May | 2014 | War With Words

1. Kevin Durant

Coming in at number 1 is the best player in the league Kevin Durant AKA The Slim Reaper. Durant is number one because he can do a little bit of everything out there on the court. He can shoot with the best of them, his handle is very, very good for someone his size, he has good court vision, he can rebound well, he rises to occasion when his team needs it, he can guard multiple positions, and he’s a great ISO player. There is nothing Durant can’t do on the court. When you watch him play, you can’t help but think, “This is too easy for him.”

Presently, Durant is averaging a little over 32 points per game, about 8 rebounds per game, 6 assists per game, close to 1 block per game, and a little over 1 steal per game. These stats are nothing short of phenomenal. To top it off, he’s only 25(!!!) and already this good. The next step to growing his game is using his length and quickness to become a lockdown defender, and turning his extreme talent into a championship. With the help of his partner in “crime,” Westbrook, he’s in a good position to get one this year.

Strength: Clutch gene, Length, Shooting touch, Size
Weakness: Strength

2. LeBron James

At number 2 we have the reigning Finals MVP and Regular Season MVP LeBron James AKA King James. LeBron is probably the most overall athletic player in the league. He’s as strong as the big men, he’s as fast as the guards, and he can jump with anybody this league has ever seen.

When talking about skills, the two skills that stand out the most are his ability to pick his shots, and his ability to control the pace of the game. LeBron knows how to get his teammates going to where their talent is maximized for those few moments. In addition, he’s a great passer, a very good defender who can guard multiple positions, a solid shooter, a good slasher, and good rebounder.

At the moment, LeBron is putting up about 27 points per game, 7 assists per game, 7 rebounds per game, and almost 2 steals per game. He’s also shooting a very impressive 57% from the field. LeBron has won 2 championships in a row, and is in a good position to run away with a 3-peat.

Strength: Size, Athleticism, Shot Selection
Weakness: Clutch gene, Midrange jump shot, Emotional

3. Carmelo Anthony

For number 3 we have the most versatile scorer in the league, Carmelo Anthony. While Melo is struggling to get his team that last playoff spot, his talent is undeniable. Melo can shoot with the best of them, he has a very good postgame for someone at his position, he has a pretty quick first step, he’s an excellent offensive rebounder, he’s no longer a slouch on defense and he continues to work on his game.

Right now, Melo is averaging about 28 points per game, a little over 8 rebounds per game, a little over 1 steal per game, and about 3 assists per game. With these stats, Melo is showing once again why he deserves to be mentioned with the best players in the league. Hopefully, he can solidify that last playoff spot and show the world why he doesn’t get the respect he deserves.

Strength: Offensive Rebound, Catches fire quick, Scoring versatility
Weakness: Shot Selection, Team defense

4. Paul George

At number 4 we have the young star, Paul George. This year is kind of George’s breakout year as someone who can now be considered a franchise player. He has helped lead his team to the 2nd best record in the East, and he’s proving himself on the court day in and day out.

To get into more detail of George’s game, he’s an excellent defender, both team and man-to-man, he’s a pretty good 3 shooter, he has very good handle for someone at his position, and he’s a good rebounder. For someone who’s only been in the league for 3 going on 4 years, that’s pretty good.

At this time, George is putting up around 22 points per game, about 7 rebounds per game, 4 assists per game, and 2 steals per game. While these stats aren’t exactly breathtaking, we have to keep in mind that George is only 23 years old. If he continues to work on his game, I can easily see him moving up on the list and one day becoming the best SF in the league.

Strength: Defense
Weakness: Consistency, Intensity

5. Rudy Gay

To finish off the list, we have Rudy Gay. Gay seems to have the reputation for being overpaid, but I’m not sure that’s true. To break down Gay’s game from a skill standpoint, he is good midrange shooter, a good rebounder, a good defender, a solid 3 shooter, he’s pretty athletic and he is always ready to take the big shots to get his team the win.

Presently, Gay is averaging about 20 points per game, 6 rebounds per game; about 3 assists per game, close to 1 block per game, and a little over 1 steal per game. These stats look good enough, but the next thing Gay needs to work on, is using his talent to lead his teams to wins. Individual stats are cool, but he has to take that next step towards leadership and making others better, so he can eventually make the playoffs and show the world his talent.

Strength: Clutch gene
Weakness: Shot selection, Consistency