LeBron James and the NBA's Top 50 Players Today

For fans, the question of who is the best player in any team sport will always be a hot debate; fans will always be biased to some degree about who is the best player in any sport.

In the NBA, the question takes on something of a phobia.

The Miami Heat's LeBron James ripped the defending champion Dallas Mavericks to the tune of 37 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and two blocked shots in leading the Heat to a 105-94 win on Christmas Day.

James, who has been criticized by many for not winning a title, is once again being thrust in the limelight with the question, is he the NBA's best player today?

The question is a little premature with the season just starting, but deep down inside you cannot help but ask the same question.

Some people will agree, while others will go with Kobe Bryant (Lakers) or James' Heat teammate, Dwyane Wade.

Either way, you can't go wrong.

Here's my take on the 50 best players in the NBA today.

Honorable Mention: Danilo Gallinari, Denver Nuggets

Many questioned the New York Knicks in 2008 when they drafted Danilo Gallinari with the sixth pick of the NBA draft.

Gallinari, in his fourth year, has really improved as a player, and after a midseason trade to the Denver Nuggets a year ago, the 6'10" forward is the Nuggets' best player. The multi-skilled Gallinari has improved his scoring average each season.

With many aging stars declining, look for Gallinari to make the league's All-Star game in the next two seasons.

50. Tyreke Evans, Sacramento Kings

After averaging 20.1 points and 5.8 assists in his rookie season (2009-2010), things were looking up for Sacramento Kings guard Tyreke Evans.

However, his numbers (17.8 and 4.8) declined last season because of injuries and off-the-court problems.

Evans is capable of producing bigger numbers; the question is, how bad does he want to improve?

If healthy this season, Evans will be a much improved player.

49. Andrea Bargnani, Toronto Raptors

The NBA's center position is almost obsolete. In a game ruled by players under 6'10", few players over seven feet dominate.

One of those players is Toronto Raptors center Andrea Bargnani.

Bargnani, the first pick of the 2006 draft, is a player who can do what fewer big people can do: score.

The 7'0'' giant averaged 21.4 last season (second among centers). Also one of the game's best free-throw shooting big men (82 percent last season), Bargnani would be much higher on the list if his rebounding numbers were higher (5.2 a game last season).

48. Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee Bucks

In only his third season, Milwaukee Bucks point guard Brandon Jennings is one of the NBA's best young scorers.

Few may remember Jennings erupting for 55 points in a game during his rookie season in 2009 against Golden State, but this 22-year-old can score when he gets hot.

Jennings is not your typical point guard; he has averaged a little more than five assists in his career. However, Milwaukee needs him to be a scorer on a team that desperately needs offense.

Look for Jennings to slowly expand his game this season.

47. Josh Smith, Atlanta Hawks

A former slam-dunk champion, Josh Smith is one of the NBA's most athletic big men.

The 6'9" high-flyer can dominate a game in many ways—scoring, rebounding and blocking shots. His career numbers of 16.5 PPG, 8.5 RPG and 1.6 BPG are stellar as well.

This seven-year veteran is one of the reasons the Atlanta Hawks have been to the playoffs the past four seasons.

46. David Lee, Golden State Warriors

In his seventh season, the Golden State Warriors' David Lee is one of the more unsung players in the league.

Lee, who spent his first five seasons with the New York Knicks, can score and rebound. The 6'9" forward/center has a career average of 13.6 PPG and 9.6 RPG.

After posting a career-high of 20.2 PPG with the Knicks in the 2010 season, Lee's numbers dropped to 16.5 a year ago. One can expect Lee's scoring to decrease because of guards Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry, who are two of the NBA's most dynamic scorers.

However, Lee is one of the few players capable of posting double-digits in both scoring and rebounding.

45. Devin Harris, Utah Jazz

For three seasons, Utah Jazz point guard Devin Harris averaged more than 17 points and six assists a game.

Harris posted those numbers with the New Jersey Nets before being traded to Utah for All-Star point guard Deron Williams in a midseason deal.

Now, Harris looks to reclaim his status as one of the NBA's best lead guards. Look for him to improve on his post-trade numbers of 15.8 PPG and 5.4 APG.

44. Jamal Crawford, Portland Trail Blazers

One of the NBA's purest scorers, Jamal Crawford has changed residences as much as someone who leases an apartment on a yearly basis.

The 12-year veteran recently signed with the Portland Trail Blazers after spending the last two seasons with the Atlanta Hawks. Signing with Portland marks the sixth time in Crawford's career that he has switched teams.

What makes Crawford intriguing is his ability to score. The 6'5" Michigan alumnus has posted 50 points or more in his career three times.

Last season was the first time since the 2005-2006 season that Crawford failed to average 15 points (14.2).

The league's 2010 Sixth Man award-winner looks to add scoring off the bench for the Trail Blazers, who lost former All-Star guard Brandon Roy to an early retirement because of a degenerative knee condition.

43. Al Horford, Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks' Al Horford has improved his scoring each year he has been in the NBA.

A natural power forward, Horford plays center by default, but is still one of the best at the position.

Last season he made the NBA All-Star game for the second straight year, posting a career-high 15.3 PPG and a team-leading 9.3 RPG.

The 6'10" center, in his fifth season, is one of the best young big men. Horford may never average 20 points a game, but his rebounding and improved post play have been a welcome sight for the Hawks.

Most of his skills come from pedigree; Horford's father, Tito, is a former NBA player.

42. Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers

Indiana Pacers forward Danny Granger is in his seventh NBA season, and many people still have not heard of him.

The 6'8" Granger is one of the league's top scorers. Last season he averaged 20.5 points. The previous two seasons he averaged 24.1 and 25.8 PPG, respectively.

You will not find Granger in a lot of highlight reels; his game is laid-back, but effective. If he played in a bigger market like Los Angeles or New York, you would hear of Granger's exploits, but the mild-mannered player is content in Indianapolis.

41. Brook Lopez, New Jersey Nets

The New Jersey Nets' 7'0" center, Brook Lopez, makes the list on merit.

Lopez, in his fourth NBA season, broke his foot during a preseason game and will miss up to eight weeks.

Talk about bad luck—Lopez is one of the league's best young centers, along with Andrew Bogut.

Last season, Lopez—whose twin, Robin, plays with the Phoenix Suns—averaged a career-high 20.4 points a game; he also averaged 1.5 blocked shots a contest.

Lopez has improved his scoring all three seasons in the league. After Orlando's Dwight Howard, Lopez (Brook) is the second-best center in the Eastern Conference.

40. Andrew Bogut, Milwaukee Bucks

One of the NBA's best all-around centers is Milwaukee Bucks big man Andrew Bogut.

The former first pick (2005) has rebounded nicely from a freak elbow injury sustained during the 2009 season. Although Bogut's scoring declined last season from 15.9 to 12.8 PPG, his rebounding (11.1) and blocked shots (2.6) were career-highs.

This seven-footer is an integral part of the Bucks. With Brandon Jennings and Stephen Jackson doing much of the scoring, Bogut has expanded his game in every phase—except free-throw shooting (44 percent last season).

Barring injury, Bogut should post decent numbers.

39. Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks point guard Jason Kidd is one of the NBA's all-time greatest at the position, and he finally has his championship ring. Kidd, in his 18th year, reached the pinnacle with the Mavericks last season.

Although his game has definitely declined (7.9 PPG last season), the 38-year-old can still dominate in certain phases on any given night.

No longer a threat to post triple-double numbers, Kidd is still one of the NBA's all-around players.

Look for him to retire after this season.

38. Tim Duncan, San Antoino Spurs

Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs is another player whose game has suffered because of age.

One of the NBA's all-time best, the former top NBA pick (1997) is no longer capable of averaging 20-10 a night.

Age finally caught up to both Duncan and the Spurs last season. With four NBA titles, San Antonio was eliminated by the Memphis Grizzles in the first round of the playoffs.

Not much has changed with the Spurs this season. The trio of Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker will try one more time to win another title this year.

Look for Duncan's numbers—13.4 PPG, 8.9 RPG and 1.9 BPG—to decline from last season. Although those numbers don't compare to his career averages of 20.6 PPG, 11.4 RPG and 2.3 BPG, Duncan is still one of the best frontcourt players.

37. Carlos Boozer, Chicago Bulls

Chicago Bulls power forward Carlos Boozer will look for a little redemption this season.

Boozer signed with Chicago in a trade deal last offseason after spending the previous six years with the Utah Jazz. Always amongst the league's best field goal percentage leaders, the Bulls were hoping Boozer would be a good fit with eventual league MVP winner Derrick Rose, but injuries once again befell him.

Despite missing 23 games because of a broken hand, Boozer was able to average 17.5 points and 9.6 rebounds.

Now in his 10th year, Boozer has missed extensive playing time in seven of those seasons, but he is still one of the best power forwards in the NBA.

If not for injuries, Boozer would be much higher on the list.

36. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

The boyish-looking Stephen Curry is one of the NBA's best shooters.

In his third year, the Golden State Warriors' sharp-shooter has arguably one of the league's smoothest jump shots. Curry averaged 17.5 points his rookie year before increasing that number to 18.5 last season.

Alongside shooting guard Monta Ellis, Curry gives the Warriors one of the NBA's top-scoring backcourts.

His ascension to being a great shooter comes with genetics; Curry's father, Dell, was one of the NBA's best shooting guards during his career.

35. Jason Terry, Dallas Mavericks

Better known as "The Jet," the Dallas Mavericks' Jason Terry is still one of the NBA's best.

In his 13th year, Terry has been one of the league's most productive scorers off the bench. Terry averaged 15.8 points last season, helping the Mavericks win their first title.

During Game 4 of Dallas' first-round matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers last season, Terry tied a playoff record, hitting nine three-point attempts as the Mavericks swept the Lakers.

Without question, Terry is still one of the game's best shooters.

34. Kelvin Martin, Houston Rockets

When healthy, Houston Rockets shooting guard Kelvin Martin is one of the league's best scorers.

This eighth-year veteran has averaged at least 20 points for five consecutive seasons; last season he averaged 23.4 a game.

Martin's offensive game frustrates opponents. He has an uncanny knack of getting to the foul line, where he is one of the best free-throw shooters (over 86 percent career) in the NBA.

The same with Indiana's Danny Granger, Martin's game goes unnoticed, but opponents around the league respect his game.

33. Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia 76ers

The ultra-athletic Andre Iguodala would be higher on this list if he was averaging 20 points.

In his eight-year career, the Philadelphia 76ers' swingman has never posted 20 points a game; his best season was during the 2008 season (19.9).

One of the game's best finishers, Iguodala scores a lot of baskets in transition. His outside game is still suspect, but Iguodala is a hard worker.

The area where he specializes in is defense. Last season, Iguodala made the league's All-Defensive second team.

Iguodala will have to be more of a scorer for Philadelphia this season. Last year he averaged 14.1 PPG, which was a drop-off from the previous four seasons where he averaged 18 a game.

32. Lamar Odom, Dallas Mavericks

After helping the Los Angeles Lakers win back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010, the Lakers sent Lamar Odom to the Dallas Mavericks.

It was a trade that not only surprised Odom but also former teammate Kobe Bryant, who vehemently was against the trade.

There are not too many players in the NBA who are more skilled than Odom. The 13-year veteran can score, shoot, rebound and defend.

As a reserve last season, Odom averaged 14.4 points. Also one of the NBA's most respected players, Odom won the league's Sixth Man award last season.

31. John Wall, Washington Wizards

John Wall, the No. 1 overall pick from 2010, is a star in the making.

The Washington Wizards' point guard averaged 16.4 points and 8.3 assists, tied for sixth-best.

Those numbers were decent, but Wall is capable of much more; the only area where he struggled was turnovers (3.8).

Look for Wall to improve his ball-handling and scoring this season. In a league of great point guards, Wall is one of the top up-and-coming players.

Do not be surprised if he posts averages of 20-plus scoring and 8-10 assists this season.

30. Al Jefferson, Utah Jazz

Lost in the shuffle is Utah Jazz big man Al Jefferson. The 6'10" giant better known as "Big Al" gets lost in the media at times.

Jefferson averaged 18.6 points, 9.7 rebounds and 1.9 blocked shots a game for the Jazz last season.

Being one of the NBA's best centers, Jefferson puts up good numbers yearly.

29. Luol Deng, Chicago Bulls

Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng has a game that is not flashy, but it's efficient.

The eighth-year veteran is one of the NBA's best underrated players. Deng averaged 17.4 points last season. He also averaged 5.8 rebounds and one steal per contest.

The 6'9" player is a defensive specialist; Deng has guarded everyone from Kobe Bryant to LeBron James. His seven-foot-plus wingspan allows him to guard both forward positions and most bigger shooting guards.

Deng also fits in nicely with last year's league MVP Derrick Rose. Along with power forward Carlos Boozer, Chicago—which had the league's best record last year—will again be a title contender this season.

Deng played in all 82 regular season games last season, but the previous three years he missed time because of injuries. Fantasy owners applaud Deng's versatility, but his health is an issue at times.

28. Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs

Tony Parker has won three NBA titles with the San Antonio Spurs, but many around the league do not consider him an elite point guard.

Reservations for the game's best normally go to Derrick Rose, Rajon Rondo, Steve Nash, Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul.

Parker, 29 years old, is the youngest of the Spurs' Big Three of Parker, Duncan and Manu Ginobili, but San Antonio is on the decline.

Despite having the league's second-best record last season (61-21), the Spurs were upset in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs by Memphis.

The laid-back Parker averaged 17.5 points and 6.6 assists last season. He may not be in the same class with Paul, Rose, Rondo, Westbrook and Nash, but other than Rondo, the remaining four have not won a championship.

Oh yeah, Parker was also the NBA Finals MVP in 2007.

27. Joe Johnson, Atlanta Hawks

Prior to last season, Atlanta Hawks shooting guard Joe Johnson was one of the NBA's best scorers.

A new coach (Larry Drew) and a new system caused Johnson's scoring numbers to drop from 21.3 to 18.2 a game.

But do not be misled by the decline; Johnson is still one of the game's best.

Although his scoring dipped, Johnson was still an All-Star who made his fifth consecutive game for the Eastern Conference.

Atlanta needs Johnson to average between 20-25 points a game, but in Drew's system, Johnson is asked to shoot less. With the departure of Jamal Crawford to Portland, Johnson may have more attempts this season.

26. LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland Trail Blazers

An All-Star snub last season, Portland's LaMarcus Aldridge is out to prove to critics that his omission to the NBA All-Star game was a mistake.

The Trail Blazers' power forward averaged 21.8 points (14th-best) and 8.7 rebounds. Those numbers were better than his previous totals of 17.9 and 8.1.

Aldridge, in his sixth season, is one of the NBA's best young big men. His game is well-rounded, and his work ethic is one of the game's best. With the early retirement of Brandon Roy, Aldridge will probably have to average around 24 points for Portland to be a contender in the Western Conference.

Although he missed last season's All-Star game, look for Aldridge to receive a bid this season.

25. Ray Allen, Boston Celtics

Even with 15 seasons under his belt, Boston Celtics sharpshooter Ray Allen still possesses one of the NBA's sweetest strokes from the outside.

Allen—the league's all-time leader in three-pointers made—can change a game with his patented jumper.

Recently against the Miami Heat, Allen scored 28 points (6-of-8 from deep) in a 115-107 loss to Miami. His days of averaging more than 20 points a game are long gone; last season, Allen scored 16.5 a game.

Nevertheless, he is still one of the most feared players in the NBA.

24. Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns

Another longtime veteran, Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash, is still one of the NBA's best.

Nash, along with Ray Allen, came from the same draft class (1996). Although Nash is on the downside of his career, he can still post decent numbers; his 11.4 assists a game led the league.

The two-time back-to-back league MVP (2005 and 2006) still strikes a fear in opponents. Nash has received many accolades in his great career, but the only thing that has eluded him is a championship.

Without a strong supporting cast this season, Nash may have to face reality and end his career without a title.

23. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs

Another player in decline is San Antonio's Manu Ginobili.

The 34-year-old guard, in his 10th season, has been a part of three titles with the Spurs, but Ginobili's game is on the downside.

Last season he posted solid numbers of 17.4 PPG, 4.9 APG, 1.5 SPG and he shot 87 percent from the free-throw line. One of the NBA's best all-around players, Ginobili was once again recognized for his efforts as he was selected to the All-NBA third team.

Normally injury-prone, Ginobili was injury-free (playing in 80 games) last year, but his kamikaze style of play makes him vulnerable to injuries.

Ginobili will need to tone down his playing style in order to remain on the court, but he is still one of the NBA's best.

22. Rudy Gay, Memphis Grizzles

Memphis Grizzlies forward Rudy Gay was having a spectacular season a year ago when a shoulder injury ended his season. Gay was averaging 19.8 points and 6.2 rebounds, but went down on Feb. 15 in a game against Philadelphia.

The Grizzlies caught fire after Gay's season-ending injury and made the postseason. Memphis even recorded a first-round upset over San Antonio before losing in the next round to Oklahoma City in seven games.

You cannot help but wonder how far Memphis would have gone in the playoffs if Gay had not been injured. The 6'8" small forward is one of the NBA's best shooting forwards.

21. Monta Ellis, Golden State Warriors

Monta Ellis plays in smaller market, but everyone in the NBA knows about him.

One of league's most explosive scorers, Ellis can score with anyone, anytime. The Golden State Warriors' gunslinger has an array of offensive moves and has the green light to shoot.

Ellis averaged 24.1 (eighth in the league) last season. The seventh-year pro also averaged a career-high 5.6 assists. Along with backcourt-mate Stephen Curry, Ellis and Curry were the league's highest scoring guard tandem. 

Despite being one of the game's purest scorers, Ellis has yet to make the All-Star team. However, no player in the league is more dangerous from end-to-end than Ellis is.

20. Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves

The numbers 30 and 20 are becoming synonymous with Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Kevin Love.

Ever since entering the NBA in 2008, no other player has had as many as 30 points and 20 rebounds as Love.

Recently against the Milwaukee Bucks, Love would hit the mark again, scoring 31 points and grabbing 20 rebounds in a 98-95 loss to the Bucks. It was the fifth 30/20 game in his career.

In a game of high-flyers, Love's game is a throwback to yesterday. The 6'10" behemoth led the league in rebounding a season ago (16.0); he also averaged 20.2 points a game.

Those impressive numbers helped Love make last season's All-Star game. And in only his fourth season, look for Love to increase his scoring average this year.

His game may be boring, but Love is one of the NBA's best talents and should remain there for awhile. 

19. Zach Randolph, Memphis Grizzlies

The player known around the NBA as "Z-BO" has revived his career.

Memphis Grizzlies power forward Zach Randolph, also like Kevin Love, is a double-double machine.

In his 11th year, Randolph has posted five seasons of at least 20 points and 10 rebounds. Last season, "Z-BO" led the Grizzlies in both categories (20.1 PPG and 12.1 RPG), leading Memphis to a 46-36 record and a playoff berth.

Talent has never been a problem for Randolph. Early in his career he was troubled with off-the-court problems, which led to him being traded to other teams. However, the once-troubled star has found a home in Memphis.

The Grizzlies rewarded Randolph with a long-term extension prior to last season's playoffs. He has made one All-Star game (2010) and was named third team All-League last season.

18. Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics

This high school-to-pro superstar's career is coming to a close.

Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett is in his 17th year and has played a lot of basketball. Not counting the playoffs, preseason and practice sessions, Garnett entered this season having played in 1,195 regular-season games.

The 6'11" 35-year-old has a lot of mileage on him, but he remains one of the best players in the NBA.

Last season, Garnett's numbers suffered—14.9 PPG and 8.9 RPG; his career numbers are 19.5 PPG and 10.8 RPG.

Do not look for Garnett to come close to those numbers this year, but his mere presence is still respected throughout the league.

17. Chris Bosh, Miami Heat

The third man of the Miami Heat's Big Three may be their most important player.

Power forward Chris Bosh is the Heat's third scoring option, but the talented frontcourt player is Miami's only viable post threat.

Bosh averaged more than 20 points a game for five straight seasons with the Toronto Raptors before moving to South Beach last summer to join Dwyane Wade and LeBron James. The six-time All-Star's scoring numbers dropped from 24.0 to 18.7 last season, and his rebounding totals also decreased from 8.3 to 10.8. 

Bosh understands that Wade and James are the Heat's first options, but Miami cannot win without him.

The ninth-year pro is without a doubt one of the NBA's top 20 players.

16. Pau Gasol, Los Angeles Lakers

Pau Gasol's image took a hit last season.

The Los Angeles Lakers' power forward played a pivotal role in their back-to-back NBA titles prior to last season, but after the Lakers were swept by the Dallas Mavericks in the opening round of the Western Conference playoffs, fans became disenchanted with Gasol.

Despite posting an 18.8 scoring average and a team-leading 10.2 rebounds a game, several Laker fans blamed Gasol for the Lakers' early exit. However, his postseason play did not stop him from being named second team All-NBA.

Gasol has been heavily criticized throughout his 11 years in the league. In his first six years with Memphis, fans called him soft, inconsistent and weak. But after coming to Los Angeles in a trade during the 2008 season, Gasol became more assertive.

The Lakers made the Finals in his first season (losing to the Boston Celtics) before winning the next two titles.

Although Kobe Bryant is still the heart of the Lakers, Gasol remains the soul. The former 2002 Rookie of the Year and four-time All-Star is one of the NBA's premier post players.

There are not many frontcourt players in the league who are more skilled than Gasol. He has gone from being a top-10 player to being ranked in the middle of the pack, but he remains one of the best.

15. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder

No other point guard in the NBA—with the exception of Derrick Rose—brings more athleticism to the position than Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook.

The Thunder's fourth-year pro is one of the most exciting players in the league. Along with forward Kevin Durant, they give Oklahoma City one of the NBA's best scoring duos.

Westbrook has increased his scoring and assists averages each season. The athletic Westbrook is also one of the game's best rebounding guards.

However, the only statistic where he struggles is turnovers; his 3.9 turnovers a game led the NBA.

Westbrook's numbers of 23.8 PPG and 6.4 APG declined drastically in the playoffs, but his 4.6 turnovers a game were a big reason the Thunder lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference finals.

If Westbrook cuts down on his mistakes, look for him to rise upward on the list of best players.

But despite his shortcomings, Westbrook is one of the most dynamic players in the league. 

14. Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics

Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo is not the scoring threat Russell Westbrook or Derrick Rose is, but he can dominate a game in a myriad of ways.

Whether it's passing, rebounding, defending or scoring, no other player at the point position can dictate a game like Rondo.

Last season, he was second in the NBA in assists (11.2), while also scoring 10.6 a contest. His 10-point average might raise a few eyebrows about him, but offense is not his speciality—defense is.

Rondo defends both guard positions better than anyone in the game. His 2.25 steals a game placed him second in the league, and for his defensive efforts he was named to the All-NBA Defensive first team. He also tied for 13th in the NBA in double-doubles with 31. 

Boston's trio of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce has been the key to the Celtics' return from the cellar, but with the three star players' careers coming to a close, the torch has been officially passed to Rondo as the face of the team.

In only his sixth season, Rondo has won a championship (2008), been to the All-Star game (2010 and 2011) and set several Celtics records in his short career.

His No. 9 jersey was also the third-best selling jersey behind LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.

Some people will argue about Rondo being ranked so high, but he can dominate a basketball game without scoring a lot of points.

13. Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics

In his illustrious 14-year career, Paul Pierce of the Boston Celtics has some impressive numbers.

Pierce has spent his entire career with the Celtics, and although he ranks third in career-scoring behind John Havlicek and Larry Bird, he is often forgotten among Boston greats.

When talking about the best Celtics players ever, fans will bring up Bird, Havlicek, Bill Russell, Kevin McHale, Robert Parrish, Bob Cousy and many others—but Pierce's name should also be mentioned.

Known as "The Truth," Pierce is one of the best players in the NBA. His step-back jumper is one of the game's greatest offensive weapons.

Pierce averaged 18.9 points last season, which happened to be the third-lowest in his career. Overall, his 22.2 career scoring average is second to Bird in team history.

Although he is currently injured, Pierce—even at 34—is still one of the best players in the NBA.

And that is the truth.

12. Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers

Blake Griffin attacks the rim unlike any other NBA player.

The Los Angeles Clippers' second-year man took the league by storm last season.

After sitting out his initial rookie season (2009) because of an injury, the overall top draft pick rewarded fans for their patience with a major coming-out party last season.

The 6'10" athletic marvel averaged 22.5 points (12th-best) and 12.1 rebounds (fourth-best). His 63 double-doubles ranked third in the league, trailing only Kevin Love (64) and Dwight Howard (65).

No other player in the NBA attacks the rim with such ferocity as Griffin. His highlight-reel dunks have become a staple on ESPN and every other media outlet. His 214 dunks far exceeded any other player last season too.

However, there was one dunk by Griffin that crowned him champion of the annual dunk contest.

Griffin jumped over a car before a massive television audience to win last season's dunk contest, forever etching his name in the annuals of folklore with former dunk champions Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins and Spud Webb.

Without a doubt, Griffin is the league's most exciting player, but his game is far more than just attacking the rim.

Point guard Chris Paul signed with the Clippers just before this season to give them a tough inside-outside combo; look for tons of lob passes from Paul-to-Griffin this season.

This time next season, Griffin will be a top 10 player. 

11. Deron Williams, New Jersey Nets

Ever since his rookie year in 2005, New Jersey Nets point guard Deron Williams has been one of the top players in the league.

Williams' first five seasons were with the Utah Jazz before he was traded to New Jersey midseason last year.

Although his scoring dipped from 21.3 before the trade to 15.0 afterwards, Williams still ranks high on many best-player lists.

The 6'3", 210-pound Williams threatened to play overseas before the NBA lockout ended, but he is now back with the Nets and looks to improve on last season's numbers.

Playing on a mediocre Nets team, look for Williams to post career-highs in several categories.

10. Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard has gone from being a skinny teen prodigy to the NBA's top center.

The 6'11", 265-pound hulking giant towers over his opponents. No player at the position can match Howard's physicality.

He averaged a career-best 22.9 points last season. The three-time league rebounding champion was second in that category (14.1) behind Kevin Love.

In his eight seasons, Howard has progressed nicely, but there is a lot of downside to his game.

Howard has worked extensively in the offseason on his post moves, he but still struggles in that area. His lack of converting close to the basket is a reason he ranks among the top five in free-throw attempts, but Howard shoots only 59 percent from the line for his career.

The area where Howard stands out is on defense.

He averaged 2.38 blocks per game last season, which ranked fourth in the league. And, for the third straight season, he was named the league's top defensive player.

Once Howard improves his low-post game, his ranking will be much higher. 

9. Amar'e Stoudemire, New York Knicks

Amar'e Stoudemire is another high school-to-pros superstar.

The 6'10" Stoudemire is one of the league's top scoring frontcourt players.

Now in his 10th year, Stoudemire has averaged at least 20 points seven times, and last season—his first with the New York Knicks—he averaged 25.3, tied for fifth-best.

Stoudemire, along with midseason trade pickup Carmelo Anthony, has helped revive basketball in New York City. Last season, the pair led the Knicks to their first playoff berth since the 2004 season.

Although New York was swept in four straight games by the Boston Celtics, the Knicks are a team to be reckoned with this season. With Anthony being on board for a full season, look for he and Stoudemire to be the NBA's top forward scoring combo.

Knee injuries have taken away some athleticism, but Stoudemire remains a top 10 player.

8. Chris Pau, Los Angeles Clippers

Before being supplanted as the NBA's top point guard by Derrick Rose, Chris Paul held the title as the league's best.

This four-time All-Star has now taken his skills to Los Angeles.

After the NBA lockout was settled, Paul—who was to be a free agent at the end of this season—signed with the Clippers.

The Clippers' same city rival Los Angeles Lakers had hoped to sign Paul, but the pending trade was killed by the league, and the Clippers traded for Paul just two weeks before the start of the season.

After his first six years with the New Orleans Hornets, Paul saw his scoring average decline last season; he averaged a career-low of 15.8 PPG. Paul did, however, lead the NBA in steals (2.4) for the third time in his career, and he also averaged 9.8 assists.

Paul and fellow Clipper teammate Blake Griffin will be an imposing duo to stop. Expect Paul to average a double-double and re-establish himself as a top player at the point guard position.  

7. Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks

New York native Carmelo Anthony fits right at home with the hometown Knicks.

After playing his first seven seasons with the Denver Nuggets, Anthony and point guard Chauncey Billups were traded to New York to join fellow All-Star Amar'e Stoudemire.

Anthony is one of the NBA's best scorers. His ability to get his shot against any defender is one reason he has a career scoring average of 24.8. His 25.6 average ranked third in the league last year behind LeBron James and Kevin Durant.

Knicks fans are hoping Anthony and Stoudemire can bring New York its first NBA title since 1973. It may be a year or two before New York makes another Finals appearance, but don't be surprised if Anthony and the Knicks are playing in late May.

Anthony is definitely worthy of consideration when discussing the league's best players.

6. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks

Many people who have followed the NBA will tell you that former Boston Celtics Hall-of-Famer Larry Bird was the greatest shooting forward in league history.

However, you can probably add the Dallas Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki to the list.

The seven-foot giant is, without a doubt, the best shooting seven-footer of all time.

Last season, after years of seeking an NBA title, Nowitzki reached the summit. He and the Mavericks beat the Miami Heat 4-2 to claim the franchise's first league championship.

Nowitzki, who averaged 27.7 during the playoffs, was named the MVP of the Finals.

For years, critics mocked Nowitzki for floundering come playoff time, but he rewarded his fans with a championship.

Nowitzki's career accomplishments are too many to mentioned—10-time All-Star, league MVP (2007), Finals MVP, four-time All-NBA first team and All-Star three-point shootout champion (2006).

People question his place in NBA history, but although he may not be in the top 10 of all time, Nowitzki is in the top 10 right now. 

5. Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls

Chicago's mercurial guard, Derrick Rose, is a definite superstar.

Rose averaged 25.0 points and 7.7 assists last season—those numbers were enough to convince league voters to crown Rose as the NBA's Most Valuable Player.

The 23-year-old point guard became the youngest player to win the award in the history of the league. and his game is without question.

Rose is arguably the NBA's craftiest scorers. His ability to hit shots off-balance while contorting his body in mid-air is a thing of beauty.

Not known to be a great shooter from the three-point line, Rose recently went 4-of-6 from behind the arc to help the Bulls beat the Los Angeles Lakers 88-87 on Christmas Day.

However, it was his game-winning shot over several defenders that have many observers ranking him as a top five player.

The former No. 1 pick (2008) is the main reason Chicago has a chance at winning its first title since 1998.

Rose will not make Bulls fans forget about Michael Jordan, but he is on the verge of becoming an all-time great.

4. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City

Dirk Nowitzki's claim of the NBA's best shooting forward is in serious jeopardy, and the reason is because of Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant.

Durant is a scoring machine.

In four short years, he has taken over as the league's No. 1 scorer. Durant led the NBA in scoring for the second consecutive year with 27.7 a game, and the year before, he averaged 30.1.

Is it just me, or does Durant bring back images of the great George "Iceman" Gervin?

The only difference between the two is Durant is a better shooter than Gervin.

The league's No. 2 pick in 2008 has led Oklahoma City to back-to-back postseasons. Last season the Thunder were beaten in the Western Conference finals by the Dallas Mavericks.

Many have Oklahoma City picked as the favorites in the West to reach the Finals this season.

If any one player can lead a team to a championship by himself, it's Durant. K.D. is on the verge of becoming a top three player, but right now he sits at No. 4.

3. LeBron James, Miami Heat

Despite being the NBA's most recognized superstar, Miami Heat forward LeBron James is without question the most scrutinized.

The man known around the league as "King James" was heavily criticized last season.

First, was the infamous "Decision."

"The Decision" was James' decision to leave his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers after seven seasons, which not only infuriated Cleveland fans but also several media and former NBA players.

James came to South Beach with one thing in mind: a championship.

Joining his friend Dwyane Wade—along with Chris Bosh—James and the Miami Heat made it to the NBA Finals. Miami was picked to win, but lost to the Dallas Mavericks 4-2.

James' performance in the Finals was questioned. After averaging 26.7 PPG during the regular season, James struggled against the Mavericks, averaging a dismal 17.8 points a game.

Several of his critics wondered if James could win a title.

James has all of the intangibles to lead a team to a championship, but until he wins one, James will remain an enigma. He may be the most physically gifted player in the league, but right now, he comes in at No. 3.

2. Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat

James' teammate and draft classmate, Dwyane Wade, comes in at No. 2.

Although James may be more athletic than Wade, James does not have Wade's competitive fire.

Wade is the Miami Heat's best player, and he almost led Miami to a championship against the Dallas Mavericks last season.

With only the exception of Kobe Bryant, no other player brings a more well-rounded game than Wade. Offense, defense, passing and rebounding, Wade is one of the few players in the league who can take over a game in so many ways.

He has a career average of 25.4 PPG and 6.3 APG, and this is the same Dwyane Wade who led the Heat to an NBA title in 2006.

Wade may not be as commercially appreciated as James, but he is more polished and more successful than his Heat teammate.

1. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers

Love him or hate him, Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers is still the best basketball player on the planet.

The player known as "The Black Mamba" still strikes a fear in any opponent.

Even at 33 years of age, Bryant is still playing at a high level. Although his athleticism has declined, Bryant's skill set far exceeds most players in the game today.

It is amazing that Bryant is still playing at such a level. The two-time Finals MVP (2009 and 2010), league MVP (2008) and nine-time All-NBA first-team selection still has enough gas left in the tank to lead the Lakers to a 17th championship.

Bryant, who has won five titles with the Lakers, trails his idol—Michael Jordan—by only one. Bryant's legacy also ranks in the top 10 all time.

Although Bryant may have rubbed many people the wrong way, you cannot dispute his game. He is still the best player in the NBA today and will probably still be the best for another two seasons.