Hooped Up

A new season is fast approaching and you need you know, nay — you demand to know! Who’s the best at each position in the league on a nightly basis in the ‘09-10 NBA season. So with your mind and excel sheet ablaze trying to figure out that riddle to no end. I’ve decided to take one for the team, by putting together a  list of the Top 5 players in the league by position heading into the ‘09-10 NBA season.

Up next the small forward spot, if you’re expecting to see Danilo Gallinari in this group, please visit my Bizzarro world site.

5. Paul Pierce
08-09 Stats: 20.5 PPG / 3.6 APG / 5.6 RPG / 1.0 SPG / 45.7% FG%
The truth of the matter is that Paul Pierce is still one of the deadliest players in the league. With the much needed offensive help of Rasheed Wallace and a healthy Kevin Garnett to shoulder the load. Pierce’s offensive totals should drop a tad this campaign, but , his clutch play and killer instincts will remain the same.

4. Danny Granger
08-09 Stats: 25.8 PPG / 2.7 APG / 5.1 RPG / 1.0 SPG / 44.7% FG%
Last season Granger arrived, bagging his first all-star appearance and the Most Improved Player award. Things are definitely on an up swing for the Pacers young star and that trend should continue in ‘09-10.

3. Kevin Durant
08-09 Stats: 25.3 PPG / 2.8 APG / 6.8 RPG / 1.3 SPG / 47.6% FG%
Being a great player on a bad team at only 20 years, the skies the limit for Durant. He’s got ridiculous skills and his stats will improve once again this year because quite simply — they have to if the Thunder plan to win games.

2. Carmelo Anthony
08-09 Stats: 22.8 PPG / 3.4 APG / 6.8 RPG / 1.1 SPG / 44.3% FG%
It was tough not giving Durant the nod at number two on this list, but despite the scoring drop last season Anthony played well enough to have the Nuggets in the western conference finals. When Durant can do that, then maybe he’ll move up this list.

1. LeBron James
08-09 Stats: 28.4 PPG / 7.2 APG / 7.6 RPG / 1.7 SPG / 48.9% FG%
LeBron James had one to many jobs last season and this year he’ll have a ton of help. Even surrounded with capable cast, I’m betting that his offensive production won’t drop and he’ll be on a mission. James is also in a contract year, and contract year guys usually turn it on for a big summer pay day. The MVP trophy will be his to lose this season.