NBA Power Rankings: The Top Ten Left-Handed NBA Players

I've often heard people say that left-handed people are naturally gifted at basketball.

Although some people say this is merely because players tend to force their opponents left, giving them an open driving lane with their preferred hand. 

After recently hearing a friend boasting about his left-handed superiority in basketball, I decided to take a look at some of the top lefty shooters in the NBA and see for myself if the rumors had any basis in fact. 

Naturally, there's really no way of knowing and it's probably not at all true.

Nonetheless, it has led me to write the following article. Enjoy. 

10. Tayshaun Prince, Detroit Pistons

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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 24: Tayshaun Prince #22 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket for a layup against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on February 24, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expres

2010-2011 Stats: 14.7 points, 4.70 rebounds, 2.8 assists

Career Stats: 12.7 points, 4.7 points, 2.7 assists

Tayshaun Prince is one of the league's top defenders and a one time champion.

Although not an elite scorer, Prince has long been considered to be one of the league's most underrated players.

Prince has a well rounded offense and uses his length to bother opponents on the defensive end. 

Prince is also one of the league's most clutch defenders, who is well known for his game-winning block on Reggie Miller in the 2004 Eastern Conference Finals, which enabled the Pistons to advance to the finals. 

9. Mike Conley Jr., Memphis Grizzlies

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 02: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts after making a shot against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Staples Center on January 2, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. The Grizzlies defeated the Lakers 104

2010-2011 Stats: 13.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 6.6 assists

Career Stats: 11.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 4.9 assists

Despite speculation after the first three years of his career that Mike Conley would be unable to maintain his spot as the Memphis Grizzlies' starting point guard. Conley has started to prove his doubters wrong this year.

Conley is averaging career highs in point and assists this season and has showcased his impressive lefty stroke. 

Conley has started to come through in the clutch this season and is probably wishing that the Grizzlies were in the Eastern Conference.

Despite a decent record, the Grizzlies are sitting a few games outside the playoff circle in the West and will need to step it up to make it to the postseason. 

8. David Lee, Golden State Warriors

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OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 21: David Lee #10 of the Golden State Warriors dunks the ball during their game against the Sacramento Kings at Oracle Arena on January 21, 2011 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by d

2010-2011 Stats: 16.2 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists

Career Stats: 13 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists

Although his stats have dropped since his all-star season in 2009-2010, David Lee is still producing at a very high level and averaging close to a double-double.

Lee is a very solid passer for a big man, and has joined Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis to complete a formidable Warriors' big three. 

Although nearly ambidextrous, Lee is naturally left handed and possesses a dependable mid ranged jumper along with a plethora of post moves. He is easily one of the league's top lefties. 

7. Michael Beasley, Minnesota Timberwolves

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BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 03: Michael Beasley #8 of the Minnesota Timberwolves takes the last shot of the game as Rajon Rondo #9 of the Boston Celtics defends on January 3, 2011 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeated the Timberwolves

2010-2011 Stats: 20.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists

Career Stats: 15.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists

After being traded from the Miami Heat to the Minnesota Timberwolves for next to nothing, Beasley is making Miami regret failing to receive good value for him.

Beasley's scoring output has risen by six points from last season, and he has joined forces with Kevin Love to give the Minnesota Timberwolves a formidable duo at the forward spots. 

Beasley has hit the 30-point mark six times this season, including a career high 42 points against the Sacramento Kings early in the season. 

The troubled forward has found his place in Kurt Rambis' triangle offense and is a much improved shooter, displaying a very dependable lefty stroke from three and mid range.

6. Zach Randolph, Memphis Grizzlies

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PHOENIX - DECEMBER 08: Zach Randolph #50 of the Memphis Grizzlies puts up a shot against the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game at US Airways Center on December 8, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by down

2010-2011 Stats: 20 points, 13.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists 

Career Stats: 17.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists

Randolph is the superior of the two lefty shooters in the Memphis Grizzlies starting lineup.

A double-double machine, Randolph is putting up similar stats to Dwight Howard (minus the blocks, of course). 

Throughout his career, Z-Bo has displayed a solid mid-ranged jump shot and an ability to make the occasional three.

Although not always in the best shape, Randolph knows how to use his big body to his advantage and is easily one of the league's top five rebounders. 

5. Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee Bucks

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ATLANTA - MAY 2: Guard Brandon Jennings #3 of the Milwaukee Bucks gets set to shoot a free throw during Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Atlanta Hawks during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on

2010-2011 Stats: 17.9 points, 4 rebounds, 5.5 assists

Career Stats: 16.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, 5.7 assists 

Brandon Jennings has brought life back to the Milwaukee Bucks franchise and established himself as one of the league's most exciting young players.

Jennings broke onto the scene last season as a rookie sensation, scoring 55 points in a thrilling victory over the Golden State Warriors. 

Although his shot is inconsistent, when Jennings is on his lefty stroke is one of the best in the league.

Jennings runs the point guard spot very efficiently for Milwaukee and teamed with Andrew Bogut and John Salmons to make the NBA fear the dear last season.

Jennings has missed all but 25 games thus far in the season due to a broken left foot, but in his limited action he was putting up very solid numbers, and recorded his first-career triple double.

Jennings is a future all-star n the NBA, and should continue to excite fans for many years to come. 

4. Josh Smith, Atlanta Hawks

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BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 16: Josh Smith #5 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after a foul is called against him in the second half against the Boston Celtics on December 16, 2010 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeated the Hawks 102-90. NO

2010-2011 Stats: 15.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.8 blocks

Career Stats: 14.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.2 steals, 2.3 blocks

I decided to display Josh Smith's full stat line, just to show how versatile he really is.

Smith is one of the league's top defenders, a high-flying dunker, a triple-double threat and a solid shooter. There is very little that this guy cannot do.

Smith has improved his shot selection from previous years and is rebounding at a career rate. Smith's jumper and range have both expanded, and although he isn't the best lefty in the league, he isn't far off. 

3. Lamar Odom, Los Angeles Lakers

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 17: Lamar Odom #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers grabs a pass during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Staples Center on January 17, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER:

2010-2011 Stats: 15.6 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists

Career Stats: 14.7 rebounds, 9.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists

Odom is another versatile lefty forward, who gets the nod over Smith for his experience and championship pedigree.

After helping lead the U.S. to victory in the 2010 FIBA World Championships, Odom is having a resurgent season on the Lakers, improving his stats greatly from the past two years.

With the return of Andrew Bynum, Odom has returned to his role as sixth-man, but is still producing at an excellent rate for the defending champions.

Barring another injury to Andrew Bynum, Odom should continue to contribute off the bench and should win the Sixth-Man of the Year Award with little competition.

If his impressive stats aren't enough, his outstanding 58% field goal percentage ought to do the trick. 

2. Chris Bosh, Miami Heat

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DENVER, CO - JANUARY 13: Chris Bosh #1 of the Miami Heat takes a shot against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center on January 13, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this phot

2010-2011 Stats: 18.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.9 assists

Career Stats: 20.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists

After starting his career in South Beach very poorly, Chris Bosh soon picked it up and proved himself to be perhaps the most important of the Miami Heat Triumvirate.

Although his statistics are down from last seasons, this is to be expected due to his union with two of the league's top scorers.

Bosh is still exceeding expectations and managing to contribute at a similar pace to his days in Toronto, and his mid-ranged jumper is as reliable as ever. 

Although he won't be the Heatle who takes the last shot in a close game, Bosh is the only inside scorer the Heat have, and his play could decide whether the Heat have what it takes to win a championship. 

1. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs

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OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 24: Manu Ginobili #20 of the San Antonio Spurs in action against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena on January 24, 2011 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or

2010-2011 Stats: 18.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.9 assists

Career Stats: 15.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists

Manu Ginobili. The best player on the best team in the league, and the best left-handed player in the league. He won't win MVP, but maybe he should. 

Ginobili is easily the craftiest player in the league, and his ability to get into the lane and finish with either hand is uncanny.

Ginobili has been the most clutch player in the league this season, with a couple of impressive game winning shots, along with a game saving charge on a Carmelo Anthony drive. 

Ginobili is a fantastic passer, shooter and defender. He has been key in the revitalization of the Spurs, and hopes to lead San Antonio to it's fourth championship of the decade.

If he manages to do so, Ginobili could earn himself a place in the NBA Hall of Fame.