This week's Top 5 Tuesday has to be NBA-related, given the ridiculously fun conference finals series currently going on. As I type, the Orlando Magic have taken a 3-1 series lead on Cleveland. Yes, you read that right. And I still think the Cavs have a good chance to win the series. Anyway, I think most people can agree that the top five players in the league right now are, in some order, King James, Black Mamba, Flash, CP3, and D-12 (although I'd debate Howard's inclusion). I thought about trying to rate the top five playoff moments I've ever seen, but figuring out which five Michael Jordan moments to include was a bit redundant. So, I am electing to go with your Top 5 NBA Players to Watch. It might be guys who hustle, guys who dunk, guys on your favorite team(s), or what have you. The only stipulation is that it must be a CURRENT NBA player (thereby eliminating Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Tim Kempton). My choices:
Honorable Mention: Chauncey Billups, Caron Butler, Ben Gordon (when he's hot), Baron Davis (when he cares), Tim Duncan (a former top 5 guy, but getting a bit older).
5b) Kevin Durant: There is no doubt in my mind that he will be in the Top 5 next year. Of course, that requires me actually being able to watch him on television. I saw the AFKATSS (Artists Formerly Known As The SuperSonics) play two times all season, and will need some more Durant time to adequately elevate him to Top 5 status. Either way, I too developed a man-crush while he was at Texas and love his ability to score in every way from every spot on the floor.
5a) Lebron James: Everyone loves him, and rightfully so. He is only down a bit on my list because he's just so physically imposing that it is almost unfair sometimes. Apparently only the Magic have figured out how to slow down the guy. His passing, weakside shot-blocking, and thunderous dunks are unmatched.
4) Brandon Roy: LOVED him in college at Washington and begged Bob's Cats to pick him in the draft. Naturally, they chose Adam Morrison instead (since he was not even the best collegiate player in his state at Gonzaga and he cried. Excuse me, she cried) and continue to search for a go-to-guy to score down the stretch from the wing. Go figure. Anyway, Roy does everything well and is a really tough dude. I enjoy the Trail Blazers mostly because of him and am looking forward to watching them grow up. He's just a gritty, clutch player.
3) Carmelo Anthony: Again, LOVED him in college. Saw him play early that season in Madison Square Garden and fell for his polished offensive game in the NCAA Tournament. He is such a phenomenal scorer for the Denver Nuggets, another young team that has been fun to watch grow. I find 'Melo frustrating at times because he can lose focus and not hustle back; on the flip side, I find him incredibly talented and efficient scoring the ball. My favorite part of his game is the smoothness - no one else like that in the league right now.
2) Chris Paul: I HATED him in college. He played on two great teams at Wake Forest, harassed the Heels on numerous occasions, and whined more than his fair share. He also did this. I figured he would go to the NBA and be a good, but not great, point guard. Now, I am a big Raymond Felton guy, and I like Deron Williams too. But, there is no argument about the best point guard from the 2005 draft. It is Chris Paul, a gap, then the debate begins. CP3 is faster than fast, pokes and prodes the opposing defense better than anyone other than Steve Nash and Ron Jeremy, and drops dimes like I drop rhymes (see?). Paul can score when needed and is one of the best pick pockets in the NBA. Paul is also a terrific team leader and seems to will his teammates to a higher level. There are few guys this competitive in the league, and his refuse-to-lose mentality is what sets him apart from his peers and puts him this high on my list.
1) Mark Madsen: because of this.
Ok, fine. The real #1?
1) Dwayne Wade: I do not care for the Heat, nor have I cared for many of their marquee players since Wade entered the league. That should illustrate the level of respect and admiration I have for D-Wade's game. This guy absolutely KILLS himself every. single. night. for his team. One injury-riddled season in 2007-2008 led them to the lottery. A full--strength D-Wade led them to an overachieving 5-seed. He is as personable a player as the Association has, a good guy off the court. He can do anything on both ends of the floor. But, it is the will to win and his 110% all the time that puts him tops on my list.
Alright, that's it for this week's Top 5 Tuesday. Later on this week, a look at three types of baseball. Next week's Top 5 will take place on a holiday on sorts, so get ready for a double-decker of analysis.
Holla atcha boy.
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4 comments:
Near misses: Deron Williams, Ginobili and Steve Nash, because they’re great. Derrick Rose, Raymond Felton and Gerald Wallace, because they play for the Bulls and Bobcats.
5) I am going to go with the little guy from the small college. Jose Barea will never be an all-star but, I love his quickness and scrappiness. If I were an NBA player, I would be Barea and that is enough for me to include him.
4) LeBron is down on my list for the reasons that you mentioned. He is so physically dominating that it is not always enjoyable to watch, but there are those moments when he is simply amazing. Plus he enjoys basketball and includes his teammates. Recently, I’ve also been turned off by people championing him as the GOAT. That is another argument for another day, but he is still rough around the edges...as great as he is, the fact the he can improve probably means he’ll move up the list. If he goes to the Knicks, I’ll passionately root against him forevermore. I’ll still watch, but I want like it.
3)CP3 – I doubted him in high school, hated him in college and I still don’t like him, but he is great! Great handle, great passer and great body control.
2)DWade – Love him for all the reasons you mentioned, but I don’t want him to be #1 until he is wearing a Bulls’ jersey! Come home Dwayne; you’re momma misses you.
1)Kobe Bryant – He is cocky and arrogant. He calls out teammates, coaches, owners and demanded to be traded after he dismantled the core of the championship Lakers. He may not be the best in the league, but if I need to make one shot to win a game, he is the guy. He is the best scorer in the league and I’ve seen very few who can slow him down (I have no idea how to explain the Rockets series). Did I mention that he whines and is maybe the only man on earth who comes off more disingenuous than ARod? Regardless, I continue to be amazed at what he is able to do on the court and I’ll continue to watch to see what he does next.
To get a head start on the next topic, I love small ball. I love stealing bases, bunting guys into scoring position and executing the hit n run. I like getting guys out without throwing a pitch and the other details that MLB teams have forgotten. Chicks dig the long ball, but complain that baseball is boring. What is more boring than waiting 3 hours for someone to go deep? In the long run, taking care of fundamentals is what brings lasting success.
Two additional thoughts: Paul punching Hodge was dirty, but probably deserved. AND, Mark Madsen may have less rhythm than I do. It is close, but I think I come out ahead.
Derrick Rose will probably be on this list at some point, good call. Count me "on" that bandwagon.
i like DWade, but he falls down too much. still don't like CP3 from his days in college, but he is the best PG in the league. i LOVE Tim Duncan & Ginobili (obviously), but i get so pissed at them that it's hard for me to watch my own team play. they gave me high blood pressure. seriously. i am a fan of Baron Davis, but i'll never see him again because he plays for the Clippers now. oh yeah, throw KG in the mix just because of his passion & fire. on to the list...
5a/5b) Durant and/or Joe Johnson - Longhorn, plus he can pretty much do it all. JJ is a smooth player and i just like his game.
4) Tony Parker - apparently it's impossible to stay in front of this guy. (bias pick) plus they will show shots of his wife. in all seriousness, top ten in points in the paint and he plays PG...
3) Melo - He is a human match-up problem. there are no holes in his offensive game. period. the only way you stop him is if he is just missing shots. other than that, nothing you can do.
2) LBJ - i know he's a freak of nature, but he plays like one too. plus he has so much passion for the game.
1) Mamba - if you played in a basketball game for your life who would you pick first to be on your team? anyone other than Kobe and you are going to die!! and i hate Kobe. he will score 40 and shut down your best player.
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