NBA Power Rankings: LeBron James, Dirk Nowitzki & the Top NBA Finals Players
This year's NBA Finals has been filled with great talent, hot shooting, and outstanding role playing from some of the best players in the league.
With elite options like Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh, the Miami Heat have become the most star studded team around, proving that through the first three games of the series (up 2-1).
While the Heat have excelled in providing sufficient scoring from start to finish, the Dallas Mavericks have also sported their own elite talent in Dirk Nowitzki.
Nowitzki has become a superstar once again, proving over and over that one man can manage to take on three. Through this Series alone, Nowitzki has become one of the most prominent clutch shooters in the NBA.
All four players are by the far the most valuable and talent driven options to their teams, but who ranks behind them?
15. Dallas Mavericks Fans
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I was thinking about putting Peja Stojakovic or Brendan Haywood at the No. 15 spot, but neither player has done enough for the Dallas Mavericks to warrant a mock draft selection.
Instead, I'm going to pay homage to the dedicated Mavericks fans.
Even in the face of diversity, which is the "Big Three" of the Miami Heat, Dallas fans have maintained their love for their team.
Whether it's the "Rocky" clips being played on the big tron during pregame or Dirk Nowitzki hitting a three, almost every Texas fan has filled the American Airlines Center with cheers and nonstop commitment.
I'm not saying that the Miami Heat fans are less dedicated or don't deserve praise for their fan-hood, but Mavericks fans have been rooting for the underdog from the very beginning.
They've grown accustomed to their bench scoring threats, a t-shirt wearing owner sitting amongst the crowd, and a 7'0 German power forward who took the city over the money.
Therefore, the Dallas Mavericks fans come in at No. 15.
14. DeShawn Stevenson, SG, Dallas Mavericks
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DeShawn Stevenson has played well in the two spot.
Stevenson, who can really be considered a bench player due to the fact Jason Terry is the true shooting guard for the Dallas Mavericks, has provided the team with clutch three-pointers and solid defense.
The 30-year-old has shot 5-of-7 from downtown, culminating his good defense into some role playing offense.
Stevenson lacks explosive offensive potential, which is why he's going to be the last player off the board, but he's shown over three games that his experience and gutsy defense can lead your team in the right direction.
13. Mike Miller, SG/SF, Miami Heat
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The Miami Heat's Mike Miller has been somewhat an NBA Finals disappointment.
He's scored merely six points through the first three games, shooting poorly from downtown and lacking serious game time minutes.
It's a shame because Miami has struggled to hit the three at times. With a struggling Mike Bibby, the Heat have looked towards Miller to live up to his contract.
Unfortunately, the 10-year veteran has been unable to make a prominent impact in the NBA Finals.
12. Mike Bibby, PG, Miami Heat
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The 32-year-old Mike Bibby has been hot and cold during the Finals.
He's successfully spelled Mario Chalmers at the point guard position, offering good minutes and solid defense on Jason Kidd and J.J. Barea.
Bibby had his best performance in Game 3, shooting 5-of-8 from the field while knocking down four three-pointers.
For the Heat and their point gaurd, consistency is the key.
Miami has relied on Bibby to knock down open shots after Lebron or Wade open up the floor, but the 12-year vet has been up and down when it comes to providing offensive production.
If this was five years ago, he'd be drafted in the top eight.
11. Joel Anthony, PF, Miami Heat
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Joel Anthony has been a pleasant surprise for the Miami Heat.
While he's not going to drop multiple double doubles anytime soon, the 28-year-old has provided Miami with great starting minutes and solid defense.
Anthony has six blocked shots through the first few games, creating as much pressure as he can on Dirk Nowitzki and his wild shooting.
Besides Chris Bosh, the starting center is the most athletic big man that Miami has to offer.
He has maintained a strong defensive output and we'll continue to come up with big blocks and well played championship minutes.
10. Jason Kidd, PG, Dallas Mavericks
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While Jason Kidd is 38-years-old and playing in his sixteenth NBA season, the future Hall of Fame point guard has been a question mark for the Dallas Mavericks heading into each game.
Even though Dallas shouldn't have to rely on Kidd to score with other options like Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry, and Shawn Marion, they've counted on him to knock down open jump shots.
He's struggled to do so.
The veteran assist machine can still get things done offensively, but if he continues to fail to hit wide open looks in the midst of a Nowitzki double team, the Mavericks are going to be in for a rude of awakening.
Kidd has done the best job he can in covering Lebron James and Dwayne Wade defensively at the top of the arc, but in Game 3, Wade made Kidd look like a rag doll after backing him down low, play after play.
It's going to get only harder for the starting point guard to cover two of the best three players in the world because both with surely amp up their physicality as the final games of the series grow near.
This is more than likely Kidd's last chance at a championship, so he'll surely do everything in his power to play his heart out.
9. Mario Chalmers, PG, Miami Heat
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Mario Chalmers has been a knock down shooter.
Whether it's from his days at Kansas hitting National Championship game-winning shots, or the fact that he's had a whole season to learn under Lebron James and Dwayne Wade, the 25-year-old has provided the Miami Heat with sufficient scoring.
Chalmers has consistently hit open three point looks, none more important than his game tying shot in Game 2.
Soon to be negated by Dirk Nowitzki. What's new?
Chalmers has exploded off the bench with 33 points in three games, giving the Heat a solid 20 MPG option to spell their starters.
In Game 3, Chalmers knocked down 4-of-6 from downtown, allowing the Heat to live with the fact that Mike Miller and Mike Bibby continue to struggle from the field.
If anybody had questions about Chalmers and his ability to serve as a legitimate NBA point guard, these NBA Finals should be enough proof that that's exactly what he is.
8. Tyson Chandler, C, Dallas Mavericks
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When the Dallas Mavericks need a big rebound or a big time defense stop, they've looked to Tyson Chandler.
Rightfully so.
Chandler has been a very solid option down low for the Mavericks.
While he's not going to provide much offense besides some off the rim put backs, the 28-year-old center has provided a much needed defensive presence against Chris Bosh and the driving Lebron James and Dwayne Wade.
Chandler is only second behind Dirk Nowitzki in rebounding for Dallas with 22, creating second chance opportunities and making solid defensive efforts.
If the Mavs plan on winning three more games in the NBA Finals, they're going to need Chandler to not only continue his rebounding, but the veteran center will have to limit his fouls to stop Chris Bosh and company.
7. J.J. Barea, PG, Dallas Mavericks
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J.J. Barea has consistently struggled in the NBA Finals.
While he's been a productive option off the bench during the 2011 Playoffs to not only take over for Jason Kidd when the veteran needs a breather, but he's done enough on the offensive side of the ball to provide the Dallas Mavericks with sufficient scoring and play making ability.
However, his inability to hit open mid-range shots during the last three games has poked a hole in the Mavs sometimes stagnant offense without Dirk Nowitzki in the lineup.
Even though Barea hasn't provided enough off the bench for Dallas, he has enough potential to take over a game at anytime for a two minute span.
Sometimes, teams really struggle to cover the little guy slashing to the rim.
6. Jason Terry, PG/SG, Dallas Mavericks
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Jason Terry is the key to the Dallas Mavericks winning the 2011 NBA Finals.
If the Mavs offense is going to outperform the Miami Heat and the "Big Three", Terry is going to have to get hot and do it fast.
The 11-year-veteran has averaged 14.3 PPG for Dallas off the bench, but his three-point percentage during the playoffs has dropped over 100 points, from .443 to .333.
Even though the former-sixth man of the year winner has seen his points average dip down from the Conference Championship to the Finals, he's not turning the ball over anymore than he did and the rest of his offensive production is fairly similar.
It's only a matter of time before Terry catches fire, so Miami needs to be cautious and try to end this series as soon as possible.
5. Shawn Marion, SF, Dallas Mavericks
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Shawn Marion has been Dirk Nowitzki's counterpart during the 2011 Finals.
The 33-year-old starting small forward has averaged 15.3 PPG, increasing his playoff average by nearly four points.
Marion has done everything he can to help Dirk get through a tough Miama Heat defense.
He was a man player in Dallas' all-time great comeback over the Heat in Game 2, hitting shots and playing solid defense on Lebron James down the stretch.
There's really not much more Marion can do for the final few games of the Finals. He'll just have to continue to provide sufficient offense and knock down open shots unlike Jason Kidd and J.J. Barea.
4. Lebron James, SF, Miami Heat
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Believe it or not, Lebron James has been the fourth best player during the Finals and will continue to play that role.
James has no doubt helped the Miami Heat win both of the two games they've stolen from the Dallas Mavericks, but he's been more of a role player than the Lebron James we've grown accustomed to.
Through the last two games, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh have overshadowed the best player in the world and taken some of his spotlight.
During the NBA Finals, James' playoff scoring average has dipped nearly five points, as well as a decrease in rebounding and blocked shots while increasing his personal fouls.
It's doesn't necessarily mean that Lebron is going to take a back seat in the next few games, but the Miami Heat train is currently being conducted by Wade and Bosh.
For right now, James is the fourth-to-last guy off the board, but he continues to be the best overall basketball player in the league.
3. Chris Bosh, PF, Miami Heat
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The only reason why Chris Bosh isn't going No. 2 or even No. 1, is simply based on his inability to be an effective defender.
Bosh, 27, has seen a decrease in his points totals, but the power forward has successful increased his offensive rebounding, assists, and decreased his turnovers.
A lot of the offensive abilities that the Miami Heat have available, are ran through Bosh and his prominent post scoring.
He's continuously hit big shots, including the Game 3 winner on Sunday night.
The Heat have relied on Bosh down the stretch to get them quality looks and inside baskets.
His ability to not only hit free-thros but grab offensive rebounds is only going to add to his success over the next few contests.
2. Dirk Nowitzki, PF, Dallas Mavericks
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There isn't much to explain here.
Everybody knows that Dirk Nowitzki is having a playoff run for the ages.
He did it in 2006 when he led his team to the Finals all by himself and he's doing it again this year.
Nowitzki is averaging over 28.0 PPG during the series, creating opportunities for himself and his sometimes nonexistent scoring buddies.
The 32-year-old power forward has hit some of the most difficult shots in NBA Playoff history, not to mention the pressure he's endured in doing so in order to beat Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, and the city of Miami.
For Nowitzki and Dallas, using the seven-footer's previous success against the Heat in the last three games is only going to do wonders going forward.
If the Mavs ever need a historic game from Dirk, it's going to be Tuesday night in Dallas.
The only reason he isn't No. 1 over the next guy is because his team isn't winning.
It's as simple as that.
1. Dwayne Wade, SG, Miami Heat
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Now enters Dwayne Wade.
Wade has acted as the go-to leader for the Miami Heat, not only during the NBA Finals, but the entire Heat playoff run.
The 29-year-old has averaged 29.0 PPG, nearly five points higher than his playoff average.
Wade's success this year in the Finals seems eerily similar to his contribution to a Miami championship in 2006.
He has basically taken over a three headed offense, sharing a little success with Chris Bosh and simply outplaying Lebron James.
Wade's also averaging nearly 9.0 RPG and 5.0 APG, making him a near lock for Finals MVP.
His blocks are up, turnovers and personal fouls down, and his late game take overs are pushing Dirk Nowitzki for the NBA Finals' most clutch performer.
Heading into these next few games, with another few performances like these, Wade will make a mark on his career that could put him in the talks for one of the best shooting guards to ever play the game.
I think it's safe to say the Miami Heat are officially Dwayne Wade's team.
