Each year we bring you a new revised list of the NBA’s Top 10 Players in the league! The 2009 list contains some new names, along with some very familiar ones. Overall the list is solid. There were many good players that were close, but just could not quite crack the top 10. Melo, Paul Pierce, Iverson, T-Mac, Brandon Roy, Chris Bosh, Dirk. These are just some of the names that have a case but just are not good enough to get in. If you want to make a case for any of these guys feel free to in the comments.
Remember, this list is unbiased and is a true Top 10 list.
1. Kobe Bryant
Really who would be at the top of this list instead of the “Black Mamaba”? This year’s reigning MVP has his Lakers looking at a championship this season. His numbers are lower because of solid play from teammates, but his dominance is stronger than ever.
2. Lebron James
Lebron James continues to improve year in and year out, and looks to be the favorite for this year’s MVP award. The Cavs are playing like championship contenders mostly due to the merits of “The King”. You really didn’t think there would be someone else in the #2 spot did you? If Kobe is #1, Lebron has to be #2.
3. Dwayne Wade
You can make the argument that when healthy, DWade is as dominant a player on both ends of the court as King James. Let’s not forget also that it’s DWade with a championship ring on one of his fingers. People are quick to crown King James as the next “Best Player on the Planet”, but let’s wait and see if Dwayne Wade has something to say about that first.
4. Chris Paul
Very easily could have one the MVP award last season and still could win it this year. There’s no player in the league more important to his team than Chris Paul. And oh yeah, he’s even better this year than he was last year! Incredible! His competitive greatness has us thinking he could be the best point guard in the NBA since Magic Johnson!
5. Kevin Garnett
So much talk around the media goes to Paul Pierce and how great a player he is, but it’s Kevin Garnett who runs the show in Boston! His passion and intensity is second to nobody in the league, and just about any sport for that matter. He gets the job done on both defense and offense. And although he throws weird Dennis Rodman-like antics every once in a while, doesn’t deter from the fact that he’s the most dominating big man in the NBA right now!
6. Deron Williams
So much talk goes to Chris Paul, and rightfully so. But let’s not forget the leagues other dominating Point Guard Deron Williams! A combination of quickness and strength along with a beautiful jumper and amazing court vision this guy is moving up the list fast! He may not get as much media attention as other players being that he’s in Utah, but that has nothing to do with how great of a player this guy is!
7. Joe Johnson
By far the most underated and underappreciated basketball player in the NBA. But that will soon disapper as more and more people get to see the great talent that is Joe Johnson! Joe is leading his Atlanta Hawks to Eastern contention and causing those Boston Celtics fits! Joe Johnson always comes up big in important games and is deadly in the clutch!
8. Tim Duncan
He may be old, he may be ugly, and he may be on the most boring team in the NBA but he is still after all these years one of the leagues most dominating big man! Still averging “20 & 10″ every single night and keeping his San Antonio Spurs in contention and having teams all over the league worrying about those pesky spurs. The old man’s still got it!
9. Dwight Howard
Also in this year’s MVP talk, the self proclaimed “Superman” is an absolute beast and dominator in the paint! Not to mention one of the leagues best personalties and just an overall entertainment for all fans of the NBA. Howard may not win a championship this season, but he will continue to get better and better each year. Look for him to continue to work his way up this list!
10. Amare Stoudamire
Amare makes the end of this list because of his pure offensive dominance! He’s still not the greatest defensive player, but would be much better if he had any teammates that could defend! When Amare get’s going offensively, he’s as hard to stop as anybody! A great combination of an outside jumper along with great finishing ability around the rim!
Do you think we missed someone? Do you have a case for another player that should be in this list? Sound off by leaving a comment below. We’d all like to hear other’s opinion on the NBA’s Top 10 Players!
