1. Tim Duncan, San Antonio: It will be interesting to see how revered Duncan is 20 years down the road. Unquestionably, he's one of the top five players to grace the game over the past decade, in the same class as Hall of Famers Michael Jordan and Karl Malone, two of the best ever at their positions. But because he doesn't get all up in your face and demand a constant spotlight, there are those that take his greatness for granted. Some even dismiss him as boring. Memo: Fundamentals and going about things the right way, expertly, should never be trivialized.
2. Kevin Garnett, Minnesota: Because he has revolutionized the power forward position, it's hard to imagine Garnett looking up at anyone. Still, his team comes off its worst season in almost a decade, failing to make the playoffs a year after reaching the Western Conference finals for the first time. Garnett played with an abandon and desire that's a rarity for most mega-stars. That has to earn your respect, but ultimately, when the team fails, he'll take the blame. He wouldn't have it any other way.
3. Shaquille O'Neal, Miami: Now 33, O'Neal signed a five-year extension that almost certainly guarantees he'll end his career in South Florida. He passed on an additional $25 million dollars in order to ensure the Heat would be able to surround him with a better supporting cast to chase a championship. As long as he stays healthy and in shape, that goal will always be in reach.
4. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers: Phil Jackson has stated that Bryant is eager to recapture his previous status as an All-NBA first-teamer and should benefit from playing the same role in the triangle offense that Michael Jordan thrived in for so long.
5. Tracy McGrady, Houston: McGrady can drain 40-foot jumpers like they're going out of style, get to the rim at will and finish at his whim. He has been doing all that the past few seasons, but last year, becoming the leader of the Rockets under demanding Jeff Van Gundy, he grew into a complete player. For maybe the first time in his career, he cut no corners on defense, which became hard not to notice when he frustrated Dirk Nowitzki into poor outing after poor outing in the first round of the playoffs. Yes, he has failed to win a series, with his teams blowing substantial leads in his past two appearances, but to point the finger at him is not only short-sighted but simply far-fetched. Expect him to help push Yao Ming into the next stage of his development, while guiding the Rockets to heights that haven't been reached since the days of "Dream." Houston is his town now, and he represents it well.
6. LeBron James, Cleveland: This is the year we'll see him blossom, armed with a truly dangerous supporting cast for the first time, two years of excellence under his belt. He's the truth, and eventually we'll see him routinely rack up triple-doubles in addition to his ever-lasting presence on nightly highlight films. He's the new generation Michael Jordan/Magic Johnson, and you'll find few in the league who would disagree. But he's still in a developmental stage, fighting his way through the grind and improving to get that 'J' down consistently. Hey, it took M.J. a while to perfect his craft, too.
7. Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix: During last year's playoffs, no one was more impressive. He took it to Tim Duncan in the Western Conference finals, dominating all facets. Considering his jumper is coming along, he'll soon be unguardable, combining imposing physicality with finesse skills. Nasty. Best of all, the kid has the special gift of doing whatever it takes to come out on top, extending his ceiling when necessary. The Suns will miss him dearly over the season's first three months.
8. Steve Nash, Phoenix: Expect him to score more than he did last season because of the departures of Joe Johnson and Quentin Richardson and Stoudemire's injury. He has at least three more seasons left in him as a dominant playmaker, consistently leaving everything he has out on the floor. You can't teach heart, and his is immense.
9. Allen Iverson, Philadelphia: Speaking of tickers and expending every ounce of energy -- Iverson's collective body of work makes him a cinch for the Hall of Fame. While he indeed monopolizes the basketball, he has averaged more than five assists per game in six of his nine seasons and, after setting a new career-high in that department while leading the league in scoring, he appears to be aging gracefully now that he's reached 30.
10. Dwyane Wade, Miami: He still lacks a 3-point shot, but there are few as explosive getting to the rim. What he lacks in size (he's closer to 6-3 than 6-4), he makes up for in hops and fearlessness going up among the trees. His midrange game is becoming increasingly fine-tuned, which just leaves the deep perimeter shot for him to perfect to become completely unguardable. The Heat would love for him to cut down his turnovers and increase his playmaking ability.
11. Jermaine O'Neal, Indiana: Now that he has had all summer to rest that ailing shoulder, he'll be back to being the dominant post presence he has been since joining the Pacers. O'Neal did more wincing than anyone else over the latter part of last season and had some uncharacteristically horrendous shooting nights during the playoffs. Rest was the only remedy, and it was a luxury Indiana couldn't afford. In the East, only the other O'Neal is more effective inside.
12. Jason Kidd, New Jersey: His court vision has been on par with the all-time greats for about a decade now, and he seems to have made it through complicated knee surgery just fine. If Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson help out like they should, he might just regain his status as the league's top assist man. He's still not the greatest shooter, but his ability to fill a stat sheet and get the most out of those around him overrrides that.
13. Baron Davis, Golden State: What he did for the Warriors after leaving New Orleans was phenomenal. He has to prove he can stay healthy, something he has failed to do the past two years, but there's no question the 26-year-old is among the most feared playmakers in the game, especially since he packs the outside shot to balance his game out.
14. Ray Allen, Seattle: He's the Clyde Drexler of his era -- unquestionably a superstar, but a quiet one playing in a less-than-major market. It would be interesting to see what happens if the Sonics, who locked him up in the offseason, ever become a legitimate championship contender; Allen is engaging, smart and outspoken, the perfect blend needed to cash in on endorsements.
15. Vince Carter, New Jersey: After seeing his star fade faster than Kurt Warner's and Wesley Snipes', Carter re-emerged following a midseason trade to the Nets. He is a candidate for this year's scoring title, looking every bit the beast he was before the injuries hit and his rep as a malcontent emerged. If he can put together a full season, this could be the winningest season of his career.
16. Andrei Kirilenko, Utah: Dirk Nowitzki is phenomenal, Manu Ginobili has rings and a unique flair, but the league's top international is the "Russian Rocket," a super-freak the likes of which the NBA has never seen. It's rare to see a wing have such an impact defensively, not by shadowing men but by altering shots, doing so with a sick combination of a ridiculously long frame and remarkable instincts. He's why, if healthy, the Jazz will get back to the playoffs. Only 24, he has yet to grasp a mastery of the game on offense, but consider the fact that he has averaged over two blocks a game through his career and take into account Utah's freefall in his absence last season, and his value becomes undeniable.
17. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas: He enjoyed an MVP-caliber season a year ago, helping the Mavericks overcome the loss of good friend Steve Nash. But he struggled with his jumper in the playoffs, and the Mavericks wilted as a result. After spending the summer playing for Germany in the European Championships, Nowitzki should be in excellent shape when he reports to camp and extremely ready for his first full season under Avery Johnson and his defense-first philosophy.
18. Shawn Marion, Phoenix: His disappearance in the latter stages of last season's playoffs put a damper on a phenomenal All-Star season, but his value remains unquestioned. For starters, he played out of position all year, lined up at power forward despite standing barely 6-7. That hasn't stopped him from consistently averaging over nine boards per game throughout his career, utilizing crazy hops and a strong instinct to work his way into position. Even his jumper, not the prettiest thing to look at, has developed into a dependable weapon, making him a matchup nightmare.
19. Paul Pierce, Boston: With four consecutive All-Star berths, it's hard to say he's disrespected, but you know he's not one of the first names that roll off your tongue when discussing the league's standout performers. A natural scorer, he gets a bad rap for losing his head with teammates and refs, but you never have to question where his heart is. Because of his shortcomings on defense, it's hard to label him a complete player, but you can never argue him being one of the elite at his position.
20. Ron Artest, Indiana: If it weren't for last year's Palace debacle, he'd be higher on this list, right there with Kirilenko, given his impact on both ends of the floor. This is a man that doesn't back down from anyone -- remember, he broke Michael Jordan's ribs as M.J. got into shape for his last comeback. Artest is rugged yet savvy, schooled in the playgrounds of Queensbridge, where if you weren't both tough and smart, you'd be upsetting somebody, which wouldn't have been a good idea. His perimeter stroke and scoring ability have improved, but his biggest attribute remains the ability to guard anyone on the floor, a skill that will undoubtedly push the Pacers to greater heights.
21. Gilbert Arenas, Washington: People forget he's only 23, and you can expect last year's All-Star berth to be the first of many. Although not a natural point guard, he remains Washington's primary ball-handler and should get a significant boost from the presence of vets Antonio Daniels and Chucky Atkins. He's still developing into a superstar, growing into that role, but no one can deny has scary his game is. At this point, he's the best second-round draft pick of the past decade.
22. Elton Brand, L.A. Clippers: He has quietly starred for losing teams since coming into the league six years ago, consistently putting up 20 points and 10 boards. Despite that, he has been to just a single All-Star game, hindered by Clips syndrome and the fact he's overshadowed by the likes of Duncan, Garnett and Nowitzki. Only 26, expect his best days to lie ahead.
23. Chris Bosh, Toronto: It's easy to forget that he only spent a single season in college, and his development in the pros has been a steady progression to super-stardom. If it weren't for him, the Raptors would be the league's most hopeless franchise, but they had better surround him with significant talent soon. He'll line up out of position at center this season, allowing the team to play rookie Charlie Villanueva at the four, but there's no question he's best suited playing a Kevin Garnett-type power forward role. Thanks to the NBA's rookie/sophomore event, he has been a part of the past two All-Star weekends, and he told me he plans on making himself a fixture at the event. To do so, he'll have to gain enough attention to be selected by Eastern Conference coaches, which seems like a mere formality given his progress.
24. Kenyon Martin, Denver: It took him some time to get adjusted out West, and whether he struggled with the altitude, foreign surroundings or change of playing style, the good news is the kinks should now be out. A dominant defender and shot blocker, Martin should join Marcus Camby to form the most feared defensive big man tandem in the league. On the offensive end, expect him to be much more comfortable, particularly if he'a able to fully recover from the knee injury that hampered him.
25. Ben Wallace, Detroit: Still the most gifted post defender in the game, Big Ben has made a living doing what few others will -- concentrating on the little things that help you win, from always being in position to monopolizing the boards. He's a saner, bigger version of Dennis Rodman, which allows him to give up three inches to most centers and still take them out of their comfort zone. Offensively, he has mostly gotten by on put-backs and dunks, but to his credit, he has expanded his repertoire to where he can now consistently knock down short jumpers. New coach Flip Saunders will enjoy his gifts after a decade in Minnesota without a competent center.
26. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio: He's now a household name, certainly worthy of MVP consideration in last year's Finals after a remarkable performance. Naysayers want to call him a flopper ... so? To get hung up on that would mean you miss the other nuances of his game, from the relentless knifing penetration to the dead-eye 3-point shot that balances it out.
27. Stephon Marbury, New York: Larry Brown intends to move him off the ball, although it remains to be seen how long that experiment lasts considering inconsistent Jamal Crawford and rookie Nate Robinson are in line to replace him. Despite his constant presence among the league's assists leaders, taking advantage of Marbury's scoring ability is certainly a worthy experiment that could pay healthy dividends if a capable ball handler can be found.
28. Rasheed Wallace, Detroit: Wallace, after all those years caught up in controversy in Portland, has made a great home for himself in the Wheel City. The fans love him, his teammates adore him, calling him the pulse of the squad, and he's satisfied with his role. It remains to be seen whether he changes with Saunders taking over.
29. Antawn Jamison, Washington: After earning his first All-Star berth in 2005, Jamison has an even bigger task ahead as he and Gilbert Arenas aim to replace the lost production of Larry Hughes. Though undersized to play the four, Jamison has consistently averaged over seven boards per game and isn't easily pushed around by bigger foes. Offensively, his midrange jumper has turned into a deadly weapon, complementing his skills down low.
30. Zach Randolph, Portland: He played just 46 games last season because of a knee problem, but when healthy, all he does is produce. It appears he's back to full strength after risky surgery, and with Shareef Abdur-Rahim gone, the Blazers' rebuilding project will undoubtedly be around him. He and Sebastian Telfair could emerge as a potent combination once they get their chemistry down.
31. Yao Ming, Houston: We're still waiting on him to take his game to the next level. At 7-feet-5, he needs to dominate, needs to assert himself as a force, and as he enters year No. 4 in the NBA, he has shown only flashes of those abilities. Consider that in the Chinese League, he averaged over 19 rebounds in each of his last two seasons before coming over, scoring about 30 per game. While the level of competition is obviously much tougher here, he should still be breaking the 20-point/10-rebound barrier yet has failed to do so thus far. With McGrady taking some of the pressure off him, he should step up and embrace the advantages his size and skill level afford him.
32. Richard Hamilton, Detroit: He's definitely one of the best at coming off screens and burying teams with the quick midrange dagger, and he's an underrated defender. As far as his presence in the locker room is concerned, Hamilton is one of those guys you'll never hear teammates utter a negative word about; he always keeps the mood loose and believes whole-heartedly in the team concept.
33. Steve Francis, Orlando: He was demoralized after the Magic traded best friend Cuttino Mobley and still talks about it, but if he gets his head in the game and stays under control, he's deadly. He has to join Grant Hill as a leader of a fairly young squad.
34. Larry Hughes, Cleveland: He might have been an All-Star had he not missed action just before the break. Yet he came back to lead the league in steals, average over 20 points and help guide his team to the second round of the playoffs. In a new location, he'll team with James to help end a postseason drought, just as was the case last year alongside Gilbert Arenas. A superb defender due to his size and quickness, he'll make the Cavs offense flow smoother by giving the team another playmaking option. Scariest for the rest of the East? He's just reaching his prime.
35. Mike Bibby, Sacramento: Although we're still waiting on him to fully break through as a star, what he has done to date deserves massive props. The Kings, long loaded with stars, are unquestionably his team, and he has upped his scoring and assist averages every year since arriving from Vancouver in 2001. At 27, he's entering his prime, and with his Kings entering a make-or-break year, he must embrace the challenge of taking his team as far as it can go.
36. Rashard Lewis, Seattle: Last year's breakout season was awarded with an All-Star berth, but he's still this far down because his chronic knee problems can't be overlooked. It cost the Sonics down the stretch and was an issue during the playoffs, though you have to admire his courage in playing through pain despite the tendinitis.
37. Jason Richardson, Golden State: He appeared to mesh brilliantly with Davis, which is why so many Warriors fans can't wait to see how much the team can improve with the duo together for a full season. Since coming into the league, he has gone from a scorer who overly relied on his athleticism to an athletic marvel with a jump shot that he can really kill you with once he gets into a flow.
38. Michael Redd, Milwaukee: One of the league's best shooters, he's not worth the $90 million the Bucks dished out to keep him. But they can be assured his work ethic won't disappoint; that hefty paycheck was earned through constant improvement after falling to the second round and sitting on the bench his entire rookie year. The payoff will come if he can help lead Milwaukee back to the playoffs.
39. Corey Maggette, L.A. Clippers: Maybe it's due to playing for the Clippers, but you'd be hard-pressed to name a player who has averaged more than 20 points a game in consecutive seasons who remains as overlooked as Maggette. He has made a living off using his superior strength and athleticism to get to the line, shooting over 80 percent from there over his career. He'll be 27 when the year begins, so he'll be entering his prime at a time when the other L.A. team feels it has to make its move.
40. Lamar Odom, L.A. Lakers: He resurrected his career in Miami, brought his rotund package of skills to LaLa land, and struggled without having the ball as often as he would've liked. The implementation of the triangle offense, coupled with a year alongside Bryant under his belt, should facilitate a stronger season. He's envisioned as perfect for a Scottie Pippen role, especially if he bounces back strong from the shoulder tear that cut last season short.
41. Marcus Camby, Denver: He has stayed healthy most of the past two seasons, missing fewer than 20 games each year. While that might not be satisfactory for most, it has to be considered a victory for Camby, considering the two seasons represent the most action he has seen in his nine-year career. With him anchoring the defense, Denver turned into a juggernaut under George Karl, fueled by his double-doubles and formidable shot-blocking presence. He was definitely the Nuggets' most valuable player last season and will have reprise his role for the team to live up to expectations, which now include a Northwest Division title.
42. Pau Gasol, Memphis: The 7-footer opted to rest and not play for Spain in this summer's European Championships, which was probably the right decision given his bout with plantar fasciitis that cost him time last year. He must bounce back from a disappointing season in which he was expected to become a star but was instead stuck in traction. He's too talented to be so streaky.
43. Chauncey Billups, Detroit: He's Mr. Clutch, a man GM Joe Dumars lauds as the key to Detroit's recent success. All Billups does is take and make the big shot, and his bouncing around the league early on, combined with his gregarious personality, makes him one of the NBA's most popular players. The former Finals MVP recently turned 29 and will again be the straw that stirs the drink for the perennial title contenders.
44. Kirk Hinrich, Chicago: He's progressing nicely in taking the reins of an immensely talented young squad, and there's no telling how much better he can get as he approaches his third professional season.
45. Chris Webber, Philadelphia: He'll never be what he once was, one of the most complete forwards in the game, but C-Webb still has enough juice left to be an effective second option behind Allen Iverson. He committed himself to getting healthy and getting to camp in shape, and if that part is taken care of, his game will no doubt follow.
46. Emeka Okafor, Charlotte: Though his offense is still raw, questions about his ability to succeed at the pro level were erased emphatically in his rookie season, and he'll no doubt be higher on this list next year. He led the Bobcats in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots despite hitting the wall for a spell as the season's grind got to him. That's no knock -- most rooks struggle through a dry spell -- and Okafor was able to battle through it and finish strong. Expect him to be significantly better.
47. Peja Stojakovic, Sacramento: He's still among the NBA's purest shooters, potentially the best of the group. But his inability to carry a team by himself forces him down on the list. Chris Webber, thought to be his biggest problem given how the two clashed, was dealt at the deadline, but Stojakovic's inability to come through in the clutch remained an issue. He simply might be one of those guys who can be an 18-20 point scorer as a complementary player, which would suit the Kings just fine this year considering the development of Bibby and the acquisition of Shareef Abdur-Rahim.
48. Joe Johnson, Atlanta: The Hawks undoubtedly made the right move in offering Johnson big money despite his lack of experience as a lead guard. He had the luxury of Steve Nash making the game simple for him last season, but that only makes it easier to overlook that he does the same for teammates. No one will be sleeping on him after his new squad improves significantly.
49. Carmelo Anthony, Denver: He's still developing, learning, familiarizing himself with the nuances of the game -- particularly defense -- but there's no question numerous All-Star berths are in his future. It would suit the Nuggets wonderfully if his jumper improves considering how badly they're in need of perimeter punch. Once he becomes a more complete player, Denver will become a title contender. He was dominant in college from the jump; in the pros, he's a fairly big fish in a gigantic pond, particularly at his position.
50. Dwight Howard, Orlando: More than anyone else, Howard was the player whose ranking required the most deliberation. He's still a kid, only 19, and although he's best suited for a power forward role, the Magic plan on playing him at the pivot more this year, envisioning him filling a Stoudemire-type role as they look to push the tempo. He's nowhere close to fulfilling his potential, still lacking go-to post moves and relying heavily on his remarkable athleticism. That was good enough to get him 12 points and 10 boards as a rookie, coming without the benefit of any respect from the refs, which will no doubt come in year No. 2. He's one of the league's future superstars. No question.
