The Answer Gets Dealt; Many Questions Arise

- by AJ

So it's in the books, Allen Iverson is now a Piston; Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess are returning to the Mile High City, along with some dude whose name I forget and will likely be rocking NBDL threads by month's end. Just a week into the season, we get a deadline-worthy blockbuster that leaves plenty to be suspicious of. This is one of those deals I just don't understand. It'd been circling around sports talk shows and internet forums for a week or so but I gave it little time because I didn't think NBA GMs, more importantly ones as crafty as Joe Dumars, wasted time rolling dice on trades that accomplished so little for their teams. Both the Nuggets and Pistons were in need of shakeups after lackluster performances last year, but it seemed much more likely they'd be lowballing basement-dwellers (see: Boston Celtics, 2007/Los Angeles Lakers, 2008) in a rapid, buyer-driven NBA marketplace. What they've done instead seems counterproductive to both of their agendas.

Let's start with the Pistons, who I'm particularly sceptical of. They now have Iverson as their point guard (I think), which will contradict Detroit's equitable offensive philosophy, and underline his fundamental flaw: he's a 6-foot shooting guard. The sudden emergence of Rodney Stuckey made Billups somewhat more expendable, but it's not like AI will give him any more time to operate. And what's more, Detroit gave up not only their best player but a guy who fit perfectly into their system; a pass-first point guard who wasn't afraid to score when he was needed. He played within the game, kept everyone involved and always delivered in big games. This has never been Iverson's strong suit. The departure of McDyess, while not as critical, sees them losing a skilled veteran and will put more pressure on their young bigs to perform. When Kwame Brown is involved in your rotation, this is never a good thing.

What's worse is the Pistons' situation; they've fallen from the East's throne and realistically might not even cop homecourt this year. They have a closing window on another trip to the Finals with this often-complacent core and made a huge deal that doesn't drastically improve their team this season. Iverson's never been known as a winner, and it's doubtful if he's hungry enough for a title to inspire the kind of awakening needed in Detroit. True, his contract expires at the end of the year, and he'll probably walk if the Pistons don't win the East, so they may be able to make free agency moves, but that'd be yet another gamble that hardly justifies Billups' shipping.

The Nuggets meanwhile just seem out to lunch. After dealing the only guy who played a shred of defense for them last year in one of the more blatant salary-dumps ever, Denver's front office dealt a $20 million deductible for a (relatively) long-term investment. While I (kind of) like the trade from a basketball perspective (more on that in a second), it just defeats the purpose of trading your All-Star center for nothing. Whatever they were trying to accomplish, the Nuggets just took a step in another direction.

It's not really a step anywhere though. The Melo and AI pairing clearly wasn't getting them out of the First Round; they were the Warriors without the moxie, the Suns without Steve Nash, a team without a clue. Billups is, among other things, a great leader to bring some structure to Denver's offense and lead a team with the collective maturity of a single fifth-grader. He'll become their best defender by default and hopefully instill more discipline without the ball in his teammates. McDyess gives their thin frontline another able body and their locker-room another leader, but this approach didn't work for them a few years ago with Andre Miller and Camby in the same roles, so what's to say it will now? They might be better off this season than last, who knows, but they'd have been much better off with Marcus still holding down the pivot, and they're still not going nowhere come Playoff time.

Along with illogical, this trade just seemed premature. Especially in Detroit's case with a new coach who wasn't widely hated by his players and might've had them playing at their potential. It'll be a surprise to many if Detroit now wins in the East or if Denver does anything relevant out West, and if they don't, then what exactly was the point of this?

2008-09 Predictions

Rookie of the Year - Derrick Rose

This year's first overall pick is truly something special. His combination of aggressive penetration and silky jumpers make him a beast on the offensive end, and his tenacity on the defensive end should make him an above average on the ball defender. I'm predicting 15, 7, 3 and 1.5 steals for ya boy. Don't hate. Anyone who has been monitoring the summer league has seen this guy dominate and he is currently peaking in the NBA's pre-season. Chicago will likely be duking it out with the Heat for those final playoff spots in the East, so we will truly see if Beasley can be Dwayne's Aid. An unselfish 30 last night has people calling him the best player on the Bulls' roster. Wow really? How are ya gonna do that to Andres!

Runners-Up (in order): Mike Beasley, OJ, Eric Gordon

Defensive Player of the Year - Marcus Camby

Baring any sort of injury I think the Camby man can cop another one in his waning years. With a new squad, Camby will once again be the defensive general in an effort to replace the Clips glory years of Elton and The Alien formally known as Cassell. Marcus is a blocking machine, who should get some help side swats working along side the newly German, Chris Kaman. Marcus is looking to improve on his 07' campaign where he had a career year in rebounding (and defensive ones as well) and I won't doubt him. If his soon to be 35 year old knees can hold up, Marcus could help the Clips weasel into the playoffs.

Runner Up: Josh Smith (Ron Ron gets suspended and isn't considered for the award based on his behavior)

Sixth Man of the Year - Manu Ginobli
What is pretty much a formality at this point should ring true again. If he doesn't have to fill in too much because of injury's, Manu should be Manu. The Spurs are getting too old for my liking, but if anyone can run on the squad its that wiry Argentinian. With what have become routine years of acrobatic shots and clutch hoops, I'm not really excited for Manu's year...another run into the playoffs. With the shifting power in the West, it looks the like Spurs may not have home court come playoff time. Count on Manu to shift the odds.

Runner Up: Barbosa, Nate Robinson

Coach of the Year - Byron Scott

I'm under the impression that the Hornets are going to win it all, so it seems only fitting that Byron Scott would should get another quick one. With a combination of a more experienced core and the addition of Playoff heart throb James Posey, I think the Hornets might be lookin at the best record in the league.

Runner Up: Mike Brown

Most Improved Player - Francisco Garcia


Aside from the blatant upside that Thornton possesses, there is room for some other blow ups. While the Sacramento Kings fight for last place in the West, there will be a need for someone to step up. While I do have some faith in John Salmons' abilities, the responsibility will ultimatley lie on an individual with more scoring punch. Former 2005 first round pick, Cisco Garcia upped his scoring from 6 to 12 ppg last season, and he looks primed to build on those efforts. The Kings are going to be playing catchup alot this season, and with stiff offensive competition, there will be a need to jack up mad buckets. If Garcia can shoot around 40% from distance like he did last year (and the Kings acknowledge they truly are rebuilding by trading Brad Miller and beloved plug Kenny Thomas), he could be looking at near 35 minutes a game. I smell fantasy dividends.

Runner Up:

Most Valuable Player - Chris Paul

If anyone can build on their success from last year, Chris Paul can. CP3 is only one of the Americans to win gold this past summer and there is no doubt that playing along side such talent helped his game. Remember, the Hornets almost won the West last year..and they got better in the offseason. Kobe was due for his chip last year. Look for Chris at the top of the assist and steal leaders, with a 55+ win team and an ever improving all around game. The Hornets live and die by Chris, so if they can edge the Lakers and win their conference this year, it's a wrap. They were undefeated in the pre season as well, but don't worry about that.

Runners Up: Bron, Dwight

East All-Stars

Starters - Dwayne Wade, Agent Injured, Lebron James, Kevin Garnett, Dwight Howard

Bench Mob - Paul Pierce, Chauncey Billups, Elton Brand, Caron Butler, Joe Johnson, Chris Bosh, Andre Igoudala
(Rashard Lewis!)

West All-Stars

Starters - CP3, Kobert, Tim Duncan, Amare Stoudamire, Yao Ming

Bench Mob - (Deron Williams if not hurt), Carlos Boozer, David West, Steve Nash, Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady, Corey Magette

Playoffs

East Bracket: 1- Boston Celts, 2-Cleveland, 3- Orlando, 4- Detroit, 5- Toronto, 6- Philadelphia, 7-Miami Heat, 8-Wizards

West Bracket: 1- Hornets, 2- Lakers, 3- Utah Jazz, 4- Houston Rockets, 5- San Antonio Spurs, 6- Phoenix Suns, 7- Trailblazers, 8- Mavericks

East Finals: Celtics over (Cavs lose in 7 in conference semi's)

West Finals: Hornets over Lakers

Finals - Hornets over Celtics in 6

It's Prediction Time!!

by AJ
It's everyone favorite time of year again: prediction time. The season's opening tip is just weeks away as players whip themselves into shape after summers of steady blunting, extreme moped riding and whatever else multi-millionaire athletes do in their spare time. As it usually is with this league, things will almost never play out as scripted; it's anyone's guess who could be poppin' bottles, polishing trophies, changing cities or escalating their status this season. With that in mind, here's a few thoughts on what might go down this season, the (completely un-)Official Christian's Basketball Rants '08-'09 Season Preview:

Awards

Rookie of the Year - Michael Beasley

The guy's an absolute monster; strong, athletic, unlimited potential and a swagger that could prove dangerous, but is desperately needed in Miami right now. He sounds like he's hungry, played well in Summer League and Preseason, and For the first time in his life, Beasley won't be the best player on his team, and if his ego can handle it, he'll have plenty of opportunity to thrive in Miami. His MVP ambitions are a little premature, but settling for this award in a deep class is no slouch. (Runner-Up: Greg Oden)

Defensive Player of the Year - Ron Artest

I'm expecting big things from Ron-Ron because although he's clinically insane, he's also one of the most passionate players in the league. He's joining a team that's already reknowned for its ability to keep scores low, and playing for a legit contender after years of frustration will inspire him to be what he is: the league's best defender. (Runner-Up: Josh Smith)

Sixth Man of the Year - Manu Ginobili

He might lead the league in flop-related fines this year, but Manu should also be its best bench player if he reprises his role in the Spurs' system. With their core a year older and the need for fresh legs off the bench, it's hard to see him starting unless something very drastic happens (and when does it ever in San Antonio). It's even harder seeing another player taking this award from him as long as he's eligible. (Runner-up: Leandro Barbosa)

Coach of the Year - Nate McMillan

Trying to predict this award's tough; you know what you'll be getting with players in most cases, but so much of a coach's chances of winning this award are contingent upon what he gets out of his team versus what was expected of them. Lord Byron and Sam Mitchell, the past two winners, brought teams out of nowhere to top-3 seeds; every now and then a coach runs a truly tight ship and wins on outright excellence, but the COY's nature defeats predictions. It's really anyone's guess. Mine's based on the Blazers' continued growth and the outstanding job MacMillan did last year at keeping a bunch of kids so poised. He's in all likelihood not going to win though.

(Runner-Up: Phil Jackson)

Most Improved Player - Al Thornton

As both the Clippers' starting forwards bolted during the offseason, it created room for Thornton to slide into the starting lineup and likely emerge as the team's second scoring option. His long, athletic frame reeks of potential and he'll be given an increased opportunity to build upon numbers that shot up after the All-Star Break last year. (Runner-Up: Louis Williams)

Most Valuable Player - Lebron James

He enters every season as the prohibitive favorite to win this award, only to have his chances ruined by his team's incompetence. Expect his numbers to take a dip as the Cavs try to monitor his minutes and keep him fresh for the postseason, but even a relatively pedestrian 28/7/7 will win him an MVP if the Cavs can crack that mystical 50-win plateau. With more talent, no training camp holdouts and James' assertion that this is the best team he's had, bet on him to take the award that at his jersey-matching age, he already seems overdue for. (Runner-Up: Chris Paul)

East All-Stars

Starters - Dwyane Wade, Gilbert Arenas, Lebron James, Kevin Garnett, Dwight Howard

Bench Mob - Chris Bosh, Andre Iguodala, Caron Butler, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Elton Brand, Shawn Marion

West All-Stars

Starters - Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Amare Stoudemire, Yao Ming

Bench Mob - Deron Williams, Steve Nash, Carmelo Anthony,

Carlos Boozer, Marcus Camby, Tracy McGrady, Baron Davis

Playoffs

East Bracket: 1- Boston Celtics, 2- Cleveland Cavaliers, 3- Orlando Magic, 4- Philadelphis 76ers, 5- Toronto Raptors, 6- Detroit Pistons, 7- Washington Wizards, 8- Atlanta Hawks

West Bracket: 1- Los Angeles Lakers, 2- Houston Rockets, 3- Utah Jazz, 4- New Orleans Hornets, 5- San Antonio Spurs, 6- Phoenix Suns, 7- Dallas Mavericks, 8- Portland Trailblazers

East Finals: Boston over Cleveland

West Finals: Los Angeles over Utah

Finals: Lakers over Celtics (Finals MVP - Sasha Vujacic)

The Top Two

#2 - Kobe Bryant &

#1 - Lebron James

...And then there were two. 48 players and several thousand words deep, we find the two gentlemen whose names dominate almost any debate as to who's the NBA's best. It's a twisted and difficult dilemma; it doesn't feel right denying either of them the crown. One's been the league's most revered player for ages; a 3-Time Champion and reigning MVP who just led a miraculous turn of events for his franchise, played through a broken finger, and won the toughest conference ever. The other's lightyears ahead of his age; the high school prodigy who's become the league's leading scorer, most versatile player and one of the most dynamic talents in all of sports. At 23. How do you go wrong with either? It was the toughest decision on the entire list, not only because it was the most important.

Kobe's game is immaculate; the Jordan comparisons are played out worse than Hey Ya, but Bryant's no doubt the closest thing to being Like Mike, probably in history, definitely in his generation. While his scoring took a dip this past year as he accomodated a more team-oriented focus (and, again, played through a broken finger on his shooting hand), Kobe's still the most feared triggerman in the NBA. Memories of 81 and his streak of 45's aren't too distant and the Mamba's strike isn't any less venomous now that his teammates have picked up the slack. Bryant also ranks among the league's top men on D; a perennial All-Defender who'll guard the opposition's best wing and seldom be able ot take plays off.

Although he was always a skilled passer, Bryant was historically seen as a somewhat selfish player who always looked to score and didn't create for other players. Shaq's departure in '04 only fueled Bryant's desire to be The Man; an abstract concept that he tried to grasp through personal dominance rather than team success. After years of stubbornly trying to rule the Lakers with iron fist, Bryant gave into Phil Jackson last season and adopted a team approach, becoming a totally different player in the process. He stopped publicly criticizing teammtes, and instead threaded them beautiful feeds when he drew doubles. Proving he could lead a successful team, even before the theft of Pau, Kobe's beginning to re-write his legacy...

...Just as Lebron James is cementing his as the league's best player. What he lacks in hardware (despite the ROY and two All-Star MVPs) can be accredited to his team and the inadequate job they've done of surrounding him with cohesive talent. Dragging his sad Cavaliers squad to the Finals in '07 was every bit as impressive as classmate Dwyane Wade's ring, and if the Cavs could crack the 50-win plateau he'd surely have been crowned MVP by now. Despite this, James led the NBA in per game and 4th quarter scoring last year; while his perimeter jumper remains streaky he's the league's best finisher around the net and would often have to shrug off three defenders to get that far. His 8 rebounds and 7 assists are punctuated by 2 steals and a block every game. He carries the L's most impressive numbers but makes clocking these digits look easy because the speed and agility with which he carries his 6'8"/250 frame is unheard of, his court vision paranormal, his poise unbreakable.

What would already be legendary status at any point in one's career is only compounded by Lebron's youth. Still just 23, five years deep in pro basketball, James's game is still evolving. He's becoming more comfortable with his outside shot, putting in more effort on defense, becoming the deadliest clutch player around instead of Damon Jones' set-up guy; maybe he'll even become a good foul shooter. We're all going to have to face the not-too-distant reality of Lebron James being absolutely unguardable, not even by the Celtics. His career's had to stand up to unprecedented expactations, but he's managed to exceed them time and time again. He was the ROY of the 2nd best Draft ever as a 19-year old, dropped a triple-double in his first playoff game, and as a 22-year old, managed to lead the shallowest team ever to the Finals. He's instilled too much respect for there to be many critics, but he's silenced every one of them, and as his game continues to stretch the stratosphere, the reign will only continue. Long live the King.

The Top 50

#3 - Chris Paul

Four summers ago, I walked into my neighborhood Mickey D's shortly after doming a huge joint. Very hazy and disoriented, I thought I was just seeing things; that the dude in front of me in line wasn't then-Wake Forest standout point god Chris Paul. I was confused because this guy wasn't much bigger than I was, yet dominated a game full of the tallest athletes alive. As he stood around tossing dice with the rest of the USA Squad - in town for a FIBA tournament - he looked like a child amongst men, and I was dumbfounded as to how he could overcome such physical slighting; how a player so small could do such big things.

Well there's little bewilderment anymore; CP3's game is a once-in-a-generation thing, the type of player whose talent far eclipses any height issues. Paul exploded onto the NBA scene the next year, came a vote shy of sweeping the ROY race and immediately entered the league's best quarterback debate. Last season, he ended any argument with an MVP-calibre assault on the league that saw him score or assist half the Hornet's field goals and lead them to the 2nd seed in the uber-tough West. He basically powered the glaring spotlight on a city that's desperately needed a team to cheer for.

Chris Paul does so many things well on the basketball court. He's the league's best playmaker by a wide margin; his handle and passing ability are beyond adjectives, and his fearless takes to the hoop (see photo above) attract defenders from all angles for his teammates to punish. His shooting percentages are all far above-average (especially for a 6-foot guard), and he never forces shots, playing the most controlled game in the L. He also rocks a 4 1/2:1 assist/turnover ratio, not exactly Calderon but given how much Paul's relied on to produce, his efficiency's even more impressive. As though killing everyone who tried to guard him wasn't enough, he easily led the league hawking almost 3 balls a night, and not the kind of steals the come from dangerous gambling, but perfect timing.

The praise almost gets redundant this high on the list; there's not too many bad things to be said about the guys who form the NBA's elite ranks. But Paul, even if he's only clocking at #3, might be the most impressive player on this list, simply because no one in the league is doing so much with so little. His game is so pure and flawless that only the most discerning cynic could be critical of him. His skills are othworldly, his character commendable; he's among the game's best leaders at just 23. If he continues improving as he's been - or if such a thing is even possible - he'll simply be the game' best.

The Top 50

#4 - Kevin Garnett

KG is an aboslutely outstanding basketball player. Top three All-Time at the four. He's got both the game's most coveted pieces of hardware, a decade of dominance and the the most campaigns of 20/10/5 All-Time padding his resume. He's this high on the list though, even as he enters what could be the twilight of his career, because Kevin Garnett does so much more than just play basketball. He's the ultimate presence on any team.

Garnett's the guy you want to draft at a pickup game; the one who's always busting his ass, being your third eye and getting on guys for not playing hard. He's the one who knows he can take the game over but still remembers it's 5-on-5, gets everyone involved. He's the dude you want to play hard for and not let down 'cause you respect his skills, the sage leader you seek advice from, the guy who teaches you the game, who truly makes his team better. His hunger for a title permeated to the rest of the Celtics this season; he wasn't going to let them lose and made sure the whole squad was on the same page. He was a selfless leader all season and perfect mentor to Boston's young supporting cast, all of whom had career years under his tutelage. That they capped the season with a Championship parade should've surprised no one.

But let's talk about the basketball for a minute: Garnett's one of the best and most versatile players in history. He's easily eclipsed 1000 steals and blocks over his career while grabbing over eleven boards en route to eight All-Defensive teams and a DPOY last season. He capably guards four positions and relays screens and blind cuts to his teammates better than anyone in the game, only stretching his value. He's a nightmare on offense as well, where his combination of length and quickness allow him to shoot over and stretch around so many players. KG's equally comfortable working the low block back-first and facing up from 15, from either elbow and baseline, as smooth with a fadeaway J as a baby hook. A model of big-man ball movement, he creates open looks and can even handle for lanky 6-11 dude; the fundamental skills of his game have very few flaws.

What for years had been the biggest knock on Garnett had been his finishing; namely his tendency to defer to teammates in the clutch and years of first round futility. His defection to Boston after years of exile in any icy basketball abyss brought him an opportunity to instantly rectify his legacy, and he came up with innumerable huge plays during his title run, and only a handful of them were baskets; true to form he really did everything for Boston. No player in the league was more deserving of a ring this season, and beleive that if Kevin Garnett has his way, it won't be his last.

The Top 50

#5 - Dwight Howard

This guy could quite honestly be the villian in one of the most terrifying movies ever made. It's hard to fathom given that he's a humble-mannered, well-spoken devout Christian, but Dwight Howard frightens more men in the NBA than any other. This 6-11/265 muscle-bound monster imposes his will upon whomever he choses in a game full of the league's biggest athletes. Last season he finished just slightly shy of Wilt-only numbers and is a mere 22 years old; his game is raw and growing exponentially every season. The notion that the beast he is today is only a shadow of what he could become; now that's truly scary.

The Magic surprised most NBA heads when they nabbed Dwight straight out of high school with the first pick in the '04 Draft. Any and all doubts were quickly answered as Howard took the league by storm with his unrivaled balance of size and athleticism, leaving many broken egos of poster victims in his wake. A double-double with almost 2 blocks in his rookie season was only a sign of the horrors to come...

In just four short seasons, Howard's turned 12/10 into 21/14. Last season, he hit on 60% of his shots from the field, good for third in the league behind two dudes who scored half as much as him. He still blocks over 2/game, that number slightly deflated as his presence alone prevents more penetration than any other big man. He runs the floor incredibly well for a player his size, has a soft touch, plays within himself and shows all the signs of extending his reign of terror with each passing season. All this and he's yet to miss his first game.

While typical All-Stars might never hit these heights at their careers' apex, Howard's doing such things long before his skills catch up to his enormous body. Although he showed considerable growth last season, Howard's post-up repertoire is quite limited and his mid-range shooting is less than impressive; his 59% from the charity stripe outlines his issues scoring outside 10 feet. He's also become more comfortable passing out of double-teams, but is a long way from developing the sense of court vision that made players like Shaq and Hakeem - the kind of guys he's aspiring to become - the NBA's Michael Myers.

So as Orlando tries to position themselves atop the East, they hold a huge advantage having the league's dominant big man erupting into his prime at the core of their franchise. Already probably the NBA's best post player, he looks strong enough to drag the rest of the Magic - even Rashard Lewis' $126 million contract - up to the top with him. The Conference will be prime for taking in a few seasons when the Celts inevitably fall off and Orlando has a talented core of relatively young players, a proven bench boss, and the star of the Dwight Howard Massacre; opening nationwide this November.

The Top 50

#6 - Dwyane Wade

Two summers ago, Dwyane Wade was on top of the World. He had just improbably become the first product of 2003's star-studded Draft class to earn a ring (yes, Darko, I said "earn") by igniting a (somewhat) probable turnaround against the Mavs. His eye-popping, referee-aided acrobatics had made him the undisputed King of South Beach; even the most immovable presence in pro sports was taking a backseat to his shine. My how times change.

Two years later Wade finds himself the pillar of a massive rebuilding effort after the Heat's infastructure collapsed quicker than Shaun Livingston's legs. A lethal concoction of age, complacency and injury crippled a team that sank from Top Cheese to playoff broom fodder to league laughing stock in just 18 months. Dwyane still did his thing, most nights quite literally keeping his team alive by himself. He played as hard as ever, bringing the same board-crashing, floor-diving, kamikaze-into-the-paint mentality to a December contest as he had in the playoffs. Except the postseason was nowhere to be found for the Heat; Wade shut down his aching body in March after it became clear his efforts were all in vain. As quickly as he had risen to the epitome of basketball success, Flash had tumbled past Square One, down to the very basement of the league.

What lies before him may be even more daunting than the 0-2 hole against the Mavs in '06. Dwyane, who recently affirmed his desire to remain in Heat threads for life, is charged with

leading a talented but sceptical trio with a steps-into-the-kiddie-pool shallow supporting cast back to playoff contention under a rookie coach. While Mike Beasley and Shawn Marion are both incredible talents (Marion was far too low on this list at 35), one's an unproven rookie who is, obvious skills aside, a high-risk player, while the other could soon find himself in the same role that drove him off his rocker in Phoenix. Wade himself is enough of a question mark: he's missed 31 games each of the past two seasons and though he looked like his old self Beijing, this team is finished without him.

The Heat could really finish anywhere in the East from 6th or 7th downward this year; they're a serious wild card. Whether they're returning to relevance or praying for Ricky Rubio to solve their point guard issues, you know what you're gonna get from Dwyane Wade. Barring the fracture or removal of two limbs, he'll be busting his fucking ass and putting up MVP-worthy numbers. It's a long road back to the championship, a glory Wade basked in such a short time ago, but given what he's already accomplished in such a short time, who am I to doubt him?

The Top 50

#7 - Tim Duncan

Timmy D's been on the butt-end of severe hatred over his career. A perennial All-Star and title contender his entire time in the league, Duncan's systematic dominance has drawn the ire of many dynasty-hating NBA fans outside of San Antonio, essentially just because he's so damn good. His game may not be flashy but few have ever been as effective as Dr. Fundamental, and even fewer (specifically no) power forwards in the game's annals could claim to be on his level.

What likely fuels so much of the hatred is his nonchalance; the way he's cold-heartedly murdered so many helpless victims over the years without raising an eyebrow. His execution so flawless; so textbook, that the envy of the masses seems almost natural. He's a strong, long, reasonably athletic 7-footer who walks softly and carries career averages of 21/12/3/2.5 blocks. His offensive arsenal is better equipped than any big man around; he's equally comfortable working you in the post or face-up 15 feet out. He brushes aside double-teams with textbook passing and has to be mentioned among the best post defenders in league history.

His is the kind of legacy that transcends his inevitable aging (which confirms that he is, in fact, human after all). Even though his numbers have fallen and the Spurs aren't as feared as they once were, Duncan still has to be respected among the league's best. He doesn't do it as automatically as he once did but his ability to take over the game on both ends still inspires awe and envy. The Haterade's showered him almost as much as championship confetti, but 4 ittles and 2 MVPs speak for themselves, and say more than any words ever could about Tim Duncan.

The Top 50

#8 - Amare Stoudemire

The Phoenix Suns are a serious question mark this season. As their stars get a year older and a new coach takes the helm, they'll need to find a different identity and make serious strides back towards contention within one of the smallest timeframes league-wide. They face a dunting task; one of the toughest conferences ever awaits. It's probably a good thing they have Amare on board. Dude wrote the book on tough.

Despite being a can't-miss prospect coming out of high school in '02, Stoudemire's spotty grades and well-traveled educational experience sunk his draft stock. Family situations saw him attend two hands' worth of schools in a few years and he was somehow deemed less valuable as a result. He watched in agony as perennial All-Stars like Drew Gooden, Nene and Nikoloz Tskitishvili were taken ahead of him, but sent a clear message by lifting the Suns back into the playoffs and punking Yao Ming for ROY honors. STAT labored as an undersized center among the biggest athletes in the world, nou doubt shattering many egos with his thundering throwdowns. Even when a devastating knee injury could've cost him his career, he aced months of excrutiating rehab and came back as good as ever.

One of the league's most intimidating specimens, Stoudemire's one of those rare big men with ample strength and athleticism that allows him to beast on just about whoever he wants. Though his back-to-the-basket game isn't exactly refined, he can beat most bigs off the dribble and his mid-range jumper's money. Besides, playing with Steve Nash eliminates most of the need to create your own shot and since Shaq arrived in Phoenix and allowed him to slide back over to the 4, Amare's just been straight unstoppable. Recall what this guy did to the almighty Tim Duncan in '05 West Finals; he's capable of dominating against the best of the best. Soon enough he might just hold that title himself.

The Top 50

#9 - Paul Pierce

For a guy who's spent his entire career with the most storied franchise in basketball lore, Paul Pierce hasn't spent too much time in the spotlight. He was slept on in the '98 Draft, taken tenth behind such rare talents as Raef Lafrentz, Robert Traylor and Michael Olowokandi. His stellar rookie season was overshadowed by the high-flying antics of Vincent Lamar Carter, and even when he established himself as a perennial All-Star and the Celts' best player, he was forced to suffer under the reign of the offensive tyrant known as Antoine Walker. Meanwhile the Celtics were never all that great. Save for a trip to the East Finals in '02, the team never accomplished much to quench the lofty expectations of fans or the front office.

It was all The Truth could do to hover around 25/5/5 while playing some the league's most underrated defense, trying to appease the legions of green-bleeding Boston fans, even though the squad around him became of increasingly little help. Their veterans were dealt in favor of draft picks and prospects; the arrival of Danny Ainge in '03 brought a massive upheaval of which Pierce was the only survivor. He carried on eating up the league's best as his team sank further and further into irrelevance as questionable trades left them with little to salvage.

Entering the summer of '07, it was clear something drastic needed to happen in Boston. Coming off one of their most dismal seasons ever, the Celtics had an increasingly impatient star babysitting one of the league's youngest teams and a closing window to capitalize on his prime. A deal seemed imminent, though few could've fathomed how it would play out. Ainge's sleight of hand revealed two future Hall-of-Famers who would rocket the Celtics back among the league's elite and who were every bit as hungry for some time in that spotlight as Pierce had been for years.

You know how the rest plays out. Pierce made the most of his time to shine, helping lead Boston to a 1-seed, performing in the clutch during some tough opening-round battles, and locking down the MVP en route to a 17th banner in Beantown. Even though his numbers dipped with the new arrivals, he played some of the best ball of his career and was an outstanding leader during the most dramatic turnaround in league history. A definite in the Top 10. And that's the Truth.

The Top 50

#10 Carmelo Anthony

Coming in a good 200 spots higher than the guy Detroit snubbed him for in the '03 Draft is Mr. Anthony, the oft-maligned but often outstanding face of the Denver Nuggets. What exactly Joe Dumars thought he saw in Donnie Darko we'll never know, but his selection came at the expense of a guy who was already a better player than the Serb could've hoped to become. As pure a scorer as you'll find at the 3, Melo consistently drops 25+, probably 30 if not for his proximity to offensive black hole Allen Iverson. His game's well-rounded; not prolifically dynamic like that kid from Akron, but Anthony's a solid rebounder, passer and defender, his talents much more stable than his time in the NBA spotlight. His career's been a constant battle between the basketball superstar and the delinquent idiot that live inside Carmelo Anthony.

After he punctuated one of the most dominant freshman years ever with a title at Syracuse, Melo took the league by storm with a rookie campaign that led the previously pitiful Nuggets to the playoffs and left him toe-to-toe with Lebron for ROY honors. After he spent the next season stuck in neutral on the court and stuck in negative headlines nationwide (everything from an "accidental" marijuana arrest to a cameo in a gang-related mixtape video), things fell back in order, the basketball superstar was winning out again. His scoring and shooting percentages rose like cement, he got hitched; things were legit... Until December '06 when a (for lack of a better description) pansy-assed sucker-punch on New York's Mardy Collins left him suspended for a month and again the subject of a racially-charged, hip-hop generation targeting national debate on the character of sports superstars. This past season wasn't without its own blemish: Melo was caught booze-cruising on the eve of his team's most important game (one in which he, for the record, dropped 11 on 3-14), which was promptly followed by a frustrating playoff exit by the broom of the Lakers. The idiot was gaining the upper hand again.

The thing about Carmelo's that even when the idiot is rearing his ugly head, he's still one of the best players in the league; one who's been a leader in both Denver and Beijing (even though the former hasn't really gotten anywhere). When his maturity finally catches up with his skills, and if he develops that killer instinct that separates the great from the good, Denver might finally get out of the first round. Lord knows if that, or anything, will be enough to put the idiot to rest for good, but it would serve the superstar well to check himself before it becomes a permanent stain on what could be a legendary career.

The Top 50

#11 - Tracy McGrady

...somebody had to bubble the Top 10. Despite his remarkable play in leading Houston to a historic run of victories last season, T-Mac, like Yao before him, finds himself in a position that under-appreciates his talent because of his inability to stay on the court. There's no he's question he's among the league's best pure players and greatest athletes, but his eternal quest for playoff mediocrity, while his aching back slowly buckles under the increasing pressure, has been painful to watch, let alone play through.

McGrady's a truly awesome physical specimen. A long 6'8", he swoops through the air with a smoothness reminiscent of the Iceman. He's too quick for bigger players, too big for quicker players; able to get his rocks off on any defender. His league-leading scoring(32/game in '03) has subsided, along with some of his explosiveness, but Mac's become more of a playmaker on a team that until Rafer's emancipation last year, didn't really have one. He handles the ball more than any 3 in the League besides Lebron, and still does better than 2:1 assists/turnovers as, after Yao's injury, the only legit scoring threat the Rockets boasted. His length also helps him on defense, as he gets over a steal and a block/game and if tough for smaller players to beat off the dribble.

But while equipped with some of the finest tools, McGrady's never accomplished anything outstanding with them. He's been an outstanding playoff performer; his numbers speak for themselves, but despite them he's yet to move beyond the first round after seven futile attempts. It would be too stern to say it's all his fault; he's been on some questionable teams and played hurt more than most, but his legacy mirrors that of Kevin Garnett's early career, only it's highly doubtful that McGrady's competitive fire rages nearly as hard as KG's. Tracy's been one to defer blame and front like a 3-1 series lead's untouchable, while his desire to be in the spotlight and out Vince's shadow broke up a promising young tandem, one that could've accomplished things he's only been grasping at ever since.

Things appear to be falling into place in Houston: after Mcgrady (playing some of the best ball of his career) led them to a surprise playoff appearance without Yao last season, the Rockets acquired Ron Artest for 10 cents on the dollar and now bost one of the most fearsome three-headed monsters league-wide. Having a this scoring presence will make it that much harder for defenses to cue in on the Big Mac and allow him to exert himself less when his back's bothering him. Hopefully it'll lead to him staying healthy and finally snapping that playoff curse; he's good enough to re-write his legacy and finally looks to have the right team to do it with.

The future

Brandon Jennings bitch....get familiar

The Top 50

#12 - Yao Ming

What seems like ages ago (ok six seasons), the Houston Rockets struck lottery gold in the form of a curiously large man from Shanghai; a giant in both size and international stature he was an important addition on many levels. Their Franchise player already established, the Rockets front office felt their new star would be true to his namesake and another dynasty would reign in Houston. Somewhere along the way though, the wheels fell off (including Yao's more than a few times), and while Steve Francis was dealt in timely fashion before his disgraceful implosion, the Ming era has been far from prosperous.

It's often hard to see Yao for the player he is. Few athletes have ever been surrounded by as much hype as him; been as closely scrutinized or had more weight on their shoulders. The first legit basketball superstar from the World's most populous country, he was looked on as more than a saviour for a troubled franchise but a global ambassador of a game hose international appeal was booming. He juggled his newfound celebrity and the challenges of being an NBA rookie admirably, keeping a smile for the ominous media and Houston in the playoff race until the season's final games. It was a promising beginning, but even though his game has grown strong enough to fit his 7'6" frame, said frame hasn't held up its end of the deal.

Yao's played no more than 57 games in any of the past three seasons; a troubling track record that makes you almost forget he's the best true center in the league. Year after year, the Rockets seem poised to contend in the West, only to fall short when Yao inevitably falls down. Years of balancing commitments to the NBA and China's national team are taking their toll and the big guy might have to slow his roll, lest evolve into an Asian Patrick Ewing by his 30th birthday.

He's lucky in the sense that his game is fairly laid-back; he's not called on to run the floor a whole lot, doesn't play an overly physical game in the post and is naturally long enough that he doesn't need to exert himself as much as other players to rebound and block shots. Another bonus will the newfound presence of Ron Artest, which will ease the burden on Yao's legs (and T-Mac's back) by providing defensive enforcement and 20/game if needed. The team should be good enough to stay near the top of the West even if Yao's coasting in neutral from time to time, which might be their best course of action, because another serious injury could spell the end of their season, and seriously endanger Yao's career.

The Top 50

#13 - Steve Nash

He looks a little out of place for sure; the tiny white soccer player who dominates the hardwood like the tall, athletic African-Americans who are truly considered the best in the NBA. But while his physique certainly doesn't intimidate, his uncanny ability to run circles around any defense terrifies everybody he faces. Equally proficient in turning impossible angles into easy opportunities for both himself and his teammates, Nash can burn people any way he wants and make it look way to easy for a skinny white kid from Canada.

The Basketball Gods created a truly unique specimen; a glorious union of Stockton and Pistol Pete who'd be among the league's leading scorers if he didn't have so many able teammates to create shots for...and wasn't so fucking good at it. It's remarkable watching him play because he gives up so much in size and athleticism against almost every opponent, yet he has so much on them in pure basketball ability. Nash has a feel for the game few have ever possessed; he sees things other don't, makes moves others wouldn't think to and looks smoother than the warm butter he turns defenses into. His constant movements keep defenses alert and because he's the league's best passer and one of its deadliest shooters, he sucks in coverage like a black hole anywhere inside 30 feet and gives the likes of Amare and Shaq that much more room to operate.  

With such praises raining down on him, you might wonder why he's isn't a little higher. I tried convincing myself I'd rather have Nash on my squad than some of the guys just ahead of him, but if any player this high on the list has truly seen his best years, it's him. Already a late bloomer by NBA standards, he's milked his prime longer than Mark Cuban and everyone else believe he could. By the time last year's playoffs rolled around, Steve was visibly strained; a step slow with and without the ball while Tony Parker dominated him worse than he is by Eva. Nash was never one to really, you know, play defense, but last season he was just a straight up liability. With D'Antoni gone and presumably more of an emphasis on D in Phoenix, this will put more of an onus on him than ever before...and probably won't work out so well. Though a player like Steve who relies on skills rather than athleticism tends to age well, it might not be enough for the Suns, who suddenly look very old; like they're almost setting, and more out of place among the West playoff teams than Nash looks this high on the list.

Bron takes a rare L

The Top 50

#14 - Deron Williams
He’s not Chris Paul. The comparisons have stuck like duct tape ever since the Jazz snagged Williams with the third pick in the 2005 Draft, right ahead of the Wake Forest phenom. Despite his own dominance, Deron just can’t seem to shake the unfair and illogical parallels that are constantly drawn between the two classmates. He may never be as good as Paul, but looking at Williams’ ability in his shadow is a tragic undermining of one of the best players in the game.

Standing a solid 6’3”, Williams has the body physically dominate most point guards he faces. While he isn’t nearly as quick as the top-tier 1’s he joined the ranks of last season, he’s very good at using his size to shoot over and muscle through smaller defenders. Thus, he dropped 19/game and shot more efficiently than any other point last season, besting Paul and even Steve Nash with a .507 shooting clip. His 19/10/.500 last season put him in the exclusive company of the Johnsons (Magic and Kevin), something even Chris Paul can’t claim.

Equally adept at scoring and distributing, Williams seamlessly slid between roles and led Utah near the top of the West, but was still slept on by ignorant coaches who left him off the All-Star squad. He proceeded to annihilate the Skills Competition and went on a second-half tear that saw him dish more assists in March than any player not named John Stockton has in a single month and light up the Lakers for 22/12/5 in a second-round loss. His place among the game’s best was questioned; his response left no room for debate.

Deron’s ridiculous end to last season and ensuing triumph in Beijing bode well for a Utah team looking to make waves in the West. One of the few teams with a legitimate shot at winning a conference that somehow might be even tougher than last season, they’ve found a true leader in Williams. All of 24, he’s improved his game every year and has time on his side; the tandem he forms with Carlos Boozer already drawing some legitimate (though premature) comparisons to Stockton and Malone. But enough of the comparisons. They’re demeaning to the skills of one of the league’s brightest young stars. He’s not Chris Paul, but almost every other point guard in the league isn’t Deron Williams.

The Top 50

#15 - Allen Iverson

It's nothing short of a miracle that AI's survived long enough to see his name on this list. Let's ignore the fact that he's one of the league's most prolific scorers ever and focus on the simple reality that he's generously listed at six feet and has taken more abuse over the past decade than any player who never released an album called Shaq Fu. Night after night, for years, he's dominated the game as a dwarf amongst giants; and the past couple of seasons, against all conventional wisdom, has shown no signs of aging. Last season was a disappointment in Denver, but AI's 26/7/2 steals (and the fewest turnovers of his career) were nothing for the 32 year-old to be ashamed of. It's a miracle that he's still playing; that he's still playing this well is beyond adjectives.

There isn't much to say about Iverson's nastiness that hasn't already been beaten to death. He's World-class is so many regards, from his retarded handle to his dizzying quickness with the ball and on D, and ability to finish amidst much larger bodies. One of the few players who can destroy an opposing team by himself, Iverson sits third in career scoring average behind two dudes named Wilt and Michael. When you remember that he's 6 feet tall, he could be called the greatest scorer ever.

At this point though, you've gotta question his ability to lead a winning team. Iverson, (who dropped the gem "how the hell can I make my teammates better by going to practice?" at the end of his infamous "Practice" rant) has gone through almost as many wingmen as injuries. Carmelo Anthony, Keith Van Horn (during his brief stint as a legit NBA starter), Derrick Coleman, Jerry Stackhouse and Chris Webber have all failed in attempts to play second-fiddle alongside AI. The '01 squad he somehow dragged to the Finals was a rounded team whose second-best player was Dikembe, and AI's heroics were only thing preventing some broom action in that series. The rest of his career's been plagued by early exits and lottery visits, a fate he's almost certain to repeat in Denver this season. As insane as his career's been, he's never been called a winner, and with each passing season his body will take more of a pounding and he'll (probably) slow down soon. 

He's currently committed to a franchise that's salary-cap shackled and dumping talent for nothing to get under it, and far from a lock for the playoff next year. As many incredible things as he's done in his career, if he can lead this wayward Nuggets team to a title before Father Time finally catches up on D, it might top them all. 

The Top 50

#16 – Gilbert Arenas
Agent Zero talks a big one. He’s among the most visible of all athletes (and some would argue the most arrogant) already an award-winning blogger and YouTube regular in addition to his basketball superstardom. He gives himself hilarious nicknames, calls out other players and speaks his mind on (literally) any topic; all while carrying a swag that keeps everybody laughing and the Commish on edge. He’d be the league’s class clown if he weren’t also one of its deadliest players.

Sure, he hasn’t been healthy in a while, but Arenas is still young enough to bounce back to the Hibachi days, when it wasn’t a matter of if he would burn your team, but how severely. Just a year removed from 28/5/6 and 2 steals; impressive even without the slew of scoring outbursts in the wake of Olympic snub (60 on Kobe and the Lakers for good measure) and some of the sickest game-winners ever. He’s among the gutsiest players ever, never afraid to take big shots and place the onus on himself.

His style of commanding the ball may not be ideal on a team with two other guys doing 20/game, but if Arenas can handle having his ego on the backburner, it’ll open up more looks for Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison to build upon their excellent ’08 seasons. Gilbert’s also gonna have to work on putting faith in his younger teammates, as Washington’s supporting cast could easily blossom under his guidance or be crippled by his criticism. For better or worse, he might be the most vocal guy on any team, and channelling positive feedback to the Wizards’ bench mob will help them strengthen the team beyond its feared threesome.

Arenas’ return to the lineup this season will be the ultimate catalyst; the ignition sparking a fire that will blow the Wizards up one way or another. Having lost the Lebron Show in the opening round of the playoffs the last three years, patience is no doubt wearing thin. If the wizards can’t win more with Gilbert healthy this season then it might be time to remodel the roster. Either way, with him involved again, it’ll be worth tuning in for.

The Top 50

#17 - Dirk Nowitzki
I hope this isn’t too low. Dirk’s my least favourite player in the league by a wide margin, so I’ve never been one to praise him. But still. He was MVP* just a year ago. He’s among the rare elite that have reserved All-Star jerseys. He’s the best-shooting 7-footer ever; the guy who started that obscure Euro-fad that accosted the Draft. Whatever. I can’t bring myself to put Nowitzki any higher.

I’ll give him credit where it’s due: his offensive game is extremely effective, he’s a nightmare matchup who can shoot over almost anyone and beat slower defenders off the dribble. He runs the floor and passes extremely well for a big man, doesn’t cough the rock up much and at times can be just plain dominant (recall the ’06 Western Finals). He’s even been remarkably durable, playing in over 70 for the last nine seasons. Bottom line: he’s still one of the nicest offensive players in the league. Nowitzki is up at 17 don’t forget, ahead of some dudes who no GM would trade straight up for him.

...But on the flipside, Dirk’s a chump. He never plays tough defense, perennially underachieves in the playoffs and disappears in the crunch of his most important games. He’s been given some excellent coaching, surrounded by excesses of talent, and still hasn’t copped that ring Mark Cuban’s chasing after like Gollum. Dirk’s questionable legacy will forever be inflated by his Podoloff, even though his face was still swollen from the brisk swipe of Baron Davis’ backhand when he received it. But those glory days appear to have passed; his numbers are down across the board from several years ago and he’s lost some explosiveness in his attacks to the hoop.

I’m forced to see him for what he is: a former over-rated MVP who’s on the decline and further from title contention than he’s been since he was a rookie. He’s never been a good leader, clutch finisher or source of inspiration for his teammates, so I’m sceptical of his, or his team’s, ability to make the dramatic turnaround they need to contend again.

The Top 50

#18 - Baron Davis
It was a tough year in Golden State. The team was riding high after their stunning run into the West playoffs, looking to continue burning teams that now had their guard up against their frenetic attack.

But things got off to a rocky start when emotional lynchpin Stephen Jackson was suspended for the first seven games – all Ls. They bounced back into the playoff picture in an insanely tough conference, led by the inspired play of Davis, one of the toughest guards in the league himself. He had conquered an MVP and a 67-win team, rained triple-doubles when Tracy McGrady’s playoff ambition got a little premature, and wouldn’t let Golden State stay in the basement. They stormed through the season’s middle stages, making up lost ground behind Davis’ 22/5/8, adding 2 ½ steals/game against West point guards, no easy feat. The team seemed poised for return to the playoffs, and the race went down to the season’s final games, but the wheels came off down the stretch, just as the season had started, and the
Warriors found themselves outside the bracket.

The strain of the season had worn on the whole team, most visibly Davis, who spent the second half of the team’s final game parked on the bench, holding several pounds of Don Nelson’s smoked beef. His upcoming free agency was no doubt on his mind, and probably should’ve been on Nelson’s. Baron bolted to the Clippers, who will be joining Golden State in the desperate race for the West’s final playoff spots. Without their best player (and with their new point guard battling a serious injury), the Warriors are going to be hard-pressed to play on the same level. They’ll miss his shooting, his crossover, his fearless takes to the hoop, his clutch playmaking, crowd-hyping hysterics and, of course, the beard. Things are going to be much tougher without him.

The Top 50

#19 – Chris Bosh
Over the past year, with the fading of Mats Sundin and Vernon Wells, Chris Bosh has had to assume a new role: no longer just the face of his own franchise, he’s the best pro athlete in Toronto. He runs the city, and as the dude leading the NBA’s last link to Canada, he faces some heavy expectations for his skinny frame to shoulder. So far however, he’s been outstanding, and All-Star and Olympian who leads by example both on and off the court; one of the NBA’s class acts and brightest young stars.

A product of the revered Class of ‘03, Bosh has lived up to his billing as the top big man in the draft, even thrust into the spotlight at such a young age. He was a 19 year-old with just his freshman season at Georgia Tech and 20-some-odd NBA games under his belt when the Raptors traded Vince Carter and he became the future of basketball north of the border. A entire country would be watching. No biggie. He remained cool under pressure, steadily improved his game every year and bulked up, becoming somewhat of a physical presence on a team that sorely missed the likes of Antonio Davis and Charles Oakley. He hit game winners, challenged his teammates and became active in charity work, giving back to the city that had put so much on him; he was everything Toronto could’ve asked for in a franchise player.

Bosh enters ’08-’09 with new company flanking him in the Raps’ starting lineup. JO’s the first All-Star caliber player Bosh will have shared a jersey with (…Vince’s final season with Toronto was hardly “All-Star caliber”), and if he stays healthy will give him much more room to operate in the mid-range game he loves to exploit. Also helping their cause will be the increased role of Jose Calderon and the continuing development of Jamario Moon and (Lord willin’) Andrea Bargnani. O’Neal’s health is the big question mark but this team has the potential to contend in the East if everything falls into place. Their ever-adoring fans in Canada, surely anxious for this team to succeed, will have those same heavy expectations. One thing they can count on for sure is Bosh; fresh off a gold medal in Beijing, he’s not in the losing spirit, and if what he’s done in the face of expectations is any indication, he’ll deliver.

The Top 50

#20 – Emmanuel Ginobili
While reading what follows, try and remember we’re talking about a bench player here. This guy would be welcomed into any starting backcourt in the L, but graciously accepts a backseat to balance San Antonio’s attack. The fact that he hardly played 30 minutes/game last year didn’t stop him from dropping barely under 20/5/5, as his versatility proved almost as impressive as his relentlessly passionate play.

Manu leaves it all on the floor; he arguably plays harder than anyone else in the league, maybe even the World. He’s fearless; never shying away from a bigger opponent, he drives to the hoop with determination that would seem reckless if he didn’t do it so easily. It’s no different story on defense, where he’s constantly instigating; poking at dribbles, diving for loose balls, creating offensive fouls at every opportunity. He chases the rock like it’s a fucking leprechaun. While there’s no doubt his heart and hustle are what fuels his excellence, don’t think Ginobili isn’t insanely talented. His range extends to 3-point range and he’s becoming as dangerous a jumpshooter as he is a slasher. His handle’s sleek, his vision vast and his passes on point. There aren’t any glaring flaws in his game, he’s truly one of the league’s best all-around players.


Now try and remember: we’re talking about a bench player here. The privilege of starting the game on the floor, a divisive issue for several players on many teams, is of no consequence to a guy who can hold weight this high on any top 50 list. Manu has more important things on his mind, like winning; already having hoisted the Larry O (thrice) and stood atop the Olympic podium. He’ll both lead and follow, filling whatever role helps get the W. A rare breed in modern basketball, Ginobili personifies what it means to love the game, so it’s hard to show him anything else in return.

The Top 50

#21 – Elton Brand

Elton recently spurned a longtime shoe deal with a much larger company to sign with Converse, where he’ll establish a signature line. The first installment’s a discreet design, like a sedated pair of Nike Forces, which will exclusively retail for a modest 90 bucks at a department store chain. It’ll be a shoe without the ego and flashy ad campaign; one that simply gets the job done. Kind of appropriate since that’s what Elton’s been doing his whole career.

He burst onto the scene in ‘99-00, sharing ROY honors with some dude named Steve Francis. He dropped the 20 and 10 he’s consistently put up ever since, establishing himself as a monster on both sides of the ball who’s also swatted 2 shots/game over his career. He’s never developed his game much because he frankly didn’t have much need to; he came into the league as ready as anyone could’ve been. You hardly ever hear about the guy because he’s played on some absolutely horrendous teams over the years, but he’s shown up, given his all and never complained to the media, demanded trades or hardly raised an eyebrow, just waited for an out.

That out finally came this summer when Brand became an unrestricted free agent and the prize catch of an otherwise shallow offseason. Rather than re-up with the Clippers, even after their acquisition of Baron Davis, Elton crossed the country to Philadelphia, where he’ll address the team’s desperate need for a low-post scoring threat and (likely) instantly vault them into the Conference’s elite tier. The promise shown by the young team he’ll lead exceeds anything ever exhibited by his surroundings in LA and Chicago. Brand could, for the first time his career, have a legitimate shot at the Finals; his chance to perform under the bright lights on the NBA’s biggest stage. And after struggling on so many sub-par teams all these years, just like when he came out of college, no one’s more ready than he is.

The Top 50

#22 – Carlos Boozer

Here’s another dude I find it really hard to be objective towards. I’m a devout Lebron James fan, and with that has come a natural adoration of the Cavs. So it’s impossible for me not to be just slightly bitter towards a dude who spurned a verbal contract with the team’s owner, a blind man no less, to sign with the Jazz for more money….leaving Drew Gooden in his wake. But like Vince before him on this list (and several to follow), his play still amazes me, despite what I’ll say about his character. I’ll hate the player, not the game. The anchor of a devastating one-two punch that leads one of the West’s best teams, he’s an undersized 4, but one of the best in the business.

Boozer’s a straight up bull; an extremely physical bruiser who lurks in the mid-low post amongst bigger bodies and still dominates. He’s not extremely athletic or quick, but his strength and excellent fundamentals (4 years with Coach K will rub off on a guy) have made him a true force. He waxes glass better than any player his height in the L; 10/game last year after almost 12 the season before. ’08 also saw him average 20 on .547 from the floor and a decent 74% from the stripe. Boozer rounded out his efficient attack with a positive assist/turnover ratio, impressive for a player on a team with few shooters who isn’t known as a passer.

Utah will have their work cut out for them next year, with Houston likely leaping ahead of them into the West’s elite echelon. The Lakers and Hornets are primed for repeats of their huge seasons and the Spurs can never be counted out. Throw in wild cards like Phoenix, Portland, Dallas and whoever else decides to make waves in the West, and things should be getting crowded atop the standings again. No one should be entirely enthralled about the Jazz’s prospects of coming out on top, but Carlos Boozer’s been here before. Written off as too small for big leagues, he sunk to the second round, coming out of nowhere to prove he more than belongs. Maybe he can defy the odds again…but bet the house I’ll be rooting against him.

The Top 50

#23 – Ron Artest

Ron’s got some issues. Sure, all of us do to some extent, but the guy’s just plain nuckin’ futs. Domestic disputes. Absence requests to promote rap albums. Igniting the most infamous brawl in North American sports history. His rap sheet goes on, such that most guys whose names attached to it would’ve been out of the league years ago. Artest though, much like his fan-fighting former partner in crime Stephen Jackson, makes crazy look too damn good.

Ron is what he is; probably the most intense guy in the league. Raw and unchained, he’s a beast on both ends of the court, his excellence birthed from equal parts basketball skill and utter insanity. Compounding the danger of this fragile mind is the body that houses it; that rare Lebron-ish combination of strength and agility. His imposing 6’8” frame can muscle up with bigger players and just plain bully everybody else, whether he’s making moves to the hoop or getting in the way of someone else’s. Many would argue he’s the best defender in the league and absolutely nobody would tell him otherwise to his face. On the other hand, Artest is also an adept scorer with a streaky shot and indomitable will to get at the basket. He handles and passes extremely well for a player his size, though some would, all too naturally, question his decision making from time to time.

Artest will be arriving in Houston amid much apprehension. His play will be of great value to a team like the Rockets that prides itself on defense and could use another gun when T-Mac or Yao invariably gets injured. But then there’s the always –present worry about his frame of mind. Is he still the same guy who applied for a part-time job at Circuit City to cash in on employee discounts, or are we to believe him when he says he’s matured and will help bring a title back to Texas. One thing’s for sure, it’ll be entertaining in any regard, but hopefully this time for the right reasons.

The Top 50

#25 – Antawn Jamison &
#24 – Caron Butler

Had to throw these guys together; the decision between them was so difficult I swapped them three or four times. While Jamison was the team’s veteran leader, top scorer and rebounder, Butler emerged as the better all-around player. They were one of the many teams that defied the odds in ’08, reaching the playoffs after losing Gilbert after surprising growth from their young supporting cast but mainly because these two were invaluable.

Antawn was (barely) the squad’s leading scorer at 21/game, also hauling in ten boards; standard issue, he’s been doing this for years. He was flanked in the All-Star game by Butler, whose 20, 7 and 5 were bolstered by over 2 steals/game; hard to believe the Lakers gave him away for Kwame. He was a clutch performer who brought the kinda of toughness only a childhood on the block and stints in the pen, and furthermore solitary can breed. He may turn the ball over (a lot) more than Jamison but handles the rock much more, distributes better and makes up for it with, apologies to Deshawn Stevenson, the tightest D on the team. Both are hard-nosed competitors who can affects games on both ends of the floor, but Butler’s youth, athleticism and straight up nastiness give him the edge.

Despite the promise this duo showed last year, Washington still finds themselves looking upward at the East’s elite. They’ve been put out by the Cavs in the first round 3 years running and haven’t made big upgrades like the Raptors and Sixers. Agent Zero’s presence will be welcomed but there was more than enough talk of the Wizards being a better team without him dominating the ball last season. All three of their stars are locked-up long term so something’s gotta give. If they can co-exist and help each other’s games then regardless of who they take the floor with, Washington will be dangerous. But if things go sour and the team fails to show progress, it’s highly possible one of these two could be relocating by next year.

The Top 50

#26 - Joe Johnson
When Johnson bolted from his role as a long-bombing swingman in Phoenix a few seasons back, there were many questions left unanswered. Why would the Hawks throw so much money at him? Was he ready to lead a young team into the postseason? Would he be able to open his game up without Nash and Killer Mike conducting? It was a recipe for disaster, especially in Atlanta, where playoff tickets hadn’t been on sale since the late cretaceous.

JJ answered any questions (and doubters) swiftly, notching up his numbers across the board, leading a young Hawks team in its tepid race to the playoffs. He scored, distributed, defended, did everything the franchise expected of him and more, becoming a staple at the All-Star game and leaving countless dignities shattered. When the rest of the young’ns finally caught up with him, it was enough to bring the NBA Playoffs back to Phillips arena, even come within a hair of a first round upset against the eventual champs.

As promising as the futures of all Atlanta’s young starters might be, this is no doubt Johnson’s team. As the primary scorer and de facto playmaker, he holds most of the cards. He’s the engine fuelling the Hawks’ ascent back to contention. The only question left to be answered is how high they’ll rise.

The Top 50

#27 - Tony Parker
Mr. Longoria’s been a fixture among the association’s best point guards for a few years now. He came into the league an obscure late-first round draft pick, but as late-first round draft picks tend to do on San Antonio, developed into a solid player, eventually an All-Star and poised member of the league’s most feared threesome. His game’s almost as nice as his wife.

Formerly a league-leader in points in the paint (recall he’s roughly the size of a freshly baked baguette), Parker slashes without fear as one of the quickest ever off the dribble, and has developed a steady jumper inside 20 feet to keep defenders both honest and afraid. He may never be considered the league’s best passer, but he finds open men easily, often creating the space himself. An improving defender, he’s one of the league’s most dangerous all-around offenders.

True to form, the Spurs couldn’t cop a title in an “even” year last season, looking further away from their dominant selves than they have in a while. The squad’s old. They need some young legs to step up when age and injuries inevitably get the better of them. Which means, as much as Pretty Tony’s given them, they might need even more to win another ‘chip.