Legacy

Hopefully we bring out the brooms. At least one of my teams does well, even if it isn't the NBA or NFL, lol. This Giants squad has to be the best in the MLB. Love going in as the underdogs once again and proving the world wrong.

Same here! lmao.

Barnes has actually been really impressive so far, Read somewhere about a Warriors front office member being quoted that its "Barnes' job to lose".

We don't need another offensive threat in the line-up, and he isn't even a proven offensive player at a pro level, yet. We need to start the more experienced and defensive-minded Rush to start the year. At least until Barnes proves himself and gets used to the league. I would rather have more wins now than keep rebuilding.

It has to be Brandon Rush. Curry, Thompson and Lee are all offensive minded. We need another player that will be ready to guard opposing wings and still be able to spread the floor. Harrison Barnes can be starting by the end of the year or even mid-season, but Rush is the clear choice for now unless Barnes goes into LeBron mode during pre-season.

Barnes is the best and has the most potential. Green was a huge steal and will be one of our bench players if given time. Ezili is tough. Will be a solid back-up center in this league. Marc Jackson loves him too.

http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/002/560/518/hi-res-140905701_crop_650x440.jpg?1346565839 Back in the day, big men ruled the NBA. In 2012, the league is now run by smaller players that go by the name of point guard. These five players are extremely important to their teams. They take shots at crunch time, make players around them better and lead their respective teams to either the playoffs and, in some cases, the NBA Finals. These five players are the top five point guards for the 2012-2013 NBA season. *Derrick Rose not listed due to injury** 5. Steve Nash Who knows what they really mean by "age is just a number", but Steve Nash is a living example of that adage. At a time when other players his age are either retiring or in noticeable decline, he continues to produce. He now is on the Lakers, which is arguably the best team he has ever played for. While his defense is not top-notch, Nash is one of the better passers we have ever seen on an NBA floor. He is also one of the best shooters of all time and his basketball IQ is higher than the average point guard. Teaming up Nash with players like Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol means that the savvy vet will have his best chance ever to win that elusive NBA title. 4. Russell Westbrook Many fans and analysts like to bash Russell Westbrook. He might not be too smart with the ball sometimes with his decisions, but Westbrook is one of the best young point guards in the league. He looks to be a player that you could build a team around as his NBA game matures. Westbrook has unlimited potential. Once his jump shot improves and he matures, he will be higher up on this list, and his name will be one to remember for a long time. Not to mention, he could also be one of the best dressed players in the league. 3. Rajon Rondo Like Westbrook, Rondo could be higher on this list with a better jump shot. Even without it, he is one of the best point guards the league has to offer. He is smart, quick and knows how to win games. Most impressively, Rondo has transformed from the worst starter on the Celtics a few years back to now being the cornerstone of the franchise. Rondo puts up monster numbers, and his unselfish play and ability to distribute the ball has helped aging teammates like Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett stay in the league longer. This triple-double machine is also a player to consider for your fantasy team. 2. Chris Paul There are many nights when Chris Paul is the absolute best point guard in the league. Paul is clutch, is a stout defender and is arguably the NBA's best passer. Most importantly, Paul has helped turn the Clippers from an NBA joke to a solid playoff team. With additional help from other teammates this year, Paul should help the Clippers become a force in the Western Conference while also accelerating the development of Blake Griffin into a premier NBA big man, similar to what he did with Tyson Chandler in New Orleans. 1. Deron Williams 2012-2013 will be Deron Williams' season. With the addition of Joe Johnson, the re-signing of Gerald Wallace and the return of a healthy Brook Lopez, the Nets now boast a supporting cast that will allow Williams to really showcase his great point guard skills. Williams practically had no one on the team last season to help him make the Nets a solid team. Still, he helped mold MarShon Brooks into a promising player. When Williams plays with full effort, he is almost impossible to stop. He has flown under the radar the past couple of seasons, but with the new additions to a healthy Nets roster—and even the move to a new city—be certain that D-Will will be ready to play hard every night. Expect him to be the best point guard during the 2012-2013 NBA season. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1319957-the-great-generals-deron-williams-and-the-top-4-point-guards-in-the-nba

http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/002/555/450/hi-res-145219482_crop_650x440.jpg?1346400827 Some of the better players of all time, including Michael Jordan, have been shooting guards. This position can be very important since it calls for someone who can score or maybe even in some cases, play lock-down defense. Or perhaps both. The NBA has many stars capable of being in the top rankings among shooting guards. The list ranges from former MVPs to players in new jerseys, ready to show off their skill set. These next five players will be the top shooting guards in the NBA for the 2012-2013 NBA season. 5. Monta Ellis Getting traded from Golden State last season was something that Monta Ellis saw coming for a long time. It did, however, put him in a better situation. Ellis is one of the best scorers in the NBA despite his small frame for a shooting guard. He also has improved his playmaking skills, which will help him make Brandon Jennings more comfortable in the Bucks' offense. The one man fast-break can also be a pretty decent defender when he actually puts effort on that end of the floor. Playing with a similar player like Jennings could be tough for Ellis. But with the heart he plays with, he can get through it and help the Bucks become a solid team while making a name for himself in the Eastern Conference. 4. Andre Iguodala Ande Iguodala has been under the radar for some time now. With a change of scenery, you better believe that the Denver Nuggets will be scary next season. Denver was already surprising everyone without a legitimate star player to lead them and now they have Iggy. He can provide them with help on defense and his skill set, fits in with the up-tempo offense. Expect a rise in his production. Teaming up with the young Ty Lawson, Iguodala should have a great season and surpass a few teams in the West by leading the Nuggets. 3. James Harden He might not have shown up in the NBA Finals, but James Harden will be ready to prove to people that he is one of the best two-guards in the league this season. Playing alongside Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant helps Harden because defenses do not worry about him as much. Coming off the bench helps as well, giving OKC a spark. Don't let his Finals play fool you. Harden will be ready come October and emerge as a top three shooting guard. 2. Dwyane Wade If Dwyane Wade was a little younger or did not let the injuries get to him, he could have probably been the best shooting guard in the league today. The league can be harsh on players, especially when they get injured often. It wastes a players prime and has them go downhill quicker, While Wade may struggle, he is still one of the better players in the league. He is a good post-up player for a guard and can handle the ball well. His defense is also up there at times. His athleticism might not be where it once was, but Wade can still ball with the best of them and will remain the best shooting guard in the league behind only one player. 1. Kobe Bryant 16 years in the NBA, 34 years old, the fingers of an 80-year-old man and 5 NBA titles. Kobe Bryant has one hell of a resume. You normally would not expect a player this old to be the best at his position, but Bryant is just that. Adding Steve Nash to the team with Dwight Howard could decrease his stats, but his play will be even better than last season. With Nash feeding him the rock and Howard asking for double teams in the post, this will be a a great situation for The Black Mamba as he showcases why he is still the best shooting guard in the NBA. Be honest, did you really expect anyone else here? http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1317892-the-dynamic-two-guards-kobe-bryant-and-the-top-5-shooting-guards-in-the-nba

http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/002/552/468/hi-res-150590220_crop_650x440.jpg?1346306709 The most talented position in the NBA right now could be the group of small forwards. Two of the top players in the NBA are both small forwards. The remaining top small forwards in the league are consistent or proven winners and rising stars. These players often lead their respective teams in a majority of statistical categories as well. These five players will be the top small forwards for the 2012-2013 NBA season. 5. Rudy Gay This year will finally be the one where Rudy Gay shows that he is a force on a scary Memphis Grizzlies team. With O.J. Mayo out of the picture, Gay will have the ball in his hands more than before, handling majority of the scoring load. Mike Conley will also get another year of experience, which will help Gay develop even further. While his jump shot is not that great, Gay has good post moves for a small forward. He is athletic, which helps him on defense and when he is crashing the boards. The Grizzlies were able to do surprising things last season. With the team getting older, Gay will only get better himself and showcase himself as the Memphis' leader. 4. Paul Pierce Despite his age, Paul Peirce could have a better season next year than he did last season. Ray Allen signed with the rival Miami Heat, meaning Pierce (like Rudy Gay) will have the ball in his hands more often. Having a point guard like Rajon Rondo will help too, giving Pierce open opportunities while Rondo drives down the lane and attracts defenses. This does not seem too convincing just because of how Pierce performed against Miami last season in the playoffs. But not having Ray Allen alongside him might actually benefit him for the 2012-2013 season, which could be his last year at a star level. 3. Carmelo Anthony You know a position is good when you have Carmelo Anthony ranked third. He is arguably the best scorer in the whole league and can get hot at anytime. Melo had to go through a lot last season with injuries and locker room drama. He should be back to his old self or even better with all of that aside this season. Anthony can actually be pretty decent on defense when he wants to be. If he puts in full effort this year, stays healthy and away from drama, do not be surprised to see Anthony as one of the best players in the league for the season. 2. Kevin Durant After losing sweat and tears in the NBA Finals, you have to believe that the young Kevin Durant will be back in 2012-13 with some fuel to his fire. Durant broke out as one of the better players in the league last season. After leading the Thunder to a series sweep of the defending champion Mavericks and handling Kobe Bryant and the Lakers, people realized that the Durant and OKC are no joke. He will be even better this season. Despite not many changes to the Thunder's roster, Durant will still improve with age and experience and show that he is not only the second best small forward, but also the second best player in the NBA. 1. LeBron James Last season, LeBron James finally got his haters to quit talking as he held the Larry O'Brien trophy in the air. Not only that, but he led team USA to win gold in the Summer Olympics. The three-time MVP still seems hungry and he wants that second ring. LeBron's offensive game has improved every single year he has been in the league. His jumper, driving and post game are all almost impossible to defend. James has also established himself as one of the better perimeter defenders in the league. When all is said and done, James could go down as one of the best players ever, maybe even the best. One thing is for sure, he is the best small forward in the NBA. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1316541-the-wildest-wings-lebron-james-and-the-top-5-small-forwards-in-the-nba

http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/002/549/671/hi-res-141206132_crop_650x440.jpg?1346224114 While the center position is having a downfall, power forwards are looking strong on the other side of the front court. Young rebounding stars and athletic freaks can be found on this list, along with players that are still performing well despite age. These five players will be the best power forwards in the NBA for the 2012-2013 season. 5. Dirk Nowitzki With age catching up to the former Finals MVP, Nowitzki is no longer a top three power forward in the NBA. He is, however, still the fifth best and will be coming into the new season. The Mavericks have lost a few key pieces in Jason Terry, Jason Kidd and some others, but this only means bigger numbers for Dirk. Lower percentages might come in this point of Nowitzki's career, along with less rebounding totals as well, but he will still be the star of the Mavericks until he retires. With the aging Vince Carter on his side, Nowitzki should be capable of yet another stellar season. 4. Pau Gasol When Pau Gasol plays his natural position of power forward, he is one of the better ones in the league. When he is a second option, he plays better as well. But how will he cope with now playing alongside the best center in the league? Much of Gasol's former pressure will now finally be off of him. He can relax a bit more in his natural position and build some better chemistry with Howard than he had with Bynum. Howard will be near the basket the majority of the time, which will help Gasol get space for his mid-range game. He has also never played with a better passer than Steve Nash. That should help his confidence ooze for him to have a very solid season. 3. LaMarcus Alridge One of the more underrated and unrecognized players in the league is LaMarcus Aldridge. Since Brandon Roy has been gone from the under the radar Portland Trail Blazers, Aldridge has been in a whole new zone. Improving on his post game and just crashing the boards to have the Blazers at a very steady pace, despite the lack of much help. Aldridge was a first-time All-Star last season and at a ripe age of 27, he still has the skill-set and potential to better himself as a player. Especially since he is the main guy in Portland. 2. Blake Griffin The battle of the best power forward in the league is between Blake Griffin and Kevin Love. Fans and analysts differ on their opinions on who is better, but they all know for a fact that Griffin is talented. Despite the unfortunate injury he had to go through to miss his first year in the league, Griffin still looks as if he never went through it. Improving his game and playing alongside one of the best point guards in the league in Chris Paul, Griffin is still young and raw. His athleticism helps him tremendously and after another season, including one in the postseason, expect for Griffin to be a more polished player—possibly making himself the best power forward in the league soon. 1. Kevin Love He might be the best fantasy basketball player there is right now, but Kevin Love is also the best power forward in the league. There are claims that Love can not lead a team by himself as well as others, but there is no denying that Love has talent and the skill to be the best power forward in the NBA. Playing for team that does not have many options benefits Love, giving him an opportunity to make others around him better. Love is one of the better rebounders the league has seen in a while and can score in different ways. Having Ricky Rubio better and playmaking for the double-double machine, Love will have another phenomenal season. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1315164-the-frontcourt-show-kevin-love-and-the-best-5-power-forwards-in-the-nba

This is all based on how I think they will perform for next season. The Raptors will be a very solid team and I think Bargnani will help lead them into the playoffs, sneaking in as a possible 8th seed or better. Bogut will be what Tyson Chandler is for the Knicks now but with more of an offensive game. He has a chip on his shoulder and teams will forget about him and sleep which will just help him get confidence to start the season and get better, back to old form or maybe even better just because of a change of scenario. I have real high confidence in him. Jefferson and Hibbert are both great centers, but I believe next season the other two will be better. Marc Gasol is going to get better also and Duncan will slow down a bit more but I agree. He is still one of the smartest and best bigs there is. Just out of curiosity, where would you guys rank Joakim Noah on a list like this?

http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/002/546/744/hi-res-150133540_crop_650x440.jpg?1346141076 IIn an age where big men are not utilized nearly as much as they were years ago, there are still some solid centers in the NBA. Some of these guys are good at holding down the paint for their team on defense, some are able to score from anywhere in the post, and one can even put on a Superman cape and do magic tricks near the rim. These five centers will be the top ones in the league for the 2012-2013 season. 5. Andrew Bogut This might be a wild-card pick, but if Bogut actually stays healthy, he will be a huge factor for the Warriors. They have been looking for a big man like Bogut for a long time, and now that they finally have him, he will excel in their system. His past injuries have all been freak accidents, so if he manages to stay clear this season, he should be back in his prior form. Bogut can have a similar type of impact on Golden State to what Tyson Chandler did with the New York Knicks. With David Lee on his side, Bogut will be relieved of some rebounding duties, which will give him more energy to show off some low post moves on offense with his tough frame. 4. Andrea Bargnani Bargnani was having a career season last year before injuries had him out for too many games to get recognized. He did have some low shooting numbers, having to take most of the shots on the team and being the primary scoring option, but he developed more of a post game than in previous years. The Italian seven-footer was also a candidate to play in the All-Star game. Injuries slowed him down to where he only played 31 games. With more help now on the young Toronto Raptors team, expect Bargnani to have less pressure and more efficient numbers. 3. Marc Gasol The Pau Gasol trade was looking bad for Memphis a few years back, but now Grizzlies' fans can be happy knowing they got his stud of a younger brother on the squad. Marc Gasol falls under the radar at times behind the top two centers in the NBA, but you have to believe he is a strong candidate to be the third-best center in the league. With his strong presence in the interior and his ability to use it to his advantage, Gasol teamed up with Zach Randolph is one of the best frontcourts in the league as well. Gasol stretches out the defense with his mid-range jumper. Look for the younger Gasol to break out even more this year, barring injury. 2. Andrew Bynum A player with so much potential who has yet to mature—that is Andrew Bynum for you. The new center of the city of Philadelphia was in his first All-Star game last season with the Lakers. After playing a season without having it cut short, Bynum played well for the Lakers. He had averages of nearly 19 points and 12 rebounds. He shot 55 percent from the field and nearly 70 percent from the free-throw line, which is very impressive for the seven-footer. Some even argue that Bynum is a better center than Dwight Howard. Their offensive game can be close, but until Bynum improves a lot more on defense, he will remain the second-best center in the league. 1. Dwight Howard In an age where superstar centers are rare to come across, the Los Angeles Lakers have made a trade to acquire the only one in the game right now. Howard is the best center in the NBA. While his offense is still not fully there yet, he is a force on the defensive side of the floor. With his help defense and the ability to block shots while also being able to box out the opposition for boards, there is a reason Dwight won some Defensive Player of the Year awards. The drama with him and the Orlando Magic is finally over, and now the Lakers get to enjoy the best center in the league in a season where they look to be the favorites to win it all. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1313747-best-of-the-bigs-dwight-howard-and-the-4-best-centers-in-the-nba

They should only keep one. Both play the same and it's not going to be good for the Bucks offense or their defense since they will be undersized. The Warriors had the similar problem with Ellis and Jennings. Ellis needs to be on a team with a play-making, pass first point guard or he has to be the point guard himself.

So the kid passed away before Hibbert visited him? rest in peace. Would be great if he did attend that funeral.

I don't think Love has the attitude to be a franchise player. He doesn't have the same characteristics the other superstar player have that lead their teams to championships. Maybe it's because he's young still, but he is not on a Derrick Rose or Kevin Durant level. Maybe a little below Dirk Nowitizki but I see him past Pau Gasol, especially when he hits his prime.

Met Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf the other night at Mosque. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahmoud_Abdul-Rauf A really nice guy. Talked to him for a few minutes and I asked him if I could interview him for a possible future article. He gave me his e-mail so hopefully I can write on him in the near future.

The Warriors have had a really solid off-season, for once. Added some good depth for the bench with re-signing Brandon Rush and adding players like Jarrett Jack and Carl Landry. If Klay Thompson plays like he did last year after we traded Monta Ellis, he will be a very good two-guard. One of the better sophomores for this year. Andrew Bogut and Stephen Curry are obviously the main keys to the Warriors having success, but say that they both are healthy this season along with David Lee. Are the Warriors good enough to make the playoffs? I think there are a lot of people out there sleeping on them right now. They have a really good core of players and Marc Jackson is going to have a much better idea of how to run a team in a full 82 game season. I can actually see the Warriors grabbing the 6-8 seed if they play to their full potential.

Wow, the Magic could have gotten so much more. I'm surprised they passed on the Nets deal or didn't even get Bynum or Gasol out of this. How the hell does Mitch pull these deals off? I have no clue. Dude is something else when it comes to making some major moves and not losing much. I'm not liking this deal for Philly as much as its getting hyped. I think Bynum is overrated and too immature to be a franchise player on a winning team. He has room to grow though. Denver is going to be scary. Def a team to keep on eye on. They were already good without a star type player and now they get Iggy, not to mention Ty Lawson is getting better. The Lakers have to be the favorites now, in the West at least. OKC hasn't made any moves to make them that much better and no other team can take this Lakers team in a 7 game series.

Wright had a breakout year his first season in Golden State, but his game was predictable and teams caught on. Best of luck to him. Loved this dude. He tweeted me back a few times too haha. Best of luck to him. Hopefully, Barnes starts now.

Giants doe.

Already? That team as a lot of potential. Just got Roy (could still be good), Rubio has potential to be one of the better point guards in the league, and some other really solid players with a good amount of potential. Plus he's not done getting better himself. He just needs to chill right now.

[expletive] man, I've been so MIA on this site. summer school is intense and so much fam coming over from out of States. I miss this place lol.

Wow, can't believe Harrison Barnes actually fell to us. Surprised that Sacramento did not draft him.

He has to fall 7 to the Warriors lol

Yessir.