[CBS Sportsline] NBA's Current Top 50 Players

aaaa · Oct 6, 2006

I did not see this posted yet. But I found this list pretty interesting, especially with regards to Yao and McGrady and of course, the fact that Kobe is number 1.

Truth be told, NBA's best wears purple and gold
By Tony Mejia
CBS SportsLine.com Staff Writer

Positional rankings were one thing, but when you throw all the guys into the mix, it becomes even more complex. Who wins out, a dominant big man or a dynamic scorer? Does the little playmaker get the nod over a hulking 300-pound center?

Are these opinions swayed more by championships or statistics? What level of importance do both categories carry? You get the picture.
The NBA's No. 1 player wore No. 8 for 10 years ...

The point of these isn't to put them out there for your agreement. If you don't like your favorite player being placed behind someone else, ask yourself why that might have been. I'm sure you'll find a reason.

With that out of the way, the choice of league's best player is Kobe Bryant. He's bided his time, proven himself for over a decade, and is now at the top of his game. Of the game's top wings, he's the best defender, and he has a lot of jewelry, albeit thanks to Shaquille O'Neal, who thoughtfully reminded him of that the other day.

This is Bryant's moment, and he proved last year that he can help raise the level of a team simply with his presence. No one can doubt his scoring prowess, but the next step is to help his teammates improve. His performance in last year's first-round series against Phoenix, where he thought pass-first and got everyone involved, could offer a hint of what the Lakers' strategy might be this season.

Dwyane Wade and LeBron James usher in the next generation, but haven't thrived long enough to be crowned best in the game just yet.

1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers: Will he ever be considered one of the game's legends? This next chapter in his career will tell the story. The greatest raise the level of others. That's Byrant's next challenge.

2. Dwyane Wade, Miami: It's scary to think that he still has significant upside, isn't it? It feels like Wade has taken over the world during the past 18 months, and the hype machine surrounding him is really only getting started.

3. LeBron James, Cleveland: He's already among the most complete players in the game and still has plenty of room to improve. James is further along than any basketball player has ever been at age 21.

4. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas: At 28, he's in his prime, likely to contend for league MVP for the next few seasons while his team competes perennially for championships. He has changed the game, dominating from the perimeter in a way no 7-footer ever has.

5. Kevin Garnett, Minnesota: The Kid is long removed from being one anymore and deserves an opportunity to contend for a championship. He's been too good for too long to suffer that fate.

6. Tim Duncan, San Antonio: Last year's playoff run showed he can still bring it at a tremendous level, but that can't altogether overshadow his injury-related slippage. If I was certain his well-rested foot will be healthy all season, he might still be at the top of this list. Hopefully, he tips off his 30s with a resurgence.

7. Steve Nash, Phoenix: If Amare Stoudemire is healthy, this could be the season Nash guides the Suns to the NBA Finals. He is adept at making teammates better and his passing is contagious, so expect him to again lead the league in assists and be up for a third consecutive MVP.

8. Shaquille O'Neal, Miami: He's learned to pace himself for the playoffs, so you have to deal with him floating through the regular season, but his contributions can still lead you to a ring. He'll look for one for the thumb in '07.

9. Elton Brand, L.A. Clippers: He crossed over to elite status last season by elevating his team to an unprecedented level. His MVP-caliber year could be the start of a renaissance for the hapless Clippers organization. If he leads the Clips to the Pacific Division title, give him the MVP.

10. Tracy McGrady, Houston: Injuries are threatening to cut him down in his prime, so it's important that McGrady bounces back with a healthy season. His back has gotten the extended rest it's badly needed over the past few years, and can hopefully withstand NBA rigors.

11. Allen Iverson, Philadelphia: He's still playing at an elite level even though it looks like his Sixers are better off rebuilding without him, given their mediocrity. Although he has his critics, you can't argue with his production -- more than 30 points and seven assists per game in each of the past two seasons.

12. Chauncey Billups, Detroit: Because of the way the season ended, it's easy to forget how phenomenal Billups was in 2005-06. As the Pistons flirted with the 70-win plateau, it was "Mr. Big Shot" who led the way, averaging career highs in scoring (18.5) and assists (8.6) and playing some of the best defense of his career.

13. Paul Pierce, Boston: He keeps getting better. Pierce stepped up as the leader in Beantown, performing consistently in the midst of a rebuilding project. There aren't many better at delivering in the clutch. Recovering from offseason elbow surgery isn't a concern.

14. Ray Allen, Seattle: Lost in the disappointment of last year's Sonics season was how good Allen was. It came down to the final game, but he broke the record for 3-point makes, knocking down 269 at a 41-percent clip. Allen also averaged a career-best 25.1 points per game.

15. Jason Kidd, New Jersey: He's not as quick as he was, but Kidd pulls all his other assets together to make up for it. He's savvier than most, invaluable as a playmaker and tempo manipulator and he remains a standout rebounder and defender.

16. Dwight Howard, Orlando: He'll be just 21 in December, but looks ready to enter the conversation when speaking about the game's top big men. He had more rebounds than anyone else last season, and his offensive game continues to grow. It's no surprise that Wade, who would know, has called Howard a younger version of Shaq.

17. Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix: When healthy, his explosiveness makes him one of the league's best bigs. He put in the rehab work to bounce back strong, but it remains to be seen whether his body cooperates.

18. Yao Ming, Houston: After coming back from toe surgery last season, he finally started to become the dominant presence he's long been expected to be. Check out these March averages: 27.6 points, 11 rebounds. He has an opportunity to help carry Houston to the next level.

19. Ron Artest, Sacramento: It's no coincidence the Kings took off once he arrived last year. He makes opponents think twice about everything they do and takes genuine pride in shutting people down. Offensively, he has become increasingly more proficient in hopes of becoming a go-to type.

20. Carmelo Anthony, Denver: If his play for Team USA is any indication, he has graduated to that next level of greatness. He wants to be the Nuggets captain, which is yet another sign of his maturity.

21. Richard Hamilton, Detroit: I'll buy into the theory that if he was on another squad where he had to shoulder more responsibility, Rip's rep would be larger than it is. Hamilton is brilliant moving without the ball and coming off screens, and he's a standout defender.

22. Vince Carter, New Jersey: There's no doubt he's back. He stayed healthy in his first full season with the Nets and played with great energy throughout, averaging 24.2 points and 4.3 assists and tying his career best with 5.8 rebounds per game. He's still among the best at taking over a game.

23. Gilbert Arenas, Washington: Arenas has become one of the NBA's top shooters and most unstoppable scorers, but his playmaking skills still need work. Once he's able to keep turnovers down and ensure his teammates stay involved, Washington will take its next step.

24. Shawn Marion, Phoenix: There are few guys more versatile than Marion, who again was asked to play out of position last season with Stoudemire injured. The plan will be for Marion to return to his customary spot at the three this season so he can avoid toiling against bigger men, thus remaining fresher for the postseason.

25. Chris Bosh, Toronto: Expect him to be more well-rounded in his fourth NBA season, now that he has grown comfortable with being the franchise player. Playing with buddy T.J. Ford, a pass-first point guard, won't hurt, either. Remember, Bosh is just 22 years old.

26. Jermaine O'Neal, Indiana: Still among the most gifted low-post scorers in the league, O'Neal has fallen victim to nagging injuries that have cut his past two seasons practically in half. If he's absent again this coming season, the Pacers are likely to miss the playoffs.

27. Michael Redd, Milwaukee: Redd gave Detroit fits in the playoffs, shooting 52 percent and averaging more than 27 per game. That legitimized him as a star. Had the Ohio native opted to return home to play for Cleveland, the Cavs might be a championship front-runner this season.

28. Pau Gasol, Memphis: If he weren't out until after New Year's, he would have received heavy consideration to move up on this list. He earned that right, blossoming into one of the NBA's best 7-footers. But that broken foot really casts a shadow over the upcoming season, considering the uncertainty over his projected recovery period.

29. Tayshaun Prince, Detroit: He was the Pistons' most consistent performer during their playoff collapse, and some may argue he's their most vital commodity. Prince's offense is quietly catching up to his defense, making the human spider deadly on both ends.

30. Joe Johnson, Atlanta: He needed time to adjust, but by last season's end was at ease with the go-to role and regularly putting up big nights. His versatility is his greatest asset, and his best days are ahead of him. Regardless of how good Boris Diaw has turned out to be for Phoenix, you can't argue with picking up Johnson now. He's worth every penny.

31. Antawn Jamison, Washington: He comes off his most productive season as a Wizard, but ranks this far down the list because he doesn't have the size to muscle up and defend his bigger peers. That makes his improved rebounding figures from 2005-06 (a career-high 9.3 rpg) impressive, but still lacking behind the game's dominant fours.

32. Tony Parker, San Antonio: His first All-Star berth came last season and was well merited. Parker was the MVP of the Spurs, raising his level of play to pick up banged-up teammates Duncan and Manu Ginobili and delivering the top record in the Western Conference. Parker still isn't a threat from the perimeter, but few are quicker or penetrate better.

33. Mike Bibby, Sacramento: It will be interesting to see how his role changes under a new coach. Rick Adelman got a lot out of Bibby, but there has always been a sense he can do more. He's nearly 20 pounds lighter than he was at the end of last season and hopes to have increased quickness.

34. Baron Davis, Golden State: He just hasn't been able to stay healthy, but a bounty of inflated stats await him if he can avoid the IR. With Don Nelson back, the Warriors are going to run first and ask questions later. Davis excels in an open style.

35. Rasheed Wallace, Detroit: Now more than ever, the Pistons will need 'Sheed to assert himself. There are times where he can take over a game, but because he's so unselfish, he has a tendency to disappear. Offensively, he's still among the NBA's most versatile big men.

36. Andrei Kirilenko, Utah: Defensively, he's up there with the Artests, Princes and Ben Wallaces of the world. But he hasn't improved much on offense since coming into the league and really took a couple of steps back with his shot selection.

37. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio: Momentum from a magical year in which he won Olympic gold and an NBA title was tempered by injuries last season. He played at the FIBA World Championship this summer, so it's not like he took the entire offseason to rest, but all reports indicate he's healthier than he's been in some time. Ginobili's game is unique and dynamic, flopping aside.

38. Lamar Odom, L.A. Lakers: This has been a difficult summer for the L.A. point forward, whose infant son died in June. Things were starting to really look up for Odom with the Lakers, as he finally began to get comfortable with Phil Jackson's system and role. Here's hoping he can overcome this great pain in his life and continue to flourish.

39. Chris Paul, New Orleans/Oklahoma City: In a few seasons, expect Paul to be near the top of this list. The Hornets' second-year floor general is a winner, and he's determined to get better. He's got some Isiah Thomas in him.

40. Richard Jefferson, New Jersey: He comes off his biggest season as a pro, finally living up to his enormous potential. His jumper became more consistent, and he started finding smarter ways to score. He's entering his prime.

41. Jason Richardson, Golden State: He hasn't gotten an All-Star sniff despite being a dominant scorer the last three seasons, averaging a career-best 23.2 last year. He hasn't been able to carry the Warriors to the playoffs and still struggles with his shot selection, no doubt in part to the unending frustration he has seen in the Bay Area.

42. Josh Howard, Dallas: His vast improvement over his first three seasons in the league has Mavs fans understandably excited. Dallas' rise to power got a significant boost when Howard started turning into a Scottie Pippen clone. His abilities as a lockdown defender are near and dear to Avery Johnson's heart, and he can burn you for 20-25 points when he feels like it, too.

42. Chris Webber, Philadelphia: He has two years left on his contract at a rate of more than $40 million dollars combined. That's frightening, but it's at least good to see that the 33-year-old isn't mailing it in. Last season was his best individual campaign in years, and he played in 75 or more games for the first time since 2000 and only the third time in his career.

44. Zach Randolph, Portland: If he can ever lose the off-court baggage and discipline his on-court game, he'd be held in higher regard. He's undeniably talented on offense, unstoppable in the post and solid from the perimeter, with range out to about 18 feet. Word is he's slimmed down and has an improved attitude. Portland is crossing its fingers.

45. Rashard Lewis, Seattle: One of the more underrated forwards in basketball, Lewis has averaged more than 20 points per game in consecutive seasons. Despite chronically sore knees, he only missed four games in 2005-06.

46. Sam Cassell, L.A. Clippers: He really is among the most underrated players of his era, and proved it by helping the Clippers reach the second round of the playoffs in his first season with the team. The Hawks nearly were able to pry him away to aid their cause, but Cassell ultimately stayed put and is likely to finish his career trying to take the Clips to the top.

47. Chris Kaman, L.A. Clippers: A breakout season is coming up for the floppy-haired "Kaveman," who posted career highs in points and rebounds last year, nearly averaging a double-double. His continued development will be a vital factor in the Clippers continuing their ascent up the Western Conference.

48. Marcus Camby, Denver: The 2005-06 season was one of his most productive, but he again missed time due to injuries. Assorted aches and bruises kept him out of 26 games, but he averaged more than three blocks and nearly 12 boards while posting his highest scoring output since his rookie season. At this point in his career, you take that and hope he doesn't stay out too long when he does land on IR.

49. Ben Wallace, Chicago: He'll be 32 when the season starts, and comes off a tough final playoff run with Detroit where dismal free throw shooting tempered his effectiveness. The Bulls are banking on him to help them take their next step, and if he succeeds, he'll have a chance at winning the Defensive Player of the Year award for an unprecedented fifth time.

50. Caron Butler, Washington: Thus far, Butler coming to Washington for Kwame Brown looks like larceny. Butler filled out the NBA's highest-scoring trio while supplying much-needed toughness to a team that badly needed a boost in that department. Something tells me we're only starting to see the beginning of what Butler can do. Keep in mind that during his short career he has yet to be in the same place long enough to grow truly comfortable.

Also considered: Al Harrington, Indiana; Boris Diaw, Phoenix; Emeka Okafor, Charlotte; Stephon Marbury, New York; Jason Terry, Dallas; Kirk Hinrich, Chicago; Larry Hughes, Cleveland: Gerald Wallace, Charlotte; Shane Battier, Houston; Corey Maggette, L.A. Clippers.
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http://cbs.sportsline.com/nba/story/9703454

thacabbage · Oct 6, 2006

lol. chauncey billups and dwight howard over yao ming. riiiiiiight.

peleincubus · Oct 6, 2006

im going to remember this thread for next year and compare this list to the one that comes out next sseason. im thinking that tmac moves up a spot or two and yao moves into the top 10.

and a little wishful thinking i hope maybe bonzi wells will make it into the top 50

Rocketeer · Oct 6, 2006

This Tony Mejia guy is a joke.

AMS · Oct 6, 2006

there was a time when steve francis would be in the teens and mobley would be right around the bottom.

Pocket Rockets · Oct 6, 2006

how does amare get to be ahead of yao again??

amare will probably never see the court again much less play at the level he once was...

rimbaud · Oct 6, 2006

thacabbage said:

lol. chauncey billups and dwight howard over yao ming. riiiiiiight.
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Don't forget Jason Kidd, Ray Allen, and a still-less-than-100% Amare.

Shaq is way too high on that list. How long can his past legend carry him?

saleem · Oct 6, 2006

Yao Ming should be in top ten, but what really surprises me is that Jason Terry is not considered in the top 50. He was a large part of the Mavs success and I'm not a Mavs fan. I would love to see the Rockets beating them in the playoffs next year.

sammy · Oct 6, 2006

I dont understand how you can rate Randolph over Diaw and why do writers jock Kaman so much?

drich · Oct 7, 2006

Yao seems he will never get the respect that he deserves

Ziggy · Oct 7, 2006

Chris Webber... Nuff said

JeopardE · Oct 7, 2006

saleem said:

Yao Ming should be in top ten, but what really surprises me is that Jason Terry is not considered in the top 50. He was a large part of the Mavs success and I'm not a Mavs fan. I would love to see the Rockets beating them in the playoffs next year.
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Forget Terry -- what in the world happened to our favorite superstar, Mike James? He didn't even make it into the list of also-rans!

Interesting that all five Detroit starters from last year made the list.

BigM · Oct 7, 2006

this is the same idiot who ranked yao 4th or 5th on his centers list a month or so ago. he has absolutely no idea what the f#$k he's talking about.

Omer · Oct 7, 2006

Yeah, uh T-Mac will be top 5 this season and Yao top 10.

dream34shake · Oct 7, 2006

Hey, at least he gave some love to Shane Battier. Battier made it to the also considered list.

ymc · Oct 7, 2006

Why no Shane Battier? He is on team USA.

AroundTheWorld · Oct 7, 2006

List is idiotic

dudelos · Oct 7, 2006

Tony Mejia is a rockets hater first of all. Second of all his list lacks consistency, you dont know if he's taking offensive stats, defensive stats, people's performances in several past seasons (shaq), potential (which is a really bad way to rank people in the NBA top 50), or maybe his overall love of LA and all the Cali Teams. But Tony Mejia has once again proven that he is an idiot about basketball, and CBS will NEVER have serious NBA coverage. Just that opinionated crap.

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