1. Kevin Durant- #35 Small Forward (PER Rating of 30.41)

With the 2nd best record in the west and a statistical performance of 32 points per game, 6 assists per game, and 8 rebounds per game, Durant AKA The Slim Reaper AKA Durantula AKA The Servant(?) is the best player in the game. He shoots over 40% from the 3pt line, he FG% is over 50, and he almost never misses a free throw. He’s clutch, he doesn’t shy away from the big moments and he attempts to play defense in which his length and quick feet helps him out. In 2014, Durant is a complete basketball player.

What’s scary is he’s only 25 and on average, NBA superstars don’t reach their prime until their late 20s, early 30s. Move over Lebron, because this guy is taking over!!!

2. LeBron James- #6 Small Forward (PER Rating of 29.30)

The leader of the defending champs, the reigning MVP himself comes in at number 2. As we all know, LeBron plays both ends of the floor well. He’s great at picking his shots on the floor, he can hit the open guy in his sleep, and he has the uncanny ability to control the tempo of the game. He plays the passing lane well, and he can guard multiple positions. He would be number 1, but Durant managed to do what we thought was impossible; his stats are actually better than LeBron’s!!! LeBron is putting up 27 points per game, 6 assists per game, and 7 rebounds per game vs. Durant’s 32, 6, and 8.

While LeBron does do a better job of picking his shots with an insane 57% FG, Durant has him beat in 3pt %, FT% and his team record is better. It also doesn’t help that LeBron has more help than Durant with perennial all-stars, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

LeBron, the game stays the same, the names change. It’s Durant’s time now.

3. Carmelo Anthony- #7 Small Forward (PER Rating of 25.07)

Now normally someone like Melo, a great player who is on a losing team wouldn’t make the list or be this high on the list, but Melo has more than proven himself. I know y’all are thinking, “Well what about Kobe?” Kobe played only 6 games this season, and in those 6 games, he didn’t look too good.

Now back to Melo, he’s arguably the best scorer in the game (it’s between him and Durant in my opinion), which he showed with his 62point outburst. He’s putting up 28 points per game, 8 rebounds, and is shooting extremely well from the 3 at 42%. Melo is here because his talent level is elite and has been elite for the majority of his career. He’s currently going through a rough patch, team-wise, but it’s looking like he’s going to turn that around (with their current 7 game win streak).

Also despite what critics say, he does try to play with his teammates, and he does attempt to play defense. Remember, your teammate has to make the shot for you to get an assist.

4. Chris Paul – #3 Point Guard (PER Rating of 25.88)

Chris Paul is this high because he is the best point guard in the league, and the general of a very good Clippers team. Chris Paul is currently putting up 19 points per game, 11 assists per game, 5 rebounds per game, and 2 steals per game. I think everyone can see that those are some pretty good stats.

When it comes to controlling the pace of the game, he’s as good as anyone. His handle is superb, his passing is very accurate, he gives his all every game, and he’s not afraid of the big moments. He actually seems to flourish, when the game is on the line. Hopefully, his play carries over well to the playoffs and the Clippers do something this year.

… Now this is where it gets shaky…

5. Paul George – #24 Small Forward (PER Rating of 21.14)
Number 5 goes to the up and coming young superstar, Paul George. Paul George is number 5 on this list for a simple reason. He’s the clear cut best player on the best team in the east, and one of the best teams in the league.

He plays both ends of the floor well (he may even be better at defense than he is at scoring the ball), he’s a decent playmaker, he’s a good 3 shooter and he shoots free throws very well. He also doesn’t shy away from the big moments, and is a very entertaining player to watch (I know y’all saw that 360 windmill he pulled off earlier in the season). In other words, he can do a little bit of everything.

At this time, Paul George is putting up 22 points per game, 7 rebounds per game, and 4 assists per game. Like Durant, he’s pretty young at only 23 years old (2 years younger than Durant), so he clearly has the potential to be one of the all-time greats if he continues to improve.

Honorable Mentions: The Spurs ( they’re more of a team effort which is why none of the players got mentioned individually, Blake Griffin (has really improved his offensive game, but lacks defense which is a huge hit against a big man), Joakim Noah (leading the underhanded Bulls to the playoffs, but not too good at scoring the ball), Kevin Love (statistical giant, but not making the playoffs once in your career and your team being bad year after year is a deal breaker, also no defense [see Griffin]), Stephen Curry (putting up very good stats, but has a few years to prove himself, also doesn’t play defense well enough), Kobe Bryant (only played 6 games this year and didn’t look too good in those 6 games, but we all know the Black Mamba will return better than ever!!!).

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