2011 NFL Quarterback Rankings- Preseason

Rookie Quarterback Rankings 
5 Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals 

     We'll see whether or not Carson Palmer leaves Cincinnati and who quarterbacks the team this year, but Andy Dalton is the future for the Bengals. We just don't know exactly when that will be. 


4 Blaine Gabbert, Jacksonville Jaguars 

     Many people think Gabbert is the best quarterback in this class. I am not one of those people. I think Gabbert is overrated and is not the right person to hand the future of Jaguars over to. He isn't a big time player and I don't see him producing in the NFL because he didn't really produce in college consistently. 


3 Christian Ponder, Minnesota Vikings 

    I think this guy is Jake Delhomme. Not unbelievably talented, but he has those leadership intangibles already. I wasn't a Ponder guy at first but he continues to grow on me and I think he has the tools to become a good NFL quarterback. 


2 Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers 

     I do not think Cam Newton is JaMarcus Russell. Cam Newton was extraordinary in college and I think he could be a big star in the NFL. But right now, I don't really know what to make of Cam Newton. I know he won't be JaMarcus Russell, but is he the next Donovan McNabb? Is he on a par with Vince Young? Steve McNair? The book is out, I can't wait to watch him this year. 


1 Jake Locker, Tennessee Titans 

     I think Jake Locker has "it." He will get better at making the throws over time, but he has grit. He impresses me and I think Matt Hasselbeck is a perfect mentor for Locker right now. 


Top 35


The Backups
35 Jon Kitna, Dallas Cowboys 
2010 Stats: 65.7 Comp%, 2,365 yards, 16 TD, 12 INT, 88.9 Rat  5-6 Record as Starter


34 Shaun Hill, Detroit Lions 
2010 Stats: 61.9 Comp%, 2,686 yards, 16 TD, 12 INT, 81.3 Rat  3-7 Record as Starter 


33 Tavaris Jackson, Seattle Seahawks 
2010 Stats: 58.6 Comp% 341 yards, 3 TD, 4 INT, 63.9 Rat  1-0 Record as Starter 
    
     We have seen all of these guys produce. They are the best backups in the business. We'll see now if Tavaris Jackson can have success as a starter like Jon Kitna did in particular last season with the Cowboys.

The Low End Starters

32 Donovan McNabb, Minnesota Vikings  
2010 Stats: 58.3 Comp%, 3,377 yards, 14 TD, 15 INT, 77.1 Rat  5-8 Record as Starter

31 Tim Tebow, Denver Broncos 
2010 Stats: 50 Comp% 654 yards, 5 TD, 3 INT, 82.1 Rat  1-2 Record as Starter 


30 Bruce Gradkowski, Cincinnati Bengals 
2010 Stats: 52.9 Comp%, 1,059 yards, 5 TD, 7 INT, 66.3 Rat  1-3 Record as Starter 


29 Colt McCoy, Cleveland Browns 
2010 Stats: 60.8 Comp%, 1,576 yards, 6 TD, 9 INT, 74.5 Rat  2-6 Record as Starter 


28 Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers 
2010 Stats: 59.6 Comp%, 2,370 yards, 14 TD, 10 INT, 82.1 Rat  3-8 Record as Starter 


27 Chad Henne, Miami Dolphins 
2010 Stats: 61.4 Comp%, 3,301 yards, 15 TD, 19 INT, 75.4 Rat  7-8 as Starter 


26 Vince Young, Philadelphia Eagles 
2010 Stats: 59.6 Comp%, 1,255 yards, 10 TD, 3 INT, 98.6 Rat  4-5 Record as Starter 


     All of these guys have something to prove. If you go down the list, with the exception of Gradkowski I would say, from Donovan McNabb to Vince Young, all have been hyped up and with the exception of McNabb, none of them have lived up to the hype. Most of these guys will have starting opportunities next year, so we'll see who steps up and who doesn't.

The Underrated
25 Kevin Kolb, Arizona Cardinals 
2010 Stats: 60.8 Comp%, 1,197 yards, 7 TD, 7 INT, 76.1 Rat  2-3 Record as Starter 


24 Jason Campbell, Oakland Raiders 
2010 Stats: 59 Comp%, 2,387 yards, 13 TD, 8 INT, 84.5 Rat  7-5 Record as Starter 


23 Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buffalo Bills 
2010 Stats: 57.8 Comp%, 3,000 yards, 23 TD, 15 INT, 81.8 Rat  4-9 Record as Starter 


22 Matt Hasselbeck, Tennessee Titans 
2010 Stats: 59.9 Comp%, 3,001 yards, 12 TD, 17 INT, 73.2 Rat  7-9 Record as Starter 


21 Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions 
2010 Stats: 59.4 Comp%, 535 yards, 6 TD, 1 INT, 91.3 Rat  1-2 Record as Starter 



     The thing with this group is that every one of them is capable of going off on any particular day. Kevin Kolb is explosive, Jason Campbell every now and then shows that he is a full time starter, Ryan Fitzpatrick can throw for four touchdowns against an average team and Matthew Stafford has as much of a high ceiling as anyone when healthy. Even Matt Hasselbeck can slash playoff teams like he did against the Saints last year. 


Top 20
The Steady
20 David Garrard, Jacksonville Jaguars 
2010 Stats: 64.5 Comp%, 2,734 yards, 23 TD, 15 INT, 90.8 Rat  8-6 Record as Starter 


19 Kyle Orton, Denver Broncos 
2010 Stats: 58.8 Comp%, 3,653 yards, 20 TD, 9 INT, 87.5 Rat  3-10 Record as Starter 


18 Carson Palmer, Cincinnati Bengals 
2010 Stats: 61.8 Comp%, 3,970 yards, 26 TD, 20 INT, 82.4 Rat  4-12 Record as Starter


     We know what to expect from these guys. What I don't know is whether Carson Palmer is officially "retired" or not. We'll see with Garrard and Orton whether they're even the starters by the start of end of this year.

The Good but Not Great (At least for now)
17 Sam Bradford, St. Louis Rams 
2010 Stats: 60 Comp%, 3,512 yards, 18 TD, 15 INT, 76.5 Rat  7-9 Record as Starter 


16 Matt Cassel, Kansas City Chiefs 
2010 Stats: 58.2 Comp%, 3,116 yards, 27 TD, 7 INT, 93.0 Rat  10-6 Record as Starter

15 Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears 
2010 Stats: 60.4 Comp%, 3,274 yards, 23 TD, 16 INT, 86.3 Rat  11-6 Record as Starter 


14 Mark Sanchez, New York Jets 
2010 Stats: 54.8 Comp%, 3,291 yards, 17 TD, 13 INT, 75.3 Rat  13-6 Record as Starter 


13 Matt Schaub, Houston Texans 
2010 Stats: 63.6 Comp%, 4,370 yards, 24 TD, 12 INT, 92.0 Rat  6-10 Record as Starter 



     All these guys are good. Sam Bradford is going to be great and Mark Sanchez might be too. The rest of the guys probably won't be getting any better than they are now, but they are capable of leading their teams to the playoffs and being a key difference maker. 


The Two Guys I Can't Get a Read On
12 Eli Manning, New York Giants 
2010 Stats: 62.9 Comp%, 4,002 yards, 31 TD, 25 INT, 85.3 Rat  10-6 Record as Starter 


11 Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys 
2010 Stats: 69.5 Comp%, 1,605 yards, 11 TD, 7 INT, 94.9 Rat  1-4 Record as Starter



     Eli Manning has won a Super Bowl and Tony Romo has put up some outstanding seasons along with great regular seasons. But these guys are too inconsistent to crack the top 10 of the leagues best quarterbacks. Eli Manning has the ring but he has underperformed way too many times before in the regular season and playoffs while Tony Romo is strictly a choker in the playoffs. Both need to become more consistent in order to leap over the young guns in the bottom half of the top 10. 


Top 10
The Young Guns 
10 Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens 
2010 Stats: 62.6 Comp%, 3,622 yards, 25 TD, 10 INT, 93.6 Rat  13-5 Record as Starter 


9 Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay Buccaneers  
2010 Stats: 61.4 Comp%, 3,451 yards, 25 TD, 6 INT, 95.9 Rat  10-6 Record as Starter 


8 Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons 
2010 Stats: 62.5 Comp%, 3,705 yards, 28 TD, 9 INT, 91.0 Rat  13-4 Record as Starter 


7 Phillip Rivers, San Diego Chargers 
2010 Stats: 66 Comp%, 4,710 yards, 30 TD, 13 INT, 101.8 Rat  9-7 Record as Starter 


     These guys are all young and getting better by the season. None however, besides Flacco, have done much in the playoffs. Rivers has been familiar with the playoffs including the AFC Championship but has never seem to perform really well in those situations. 
     Matt Ryan has done nothing in the playoffs and even in big games in the regular season like last seasons Monday Night matchup against New Orleans, Ryan did little to take the game over. 
     With Josh Freeman, he definitely was the surprise quarterback of last year and his efficiency was remarkable for someone with that little pro experience. Let's see how he does this year with more pressure and more weight on his shoulders. 
     Joe Flacco has been to an AFC Championship game and is an expert at winning road playoff games. He just hasn't had that offensive firepower that other guys like Phillip Rivers has. I remember when his Ravens beat the Patriots in Foxboro in the wild card round in 2010, Flacco was 5-11 passing in the entire game. It's those kind of performances that hold Flacco back from the upper echelon of quarterbacks. 


The Proven Winners
6 Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles 
2010 Stats: 62.6 Comp%, 3,018 yards, 21 TD, 6 INT, 100.2 Rat  8-4 Record as Starter 


5 Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers 
2010 Stats: 61.7 Comp%, 3,200 yards, 17 TD, 5 INT, 97.0 Rat  11-4 Record as Starter 



     Michael Vick has reestablished himself amongst the best players in this league and Ben Roethlisberger has been to three Super Bowls. So these guys get it done, but with Vick, his style of play will get you wins, but I don't think it gets you Super Bowls and Roethlisberger simply is not as explosive as a Brady or a Rodgers. These things hold these two guys back from cracking "The Core Four."

Top 4
The Core Four
4 Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints 
2010 Stats: 68.1 Comp%, 4,620 yards, 33 TD, 22 INT, 90.9 Rat  11-6 Record as Starter 


3 Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers 
2010 Stats: 65.7 Comp%, 3,922 yards, 28 TD, 11 INT, 101.2 Rat  14-5 Record as Starter 


2 Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
2010 Stats: 66.3 Comp%, 4,700 yards, 33 TD, 17 INT, 91.9 Rat  10-7 Record as Starter 


1 Tom Brady, New England Patriots 
2010 Stats: 65.9 Comp%, 3,900 yards, 36 TD, 4 INT, 111.0 Rat  14-3 Record as Starter 



     These four guys are the best in the business. All four have won at least won Super Bowl and all four can light up the scoreboard.
     Drew Brees is at four because of his lack of efficiency last year. Yes, he passed for over 4,500 yards with 33 touchdowns but the 22 interceptions is just way too many for someone as good as Brees.
     After winning the Super Bowl, Aaron Rodgers showed that he may be the best quarterback. And I think with one more great year, I will say that Aaron Rodgers is the best quarterback in the NFL. He can do everything Brady and Manning can do and then some; he can run to keep the defense honest and he has as good of an arm and accuracy that is as good if not better than both Brady and Manning. But we'll give it another year.
     Peyton Manning is slightly behind Tom Brady simply because he has not been quite the postseason performer that Brady has been. He is only slightly behind though.
     Tom Brady is the number one quarterback in the NFL. Look at his past season, 36 TD and only 4 INT. That is insane, which is why his along with the rest of the Patriots post season collapse against the Jets is so aggravating. Brady might be playing the best football of his career right now, which is why, for now, he is the best quarterback in the NFL.

Early NFL Predictions for 2011 Season

      With the NFL nearing an agreement, its finally time to start the speculation and the excitement of the upcoming season. I think that a deal is going to get done by the end of next week, so right before training camp. Maybe a week will get pushed back or something like that so there is plenty of time for the teams to prepare. Once a deal is signed and the lockout officially ends, there will be a gold rush for top free agents and trade bate. So before that happens, here are my predictions for what will happen if the teams were to stay as is, which I know they won't, but here they are anyway.

AFC East 
1 New England Patriots     13-3 
2 New York Jets                 10-6
3 Miami Dolphins               6-10 
4 Buffalo Bills                      5-11
     This is a two horse race. The Patriots or the Jets will walk away with this division. The Patriots have an offense that doesn't turn the ball over and they score points while they're defense is improving. The Jets have the stellar defense and if the offense does it job, they are a Super Bowl contender. That being said, I think the Jets beat themselves sometimes by putting all the pressure on them. The Jets are a playoff team, but they are not a division champion yet. The Dolphins will decline this year due to unsureness about who is they're quarterback and lack of leadership and the Bills will remain a tough 5-11 team to beat. 


AFC North
1 Baltimore Ravens           13-3 
2 Pittsburgh Steelers         11-5 
3 Cleveland Browns          6-10
4 Cincinnati Bengals          4-12 
     I think the Ravens have now become the best team in this division. James Harrison's recent comments have created some friction within the Steelers, causing the front office to either move Harrison or let him create problems. The Ravens are continuing to improve, which is why they looked poised to take the division crown. The Browns will remain mediocre like they have been for the past few years and the Bengals will digress again. We'll see whether Carson Palmer gets moved or not.

AFC South 
1 Indianapolis Colts          12-4 
2 Houston Texans             10-6 
3 Jacksonville Jaguars      7-9 
4 Tennessee Titans            5-11
     The Colts are still the team to beat, that has not changed. They will be healthier then they were last year and they will return to their top form. I think that this is the year the Texans put it together and come at least close to the playoffs. The Jaguars will continue to hang around the 8 win area and the Titans will begin the rebuilding process. We'll see whether or not Vince Young gets moved and Jake Locker takes control of the offense. 


AFC West 
1 San Diego Chargers      11-5 
2 Oakland Raiders            9-7
3 Kansas City Chiefs         8-8
4 Denver Broncos             6-10 
     If the Chargers play properly, they will this division and be a Super Bowl contender. This division will be tight though because Oakland will be solid and Kansas City will be pretty dangerous. Denver looks to be rebuilding, but they still will be taken seriously. 


NFC East 
1 Philadelphia Eagles       12-4 
2 Dallas Cowboys             11-5 
3 New York Giants           9-7
4 Washington Red Skins  6-10 
     The NFC East is always a tough division to call. I believe that if the Cowboys are at full strength they might be able to win the division. But I think as of now, the Eagles are the most talented team in this division which is why they will sneak by the Cowboys. The Giants have something missing with their team and I think its the ability to get it done as exemplified by last seasons collapse. The Red Skins have little shot at the division title. 


NFC North 
1 Green Bay Packers       14-2 
2 Detroit Lions                  9-7 
3 Chicago Bears                8-8
4 Minnesota Vikings         6-10 
     The Packers will be even stronger than last season's Super Bowl season, so they will win this division easily. The Lions will finish over .500 for the first time in years and the Bears will be a big disappointment this year with all of the Jay Cutler turmoil. The Vikings will finish last due to holes in many areas on the field. 


NFC South 
1 Atlanta Falcons            12-4 
2 New Orleans Saints      11-5 
3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10-6 
4 Carolina Panthers        3-13 
     I think I will go ahead and say that the Panthers will finish last in the division. The Saints will have a better year than they did last year and the Buccaneers will prove that they are not a fraud, although they will barely miss the playoffs. The Falcons will win this division again because they are improving in all faucets of the game and the addition of rookie Julio Jones will pay huge dividends.

NFC West
1 San Francisco 49ers     9-7 
2 St. Louis Rams             8-8
3 Seattle Seahawks          5-11 
4 Arizona Cardinals       4-12 
     This is a tough division to call. I'm going to go ahead and stick with the 49ers, who I thought last year would win the division but this year I am even more confident because with John Harbaugh now in as coach, the 49ers will finally start to win those tight games that have plagued them the last two seasons. The Rams will be around 8-8 once again because they just are not that talented in general. I think the Seahawks will fall back to Earth in large part due to some aging players such as Matt Hasselbeck. The Cardinals could be in contention if they got Carson Palmer or Kevin Kolb. 


AFC Playoff Picture
1) Baltimore 2) New England 3) Indianapolis 4) San Diego 5) Pittsburgh 6) New York Jets
NFC Playoff Picture
1) Green Bay 2) Atlanta 3) Philadelphia 4) San Francisco 5) New Orleans 6) Dallas 


Wild Card Round
3) Indianapolis over 6) New York
4) San Diego over 5) Pittsburgh


3) Philadelphia over 6) Dallas 
5) New Orleans over 4) San Francisco


Divisional Round
1) Baltimore over 4) San Diego 
2) New England over 3) Indianapolis 


1) Green Bay over 5) New Orleans 
3) Philadelphia over 2) Atlanta 


Conference Championships
2) New England over 1) Baltimore


1) Green Bay over 3) Philadelphia 


Super Bowl 46
New England over Green Bay 


I believe the Patriots have one last hurrah and one last Super Bowl run. They have the offense and the defense to do it. Tom Brady will cement his legacy as possibly the greatest quarterback of all time with another Super Bowl victory.

Best Players in NBA- 2011 Top 150

     Here it is, a list of the 150 best players in the NBA. Comment on your opinions to this list.

150 Nenard Kristic, C Boston Celtics 
149 Wesley Johnson, SF Minnesota Timberwolves 
148 Reggie Williams, SF Golden State Warriors 
147 Jermaine O' Neal, C Boston Celtics 
146 Ben Wallace, C Detroit Pistons 

Omri Casspi 

145 Omri Casspi, SF Sacramento Kings 
144 John Salmons, SG Sacramento Kings 
143 Vince Carter, SG Phoenix Suns 
142 Anthony Morrow, SG New Jersey Nets 
141 Carlos Delfino, SF Milwaukee Bucks 
140 Spencer Hawes, C Philadelphia 76ers 
139 Jason Thompson, C Sacramento Kings 
138 Toney Douglas, SG New York Knicks 
137 Richard Jefferson, SF San Antonio Spurs 
136 Grant Hill, SF Phoenix Suns 
135 Brenden Haywood, C Dallas Mavericks 
134 Chris Anderson, C Denver Nuggets 
133 Marcus Thornton, SG Sacramento Kings 
132 Tayshaun Prince, SF Detroit Pistons 
131 Luke Ridnour, PG Minnesota Timberwolves 

Mario Chalmers 

130 Andris Biedrins, C Golden State Warriors 
129 Chuck Hayes, C Houston Rockets 
128 Shane Battier, SF Memphis Grizzlies 
127 Aaron Afflalo, SG Denver Nuggets 
126 Mario Chalmers, PG Miami Heat 
125 Ramon Sessions, PG Cleveland Cavaliers 
124 Jordan Crawford, SG Washington Wizards 
123 Ron Artest, SF Los Angeles Lakers 
122 Marvin Williams, SF Atlanta Hawks 
121 DeAndre Jordan, C Los Angeles Clippers 
120 Marcin Gortat, C Phoenix Suns 
119 Linas Kleiza, SF Toronto Raptors 
118 Leandro Barbosa, SG Toronto Raptors 
117 C.J. Smiles, SF Utah Jazz 
116 Kris Humphries, PF New Jersey Nets 

Ty Lawson

115 Greg Monroe, PF Detroit Pistons 
114 Rashard Lewis, PF Washington Wizards 
113 Jeff Green, PF Boston Celtics 
112 Charlie Villanueva, PF Detroit Pistons 
111 Channing Frye, C Phoenix Suns 
110 Ty Lawson, PG Denver Nuggets 
109 Lou Williams, PG Philadelphia 76ers 
108 Darren Collison, PG Indiana Pacers 
107 Corey Maggette, SF Milwaukee Bucks 
106 Carl Landry, PF Houston Rockets 
105 Kendrick Perkins, C Oklahoma City Thunder 
104 J.R. Smith, SG Denver Nuggets 
103 Ben Gordon, SG Detroit Pistons 
102 D.J. Augustin, PG Charlotte Bobcats 
101 Chris Kaman, C Los Angeles Clippers 

Jrue Holiday 

100 Andrei Kirilenko, SF Utah Jazz 
99 Samuel Dalembert, C Sacramento Kings 
98 Serge Ibaka, PF Oklahoma City Thunder 
97 Thaddeus Young, SF Philadelphia 76ers
96 Mo Williams, PG Los Angeles Clippers 
95 Hedo Turkoglu, SF Orlando Magic 
94 Jared Dudley, SF Phoenix Suns 
93 Danilo Gallinari, SF Denver Nuggets 
92 O.J. Mayo, SG Memphis Grizzlies 
91 Jason Richardson, SG Orlando Magic 
90 DeMarcus Cousins, PF Sacramento Kings 
89 Nicolas Batum, SF Portland Trailblazers 
88 J.J. Hickson, PF Sacramento Kings 
87 Jrue Holiday, PG Philadelphia 76ers 

Devin Harris 

86 Andre Miller, PG Portland Trailblazers  
85 James Harden, SG Oklahoma City Thunder 
84 Richard Hamilton, SG Detroit Pistons 
83 Shawn Marion, SF Dallas Mavericks 
82 Nene Hilario, C Denver Nuggets 
81 JaVele McGee, C Washington Wizards 
80 Aaron Brooks, PG Phoenix Suns 
79 Jamal Crawford, SG Atlanta Hawks 
78 Stephen Jackson, SG Milwaukee Bucks 
77 Roy Hibbert, C Indiana Pacers 
76 Devin Harris, PG Utah Jazz 


75 Mike Conley, PG Memphis Grizzlies 
74 Lamar Odom, PF Los Angeles Lakers 

Tim Duncan 

73 Andray Blatche, PF Washington Wizards 
72 Jose Calderon, PG Toronto Raptors 
71 Trevor Ariza, SF New Orleans Hornets 
70 Antwan Jamison, PF Cleveland Cavaliers 
69 Jason Kidd, PG Dallas Mavericks 
68 Emeka Okafor, C New Orleans Hornets 
67 DeMar Derozen, SG Toronto Raptors 
66 Nick Young, SG Washington Wizards 
65 Caron Butler, SF Dallas Mavericks 
64 David Lee, C Golden State Warriors 
63 Paul Millsap, PF Utah Jazz 
62 Tim Duncan, C San Antonio Spurs 
61 Andrew Bogut, C Milwaukee Bucks 
60 Elton Brand, PF Philadelphia 76ers 

Wesley Matthews 

59 Wilson Chandler, SF Denver Nuggets 
58 Rodney Stuckey, PG Detroit Pistons 
57 Jameer Nelson, PG Orlando Magic 
56 Andrea Bargnani, C Toronto Raptors 
55 Andrew Bynum, C Los Angeles Lakers 
54 Josh Smith, PF Atlanta Hawks 
53 Wesley Matthews, SG Portland Trail Blazers 
52 Dorrell Wright, SF Golden State Warriors 
51 Tyson Chandler, C Dallas Mavericks 


50 Joakim Noah, C Chicago Bulls 
49 Michael Beasley, PF Minnesota Timberwolves 
48 Luis Scola, PF Houston Rockets 
47 Marc Gasol, C Memphis Grizzlies 

Brandon Jennings 

46 Raymond Felton, PG Denver Nuggets 
45 Ray Allen, SG Boston Celtics 
44 Jason Terry, SG Dallas Mavericks 
43 Brandon Roy, SG Portland Trail Blazers 
42 Brandon Jennings, PG Milwaukee Bucks 
41 Chauncey Billups, PG New York Knicks 
40 Gerald Wallace, SF Portland Trail Blazers
39 Carlos Boozer, PF Chicago Bulls 
38 Luol Deng, SF Chicago Bulls 
37 Al Horford, C Atlanta Hawks 
36 John Wall, PG Washington Wizards 
35 Tony Parker, PG San Antonio Spurs 
34 Andre Iguodala, SG Philadelphia 76ers 
33 David West, PF New Orleans Hornets 

John Wall 

32 Chris Bosh, PF Miami Heat 
31 Kevin Garnett, PF Boston Celtics 
30 Tyreke Evans, PG Sacramento Kings 
29 Stephen Curry, PG Golden State Warriors 
28 Eric Gordon, SG Los Angeles Clippers 
27 Al Jefferson, C Utah Jazz 
26 Rudy Gay, SF Memphis Grizzlies 


25 Steve Nash, PG Phoenix Suns 
24 Kevin Martin, SG Houston Rockets 
23 Joe Johnson, SG Atlanta Hawks 
22 Danny Granger, SF Indiana Pacers 
21 LaMarcus Aldridge, PF Portland Trail Blazers 
20 Zach Randolph, PF Memphis Grizzlies 

Rajon Rondo 

19 Pau Gasol, PF Los Angeles Lakers 
18 Monta Ellis, SG Golden State Warriors 
17 Manu Ginobili, SG San Antonio Spurs 
16 Russell Westbrook, PG Oklahoma City Thunder 
15 Blake Griffin, PF Los Angeles Clippers 
14 Kevin Love, PF Minnesota Timberwolves 
13 Rajon Rondo, PG Boston Celtics 
12 Paul Pierce, SF Boston Celtics 
11 Amare Stoudemire, PF New York Knicks 


10 Deron Williams, PG New Jersey Nets 



9 Carmelo Anthony, SF New York Knicks 



8 Dirk Nowitzki, PF Dallas Mavericks 



7 Dwight Howard, C Orlando Magic 



6 Chris Paul, PG New Orleans Hornets 



5 Derrick Rose, PG Chicago Bulls 



4 Kobe Bryant, SG Los Angeles Lakers 



3 Kevin Durant, SF Oklahoma City Thunder 



2 LeBron James, SF Miami Heat 



1 Dwyane Wade, SG Miami Heat 



     I have Dwyane Wade, as of now, listed as the number one player in the NBA. Many people will say why I don't have LeBron at number one. LeBron simply doesn't get it done in big moments because he is afraid of the moment. The best player in the NBA can never be afraid of the big moment. Many people will also say, well Wade didn't get it done either in this years finals. My answer to that is that I believe Wade was injured and even if he was healthy, it all would have come down to LeBron playing well anyway. Dwyane Wade is as dynamic as anyone in the NBA. He can shoot, penetrate, pass, rebound, defend, he does it all. Right now, Wade is the best all around player in the NBA and he has consistently performed on the grandest stages. 

Top Players in NBA- Centers

Centers 
1 Dwight Howard 
Orlando Magic
Rating: 98 
Scoring: A
Shooting: C+
Driving: A-
Passing: B
Rebounding: A+
Defense: A+
"IT" Factor: A
     Dwight Howard is becoming more and more dynamic. He is now not only a defensive presence and a rebounding machine, but he is also a legitimate scoring threat. He is developing more of an offensive game than he had in years past which is why he is continuing to rise as one of the games best players. 


2 Al Jefferson 
Utah Jazz  
Rating: 90 
Scoring: A-
Shooting: A-
Driving: A-
Passing: B+
Rebounding: A
Defense: A
"IT" Factor: A-
     Al Jefferson is very underrated and a very solid post player. Unfortunately, he has been on bad teams and now that Utah is rebuilding, Jefferson will probably be denied a chance at the playoffs for a year or two. However, Jefferson is still a 20-10 guy, one of the few in the league who can do that. 


3 Al Horford
Atlanta Hawks 
Rating: 88 
Scoring: B+
Shooting: B+
Driving: A-
Passing: B-
Rebounding: A-
Defense: A
"IT" Factor: B+
     Al Horford has quietly been one of the best centers in the game since his arrival in the league. He doesn't do anything that outstanding, but he is consistent and he gets it done, which is all you can ask for if you are the Atlanta Hawks. 


4 Marc Gasol
Memphis Grizzlies 
Rating: 86 
Scoring: A-
Shooting: A
Driving: B
Passing: A-
Rebounding: A-
Defense: B+
"IT" Factor: B+
     People are saying that Marc may be better than Pau now. Well, I wouldn't say that, but given Marc Gasol's postseason performance this past year with the Grizzlies, he is certainly an impact player every time he is on the floor. 


5 Joakim Noah 
Chicago Bulls 
Rating: 86 
Scoring: C+
Shooting: D
Driving: C+ 
Passing: C+
Rebounding: A+
Defense: A+
"IT" Factor: B
     I hate Joakim Noah's style of play, but he is an exceptional rebounder and defender and he will be a key part of the Chicago Bulls in the future.

6 Tyson Chandler 
Dallas Mavericks 
Rating: 86 
Scoring: B+
Shooting: C+
Driving: B+
Passing: B-
Rebounding: A
Defense: A+
"IT" Factor: A
     Without Tyson Chandler, the Mavericks do not have the defensive presence underneath that allowed them to win a championship. So without Chandler, the Mavericks do not win the championship. That must show you the value and importance of Tyson Chandler. 


7 Andrew Bynum 
Los Angeles Lakers 
Rating: 85 
Scoring: B
Shooting: C
Driving: B
Passing: C
Rebounding: A
Defense: A
"IT" Factor: B-
     Andrew Bynum is a good player, but he might just be the most overrated player in the NBA. I mean the Lakers seriously told the Denver Nuggets that they wouldn't give up Bynum for Carmelo, are they insane? Bynum is always injured and even when healthy, he is not as good as someone like Dwight Howard, who the Lakers think he is. Bynum is holding the Lakers back big time for someone who isn't healthy often. 


8 Andrea Bargnani 
Toronto Raptors 
Rating: 85 
Scoring: A
Shooting: A
Driving: B
Passing: A-
Rebounding: C
Defense: B-
"IT" Factor: B+
     Maybe giving Barganani a C for rebounding is a little bit generous, but he is still a good scorer and a good shooter. Right now, he is a poor man's Dirk Nowitzki, but with time he may be able to get somewhere closer to his level. Bargnani has a very good offensive game, he just needs to start rebounding and playing better defense. 


9 Andrew Bogut 
Milwaukee Bucks 
Rating: 85 
Scoring: B+
Shooting: A-
Driving: B+
Passing: A-
Rebounding: A
Defense: A-
"IT" Factor: B
     Bogut was coming on strong two years ago but he has tailed off recently. For a number one pick, he's been a little bit of a disappointment, but he still has time to lead the Bucks to some playoff runs along with Brandon Jennings. 


10 Tim Duncan
San Antonio Spurs 
Rating: 85 
Scoring: B+
Shooting: A
Driving: B+
Passing: A
Rebounding: A-
Defense: A-
"IT" Factor: A-
     Duncan's best days are behind him, we know that. He is still a productive player though, he can still score 16 and grab 10 boards. I am going to cherish Duncan's final years because he is certainly one of the games greatest players.

David Lee 

11 David Lee
Golden State Warriors 
Rating: 85 


12 Emeka Okafor 
New Orleans Hornets 
Rating: 84 


13 Roy Hibbert 
Indiana Pacers 
Rating: 83 


14 JaVele McGee 
Washington Wizards 
Rating: 82 


15 Nene Hilario 
Denver Nuggets 
Rating: 82 

Kendrick Perkins 

16 Samuel Dalembert 
Sacramento Kings 
Rating: 78 


17 Chris Kaman
Los Angeles Clippers 
Rating: 78 

18 Kendrick Perkins 
Oklahoma City Thunder  
Rating: 77 


19 Channing Frye
Phoenix Suns  
Rating: 76 


20 Marcin Gortat 
Phoenix Suns 
Rating: 74 

DeAndre Jordan 

21 DeAndre Jordan 
Los Angeles Clippers 
Rating: 74 


22 Chuck Hayes 
Houston Rockets 
Rating: 73 


23 Andris Biedrins 
Golden State Warriors 
Rating: 73 


24 Chris Anderson 
Denver Nuggets 
Rating: 72 


25 Brenden Haywood 
Dallas Mavericks 
Rating: 72 

Spencer Hawes 

26 Jason Thompson 
Sacramento Kings 
Rating: 70 


27 Spencer Hawes 
Philadelphia 76ers 
Rating: 69


28 Ben Wallace 
Detroit Pistons 
Rating: 67 


29 Jermaine O'Neal 
Boston Celtics 
Rating: 67 


30 Nenard Kristic 
Boston Celtics 
Rating: 65 

2011 Top Players in NBA- Power Forwards

Power Forwards
1 Dirk Nowitzki 
Dallas Mavericks 
Rating: 98 
Scoring: A+
Shooting: A+
Driving: A-
Passing: A-
Rebounding: B-
Defense: B+
"IT" Factor: A
     Nowitzki obviously is on top of the basketball world right now and he is currently the best player on the best team. Dirk still has good basketball ahead of him, so he will continue to be one of the games best power forwards for at least another two to three years. 


2 Amare Stoudemire 
New York Knicks 
Rating: 98 
Scoring: A
Shooting: A-
Driving: A
Passing: C+
Rebounding: A-
Defense: B+
"IT" Factor: A
     Amare Stoudemire is one of the more dynamic big men in the NBA and he certainly is a super star caliber player right now. The combination of him and Carmelo Anthony should be the corner stone of a New York Knick resurgence. 




3 Kevin Love 
Minnesota Timberwolves 
Rating: 95 
Scoring: A-
Shooting: A
Driving: B+
Passing: A-
Rebounding: A+
Defense: A
"IT" Factor: A-
     Kevin Love might be the most underrated player in the NBA. He is consistent and he is well rounded, able to do many things on a basketball court for a big men. Did I mention that he averaged 15.5 rebounds per game this past season? 


4 Blake Griffin
Los Angeles Clippers 
Rating: 95 
Scoring: A
Shooting: B
Driving: A+
Passing: B-
Rebounding: A
Defense: A
"IT" Factor: A-
     Blake Griffin is exciting and just what the LA Clippers need. He is a super-star player and has a star image at the moment. Griffin attacks the rim as well as anybody in the NBA and is certainly one of the better dunkers. I am a little skeptical as to whether or not he can actually start leading the Clippers to playoff runs but that being said he is an unbelievable play maker. 




5 Pau Gasol 
Los Angeles Lakers 
Rating: 93 
Scoring: A-
Shooting: A
Driving: B-
Passing: A
Rebounding: B
Defense: B
"IT" Factor: A-
     Sometimes Pau Gasol disappoints like this years playoff series against Dallas and everyone will say Gasol is a bum. It was only a year ago when Gasol was the second key component in the Lakers back to back championships. Gasol is still consistent and he is still a top power forward. 


6 Zach Randolph 
Memphis Grizzlies 
Rating: 93 
Scoring: A-
Shooting: A-
Driving: B+
Passing: B
Rebounding: A
Defense: A-
"IT" Factor: A-
     Randolph was the break out performer of this years playoffs. Randolph showed everyone that he can score on a big time stage. I didn't even know Randolph was that good. We'll see what Randolph can do in the future as the Grizzlies are one of the young teams on the rise. 


7 LaMarcus Aldridge 
Portland Trailblazers 
Rating: 93 
Scoring: A
Shooting: A-
Driving: A-
Passing: B+
Rebounding: A-
Defense: A
"IT" Factor: A
     Aldridge's stock has continued to rise over the past couple seasons dramatically. Aldridge has a developed all around game and he is in the beginning stages of leading the Blazers to success.

8 Kevin Garnett 
Boston Celtics 
Rating: 90 
Scoring: B+
Shooting: A-
Driving: B
Passing: A
Rebounding: A
Defense: A-
"IT" Factor: A+
     Some might say Garnett is ranked a little bit too high here. I understand that, but I will tell you this. Garnett does not have great stats for a premier power forward in the regular season but come playoff time, I saw him in Game 3 against Miami when he nearly had a 30-20 game. He looked as good as Amare Stoudemire that night. So Garnett is capable of being that good, he just can't do it on the consistent basis anymore. 

9 Chris Bosh 
Miami Heat 
Rating: 90 
Scoring: A-
Shooting: A-
Driving: B+
Passing: B
Rebounding: B
Defense: B+
"IT" Factor: B
     Bosh went from border-line super star to barely even a star player any more. He really fell off, but he is still talented and he is still a playmaker on the offensive and defensive ends.

10 David West
New Orleans Hornets  
Rating: 89 
Scoring: A-
Shooting: A-
Driving: B+
Passing: B+
Rebounding: A-
Defense: A-
"IT" Factor: A-
     Maybe he is the beneficiary of Chris Paul, but nonetheless David West is a consistent and stellar player. He has an all around, versatile game. 


11 Carlos Boozer 
Chicago Bulls 
Rating: 88

Michael Beasley 

12 Luis Scola 
Houston Rockets 
Rating: 86 


13 Michael Beasley
Minnesota Timberwolves 
Rating: 86 


14 Josh Smith 
Atlanta Hawks  
Rating: 85 


15 Elton Brand 
Philadelphia 76ers
Rating: 85 


16 Paul Millsap 
Utah Jazz 
Rating: 85 

Lamar Odom 

17 Antwan Jamison 
Cleveland Cavaliers 
Rating: 84 


18 Andray Blatche 
Washington Wizards
Rating: 83 

19 Lamar Odom 
Los Angeles Lakers 
Rating: 83 


20 J.J. Hickson 
Sacramento Kings 
Rating: 80


21 DeMarcus Cousins 
Sacramento Kings 
Rating: 79 

Serge Ibaka 

22 Danilo Gallinari 
Denver Nuggets 
Rating: 79 


23 Thaddeus Young 
Philadelphia 76ers
Rating: 79


24 Serge Ibaka 
Oklahoma City Thunder 
Rating: 78 


25 Carl Landry 
New Orleans Hornets
Rating: 77 


26 Charlie Villanueva 
Detroit Pistons 

Greg Monroe 

Rating: 75 


27 Jeff Green
Boston Celtics 
Rating: 75 


28 Rashard Lewis 
Washington Wizards 
Rating: 75 


29 Greg Monroe 
Detroit Pistons 
Rating: 75 


30 Kris Humphries 
New Jersey Nets 
Rating: 75