Each year, many players can try to stake the claim to being the best player in the NBA, and 2009 is no different. There are multiple that guys who you could argue could be worthy of the title of best player in the NBA. However, in my mind, the list begins with one player: LeBron James.
LeBron James won the NBA MVP Award last season for the first time in his career, and one figures it won't be his last either. He is the most athletically talented player in the NBA, and might be the most gifted player to ever play in the NBA. He is one of the strongest players in the league, standing 6'8'' and weighing around 260 pounds. He is also one of the fastest players in the NBA, and I would bet he can outjump anyone in the League. He is an athletic specimen.
James is also getting better and better shooting the ball from the perimeter, which compliments his inside game. He uses his strength to be one of the best finishers in the NBA, both on the block, in transition, or just on the drive. He is also a very good rebounder, and might be the best non-PG passer in the game. He is averaging about 8 assists per game in 2009. He has also made vast improvements defensively, both on and off the ball. He uses his quickness to get in passing lanes, and his leaping ability to block shots. He is a great all-around player and I believe the best player in the NBA.
Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade are the other two guys that have to be in the discussion. Bryant has been playing at a very high level for a long time, and he has 4 rings to show for it. He is one of the most consistent performers in the NBA, and you can usually count on him to bring his best when the lights are brightest. He is also a guy that always wants the ball at the end of games, which is not always true with stars. Dwyane Wade simply does it all for the Miami Heat. He is their leading scorer, assist man, and he is a solid rebounder for a guard too. He plays great defense, and is simply the heart and soul of the organization. He has delivered them one title in his career, and he has the talent to make it two if they can get the right supporting cast around him.
When looking at the top players in the NBA in 2009, I believe LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Dwyane Wade stick out above the rest. While there are plenty of other stars, nobody else can consistently bring it at as high of a level as these three can every night.
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