Top Five Eastern Conference NBA Players
For my version of the top five on Fridays, I’m going to do a list of the top players in the Eastern Conference. For the past few years, LeBron James has dominated the conference but within the last year, the list has shaken up a bit. Here are the top players in the Eastern Conference.
1. LeBron James, SF, Cleveland Cavaliers- The King has arguably been the best player in the league the past six seasons since his rookie year in 2003. Averaging 27.5 ppg, 7.0 rpg, and 6.7 apg, stats comparable to Oscar Robertson and Magic Johnson, nobody in the NBA has stats even close to these. Last season was arguably his best as James put up 28.4 ppg, 7.6 rpg, and 7.2 apg while winning the MVP Award and leading the Cavs to 67 wins, a franchise and NBA best. With his zero rings on his fingers, James’ teammates WILL have to step up this season if GM Danny Ferry wants to keep James around after the 2009-10 season, a season where he is due to become a free agent. James said as of today that he is unlikely to sign an extension with Cleveland until after next season. With all the skills in the world and 12,993 points poured in during his career, James is the clear choice for best player in the East.
2. Dwyane Wade, SG, Miami Heat- Wade is another player from the touted draft class of 2003 which produced James and Carmelo Anthony. Wade is a great shooter that can also drive and throw it down on somebody. Winning a title with Shaquille O’Neal in 2006, Wade has cemented himself as the best player in Heat history. Also due to become a free agent after next season, Pat Riley hopes that he can bring Wade and his 9,992 points back to South Beach for at least a few more years. Being the third best player in the league, D-Wade will likely stay there for quite some time as LeBron James and Kobe Bryant fill the void at first and second. Look for another 30 ppg season from the Marquette alum as he is hungry for a second ring.
3. Dwight Howard, C, Orlando Magic- The best big man to play for the Magic since Shaq, Dwight Howard is a man among boys in the low post. At 23, and Howard has led the league in double doubles, blocks, points in the paint, and rebounds per game in his young five year career. For Dwight, his work ethic has brought him there as he came into the NBA being a tall, skinny kid wearing braces and all he could do was dunk. Now, the Superman looking center is the most dominant big man in the league and will continue to do so for the next ten to twelve years.
4. Danny Granger, SF, Indiana Pacers-Granger, an alum of New Mexico, is relatively unmentioned in the conversation over the best players in the league. Playing in a small market in Indianapolis, Granger has put up major stats the past two seasons and really broke out in 2008-09, averaging 25.9 points per game. At 6’9″, Granger is one of the most athletic players in the East and should be good for years to come.
5. Paul Pierce, SG, Boston Celtics- Averaging at least 20 points a game for each season, Pierce has shown to be a great leader and be able to make the clutch shot. Also improving on defense each year, Pierce was key to the Celtics championship in 2008. If he can continue to produce, Boston should be just as good with the addition of Rasheed Wallace. Watch out for Pierce to have another strong year as the ball will be spread out and open shots will be on the horizon.
