Top 5 NBA players at each position so far
Honorable Mention: DeMar DeRozan
Toronto’s high-flying centerpiece DeMar DeRozan has developed into a genuine star in the NBA. Earlier in his career DeRozan could be written off as a walking highlight reel, all flash no substance. By etching out some serious real estate for himself in the Raptors offense, DeRozan now has the license to express himself. Over the years DeRozan has grown into a more confident and intelligent player, whose not just making the exciting play but making the correct basketball play on most occasions. DeRozan’s improvement really comes from a better understanding of the game and a blooming confidence.
5: Dwayne Wade
He may not be Flash anymore, but Dwayne can still get the job done. LeBron’s return to Cleveland means Wade is the undisputed head honcho once more. Despite what many people believe (myself included), Wade is showing that he isn’t ready to hang it up just yet. He may be posting some of his lowest stats since entering the league in 2003, but D-Wade is the leader that the Miami Heat need. The young players like Justise Winslow and Hassan Whiteside need a positive figure like Wade to keep them focused on the team’s main goal. With Miami currently contending in the East, it’s clear that a healthy, albeit limited, Dwayne Wade is still very effective.
4: Brandon Knight
Certainly one of the big stories of the season so far has been the rise of Brandon Knight. So far this season Knight is posting career highs in points, rebounds, assists and effective field goal percentage. The former University of Kentucky guard is playing his best ball at the moment, and is helping an exciting Suns squad compete in the ultra-competitive Western Conference. Alongside Eric Bledsoe, Knight completes one of the most fearsome back courts in the league.
3: Andrew Wiggins
Andrew Wiggins has arrived. In his second year as a professional, Wiggins is showing the very early signs of an all-time great. It’s certainly too early for the youngster’s coronation as a shoe-in Hall of Famer, but at the moment you would be hard pressed to find anyone doubting Wiggins’ immense talent. Being traded to Minnesota in exchange for Kevin Love may have been the best thing that could have happened to Wiggins. On the Timberwolves he has the license to run the show and be the center of attention. With point guard Ricky Rubio more than happy to set him up with scoring chances and rookie Karl Anthony Towns willing to do the dirty work, Wiggins is in the perfect position to thrive.
2: Jimmy Butler
Basketball players don’t come more “blue-collar” than Jimmy Butler. The man is built like a prize-fighter and has the work ethic to back it up. With the sporadic contribution of Derrick Rose, Butler has become the Bulls’ focal point. Whether or not Rose can stay healthy, Butler will be the centerpiece in Chicago for years to come. Butler gained notoriety for his pitbull-like defense, but over time the shooting guard has developed into a devastating offensive weapon as well. At the end of games it may no longer be Rose with the ball in his hands, now that Jimmy Butler has ascended to genuine superstar status.
1: James Harden
James Harden has a chip on his shoulder. After being snubbed by voters for the MVP last season, the bearded one has returned with a vengeance. A rough start to the season as well as a coaching change may have the Rockets in a bit of a whirlwind at the moment, but Harden remains consistently great. It’s hard to believe that Harden could be asked to do even more for Houston but at 5-10 and wallowing in 13th place in the West, he will have to raise his game in order to elevate his team yet again.
Next: Point Guards