Kobe & Lebron headline my list - NBA's TOP 5

The NBA Playoffs are looming and with the season winding down I am bringing out my Top 5 List at each Position. This list is the real deal, no cupcakes, no hype machine, this is my Fab Five at each position. If you are a one year wonder no need to apply, consistent players that bring it on a nightly basis.

-Center-

1. Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic) - This generations superman is superbad! Howard is a force on the Defensive End of the floor. There was a time when his defense was light years ahead of his offensive game but the addition of assistant coach Patrick Ewing a few years back has really helped Dwight add to his growing arsenal of post moves. If Dwight can continue to grow on offense and show a little more patience he can continue to be the most dominate center in basketball for another 8-10 years.

2.Andrew Bynum ( LA Lakers) - Drew has been a Monster since the all-star weekend showing intense focus and commitment to defense and rebounding despite the lack of offensive touches on a star laden roster. Despite past injuries Andrew runs the floor extremely well for his massive frame and showed his guts last year in the Finals playing on a bum leg. At only 23 years old Andrew can continue to get better and if he signs with the Lakers long term he could become the focal point of their offense in the future.

3.Tim Duncan ( SA Spurs) - The NBA's model of consistency is still Duncan. Although he has played most of his hall of fame career at the Power forward position he is listed as a Center on the Spurs roster and with the overwhelming depth at the PF position it helps that I can put THE BIG FUNDAMENTAL at the center spot on this list. Duncan is not quiet the dominate force he was a few years ago, but he still has more than enough post moves and is a consistent leader and winner on the floor

4.Yoa Ming (Hou Rockets?) - Ok , Ok I can hear the peanut gallery now since Ming didn't play a single minute this year and may never play again but I had to put him on the list for the simple reason that he is that damn good! Mings length makes him an opposing coaches nightmare on the defensive end not really as a shot blocker but a shot altering player in the paint. Ming has a nasty offensive game that reminds me of a combination of Rocket great Hakeem the Dream and NBA all time scoring leader Kareem Abdul Jabbar ! He has also been a great ambassador of the sport for all of the fans in Asia.

5.Andrew Bogut ( Mil Bucks ) - There are not enough TRUE skilled centers in the league so the Big Aussie rounds out my top 5. He averages 13ppg and 11 boards but what sets him apart is his willingness on the defensive end. With a healthy Bogut and one more upper tier player the Bucks could become a perennial playoff team.

POWER FORWARD

1. Kevin Garnett (Boston Celtics) - Garnett is #1 at this position for a couple of reasons, defense and leadership. Garnett logged heavy minutes with little help in his days in Minnesota and that has taken a toll on his legs and knees, but who else would you want at the PF position in a 7 game series. Garnett can still knock down the 17 footer with ease and holds everyone accountable on the floor. Enough said.

2. Pau Gasol (LA Lakers) - Critics always try to point out flaws in Gasol's game and try and label him soft. Soft players shy away from contact and that couldnt be further from the truth when talking about Gasol. He is a career 18ppg and 10 rebound player, he can shoot, pass, and rebound. Gasol has an array of offensive moves. Think if Kevin Mchale and Dirk Nowitzki had a baby it would come out something like Gasol. All hes done since showing up in L.A. is make 3 straight NBA finals appearances.

3. Lamarcus Aldridge (Port Blazers) - Some people will think this is too high on the list, but this guy passes the biggest test of all, the eye test. Every time you watch a Blazer game Aldridge is making play after play and for stretches looks like an unstoppable offensive force. He is just tapping into his full potential and has a chance to be even greater.

4. Amare Stoudemire (NY Knicks) - Amare has the tools to be #1 on this list, but he will never be any higher to me unless he plays some defense. Amare's mouth is a little stronger than his actual defense. He is a matador on that end of the floor. His offensive game continues to grow and he is one of the hardest dunkers in the league.

5. Kevin Love ( TWOLVES) - The guy set a record for consecutive double doubles, led the league in rebounds and was in the top 15 in scoring yet he refuses to get the respect he is due. He is not as flashy or physically imposing and maybe that is the reason he gets so little respect. One major concern is that his numbers do not translate into wins, that is a major problem. People will continue to argue that his stats are a byproduct of being on a horrible team. Its easier to grab rebounds when your team cant shoot the ball.

*** near misses***
Blake Griffin ( clippers) Zach Randolph ( Grizz) - These guys are really talented players that average over 20 and 12 per night. I simply didn't have enough room in the top 5 for these powers of the paint.


SMALL FORWARD

1. Lebron James ( Miami Heat) - 6'8" 265lbs runs like a gazelle and jumps out of the gym Lebron is possibly the most gifted athlete to ever play any sport. He can fill up a stat sheet with his scoring and passing ability. The only true question about his game is his willingness to give all that he has to be one of the all time greats, sometimes when people around you have preached how great you are since you were an 8 year old kid you might not have the drive deep inside to be the best. However with the set of skills and physical abilities he was blessed with he can still dominate at the highest level.

2. Dirk Nowitzki ( Dallas Mavericks) - Dirk is as good a player at scoring the basketball as the league has ever seen. The fact that he is 7 foot tall and loves David Hasselhoff is simply icing on the cake. I still think at times Dirk needs to be more aggressive in the post, but he is true testimonial to working hard to maximize your abilities. His game has grown by a mile since he arrived in the league.

3. Carmelo Anthony ( NY Knicks) - The pride of Baltimore Anthony is a match up nightmare, big enough to take you inside but quick enough to take you off the dribble. Anthony has an efficient mid-range game coupled with a deadly deep ball. Will he ever fully commit himself at the defensive end and work diligently to make his teammates better will determine if he becomes one of the all time greats.

4. Paul Pierce ( Boston Celtics) - Paul Pierce edged out Kevin Durant for this spot by the narrowest of margins. Pierce is a savvy vet that has mastered the art of using little moves inside of moves to get an open look. He physical skills have eroded some but you can never under estimate the heart of a champion and his willingness to lead by example. One of the all time great Celtics and clutch shooters the game has ever seen.

5. Kevin Durant ( OKC Thunder) - When Durant entered the league there were a lot of questions about his slight frame. I guess all of those questions have been answered by now, if you can score you can score ( A La Reggie Miller). The NBA's Reigning scoring champ is only beginning to tap into his insane potential and if he continues to score and evolve as a player he will be climbing up the NBA all time points ladder in no time at all.


Shooting Guard

1. Kobe Bryant ( LA Lakers) - 5 Championships, 6th all time in scoring , 1 MVP ( Ill say 2 MVPs 2005 was the greatest shame in the history of the award) however what sets him apart is his willingness to work. Nearing in on 33 years of age Kobe is still the best Shot Maker in basketball, Mr. Clutch has sampled moves from all of the NBA Hall of famers and loves competition more than any modern era player not named Jordan. Kobe has a chance to even further cement his legacy as he continues to play at a high level.

2. Dewayne Wade ( Miami Heat) - Flash is as exciting a player as the league has ever seen. He single handily willed the Heat to the 2006 NBA Finals championship. He attacks the rim with reckless abandon and is always willing to make the extra pass to get his teammates involved. Now that Wade has help in South Beach the sky is the limit.

3. Manu Ginobili (SA Spurs) - Manu is not what you would expect out of an international player, his game is not all finesse. He plays the game with a passion and desire that is extremely rare but quiet fun to watch. Ginobili is great at finishing around the basket, passes the ball well and plays solid defense. There are very few weak spots in his game, the Argentinian is point blank a very well rounded basketball player with great skills.

4. Monta Ellis ( Golden State Warriors ) - There are not a lot of premier SG in the league, but Monta is a true up and comer. If he can stay healthy and stay on the floor the ceiling couldn't get higher for Ellis at times he scores at will. The warriors roster has been depleted over the last couple years but I believe they are gaining the pieces needed to become a perennial playoff team if they build correctly around Ellis. Monta is a premier scorer and could use help on developing a more consistent jumper and defensive mentality he could one day take the #1 spot.

5. Joe Johnson ( ATL Hawks) - This Hawk just barely made the list this season. Joe has always been a feared scorer but has lacked in opportunities to turn up the volume during playoff time. The Hawks gave him big money to be the foundation of the franchise, but I believe they over paid. Johnson is a nice player with a nice jump shot and ability to score in bunches. I simply am not sold on him being the bedrock of a Title winning organization. I'm from the SHOW ME state, so I need to see a little more.

POINT GUARD

1. Derrick Rose ( Chicago Bulls) - Rose is about to win his first MVP award ( Making him the youngest in league history). In HS, one year at Memphis, and his time with the Bulls Rose has always had the great ability to get to the rim whenever he choses. This season he has taken his game to another notch. Defense and consistent jump shooting in addition to playing his best against the best is the sole reasons sports writers across the nation are slobbering. The next step is to remain consistent, win in the playoffs and continue to make your teammates better.

2. Chris Paul ( Hornets) - As a true point guard I don't believe there is anyone better than CP3. This kid sees the floor like no other, picks his spots to score and is an absolute thief on defense. Despite coming off a big time knee injury Paul has single handily put the Hornets in position to make the playoffs this season. If the Hornets can get him help or ship him to a place with a supporting cast than Paul could win big.

3. Deron Williams ( NJ Nets) - We don't know what the future will hold for Williams, what we do know is that the kid can ball! Mama taught him the right way and boy did Deron Listen. Some will question how great a team guy he is after his fall out in Utah, but the skills are undeniable. He can pass like Jason Kidd but score like Derrick Rose. Williams is a Face of a Franchise type player that was well worth the risk the NETS took.

4. Rajon Rondo ( Boston Celtics) - LENGTH! Rondo has the largest hands and longest arms of almost any player in the league. He still hasn't maxed out his skill set, but has gradually gotten better in his time in the League. Rondo is the motor that makes the Celtics go, when he is playing top end they are a tough out. Rondo is a stingy defender and is very unselfish ( almost to a fault) . He must watch the developmental history of Tony Parker ( develop a jumper) and he will continue to rise.

5. Tony Parker ( SA Spurs) - Eva Longoria knows now what the rest of the NBA has been learning the past few years. Tony Parker is one hard guy to cover. Tony is a blur and can get to the hole in an instant. He has worked so hard on getting more consistency out of his jump shot and its made his game blossom. Tony works hard to get others involved and is a very underrated PG and has been throughout his career.