Steve Nash won back-to-back MVPs. Tim Duncan and Shaquille O’Neal had three championships in the 2000s. But Kobe Bryant was the player of the decade. Over the past 10 years, the Black Mamba had four rings, an MVP, two scoring titles and made the All-NBA team every year.
But who will be the player of the decade in the NBA for the next 10 years?
1. LeBron James, 25 » The King already has a scoring title and an MVP under his belt, but needs a few titles to solidify himself among the greatest to play the game. That makes the LeBron free agency frenzy this summer so important because if James doesn’t surround himself with a championship-caliber team then he could end his career as the “Best player without a title.”
2. Kevin Durant, 21 » He’s proving he can score — averaging 25.3 points per game last year as a 20-year-old (more than Kobe at the same age). Oklahoma City is young and will compete for a playoff spot this season, but the NBA is all about winning. Durant’s success may lie in the development of his young teammates — Jeff Green, Russell Westbrook and James Harden.
3. Chris Paul, 24 » The NBA is filled with young point guards — Deron Williams, Rajon Rondo, Brandon Jennings, Derrick Rose and soon to be No. 1 pick John Wall. But Paul is the best. He led the NBA in assists and steals the last two years. He also can score and is a great rebounder for his size. He has the tools to be the best point guard of the decade.
4. Carmelo Anthony, 25 » Melo has entered MVP discussions this year by leading the NBA with 30.5 points per game. His trip to the Western Conference Finals last year proved he can be a winner, but he needs to become a force on the defensive side of the ball to become an elite player.
5. Dwyane Wade, 28 » Flash has something no other player on this list has — a championship. But, also unlike the others on the list, he is injury prone and is 28 years old. Like LeBron, he’ll be on the free agent market this offseason. Can he get another ring, this time without Shaq?
