Top 10 Basketball Players

1. LeBron James

Undisputedly the No # 1 player on the circuit, LeBron James was selected as Number one pick in 2003 NBA Draft by Cavaliers at age 18. He has numerous awards to his credit, such as NBA Rookie of the Year, NBA Most Valuable player, and a member of the USA National Team that won the Gold Medal in 2008 Olympics. He has been at All NBA and All Star for every season since 2005. James represents the Cleveland Cavaliers.

2. Kobe Bryant

Selected to play for the Charlotte Hornets in 1996, now with the Los Angeles Lakers, Bryant is has been a favourite since time immemorial. His partnering with Shaquille O’Neal was one of the most memorable ones from 2000 to 2004. In 2010, he became the highest scorer in Lakers franchise history. Bryant was named player of the decade by TNT and Sporting News. He is a twelve time member of the All NBA Team and a member of the US National Team.

3. Dwayne Wade

Wade led the US National Team to their Gold Medal in 2008 and was named Sportsman of the year in 2006 by Sports Illustrated. He entered the mainstream in 2003 in the NBA Draft, where he led his franchise, Miami Heat, to their first NBA Championship. Wade’s jersey was the highest selling shirt in the ‘05,’06 and ‘07 seasons. Fighting injuries in earlier seasons, he remained fit for a whole 79 games last season.

4. Chris Paul

Team captain of New Orleans Hornets, Chris Paul was NBA Rookie of the Year in 2006. He threw 22.8 points per game and has won more games with a shot than anyone on his team, assisting with 11 points per game. Known for his passing ability, Paul was missing from action due to an injury, yet managed to score adequate points when he was playing.

5. Dwight Howard

The centre player for the Orlando Magic, selected in the 2004 NBA Draft, Howard was a two time Defensive Player of the Year. He has several records to his name for blocks, rebounds, field goals and free throws. Howard is known for his religious beliefs and charitable work.

6. Tim Duncan

At 6 foot 11, Tim Duncan is all about raw power. Representing the San Antonio Spurs, he is a forward and centre. The 1997 Number one NBA Draft pick, had a long list of achievements to his name during his college career. This winner of NBA Rookie of the Year and NBA Finals Most Valuable Player, he had initially started out as a swimmer. Despite being Captain of the San Antonio Spurs, Duncan is quiet and unassuming.

7. Pau Gasol

Born in Spain, Pau Gasol, the  7 foot tall giant and NBA Rookie of the Year, was picked by Atlanta Hawks in 2001 NBA Draft. Moving on later to Memphis Grizzlies and currently with Los Angeles Lakers, Pau Gasol  had a great last season. He helped his team win the NBA Finals for the second time last season.

8. Kevin Durant

This 2007 National College Player of the Year and 2006-07 Big 12 Player of the year, Kevin Durant, is a player for the Oklahoma City Thunder. He is a small forward and shooting guard who can also play forward equally well. In his NBA Draft in 2007, he was selected by Seattle Supersonics, where he won NBA Rookie of the Year. Durant made his first All Star Game appearance this season  Considered a somewhat underrated player, he averages 25 points per game.

9. Brandon Roy

Selected sixth in the 2006 NBA Draft, by the Minnesota Timberwolves, and then going on to join the Portland Trail Blazers, Brandon Roy was NBA Player of the Year in 2006-07. Nicknamed B-Roy, he was known for the effect he had on the Trail Blazers in the first season he played with them. The existing captain was moved out to make way for Roy. He will be playing with the Trail Blazers till atleast the 2013-14 Season.

10. Rajon Rondo

Currently point guard for the Boston Celtics, Rondo was selected by the Phoenix Suns during his 2006 NBA Draft. The highlight of his career has been the 2009 NBA Playoffs, in which he helped his team reach the second round. In 2009, Rondo signed a 5 year extension with the Boston Celtics for $ 55 million.