The NBA is a league that markets its top players very well. Because of that, it is difficult for a young player to move into the consciousness of the general fan and be considered a top NBA player.
Thus is the dilemma that faces the Bulls' Derrick Rose. He is not considered a top 10 player by most sources but in this town, we know that he is developing into that kind of player. And I present reasons why that make sense.
The remaining players in the list are subjective, of course, but many you will agree with. I took the liberty of including a couple players who, like Rose, may seem not to belong but who are certainly in the conversation.
So have at it, NBA fans, and let me know where you disagree.
10. Derrick Rose, Bulls
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Rose is playing a much more aggressive role with the Bulls so far this season and has become a more vocal leader as well.
His time with the national team taught him what stars do and how they comport themselves, as well as putting him in a role where he is not expected to be the primary scorer, but to set up other players and run the floor.
He is the fastest player in the NBA. His initial burst is unrivaled, and he has improved his outside shot. In short, he is on the come as a star in the NBA and is deserving of being on this list.
Now that Carlos Boozer has returned from injury, that should only free up Rose to be even better.
9. Dirk Nowitzki, Mavs
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His shooting prowess and rebounding ability demands that he is included in the top 10. Look, he's a Hall of Fame player and yet he seems to get ignored because he is white. While white basketball is not appointment viewing, this guy is worthy.
Sure, his teams have never won a title. But then again, it took MJ almost eight years to win one and only after they surrounded him with a supporting cast.
8. Dwyane Wade, Heat
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Forget about LeBron, while he may be more talented, this is the guy who wins championships for the Heat.
In fact, the only reason I have LeBron ranked higher is the argument that Michael didn't win until his eighth season. LeBron has unlimited potential, while Wade is great, but what you see is what you get.
7. LeBron James, Heat
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"The Decision" or not, you have to give him his props.
While you may root for him to fail as I do, he is so damn talented that the only reason he is not higher on this list is that he does not seem to want to be "THE GUY."
But his talent is unlimited even if he is happy being second banana.
6. Chris Paul, Hornets
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He is the best point guard in the game. He will eventually go to the Knicks but for now, he is a Hornet and New Orleans is glad.
Paul averages about 20 points and 10 assists for his career. But for him to truly reach his potential, he needs to get out of the mess in New Orleans.
5. Kevin Garnett, Celtics
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KG may be a jerk, but he is a helluva basketball player. Saved from almost certain NBA hell in his move to Boston, he has thrived as a 20-11 player in points and boards.
4. Dwight Howard, Magic
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If those broad shoulders are natural, then this guy is a freak of nature.
Only 25, he has averaged almost 13 boards a game and is almost unstoppable at times.
3. Carmelo Anthony, Nuggets
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Melo is a scorer, pure and simple.
He gives you 25 points, and if it's true that the only reason the Bulls didn't land him is that they wouldn't give up Noah, then shame on Chicago.
He's a difference maker.
2. Pau Gasol, Lakers
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You think that the No. 1 wins all those titles without this guy? Then think again. He may be too white to garner the attention he deserves, but Gasol not only does all the things you want in a big man—points and rebounds—he is smart and a winner.
1. Kobe Bryant, Lakers
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Who else but the Michael Jordan-wannabe? Bryant is all that and a slice of bread as stats don't do him justice.
He scores, yes, he plays defense, yes but the main thing is he works hard and he wants to win. Badly.
He is a freak in that regard, and so he is the best player in the NBA.
By Bob Warja
