(Fox Sports) Top 50

http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/6077438

LeBron leads list of NBA's top 50 players
Story Tools:
Print Email Blog This Subscribe
Mike Kahn / Special to FOXSports.com
Posted: 5 hours ago

Now we know. All the stories and the rave reviews about this unusual specimen of a basketball player in northern Ohio were true.

Never mind that LeBron James actually exceeded the hype as a rookie and put together numbers that nobody in NBA history had managed before he was 21. But now, at 21, he has not only put up numbers, he has lifted the previously woebegone Cleveland Cavaliers franchise into a serious playoff contender.

Kobe Bryant is probably the most skilled player in the world, though he lacks a few intangibles. (Andrew D. Bernstein / Getty Images)

So when you put together individual statistics that have never been matched with nearly upsetting the two-time defending champion Detroit Pistons in the conference semifinals last spring, it isn't much of a stretch to name James as the top player in the annual FOXSports.com NBA Top 50 players ranking.

It would be easy to make a case for NBA Finals MVP Dwyane Wade of the champion Miami Heat or Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant — still clearly the best pure basketball talent on the planet. (In fact, it required a week to decide between the three).

Then again, to break them down 1-50, plus honorable mention, is a ludicrous task, so the basis for the rankings ranges from the ability to win, to potential for this season and that inalienable feeling in my oversized gut I get when contemplating performance.

But when it came right down to it, James had to be the indisputable choice. At 6-foot-8, 240 pounds, he has ball-handling skills comparable to Magic Johnson, his shooting range has grown off the charts and his ability to take the ball to the basket and make plays at the end of the game moved him up to an entirely different level.

That's not to diminish what Wade accomplished by any stretch of the imagination. Not only did he anchor the Miami Heat all season long into the NBA Finals, but he did it with new people around him and with Shaquille O'Neal missing 23 games. And then to top it off, he took over the NBA Finals when the Heat were on the verge of getting taken out by the Dallas Mavericks to win the NBA Finals MVP.

And Bryant still is the best pure overall player — with better shooting skills and defensive ability than either James or Wade — and he nearly led the Lakers over the Phoenix Suns in the West semifinals.

Some people can even make a case for Dirk Nowitzki, leading the Mavericks to their first NBA Finals ever. Or Steve Nash, the back-to-back MVP winner simply because of what he does for the Phoenix Suns.

Lastly, there's always the possibility of Tim Duncan returning to form and leading the San Antonio Spurs to a fourth NBA title over the past eight years.

But when all was said and done, it had to be James. He has the ability to seize the game at any moment with extraordinary flair from anywhere on the floor, but it generally translates into winning time — which is what ultimately separated him from the rest of the pack on this subjective list. The only question is how far the Cavs will go with him.

So having said that, let's move on to the best 50 players in the NBA — plus a few more — and we can argue the rest later.

Just 21, LeBron James is already a physically dominant player with breathtaking ability. (David Liam Kyle / Getty Images)

1. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers, age 21, 6-foot-8, 240 pounds: 31.4 pts., 7.0 rebs., 6.6 assists

It remains to be seen how far James, who grew up down the road in Akron, can lead his hometown team. Every year he continues to astound with his growth in skills. Now we'll see how he responds after such a hectic off-season with the Senior National Team.

2. Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat, 24, 6-4, 210: 27.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 6.7 assists

It would be impossible for Wade to have a better season than he did, topping it off at the NBA Finals. His demeanor on and off the court is exemplary, and he exemplifies excitement. But there is this unmistakable fear of his body breaking down because of the way he plays. And it is very real.

3. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers 28, 6-6, 220: 35.4, 5.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists

His overall skills are without question, and the way he led the Lakers to a 3-1 lead over the Suns in the playoffs was very special to watch. But when it was there to win, he didn't do it. And it remains to be seen if Bryant's mental maturity will ever reach his basketball maturity.

4. Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs, 30, 6-11, 260: 18.6 pts., 11.0 reb., 2.03 blk.

It was a rough year for Duncan and the Spurs with injuries and an impossibly difficult loss to the Mavs in the conference semifinals that easily could have gone their way. Well, this time, Duncan is the one who didn't play in the off-season, and he'll return presumably with a chip on his shoulder to take back the Western Conference crown.

5. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks, 28, 7-0, 250: 26.6 pts., 9.0 reb., 1.02 blk

Finally, Nowitzki got validation by leading the Mavs to the NBA Finals and was often spectacular in doing it. Coach Avery Johnson got him to spend more time in the post, which in turn got him to the free-throw line. But he faded badly against the Heat, which leaves plenty of room for growth.

6. Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns, 32, 6-3, 195: 18.8 pts., 10.5 ast., .921 free throw percentage

To win the MVP two years in a row speaks volumes for a guy who led two different groups to the conference finals in two seasons. He is the best point guard in the game and by definition is unparalleled at making his teammates better. Next is actually reaching the NBA Finals.

7. Kevin Garnett, Minnesota Timberwolves, 30, 6-11, 230: 21.8 pts., 12.7 reb., 4.1 ast.

It was a really rugged year for KG and the Wolves, ending his NBA-record streak at six when he failed to reach 5.0 assists per game to go along with at least 20 points and 10 rebounds. Nonetheless, he is a uniquely skilled player in dire need of better teammates and a chance to win.

8. Elton Brand, Los Angeles Clippers, 27, Los Angeles Clippers: 6-8, 270: 24.7 pts., 10.0 reb., 2.54 blk.

Finally, Brand got his due as the Clippers rose to play deep into the Western Conference playoffs for the first time. He added a very reliable 16-foot jumper, but those extraordinarily long arms make him devastating around the basket at both ends of the floor.

9. Shaquille O'Neal, Miami Heat, 34, 7-1, 325: 20.0 pts., 9.2 reb., 1.76 blk.

Right up front, Shaq got his title before Kobe got his since the breakup. That makes the score 4-3, Shaq. But there's more to it than that. He deferred to Wade because he is smart enough to know his skills have eroded. But that doesn't mean he can't and won't still dominate games, which he still does.

10. Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nugget,s 22, 6-8, 225: 26.5 pts., 4.9 reb., 2.7 ast.:

From everything we've seen the past year, he has shed the problems of immaturity off the floor to becoming the star he was expected to be in between the baselines. He led the NBA in game-winning shots and was the surprise of the Senior National Team. This season could be his coming-out party as a superstar.

Allen Iverson still plays the game with unparalleled passion. (Catherine Steenkeste / Getty Images)

11. Allen Iverson, Philadelphia 76ers, 31, 6-0, 165: 33.0 pts., 7.4 ast., 1.94 stl.:

Two consecutive early exits from the playoffs and the buzzards have been floating around the Sixers, but to place the blame on Iverson is way out of line. They just don't have a good mix around him. Then again, how much of the blame must fall on him because he dominates the ball so much? Regardless, he still plays with more passion and excitement than anybody else.

12. Yao Ming, Houston Rockets, 26, 7-5, 295: 22.3 pts., 10.2 reb.

Yao's game went to an entirely different level this past season, but unfortunately most of it was without injured Tracy McGrady; and the Rockets went nowhere. But if his toe problems don't set him back, Yao should become the most dominant interior force in the game this season and with a healthy McGrady, they'll be back in the playoffs.

13. Ray Allen, Seattle Sonics 31, 6-5, 205: 25.1 points, 4.3 reb., 3.7 ast.

The unofficial best perimeter shooter in the game, Allen's ability to score from anywhere on the floor and be such a vocal leader has always been impressive. But the Sonics went nowhere last season; and if they don't make the playoffs this season either, it will leave plenty of questions.

14. Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics 28, 6-6, 230: 26.8 pts., 6.7 reb., 4.7 ast.

Statistically speaking, he is as talented and productive as anybody in the game. But there has always been a question of his priorities and attitude on the floor. He appeared to mature leadership-wise last year on such a young team, and we'll see just how patient and how much farther along he can help take them.

15. Jermaine O'Neal, Indiana Pacers, 28, 6-11, 250: 20.1 pts., 9.3 reb., 2.29 blk.

O'Neal was a top-10 and occasionally a top-five player — and could return to that status — but he has to stay on the floor and help the Pacers win. He still talks a great game and has the skills to dominate inside and take it outside as well. But being injury prone has prevented him from remaining among the NBA elite. This is a big year for him and the Pacers.

16. Tracy McGrady, Houston Rockets, 27, 6-8, 210: 24.4 pts., 6.5 reb., 4.8 ast

All things being equal, McGrady is a top-five player. But things are not equal because of his back and occasional knee problems that have prevented him from being there. We can only hear and see so much about what a wonderful player he is if he can't stay on the floor. This is the year McGrady, Yao and the Rockets need to make some noise in the West.

17. Vince Carter, New Jersey Nets, 29, 6-6, 220: 24.2 pts., 5.8 reb., 4.3 ast.

Whatever Carter lost those last couple of seasons in Toronto, he found the past season-and-a-half after being traded to the Nets. He not only remains exciting going to the basket, but he hits big shots from all over the floor in big games. He's still a big star.

18. Gilbert Arenas, Washington Wizards, 24, 6-4, 210: 29.3 pts., 6.1 ast., 2.01 stl.

Nobody seems to have noticed that Arenas has become one of the most dominant floor leaders in the game. He can score from anywhere on the floor and still manage to keep his teammates involved. That will be the key to his future success and the team's — keeping everybody involved.

19. Shawn Marion, Phoenix Suns, 28, 6-7, 230: 21.8 pts., 11.0 reb., 1.98 stl.

For some strange reason, Marion has become the game's most talented player that people hate to love. Maybe it's his unorthodox shot, or his occasional stinkers in the playoffs. But the fact of the matter is he played out of position last season at power forward, and his numbers should be even better this year.

Chauncey Billups is an outstanding scorer, passer, defender and clutch shooter. (Jesse D. Garrabrant / Getty Images)

20. Chauncey Billups, Detroit Pistons, 29, 6-3, 202: 18.5 pts., 8.6 ast., .894 free throw pct.

Billups had his best season as the Pistons raced to the best record. Recognized for his cool, clutch play, he consistently makes plays for the Pistons at the most crucial times. But along with his teammates, Billups faded badly against the Cavs and had nothing left for the Heat. We'll learn a lot about his level of play this season.

21. Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix Suns, 24, 6-10, 250: 26.0 pts., 8.9 reb., 1.63 blk.

Those statistics are from two years ago because microfracture knee surgery on one knee, then arthroscopic surgery on the other, limited him to four games last season. If he comes all the way back, he's easily a top-10, or even a top-five, player. But the Suns are taking it slow and so is he. It may not be until next season that we'll know how close he'll be to his old self.

22. Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic, 20, 6-11, 265: 15.8 pts, 12.5 reb., 1.40 blk.

If this guy continues at the pace he grew a year ago, he'll be a top-10 player next year. His skills and aggressiveness are unparalleled with his size and agility at both ends of the floor. Now, he just has to get strong and learn the game a little better. He has superstar written all over him.

23. Joe Johnson, Atlanta Hawks, 25, 6-7, 230: 20.2 pts., 4.1 reb., 6.5 ast.

Johnson has the comparable overall game of the upper-echelon guys in this league. But playing on the Hawks — a team that doesn't win — prevents him from being ranked comparable to his skill. Should they continue to grow, then his star will be recognized right along with it.

24. Jason Kidd, New Jersey Nets, 33, 6-4, 210: 13.3 pts., 8.4 ast., 1.88 stl.

It would be wrong to assume Kidd is still the same player he was even five years ago, but he's responded from microfracture surgery as well as anybody and still is the guy who makes this team go. Of course, people keep buzzing about Nash, but Kidd has been doing the same thing for more than a decade — and more consistently.

25. Ben Wallace, Chicago Bulls, 32, 6-9, 240: 7.3 pts., 11.3 reb., 2.21 blk.

The biggest off-season move was Wallace bolting the Pistons for the Bulls. The Pistons wouldn't come close to the Bulls' offer and the buzz of diminished skills has continued. But his spirit and defensive intensity is what the Bulls needed and wanted. Overpaying him for four years is worth it if he lifts the team's level of play.

26. Ron Artest, Sacramento Kings, 26, 6-7, 245: 17.6 pts., 5.1 reb., 2.18 stl.

There is no player in the league who draws more contrasting opinions. He is a great defender with superior offensive skills. But he is so erratic on and off the court that it's tough to know what you will see from day to day. Nevertheless, the positive impact he made last season was obvious. Who knows what this year will bring?

27. Richard Jefferson, New Jersey Nets, 26, 6-7, 225: 19.5 pts., 6.8 reb., 3.8 ast.

People forget that Jefferson is not only a great finisher and tough perimeter shooter, but he always plays tough defense. In fact, that's what got him into the first round in the first place as his offense continued to develop. Just because Kidd and Carter often make the big shot doesn't diminish what he contributes.

28. Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs, 24, 6-2, 180: 18.9 pts., 5.8 ast., 1.0 stl.

Parker had his best season with the Spurs as his growth continued. No player in the league gets to the rim as easily or consistently as he does. But he still hasn't maintained a high level of play in the postseason, which continues to haunt him. Once he gets there and stays there, he'll be a perennial All-Star.

29. Chris Paul, Oklahoma City/New Orleans Hornets, 21, 6-0, 175: 16.1 pts., 5.1 ast., 2.24 stl.

The rookie of the year looks to be the point guard of the new generation. He did it all for the Hornets, and had injuries not slowed them down, they could have been the surprise team. He has been compared to Isiah Thomas and Phil Ford, but really, he's a new breed and a special one.

Few players in the NBA shoot and score better than Michael Redd. (Layne Murdoch / Getty Images)

30. Michael Redd, Milwaukee Bucks, 27, 6-6, 215: 25.4 pts., 4.3 reb., 2.9 ast.

Redd has become one of the top shooter/scorers in the league and should continue to grow in that realm. For him to become a true star, he must add other parts to his game to help make his teammates better and get the Bucks into solid playoff position instead of on the bubble every year.

31. Andrei Kirilenko, Utah Jazz, 25, 6-9, 215: 15.8 pts., 8.0 reb., 3.19 blk.

Nobody fills up a box score better than Kirilenko. He makes an impact all over the floor. But offensively he has yet to figure out his niche, which is all that separates him from being an All-Star as opposed to just a good all-around player who sometimes plays at an All-Star level.

32. Chris Bosh, Toronto Raptors, 22, 6-10, 235: 22.5 pts., 9.2 reb., 1.13 blk.

Great expectations abound for Bosh and the future of the Raptors — and they are not mutually exclusive. His approach to the game and life are superior, which is why they wanted to build the franchise around him in the first place. With an improving cast around him, the next step is to prove that he knows how to win.

33. Al Harrington, Indiana Pacers, 26, 6-9, 245: 18.6 pts., 6.9 reb., 3.1 ast.

Harrington wanted to be the man, which is why he forced the Pacers to trade him to Atlanta. It only took a couple of years to realize it was much more fun to win and just be one of the men. A more mature and well-rounded player, he's a great fit next to O'Neal up front.

34. Chris Webber, Philadelphia 76ers, 33, 6-10, 250: 20.2 pts., 9.9 reb., 3.4 ast.

Webber continues to be one of the great contradictions in the game. Talent-wise and even statistically, he's one of the best pure power forwards in the history of the game. There is no skill he hasn't mastered, other than winning. And now that knee surgery has slowed him, it's hard to tell what he has left to contribute.

35. Baron Davis, Golden State Warriors, 27, 6-3, 215: 17.9 pts., 8.9 ast., 1.65 stl.

Nobody has ever questioned his skills and ability to be a floor leader. It's the direction, attitude and priorities people still wonder about. He can do it all, but instead of being a top-15 player, he's down here because he has rarely shown the right approach on a consistent level.

36. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs, 29, 6-6, 210: 15.1 pts., 3.5 reb. 3.6 ast.

An injury-riddled season prevented Ginobili from retaining the All-Star status he had achieved the year before on the way to an NBA title. His all-around game is unquestioned. But what we don't know is if last season was an aberration, or if his body has begun to break down from all the international play of so many years.

37. Richard Hamilton, Detroit Pistons, 28, 6-7, 195: 20.1 pts., 3.2 reb., .458 3-point pct.

Rip passed another stage of development last season when he extended his range to beyond the 3-point arc and continued to move the ball. But his credibility is built on non-stop running, a la Reggie Miller, and a killer mid-range game. He'll be doing this for a long time.

38. Rasheed Wallace, Detroit Pistons, 32, 6-11, 240: 15.1 pts., 6.8 reb., 1.63 blk.

Because he's such a grouch before, during and after games (or any time he's not around teammates, friends or family), people don't want to give 'Sheed his due. The fact of the matter is he always has been a top-15 talent, but he is so unselfish that it appears that he is passive. He's not. And with Big Ben now in Chicago, he'll have to be even less so.

39. Antawn Jamison, Washington Wizards, 30, 6-9, 240: 20.5 pts., 9.3 reb., 1.1 stl.

Jamison is one of the great guys in the league and a natural scorer inside and out. But he never has expanded his game to include setting up his teammates or playing a lick of defense.

Rashard Lewis has considerable talent but there's still room for improvement. (Terrence Vaccaro / Getty Images)

40. Rashard Lewis, Seattle Sonics, 27, 6-10, 225: 20.1 pts., 5.0 reb., 1.31 stl.

Everyone in Seattle keeps waiting for Lewis to explode to the next level by putting the ball on the floor more and hitting the boards harder. Maybe this will be the year, or maybe it will never happen. But he's a great perimeter shooter, finisher and has developed a killer jump hook in the post.

41. Zach Randolph, Portland Trail Blazers, 25, 6-9, 260: 18.0 pts., 8.0 reb., 2.0 ast.

We'll see where Randolph goes with a year under his belt after microfracture surgery. He's lost 15 pounds and remains a superb power player at the basket with that uncanny left-hand touch. The key is keeping him in the post and away from trouble off the court. The potential is still there for stardom.

42. Josh Howard, Dallas Mavericks, 26, 6-7, 210: 15.6 pts, 6.3 reb., 1.15 stl.

Howard was superb throughout the season on both ends of the floor in Avery Johnson's up-tempo, pressure game. He needs to be more consistent with the ball and figure out how to stay out of foul trouble, but if he stays healthy, he'll be an All-Star.

43. Mike Bibby, Sacramento Kings, 28, 6-1, 190: 21.1 pts., 5.4 ast., .849 free throw pct.

Bibby had his best year as a scorer, and it helped carry the team into the playoffs after Artest gave them energy on the defensive end and toughness. But now Bibby has to prove to be a floor leader and clutch performer in the postseason. He can't sit on the cusp forever, can he?

44. Brad Miller, Sacramento Kings, 30, 7-0, 260: 15.0 pts., 7.8 reb., 4.7 ast.

Miller had his healthiest season in years and was as versatile as ever. He's not a great rebounder and doesn't block shots, but he's solid at both ends of the floor, has great hands and touch, and is the best passing center around.

45. Marcus Camby, Denver Nuggets, 32, 6-11, 230: 12.8 pts., 11.9 reb., 3.29 blk.

Camby is one of those unappreciated players, if only because he isn't powerful and doesn't put up highlight-reel numbers or plays. But all he does is average a double-double, compete for the shot-blocking title every year and make huge plays down the stretch. As long as he's healthy, he's a coach's dream.

46. Kirk Hinrich, Chicago Bulls, 25, 6-3, 190; 15.9 points, 6.3 ast. .390 3-point pct.

Hinrich clearly runs the show for the Bulls and is getting better every year at figuring out when to take the big shot and when to give it up. His "coach's son" mentality helps a lot, and he blends nicely with Ben Gordon in the backcourt. Now we have to see him get to the next level as a winner.

47. Jason Richardson, Golden State Warriors, 25, 6-6, 210: 23.2 pts., 5.8 reb., 1.29 stl.

Richardson has all the attributes of a superstar, with the size, athleticism and touch to do it all. The next step is to get his head on straight to become consistent; we'll see if Don Nelson can flip the switch to make him an All-Star.

48. Peja Stojakovic, Oklahoma City/New Orleans Hornets, 29, 6-10, 230: 19.5 pts., 6.3 reb., .401 3-point pct.

The inclination would be to slide Stojakovic out of the top 50 were it not for his great shooting touch and the number of great looks he'll get from Chris Paul this season. But he's become injury-prone and seemingly apathetic about the game in general the last three years.

49. Sam Cassell, Los Angeles Clippers, 36, 6-3, 185: 17.2 pts., 6.3 ast., .840 free throw pct.

Nobody made a more pronounced effect on a new team last season than Cassell. He gave the Clippers the confidence and the big-play guy they needed to win close games, which changed everything for the franchise. He doesn't have much left, but he'll give whatever remains in the tank to the Clippers and mentor Shaun Livingston at the same time.

50. Pau Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies, 26, 7-0, 260: 20.9 pts., 8.9 reb., 1.91 blk.

Gasol would be in the top 20 were it not for the broken foot he suffered during the World Championships this past off-season. Last year, he became a dominant factor in every game, and he'll very likely be that again, but not until January. The only question is: Will the Grizzlies be too far gone by the time he returns to even make a run at the playoffs?

Also receiving consideration were: Jason Terry, Dallas Mavericks; Gerald Wallace, Charlotte Bobcats; Chris Kaman, Los Angeles Clippers; Stephon Marbury, New York Knicks; Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Cleveland Cavaliers; Mehmet Okur, Utah Jazz; Emeka Okafor, Charlotte Bobcats; Tayshaun Prince, Detroit Pistons; Caron Butler, Washington Wizards; Corey Maggette, Los Angeles Clippers; Steve Francis, New York Knicks.

***********************

Funny, i thought defense was required to be a top player. At least respect was given to T-Mac and we was mentioned as top 5 when injury free.

T-Mac is #1 from here, i won't go into the reasons in depth, but to summarise, take every weakness each superstar has (King's D, Wade's shooting, KG's testicle shrinkage, Shaq & Duncan's FT's) and you won't find it in T-Mac.

Are injuries a weakness? It's something he can't control, something no player can control, really. Anyways, hopefully he can take that injury asterisk which seems to follow his name away for good after this season.