There are some changes from the Pre-Season Power Rankings (spoiler alert: Andrew Bynum is not on the list this time around), but the man atop the list remains the same.
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| We could be seeing this image again soon... LeBron's hairline would be pushed back a couple inches, of course |
It seems like Dwyane Wade's role on the Heat gets smaller each game, and that's completely justifiable since LeBron is in full beast-mode. It's becoming increasingly evident that LBJ is a once-in-a-generation player, so my advice going forward is just sit back, and enjoy the show.
2. Kobe Bryant, SG, Los Angeles Lakers (27.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 5.2 apg, 53.1 FG%)
My favorite part of Mike D'Antoni's debut as head coach of the Lakers was how he used Kobe. The Black Mamba was continually used as the ball handler in pick-and-rolls (with Pau Gasol as the picker/ roller), and it definitely passed the eye test (even if the Lakers' second game under D'Antoni was a little lack-luster). Steve Nash is still a week—or more—away, and I'm thinking Kobe will continue to be the main ball-handler until Nash is back. That's a good thing for the Lakers, as he's not only shooting at a career-high level, he's got his highest per-game assist total since 2007-08.
3. Kevin Durant, SF, Oklahoma City Thunder (25.4 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 4.7 apg, 49.8 FG%)
The impact of James Harden's departure can be seen directly in Kevin Durant's per-game numbers. Without Harden, the Thunder are relying that much more on Durant, and he is answering the call: if he maintains this pace, KD will set career-highs in rebounds-per-game, assists-per-game, steals-per-game, blocks-per-game, field goal percentage, and 3-point field goal percentage. If you thought Durant was playing at a high level last year, check out his game in 2012-13. So far, so great.
4. Carmelo Anthony, SF, New York Knicks (24.1 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 2.0 apg, 44.8 FG%)
I love how coach Mike Woodson is using Carmelo this year, starting him at power forward. Anthony is a devastating match-up for most PFs in the Eastern Conference, as he is much quicker than most guys at the position, and can blow by almost any big man who tries to guard him. If opposing coaches try to counter 'Melo by sending small forwards to defend him, Anthony just out-muscles them and still gets easy buckets. Pick your poison. Carmelo still has a tendency to take a couple ill-advised jump shots per game, but he has looked great overall, and he's got the Knicks at the top of the Eastern Conference. With Amare Stoudemire coming back soon, Carmelo's role in the starting lineup becomes a little hazy, but while Amare's out, 'Melo is the man in New York.
5. Rajon Rondo, PG, Boston Celtics (14.0 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 13.3 apg, 52.8 FG%)
Sure, neither Rondo or the Celtics have been overly impressive so far. Sure, Rondo continually passes up open looks in the 4th quarter (something that no MVP has done ever). Sure, he's not even close to matching his scoring output from last year's playoffs. Despite all that, Rondo is still the best passer in the game, and is a threat to put up a triple-double any given night. I expect the Celtics to figure it out over the next couple weeks, so there's a definite chance Rondo is even higher on the list by the next MVP Power Rankings.
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| Rondo hasn't yet been able to match his gaudy 2011-12 playoff numbers |
6. James Harden, SG, Houston Rockets (24.5 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 4.6 apg, 43.8 FG%)
We pretty much know what we're going to see from Harden on a night-to-night basis: a lot of points, on a lot of touches. The Rockets really don't have much other than Harden (especially with Jeremy Lin struggling), and his field goal percentage is a little low because of it. Still, he is one hell of a player, and incredibly fun to watch. My favorite part of his game? How often he attacks the lane, and gets to the foul line. Harden averages 9.3 free-throw attempts per game and, if you remove Dwight Howard from the picture (since teams voluntarily put him on the line all the time), that would lead the league by a big margin. Let's put it this way: Harden averages as many free-throw attempts per-game as Deron Williams and Monta Ellis combined. That's sick.
7. Zach Randolph, PF, Memphis Grizzlies (16.7 ppg, 13.8 rpg, 1.0 apg, 47.1 FG%)
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| This guy is somehow awesome |
8. Tim Duncan, PF, San Antonio Spurs (18.2 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 2.5 apg, 51.6 FG%)
Duncan and Randolph are in similar a position, being the best player on a great team. Neither guy is all that flashy, and yet both guys are playing at an extremely high level. The strong start to Timmy's season comes as a surprise to many, as he's 36 years old, and playing in his 16th pro season. However not even age can slow down the brilliantly boring Duncan apparently, so expect to see a lot of 14-foot bank-shots from the big man all year.
9. Jrue Holiday, PG, Philadelphia 76ers (18.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 8.6 apg, 44.2 FG%)
Andrew Bynum hasn't played a single game, and yet the 76ers are 7-5? Huh... ? Wha... ? It's true, and it's all because of Jrue Holiday. Holiday has been fantastic this year, both in terms of creating his own shot, and setting up easy baskets for others. His numbers could take a dip once Bynum's healthy, but thanks to the wonderful sport of bowling, that should still be weeks (months?) away.
10. Kevin Love, PF, Minnesota Timberwolves (34.0 ppg, 14.0 rpg, 2.0 apg, 48.0 FG%)
Some would argue that Kevin Love shouldn't be on this list because he's only played 1 game so far this year. That would be a valid point, if he wasn't awesome in that 1 game. He's going to be fantastic all year, and could get the Wolves into the playoffs.
In the mix: Chris Paul, PG, Los Angeles Clippers; Deron Williams, PG, Brooklyn Nets; Kyrie Irving, PG, Cleveland Cavaliers; Kemba Walker, PG, Charlotte Bobcats (you read that right... a Bobcat made the list); LaMarcus Aldridge, PF, Portland Trail Blazers; Dwight Howard, C, Los Angeles Lakers
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