My Top 5 NBA Players

First, let me start off by saying that these NBA Playoffs have been some of the best in recent memory; a lot of close games that have come down to the last possession and more importantly, it looks like the slow-down trend from a few years ago has passed. However, I think the biggest story has been the emergence of players into superstar status; I can't recall when the debate over the best player in the game included so many legitimate candidates. The league is full of very good players and those who have yet to reach their potential, such as Dwight Howard, Amare Stoudamire, Chris Paul, and Chris Bosh and it could get very interesting once those guys do ascend into the superstar realm.

And without further ado, here are my top players:

1. Lebron James - He carried the Cavs and played brilliant ball. Wait until he gets a complimentary player.
   
2. Dirk Nowitzki - He has blown up in these playoffs; last night's clutch performance was only the 5th time in NBA Playoff history that a player scored 50 and had over 10 rebounds.
   
3. Kobe Bryant - He has elevated his game and needs help, but the most dominating scorer in the league.
   
4. Dwyane Wade - Like Dirk, he has emerged in the playoffs. Quick and explosive.
   
5. Steve Nash - He simply controls a game and makes everyone better.

See my point about the quality and depth of the league? Picking a top 5 right now is very difficult considering I left off the following: Tim Duncan, Elton Brand, Kevin Garnett, Gilbert Arenas, Allen Iverson, Tracy McGrady, Yao Ming, Michael Redd, Shaquille O'Neal, Jermaine O'Neil, Ron Artest, Shawn Marion, Jason Kidd, Vince Carter, and Mike Dunleavy (ha).