Saturday, May 4, 2013

Top 5 Active NBA Players


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

Paul “The Truth” Pierce Shooting Small Forward of the Boston Celtics 

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