a little more often and not submit to the Denver stars as much.
Per Game Averages
Points: 15.2
Rebounds: 7.5
Blocks: 0.8
26. Tim Duncan, C/F, San Antonio Spurs
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There has been a drop in Duncan's production. That is to be expected as the man enters his swan song years. But he is still a catalyst for the Spurs offense. He is an excellent passer with a great sense of his teammates on the floor.
He may have dropped off some on the defensive end but can still make players change their shots down low. He is also deadly from the wings. If he faces you up, forget it. Walk down the court because Timmay just scored all over you.
Per Game Averages
Points: 13.6
Rebounds: 9.5
Blocks: 2.0
25. David West, PF, New Orleans Hornets
26 of 50If there is a poster child for consistency, David West would be it. He quietly throws together a near 20 and 10 season every year. Going into the first game, you know you are getting a prolific scorer from 15 feet on in and someone that may or may not play defense on a nightly basis.
West is the epitome of the Hornets. He is a good player that largely gets forgotten when spouting off the best in the Association. Kind of like the Hornets.
Per Game Averages
Points: 19.0
Rebounds: 7.3
Blocks: 1.0
24. Paul Pierce, SF, Boston Celtics
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The self-proclaimed best in the game just isn't. But I will admit that Pierce is underrated for the all-around talent and skill set he brings to the floor.
He is having a typical year for him, meaning he plays very sound defense on star players and still gets his 20 points a game. He is the barometer of the Celtics' success. When Pierce is feeling it, there is nary a team that can stop them.
I am also happy he decided to shave the peach fuzz he had been growing for five years.
Per Game Averages
Points: 19.1
Rebounds: 5.2
Assists: 3.3
23. Tony Parker, PG, San Antonio Spurs
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Do you remember when the Spurs were supposed to be over the hill? Well, nobody sent the memo to the Spurs. Every one of their main guys is having a bust-out year, including Tony Parker.
The savvy Frenchman is up in both points scored and assists doled out. The latter is in large part to Richard Jefferson remembering how to score a bucket.
The Spurs are entering the halfway mark as a scary good team. They have the leadership, the savvy and the point guard to make it happen this year.
Per Game Averages
Points: 17.4
Assists: 7.0
Steals: 1.4
22. Carmelo Anthony, SF, Denver Nuggets
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Carmelo Anthony has seen some drop in his production. That is to be expected when your free time is occupied by trying to figure out the best coup to land you in New York.
Anthony has picked up his scoring as of late. I can only imagine it is because Denver fans realized that he was taking his foot off the gas for a bit there.
Now all is right in Denver, until the Nuggets decide they will take anything in a trade for Melo—even the six pack of Yoo-hoo and Funyuns the Knicks are offering now.
Per Game Averages
Points: 23.8
Rebounds: 8.0
Assists: 3.0
21. Eric Gordon, SG, Los Angeles Clippers
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Eric Gordon is one of the few gleaming bright spots on a sub-.500 team. Everyone in the NBA is amazed that the Clippers are exciting. It is too bad that the standings are judged by actual wins and losses. Otherwise the Clippers would be playoff-bound.
I have to say, though, the Clips have some ballers. Gordon had high expectations when he entered the league. Those were quickly quelled when he latched on with the jinx-stricken Clippers. But he has quietly become a trustworthy scorer.
With him and Blake Griffin in the lineup, the Clippers could surprise some teams late. Then again, I will trust that they blow the season like they always do.
Per Game Averages
Points: 24.1
Assists: 4.5
Rebounds: 3.1
20. Zach Randolph, PF, Memphis Grizzlies
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Zach Randolph is doing his best to change his image this season. He has always been known as a player with great upside if not for his lackadaisical effort. The one stat that illustrates his newfound desire is his rebounding production.
He is getting to loose balls. He is also becoming better at creating pace on defense. Now if he would just make better decisions when he has the rock in his hands, he might become an All-Star player.
Per Game Averages
Points: 20.0
Rebounds: 13.1
Assists: 0.3
19. Carlos Boozer, PF, Chicago Bulls
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The Bulls finally have a low-post presence that can finish at the rim in Carlos Boozer. Boozer has come back from injury and given the Bulls a prototypical Boozer season. He is an assured 20 and 10 guy that can score from anywhere 15 feet on in.
Normally you would want a bit more of a defensive presence at the position. But when Noah is on the court, the drop-off is not as extreme. The more that these players get used to each other, the more that I think they would do well not getting involved in a blockbuster trade.
Per Game Averages
Points: 19.9
Rebounds: 10.0
Assists: 0.4
18. Manu Ginobili, SG, San Antonio Spurs
33 of 50The Spurs are back to being one of the best teams in the NBA. It is no coincidence that this season is one where Manu has started every game. Extra minutes for this talented player are always a positive. The man is not afraid to drive the lane and battle it out with taller, physical players.
He is also adept at pulling up on a dime and draining a jumper. He can sometimes be viewed as reckless. That may be because his best acrobatic shots lack the beauty of some of the top guards in the league. It can't be reckless if he drains circus shots nightly.
Per Game Averages
Points: 18.6
Assists: 4.9
Rebounds: 3.8
17. Al Horford, C, Atlanta Hawks
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The Hawks are quietly putting together another impressive campaign. They are not viewed as a threat to the top teams that have made headlines this season in the East. But they could very well put together a deep run in the postseason.
Al Horford is a player that accentuates their success. He is up in most categories thus far, including scoring. He has learned to pick his spots and not force the issue down low. He can have some outstanding games when he gets going early.
His most impressive item is the presence he creates on defense. Players are afraid to go inside on a drive for fear of making the highlight reel with a stuffed attempt.
Per Game Averages
Points: 16.2
Rebounds: 9.7
Blocks: 1.1
16. Chris Paul, PG, New Orleans Hornets
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Paul's production numbers took a bit of a dip in the first half of the season. That does not mean he is any less of a player. He still remains one of the best pure passers in the game. For my money, he is second only to Steve Nash for finding cutters and open men on the floor.
His knock has always been as a shooter. That will come in time, as Paul's knee problems will mandate that he change his game up a bit. The Hornets are back to a playoff-caliber team. They can thank Chris Paul for that.
You just better get your thanks in now while he is still in a Hornets uniform.
Per Game Averages
Points: 16.4
Assists: 9.6
Steals: 2.7
15. Kevin Martin, SG, Houston Rockets
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If you are a Kings fan, you have to cringe at what Kevin Martin has become. Martin is a solid offensive weapon that can go for 30 points a night if he gets hot. As it is, he is a consistent shooter that also drives well and is adept at drawing fouls.
Martin could be considered one of the best off guards in the league if he just learned to play some defense. But the Rockets will take whatever positives they can out of this bust of a season.
Per Game Averages
Points: 23.5
Assists: 2.4
Rebounds: 2.9
14. Steve Nash, PG, Phoenix Suns
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It must be tough being Steve Nash. The Suns continue to change the staff around him, and he is forced to make do. It is a good thing for Suns fans that Nash never fails to impress. No matter what level of talent of players he is on the court with, he makes them better.
He is having another great year of pinpoint passes to cutters. The man is also a menace to guard. He can stop and pop from anywhere to find an open man. It makes defending him a crapshoot of sorts. The league will be much worse when he is gone.
Per Game Averages
Points: 17.0
Assists: 10.9
Steals: 0.6
13. Deron Williams, PG, Utah Jazz
38 of 50Deron Williams sometimes gets lost in the shuffle of the best guards in the NBA. Make no mistake—this man is the entire package. He can be two different point guards when he needs to be.
He is the prototypical passer with an eye for the court. He can also be the focal point in the offense, scoring at will, it seems. He also brings to the Jazz one of the better defensive talents to the position. He has a knack for taking players out of the game with his size and hand speed.
If he gets a hand on the ball, the Jazz are off and running with little chance of stopping them.
Per Game Averages
Points: 21.6
Assists: 9.4
Steals: 1.2
12. Derrick Rose, PG, Chicago Bulls
39 of 50In just his third season, Rose continues to get better. It is unclear what this guard's ceiling could be. He is entering the realm of the top scorers in the league while still being able to get his teammates involved.
The knock on him is that he was never the greatest facilitator with the ball. But this season has seen his assists per game rise by almost two whole dimes a game. It does help having Boozer to dish it to.
But the real genius is his ability to create shots for himself. He can score from almost any spot on the court, including on one of his lightning-quick drives.
Per Game Averages
Points: 24.6
Assists: 8.1
Steals: 1.1
11. Dirk Nowitzki, PF, Dallas Mavericks
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Dirk has received the stigma of a man that cannot get the job done in the postseason. It is unwarranted, as he gives his all no matter the stage.
He has been hampered as of late with a knee injury. His production has taken a dip as a consequence, but he should be the same old Dirk by the postseason. He was never the best defender, but his sore knee has exacerbated the issue. He is hobbled and slow to defend his man.
The Mavericks may have been a little too quick in bringing him back.
Per Game Averages
Points: 23.3
Rebounds: 7.1
Blocks: 0.7
10. Russell Westbrook, PG, Oklahoma City Thunder
41 of 50Everyone is clamoring around the Clippers for being so exciting. Please do not let that deter you from taking witness of the best show on the hardwood. The Thunder are amazing in the open court. The reason is due to the energetic play of Russell Westbrook.
The man is Flash with a basketball. It doesn't matter if you guard him; he will just blow past you. The man has scored six more points a game this year without letting his assist production falter. Now if Westbrook could find a consistent jump shot, we could place him in the realm of elite point guards.
Per Game Averages
Points: 22.5
Assists: 8.4
Steals: 1.9
9. Blake Griffin, PF, Los Angeles Clippers
42 of 50You may have heard of this kid Griffin. His hobbies include jumping and making you look foolish as you try to guard him.
It must seem surreal to Clippers fans to have this type of talent in their beloved uniform. But so far Blake is proving to be the real deal. If he gets the ball deep enough, it is best not to guard him. Instead, just pull back and marvel at the next highlight reel dunk.
The real question is the longevity of this monster in the middle. With so many dunks causing havoc on his joints, he would do well to add some shooting to his repertoire. There are only so many seasons that you can just leap over people. For now, though, it is working.
Per Game Averages
Points: 22.8
Rebounds: 12.9
Assists: 0.6
8. Kevin Durant, SF, Oklahoma City Thunder
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The kid is good. That is all you can really say when you watch him play. He can spot up from anywhere and punish you on the inside.
There is no question that he will win an MVP award at some point in his career. Well, why not this season? He gives a very young Thunder team a player they can count on in crucial situations.
He also happens to be one of the top five scorers in the league. He has no issue creating his own shots. Durant will absolutely kill you from 20 feet on in.
Per Game Averages
Points: 28.1
Rebounds: 6.4
Assists: 2.9
7. Pau Gasol, PF, Los Angeles Lakers
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Pau Gasol is a guard in a center's body. He has great hands that will catch any number of bullet passes. He also provides a conundrum for defenders on the low block.
He can survey the floor in an instant from that position and find a cutter or open man. If not, he will sink a hook shot with either hand. It makes defending him a tricky dilemma. He has also become a better defender in recent years.
He still maintains a soft image while being able to go toe-to-toe with some of the beasts in the Association. He does so many things right. It is a marvel that he does not get more credit for being one of the best all-around talents playing today.
Per Game Averages
Points: 18.6
Rebounds: 10.5
Blocks: 1.9
6. Amar'e Stoudemire, PF/C, New York Knicks
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Amar'e Stoudemire was not supposed to be this good without Steve Nash. Someone better tap him on the shoulder and let him know.
Amare has completely reversed the losing culture that had taken over Madison Square Garden for the better part of a decade. The man can still leap out of the building—a trait that allows him to average over two blocks a game.
He also showed the world that he can do just fine creating his own shots. Whether it is a 15-footer or a devastating dunk, Stoudemire will get his.
Per Game Averages
Points: 26.1
Rebounds: 9.0
Blocks: 2.3
5. Kevin Love, PF, Minnesota Timberwolves
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If a forward plays All-Star-caliber ball in Minnesota, does anyone notice? That will be the test for a player that could easily start in the Midseason Classic with his gaudy numbers.
Love has emerged as far and away the best rebounder in the game. He has a nose for the ball and is stellar at creating space down low. But he is not one-dimensional. Love is also accomplished at scoring down low.
The only caveats to his game are the lack of a consistent outside shot, as well as defense. Love is slow-footed and has trouble guarding some of the quicker big men in the game.
Per Game Averages
Points: 21.4
Rebounds: 15.6
Blocks: 0.3
4. Kobe Bryant, SG, Los Angeles Lakers
47 of 50Kobe Bryant has taken a drastic hit to his scoring. That is not a sign of diminished skills, but rather an illustration that he has changed his game to meet the needs of his team.
Kobe will rarely be seen going for 30 points in a game, largely because it is not needed. He has Pau Gasol down low. Lamar Odom has become more of a consistent scorer this season. Even the bench is deeper with Shannon Brown learning how to shoot the three-pointer.
His diminished production should not ease teams into thinking that he has lost his killer instinct. The man has been known to turn on the scoring when he needs to.
Per Game Averages
Points: 24.9
Rebounds: 5.0
Assists: 4.8
3. Dwyane Wade, SG, Miami Heat
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Wade was hampered by a hamstring injury to start the season, but he and the Heat have slowly put together an impressive campaign. While the team boasts three superstars on the roster, it is clear that its fate lies in the hands of Wade.
The team lives and dies by his production. When he is hot, there is no stopping Miami. He is having another productive year thus far. His scoring is right in line with his numbers pre-LeBron. He even managed to ratchet up his boards.
I imagine it is a group effort in the rebounding department as they make up for the center position.
Per Game Averages
Points: 25.1
Rebounds: 6.5
Assists: 4.2
2. Dwight Howard, C, Orlando Magic
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There have been mixed results from the blockbuster trade the Magic conducted when they acquired Gilbert Arenas. Agent Zero has been a no-show for Orlando so far. But one thing remains constant: The Magic will always be a threat with Howard in the middle.
He is an amazing athlete with superb numbers when you consider the type of player he is. He is a defender first who scores 20 points a night with little to no consistent jump shot.
Howard is just impossible to score against. You have to just go strong to the hole and hope Howard is caught off guard. Otherwise you are getting your shot blocked the other way.
Per Game Averages
Points: 22.1
Rebounds: 13.3
Blocks: 2.2
1. LeBron James, SF, Miami Heat
50 of 50With all the talk of LeBron James and the horrible public relations decision he made this past offseason, it is easy to lose sight of what kind of talent he is.
LeBron is still one of the best in the game despite playing on a team with two other players that can go for 20 points in a night in their sleep. He has taken a very slim Heat roster and made them contenders.
Granted, the team is unstoppable with two All-Stars on the roster. But after that, there is a significant drop-off. James has taken it upon himself to fill in those gaps with rebounding and hustle.
The man may be hated, but if he keeps this up, he will turn his image around. Everyone loves a winner. Just ask Kobe Bryant.
Per Game Averages
Points: 25.9
Assists: 7.2
Rebounds: 7.2
