Top Five NBA Players

Picking the top players in the NBA is a tough task. When narrowing down the list to just five, several basketball stars are forced to be left out, which is unfortunate because there are many talented ballers in the league right now. Let’s see who’s not on the list but are definitely worth mentioning. The vets include Jason Kidd, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Tim Duncan and Dirk Nowitzki. Other experienced players include Tony Parker, Carmelo Anthony, Dwayne Wade, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, Rajon Rondo and Blake Griffin. If they aren’t on the list then who do the top five come down to?    

5. Steve Nash—I know he’s a veteran who is passed his prime, but I think everyone can agree that Steve Nash still got it. Although he’s still missing a ring, Nash won back-to-back NBA MVP awards in 2005 and 2006 (in the same league as Kobe, Shaq, Garnett and Duncan), has been an NBA All-Star eight times between 2002 and 2012, and is, as Pau Gasol said, “the most unselfish player in the NBA.” Nash is one of the best point guards ever to play and his stats definitely back that up. His new role on the Lakers is the key to the team making it to the finals and winning the championship this year.     

4. Kobe Bryant—Kobe, like Nash, has had a pro career in the NBA since 1996, and his stats also speak for themselves. You can check out my post on Kobe from last week for more details.    

3. Kevin Durant—Playing with OKC Thunder (aka Seattle Supersonics back in the day) since he was drafted in 2007 has turned Durant into one fine player. Even though he’s been playing pro for only five years, he’s already been an All-Star three times and was Rookie of the Year in 2008. Did I mention he’s not even 24 yet? Don’t get me wrong, Durant has a long way to go, but it looks like he’ll be battling LeBron James to be the best player in the NBA for the next couple years. Bleacherreport.com said it well, “Durant is slowly ushering in the era where he and LeBron face off in the most anticipated matchups of each season as the best two players on the planet.”   

2. Derrick Rose—What can I say about D Rose? He has been in the NBA since 2008 and as a result: NBA Rookie of the Year in 2009, 3× NBA All-Star (2010-2012) and NBA MVP in 2011. Rose is one of the most determined and hardworking players in the league. His mindset is what has led to his success. His injury in May of this year devastated Chicago, but his return is one of the most highly-anticipated events in the NBA. You can check out Adidas’ latest commercial on Rose’s return here.  

1. LeBron James—I’m nowhere close to being one of Lebron’s fans, but he has earned his place as being the best player in the NBA. Aside from the fact that his team won the 2012 championship and this year was his third time being MVP (was previously in 2009 and 2010), LeBron has many accomplishments under his belt. He was the Rookie of the Year in 2004, 8× NBA All-Star (2005-2012) and 2× NBA All-Star MVP. Aside from his awards, LeBron is one of the toughest to guard (especially late in the game) with his stature. His jump shot is pretty ridiculous too.