Top 10 NBA Players of 2013
Blockbuster trades and signings have placed some of the NBA’s best in new homes. While it remains to be seen how the players who were a part of the Dwight Howard trade will fair, there is no doubt that Howard himself will vie for a position among the best players in the NBA today.
And so, with the 2012-13 NBA season only about a week away from commencement, here is a ranking of the best players. (Note: Kevin Love and Derrick Rose are not considered because of injuries.)
10. Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks
Although the Jeremy Lin saga took center stage in New York last season, Carmelo Anthony still put up over 21 points per game. He is one of the best scorers in the NBA along with the likes of Kobe Bryant, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James—all who accompany him in this top-10 list.
The Knicks have not performed well in the postseason over Anthony’s tenure in New York but injuries have not helped. The addition of Jason Kidd should help get the best out of Anthony because unlike Lin, Kidd is more of a pass-first point guard, with a career 9.0 assist per game average.
If Anthony can keep himself collected when the Knicks find their rough patches, he may finally play more than just one playoff series in 2013.
Predicted 2013 statistics: 22.3 PPG / 5.3 RPG / 2.0 APG
9. Deron Williams, Brooklyn Nets
The Nets move to Brooklyn included the additions and re-signings of big names that included Deron Williams, Brooke Lopez, and Joe Johnson. This group of players and a slight change of scenery from New Jersey to Brooklyn will bring out the best in their star point guard.
Williams is an excellent hybrid of a scoring and facilitating point guard and is in the midst of his prime. The lack of depth in Brooklyn will make it difficult for the Nets to succeed in the playoffs, but Williams will continue to show that he is one of the best point guards in the game.
Predicted 2013 statistics: 20.7 PPG / 3.5 RPG / 8.9 APG
8. Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat
Even in the shadows of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade has proven to still be one of the best players in the NBA. Like James, his incredibly well-rounded game has led to both individual and team success.
His points per game average has steadily dropped over the past four years—but when you average over 30 points per game, that drop is relative. The 30-year-old Wade still has more than a good amount left in the tank. In fact, he is still the second best shooting guard in basketball behind one Kobe Bryant.
Predicted 2013 statistics: 22.9 PPG / 5.6 RPG / 5.3 APG / 1.2 BPG
7. Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers
CP3 has been one of those guys who steadily produces for his team and always seems to know how to best manage the offense. Like Deron Williams, his playmaking ability involves both scoring and facilitating aspects and he is a double-double threat.
Paul has also established himself as one of the best defensive point guards in the league. A four-time NBA steals champion and two-time All-Defensive first team, he is a leader on both ends of the floor.
0 comments:
Post a Comment