NBA Power Rankings: Kobe Bryant and Each Team's Most Versatile Offensive Player
Each NBA team has a guy that makes their offense go.
Whether it's an ability to distribute the rock or simply fill it up bucket by bucket, the impressive arsenals that these guys have are second to none on their team.
Players from all positions are well represented, and it's only natural considering we're talking about versatility on offense.
Paul Pierce, SF, Boston Celtics
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The Celtics have plenty of good options, but Pierce is the captain for a reason.
Not only can "The Truth" light it up from the outside, but he can also explode past his defender and take it right to the rack. Although his YMCA style of play might not suit some, it certainly fits him well.
It takes a lot to be considered as one of the greatest ever to wear a Celtics uniform.
Andre Iguodala, SF, Philadelphia 76ers
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Iguodala has one of the most unique skill sets in all of the NBA.
Although he has battled nagging injuries for most of the season, Iggy is a serious triple-double threat on any night, and his impressive athleticism allows him to really elevate his game to the next level.
He's a critical piece for the Sixers to build around, despite the team's intentions to constantly shop him.
Carmelo Anthony, SF, New York Knicks
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Still drooling over Melo, Knicks fans?
Despite all the turmoil that has surrounded the team of late, there's no doubt that Carmelo is one of the most prolific scorers in the league. Additionally, he provided a much-needed lift to a franchise that was down in the dumps prior to the 2010-11 season.
What he lacks in defensive prowess, he more than makes up for with his potent offensive arsenal.
Deron Williams, PG, New Jersey Nets
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D-Will is one of the most complete point guards that I've seen in a long time.
With elite court vision and proven scoring ability, Williams is a No. 1 offensive option that also improves the production of his teammates with each minute on the floor.
The Nets are going to have to roll out the red carpet if they hope to keep him in the fold for the long-term, because it's not everyday that a player of this caliber comes around.
Andrea Bargnani, C, Toronto Raptors
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Bargs has gotten a bad rap as a number one offensive option, but a lot of it is rather unwarranted playing on a Toronto team with a serious lack of talent on the roster.
With a marked improvement in his inside game this season, as well as a capability to stroke the outside shot at will, Bargnani's multi-faceted skill set is a very unique one.
A poor man's Dirk Nowitzki, Bargnani could be absolutely excellent in the right situation.
Derrick Rose, PG, Chicago Bulls
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Were there really any doubts as to who would take home the honor in Chicago?
The leading candidate for MVP this season, Rose has taken his game to a new level. Blossoming into an absolute superstar with improvements across the board this season, there's little doubt that the Bulls made the right pick selecting him over Beasley.
He's re-energizing the team and looks to be a lock for an All-Star selection for multiple years to come.
Danny Granger, SF Indiana Pacers
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Granger has fallen off the radar a bit after he got a lot of hype for the re-building Pacers, but the New Mexico product still has the skills to pay the bills.
Similar to Paul Pierce, Granger has shown the ability to hit it big from the outside as well as take it to the rack with aggression. He needs to do better with his shot selection, but that will come with time.
A very skilled player, Granger stands to be the integral piece to the Pacers promising future.
Brandon Jennings, PG, Milwaukee Bucks
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Jennings takes a lot of heat, but a lot of it is rather undeserved.
Sure, he looks like he's a bit raw at times, but this is the same kid that set the world on fire when he dropped 55 in his rookie campaign.
He's lightning fast, and with an equal ability to be a scorer and distributor, Jennings' NBA future is as bright as any young star in the league.
Let's not forget that he's still adjusting after spending a season abroad before his NBA tenure began.
Rodney Stuckey, PG, Detroit Pistons
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What's not to like about this kid?
With a proven ability to score the rock and distribute the basketball, only coach John Kuester is preventing him from reaching his full potential.
Despite the notion that he's a bit of a tweener at the guard position, Stuckey is a legitimate starter in this league at the one and will definitely come back to haunt the Pistons if they continue to stunt his growth.
Antawn Jamison, PF, Cleveland Cavaliers
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Before being sidelined with a pinkie injury, Jamison was enjoying some serious throwback offensive production.
The veteran can bang down low, is an underrated passer and can even step out and hit the trey ball if the defense slouches off.
He might be overpaid at this stage of his career, but there's little doubting that Jamison can still contribute on the offensive end immensely.
Just look at how the team has sputtered since he has been sidelined.
LeBron James, SF, Miami Heat
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Sure, there is a compelling argument for Dwyane Wade, but how can you put him ahead of LeBron?
James has evolved as a player with each season that he's been in the league, and his most recent 43-point performance in 31 minutes against the Hawks is a perfect illustration of what I'm alluding to here.
LeBron can dominate a game in a way that we rarely see at the NBA level. There's a reason he became the youngest player in league history to score 17,000 points.
Jason Richardson, SG, Orlando Magic
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J-Rich ahead of Dwight Howard? Yes, sir.
This isn't the most important player on each team, but rather the one with the widest offensive arsenal, and that belongs to Richardson.
He can throw it down with the best of them, is a prolific outside shooter, and has shown capable of being a legitimate top flight option when treated as such in the game plan.
Joe Johnson, SG, Atlanta Hawks
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Johnson isn't worth his contract, but frankly, most of the NBA is overpaid.
An elite scorer and dynamic passer, JJ was often viewed as an underrated offensive option prior to his emergence as the number one in Atlanta.
He can do a number of things on the offensive side of the ball, and even on nights where he can't seem to get the rock to go through the hole, he still provides immense value to the Hawks.
Stephen Jackson, SF Charlotte Bobcats
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Jackson might be the most underrated player in the NBA. Seriously.
If it weren't for his attitude, a lot of rival GMs would've been clamoring to have this guy aboard their squad. He's one of the most talented scorers that nobody talks about, and I'd love to have any player on my team with the passion for the game that he holds.
Although he is the top option in Charlotte by default, Jax's significance cannot be downplayed. He absolutely stuffs the stat sheet.
John Wall, PG, Washington Wizards
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Remember when John Wall was disappointing at the beginning of the season? That sure seems like a long time ago.
As quick as a cheetah, Wall has serious game-changing ability. Whether it's his ability to score or distribute the rock to his teammates, at times it seems that the rookie has eyes in the back of his head.
Most impressively, he is a leader. Already calling out his teammates for their lack of dedication to the game, Wall has effectively asserted himself as a franchise player.
Russell Westbrook, PG, Oklahoma City Thunder
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Kevin Durant was a preseason MVP pick, and Russell Westbrook took that as a challenge.
Flashing his athleticism in every single game, the young point guard has really elevated himself near the front of the class. His ability to get to the hole and distribute the ball is a testament to his vision, and he's got very solid scoring abilities for a player at his position.
Although he won't get consideration for the award, there's no doubt that Westbrook is the MVP of the Thunder this season.
Danilo Gallinari, SF, Denver Nuggets
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When the Knicks drafted Gallinari, many thought he was a one-trick pony.
He's always been a capable perimeter scorer, but now that he's attacking the rim and not settling on the outside, he's really become a number one offensive option. There's a reason that the Nuggets demanded him as the centerpiece of the Carmelo deal.
Gallinari should continue to play with a chip on his shoulder and succeed with his new crew.
Gerald Wallace, PF, Portland Trailblazers
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Wallace might not jump out at you, but he contributes in almost every way imaginable.
A crafty passer for a man of his size, Wallace is another hybrid style of player who can hit it from the outside or take it to the rim. He is not afraid of asserting himself offensively no matter what the situation.
A fine pickup for the Blazers at the deadline, Wallace can really strengthen any unit instantly with the unique skills that he brings to the table.
Al Jefferson, C, Utah Jazz
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The argument could be made for Paul Millsap, but I think Big Al is awfully underrated.
A dominant post presence, Jefferson is still realizing his potential after dealing with knee troubles. Now that Deron Williams is out of town, Al will look to be the number one offensive option that so many expect him to be.
He could be a serious breakout player next season, and the young Jazz should only continue to improve.
Kevin Love, PF, Minnesota Timberwolves
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Kevin Love is the best thing to hit Minnesota since the days of Kevin Garnett.
Seriously. He's become such a consistent force for the Wolves that he's got every opposing team and coaching staff frustrated as can be.
If he could ever get any consistent help from anyone on his team, Love could be even better than he currently is. As it stands, it's probable that he'll take his offensive skills and test the free agent market when his deal is up.
Kobe Bryant, SG, Los Angeles Lakers
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The Black Mamba.
Kobe can beat you off the dribble, he can pull up right in your face or he can even dish it off to a nearby teammate for a wide open look. And you don't know when he's going to do any one.
While some might think Bryant is beginning to wear down, there's not much evidence to suggest that he's on the physical decline. He simply doesn't need to be the constant focal point of the offense that he once was on a much less talented roster.
Steve Nash, PG, Phoenix Suns
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Steve Nash still blows away all of his teammates at age 37.
One of the most creative passers of this era of basketball, Nash sees things developing before everyone else on the court. It seems to be easy for him, as he weaves through the lane and gets exactly what he wants.
Although he might turn the ball over a little too much, Nash is the key to the Suns' car, and it only works with the ball constantly in his hands.
Monta Ellis, PG, Golden State Warriors
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Ever since his infamous moped incident, Monta has proven that he's a bona fide baller.
He and Steph Curry have found a way to split the backcourt with ease, and they're among the most fun pairs to watch throughout the NBA. Ellis' ability to explode to the hole makes him a nightly threat to appear in the Top 10 on SportsCenter.
One of the best volume scorers in the league, Ellis is going to be the focal point of any offense regardless who's on the Golden State bench.
Blake Griffin, PF, Los Angeles Clippers
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As if there was any doubt.
Griffin has registered double-double after double-double and has even threatened the triple-double plateau more than once. He has improved on his jump shot and free-throw shooting since the campaign got started, and he's really honing his game at the highest level.
He's quickly become a point of emphasis for opposing defenses to scheme around, and that's quite a compliment for a rookie.
DeMarcus Cousins, C, Sacramento Kings
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The argument for Tyreke Evans could be made, but if you've seen Cousins play, you know why he's the Sactown representative.
He can post up down low, stroke mid-range jumpers, and even step out and hit the occasional three. Cousins can even dish the rock to his teammates and handle the ball, which is quite rare, considering he's 6'11" and 270 lbs.
While he might be a bit of a headache, Cousins' sky-high ceiling makes him near invaluable to the team.
Manu Ginobili, SG, San Antonio Spurs
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It's amazing that Ginobili continues to be one of the most underrated players in the game.
He makes the game look easy when he's on the floor, and the veteran isn't afraid to challenge anyone. Leading by example, Manu is the ultimate professional and produces no matter what role he's in.
Ginobili can also swat bats out of the air mid-game, and that's pretty cool, too.
Dirk Nowitzki, PF, Dallas Mavericks
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Nowitzki radicalized the big man position in the NBA when he came into the game.
He can post-up down low and bang with the big boys or show off his skills from beyond the arc as a dynamite sharpshooter. In fact, Dirk's skills make it nearly impossible to defend him.
The German is as important to the Mavs as any player is to his team, and it's rather obvious as to why that's the case.
Chris Paul, PG, New Orleans Hornets
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Paul's game is so complete that even when opposing defenses are clamping down on him, he still produces.
Arguably the game's best point guard, Paul's ability to completely control an offense is a true testament to his extraordinary skill. While he might not stick in New Orleans long-term, there's no doubt Paul will be a weapon for a long time.
He has to be careful to avoid the injury bug, but assuming he's healthy, he will continue to be a perennial All-Star.
Zach Randolph, PF, Memphis Grizzlies
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Z-Bo is on the verge of a four-year extension with the Grizzlies, and it's easy to see why the team wants to lock him up.
Although he's a bit undersized and overweight, all Randolph does is produce in big ways for the Grizz. In fact, Randolph is very much a top flight option at the power forward position.
Look for the big man to continue to get even better should he decide to tone up a little bit in the near future.
Kevin Martin, SG, Houston Rockets
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Kyle Lowry is making a serious push for the nomination, but for the time being, K-Mart still takes the cake in Houston.
Although he's mostly known for his perimeter shooting, Martin can take it to the rim with surprising strength given his wiry frame. He's a slam dunk from the free-throw line and can single-handedly take over the scoring for his team.
He might not ever be a superstar, but the veteran is definitely a volume scorer that could push for the title if he ever stayed healthy throughout an entire season.
