Well with the NBA season starting up real soon.    The writers are out in full force to rank everything and anything.  Since I love lists and comparing things, here is my list of the top 50 players and their rankings.  As always, this idea and backlash was due to one sports writer who has made some serious ommissions and mistakes throughout his journalistic career, Tony Meija or yahoo sports.

Now to lay some guidelines.  This is a list NOT based on potential.  I'm saying who are the best players RIGHT NOW for this upcoming season only.   Because of this reason, the people are ranked where they belong.

1.  Kobe Bryant  -  I think that it was Bill Simmons who put it best.  If you were in a pick up game and had to pick one person in order to be on your team.  You would pick Kobe, not just because he's good, but becuase if you didn't pick him you KNOW that he would beat you because you passed up on him.

2.  Lebron James - If you were going to start a team right now.  I think most people would have to agree with me that they would pick Bron to build their franchise around.

3.  Dwayne Wade - The man was the first of that great draft class to win a ring.  It sure helps to have the Deisel on your team, but give the man credit.  So far he has exceeded everyone's expectations except for his own.

4.  Dirk Nowitski - The most complete power forward in the game.  He has the best offensive game and showed last season that he wasn't afraid to take the ball to the rack (just ask Manu about that one) and played pretty good defense (over 1 block a game) and rebounded harded than ever as well. 

5.  Tim Duncan - The man really showed what he was made of down the stretch playing hobbled and on one leg and still put up monster numbers.  With a full summer to rest, I wouldn't just be surprised, but I would expect him to be the best center in the game without question.   To the doubters, check how he won those rings.

6.  Steve Nash - Best playmaking PG in teh business.  The man is amazing.  He can pass the ball better than anyone else and continues to make his teammates better.  Has a knack for finding the open man and getting him the ball.  Wouldn't you love to play with him?

7.  Elton Brand - Really showed that he was deserving at being mentioned among the leagues most elite big men in the league.  Did it all from rebounding, defense, low post, jump shooting, free throws and did it all with a great demeanor and character that I wish more athletes would exude.

8.  Shaq - You still have to consider him one of the best big men in the league even now.  He is still the strongest guy in the league, still commands double teams and has learned how to conserve himself for the playoffs like he did last year.  He's falling and falling fast on this list.  But he still makes it here for now.

9.  Kevin Garnett - He is a stat monster that can do it all.  I know there are a lot of nay-sayers out there that will say he has no help and can't do it by himself.  To that I say, look at the #1 spot and tell me you can't make the same argument for him.  What is the difference between the two?  Thats why KG is down here and the others are above him.  Those are the things that separate him from the 8 above him and always will.

10.  Tracy McGrady - I'd like to not put a guy up here that hasn't done much in the playoffs or hasn't been all that healthy.  But supposedly his back is 100% since he took the summer off and the guy is a premier player in this league with an offensive arsenal that few can equal.