6. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
I have criticized Russell Westbrook’s style of play more than once, but you cannot argue with the results that he and Kevin Durant have had over the past three years. However, I will continue to question his and coach Scott Brooks’ thought process in having Westbrook take more shots in a game than Durant, his teammate who happens to be the best scorer in the game.
But it has produced results, with the Thunder steadily progressing in the postseason over the years. Westbrook’s fastbreak pull-up free-throw line jumper has become deadly. With some modification to his gameplay, there is no reason why Westbrook could not make it at least to the list of top-five NBA players.
Predicted 2013 statistics: 23.8 PPG / 4.8 RPG / 7.3 APG
5. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
Even a couple years into his 30s, Kobe Bryant is still a top-five player in the NBA. He has proven year in and year out that he does everything to keep his body and his shot in top shape. I have been a critic of Bryant’s style of play in the past and it remains to be seen if he can coexist with Steve Nash and Dwight Howard—both players who will command the ball a lot, something that Kobe will have to get used to. Pau and Andrew Bynum are/were much more passive than D12 and Nash, so even though they are highly capable players, they let Kobe run the show.
That will not be the case in 2013.
Like Wade, Kobe’s points per game will decrease in 2013. But when you were nearly the scoring champion, a decrease to 25 PPG (which is what I have predicted) is surely nothing tragic. He will be one of the best scorers in the game until he retires but whether or not he can win a sixth championship remains to be seen.
Predicted 2013 statistics: 25.1 PPG / 5.0 RPG / 4.1 APG
4. Dwight Howard, Los Angeles Lakers
The second Los Angeles Laker to hit the top-five best players currently in the NBA, D12 is a monster. His exit from Orlando was anything but pretty, but a change of scenery could be something that truly sets Howard above all other centers in the NBA.
He will prove to be one of the best defensive players in 2013 at roughly 14 rebounds and two blocks per game. But again, the dynamics between him, Kobe, and Nash will determine how far the Lakers can go as a team because each star will want his share of the spotlight. The “Big Threes” in Boston and Miami took a couple years to pull it together and if Bryant retires at age 35, that puts a large amount of pressure on Howard and the Lakers to succeed now.
Regardless, Howard is the best big man in the league and is ahead of Kobe Bryant mainly because of age. At this point in their respective careers, Howard’s ability to impact the game on offense and defense is greater. Either way, the Lakers should be pleased to have two of the NBA’s best wearing their purple and gold.
Predicted 2013 statistics: 20.7 PPG / 14.2 RPG / 1.6 APG / 2.2 BPG
3. Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics
This may appear to be a controversial pick, but for one Rajon Rondo is the best traditional point guard in the league. Both Chris Paul and Deron Williams are better offensive scorers than Rondo, but the Celtic point guard runs the show like nobody else in the NBA. His ability to get the ball to his perimeter players and post players is uncanny.
He carried the Celtics to nearly beating the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference finals almost singlehandedly. Rondo even went off for 44 points, something that was amazing considering the fact that he is not the greatest scorer. Rajon even proved that he could hit jump shots and the occasional three-pointer. Undoubtedly, that performance was the exception rather than the norm, but Rondo will come into 2013 an improved player.
More so than the other seven players behind Rondo on this list, he made his team better than they would have been without him. Garnett, Pierce, and Allen were not young and the up-and-coming Avery Bradley got injured at the most inopportune time. Rondo was a workhorse who almost never rested during the 48-minute game and gave the Celtics a chance to go farther in the playoffs than most people were expecting.
He jumped up quite a few spots from where I ranked him for 2011-12, but he earned it. He may have some room to improve his scoring ability, but Rondo is the best overall point guard in the NBA.
Predicted 2013 statistics: 13.4 PPG / 5.1 RPG / 11.9 APG / 2.1 SPG
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
There is not much to say about Kevin Durant that has not already been said. Will he finally get a ring in 2013? Who knows, but what we do know is that this guy is the best scorer in the NBA from the tip-off to the final buzzer. Put the ball in his hands and something good is bound to happen.
Durant is one of the most likable players and quietly led the Oklahoma City Thunder to the top of the Western Conference (having lost in the NBA Finals in 2012). Look for him to improve on the areas that he was weaker in in 2012 (namely rebounding) and compete for another championship in 2013. The future is bright for this young star.
Predicted 2013 statistics: 30.4 PPG / 7.8 RPG / 3.0 APG
1. LeBron James, Miami Heat
“It’s about damn time.” Those were the first words from LeBron James in a post-game interview after winning the 2012 NBA Finals and finally capturing that elusive first title. Having done that, LeBron has lifted a tremendous weight off of his shoulders, and like I have said before, he will be better than ever in 2013.
The inability to decide how exactly to take advantage of opposing defenses has been difficult for LeBron because they are at his mercy. He can do nearly everything you want on offense better than nearly everybody else (save outside shooting).
But what he does not as often get credited for is his ability to impact the game on defense. He can do something thatnobody else in the NBA can: defend all five positions, point guard through center. Granted he is best at defending opposing small forwards, but LeBron will do whatever he is called upon to do. That is something that helped lead the Heat to the 2012 NBA championship, considering they were weaker on the inside with Chris Bosh as the only natural post defender.
Everybody else is looking up at the reigning regular season and NBA Finals MVP.
Predicted 2013 statistics: 28.3 PPG / 8.0 RPG / 7.6 APG / 2.0 SPG
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