Here's my attempt to rank the top players in the league based on what they're doing this season with some recent years considered as well.
1. LeBron: Having a historic season.
2. Howard: Best defender and rebounder in the league and is very productive on the offensive end.
3. Wade: Still tremendous. I can see him and the next two guys in any order really.
4. Paul: Incredibly efficient for a PG, the best guy in the league at running an offense, and very clutch.
5. Durant: Probably the best pure scorer in the league, but still has some weaknesses.
6. Rose: Obviously a great scorer, but I'd like it if he was a bit more of a pure point.
7. Love: Has become a true star. Great rebounder, outlet passer, and has become a really good scorer.
8. Kobe: I know some will have issues with this if anyone actually reads this, so I can explain more later if need be.
9. Dirk: Came into the season out of shape so his ranking has slipped some. Obviously was top 3 caliber in the playoffs.
10. Westbrook: Very similar to Rose except he doesn't have as much experience at the point.
11. Aldrige: Has continued the excellent play from last year.
12. Manu: Obviously has been hurt much of the season, but is still great when healthy.
13. Griffin: Obviously known for his dunks, and while he still has improving to do, he has a good overall game.
14. Bynum: I may be biased, but I think he's a great big that would be even more productive if he got more touches.
15. Parker: Having what may be his best year.
16. Nash: How are the Suns still competitive. Look at their roster. This guy went from overrated to underrated imo.
17. Bosh: Numbers have slipped a lot, but he's obviously capable of more if he was in a different situation.
18. Williams: Playing for a bad team, which may be getting him down, but he's still putting up very good numbers.
19. Gasol: Numbers have slipped, but I think much of that is based on a somewhat diminished role.
20. Randolph: Has been hurt so it's easy to forget about him, but when healthy last year, he showed that this may be low.
So no Peter, I do not think it's safe to have Melo at #11. Defense matters, and he doesn't play much of it. So does the fact that the Nuggets got better and the Knicks got worse last year after the trade and the Knicks have played better without him this year. If that's not convincing, just look at his numbers, which are down as he's only shooting 40% from the field and his rebounding, normally a big strength, has been just average this year.
