NBA Top 10 Revised

Back in September, ESPN released its top 10 NBA players according to their esteemed writers. I revisited the list, giving some commentary on whether or not their name deserves to be on the list, and then ended with my newly revised top 10 list.

10. Blake Griffin
Has disappointed this season. Production has decreased pretty much across the board. Has shown no improvement in his game, particularly developing the mid-range jumper and he is still a bad defender. Drops out of the top 10.

9. Deron Williams
Has transformed his style of play from primarily pass-first to shoot-first. Probably due to the poor talent that surrounds him. As a result, his efficiency has suffered. Daily, I waver between he and Westbrook for the 3rd best point guard in the league. As of today, I am not on his side. Drops out of the top 10.

8. Derrick Rose
One thing that very few people notice or talk about is how much he has improved defensively. Was once an atrocious defender but now an above average defender. Also has improved his floor generalship. The one blemish is his propensity to shoot threes. 4.5 attempts per game is way too much for a poor three point shooter! Best point guard in the league by the slimmest of margins. Moves up 3 spots.

7. Kobe Bryant
Has cost his team several games this season because of his selfish, self-indulgent habits. Seems at times to be more concerned with getting shots up than playing inside-out. Doesn’t realize that he can’t carry offenses anymore and as a result, continues to force up shots leading to his least efficient season in years. Drops 3 spots. (Addendum: I seriously considered dropping him out completely)

6. Kevin Durant
Has become a more efficient scorer despite taking on more playmaking duties. But still needs to improve his off-the-dribble game. Moves up 3 spots.

5. Dirk Nowitzki
Having one of his worst seasons in years and yet is producing at a high level and is improving with every game. No longer is he the best power forward in the game. That title now goes to Kevin Love (26ppg & 13rpg). Drops 3 spots.

4. Chris Paul
Runs a team better than anyone. Has excellent vision and is remarkably efficient. His style of play is more appealing to me than Rose’s. Not gonna lie. There are days that I think that he is best point guard in the game. Second best point guard in the league by the slimmest of margins. Drops 2 spots.

3. Dwayne Wade
He is the best shooting guard in the league. No doubt about it. Has the second best player efficiency rating (PER) this season. Drops 1 spot.

2. Dwight Howard
Disappointedly, it seems that he will never reach his potential offensively. Should be averaging upwards of 25 points per game because of how physically imposing he is. Nevertheless, his impact defensively is second to none. Properly rated.

1. LeBron James
Only a few weeks ago, he was on pace to have the best statistically efficient season EVER. Need I say more? Properly rated.

Top 10
1. LeBron James
2. Dwight Howard
3. Kevin Durant
4. Dwayne Wade
5. Derrick Rose
6. Chris Paul
7. Kevin Love
8. Dirk Nowitzki
9. Russell Westbrook
10. Kobe Bryant

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