Lord... limiting to just 5 is very complex... True, I follow/root strictly for just one team (the Suns), but through playing Fantasy basketball all these years one tends to gain a vast appreciation towards many individual players.....
Here's my list of 5 and in no particular order:
1) Grant Hill) I guess it's because many of you know I grew-up following the Pistons prior to when I moved out here in '02.... I was so elated when the he was drafted out of Duke in '94.... I had visions of him elevating the NBA to a higher level, but obviously all his well documented battles with injuries prevented him that greatness... However, he's still a very solid player, but just wondered what if..... He's very unselfish....extensively involved in the community... just unfortunate that he may never win a title.. he's probably the most deserving player right now of someone who hasnt won (besides anyone whos currently on the Suns)... Hill could have bowed-out years ago, but continues to persevere... Unlike many.. he didnt take the money and run... he sacrificed a lot of himself to defy the odds.. and in some respects he has......
2) Josh Smith) It's shocking to me how polished he is for a 21 year-old with all the amazing skills in the world... and what's more overwhelming... he still has a lot more upside..... Just agonizing for him he plays in the abyss known as the Alanta Hawks.....he would receive more recognition if he played elsewhere... hopefully he'll get a chance to be a on a winner.....
3) Josh Howard) I absolutely despise the Mavs with great passion, however, I will give credit when credit is due......Josh Howard frightens me more than ever Dirk does...... He's one of the best all-round performers in the league...Whether or not he's putting the ball inside or banking it from the 3.. he's lethal...... He is assigned with guarding the opponents best players and often fairs well...... He can only get better as well.. and has been improving steadily each and every season....
4) LeBron James) Rarely does a player come into the league with all that hype and live up to it.... Quite honestly..he's exceeded it.... nothing else can be said.... he's greatness... not going to compare him to the past greats (because it's complex to compare/contrasts players from different eras), but he's elevating the game to a higher stratosphere and then some....
5) Kevin Garnett) Just a beast at nearly every facet of the game and has been doing it for so long.... Just very consistant.... lord... here's another player that deserves a better opportunity for a ring.....too bad his chances are diminishing.......
Honorable mentions:
Gilbert Arenas
Deron Williams
Luol Deng
Tayshaun Prince
