Top 10 NBA Players (4-7-12): Familiar Face Missing

10 - Andre Iguodala
9 - Rajon Rondo
8 - Derrick Rose
7 - Chris Paul
6 - Russell Westbrook
5 - Dwyane Wade
4 - Kevin Love
3 - Dwight Howard
2 - Lebron James
1 - Kevin Durant

Breakdown - On my list, I have two front court players in Dwight Howard and Kevin Love. They're probably the two best rebounding and scoring bigs in the game which is why they crack the top 10. I'd agree that Love may be a little high but his rebounding, shooting, and passing make him an elite player from the PF spot and if Rubio hadn't gone down, I believe there'd be some MVP discussion. I have 4 point guards on the list. CP3 is the best all-around, but I think Westbrook's ability to run through defenses and go for 40 while a teammate goes for 50 makes him the best in the league at his position. I've always thought Rondo was a product of those around him, but there isn't a better pure passer in the league sub-Nash.

The "Elite" - I think that KD, Lebron, and a motivated Dwight are in a class of their own. To me, these are the three best two-way players. KLOVE is great on O, slack on D. Dwade is good on both sides but there has definitely been a slip in his game. Russ is out of control and shaky on D, CP3 has height issues, Rose sometimes plays D, Rondo can't shoot, and Iggy can't score on his own. That's what separates the top three is that they make everyone around them better while dominating the game on both ends. There isn't a more physically gifted player in the league than Lebron. He's 6'8, 240 pounds, probably has the highest vertical outside of Gerald Green, and at his absolute best, he's probably the best wing player the game's ever seen. Durant is second in the NBA in points per game (more on that later) while leading the NBA in defensive FG%. That means the guy he's guarding shoots a lower percentage than anyone in the league. Dwight is Dwight. Leads the league in rebounding, near the top in blocks, points, and double doubles. Even when he doesn't block shots he locks down the paint while being surrounded by the worst perimeter D in the league (Nelson and JRICH and Hedo, oh my!)

Where's Kobe? - Yes, that's right; Kobe Bryant does not appear anywhere on my list. Laker fan will argue that he leads the league in points per. I'd argue that he shoots 4 more shots per game than anyone else in the top 10 while shooting a lower percentage than anyone in the top 10. Laker fan will argue that he has to carry his team. I'd argue that Laker fan is delusional because Bynum and Gasol are both AT THE WORST 18-10 players. I've ragged on Bynum more than anyone and I even believe it's time for Kobe to hand over the keys and fall back into the role he had while Shaq was in Tinsel Town. Laker fan will also point out that John Hollinger's PER has him ranked number 5. Yeah, well Rajon Rondo is 30th behind the likes of Marc Gasol, Kyrie Irving, and Demarcus Cousins. For anyone that's seen Kobe play this year, he's turned into well, a more shot-happy Carmelo Anthony. Notice how Melo isn't on this list either? Only reason Rose makes it is because he's the reigning MVP and he had (has) his team with the best record in basketball. In case you missed it, the Mamba started a game 0-15 the other night and kept shooting. The Lakers are in disarray right now and a lot of that falls on the shoulders of Mr. Bryant. Andrew Bynum is ticked that he's a second or third or fourth option when really anyone unbiased can tell he should be number 1. I like Kobe and dislike Bynum and even I can see it. Bryant is no longer a top 10 player and the moment Mike Brown realizes it is the moment the Lakers become a contender again.