APRIL 21, 2013
It’s basketball
season all around the world. And, more specifically, it’s NBA season. To be
even more specific, it’s the POSTSEASON… Playoffs time, baby! The NBA
is home to some of the most elite and best players in the world and the
postseason puts the best of those best on display. In this post, I will be
counting down my Top 5 Favorite active* postseason NBA princes, uh, players. Each
of the players is amazing and awesome in their own right. I enjoy watching them
all and I find them all physically attractive. 3 of these players are from the
East Conference and the other 2 are from the Western Conference. Let’s get to
it.
*The players
have to be on the roster of one of the 16 teams that are battling in the 2013
NBA playoffs.
Criteria:
Reputation: importance to team, damage caused to other team, NBA history &
looks,
**added** 2013
Team playoff prediction
5. Kobe Bryant
Kobe
Bean Bryant,
star shooting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers (v. San Antonio Spurs), is the
best NBA player in the world. Hands down. It can be argued, but shouldn’t. That
being said, he is at #5 because he is currently out with a season-ending
injury, thus, not giving him the opportunity to participate in the playoffs.
However, there are several reasons why his team is even in the postseason to
begin with and he’s number 1 & 2. He is their backbone and leader and while
he is out, he will have to hope that they can pull through without him. His
nickname is the “Black Mamba” and that’s not because he’s long-limbed; it’s
because he strikes whenever he wants and wherever and he puts the fear in his
opponents. He’s relentless and hell bent on winning, whatever it takes. And
he’s sexy to boot, a very smooth and reserved man.
Team Prediction:
I don’t know how long the Lakers (#7) can go without the “Black Mamba”. They
may win a game (or 2) against SAS (#2), but the Spurs have a healthier and
deeper team and a much better coach. Spurs in 6. Sorry, Kobe.
4. Dwyane Wade
Dwyane
“Flash” Wade
is coming in at #4. I love this guy. He’s so attractive and has the heart that
his team, the Miami Heat, (v. Milwaukee Bucks) need. Starting at shooting
guard, he has a much different role than the one he had 3 years ago, but that
hasn’t stopped his spinning and winning essence. He’s one of the great guards
in the game and leaves great defensive teams wondering how to stop him because
he quick and makes the right decisions. He had surgery in the off-season and so
often he’s played hurt, showing his dedication to the game and to his team.
Personally, I think he’s a genius. His health has always been up and down
during his career, but he was the first out of the featured members of the 2003
Draft Class to win a title and then invited LBJ to his team, put his ego aside
and won another one last year. So many eyes are on his other half, Lebron
James, that he’s left do as much damage as he wants
TP: The Heat
(#1) have an easy time on their hands with the Bucks (#8), but as a lover of
underdogs, I hope the Bucks surprise them with a game or 2, but overall, I
think Miami will win in 5
3. Tim Duncan
Timothy
“The Big Fundamental” Duncan is boring. And handsome and damn near perfect. Mr.
Duncan, power center for the San Antonio Spurs (v. Los Angeles Lakers), is the
kind of player that every team wishes that they had the luxury of acquiring or
could ever hope to develop. He is a true veteran and leader who knows the game
and is as passionate as any other on this list. Personally, I don’t think he’s
boring, but others think he is because he doesn’t do intimidation stare-downs
or throws down “monster jams” or does full-court rundowns. He grabs a rebound,
secures it and throws a perfect outlet pass to his guards streaking down the
court for an open layup. He gets to the free=throw line subtly and he makes his
free-throws. Yawn.
TP: The Spurs
are on a roll, a wonderfully put together team with an experienced,
championship-winning coach, they’re playing against a scrappy, big=manned LAL
team who doesn’t have a leader at the helm. The Spurs in 6.
2. Lebron James
LeBron
“King James” James of the Miami Heat (v. Mil Bucks)… what can I say about this guy? He’s a great
talent, totally diverse and seemingly a matchup problem at any position, small
center, power guard, shooting forward. This makes him a great asset to the Heat
and he’s one of the reasons why they had the best record in the regular season
and why they’re expected to go far in the postseason. He is a combination of
Dominique Wilkins, Dennis Rodman and Isiah Thomas. A smooth=passing, rebounding
“Human Highlight Reel”. He’s one of the most popular players in the game and
intimidates his opponents by creative problems with his scoring and defensive
abilities. I think he’s cute, definitely not in the traditional sense, but I like
the way he looks, receding hairline and all.
(see DW’s Team
Prediction)
1. Carmelo
Anthony
Carmelo “Melo” Anthony, shooting small forward for the New York Knicks
(v. Boston Celtics) doesn’t have a fancy nicknamed like the other s on the
list, but he’s #1 because I said so. He’s the best scorer in the league, and
has been for some time, but he’s FINALLY getting recognition after beating out
Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder. I am a Knicks fan which is one of
the main reasons why he’s numero uno but also because the best-looking on the
list and because his contribution to his team is evident and he like Lebron
James, he’s a matchup problem. He’s big, and sometimes plays that way, he can also
shoot the lights out and that makes the PF guarding him have to step up and be
ready when Melo takes it to the rack. Personally, I don’t think he gets the
love (from the officials) that others get because he’s overshadowed, but one
day, he will. He’s my 2nd favorite player right now.
TP: I think the
Knicks (#2) have a good, I think they play well together, but they’re going up
against a seasoned Boston (#7) team. However, the Celtics don’t have their star
point guard Rondo which makes them weaker and able to be overridden. Knicks in 6.
♥Honorable Mentions:
Chris “CP3” Paul Point guard for the Los Angeles Clippers
