My Top 5 Rankings: Small Forwards Part 3

* Disclaimer * I can guarantee you won't complain about these top 3, but if so, my opinion.

Number 3:

Carmelo Anthony

2013-14 stats: 27.4 PPG
                            8.1 RPG
                            3.1 APG

I've heard Carmelo's name about a million times this offseason. "Where is Carmelo going? Houston? Chicago?  LA? Or is he going to stay in NYC?" After all things settled down, Carmelo opted to stay with the Knicks. I think Melo's decision to stay in NYC will destroy the rest of his career, but that's something to write about in another post. Let's talk about what makes Melo a superstar. Melo is highly touted for his "one man scoring machine" play style, whether up close, driving, mid range, or long range you can bet he'll make it. Melo's quick release on his jumpshot makes him one of the most dangerous players in the catch-and-shoot plays. Melo has great size, length, and rebounding for the SF, so much that Melo has seen a lot of playing time at PF for the Knicks. Melo just seems to be unstoppable on offense sometimes, such as his 63 point game against the former Bobcats, but then we get to the other side of the floor. Melo has great defensive potential, he can be locked in, get defensive boards, and  stay in front of his assignment, but sometimes Melo gives up in the middle of plays, as if he doesn't care enough. The only real other knock on Melo is that he often tends to shoot inefficiently. Honestly if you can surround Melo with great defensive players *cough* Chicago *cough* he can carry the offensive load, but don't be dependent on his defense.

                            
                         

My Top 5 Rankings: Small Forwards Part 2

* Disclaimer * Error 404 can not find disclaimer. Refresh. Found my opinion.

Note: I've been really lazy and playing Destiny, so that's why I haven't been posting. Sorry :)

Number 4:

Rudy Gay

2013-14 stats: 20 PPG
                            6 RPG
                            2.9 APG

Rudy Gay started the season as a Raptor, and all of a sudden at the middle of the season Gay was deported from Canada to Sacramento, this move benefited both sides greatly. Toronto got rid of the shot happy plague of Gay, and Sacramento got the elite wing they've desperately needed. Gay has fit well in Sac town, and now his role has become bigger with the departure of Isaiah Thomas to Phoenix. Gay is a high scoring wing with elite slashing and shooting skills at his disposal. Gay has the speed and athleticism to drive past defenders for the finish, and he can bring defenders out to the perimeter for his sweet 3 pointer. This might shock you, Gay's numbers are almost identical to Paul George's numbers. Though Gay is number 4 on my list, I'm still very skeptical about Gay's ridiculous inefficency, but I'm hoping that changes next season.

My Top 5 Rankings: Small Forwards Part 1

* Disclaimer * Um.... yeah..y'know, stuff n' things. My opinon.

Number 5:

Nicolas Batum

2013-14 stats: 13 PPG
                        7.5 RPG
                        5.1 APG

The Small Forward has become a dominant position over these recent years with superstars like Melo, KD, and LBJ, but there are other SFs in the league who deserve some recognition. Nicolas Batum is among the most versatile players in the NBA, and yet isn't given much spotlight in Portland, due to the young PG Damian Lillard, and veteran superstar PF Lamarcus Aldridge. Most SFs are scoring machines, but Batum provides Portland with a full stat sheet on a daily basis. Batum on offensive can shoot from about everywhere with a good consistency and efficency,  and his speed allows him to drive past other wings for the finish. Scoring isn't Batum's priority,  and that's fine, since he can help with his dimes, and grab boards at good rate for a SF making him a whole lot more of a threat. Batum's defense is just as versatile as his offense, he can guard forwards or guards on the perimeter or in the post. Batum is progressively getting better, but for now he's gonna stay at 5 for his lack of scoring, steals, and blocks.

My Top 5 Rankings: Shooting Guards Honorable Mention

* Disclaimer * I mean come on you shouldn't be reading this anymore. My opinion.

Honorable Mention:

Kobe Bryant

2013-14 stats: N/A those few games don't count

Come on people, did you really think I would make a top shooting guard list, and NOT mention Kobe Bryant? C'mon man. Kobe has been a figure, a poster boy in this league for a long time with his Jordan-esque career. Kobe is the closest thing to MJ in terms of skill set and career progresss, so you know he should be respected as so. Kobe has adjusted his game as he has gotten older, from athletic finishes to skillful shooting, something that is very useful to extend a career. In these past 2 years Kobe has dealt with major injuries that crippled almost his entire season, and signed a contract with an outrageous salary of 30 million a year for 2 years. By that I mean Kobe is on his way out of the league, but I think if he can stay healthy he can contribute his usually stats to the lowly Lakers. With Kobe's worl ethic and commitment to greatness, I don't think it will be a big problem to comeback from an injury. Honestly the Lakers need Kobe more than ever,  so if he's good, he'll have to carry the teams offense with at least 25 plus points per game if they don't want a losing season.... again.

My Top 5 Rankings: Shooting Guards Final

* Disclaimer * Here we are at the last SG, and you still need to read this. C'mon man. My opinion.

Number 1:

James Harden

2013-14 stats: 25.4 PPG

                        6.1 APG

                        4.7 RPG

When ever I think of my ideal shooting guard, I think of a guy who can flat out light it up on offense, the epitome of that aspect lies James Harden. Harden has always had superstar potential as far back as his tenure with the Thunder as a 6th man. Harden's game has flourished since his departure from OKC, he went from 6th man of the year caliber player to true superstar in just 2 years. Crazy isn't? I think so. Harden made his rise to stardom using his very diverse and elite offensive skill set. First off Harden can drain the 3 with great accuracy and consistency with a solid 36.6 3FG%, and at times he can become the microwave by draining multiple 3's. Pull ups, catch and shoot, hand in his face, fade aways, it seems like Harden doesn't miss many of his jumpers. Harden's jumper is one thing, but his slashing ability is top tier. Harden has a whole array of moves going to the hoop, but his eurostep is a model other players should go by, and to along with those moves he has the strength, focus, and determination to finish in traffic or after the foul. Averaging 25 points is great, but Harden can share the rock too, he averaged little above 6 assists per game this past season, pretty good for shooting guard. Harden averaged a solid amount of boards per game with around 5, nothing exception just common. Harden is among the touted clutch shooters in the league, one of the few people you should trust with that last second shot.To be honest,  Harden's only glaring issue is his defense. At times Harden seems to be lost on the defensive side, and I mean literally he stands there and stares as his match up runs to the corner for a 3. Though when Harden is in tune on defense, he is above average at best. I am forgiving Harden for his sub-par defense due to his dominant offense. As long as Harden keeps getting better, the Rockets will keep getting better,  and hopefully go the next round for once.