A big change at the top, and some familiar faces coming back from dead…

Tier One

1. LeBron James, SF – There, I said it. We’ll discuss KG in a sec, but LBJ has every right to be number one here. He’s 7th in the league in points, 2nd in steals, 4th in assists, plus he gives you 3’s, blocks, and boards. You’d like to see a nicer FT%, but whatever.

2. Kevin Garnett, F – I blame this entirely on the tag team of Sprewell and Cassell, whose poor attitudes have killed the T-wolves this year. But KG’s February has seen him fall off in nearly every category, and with a sore knee it’s going to be interesting to see how much Mr. Reliable is going to play, particularly if they fall out of playoff contention.

3. Dirk Nowitzki, FC – Perhaps the biggest story no one is talking about is Nowitzki, who despite losing Steve Nash, having year-long turmoil at the PG spot, and dealing with an aging Mike Finley, Dirk has led the Mavs to a 33-16 record. He’s putting up career highs in points (26.9), blocks (1.5), and assists (3.1) in the process.

4. Shawn Marion, SF – Really, the stats say that he should beat out Nowitzki for the 3rd spot. But between Dirk’s center eligibility and the acquisition of Jim Jackson and Walter McCarty to cut into Marion’s minutes, we’ll put him 4th. Still the most complete player in the game, though.

5. Kobe Bryant, SG – When the going gets tough … well, you know. These next 2 months will be where Kobe has to prove he can do it without the Diesel. He has all the motivation he needs with his team clinging to a playoff spot, and if there’s one guy with a chance to average 35 points in the next couple months, it’s Kobe.

6. Tim Duncan, FC – Did you see those 9 assists he got the other night against the Nets? Ridiculous. With the new ‘small ball’ strategy in San Antonio, he might be in line for even more nights like that.

7. Allen Iverson, G – He leads the league in scoring, is top 5 in assists, and 3rd in steals. It’s a shame that his team is so terrible, but that doesn’t matter in fantasy. He probably went in the 2nd or 3rd round this year, and he’s been everything his owners could have possibly hoped for, and more.

8. Tracy McGrady, SG – For some reason, in February, he’s completely forgotten how to shoot the ball, or steal it for that matter. But his assists (7.5) have taken a nice bump.

Tier Two

9. Jason Kidd, PG – He’s baaaaack. Plus, as the clear #2 scorer on the Nets, he’s taking (and making) more 3’s than ever before. I mean, if someone told you in September that come February, Kidd would be playing great ball for the Nets, and teaming up with Vince Carter to lead them in a push for the playoffs, well, you’d have called them crazy.

10. Vince Carter, GF – Unbelievable. If I’m a Toronto fan, this guy is the devil. Can you believe that all the Nets gave up was Zo (waived) Eric Williams (demanding a trade, not playing) and some other junk for VC? Steal of the century. Almost 30 points, 2.1 3’s, over 5 boards and assists, 1.4 steals and 1.2 blocks on 48% shooting over the last month makes him a Top-10 player right now, for sure.

11. Gilbert Arenas, PG – OK, I waited as long as I could. Since Larry Hughes went down with a busted thumb last month, Gil has been on fire, and his last months stats (29.1/ 4.1/5.9, 2.8 3’s, 2.3 steals) are amazing. The only reason he isn’t at 6 or 7 is because Hughes will be back right after the All-Star Break, and his stats will suffer because of it.

12. Andrei Kirilenko – Since his return to the starting lineup, his steals, 3’s and boards have all been below last year’s levels, and his blocks (2.4) have fallen from his absurd pre-injury numbers (4.4) as well. Plus he hurt himself last night and may miss a game or two.

Tier Three

13. Steve Nash, PG – This is where things get murky, but since I’ve been championing Steve Nash for MVP since November, he’ll get lucky number 13 on the list. His assists are incredible, yes, but how about shooting over 50% as a PG?

14. Amare Stoudemire, FC – He just keeps getting better – averaging 11.7 boards in his last 7 games.

15. Elton Brand, PF - He got left off the list last time, but he’s averaging 2.7 bpg since the new year, which was my main beef with him last time. Plus his scoring and rebounding is up over the last month and a half, too.

16. Brad Miller, C – The more time his teammates miss, the more he’s gonna rack up the stats. His value may be a little over-inflated at this point, but not by much.

17. Chris Webber, PF – Fine. FINE. He may be getting almost a triple-double every night he plays, but I still don’t like the injury risk, and he’s posting a career low in blocks. Yes I traded him a month ago, no I’m not bitter.

18. Quentin Richardson, SF – Yeah, I’m putting 4 Suns in the top 20. But you know what? Q’s 3.1 3pg is absolutely dominant, plus he helps in boards, steals, and FT%.

19. Peja Stojakovic, SF – I don’t like these injuries that keep coming up, but Peja, when he plays, is awesome from the line, hits 3’s regularly, and scores almost 20 ppg. A disappointing season, though, for Peja and his owners.

20. Dewayne Wade, PG – On the player rater, he’s a plus in every category except 3’s and boards. If he ever expands his range, he’s a top-10 player.

In the few weeks since our last Top 20, we’ve seen one elite player return from injury, (Baron Davis) and one looks like he’s about ready to lace ‘em up again (Andrei Kirilenko). So let’s see where they fall into the mix. Plus, this time we’ve added tiers.

Tier One:

1. Kevin Garnett, F (MIN) – His hold on the top spot may be slipping, but through no fault of his own. The Big Ticket is still the undisputed fantasy champion. He’s posting career-high numbers in boards and assists this year.

2. LeBron James, G/F (CLE) – He just turned 20, and he could very well average 25/7/7 this year. The biggest surprise so far is his .493 FG%, and he helps in every single category.

3. Shawn Marion, F (PHO) – Garnett is the only other player in the league averaging over 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks. Marion is a 20/10 threat every night, and does everything but get assists.

4. Dirk Nowitzki, F/C (DAL) – He’s slowing a bit from his torrid November pace (2.1 fewer rebounds), but Dirk is still a top-5 talent.

5. Tracy McGrady, SG (HOU) – He’s on fire so far this month, averaging 30 points, 3.3 3’s, 7.5 boards and 6 assists. After a slow start, Tracy is starting to return to form in Houston, and should be fine from here on out.

6. Kobe Bryant, SG (LAL) – He’s shooting 40.7% from the field, but his 44% shooting over the last 5 games (in which the Lakers went 3-2 against some great teams) is encouraging. Other than that, Kobe is a stud, plus your fantasy team isn’t affected by off-the-court drama. Yet.

7. Tim Duncan, F/C (SAS) – If he goes top 5 in your draft next year, it’ll be on hype alone. He’s no longer dominant in points (21.9 this year, 15th in the league, decreasing for the 4th year in a row), and while he’s a huge plus in boards and blocks, he’s a huge minus in FT%, and doesn’t help at all in assists or 3’s. Dirk is unquestionably the better fantasy center.

Tier Two:

8. Jermaine O’Neal, FC (IND) – Really, there’s not much difference between Jermaine and Duncan, but the lack of blocks lately (1.6 per game since his return) pushes him into the second tier.

9. Andrei Kirilenko, F (UTH) – He’s almost back. Have patience. The best defensive player in the league, he’s like Ben Wallace but with scoring ability and range on his jumper.

10. Allen Iverson, G (PHI) – Over the last month, he’s averaging 33.3 points, 6.9 assists and 5.3 boards with 2.4 steals and 1.7 3’s. The only reason he slips is because those injuries have gotta catch up with him sooner or later. If Philly falls out of the playoff hunt, he may sit out more often.

11. Ray Allen, SG (SEA) – He’s consistent, he helps you almost everywhere, but he just doesn’t have what it takes to move into the top 10. Better rebounds and assists (about 4 of each) would help that.

12. Baron Davis, PG (NO) – The best and worst fantasy player on the planet. His percentages will murder you. Everything else is spectacular. He is the ultimate roller coaster ride, and he could very easily be #7, or #17.

Tier Three:

13. Amare Stoudamire, F/C, (PHO) – His 26 points, 8.6 boards and 1.7 blocks are all well and good, but it’s the 58% shooting from the field that gets him into the top 15.

14. Shaquille O’Neal, C (MIA) – Don’t look now, but Shaq is getting pumped for the second half of the year. In January he’s averaging 27.3 points, 11.2 boards, 3.5 blocks, and hitting 2/3 of his shots from the field. Oh, and under half his shots from the stripe. Injuries are still a concern, though.

15. Paul Pierce, G/F (BOS) – His numbers are down across the board this year, though not much. He’s a fine second round pick but not someone you can build your team around.

16. Rashard Lewis, SF (SEA) – Quietly playing nearly as well as teammate Ray Allen, if he managed better than his pitiful 1 assist per game, he may be in the top 15.

17. Peja Stojakovic, SF (SAC) – His points, boards, steals, 3’s, assists, and FG% are down from last year. As long as Chris Webber is healthy, Peja just isn’t the same. He flirted with being a first-rounder in this year’s draft, but not anymore.

18. Larry Hughes, SG (WAS) – If there weren’t about 50 other shooting guards just a tad under Larry’s ability, he’d be higher up. But he leads the league in steals, and has terrific all around numbers. It is a contract year, though, so who knows what he’ll be like next year.

19. Stephon Marbury, PG (NYK) – 20 points, 8.8 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.5 3’s … ho-hum. He’s just a solid point guard. Every year, you know what to expect.

20. Dwyane Wade, G (MIA) – His game has really turned on with the arrival of Shaq, but the lack of 3’s from the PG position pushes him down a bit.

We’re going to try to do this every couple of weeks, just to keep an eye on the elite of the elite. This is taking into account what we think these players’ value is over the course of the season. So …

1. Kevin Garnett, SF (MIN) – The last time someone averaged 20 points and 15 rebounds in a season? 1982-83, Moses Malone. I think. KG’s on pace (22.9/15.3).

2. Dirk Nowitzki, F/C (DAL) – We’re talking long-term here. Dirk is setting career highs in points and boards this year. His recent struggles shouldn’t be much reason for worry, though he might end up missing a game or two.

3. LeBron James, G/F (CLE) – Remember how everyone thought his jumper would be a problem? He’s shooting 50.6% from the floor. An 8-category stud.

4. Shawn Marion, SF (PHO) – It’s not a coincidence that he’s at the top of the Player Rater after every season. He deserves Top-5 respect.

5. Tim Duncan, F/C (SAS) – Don’t look now, but Timmy’s shooting 76.3% from the line this month. Thus, he moves up in our rankings.

6. Kobe Bryant, SG (LAL) – We yakked about Kobe plenty this week. His 7.6 boards and 1.2 blocks from the SG spot are spectacular. His .397 FG% is horrendous.

7. Tracy McGrady, SG (HOU) – In December, his points are up 5.8, steals up 1.7, rebounds up 1.2, 3PM up 1.3, and FG% is up 1.3%. It’s just taking some time.

8. Ray Allen, SG (SEA) – Everybody’s falling all over themselves in praise of Allen, but the interesting thing is, his numbers were even better last year.

9. Amare Stoudamire, F/C (PHO) – He’s shooting 57% from the field. He’s averaging 25 points, 9 boards, and 1.8 blocks. Just unreal. And nowhere to go but up.

10. Dwayne Wade, G (MIA) – Just the fact that he played through an injury yesterday, where last year he would have sat out, moves him into the first round.

11. Steve Nash, PG (PHO) – Nash for MVP? Who, other than LeBron perhaps, has had a bigger affect on his team?

12. Stephon Marbury, PG (NYK) – Very quietly, he’s keeping his owners happy while playing under the radar in New York. His percentages are both career-highs.

13. Paul Pierce, GF (BOS) – He just can’t seem to crack that upper echelon. He’s a great player, but still well behind James/Bryant/McGrady.

14. Peja Stojakovic, SF (SAC) – He’s in the top 5 in FT% and 3PM. He’s not even in the top 20 in any other categories. A disappointing year so far.

15. Andrei Kirilenko, F (UTH) – We didn’t have the heart to keep him out of the top 15. A top player, but his return date keeps getting pushed back. Not a good sign.

16. Allen Iverson, G (PHI) – Not only are his assists up to 7.4 per game, but his FT% is at a career-high 83.1%.

17. Steve Francis, PG (ORL) – A nice return to his pre-Van Gundy numbers is encouraging, but if he hit more 3’s he could jump a few spots.

18. Elton Brand, PF (LAC) – What happened? Under 10 boards, under 2 blocks, and Mr. Consistency is having problems. He should pick it up soon, though.

19. Ben Wallace, F/C (DET) – Is he really gonna average 10 points all year? I’d rather see him get his boards and blocks up to 2001/2002 levels.

20. Rashard Lewis, SF (SEA) – His scoring, 3’s, and blocks are all at career-highs. This might be the last year you could draft him in the 4th round or later.

Mo’ Pete, Mo’ Problems

Every year, at some point, Morris Peterson goes on a little run. Nothing great, but enough that you’ve at least got to THINK about picking him up. Well, that time is here. With Vince Carter hurting, and Jalen Rose playing truly terrible basketball in 4 of his last 5 games, MoPete is all of a sudden getting minutes. In the Raptors’ last 3 games, Peterson has averaged 33 minutes, putting up 15.3/5.3 with 1.3 steals and 2.3 3PM. Is it worth it to take a risk this time? Possibly. Let’s look at why: