I can't help it...some of the first round playoff action has inspired me to update this list. Not only will I make slight amendments to the Top 10, but I'll extend the list all the way up to No. 20.
I know this probably isn't fair to some of the guys who missed out on the playoffs -- i.e. Vince Carter, Michael Redd, Jason Richardson, and Brandon Roy -- but I can't deny the urge. I point out guys like Carter, Redd, J-Rich and Roy in particular because they are in contention for some of the later spots on the list, but they could be overshadowed by playoff upstarts like Tony Parker, Joe Johnson and Andre Miller.
(Note: A written explanation will follow the ranking only if I have something new to say about the player. See this list, or its precedent to catch up on past player analysis.)
#1-Kobe Bryant, SG-Los Angeles Lakers
#2-LeBron James, SF-Cleveland Cavs
#3-Kevin Garnett, PF-Boston Celtics
#4-Chris Paul, PG-New Orleans Hornets
#5-Tim Duncan, PF-San Antonio Spurs
"The Big Fundamental" is getting a promotion because he was absolutely incredible in Game 1 of the Suns/Spurs series, a game that certainly qualifies for the distinction of "instant classic." Duncan scored 40 points, something he failed to do throughout the regular season. Even more impressive was his unlikely, heroic three-pointer to tie the game at the end of the first overtime.
But the promotion isn't only about Game 1. Despite today's loss, the Spurs are well in command of the series (3-1 lead) and there's no question that Duncan has a greater impact as a two-way player than Steve Nash. Tony Parker has made a mockery of Nash's defense, while Duncan continues to be a defensive force and presence on a nightly basis. In addition, when Duncan gets deep position down low he can score at will -- there's just no stopping him.
It's still an absolute joy to watch Nash control the offensive tempo. So he may be losing his No. 5 spot, but drops only one position to No. 6.
#6-Steve Nash, PG-Phoenix Suns
#7-Amare Stoudemire, PF-Phoenix Suns
#8-Dirk Nowitzki, PF-Dallas Mavericks
#9-Deron Williams, PG-Utah Jazz
It's getting tougher and tougher to decide at the bottom of the Top 10. Congrats to D-Will on making the list for the first time.
There are a few players who I am too disgusted with (with good reason, though) to grant them the honor of a Top 10 selection. They are Allen Iverson, Carmelo Anthony, and Baron Davis.
Iverson and Melo have allowed their Nuggets to get absolutely embarrassed by Kobe and the Lakers, who, mind you, are still without their defensive force Andrew Bynum. Sure, Iverson and Melo are getting their points, but their combined field goal percentage is horrid and they are both totally inadequate defenders. If this was the Top 10 Scorers list, they'd both be on it -- but this one's about more than just offense.
Baron, whom many of you know is one of my favorite players, played so poorly in the most important game of the Warriors' season that head coach Don Nelson was basically forced into benching him. "B-Diddy" didn't even play in the second half. You can't be Top 10 if you're not even on the floor when your team needs you the most.
That leaves us with Deron Williams. He's the best player on the most underrated team in the NBA, and he's a stud in the fourth quarter. Williams creates a large majority of Carlos Boozer's opportunities and has no offensive weaknesses. I like his toughness and intensity on defense as well. Again, big ups to you D-Will.
#10-Dwight Howard, PF/C-Orlando Magic
I'm going against my usual mantra here: "You can't be in the Top 10 if your team doesn't look to you at the end of important games." Yet while that remains true with Mr. Howard, his Magic are up 3-1 against a versatile Raptors' team that quite frankly, is better than I thought. Despite the fact that Hedo Turkoglu and Jameer Nelson are the Magic's closers, D-Howard is still the best player on his team 75-80 percent of the time.
He's a dominant rebounder and an intimidating defender. He plays with fire and he does everything he can to help his team win. The same can't be said of Iverson, Melo and B-Diddy right now.
#11-Allen Iverson, G-Denver Nuggets
#12-Baron Davis, PG-Golden State Warriors
#13-Carmelo Anthony, SF-Denver Nuggets
#14-Manu Ginobili-SG-San Antonio Spurs
Go ahead, say something bad about the way this guy plays the game. Just try it. Yea yea, he doesn't have the regular season statistics that some of the following players boast, but Ginobili is a f--kin winner. When the Spurs need a big play -- just like Duncan and Tony Parker -- Manu finds a way to come up with it.
Whether it's a lefty runner in the lane, a pull-up three, or a steal on the other side of the ball...GINOBILI (!! shout to Charles Barkley) gets it done in the clutch. Much respect for you, Manu.
#15-Tony Parker, PG-San Antonio Spurs
Quick. Clutch. Really, really quick. So damn clutch.
#16-Tracy McGrady, SG-Houston Rockets
Ever since he's been with the Rockets, I haven't been a big T-Mac supporter. I think he's just way too inconsistent with his outside shot. He takes ill-advised, heavily-contested shots that cause him to be one of the lower percentage shooters in the NBA.
That said, he's extremely versatile -- even more so than I originally thought. Watching him in the series with Utah, I've been very impressed with his defensive rebounding and ability to both strip offenders and block shots.
Can't find a way to win any big ones though. He just can't. Without Yao Ming, it's all on T-Mac in Houston. With the exception of Game 3, he's not doing enough to propel his team to victory in the fourth quarter.
#17-Chris Bosh, PF/C-Toronto Raptors
Similar to the case with T-Mac, I'm really not a big "Bosh guy." I feel like his game is very awkward, and he's soft in my mind; but hey, he seems to be puttin up 35 and 15 fairly often. I was extremely impressed with his 39 the other day against D-Howard too.
He features an exceptional mid-range jumper for his size, and being lefty never hurts either.
#18-Gilbert Arenas, G-Washington Wizards
#19-Chauncey Billups, PG-Detroit Pistons
#20-Carlos Boozer, PF-Utah Jazz
Just got too tired for explanations on the last three.
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