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.
