[BasketBalAllanParticipant]

Many people have been putting forth list of the top players in the NBA and have been met with quite a bit of skepticism over their own lists, so I thought I would try something a little different. What if along with making a list we were to separate them into tiers, not just tiers of ten players each but tiers by when there is a jump in skill level. Here is how I see the tiers: One = could be #1 option on a championship team, Two = Could be #1 option on a very good team or #2 on a championship team, Three = #2 player on a very good team or #3 on a championship team, Four = #3 player on a very good team and needs another player of same caliber (plus 2 better players) to make a championship team. I have omitted Yao Ming from the list because of his injuries and not knowing if he will be the same or worse than before, I have also left off rookies because they have yet to even play in the NBA.

I would appreciate feedback and thoughts on if anyone is missing or as to if they should be in a higher tier. Remember that this list is still a work in progress and most of the players listed can be argued to either fall / rise two to three spots.

1. Kobe Bryant ( The best player in the game today with the most to show for it.)
2. Lebron James ( Rivals Kobe in skill but his attitude has yet to catch up. )
3. Dwyane Wade ( I do not think there is much argument here. )
4. Dwight Howard ( The best center in the game today, so dominate on both ends. )
5. Chris Paul ( People forget that when healthy there is not a single thing he is not great at.)
6. Carmello Anthony ( Super skilled at two positions but still lives in Lebrons shadow.)
7. Kevin Durant ( Great scorer, leader, descent defender, needs to repeat last year to rise IMO.)
8. Deron Williams ( CP3’s injuries allowed people to focus on just how good Deron is. )
9. Dirk Nowitzki ( Elite competitor who desperately needs a ring to solidify him in NBA history.)

10. Pau Gasol
11. Steve Nash
12. Brandon Roy
13. Chris Bosh
14. Amare Stoudemire
15. Derrick Rose
16. Tim Duncan
17. Paul Pierce
18. Joe Johnson

19. Rajon Rondo
20. Tony Parker
21. Danny Granger
22. Al Jefferson
23. Tyreke Evans
24. Andrew Bogut
25. Manu Ginobili
26. Kevin Garnett
27. Chauncey Billups
28. Carlos Boozer
29. Rudy Gay
30. Andre Iguodala
31. Josh Smith
32. Russell Westbrook

33. Gilbert Arenas
34. Chris Kaman
35. Stephen Curry
36. Brook Lopez
37. Brandon Jennings
38. David Lee
39. Zach Randolph
40. Stephen Jackson
41. Devin Harris
42. Vince Carter
43. Ray Allen
44. Caron Butler
45. David West
46. Monta Ellis
47. Marc Gasol
48. Andrew Bynum
49. LaMarcus Aldridge
50. Gerald Wallace
51. Kevin Love
52. Jason Kidd
53. Rashard Lewis
54. O.J. Mayo
55. Al Horford

[PlatypusParticipant]

not sure if Rashard Lewis should be on there

[BasketBalAllanParticipant]

You do not think that he fits into the fourth tier or with the players around him?

[PlatypusParticipant]

he’s 4th tier i just dont see him as 53rd

[dolla130Participant]

1. Kobe Bryant ( The best player in the game today with the most to show for it.)
2. Dwyane Wade ( I do not think there is much argument here he already has a ring thats why i have him above lebron. )
3. Lebron James ( Rivals Kobe in skill but his attitude has yet to catch up , if he wins this season and is clearly miamis best player he will be #2. )
4. Dwight Howard ( The best center in the game today, so dominate on both ends. )
5. Kevin Durant ( Great scorer, leader, descent defender, needs to repeat last year to rise IMO.)
6. Carmello Anthony ( Super skilled at two positions but still lives in Lebrons shadow.)
7. Chris Paul ( People forget that when healthy there is not a single thing he is not great at.)
8. Deron Williams ( CP3’s injuries allowed people to focus on just how good Deron is. )
9. Dirk Nowitzki ( Elite competitor who desperately needs a ring to solidify him in NBA history.)

10. Pau Gasol (is a good #2 player but never played on a good team until the lakers )
11. Brandon Roy( when healthy is the 3rd best SG in the NBA and has proven he can be the best player on a really good team and when healthy the blazers are a real tough team
12. Chris bosh(IMO you will never win with him being a #1 ala toronto )
13. Derrick Rose( His first 2 seasons speak for him,has proven he can get too the playoffs and be the best player with more talent the sky is the limit for him and he could possibly move to teir 1 real soon)
14. Steve Nash
15. Amare Stoudemire
16. Tim Duncan
17. Paul Pierce
18. Joe Johnson

19. Rajon Rondo
20. Tony Parker
21. Danny Granger
22. Al Jefferson
23. Tyreke Evans
24. Andrew Bogut
25. Manu Ginobili
26. Kevin Garnett
27. Chauncey Billups
28. Carlos Boozer
29. Rudy Gay
30. Andre Iguodala
31. Josh Smith
32. Russell Westbrook

[PlatypusParticipant]

no one on here plays for the Pistons, Cavs or Raptors

[dolla130Participant]

who on those teams deserve to be on these lists honestly

[PlatypusParticipant]

Toronto’s top 2 Barg and Derozen

Cavs top 2 Jamison,and Williams

Pistons top 2 Stuckey and Prince/Hamilton

[dolla130Participant]

and non of them are top 35 players and they have not proven anything besides prince and hamilton and there old, williams and jamison are a waist without 2 better players and derozen and andrea are up and comming and the raptors will be very bad this season along with the cavs and raptors

[BasketBalAllanParticipant]

I do not really consider any players on those three teams to be in the top 55 players, but I suppose a case could be made for a couple of them to be put very very low on the list;. mabey Barg.

[TRC1991Participant]

I think Antawn Jamison is close to top 55…hes a legit 19 and 8 guy when hes on…No, hes not going to shut anyone down defensively but hes a solid #3 on a good team

[the I in winParticipant]

I’m I the only one that thinks Gerald Wallace is better than Stephen Jackson?

[Mr.Knick 32Participant]

Where’s Marcus Camby?

Top defender
Top rebounder

[BasketBalAllanParticipant]

Where do you suggest he be placed?

[Mr.Knick 32Participant]

Sub Lewis for Camby IMO.

I think he’s overlooked and me and Iggy’s top 50. He’s someone who should be in there.

[BasketBalAllanParticipant]

Iggy is in there at 30. I can see how you would put in Camby for Lewis but I just feel that Lewis has had a much more stable last few years due to him being on the same, really good, team.

[huff09Participant]

Pretty accurate list, nice job man.

[Author]

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