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Top 5 Players In The NBA This Season…So far.
Posted by: Ryan Walker on January 18th, 2012
The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of the Utah Jazz.Already almost a quarter of the way through the regular season, here’s a quick look at my top 5 picks for MVP so far this season. Obviously i’m not saying a guy like Kevin Love is in any way better than Dwight Howard, CP3, or any other superstar left off the list. This is just a comprehensive look at players 15 games into this season. Enjoy!
5. Kevin Love- 25.6 ppg, 14.3 reb, 1.8 ast, 44% fg, 37% 3pt fg
While his T-Wolves are a lowly 5-8 and for all intents and purposes already out of the playoff race, one simply can’t ignore the blistering start that Mr. Love has gotten off to. A tireless rebounder, Love is also quite skilled offensively- scoring down low and stretching the floor from the outside with his 3 pt shooting. With his uncanny “nose for the ball” and great work ethic, look for Love to continue this pace throughout the year.
4. Derrick Rose- 20.8 ppg, 3.5 reb, 8.7 ast, 43% fg, 31% 3pt fg
Although injuries have hampered him lately, Rose makes this Eastern Conference leading Bulls team go. While his scoring averages are right on par with last season, he is averaging more than 2 assists more per game this year. Health issues aside, Rose is as dangerous as any player in the league and can single-handedly take over a basketball game at will. While the Bulls’ success ultimately depends on Rose getting help from his teammates, he automatically makes them a contender in the East.
3. Lebron James- 29.8 ppg, 8.0 reb, 7.6 ast, 57% fg, 43% 3pt fg
There isn’t a player in the NBA who can fill up a stat line like LBJ. The man is almost literally a walking triple-double, and has more raw talent than maybe anyone in the history of the game. Having said that, his Heat are only 9-4 and a couple of those losses fell directly onto “The King’s” shoulders. He still struggles to deliver in the clutch (not saying that it will never happen) and lacks that intangible, championship mentality. Don’t count him out yet though, he is still young and will have plenty of chances at capturing a ring.
2. Kevin Durant- 26.0 ppg, 6.8 reb, 3.4 ast, 50% fg, 39% 3pt fg
Durant has lead his OKC Thunder to a league best 12-3 record, while putting up career best numbers in points, rebounds, assists, field goal percentage, and 3-pt percentage. He’s leading this young OKC team into true contender status, proven by their prowess on the road as well as at home- with a 6-2 record away from Oklahoma City, and it all starts with their 23 year old superstar. At 6′11″ the advantage he has against almost everyone night in and night out is unfair, whether it’s launching deep 3 pointers, or crossing over a smaller guard to dunk over the opposing center, “Durantula” has it all.
1. Kobe Bryant- 30.8 ppg, 5.7 reb, 5 ast, 45% fg
The Black Mamba made it to my #1 spot for pretty much one reason- the man’s insatiable desire to WIN. While some have had better seasons statistically this year, no one strikes more fear into opposing teams/fans with the clock winding down and the game on the line than Kobe. While most were counting out Kobe and Co. after failing to complete off-season trades, losing 6th man extraordinaire Lamar Odom, and Kobe’s injured wrist, he decided that he would put up career numbers and fire off 4 straight 40 pt games to lead the Lakers to 10-5. As much as we Jazz fans love to hate the man, it’s hard not to respect his skill, desire, and love for the game.
There’s my Top 5 so far in this young season, i’m sure there are lots of you that disagree so feel free to write your top 5 in the comments! Also my honorable mentions are- Andrew Bynum, Lamarcus Aldridge, Rajon Rondo, and Paul Millsap!
Go Jazz!
Replies: 8
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8 Responses
Interesting side note. I see you have Love up there. I wonder what would happen if Millsap was in Love’s place? or if you switched the two? Meaning if Love played here and Millsap played there, out of the shadow of Jefferson and Boozer.
http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/statistics?&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnba%2fhollinger%2fstatistics
I would agree with this post with one exception, I feel like D-Rose needs to be bumped up to second. His ability to take over a game in multiple ways and his relentless attacking of the basket. Also, he is a strong defender for a PG. Love the list though and totally agree with Kobe…(as much as it burns my fingertips to type it!) keep up the good work buddy.
@Patrick– ya that’s interesting to think about for sure! Sap is a beast and if he were the clear cut first option on a team he would flourish. Love isn’t getting any “love” though ha he’s not shooting outrageous amounts, just a great % and has 3 or 4 more 20/10 games than the next player close to him.
Zachary! The way I looked at it was that I couldn’t move LBJ, Durant, or Kobe out of the top 3 without it feeling wrong ya know? With Lebron’s ridiculous numbers, Durant’s numbers and OKC’s record, and Kobe’s amazing year so far it felt right to me. Thanks bro!
I like the list. I think you make valid points for each player. I think I would substitute Aldridge for Love though. No disrespect to Kevin Love, the man is a beast. But with Portland’s early season set back with Roy, I heard so many people count them out. But the way they have been playing and Aldridge’s contribution is simply outstanding. Like Z brady said, keep up the good work.
Don’t count Minnesota out of the playoffs yet. They’re 5-8 and lost 3 or 4 games by only a couple of points to good teams. They could have a winning record if the ball bounced their way in a few games. They’re better than most people think. And the Jazz have to play them this Saturday. Better bring the A game. And yeah, Kevin Love is a heck of a player and Ricky Rubio may be a top tier player by the end of the year.
Top 5 players so far are most definitely the following:
5. Earl The Man Watson! Why? Cause he’s just the man!
4. Derreck Favors. Why..? Because he has a Jesus tattoo
(According to 1320 kfan.)
3. Gordon Hayward. Why? Cause he can do everything on the court and who doesn’t like to say Gordo??
2. Al Jefferson. Why? Cause he’s a Beast on the court and isn’t afraid to give hugs either!
1. Paul Millsap. Why? Cause there is nothing better than watching another Team being Mill-slapped by the man himself!
Yeah….. Most definitely the top 5.
Go Jazz!
Paul Millsap actually has a higher PER than Kevin Love, and his defense is better than K-Love’s. So if you’re putting Kevin Love #5…
I agree with you, especially about Kobe. I always laugh when people try to tell me that Lebron is better. Kobe still has the crown and he has not been dethroned yet. He may be getting older but anybody would be a fool to count him out. He’s the best at the game. He keeps proving that year after year. This year especially. His wrist and his knee aren’t the best, but he still plays his heart out. Just watching him play, it’s incredible. But like you said, Lebron is still young and it would be foolish to count him out. But still, I don’t see Kobe being dethroned for awhile yet.