There will always be an array of reasons why one player is better than another and the debate between fans will remain heated. One of the things that fans have to remember is that it is a privilege that we are able to debate all of these players, because there is such an immense amount of talent in the league. With the tip-off of the 2013-2014 NBA season amongst us, the talks and debates of who the best player in the association begin here.

1. Lebron James (SF/28)

2012-13 Stats: 26.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, 7.3 assists

Love him or hate him it would be naive of you to try and argue that Lebron James is not the most dominant player in the NBA. James is hands down one of the most polarizing figures in all of sports, but his play on the court allows for a consensus amongst fans. Lebron James is one of few players who can guard nearly all positions on the court; he has shown his lock down defense on players ranging from the one to four spot. Every single offseason he works on a portion of his game and continuously gets better. Lebron lands at number one due to the fact that he is incredibly dominant offensively, amazing defensively , and a great distributor of the ball. There is a reason that this freak of nature has won four MVP awards.

2. Kevin Durant (SF/25)

2012-13 Stats: 28.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, 4.6 assists

Kevin Durant is such an incredible player and it is almost a shame that he has to be playing during the same era as Lebron James. Durant is one of the greatest offensive players I have seen play the game of basketball; every facet of his game is deadly. One of the great things about Durant is the fact that he is so versatile offensively and can score on you whether it be driving to the lane, behind the arc, a 15-footer, or from the free throw line. Durant is one of the few players in the NBA who can’t be derailed by a bad shooting night or a defender; if he is in a funk he will shoot out of it, and if a defender is able to shut down one aspect of his game he will still find a way to score. The only weakness of Durant is his body frame, he needs to add on some more muscle in order to play more physical.

3. Chris Paul (PG/28)

2012-13 Stats: 16.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 9.7 assists, 2.4 steals

Chris Paul is the epitome of a floor general; he is the reason the offense runs so smoothly and so efficiently. Paul is able to distribute the ball due to his incredible court vision and savvy for finding the open man. If the offense is not clicking or being efficient, he will take it upon himself to start scoring so he can give his team the necessary boost. Going to the Clippers is one of the best things that has happened to CP3, he finally has a team around him and isn’t forced to do everything by himself. Chris Paul is what every franchise wants, on and off the court.

4. Derrick Rose (PG/25)

2012-2013 Stats: DNP

Rose has had his toughness and love of the game questioned this past season after not returning from injury; while in all actuality he took the time off so he could be at full strength when he returned. All offseason all everyone heard from Derrick Rose was how he got much better as a player, which may have placed some unnecessary pressure on himself to produce outlandish numbers. The improvement of his jump shot, his ability to get to the basket at will, and a better supporting cast to take off some of the pressure all add up to Derrick Rose being an elite player yet again.

5. Russell Westbrook (PG/24)

2012-13 Stats: 23.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.8 steals

Although last season Kevin Durant was able to shoulder the load during the playoffs, the loss of Westbrook certainly took its toll on the team and their championship hopes. Without question Westbrook is made better by the presence of Kevin Durant, but Westbrook is no slouch himself. A point guard with an incredible knack for scoring and getting to the basket is crucial for a team’s success, and Westbrook is just that. One of the only flaws in Westbrook’s game is the fact that he plays with a chip on his shoulder. There are games where it is blatantly obvious that he almost resents the fact that Durant is the bigger star on the team and in the league. If Westbrook can continue to improve on his shot selection and controlling his emotions on the court he will prosper this season.

6. Tony Parker (PG/31)

2012-13 Stats: 20.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 7.6 assists

If it were not for his injury mid-season, Tony Parker could have easily won the MVP last season. Parker embodies the San Antonio Spurs in a sense that they both just keep getting older while still playing incredible basketball. The main reason Tony Parker is such an elite player in this league is because of his knowledge of the game and his ability to play both ends of the court. Parker is as consistent as they come and his prowess for driving to the basket are the reasons he finds himself on this list.

7. Kobe Bryant (SG/35)

2012-13 Stats: 27.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.4 steals

The only reason I am bullish on ranking him higher is due to the fact that he is coming off of an injury last season and that he has been in the league for 17 years. Offensively Kobe Bryant still has what it takes to dominate nearly any defender; he can feast from the line or drill a turnaround jump shot from the top of the key. My only qualm with Bryant’s game is that he tends to coast during the regular season when it comes to defense, but as soon as an important game rolls around he flips the switch and shuts down the opposing teams best scorer. As a fan of Kobe Bryant, I would like to see him end his career on a high note and not play past his means.

8. Carmelo Anthony (SF/29)

2012-13 Stats: 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists

The fact that he is already talking about free agency has rubbed fans the wrong way and added pressure for him to produce this season. Carmelo Anthony is one of the most gifted scorers in the NBA and has the ability to shoot opposing teams out of the stadium every single night. If Melo would give half of the effort he did on defense as he did offense, he would be an all around player who would not be overlooked as often as he unfortunately is. Carmelo needs to continue to take high percentage shots while trusting his teammates a little more, and he will be able to take that next step in his game.

9. James Harden (SG/24)

2012-13 Stats: 25.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.8 steals

Leaving the Thunder and becoming the number one option for the Rockets has been a seamless transition for James Harden. The addition of Dwight Howard to the Rockets is going to further improve Harden’s game, because now the floor will be open and he will have more options and opportunities offensively. If Harden continues to shoot so efficiently from the field he is going to be a burden for defenders for years to come.

10. Stephen Curry (PG/25)

2012-13 Stats: 22.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, 6.9 assists

Curry is hands down the best perimeter shooter in the league, and the scary part is that its only one feature of his game. Stephen Curry has an incredible knack for the bounce pass and finding his teammates for the easy basket. The skill that he has offensively is the reason why he has such a high ceiling for the future. In order to Curry needs to attempt to add muscle, commit to getting better defensively, and continue to be a sharpshooter.

Written By Tim Cekovic