Top-100 NBA Players Today - includes a handful of Dukies
I thought that this discussion might be a little fun: CNN/SI has posted a (ranked) list of the top-100 NBA players today. I don't have any huge gripes, but could quibble here or there. But a top 5 of James, Howard, Wade, Dirk and Kobe seems reasonable to me.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/?xid=cnnnav
We've got, by my count, three Dukies in the top-50, but none in the top-40. The best former Duke player in the NBA today? --- They have Carlos Boozer, then Luol Deng and Elton Brand. I was glad to see Battier make the top-100, if only barely, but thought we'd see a couple others, such as Magette. Grant Hill at 76 was good to see too. One thing for certain, this certainly shows how much better Duke has been in recent years in sending good players to The League, versus NC.
I clipped the top 21 just b/c no. 21 is someone who reportedly was interested in Duke about five years ago. I expect to see Kyrie up there next year!
21. Kevin Love PF, Minnesota Timberwolves
20. Carmelo Anthony SF, New York Knicks
19. Amar’e Stoudemire PF, New York Knicks
18. Steve Nash PG, Phoenix Suns
17. Kevin Garnett PF, Boston Celtics
16. Manu Ginobili SG, San Antonio Spurs
15. Paul Pierce SF, Boston Celtics
14. Blake Griffin PF, Los Angeles Clippers
13. Zach Randolph PF, Memphis Grizzlies
12. Russell Westbrook PG, Oklahoma City Thunder
11. LaMarcus Aldridge PF, Portland Trail Blazers
10. Pau Gasol PF, Los Angeles Lakers
9. Derrick Rose PG, Chicago Bulls
8. Kevin Durant SF, Oklahoma City Thunder
7. Deron Williams PG, New Jersey Nets
6. Chris Paul PG, New Orleans Hornets
5. Kobe Bryant SG, Los Angeles Lakers
4. Dirk Nowitzki PF, Dallas Mavericks
3. Dwyane Wade SG, Miami Heat
2. Dwight Howard C, Orlando Magic
1. LeBron James SF, Miami Heat