Hi there! Happy New Year Everybody! For the next installment of "Jingalls Top 10" I will attempt to list my top 10 current players in the NBA.

1) Lebron James (Cleveland Cavaliers, 32W - 11L)
This is really hard to pick between Lebron and Kobe, as Kobe has been incredible this year for the Lakers. Lebron is boasting averages of 29.6 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 7.8 apg and an efficiency rating of +32!! He has the Cavs in 1st place out East and beat the Lakers in LA on Christmas day. As deadly as Kobe is I would argue that nobody has done more with less than Lebron. There is no other legit star on the Cavs team except Shaq who is well past his prime. Will this be the year that Lebron finally gets a ring? It's gonna be tough with that supporting cast, but he's got a fighter's chance.

2) Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers, 32W - 9L)
Despite a broken finger on his shooting hand, a bad back, and injuries to Pau Gasol, Kobe has his Lakers in first place in the NBA, and in position to defend their title. His averages thus far are, 28.3 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 4.5 apg. He has almost single handedly kept the Lakers in 1st place with his late game heroics this year, hitting game winning shots against Miami, Milwaukee and Sacramento. Kobe has a game that is smooth as butter and more clutch than anyone in the NBA.

3) Tim Duncan (San Antonio Spurs, 25W - 15L)
As Tim Duncan approaches the 20,000 career pts milestone, we are reminded of his consistent greatness. He is having a resurgent year in his 12th pro season, leading his team in scoring and rebounding at 20 ppg and 11 rpg, as well as 3.5 apg and 2 blocks. But it's not the numbers that qualify his greatness. It's his leadership, on and off the court. It's his team first mentality and emphasis on defense that has helped shape the NBA into what it is currently. Reminding fans and players that it's not about individual stats it's about winning and being a class act while you do it.

4) Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas Mavericks, 27W - 14L)
Dirk has really revolutionized the NBA game. A seven footer who has a jump shot like Bird. He can also play inside, put the ball on the floor, and pass like a guard. He can even rebound! His averages this year, 25.4 ppg, 8 rpg, and 2.5 apg. The Mavs are playing great this year and could make a run in the playoffs. Will Dirk finally show the kind of intensity needed to win in the playoffs this year? Dallas fans hope so.

5) Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat, 21W - 19L)
The Heat have been hot and cold this year. Every time they seem to be getting it together they lose a few in a row. I feel this has more to do with the team as a whole and coaching than Dwyane Wade. Wade has been really solid this year with averages of 27.2 ppg, 4.8 rpg, and 6.2 apg. If Micheal Beasley could learn to play defense and not sulk this team could be good. The question is, will Wade resign in Miami?

6) Kevin Garnett (Boston Celtics, 27W - 12L)
Garnett's numbers are way down this year at 15.6 ppg, 8 rpg, and 2.6 assists due to another knee injury . The good news for Boston is he is due back sometime soon. He's one of my favorite players and would be ranked higher if not for his injuries. He is arguably the best defender in the NBA, he can shoot from anywhere inside the 3 point line. But most importantly he brings an intensity, attitude and confidence that makes the Celtics nearly unbeatable when he is healthy.

7) Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic, 26W - 15L)
Dwight is leading the league in rebounding at 13.1 rpg and blocks at 2.5 bpg. Thus continuing his defensive dominance in the NBA. The problem for Dwight and the Magic is that he hasn't gotten better offensively. And they don't feed him the ball enough. He doesn't have much of a post move, he's hesitant to shoot a pull up jumper and his free throw percentage is under 60%. If Howard wants to be the next Shaq he's gonna have to develop offensively and go get the ball more.

8) Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets, 26W - 14L)
Carmelo is leading the league in scoring this year at 30 ppg, as well as 6.3 rpg and 3.3 apg. Carmelo has really become of the best offensive players the NBA has and his Nuggets are in the hunt again, after falling valiantly to the Lakers in the playoffs last year. My criticism of Carmelo is on the defensive end. At his size he should be getting atleast 8 rpg in my opinion. And he seems to fall asleep on defense way to much. But man he is fun to watch on offense!

9) Chris Paul (New Orleans Hornets, 21W - 19L)
The Hornets have been disappointing so far this year. A couple years ago it looked as if the Hornets would be the future powerhouse in the West, now they are 10th in conference standings and in danger of missing the playoffs. But you can't blame this on Chris Paul, his numbers are amazing, leading the league in assists at 11.2 per game, as well as scoring 19.5 ppg.

10) Steve Nash (Phoenix Suns, 24W - 18L)
The Suns have stumbled a bit and had some bad losses as of late. But Nash seems to be ageless averaging 11 apg and 19 ppg. Those are MVP type numbers but his team is not delivering. The problem is the same problem the Suns always have, lack of defense. But you gotta love Nash's game.

Honorable Mention:
Pau Gasol of the Los Angeles Lakers, Deron Williams of the Utah Jazz and Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder. I joke with my Laker fan friends that the MVP is not Kobe but Gasol, cause they aren't very good with out him. Still can't believe they got him in a trade.

Thanks for reading!

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