Carmelo Anthony, Deron Williams and the Top 10 Players in the East

With the recent additions of two elite players from the west, Carmelo Anthony and Deron Williams, the East looks to have gained the power. 

That's at least according to LeBron James who said, "We took two of the best players in the West and brought them to the East."

So, who are the ten best players residing in the Eastern Conference:

10. Joe Johnson

Chris Trotman/Getty Images

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 16: Joe Johnson #2 of the Atlanta Hawks dribbles the ball against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on February 16, 2011 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or

Though many still consider this a down year for the 6'7'', 240 pound Joe Johnson, he is still averaging 19.3 points per game, 5.4 assists, and 4.2 rebounds.

Johnson brings his all-around game leading the Hawks to a 34-23 record, good for fifth in the Eastern conference.

Johnson still may not prove to be worthy of the 6 year-$119 million contract he signed last summer, but he is still a great player. 

9. Paul Pierce

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 30: Paul Pierce #34 of the Boston Celtics yells after scoring a basket against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half at Staples Center on January 30, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. The Celtics defeated the Lakers 109-96. (

Pierce is still the leader of the 3rd best team, according to the record, in the league.

Pierce averages 18.9 points, 3.3 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game, and most importantly is one of the best wing defenders.

Pierce goes up against the best wing players the opposition has to offer.

Though the 33 year old is declining, he still warrants a top 10 selection on this list.

8. Amare Stoudemire

Chris Trotman/Getty Images

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 06: Amar'e Stoudemire #1 of the New York Knicks adjusts his glasses on the court against the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden on February 6, 2011 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees th

Stoudemire is the league's second-leading scorer at 26 points per game.

Though he is not an exceptional rebounder or defender, he still averages 8.5 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game.

Stoudemire also is a better passer this year averaging 2.7 assists per game up from his career average of 1.4.

The power forward is uniquely skilled on the offensive end and is poised to lead a Knicks' playoff run. 

7. Rajon Rondo

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

BOSTON - FEBRUARY 13: LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat battles Rajon Rondo #9 of the Boston Celtics ffor control of the ball at TD Garden on February 13, 2011 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downlo

You have to applaud Rajon Rondo, the 6'1'', 171 point guard defending the mammoth LeBron James.

Rondo is the catalyst of the Celtics offense and is an irreplaceable player.

He leads the league in assists with 12.3 and is second in steals with 2.4.

Rondo is not held back by his size as he averages 4.5 rebounds per game and consistently is the fastest player on the court. 

6. Carmelo Anthony

Chris Trotman/Getty Images

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 23: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks on the court against the Milwaukee Bucks at Madison Square Garden on February 23, 2011 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/o

With Carmelo Anthony the question has never been about scoring. He can go inside, outside, mid-range, post up, etc.

Anthony is only 26 and averages 25.2 points per game to go along with 7.7 rebounds. 

Though Anthony takes many plays off on defense, he is still an elite player and according to a recent ESPN article, is the most clutch player in the NBA.

Trailing by one or two points, or tied, in the final 24 seconds of a game, Anthony has the best field goal percentage of any player since 1996, with a 47.7%.

5. Deron Williams

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 20: Deron Williams #8 of the Utah Jazz and the Western Conference moves the ball in the 2011 NBA All-Star Game at Staples Center on February 20, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agr

Williams reportedly found out he was traded on Sportscenter.

Though he is unhappy with the trade to the Nets, he could form a great tandem with young center Brook Lopez.

Williams is averaging 21.3 points, 9.7 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game.

The main reason the Utah Jazz were afloat was because of the elite play by Williams.

Williams is also a great on the ball defender to go along with his offensive skills.

4. Derrick Rose

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 19: Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls competes in the Taco Bell Skills Challenge apart of NBA All-Star Saturday Night at Staples Center on February 19, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Imag

A huge reason for Chicago's great improvement is because of Rose's huge improvement in his third season in the league. 

Rose averages 25 points, 8.2 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game. 

Rose this year has improved his outside shot, but is also one of the best in getting to the hoop.

With pick-and-roll partner, Carlos Boozer, Rose knows when to pass or shoot, making him one of the best point guards in all of basketball. 

3. Dwyane Wade

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

MIAMI, FL - FEBRUARY 22: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat looks to pass during a game against the Sacramento Kings at American Airlines Arena on February 22, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloadin

Many believe Kobe Bryant is the closest thing to Michael Jordan, but I tend to differ.

I think Wade, when it is all said and done, will be the closest to Jordan at the two-guard position.

Wade is averaging 25.3 points, 4.4 assists, and 6.9 rebounds per game.

Though his assist numbers are down from his career average of 6.4, Wade is still an elite player, both offensive and defensively.

Wade shoots close to 50% this season. 

2. Dwight Howard

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 08: Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic reacts to a foul during the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Amway Arena on February 8, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by dow

Howard is the most dominant center in the league, and it really is not close.

This could stay that way for the next few years as well, as Howard is only 25.

He seems to finally put it all together, commanding more double teams because he now is more of a complete post up player.

Howard averages 23 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game.

He is one of the best team defenders in the league.

Howard shoots close to 59% from the field, good for third best in the league.

1. LeBron James

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 20: LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat and the Eastern Conference stands with Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Western Conference in the 2011 NBA All-Star Game at Staples Center on February 20, 2011 in Los Angel

If James were to win a few titles, he would go down as a top 3 player in NBA history.

James has the unique ability of passing and scoring, especially at his size at 260 pounds.

James averages 26.2 points, 7.2 assists, and 7.4 rebounds per game.

Other than the points, both the assist and rebound totals are close to his career averages.

James, unlike Carmelo Anthony, actually plays on defense and has proven to be one of the best in the league.