Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett and the 10 Most Competitive Athletes in the NBA
Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett might be enemies on the hardwood, but the two future Hall of Fame players have one glaring similarity.
They both want to win.
But it isn't just about winning with these ten athletes. These guys push the game to a higher level. When they're locked in, nobody can stop them from achieving exactly what they want to do.
It's not all about talent in the NBA. A strong work ethic and 110 percent effort night in and night out for all 82, plus the postseason.
To be a warrior, to be a competitor, to be a leader.
That's what great is about.
10. Blake Griffin, PF, Los Angeles Clippers
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He might be featured on SportsCenter for his highlight dunks, but this kid does plenty more besides just throw it down.
Unlike many at his position, Griffin shows a willingness to sacrifice his body and be active on both ends at the floor. Providing a relentless effort on both ends, the rookie never gives up on a play before it's actually over.
Talking with his all-star level of play rather than running his mouth, Griffin has remained humble even as he's shone brightly in the spotlight of Los Angeles.
9. Kevin Durant, SF, Oklahoma City Thunder
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Improving on his weaknesses each season that he's been in the league, Durant is often overlooked as one of the game's fiercest competitors.
While he doesn't quite strike fear in the hearts of his opponents with his baby face and still-patchy facial hair, KD is more aggressive with his wiry frame than most. In fact, he's displayed an inclination toward driving to the basket much more than he did early in his career and it's made him a better player as a result.
He even called out Chris Bosh after a recent game against the Heat as one of the NBA's fake tough guys.
"There's a lot of fake guys in this league, and he's one of them," Durant said.
Sounds like there's no shortage of swag here.
8. Deron Williams, PG, New Jersey Nets
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Williams was dealt to a miserable Nets squad with no chance of seeing the postseason for at least this season.
Since his arrival, the team is 2-3 and D-Will is averaging 15.8 points and 15.2 assists. Although his scoring average sits slightly under his season average of 20.8, it's clear that Williams is making his teammates better and an inspiring a higher level of play.
Brook Lopez, whom the Nets were built around prior to Williams' arrival, had really struggled this season. Averaging just 6.0 rebounds per contest, this seven-footer simply hadn't attacked the glass in the way that the team had hoped. Then he got a new friend to play with, and he's seen his rebounds skyrocket to 8.2 per game over the last five.
Williams gives the downtrodden New Jersey franchise the injection of flavor that they sorely needed, and even though he's playing through a tricky wrist injury, he continues to battle it out every single night.
7. Derrick Rose, PG, Chicago Bulls
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It's amazing to see just how good Rose has become in just his third season.
Already entering the conversation as arguably the league's best point guard, if Rose takes home the MVP this season, the national NBA spotlight will be on Chicago for the first time since Jordan walked away. Looking like a much more complete all-around player in 2010-11, Rose's insistence on the ball in the clutch is a symbol of his budding maturity.
Leaving nothing on the floor, Rose pours in a full effort every single night whether home or away, and it's easy to see why the Bulls are so excited about their franchise player.
6. Steve Nash, PG, Phoenix Suns
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If you need any physical evidence as to exactly why Nash is on this list, just look at his nose.
That thing has been broken up more times than an underage high school party.
The two-time MVP doesn't know what it means to give a half-hearted effort. Throughout his whole life, Nash has been faced with adversity and has consistently overcome it. One of the hardest workers in the league, it's not surprising that his work ethic and desire to win is so strong given how many times he's been told that he couldn't do something in his life.
A lot of veterans would phone it in if they were in Nash's position at age 37 on a re-buildling Suns team.
Not Nash, though. He's still playing at an elite level and looking to shock the world.
5. Dwight Howard, C, Orlando Magic
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Howard may have already accumulated 20 technicals (including those rescinded) this season, but it's because he's so passionate about the effort he puts into his game.
Typically a lock for at least 20 and 12, Howard brings it even when his teammates don't. Playing with a ton of intensity and with a very high motor, Howard is a pain to contain regardless of opponent.
Taking to heart the criticisms of his doubters, the big man worked with Hakeem Olajuwon in the offseason to hone his post-game that many felt was too one-dimensional.
When Howard first came into the league as a high school kid he averaged a double-double and hasn't looked back since. He's always looking to improve his game and has no interest in taking the easy way out.
Most importantly, he recognizes what is most important: securing the championship ring.
4. Manu Ginobili, SG, San Antonio Spurs
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One of the most under-appreciated competitors in the league, Ginobili has been proven himself to be a cornerstone of a perennially successful San Antonio team.
Swatting bats out of midair while dominating the game at hand, Ginobili is also one of the most clutch players in the NBA. But it's not all about his efforts on the offensive end. The left-handed Argentinian plays a hard body style of defense and is relentless for the full time he's out there.
A team player willing to sacrifice personal achievement for the betterment of the team, it's easy to see why his teammates have such high praise for him.
Ginobili won't ever get the recognition that he deserves playing in the shadow of both Tim Duncan and Tony Parker, but Ginobili is really the glue of the international fabric that are the San Antonio Spurs.
3. LeBron James, SF, Miami Heat
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The most scrutinized professional athlete that the NBA has ever seen, there's no questions surrounding James' desire to compete and win.
Although he might be a little more narcissistic than most can tolerate, James' ability to compete and succeed at the professional level has been on display since his inaugural season. Single-handedly propelling a dreadful Cleveland team to the conference finals on the strength of his incredible talent, James wants to win and do so for multiple seasons.
The King is still without a ring, and he's looking very much like a prince standing distantly in the shadows from Kobe, let alone His Airness.
One thing is for certain: He doesn't like losing. That's why he left Cleveland.
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2. Kevin Garnett, PF, Boston Celtics
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Just watch Kevin Garnett minutes before tip-off and take a glimpse into his basketball mentality.
Not only does he look like he's going insane, but KG has more sweat dripping down his bald head before the tip-off than most players do by the end of the game.
Garnett is all about the pursuit of greatness through competition, and it's been reported that he even chose the number five in Boston because he knows it takes five guys working together on the floor to win.
Garnett's intensity not only rubs off on his teammates, but also intimidates and challenges the opposition in ways that they're not used to seeing.
Just ask any power forward in the league. When they see that the Celtics are on schedule, they know it's going to be a labor-filled 48 minutes.
1. Kobe Bryant, SG, Los Angeles Lakers
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First one in, last one out. A leader by example, Bryant is a coach on the floor who also just happens to be the NBA's best player.
Bryant doesn't let his success define him, but rather he defines his success. The hardest worker on his team since he came into the league straight out of high school, Bryant's quest to become one of the best to every play the game is unparalleled by any other active player.
If the Lakers are playing like a bunch of uninterested robots as they were just prior to the trade deadline, he's not afraid to call them out. Kobe is seemingly always two steps ahead of everyone, and even outsmarts his teammates at times with the way he sees the game.
Bryant hates to lose whether its game 37 of the regular season or a critical clinching game of the NBA Finals.
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