NBA Top 125

As we inch closer to the start of the NBA season, we have been unveiling more and more of our NBA Player Rankings. Today we go from 30 to 11. These are the players that are elite is some areas, but don't have the complete game to be considered top ten. All these players though can be in the future, or have been in the past.

NBA Player Rankings - 30 to 11

30. Tyson Chandler – New York Knicks

On a team with Amare and Carmelo, Chandler’s role is to rebound and play defense. He helped Dallas win a championship a couple years ago, now he would love to help the Knicks do the same soon.

29. Blake Griffin – Los Angeles Clippers

We have Blake much lower on the list than most people would, because he is more of an athlete than a basketball player. The lucky thing about him though is he plays with Chris Paul so he doesn’t need to be fully polished.

28. Andre Iguodala – Denver Nuggets

A.I.’s move to Denver will be effective on the defensive side of the floor. But he isn’t the offensive star they need. Nonetheless, his experience will be welcome on a team in search of a leader.

27. Josh Smith – Atlanta Hawks

Smith used to be solely a big time dunker. Now he is a great all-around player. He plays defense, he’s all over the glass, and he can score inside and out. Not only that, but he is now the centerpiece of the Hawks.

26. Kevin Garnett – Boston Celtics

When Garnett chose to return to the team, they remained a major contender. He may not have the same body he did ten years ago, but he can still get it done on both ends. He has become a much smarter player than he ever was.

25. Marc Gasol – Memphis Grizzlies

Maybe not quite as polished as his brother yet, but Marc is equally valuable to his team. He and Randolph form one of the best frontcourts in the NBA (possibly only behind his brother and Dwight).

24. Tim Duncan – San Antonio Spurs

Now a full-fledged veteran, Duncan’s role has changed. He will allow his younger counterparts to run the show throughout the season, but come playoff time, he will be the star once again.

23. James Harden – Oklahoma City Thunder

Harden is one of the best and most important bench players in the league. Without him the Thunder aren’t near good enough to make it to the NBA Finals. He is a true playmaker and is a rising star.

22. Steve Nash – Los Angeles Lakers

Nash has been MVP twice, but this season he will be on the best team of his career. And his age doesn’t matter, because his passing and shooting are still the same and that is why he is great.

21. Manu Ginobili – San Antonio Spurs

You remember what I said about James Harden? The same applies to Manu except he has done it much longer, and it has helped win championships, not just helped get his team to the finals.

20. Paul Pierce – Boston Celtics

While many believe Pierce is getting too old to remain a star, I’m still a believer. He may not be quite as explosive, but his range has improved as have his basketball smarts. I know he’ll deliver once again this season.

19. Chris Bosh – Miami Heat

Those inside and outside the organization had no idea how important he was to the team until the playoffs. The Heat would have lost to the Pacers, Celtics, and the Thunder without Bosh. He is their only star inside and they need him.

18. Pau Gasol – Los Angeles Lakers

Although Andrew Bynum is good, Gasol will now play alongside the best center he has ever played with in Dwight Howard. He will remain their best inside scorer in terms of post moves and short jump shots, as Howard's offensive game develops.

17. Kyrie Irving – Cleveland Cavaliers

Last year’s ROY may not have been the 17^th best player last year, but he’ll earn this spot in season two. I think he’ll improve in nearly every area, and the Cavs will win more games.

16. LaMarcus Aldridge – Portland Trailblazers

Aldridge has quietly been one of the best power forwards in the league over the last couple of seasons.  He’s a big man that can do it all, and he doesn’t need to run his mouth to show it.

15. Tony Parker – San Antonio Spurs

This team used to be led by Duncan and assisted by Parker. Now it’s Parker’s team and everyone else, including Duncan, plays off of him. He had arguably his best season ever last year, so we should all expect too see a repeat performance.

14. Andrew Bynum – Philadelphia 76ers

A move to Philly may be exactly what Bynum needed. No longer will he be looked at as complimentary, but he will be the focus of the 76ers from day one. I’ve always thought that he could be a truly dominant star if given the chance. He has it now.

13. Rajon Rondo – Boston Celtics

I always laugh when people still called the Celtics a “Big 3” team last year. Sometime they would even say “Big 4” to include Rondo. But if you watch them play, it is Rondo and then everyone else. He is and has been the best player in town. He continues to improve and is a sparkplug on both ends.

12. Deron Williams – Brooklyn Nets

Deron surprises me every year with his level of play. Coming into the league I never thought he’d turn into a superstar. But that’s what he is. He is a great point guard that can set others up or score at will depending on what is needed. His leadership needs to play a role this year with new guys in town.

11. Dirk Nowitzki – Dallas Mavericks

Dirk finally got his ring two years ago but now his team has been taken apart. The Mavs are starting fresh but Dirk remains as the main cog. If he can get back into tiptop shape, he can still play like the best shooting big man in the history of the league(which he is), unless you count Larry Bird as a “big man.”

By: The Sports Guys