1a) Wade 1b) Kobe 1c) Lebron 4) Melo 5) B. Roy I think Tim Duncan's over hill guys. He had a great run, but he's like 33 i think and I don't think he'll ever be fully healthy again. Why the D. Howard hate? I think he's damn good even without a polished post game (or any shooting ability or dribbling ability or passing ability). Effectiveness doesn't necessarily need to be highly skilled. He allows his team to be effective playing their style because he rebounds + blocks shots for 2 people. *And why does everyone assume CP3 is better than Deron Williams? I think they're on the same level. Obviously CP has less to work with, so he has more responsibilities but I think Deron Williams is just as good of a playmaker while being a slightly better scorer. I think playing in Utah where everyone touches the ball diminishes some of his perceived effectiveness. </rant>
in my opinion, 1a.lebron (he'll be a far number 1 by this season) 1b.kobe wade paul roy melo durant williams yao nowitski howard
Maybe because he beat Lebron with an inferior team last year. Dwight beat Lebron while having his allstar pg injured while Lebron had a healthy squad and the best team in the league and the best record. Dwight should be rated easily over Lebron.
I'm going to be sacrilegious and say TD won't be a top 5 player this season over 82 games. To some here, saying that is like spitting on the flag. So be it. LeBron/Kobe/Wade are obvious. Any list without those 3 is crazy IMO. At #4 I'd go with Brandon Roy. CP3 at #5. Maybe Melo can displace someone during the season. Agree with the OP that naming 6-10 would be a lot harder.
LeBron had to play 1 on 5 against the Magic. Dwight got to play against that softie Big Z. Yeah, Dwight>LeBron.
LOL. Dwight was the one with an inferior team? Surely you're being sarcastic here, no one who knows how to sign up to a forum can be that ignorant.
Kills me inside when I see Dwight Howard in the top 5 list.. 1. Dwayne Wade 2. Lebron James 3. Chris Paul 4. Kobe Bryant 5. Kevin Durant
Duncan is borderline, but I expect him to be much improved this year over last. Brandon Roy is a good pick. This may be even more sacrilegious, but Steve Nash may deserve consideration. He'll have the Phoenix offense singing like old.
After watching Toronto-Magic game I am kinda dissapointed with Howard progress. It doesn't look like he has put in any work on his post game. I know he is shooting 70+ % so far but he really haven't improved his post game. He doesn't have a touch on those jump hooks (most of them when contested - barely hit the rim). He doesn't feel comfortable playing face up to the basket. He hasn't developed any jump shot (10-15 ft). Most of his points are comming from dunks, layups, alley-oops, offensive rebounds etc. He is getting to the line a lot because usually his defender is not strong enough to keep him from the paint and he gets it just under the rim. The only thing he has improved IMO is his free throw shooting.
Um...Yes, Paul was the real 2008 MVP. Duncan is still the best big in the NBA when healthy. Roy hasn't done anything for his franchise yet to be a Top 5 player, and Dwight pulled a Nick Anderson so no.
