LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and the Top 5 NBA Players at Each Position

In the last decade, the NBA has been home to the best the basketball world has to offer. Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Tim Duncan are just a few of the players that have already left their mark on the NBA and its history.

In the last few years, though, players such as Derrick Rose, Rajon Rondo and Kevin Durant have made the jump into NBA superstardom.

On the court, each position fills a role in both the team's execution and success. Here are 25 players that fill their role better than most.

Point Guards: 5. Steve Nash

Steve Nash is known for his creative passing. It seems that he makes everyone on the court with him better. The only things keeping Nashty from a higher ranking on this list are both his age and the new generation of young, electrifying point guards (i.e. Derrick Rose, Rajon Rondo, etc.).

If I were making this list five or six years ago in his prime, there would be very few things keeping him from the No. 2 or 1 spot on this ranking. But even with his age, he has managed to stay in the category of some of the NBA's elite point guards.

Point Guards: 4. Deron Williams

Deron Williams can do it all. He can pass, score and shoot. Unfortunately, with the departure of Carlos Boozer from the Jazz, Deron will have a tough time finding a team that is a serious championship contender. It didn't pan out in Utah, and it definitely won't happen in New Jersey/Brooklyn. In other words, he has already lost his best chance at the title.

Don't get me wrong: D-Will has amazing talent. He has incredible strength for his size, and his potential (with the right nurturing as a player) is yet to be seen. Although the title of "the league's best point guard" is no longer a race between Deron and Chris Paul, Williams can prove himself with a large role in a deep playoff run.  

Point Guards: 3. Rajon Rondo

Rondo is probably one of the most exciting players to watch in the entire NBA. His skill and court vision are almost unsurpassed by anyone in the entire league. At a very young age, Rondo has had the chance to play alongside Hall of Famers Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce. For most young point guards, this is a tall order.

For Rondo, it was a chance to prove himself as worthy of such teammates.

Rondo has risen to the occasion. He has changed "the Boston Three-Party" into "the Boston Four-Party." When I watch him, I am constantly thinking to myself, "What will he do next?" He's that good.

Rondo has many years to grow into a legit superstar in the NBA.

Point Guards: 2. Chris Paul

CP3 has proven his talent, skills and leadership as an elite point guard in the NBA. Against the two-time defending champs in the Los Angeles Lakers, Chris Paul averaged 22 points and 11.5 assists. Chris Paul nearly single-handedly won the series for the seventh-seeded New Orleans Hornets.

Chris Paul is no slacker on defense either.

CP3 averaged 2.35 steals a game during the 2010-11 season, which was first among all NBA players last year. Basically, Chris Paul is an amazing leader with undeniable skills.

Point Guards: 1. Derrick Rose

Derrick Rose had led his team to three consecutive playoff appearances in only three seasons in the NBA. He is already the most recent MVP winner. His Chicago Bulls had the best record n the NBA last season and made it the conference finals. Derrick Rose is among the NBA's elite at a very young age.

He is one of the most electrifying players currently in the league and has a large portion of his career ahead of him. By the end of his career, in my opinion, he will have won multiple championships, multiple MVP trophies and will be recognized as the second-best Chicago Bull of all time (if he chooses to stay with the team, that is).

Shooting Guards: 5. Monta Ellis

Some may argue that Ellis is a combo guard, but being the natural scorer that he is, I consider him a 2-guard in a point guard's body. Ellis is both electrifying and talented. With the right coaching staff and teammates, Ellis could grow into an NBA superstar.

Ellis needs to get out of Golden State for this to happen, though. Alongside Stephen Curry, Ellis will always be playing "Bonnie and Clyde" if he stays with the team. The Warriors are dead set on making Curry the centerpiece of the Warriors, so as long as Ellis stays, he will never be able to blossom into the player I know he can be.

Shooting Guards: 4. Ray Allen

With one of the sweetest jump shots the league has ever seen, Allen's overall game often goes unnoticed. Allen is a pest on defense, a skilled driver and always a threat to score. Even with his age, Ray Allen continues to contribute to a veteran-filled Celtic's roster.

Ray Allen keeps calm in high-pressure situations. He is highly dependable and always ready to take a big shot. Ray Allen is truly one the best role models in the game when it comes to both his attitude and game.

Shooting Guards: 3. Manu Ginobili

With the Spurs' success last season, Manu's importance to San Antonio is now undeniable after an injury-rattled campaign the year before. Manu has helped bring the Spurs three championships. How much more can you ask? His unique skill set has boggled defenders' minds since his rookie season in 2002.

Manu provides a driving ability that is surpassed by few, and a consistent jump shot to go along with it. This player out of Argentina is always an offensive threat along with being a capable perimeter defender. Manu is truly one of a kind in the NBA, so his value is eminent.

Shooting Guards: 2. Dwyane Wade

To some, putting Wade at No. 2 on this list is an injustice. For me, it will take a championship in Miami and a faster decline of Kobe's game to change my mind. I do understand Dwyane Wade's superstardom in this league, though. D-Wade combines speed, athleticism and skill to become a top-five player in all of the NBA.

Miami's championship win in 2006 proved Wade's leadership and emotional maturity at a very young age. Trust me, Dwyane still has a lot left in the tank. 

Flash was obviously the leader of the Miami Heat throughout the season and especially the playoffs. He shined even when LeBron was crumbling. Wade, in my opinion, will be considered the best current NBA shooting guard by the end of next season.

Shooting Guards: 1. Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant. Need I say more? The Black Mamba has created a legacy that is permanently carved into the entire history of the NBA. Even at his age, Kobe is a lethal force that is always ready to strike.

He has an MVP trophy, five championships and two Finals MVPs. He has drawn comparisons to Michael Jordan throughout his career, and will probably be the closest thing we ever see to Michael in terms of skill set, play in the clutch and legacy.

Kobe has left his mark on not only the NBA and its history, but the entire world of basketball. 

Small Forwards: 5. Andre Iguodola

Iggy's athleticism is as good as it comes. Andre has brought arguably a minimally talented Sixers squad to two playoff appearances in the last three years. Iguodala has an impressive scoring ability, being able to drive on a consistent basis, and can occasionally pull up from three.

What really shines is Iggy's defensive skill. With his combination of strength and speed, Andre can keep up with the best of them. He can intercept passes, stop drives and can deliver the occasional block.

Overall, Andre can provide energy, athleticism and defensive toughness to any squad.

Small Forwards: 4. Paul Pierce

The Truth has been the leader of a championship-bearing team for the last four years. He has stood out with players such as Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo playing alongside him.

Paul Pierce is among the greatest Celtics of all time. That list includes Larry Bird, Bill Russel and Bob Cousy.

Although he has declined since the championship, Paul Pierce is still a great three-point shooter, an amazing mid-range shooter and an emotional leader for an aging Celtics squad.

Small Forwards: 3. Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony, when it comes to scoring, is as good as it gets. He has the ability to drive through the toughest defenders in the league, and can score around some of the NBA's best shot-blockers. 'Melo has a silky-smooth jump shot that he can launch from both mid-range and downtown.

'Melo has never had the chance to be a legitimate championship contender, though. With the Nuggets, Anthony's best teammates included Chauncey Billups, Kenyon Martin and Allen Iverson. His best run at a championship was a conference finals loss to the soon-to-be champion Los Angeles Lakers.

People are now expecting him to get that chance in New York.

I can't see it happening, though. Other than 'Melo, Amar'e Stoudemire and Chauncey Billups, the Knicks don't have a consistent player on the offensive or defensive end. And with the retirement of Knicks GM Donnie Walsh, free-agency rumors will be few and far between for the Knicks.

Sorry 'Melo. 

Small Forwards: 2. Kevin Durant

With KD's talent, his age is often overlooked. Durant has led the NBA in scoring for two consecutive years, and there are no signs of him slowing down. For Kevin, the sky is the limit. The extremely young Thunder roster went from a 10th or 11th seed to a legitimate championship contender in just three years.

Kevin Durant is the heart, soul and backbone to the Thunder squad.

He is a scorer with an amazing scoring repertoire. He can drive and has a soft touch around the rim. Another thing, though, is his slick jump shot. He has the ability to pull up from both mid-range and three.

The Durantula can go nowhere but up from here.

Small Forwards: 1. LeBron James

LeBron is the most talented and skilled player in the league. He has the speed, athleticism and skills that most players can only dream of. In Cleveland, LeBron played on a team with limited talent compared to the perennial championship-contending Los Angeles Lakers. Even with this glaring issue, LeBron managed to make a championship-contending team out of the Cavaliers.

When he went to Miami, though, everything changed.

LeBron lost a lot of respect from many fans. He was said to have taken the easy way out. With both Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, Miami was championship or bust.

But with their loss to the Mavericks in the Finals, LeBron's emotional weakness in high-pressure situations was made clear. His numbers went down when they mattered most, and "The Chosen One" has received much criticism since.

So, I guess when they say THIS season is "championship or bust," they mean it.

Power Forwards: 5. LaMarcus Aldridge

Aldridge brought a limping Blazers squad to the sixth seed in the Western Conference. This last year was a breakout one for LaMarcus. He averaged 20.8 points, 8.8 rebounds and doubled his blocks per game with 1.2 a game. His importance and value to Portland were finally given the attention they deserve.

I do admit it, though: His inclusion on this list was mostly due to Tim Duncan being on the center's list, Amar'e Stoudemire being on the center's list and the twilight of Kevin Garnett's career.

But, with all this in mind, LaMarcus is set to make a loud noise in this league. I predict many All-Star appearances for Aldridge.

Power Forwards: 4. Zach Randolph

Zach Randolph made a name for himself in these last playoffs. Going in as the eighth seed gave Memphis the title of underdogs. With Randoph's performance, though, the Grizzlies nearly managed to make it to the conference finals, having taken down the No. 1 seed in the Spurs and nearly the No. 4 seed in the Thunder.

Z-Bo proved his leadership. When most teams would have crumbled under the pressure, Randolph and the Grizzlies rose to the occasion.

Don't be surprised if in a few years, Randolph is higher on this list.

Power Forwards: 3. Chris Bosh

With the coming together of Miami's Big Three, Chris Bosh was and is considered the weakest link in that title. But no: Even when playing alongside superstars in LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, Bosh still managed to display numbers close or equal to those in Toronto.

Bosh proved his clutch ability in the Finals, also. With the game on the line, Chris came through to hit the game-winner for the Heat.

With Bosh, you can count on the Heat winning multiple titles over the next decade.

Power Forwards: 2. Pau Gasol

Surprised? Well, don't be. Pau Gasol's arrival in LA has brought them three Finals appearances and two championship trophies. Gasol is probably the most skilled big man in the league. His footwork in the paint is unmatched. He has a reliable jump shot, that is complemented with a 52.2 percent field-goal percentage.

What has been criticized of Gasol is his toughness. It's true, Pau Gasol isn't the strongest player in the league—and this was never more evident than during the 2008 Finals where it seemed Pau was just out-muscled by Kevin Garnett.

Gasol came back with a vengeance, though. In the 2010 Finals rematch between the Lakers and Celtics, Gasol shined over Kevin Garnett.

Gasol is still in his prime, so look for another title in Tinseltown.

Power Forwards: 1. Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk Nowitzki was the best player on the most recent championship team. He's been both a regular-season MVP and now a Finals MVP. Dirk is one of the most unique basketball players the league has ever seen. He is a seven-footer with one of the best mid-range games in the entire NBA. You can throw any defense at him and he can still get his shot off (with a good chance of making it, too).

Dirk is truly an NBA superstar.

Coming out of Germany, Nowitzki is not only the best German NBA player ever, but the best Mavericks player ever.

Centers: 5. Tim Duncan

Even with his age, Duncan was a cornerstone on a very successful Spurs squad. Although his offense is diminishing, Duncan remains a presence in the NBA. He has skills surpassing those of most big men, and has the best and most reliable bank shot in the NBA.

Duncan remains a symbol of supremacy in the NBA.

He has four championship rings, two MVP trophies and three Finals MVP awards.

With age comes wisdom, and this is definitely true when it comes to Tim Duncan.

Centers: 4. Kevin Love

Kevin Love is a small glimmer of hope in a young, inexperienced Timberwolves roster. He is Minnesota's own double-double king, recording 64 last season. Speaking of last season, it was a breakout one for Kevin. He made his first All-Star appearance and, with the exception of his late-season injury, had an incredible year. He rebounds, plays defense and scores.

Love isn't stopping here.

I see Kevin being a perennial All-Star contributor and—with Ricky Rubio and the NBA draft—a playoff appearance soon in the Timberwolves' future.

Centers: 3. Andrew Bynum

Andrew Bynum has proved time and time again that when he is healthy, he can be a top center in this league. The only problem is that he practically has an annual injury each season.

The Lakers see something in him, though.

He is talented at the position, and with Pau Gasol by his side, the Lakers have their own "Twin Towers." The funny thing is, during the 2011 Laker playoff run, Bynum and Ron Artest were arguably the most consistent players on the team (which is strange considering the veteran-filled roster the Lakers have).

So, with a full recovery and an injury-free season next year, you can count on a productive campaign for Mr. Bynum.

Centers: 2. Amar'e Stoudemire

Okay, I know a lot of you readers are wondering why I listed Kevin Love and Amare Stoudemire as centers. Honestly, they are both PF/C, and there are a lot of good big men out there.

But let's talk about Amar'e. Amar'e is athletic. That's it, right? No. Stoudemire has a dependable jump shot that can go all the way out to the college three-point line.

When in Phoenix, Amar'e and Steve Nash formed an outstanding tandem (well, except when Shaq was there).

The only things Amar'e needs to work on are his post-up moves and his defense.

If Stoudemire was dependable for one or two blocks a night, his critics wouldn't have much to criticize.

Centers: 1. Dwight Howard

Ever since his rookie season, Dwight Howard has been a force. It's almost as if Shaq passed the torch onto Dwight. He is freakishly strong, extremely athletic and brings character to the NBA.

He needs to work on is free throws and his jump shot, but once they even out with the rest of his game, he will be virtually unstoppable.

What has lacked lately with his team doesn't have much to do with Howard. His teammates lack the hunger for the championship that Dwight so desperately wants.

As soon as he finds the right team, though, the rest of the NBA better watch out.