1. Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs: All he does is help everybody win rings.
2. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers: The challenge heightens this season.
3. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers: When and where will he go?
4. Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns: This could be his last best chance to win.
5. Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics: This could be another MVP season.
6. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks: This is the year to get over the hump.
7. Tracy McGrady, Houston Rockets: He proved there's plenty left in the tank.
8. Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat: How will he respond from double-surgery?
9. Yao Ming, Houston Rockets: His talent is obvious, but winning is not.
10. Shaquille O'Neal, Miami Heat: It's hard to figure just where he fits anymore.
Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade enter this season with health issues. ( / Getty Images)
11. Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix Suns: If knees are sound, he'll keep getting better.
12. Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets: Probably the best pure post scorer.
13. Jason Kidd, New Jersey Nets: Age and knees notwithstanding, he's amazing.
14. Allen Iverson, Denver Nuggets: He may be the best little guy to ever play.
15. Chris Bosh, Toronto Raptors: His knee is an issue, but he proved a lot last season.
16. Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic: Great on offensive glass and running the floor.
17. Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs: So quick, it's as if he's playing on roller skates.
18. Jermaine O'Neal, Indiana Pacers: He needs this season to prove he's still a star.
19. Gilbert Arenas, Washington Wizards: As explosive scoring the ball as anybody.
20. Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics: Will his ego get in the way of success for the Celts?
21. Ray Allen: Boston Celtics: The finest pure shooter in the game, but those ankles.
22. Vince Carter, New Jersey Nets: The game is still there in flashes, but for how long?
23. Shawn Marion, Phoenix Suns: For all the whining, he should do more in postseason.
24. Carlos Boozer, Utah Jazz: He proved last season he was worth all the money.
25. Pau Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies: This year is pivotal to prove he is a star.
26. Deron Williams, Utah Jazz: He raced into elite status last season; can he sustain it?
27. Baron Davis, Golden State Warriors: If he's healthy, he's as good as anybody.
28. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs: The wild card who makes the Spurs unbeatable.
29. Chauncey Billups, Detroit Pistons: Mr. Big Shot has to prove he's still got it.
30. Rashard Lewis, Orlando Magic: Does he have the head to be the man?
31. Rasheed Wallace, Detroit Pistons: For them to win, he's got to keep his cool.
32. Zach Randolph, New York Knicks: Is there room in the post for him with Curry?
33. Michael Redd, Milwaukee Bucks: Ranks with his predecessor Allen as pure shooter.
34. Luol Deng, Chicago Bulls: Proved last season he has star qualities in his game.
35. Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets: He'll bounce back strong from ankle problem.
36. Joe Johnson, Atlanta Hawks: His talent is undeniable, but can he win here?
37. Kirk Hinrich, Chicago Bulls: Disappointing against Pistons, but he's ascending.
38. Josh Howard, Dallas Mavericks: His next step is to shine in postseason.
39. Richard Hamilton, Detroit Pistons: The roadrunner will get the edge every time.
40. Ben Gordon: Chicago Bulls: His so explosive, but can he be consistent?
41. Marcus Camby, Denver Nuggets: A dominant rebounder and shot-blocker.
42. Tyson Chandler, New Orleans Hornets: He came on so strong, can he do it again?
43. Ben Wallace, Chicago Bulls: The fade was slight but apparent; what's next?
44. Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia 76ers: Repeat of last season and he's way up there.
45. Ron Artest, Sacramento Kings: Unpredictable nightmare at both ends of spectrum.
46. Caron Butler, Washington Wizards: Proving critics wrong his whole life.
47. Emeka Okafor, Charlotte Bobcats: Injuries prevent him from being much higher.
48. Antawn Jamison, Washington Wizards: Great offensive player, needs to do more.
49. Mike Miller, Memphis Grizzlies: Has great overall offensive game.
50. Elton Brand, Los Angeles Clippers: He's out for awhile but too special to overlook.
SBR Top-Rated Sportsbooks
Top 50 Active NBA Players list.
Reply With Quote