I’m stealing BV’s thunder because I’ve always wanted to do one of these. As a special bonus, I’m leaving spot #20 open so you can decide who gets the call there.
1. Shawn Marion – Time to face the truth and accept the fact that The Matrix is the biggest fantasy stud there is. He simply has no weaknesses, never misses any action and puts up huge numbers on the league’s highest scoring team.
2. LeBron James – Expecting a huge second half from LBJ as he looks to singlehandedly get his team into the playoffs – and secure homecourt advantage in the first round.
3. Kevin Garnett – His days as the game’s clearcut #1 – or even #1 at all – are over. But you’d still be hard pressed to find someone (besides the two above) with better well-rounded games.
4. Kobe Bryant – I for one fully expect the tear to continue throughout the season as Kobe tries to will the Lakers into the playoffs and top MJ’s highest single season scoring average (37.1).
5. Elton Brand – His total dominance in FG%, blocks and rebounds puts him a cut above the players just below; proving that injuries from 02-03 and 03-04 were indeed flukes.
6. Dirk Nowitzki – With Dallas basically at full strength, he’s finding that there aren’t as many numbers to go around; solid play of both Diop and Dampier is killing his boards.
7. Steve Nash – Never misses a beat and is just so utterly dominant in assists that owners can be creative in filling out the rest of their roster.
8. Dwyane Wade – Tendency to get just a bit banged up is the only thing keeping him out of the top five; who cares about the lack of 3s as long as he shoots 49% on 19 shots per game as a guard (not to mention 2 steals per contest).
9. Gilbert Arenas – He gets the nod over AI solely because of his durability; completely lost his three-point stroke in January, but get ready for a barrage this month.
10. Allen Iverson – His owners knew an injury was coming and can’t be surprised if he sits out a few more contests as the season wears on.
11. Tracy McGrady – Shooting has been downright putrid lately, but he’s one of the few players capable of carrying a team when he’s at his best.
12. Andrei Kirilenko – Seeing absolutely huge minutes, which is always a worry on Utah; steals/blocks dominance is truly unique.
13. Ray Allen – Was overrated last year, but is underrated this year; hitting 3s at a ridiculous rate and averaging a career high in steals, which is quite rare for a player in his 10th year.
14. Paul Pierce – Early returns from Davis/Szczerbiak trade aren’t too hot; he’s looking to score a whole lot more and his numbers – not just FG% — are suffering.
15. Jason Kidd – Getting better as the season progresses, which is a great sign from an aging player.
16. Chris Bosh – Center eligibility combined with incredibly consistent day-to-day production and the clear #1 role on his team make him a true stud.
17. Tim Duncan – The numbers can’t support putting him any higher, and honestly, even this might be high.
18. Marcus Camby – Yes, he’s already been injured since his latest return, but his 21/11/3 with a steal and 4 blocks is a line he’s capable of putting up every night; for teams desperate to move up, he’s worth taking a chance on.
19. Chris Paul – Going with the youth over the vet; every time you expect him to slow down (rookie wall, thumb injury) he bounces back stronger than ever.
20. ???????